THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Delivered FREE to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston
JAN/FEB 2011
ISSUE No. 86
Sven’s Christmas visit A RECORD breaking crowd braved freezing temperatures to watch Sven-Goran Eriksson turn on Rothley’s Christmas lights.
Pic: Alan Birchenall (left) with Sven-Goren Eriksson
More than 1000 people crowded round a stage in front of the Cross Green war memorial as Alan Birchenall introduced the new Leicester City and former England manager. Sven said he was delighted to be in the beautiful village of Rothley to switch on the lights and was greeted with cheers from the crowd, which included many Continued on page 3
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Continued from page 1 players from local junior football sides. Visitors then enjoyed the many stalls, funfair rides and seasonal food, with many of the shops on Woodgate staying open late. The event was organised by Rothley Parish Council’s Anne Harmer and the Rothley village shopkeepers.
Boy assaulted A 15 year old boy was assaulted on Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. The victim was walking with friends when an ice cream was thrown at him from a passing Ford Fiesta. The car then stopped and two youths got out and assaulted the boy. The victim received a cut to his head, but did not receive medical treatment. He and his friends went home and reported it to the police. The incident happened at about 8pm on Sunday October 17. Both the attackers are white and aged about 17. One was wearing a grey Nike hooded jacket and had rings on his left hand. The second had short, dark spiky hair.
Silver award presented FOUR LOCAL teenagers have been making progress with their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Emma Peasant (19) of Rothley was presented with her silver award by former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson at the Rothley Christmas lights switch-on event. Joe Stanway (18), Max Morrell (18) and Jack Labbett (18), all from Thurcaston hope to have completed their Silver Awards by Easter. They have all been working towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards through Rothley
Rothley Post JAN/FEB 2011 (86), page 3
Youth Project and Rawlins DofE Club. Pic: Emma Peasant with Joe Stanway, Max Morrell and Jack Labbett The next issue of
THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Feb 25. The copy deadline is Feb 10.
Youth service cuts Steam goes on YOUTH SERVICES in the county will be cut with the equivalent of 43 full time posts being lost from April 2011. The Youth Service budget of £4million will be cut by “at least £1.5million” says the County Council. Rothley will lose its council youth workers that currently offer provision from the youth club on Fowke Street. A County Council spokesman said: “Under the proposals we will continue to have a presence at Birstall Youth Centre and offer provision in Mountsorrel via detached work. “Two weekly meetings that currently take place in Rothley will cease to run so we can focus our work on priority neighbourhoods.” Youth Service representatives have been visiting Parish Councils, community forums, schools and other parties explaining the plans. The spokesman said: “In the current climate we have to make some difficult decisions about where to make savings, and are faced with some tough choices. As a result, we are looking at the Youth Service with a view to refocusing our priorities. We will continue to work in areas where we will make the biggest impact, with an emphasis on supporting vulnerable young people. However, the size of the
Pic: Rothley Youth Centre
budget reductions means we are considering a reduction in the number of youth clubs and projects the service operates. We have worked with staff to identify priority areas of work and will be working closely with the voluntary sector to see if it would be able to take on some of the services we offer. We hope that through talks with our partners communities will be supported in finding local solutions to enable certain activities we may no longer be able to continue to sustain.” The drop-in youth centre in the pavilion on the School Lane playing fields, Birstall, will be unaffected by the County Council’s cuts as it is funded by Birstall Parish council.
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DESPITE THE snow, the steam must go on! Volunteers and staff at the Great Central Railway worked hard during the recent spell of cold and snowy weather to keep their services running. Engines have been kept in steam overnight, coupled to their trains to ensure carriages have been constantly heated. Footplate crews have also volunteered to work through the night to supervise engines and ensure pipes don’t freeze. Braziers have been lit underneath the water towers which supply the engines and platforms and points have been kept free of ice. Around 3000 passengers travelled on the railway on the three days before Christmas. Bill Ford, President of the Great Central Railway said: “It has been an extraordinary effort to keep all our services on track, but it is a tribute to the entire team we haven’t had to cancel single service! This has been our busiest Santa Season ever and we have been forced to add many extra trains, such has been the demand for seats. At a time when people are cancelling trains, we’ve put more in the timetable!”
Singing, shining stars CHILDREN FROM Thurcaston primary school took part in a special Christmas nativity play at Leicester Cathedral. Called ‘The Shining Signing Star’, the performance told the Christmas story through sign language. To add to the children’s excitement, BBC television’s See Hear programme came to the school to film the children rehearsing and interview the performers. They were also at the Cathedral filming the performance. Class teacher Jo Johnson said: “It is quite amazing how quickly the children picked up the sign language. They were very excited about performing at the Cathedral and possibly being on TV!” The performance at Leicester cathedral was on December 8.
Crime falling FALLING CRIME figures over the last six months have been welcomed by Leicestershire Police Authority. A report published in November also revealed that victims of antisocial behaviour had an improved satisfaction rate with the service they received from the Police. For the period April to October 2010 reported crime in the county fell 11 per cent to 5458 compared to the previous year, and satisfaction rates rose by 4.1 per cent from 77.1 to 81.2 per cent. Gun crime fell by 22 per cent with 13 fewer crimes, domestic burglary was down 24 per cent and theft from a vehicle was down 13 per cent. Burglary from business premises where the value of items stolen exceeds £1000 fell by 16.7 per cent.
Bradford’s Bishop A FORMER vicar of Rothley has been appointed the Bishop of Bradford. The Rt Rev Nick Baines (53) was vicar of Rothley from 1992-2000 and is currently the Bishop of Croydon. Bishop Baines was at university in Bradford from 1976-1980 studying German and French. He said: “I will be sorry to leave the wonderful clergy, people, parishes and communities of the Croydon Episcopal area. But I look forward with hope, trust and gratitude to moving back up north.” Rothley Post JAN/FEB 2011 (86), page 5
Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on November 15. Following a successful six months pilot, it was unanimously agreed to incorporate public participation into standing orders. This is an item on the agenda of each meeting when members of the public are permitted to speak. Comment was made that the quarterly Area Forum meetings were developing into a talking shop and failing to control the agenda by not allowing sufficient time for visiting speakers to address the subject. It was agreed to replace wooden noticeboards situated on The Rise, Westfield Lane/Swithland Lane corner, Swithland Lane/The Ridings corner and outside the cemetery with new aluminium noticeboards. It was agreed to donate up to £300 to action group Keep Rothley Rural to cover half the cost of the professional advice they obtained when objecting to the Brookfield Farm development. It was reported that there is currently £32,000 held by Charnwood of section 106 money available for sporting facilities. It was agreed this be split 50/50 between Rothley Imps FC and the Imps Junior FC. A further £50,000 will become available for a community build project and it was agreed this be ring fenced for the proposed new Rothley Centre at present. Baby changing facilities have been installed in the ladies cloakroom at the Village Hall. It was reported that young people are explor-
ing alternatives to the dismantled skateboard park and will present their findings to the Parish Council once details are available. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on December 20. It was reported that the Brookfields Farm planning application, and Severn Trent’s appeal over the refusal of its wind turbine, are likely to be determined in February. It was agreed to spend £1505 on painting street lights – 19 columns and five bracket lights. It was agreed to donate £185 to the charity PRIDE, which provides home alarms for vulnerable people. A resident has complained that her son was hurt by a falling loudspeaker at the Christmas lights switch-on event. It was agreed to undertake a more rigorous risk assessment and crowd control measures at future events. It was reported that the Planning Inspectorate will be conducting a public consultation exercise regarding Severn Trent’s proposal to erect a wind turbine on February 22, 2011. Following a meeting with Mountsorrel Parish Council and Will Antill to discuss planning and development issues, a meeting has been arranged on January 11 with planning officers from Charnwood to discuss recent major development proposals in both villages. The Council agreed a litter clearing contract for the Fowke Street playing field with Charnwood and SERCO of £2046 per annum. The old skate-
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board track and BMX track to be considered in due course. The Council agreed a precept for 2011/12 of £95,000. This is the same as 2010/11, although each individual household in the parish will pay less than last year as there are more houses in the village.
A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on October 21. Councillors listened to a presentation by officers from the County Council about the proposal to switch off some street lighting between midnight and 5.30am. The estimated cost savings are £700,000 over a four year period. The main front doors to the Memorial Hall are to be strengthened following an attempted break in. It was agreed to replace the security light, which was damaged. It was reported that a grit bin will be installed on Rectory Lane near the junction with Anstey Lane. The minutes of the November meeting were unavailable at the time of going to press. There was no meeting in December.
School scheme PUPILS, pedestrians and cyclists are benefiting from a £35,000 road safety scheme outside Rothley Primary School. The improvements have been brought in by the County Council on Mountsorrel Lane and include a widened ‘speed table’ to reduce motorists traffic speeds and make it easier for people to cross. The pavements have also been widened to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians and complement the recent cycle parking improvements inside the school. The work is in response to the school’s travel plan and designed to encourage more walking and cycling to the school. Lesley Pendleton, County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We want more people to choose to make their journeys on foot or by bike which is better for the environment and our health. “If we can get more people out of their cars this will reduce congestion around the school gates, helping to improve safety.”
Ashton Green approved A PROPOSAL to build 3000 new homes on the edge of Birstall has been approved. The outline planning application for Ashton Green was approved by the City Council’s Planning & Development Control committee on December 20. Leicester City Council hope to start building the first phase of 1000 dwellings in 2012. Ashton Green is a 130 hectare site north of Beaumont Leys, with its ‘village centre’ located next to the junction of Greengate Lane and Leicester Road. The impact of the development on the local road network, especially Greengate Lane, has been identified as a major cause of concern during public consultation events. The City Council have proposed the following traffic mitigation measures for Greengate Lane: • one-way signal controlled shuttle working at the railway bridge. The bridge is owned and maintained by the GCR. Traffic lights will control traffic on either side of the bridge, alternating the direction of traffic: east/west then west/east. The City Council says: “the very nature of introducing traffic signals may increase journey times along Greengate Lane. However the signals are unlikely to result in significant build up of queues and on balance it is considered that they will act as an effective traffic calming measure, ultimately reducing the attractiveness of Greengate Lane for general traffic whilst a the same time increasing its attractiveness for pedestrians and cyclists.” • speed humps • a shared footway/cycleway from Leicester Road to beyond the bridge. One option considered is utilising the verge as far as the junction of Woodgate Drive before cyclists rejoin the carriageway. The City Council are also proposing speed humps on Leicester Road between Ashton Green and Thurcaston, and a ‘gateway entry feature’ for traffic approaching Ashton Green from the north that will reduce the speed limit to 30mph. The Ashton Green development is part of the City Council’s plans to find 20,000 new homes in the next 15-20 years. The City Council says it will offer: • employment on 5 hectares of employment land • an ‘all-age school’ from 3-19 years, located at the western end of Greengate Lane extending eastwards towards the GCR bridge • safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists • good public transport links • community facilities • 49 hectares of green space • energy efficient homes with renewable energy sources • an on-site Energy Centre More details at www.leicester.gov.uk/ ashtongreen
Licence suspended after disturbances A ROTHLEY pub has had its licence suspended for three months by Charnwood Borough Council’s Licensing Committee. The Old Crown pub on North Street is also required to remove its current premises supervisor, no longer run public entertainment and close at 11.30pm. This follows an application by the police for the licence to be reviewed following a number of incidents of alcohol fuelled crime and disorder over a period of time. The licence had previously been reviewed following an application by residents in March 2008, which resulted in additional conditions being placed on the licence. These included requirements to liaise with the Environmental Protection department at the Council to produce a noise impact assessment and to maintain a CCTV system at the premises. The Committee heard evidence from the police and residents which indicated that both these conditions had been breached. They also heard that a sequence of disturbances had culminated in disorder last September resulting in the premises supervisor being assaulted and every available police officer in the Charnwood area having to attend to restore order. The premises have remained closed since this incident.
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Those representing the holders of the premises licence holders, Gapfree Estates Ltd., did not dispute the allegations and apologised to the Committee and residents. Sergeant Sean Moore, the Force Licensing Officer who presented the application, said: “Hopefully this decision will allow the residents in the vicinity of this pub to enjoy the amenity of their homes without the disturbances they have had to contend with in recent times. I would like to compliment those residents who attended the hearing on the articulate and fair manner in which they presented their evidence. This is a good example of the police and local community working together to resolve problems.” Cllr David Snaart, Cabinet Member for Licensing, of Charnwood Borough Council, added: “The licence owners of the Old Crown Pub have recognised the distress they have caused residents and we hope this three month suspension will lead to a pub that is part of the community rather than upsetting it. We will continue to work closely with the police to tackle licence holders who do not fulfil the responsibility that comes with having the licence.”
NHW news & crime report THERE WAS a spate of burglaries on Swithland lane, between October 15-23. One house was broken into and there were unsuccessful attempts to break into three other houses. A shed was broken into and three other unsuccessful attempts to break into sheds: most of these occurred overnight. Extensive enquiries are being carried out with regards to the above including uniform and plain clothes officers. Good news, the two people arrested for a burglary on Mountsorrel Lane in September have been charged with burglary and attended court in November. There have been five incidents of damage, two to shop windows on Woodgate on October 2 & 7, one to a window on a building on Mountsorrel Lane on October Rothley, Thurcaston & 1. A car had its Cropston’s door locks damPC Steve Rhodes
aged on Westfield Lane on October 4. Other thefts include some ducks being stolen from Loughborough road, some petrol stolen from Town Green Street on October 12. A man was arrested in connection with a burglary on October 5 in the neighbouring village of Newtown Linford and a man currently on remand in prison has admitted further burglaries in Newtown Linford and the surrounding villages. There was an attempt to steal a motor vehicle about 8am on Thursday November 25 from a driveway on Swithland Lane, Rothley. The owner of a Mercedes challenged a male who was trying to steal the vehicle. There have been three burglaries in Rothley during November. All three occurred between Friday 12 & Monday 15 November. On Badgers Bank a property was entered & a quantity of jewellery stolen. Between 3:45pm & 9:15pm on Sunday 14 November there was an unsuccessful attempt to gain entry to an address on The Rise by forcing a ground floor window. On Monday 15 November between noon & 6pm a property on Mountsorrel Lane was entered by forcing a rear door & property was subsequently stolen. The have been six burglary other than dwellings during the month. Five of these occurred on Loughborough Road – three of these occurred at the allotments where entry was gained
PILBEAM ACADEMY of DANCE Tel: 01509 816117 Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern & National for children from age 3. Held at Rothley Village Hall, on Monday & Tuesday evening, & at Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, from 4.30pm on Wednesday All classes can lead to stagework, medals and examinations. NEW PUPILS WELCOME
New Classes start Jan 10 Ladies Tap classes for experienced or beginners held on Mondays at 7pm. JOIN US FOR FUN, EXERCISE OR EXAMINATIONS
Principal: Antonia Pilbeam F.D.D.A.
to sheds, from one of which a tool box & quantity of tools were stolen. This occurred between Monday 15 & Tuesday 16 November. A shed on the allotments was also forced open between Monday 29 & Tuesday 30 November. Between Sunday 28 & Tuesday 30 November fence netting & plastic tunnelling was stolen from a business premises on Loughborough Rd. Between Monday 11 October & Tuesday 9 November a lawn mower was stolen from a garden shed on Swithland Lane, Rothley. Sometime between Thursday 4 & Friday 5 a horse rug was stolen from a horse in a field on Loughborough Road Rothley. A JCB Lift Truck was stolen from a building site on Loughborough Road Rothley between Saturday 20 & Monday 22 November. The new priorities for the Beat are as follows: To tackle allotment thefts at Loughborough road Rothley between 6pm and 8am To deal with anti social vehicle use and criminal damage on Fowke street and Woodgate, Rothley between 5pm and 3am To improve road safety around the locations of Rothley, Thurcaston, Swithland and Newtown Linford primary schools between 8am and 10am and 2.30pm and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Planned beat surgeries Jan to March Mon 17/01/11 2pm till 4pm at Rothley Library Mountsorrel Lane Rothley Sun 13/02/11 10am till 12am Mercury news shop Woodgate Rothley Mon 14/03/11 2pm till 4pm Rothley Library Mountsorrel Lane Rothley How to contact us You can contact your local neighbourhood policing team – PC 544 Steve Rhodes and PCSO 6647 Nigel Ritchie – by telephoning 0116 222 2222, selecting option 2 and when prompted, tap in identification numbers 0544 or 6647, to leave us a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also send us an email by logging onto the website at www.leics.police.uk and clicking on the ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ icon From PC Steve Rhodes
Crime Report : Thurcaston Sep & Oct 2010 On Saturday Sep 4 there were threats made to a resident on Chapel Close, theft 1, burglary non-dwelling 1, damage 3, assault 1. Crime Report : Cropston Sep & Oct 2010 Burglary 3, burglary non-dwelling 2, damage 1, theft 1, theft from motor vehicle 1
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Legion members visit school MEMBERS OF the Royal British Legion have visited Rothley school to talk about their experiences in the armed forces. Following the Armistice Day service at the Rothley War Memorial when around 100 pupils from Rothley CofE Primary School attended, the local Royal British Legion branch were invited to visit the school and give the 90 pupils in the final two years at the school a talk on the Legion's activities. Five Legion members turned up and told the assembled pupils of their experiences in the armed forces, obviously sparing any possible gory detail. Those giving of their experiences were Mr Alec Alexandre, who was a member of the much acclaimed Royal Leicestershire Regiment, Mr Norman Latham who was in the Royal Navy and joined ships on the 2nd World War arctic covoys taking supplies to Russia, Mr Norman Pratt who was in the RAF and served in an Operational Conversion Unit which trained pilots, having completed the flying training, in the art of air to air gunnery, ie how to fight. The two final members of the ‘Magnificent Five’, were Mr Ted Collins a veteran of the ancient Royal Fusilliers Regiment and Mr John Leak, a 22 year Territorial Army man and also vice chairman of the Rothley and District Royal British Legion Branch. John Leake also explained the purpose and activities of the Legion, which are solely applied in looking after the ex service men of the past and those currently fighting in Afghanistan. The children sang beautifully a song of ‘Remembrance’ and the Legion have asked the school if they would allow the pupils to sing their song at next year's Armistice Day ceremony. This gives everyone an incentive to join in on November 11, 2011. Last Christmas and again last April the Rothley branch collected and shipped around 450, 2kg weight, Tuck Boxes for the troops. With the help of a Mountsorrel supporter and the ‘Support the Soldiers’ organisation they were dispatched to the boys and girls out in the conflict zone. This year the branch collected over £6,000 via its Poppy appeal and all wish to thank the people, throughout the district, who contributed. Finally, Mr Norman Latham, who has served
as Poppy Appeal Supremo (organiser) over the past 30 years is standing down and we are looking for a replacement. Norman's organisation of over 40 poppy collectors and almost as many static collection points is available and any charity minded good organiser who would
like to take in this annual event (they do not have to be a member of the RBL) would be warmly received by the branch (Call Norman Latham on 0116 230 2824). From Norman Pratt
Pilbeam Academy dancers THE PILBEAM Academy of Dance is celebrating a successful 2010. Following two terms, spring and summer, that saw successful Exam and Medal sessions, the autumn term has been focused on the preparation for the Academy’s biennial end of year show, which this year culminated in ‘Let’s Dance’ at the Humphrey Perkins Community College, Barrow-on-Soar, on Friday December 3 and Saturday December 4. Both performances with virtual sell out audiences were highly praised for their musicality and lighting, colourful costuming and excellent performance from the girls and ladies. As usual the ‘AAAH’ factor was reserved for the ‘babies’, who looked cute in their Christmassy costumes. During the summer there was an opportunity for pupils nine and over to take part in
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a week long workshop, with West End actors, singers and dancers, and a short taste of it was presented. A visiting adjudicator attends each show and Mrs Christine Carrington from Leicester awarded the Performance Shield for best student performance of the day. Also Mrs Antonia Pilbeam awards the Progress Cup to the pupil showing the most marked improvement over the year. For the first time ever, in all the many shows, they were both presented to the same student, 14 year old Miss Liberty Wisehall of Mountsorrel – a thoroughly deserved award. 2011 classes start on Monday January 10, with a few vacancies for new pupils, who will be warmly welcomed. From John Sambrook
Church plans for 2011 ROTHLEY PARISH Church is planning to make 2011 an exciting year for all the residents of Rothley, not just for the congregation each week. It’s a known fact that the parish church in Rothley has played a central role in the lives of generations of families through the ages, not just with baptisms, weddings and funerals, but where possible with support, care and encouragement to individuals as they face the issues and pressures of the day. Even today, over 200 people of all ages attend one of three Sunday services each week as well as contributing to many weekly activities to help challenge us in our lives and give us some direction, in what can sometimes be a turbulent and unsure world. To launch the new year, a series of communication initiatives have been developed. The first is a new logo conveying the love of God surrounding all in Rothley. The second initiative is an updated website where anyone at anytime can see what the church stands for and its mission in the village and beyond, together with an overview of the
many events that happen each month to which you are invited. Our partnership with the Rothley web portal on leicestershirevillages.com is also strengthened with links to church history, diary of events and a forum for discussion. Also launched at the recent Carols by Candlelight service is a welcome leaflet reflecting the church website, but in a condensed format. It is planned to send a copy to every household in the village during the year. Thanks to village based company Agora Marketing Communications Ltd for designing all three items at cost. In the next issue of The Rothley Post we will give details of an exciting week of activity for everyone in Rothley, under the title ‘MORE 2 LIFE’. During the week of March 13- 20 a team of eight students training to be clergy will be assisting in leading events for all ages around the village. Events will be fun but have a serious message. For example: events each day at the Advertise in
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village school; an interactive question of sport; a discussion evening for women; a forum on issues of the day for men; wine tasting; murder, mystery evening; pampering evening; plus other events for children, young mums, young dads and the retired in the village. Finally, whatever you views, opinions, assumptions about Church, God, Jesus Christ and Christianity, make 2011 the year to consider ‘is there more to life!’ From Steve Thomason
Garden birds MEMBERS OF Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club were treated to a delightful and informative evening with David Tideswell, known as ‘The Robin Man’. David is well known for his knowledge of birds and their habits and he has recently appeared on television, because of his knowledge and understanding of robins. David’s talk was humorous, entertaining and very informative. As members listed the birds in our gardens, David had interesting snippets of information about each one. We learned about how vulnerable birds are to infection, and the importance of cleaning bird feeders, bird baths and tables on a regular basis. He also stressed the importance of feeding regularly in severe weather, and amused us with his own recipe for a high energy feed. Our first meeting in 2011 will be held on Wednesday January 12 at 7.45pm. this will be a talk by Mark Graham called ‘Native Trees of Charnwood’. The Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month, 7.45pm at the Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Visitors are most welcome, as are new members – whether as an experienced gardener or a beginner. From Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club
Longslade exams EXAMS CERTIFICATES for exams taken in June 2010 at Longslade College are now available for collection from the college reception. These have to be signed for by the students on collection. If students are unable to collect personally then a letter of authorisation must be produced to enable a third party to collect on their behalf. This letter must name the person who is to collect the certificates and so some sort of identification will be required. Longslade has an archive of old certificates that have never been collected, going back to 2000. If you think that you have never collected your GCSE/GCE certificates then you can contact the Exams Office on 0116 2677107 (ext 142) for more details. Rothley Post JAN/FEB 2011 (86), page 10
History society news ON DECEMBER 15 we had our Christmas meeting and once again it was something quite different. Our speaker was Graham Fortey who greeted us at his fictional hotel in London. There were 29 of us in the audience and we were all given a card which was to be read out in turn. After a day of sight seeing and shopping we arrived at the hotel, only to find that there was no-one at reception, so we headed into the bar. The first card to be read out was a request for a glass of sherry and Graham not only told us about the product but showed a poster with further information. Every request was accompanied by such a poster to look at later. The range of requests included various other drinks, and remarks such as there was ‘no soap in the cloakroom, through to choosing food from the menu and suggestions as to where to dine. All these requests were answered and accompanied with a sample of each product, for instance a 1920's tin of Smiths Potato Crisps, a spring-top bottle of Mineral Water produced by the Leicester company of R.C.Allens, and a tin of Heinz Tomato Soup, whose label is in a keystone shape. We learned that the Heinz company was founded by Henry Heinz in Pittsburgh, and that Pennsylvania's nickname is The Keystone State. As we neared the end of our 29 card requests it was realised that no-one had booked rooms and the hotel was fully booked. So it was suggested that we tried The Regent Palace, The Strand Palace, or the more upmarket Cumberland Hotel, which incidentally was the first hotel to have en suite facilities. They also had radios in the bedrooms, for which the charge was 6d. (2.5p) per day. On January 19, we welcome you to the start of our 2011 programme with Mary Matts, who is coming to talk to us about Canal Life, Traditions and Paintings oN February 16 we travel back to the 1660's when we welcome Trevor Parr who takes the part of an apothecary and attends to all our ills and ailments with the medicines, pills and potions of the restoration period of the Stuart line. As usual our meetings take place at The
Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. The doors are open at 7 p.m., and the talk begins at 7.30 p.m. Do come along and join us. Noreen Wilson, Programme Secretary, Rothley History Society
Monday Club THE MONDAY Club – Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston & Rothley, opened the festive season on November 8 by inviting Tom Phillips from Hannah’s Chocolate Sugarcraft of Quorn to demonstrate the art of creating chocolates. Tom took us through the history and origins of the chocolate growing areas and showed us a chocolate pod, which contained the precious beans which when crushed and processed, produced both the cocoa powder and cocoa butter. Tom demonstrated and created several varieties of chocolate which we were able to taste. In December our Christmas Luncheon held at the Birstall Golf Club was once again an enormous and joyfully successful event. There
were ample portions of good and tasty food. Our entertainment was a step back into Christmas traditions which we enjoyed remembering from our childhoods. Mrs Felicity Austin very kindly came at very short notice and aroused the sense of excitement experienced over the most ordinary but very precious items in Christmas stockings, and the hilarious games invented to astonish and thrill during the somewhat austere and worrying war years. We remembered as children the many decorations we made to adorn our homes with very little in the way of materials, but which we displayed with love and pride! In conclusion Felicity led us into singing two well known carols ‘Good King Wenceslas’ and ‘Hark the Herald Angels sing’ which brought us happily into the true reason for Christmas. On conclusion of yet another successful year, with membership growing happily from month to month with younger mums being freed off from family duties and grandmothers from the school run, we are looking forward to a Happy and Healthy New Year, which we wish to all the clubs and activities held in the villages. From Ann Farndon
The next issue of
THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Feb 25. The copy deadline is Feb 10.
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Affordable homes at Hallam Fields A £13MILLION development of 80 new affordable family homes in Birstall was officially opened in October by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Jill Vincent. The Mayor unveiled a stone plaque in the central green of the new housing at Hallam Fields, which has been provided by Waterloo Housing Group working in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council. The development provides a variety of family housing, mainly two and three bedroom houses, but also 15 four-bed homes, three one-bed apartments and a five-bedroom house. 64 of the homes are rented. They were let to people on the council’s waiting list and are managed by Waterloo Group’s local housing association de Montfort Housing Society. A further 16 homes have been sold for shared ownership, on a part-by and part-rent basis, by the Group’s affordable home ownership division, Waterloo Homes. All the homes feature solar thermal panels for hot water, which helps keeps running costs down for residents. The homes were built for Waterloo by Westleigh Developments and attracted £5.86million of government grant from the
Pic: With the commemorative stone: the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Jill Vincent, with (from left to right), Ian Jones, Business Development Director at Westleigh Developments; Margaret Allen, Director for the Homes and Communities Agency (East Midlands); and Ted Carr, Chairman of de Montfort Housing Society
Homes and Communities Agency. Margaret Allen, Director for the Homes and Communities Agency in the East Midlands, said: “We invested in this project because it offered the chance to provide high quality affordable homes for Charnwood that would create a thriving new community. It is great to meet some of the first residents settling into their homes and see the potential that
been realised here. The quality of the development is first class.” The scheme’s high quality design and layout was also praised by the Mayor, Councillor Jill Vincent, for being a seamless part of a coherent plan for the wider Hallam Fields development. Importantly, it had enabled local people, many in significant housing need, to find a home. “It is no exaggeration to say that we have been able to change people’s lives with these new properties” she said. Completed this summer, all but two of the new homes are now occupied, with remaining residents due to move in shortly. Kush Patel moved to ground-floor rented apartment. “I’d had a difficult time before I moved here, with a year-long stay in hospital as a result of an infection from stomach surgery and then living in a homeless hostel. Being offered my new home was the light at the end of the tunnel for me.” Shared owners, Kate Farmer and Paul Hextall are equally delighted with their new threebedroom house. “This is our first home and it has exceeded all our expectations. We are really looking forward to enjoying our first Christmas in our own home, with our twoyear-old daughter” said Mr Hextall.
The next issue of
THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Feb 25. The copy deadline is Feb 10.
Rothley Post JAN/FEB 2011 (86), page 12
WEA courses Afternoon Tai Chi The soft flowing movements of Tai Chi promote health and mental focus and one posture of the 24 sequential movements is taught each week. Beginners and those with more experience are very welcome. Please wear loose clothing and flat-soled shoes. Booking essential. Tutor: Laraine Tucker Fee £78. Discounted £70.20 (not available to the Retired) or Free Venue: Birstall Methodist Church Rooms, Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Date: Tuesdays 1.30-3.30pm. 12 meetings from January 18, 2011 Journeys Into Art From the Renaissance masters via Durer, Caravaggio and Chardin, to Cezanne, Rousseau and Rothko, explore some of the key turning points in the history of art when ideas of perspective, composition, balance, colour, light and subject matter have been addressed, developed and questioned. No experience necessary-just a lively, open-minded interest in art! Booking essential. Tutor: Janis Baker Fee: £58.50 Discounted £52.65 (not available to the Retired) or Free. Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Wednesdays 7.15-9.15pm 9 meetings from January 19, 2011 History Our popular Tuesday morning class held at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane from 1011.30pm starting on the January 18, 2011. Enquiries to Helen Haythornthwaite 0116 2302525
YOUR SAY...
The Rothley Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed in at Rothley library, Rothley Post Office, Woodgate or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
Snow & ice If we are to continue having cold spells such as we are experiencing at present, it would be helpful if there could be some guidance for the general public as to exactly what can and
should be done about the ice and snow. Many people appear to be concerned about whether or not they should clear it from their drives and the pathways outside their houses. A myth appears to have grown up stating that people will be sued if they clear their area and someone slips on it. Fortunately Directgov has come up with some instructions and advice. “There’s no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It’s unlikely you’ll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. Follow the snow code when clearing snow and ice safely.” More details and advice can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_1 91868 Pat French
Police update The main focus for the Charnwood Local Policing Unit (LPU) has been around crime reduction and shaping the future of your local Neighbourhood Teams. I am pleased to report that total crime remains well below what it was last year, with some really significant reductions around Burglary Dwelling and vehicle crime. The Quorn and Anstey Police Offices will be closed in the early part of 2011 as part of the
Continued on page 14
Further information from: Marion Vincent 0116 2303405 vincent.mbe@ntlworld.com Franca Freeman 0116 2362566 francafreeman@hotmail.com Postal bookings to Mr. J. Laurance 33 Loughborough Road, Hoton, Leicester LE12 5SF. Cheques payable to WEA Birstall and Rothley Branch. www.birstallandrothleywea.org.uk The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) is a charity registered in England & Wales (No. 1112775) and in Scotland (No. SCO39239) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales (No. 2806910). Registered address: 3rd Floor, 70 Clifton Street, London EC2A 4HB
MOT
Rothley factory
VEHICLE TESTING STATION
A FOOD manufacturing firm is looking to expand into Rothley. Samworth Brothers, which makes Ginsters and Dickinson & Morris pies, is seeking planning permission for a 10,000 square metre factory at the Rothley Lodge industrial park, near the A6. The plant would be next to the Leicester Paper Company and the Rowena Garden Centre. Samworth Brothers says there are no immediate plans to develop the 14 acre site and says it would be held in reserve, ready for any future expansion plans. The firm had a turnover of £650million last year and employs between 7000-8000 people, the majority in Leicestershire.
TESTING
PETROLS • DIESELS MOTORCYCLES CROPSTON GARAGE 37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363 Rothley Post JAN/FEB 2011 (86), page 13
Continued from page 13 comprehensive review carried out over the past 18 months. I plan to have 10 Neighbourhood Offices, located in the very communities they serve, from which the Neighbourhood Teams can work from. This will actually deliver more visibility and access to your Neighbourhood Teams as they will no longer be working out of Syston or Quorn but actually working out of their respective Neighbourhoods. In line with this, the current 10 Neighbourhoods will be reduced to six allowing better coverage (for when members of the teams are off duty) of Neighbourhoods. Note: This will not mean a reduction of staff as the existing team numbers will remain the same and will continue to concentrate on the areas they know best. Quorn Police Office will not close until suitable alternative accommodation has been found for the Neighbourhood Teams. We have already identified a number of suitable premises in the majority of areas (Anstey, Rothley, Thurmaston, Syston, Barrow and Quorn) and are negotiating with potential partners over usage. We are still looking for suitable partners and premises in Mountsorrel, Sileby and East Goscote/Queniborough. If you have any suggestions about potential premises which could be used to base local neighbourhood officers in your area, please contact your Beat Team, myself (on the details below) or Mr Andrew Wroe (Estates) on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, ext 2325, or by email to estates.helpdesk@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk Crime Overview: in terms of performance, the LPU continues to deliver significant reductions on last years crime figures. As at today's date
(22.12.10), all crime is down 9.1% (344 less offences), Serious Acquisitive Crime (Burglary, Robbery, Auto Crime) is down by 24.2% from this time last year (189 fewer victims and offences). All Vehicle Crime continues to reduce (17.1% reduction or 70 less offences against last year's figures) with a 24.7% reduction in Theft From Motor Vehicle (75 less victims and offences). Theft of Motor Vehicle has increased on the last reporting period (4.4%) compared to last year (97 Offences – 5 more than last year) with much of this being due to people leaving cars running (to defrost) unattended on driveways. All Burglaries have continued to reduce (by 12.8 %) with an encouraging reduction in Burglary Dwelling (down 30.6%) on last year, meaning 86 fewer persons were a victim of this crime. We have seen a spike in Birstall and our priority (overt and covert) will remain Birstall until the perpetrator/s are caught or become frustrated by the ‘extra attention’ and desist. All Violent Crime continues to reduce with Assault with less serious Injury (Actual Bodily Harm and below) having dropped by 9.9% and Serious Violent Crime dropping by 52.4% compared to last year. Robbery is down 46.7% on last year (14 fewer victims). Crime Prevention: Operation Union (the current LPU operation aimed at Serious Acquisitive Crime prevention/detection and prosecution of Offenders in the run up to Christmas) continues with the focus (as above) on Birstall. I would urge you to call in any suspect activity or individual to the Police when it occurs. Likewise, please ensure your property is locked and secured as many of the burglaries and Vehicle thefts/theft of
Rothley Post JAN/FEB 2011 (86), page 14
property from vehicles are as a result of premises and vehicles not being secured, thus offering an easy target for the opportunist criminal. Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB): an overview of ASB across the LPU (November 1-31, 2010) showed a decrease of some 17% (down by 487 incidents) compared to last year. We continue to work very closely with our Partners (Charnwood Borough Council, Parish Councils and the Public) to address ASB issues and are establishing a co-located team (Police and Borough Council) in January 2011. Charnwood LPU Joint Action Group (JAG): The latest Charnwood Joint Action Group (JAG) was held on December 9 at the Village Hall at East Goscote. Updates for each of the respective neighbourhoods were given to those present. Sgt Andy Moscrop also took the opportunity to thank Angela Fielding our Community Initiatives Coordinator (CIC) for all her hard work over the years. Angela will be leaving the Constabulary in January 2011 having put in sterling service in her role as Charnwood LPU CIC and will be greatly missed. The next meeting will take place at 13.30pm on Thursday 13th January 2011 @ Rothley Neighbourhood Centre 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. This is likely to be the last JAG meeting in its current format. Changes to the Charnwood LPU ‘JAG’: The current format for the Charnwood JAG will change in the New Year, with it being merged with the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership ‘All Crime’ meeting and the ‘ASB Steering Group’ as many of the functions are duplicated. A greater emphasis will be placed on the respective Neighbourhood Teams’ consultation meetings (using what is know as the ‘Police and Communities Together’ or PACT model.) This will make the access to the public and Parish Councils more effective as these meetings are locally based, in the Neighbourhoods and fully open to the Public. Local problems, issues and concerns can be better raised with local, neighbourhood Officers who will then feed this information up to the ‘Crime’ and ‘ASB’ JAGs to take the appropriate multi-agency (Borough Council, Police, Fire Service etc), action required to address the issues that can’t be solved locally. Consultation: the latest Neighbourhood Newsletters are available on the Force website www.leics.police.uk . Each one of these is a result of detailed consultation by your local Neighbourhood Teams via a series of advertised consultation events (again on the website and via public notice boards). The Neighbourhood Policing Teams also regularly attend Parish Council meetings and other public meeting (such as area forums). I am really keen to hear people's views and concerns as this is critical in enabling us to address what matters to the communities - if you can't attend any of the publicised events, I would encourage you to contact us directly via e-mail Charnwood.lpu@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk or telephone. Summary: Crime and ASB results remain encouraging, with the LPU maintaining the net reduction on last year. Plans are well on track to put your neighbourhood teams into the centre of the communities they serve via local ‘Neighbourhood’ Offices and I will keep you updated as to the progress in this key area. As ever, I would encourage you all to look out for yourselves and your neighbours, take simple but effective security precautions and report anything suspicious to the Police. On behalf of all the Officers and Staff at Charnwood Local Policing Unit, I wish you all a Happy, safe and secure New Year. Inspector Duncan Southall, Charnwood Local Policing Unit, Dec 2010
Noticeboard all details printed free Small Ads Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Rothley library or Rothley Post Office on Woodgate. Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words.
AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Seaports, Long Distance, Courier. Tel: 0777 1984806 AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 / 07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk CLARE’S LITTLE Cupcake Company. Specialising in bespoke handcrafted cupcakes. Gluten free and diabetic options also available. Free consultation and local delivery. Tel: 02837 533401 or visit www.clareslittlecupcakeco.com
Charnwood Orchestra
•••
Magic of Vienna
Splash Babies
Waltzes, Polkas and Marches 7pm Saturday Jan 15 Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow LE12 8JU Tickets £10 (£8 concessions). Children U16 £3 From the Paper Shop, High St, Barrow or 07718153117
Planning applications P/10/2812/2: 32 Fowke Street, Rothley – proposed single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/10/2791/2: 38 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – erection of first floor extension to front, two-storey extension to rear, single storey extension to side and raising the roof height of dwelling P/10/2760/2: Manor Holt, 1082 Loughborough Road, Rothley – erection of 27 dwellings with associated parking, garages, gardens, landscaping and storm water retention basin following demolition of house and outbuildings P/10/2779/2: 42 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – erection of twostorey and first floor extensions to side and single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/10/2784/2: 944 Loughborough Road, Rothley – crown thinning and crown reduction of 1 pine tree (Tree Preservation Order) P/10/2612/2: 33 North Street, Rothley – erection of dormer extensions to front and rear of dwelling P/10/2740/2: 237 Swithland Lane, Rothley – erection of single storey extension to rear and side of dwelling P/10/2611/2: 32 Fowke Street, Rothley – felling of 1 yew and 1 silver birch and 30% reduction of 8 trees (Conservation Area Notice) P/10/2773/2: 55 Latimer Road, Cropston – erection of first floor extension to front of dwelling P/10/2718/2: 16 All Saints Road, Thurcaston – conversion of garage to habitable room P/10/2463/2: 93 Leicester Road, Thurcaston – erection of single and two storey extensions to side and rear and dormer extension and rooflight to rear of dwelling P/10/2355/2: Cedar House Residential Care Home, 249 Station Road, Cropston – erection of single storey extension to rear of building P/10/2380/2: Swithland Lodge, 222 Station Road, Cropston – erection of a single storey rear extension, replacement of flat roof with pitched roof and internal/external alterations
Home Carers Required
Are you a caring person? Like varied work & job satisfaction? Join our team of carers in the Mountsorrel, Cropston, Quorn, Sileby, Syston, Birstall & Wymeswold areas. Flexible shifts, 10-40 hrs per week, & mornings, evenings and weekends available. No experience required as all training will be provided. Up to £7.25hr, plus travel expenses. Telephone essential. Ring Debbie between 8.30am & 4.30pm for more information on
0116 2696247 (quoting reference BP)
Rothley Post JAN/FEB 2011 (86), page 15
Swimming for babies to give them confidence, exercise and fun in a social environment Roundhill College, Abbey Sports & Leisure and David Lloyd Meridian For more info: Kirsty 077 347 00447 or www.splashbabies.org •••
Craft Fair Organised by the Loughborough Lions Club at Rawlins Community College, Quorn Sunday March 27 (just before Mothers Day) from 11am to 4pm Refreshments available Also activities for the children Cost £1 adults, 50p concessions & children under 5 For more info or to book a stall, please contact Jean/David on 0116 2376154 or Ann 01509 232422 •••
Charity Bridge Drive Organised by Loughborough Lions Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Wednesday April 13 at 1.30pm With afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per person To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or Ann 01509 232422 ••• The next in the series of
Charity Whist Drives Organised by Derek Farr will be held at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley At 7.30pm on Thursdays Jan 6, Feb 3, March 3 Admission £1.50 •••
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Continued from page 15
Coffee Morning At Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane Every Tuesday morning, 10-11.30am come rain or shine Friendly atmosphere, everyone welcome Tea & Coffee and biscuits or toasted tea cake Proceeds for the Methodist Church ••• The Mayor of Charnwood, President of Loughborough Council of Faiths invites you to attend the 11th annual commemoration of
Holocaust Memorial Day Please gather on Thursday Jan 27 at 1.45pm By the Bandstand in Queen’s Park, Loughborough An exhibition will be open at Charnwood Museum and the park café will be open for refreshments following the short ceremony •••
Birstall Birdwatching Club presents In Search of the Birds and Mammals of Namibia By Ian Merrill An illustrated talk on the wildlife of this West African country At the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Tuesday January 11 at 7.30pm Alert! Divers Have Moved to Page 60 By Mike Webster A light-hearted approach to some of the most up to date research in ornithology and birdwatching Tuesday February 8 at 7.30pm At the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Visitors welcome to all meetings £2 Contact Ken Goodrich 2674813 •••
Sat February 26 from 10am to 1pm at Birstall Methodist Church
Mini Market With Good-as-New Bric-a-Brac Home made cakes & produce Tombola & children’s games Light lunches & hot dogs •••
Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office, 0116 2367626 or at the door •••
Ladies Circle Methodist Church ,Howe Lane, Rothley starting from January 11, then every two weeks Contact Joan lovett for further information 0116 237 4868
Coffee Morning Methodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley March 12, 10-11.30am Proceeds in aid of Carl Gunns Boxing Club and Methodist Church funds Raffle, Tombola, Cake Stall, White Elephant Entrance 50p Inc tea & coffee •••
Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘The Blind Side’ Friday, January 14 (128 mins) Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for Best Actress in this life-affirming true story. A housekeeper with a privileged lifestyle takes in a black homeless teenager. She encourages him in school and in sport but he inevitably runs into trouble. She does change his life but, actually, he changes her life too. ‘Wild Target’ Friday February 11 (98 mins) This comedy stars Bill Nighy and Emily Blunt. A meticulous assassin, who is still dominated by his mother, meets a young lady called Rose who is the exact opposite of him. She is reckless and free spirited but they complement each other and somehow, form an interesting partnership. ‘Invictus’, Friday March 11 (134 mins) Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets still cost only £4. Concessions £3.50. Price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw.
Rothley Post JAN/FEB 2011 (86), page 16
The next issue of
THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Feb 25. The copy deadline is Feb 10.
THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)
0116 2674213 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Rothley Library, Rothley Post Office or to our office in the Youth Centre, Longslade College, Birstall editor@birstallpost.co.uk