Rothley Post July 2011 (89)

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

JUL/AUG 2011

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 89

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Osteoporosis Screening 1 in 2 women over 50 will suffer from osteoporosis and of those who suffer a hip fracture, 1 in 5 will die as a result.

Preventative screening is not routinely available on the NHS but you can now have a non-invasive scan for £22.

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Summer gardens WARM AND sunny weather helped attract hundreds of people to Thurcaston and Cropston’s Open Garden event in June.

Pic: (above) visitors Mark Forster, Zoe Syrett and Tilly Syrett (3) & inset, garden owner Alison Fitzsimons with daughters Chloe and Lily, Saffia Kureshi, Nadia Lamrani and Elizabeth & Eleanor Pendlebury

More than 20 gardens in the Parish were opened to visitors, with many stopping to enjoy ice creams,

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011

Burglary: man arrested POLICE HAVE arrested a man in connection with a violent burglary at a family home on Westfield Lane in March.

The victim and her young children were confronted in their home by the burglars, who demanded cash. When the woman said she didn’t have any, she was assaulted.

The men then searched the house before leaving with a large quantity of cash and jewellery.

A 25 year old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on Police bail pending further enquiries.

The Police are still appealing to the public for any information they may have that will help the investigation of this crime.

Contact Detective Constable Kerry Deadman on 222 2222, voicemail number 4442 to leave a message.

Quiz

Continued from page 1 cakes and drinks on sale at various points along the trail.

The event was organised by the Richard Hill School PTA and the school itself was open on the Saturday, with a display of ‘Vegetable Characters’ made by the children.

Spokeswoman Linda Bennett said: “The weekend went really well with many

visitors not only from Cropston and Thurcaston but from all over Leicestershire and beyond. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who opened their gardens this year.”

The weekend raised over £1000 for school funds.

THE ANNUAL Rothley Village Quiz in June was won by a team from the Rothley Royal British Legion.

The event is organised by Albert Greaves on behalf of Rothley Parish Church.

The winning team were: J Leake, J Brookes, A Green and C Swann

Borough’s new Mayor THE NEW Mayor or Charnwood is Councillor Bernard Burr.

His chosen charities for the year are Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland and the British Heart Foundation. The Mayoress is Mr Burr’s wife Rose.

Pic: The Mayor of Charnwood Bernard Burr with the Mayoress, Rose Burr

Mr Burr said :”I fully intend to carry out the role of Mayor in the proper manner and I’d like to thank all those who nominated me. I look forward to the coming year.”

Cllr Diane Wise was sworn in as the Deputy Mayor.

Mr Burr replaced Jill Vincent as Mayor of Charnwood. She praised the hard work and commitment of the voluntary sector in her parting speech to the annual council.

Mrs Vincent said: “My year was relentless - but incredibly rewarding. It was a privilege and a delight

THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011 3

10 years Neville Bird remembered as vicar A WELL known Cropston man and former Mayor of Charnwood has died.

ROTHLEY’S VICAR reflected on his time in the village at a celebration to mark the tenth anniversary of his appointment.

Neville Bird was born in Leicester in 1921. He moved to Thurmaston and began his education in the Church school. He later moved back to Leicester and continued his education at the Belgrave Road School and later at the City Boys Grammar School.

He worked for a short time at a clothing factory and having joined the Territorial Army at 17, was called up in 1939 and served throughout the entire war mainly with the 1st Airborne Division.

Taken prisoner during an unsuccessful raid on the Sicilian coast, he spent two years in a German prisoner of war camp.

He married Kathleen in 1945 and in 1949 joined the RAFVR as a pilot, where he stayed for three years.

He later became a Special Constable in the Leicestershire Police and was vice chairman of the International Police Association for the Loughborough area.

He moved to Kegworth where he built the Kegworth Service Station and also ran the Castle School of Motoring in

Pic: Neville Bird, and below, in his role as Mayor of Charnwood

Long Eaton. After being in business for 12 years he sold out to a petrol company and joined Leicestershire County Council as a Trading Standards officer where he stayed until he retired aged 62.

He served as a Borough Councillor for more than 10 years and was a Parish Councillor for almost 20 years, including a spell as Chairman.

He was the Mayor of Charnwood in 2000.

The Chairman of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council Richard Younie said: “Neville was always full of ideas and enthusiasm for change. He was a people person, always able to talk to anybody, and he had a mischievous sense of humour – he was always able to brighten a dull meeting and lighten the atmosphere.

He attended over 50 film shows at the Memorial Hall, taking tickets at the door – he loved the atmosphere there of people getting on together. He will be missed.”

Neville, who had heart problems, died following a short illness. His funeral was on June 9 at All Saints Church, Thurcaston and the reception was at Lingdale Golf Club.

Neville is survived by his wife Kathleen their son John and three grandchildren.

Pic: Revd Rob Gladstone

Pavement parking fines A MAJOR crackdown on pavement parking is being rolled out across Charnwood following a successful pilot scheme in Loughborough.

Charnwood’s Street Wardens will be issuing £50 Parking Charge Notices to offenders who park on

pavements in contravention of signs and lines.

In just two months the Loughborough pilot scheme received more than 90 reports from the public to a dedicated hotline and email address provided for identifying offenders. This led to a 75 per cent reduction in incidents at four hotspot areas.

The campaign is a joint initiative between Charnwood, the Police and the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Blocked pavements put vulnerable people at risk as pedestrians in wheelchairs, parents with pushchairs or the partially sighted are forced to walk on busy roads to get by, say the campaign organisers.

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Sunday May 8 marked 10 years since Rob Gladstone arrived in Rothley as the new vicar with Sarah and their two little children. 150 people of all ages, from a couple of months to 95 yrs, gathered in the sunshine after the morning service to share a hog roast with them in their garden.

Rob gave thanks for the love and support they’ve received from the people of Rothley over their time here. Rob said: “It has been a hugely encouraging decade with the church continuing to grow steadily and playing a big part in the wider life of the community. God has been good to us, both in my battle with leukaemia and in the joy of seeing people following Jesus Christ and growing as disciples.

“When I arrived, LCFC were playing at Filbert Street in the Premiership and no-one had heard of Osama Bin Laden – much has changed and much will continue to change, but the unchanging message about Jesus Christ has proved to be continually relevant to people in every situation of life.”

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011

Parish Council notes A FULL Meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on April 18.

It was reported that a licence with Rothley Heritage Trust for the use of the cemetery chapel as a museum had been signed.

It was reported that the county council funding for a youth worker at Rothley Youth project will cease on August 31.

Cllr Peter Finch reported he would not be seeking re-election in May and councillors thanked him for his 16 years of service to the community.

The Annual Parish meeting was held on May 10.

Parish Clerk Robin Dent summarised the Parish Council’s work in the last year.

PC50 Nigel Ritchie reported that police patrols of the Loughborough Road allotments and the formation of an Allotment Watch scheme had greatly reduced crime on the site.

Officers have spoken to drivers about antisocial vehicle use on Woodgate and Fowke Street and this had reduced. A NHW scheme had started at The Grange.

Actions have been taken to improve road safety near the school: monitoring parking, speed enforcement and talking to pupils.

Borough Councillor Diane Wise reported that the Borough Council had reduced its costs by sharing services with neighbouring authorities, reducing the numbers of senior management and renegotiating contracts, such as rubbish and street cleaning.

County Councillor Peter Osborne presented his report and commented that he had enjoyed his year as Chair-

Clerk thanked for long service AFTER SERVING for 22 years as Parish Clerk for Thurcaston and Cropston, Janice Garner has resigned.

Janice, who has lived in the Parish for more than 30 years, said: “I felt it was time to go and spend more time with my husband, as the job does take up such a lot of time.”

She added: “It has been most enjoyable and I’ve met some very nice people, and known a lot of councillors and different chairmen. That’s been the most enjoyable part of the job, the contact with people.”

Janice’s job was part time but her commitment to the role saw her in the office in the Memorial Hall most days of the week. “No two days were ever the same – you had to be prepared to deal with whatever crops up, whenever it crops up” she said.

The Chairman of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council Richard Younie said: “On behalf of the Parish Council I would like to thank Janice for her commitment and diligence.

Pic: Janice garner receives a bouquet from Cllr Richard Younie

“She did all the Council business using a typewriter until three or four years ago when a computer arrived and she just seemed to carry on with it with very little instruction on word processing, email or spreadsheets.”

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Prior to the Annual Parish Meeting in April Janice was presented with a card, a bouquet and a gift by the council.

Janice is now looking forward to having more time for voluntary work, she is a member of the WRVS, and for holidays.

man of the County Council, which was coming to an end.

Rothley School currently has 350 pupils. The County Council want to redevelop the school site to include two new classrooms and a studio along with increasing the size of two of the original classrooms.

Bookings and usage of the Rothley Centre have increased this year. New lighting has been installed in the concert room and some of the car park has been resurfaced. Plans for the new Rothley Centre are not expected to progress in the present economic climate.

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

A resident has requested a seat on Town Green to replace one that collapsed some time ago. It was agreed to obtain costs.

Chairman Percy Hartshorn reported on a meeting with Andrew Lorimer from County Council Highways. Fowke Street remains in need of resurfacing but drainage issues need to be resolved first.

Wilson Seats and surrounds are still being considered. Posts could be provided at the cost of the Parish Council, on Town Green Street/Hallfields Lane and Town Green Street/Howe Lane corner to stop parking, subject to local residents’ support. Flooding on Hallfields Lane will be investigated.

The Mountsorrel Lane playing field swings are in a dangerous and unrepairable condition and will be removed.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on June 20.

Police priorities in the next quarter will include antisocial behaviour on Fowke Street.

Cllr Peter Osborne reported that the school walking safe route to Longslade was under review.

A report of Japanese Knotweed in the parish has turned out to be Giant Hogweed – not dangerous.

It was agreed to request a site meeting at the Charles Church development balancing pond with Charnwood and the developers to address Parish Council concerns about the pond.

With Rothley Youth project ceasing from the end of July, the ownership of the portacabin on Fowke Street will be passed to Rothley Imps Junior FC. The Parish Council will apply for County Council funding to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan with Mountsorrel.

There have been two candidates for the single vacancy on the Council A FULL Meeting of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council was held on March 17.

It was reported that the clerk, Mrs Janice Garner, had resigned on February 28. Mrs Jane Dew was appointed temporary clerk.

Cllr Tillyard has resigned from the Parish Council.

It was reported that bus service 55 will continue after March 31 and its use will be monitored. The service 54 will be reconsidered once a decision has been made about the number 55.

Councillors expressed their thanks to the Chairman, Cllr Richard Younie for his work for the council since the clerk’s resignation.

It was agreed that the ticket prices of the film screenings organised by the Parish Council be increased to £4.50, with concessions at £4, as the film presentations need to be financially self-sup-

THE ROTHLEY POST

Continued from page 4 porting.

A full meeting of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council was held on April 28.

It was reported that motorcycles had been driving around Jubilee Field, causing a nuisance. Residents should call the Police on 222 2222 to report incidents such as this.

Candidates R Younie, T Green, A Flower, M Novak and N Bird were elected to serve on the Parish Council unopposed at the local elections, as an election is only required if there are more candidates than vacancies.

Mrs Jane Dew was thanked by councillors for her work as temporary clerk.

A full meeting of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council was held on May 19. Cllr Richard Younie was elected chairman for the ensuing year and Cllr Green was elected vice chairman.

It was reported that a vehicle accident had occurred at the junction of Causeway Lane and Station Road, and that an ambulance and the police had attended the scene. One of the vehicles had failed to stop at the STOP sign.

JULY 2011 5

GCR war weekend THE GREAT Central Railway’s Wartime Weekend event in June helped more than 500 children experience what it was like to be a World War II evacuee.

School children from all over the county boarded steam trains at the start of the event, which attracted thousands of visitors and reenactors in period costume from all over the country.

At Birstall station visitors watched a skirmish between German forces and the French Resistance while at Rothley there was a replica of a crashed Messerschmitt fighter plane and a weapons demonstration.

Friends of country park NOW IN their fifth year, The Friends of Watermead Country Park are looking for more people to get involved with their friendly group.

Their aims include improving, conserving, protecting and supporting the green and open space of Watermead Country Park for the benefit of all visitors to the park. Catherine Tregaskes, Conservation Officer, said: “We provide an opportunity for supporters of Watermead to meet and socialise, be informed of issues affecting the park, and give user feedback on how the park is managed. We meet around once a month at the White Horse Pub in Birstall, just by Birstall lock.

“Our main event of the year is the annual Watermead Family Discovery Day, a free family fun day where we invite people to come and enjoy a range of activities with the aim of exploring and discovering more about our beautiful country park, including the fantastic Newfoundland Rescue Dog display team, woodcrafts, face painter, Punch and Judy and much more.”

This year the event is on Saturday August 13 between 11am and 4pm at the foot of the mammoth hill, off Alderton Close LE4 7RN. If you would like to get involved please contact Catherine: catherine.tregaskes@groundwork.org.uk 0116 222 1601.

The group especially welcomes people who can help out with activities or refreshments during the Family Discovery Day Event. Membership costs just £1 which goes towards funding the organisation and running the event.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011

GCR install turntable

Innovative teenager’s award

A TEENAGER from Rothley has won an award for his creativity and design skills.

Jonathan Blissett (18) was the winner of the Creativity and Innovation category at the Lord Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year 2011.

Now in their fifth year, the awards recognise dedication, service to others and outstanding personal achievements, and are hosted by Leicestershire’s Lord Lieutenant, Jennifer, Lady Gretton.

Jonathan has been fascinated with electronic and mechanical engineering for a number of years and he is very passionate about investment for the future in renewable energy stems.

He attends Nottingham University and spends most of his spare time working on projects, using the garden shed as his workshop. He acquired his first mini-lathe when he was 16 and he has since added a second hand drill-mill machine which he has converted to computerised numerical control by carrying out his own research and buying the bits from a whole variety of sources including recycling items from car boot sales and ‘Freecycle’. He has used these machines to manufacture a wind turbine.

He used the internet for research and his own initiative to design and manufacA FREE exhibition about the Mountsor- ture the turbine. He has connected the rel Railway project is being held at turbine to batteries and used the batterMountsorrel Library. ies to store the energy – he now hopes The exhibition will show the history that while he is at university he will be of this industrial steam line and the able to repeat this on a bigger scale and steps the local community has taken to put it to practical use. recreate it.

Jonathan is also a member of the The exhibition will be in Mountsorrel Soar Valley Model Railway Club. Aged 14 Library from Tuesday June 28 until Frihe designed and built an electronic day July 15. points motor which is more powerful For more information contact George than those available in the shops. The Overton, project volunteer, at design involves etching a circuit board george@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk or and soldering components together. A see the website at local model railway shop was so imwww.mountsorrelrailway.org.uk pressed that he continues to place regu-

VOLUNTEERS FROM 3M at Loughborough are assisting Great Central Railway to install a major new infrastructure project at their Quorn & Woodhouse station.

The railway is installing a 60ft turntable for turning rolling stock and locomotives.

“Watching a 180-ton loco turning 360 degrees at close inspection will be quite a spectacle for our visitors. We are so grateful for 3M’s contribution to this exciting project” said Kate Tilley, Great Central Railways’ Marketing Manager.

Up to twelve 3M employees are taking part in the project under the 3M 4Good programme which gives every employee the opportunity to a day’s work for the community in company time. Specialist paint for the work has been donated by JL Putt & Sons of Loughborough.

The £130,000 project, generously funded by various directors and trustees is expected to be finished in October just in time for GCR’s Autumn gala.

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redesigns if necessary, until he overcomes the problem.

Jonathan was recently diagnosed as having dysgraphia which makes writing an incredibly difficult task. Putting his thoughts on to paper is challenging and when at school he would regularly spend five to six hours an evening completing a single piece of written homework. He could have spoken the piece in fifteen minutes.

Jonathan is very conscious of green issues at home and school. He re-uses, recycles and mends items which others throw away. In the future his ability to innovate may well see him involved in designing renewable energy systems on a commercial scale as his long held ambition is to work in this field.

Over 70 people were identified by members of the public, teachers and youth workers as potential candidates for the awards. The awards are divided into five categories each with three short-listed candidates, with one winner for each section and one overall winner.

The runners-up in each category received a HTC Wildfire mobile phone.

Each category winner is awarded a prize up to the value of £500.

Lady Gretton said: “As Lord Lieutenant I have had the pleasure of meeting lots of remarkable young people who at times despite disadvantage or obstacles placed before them have shown great courage and dedication.” The overall winner, and Young Person of the Year, was 15 year old Amy Turlington from Shepshed.

THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011 7

Local Fundraising for new HQ inn wins award A LOCAL inn has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by tripadvisor.co.uk, the travel review site.

The Swan Inn in Mountsorrel was awarded the certificate because of the consistently high reviews it receives. David Winsor from the Swan Inn said: “We try hard to provide the best quality in food, drink and service and this accolade is real evidence that our efforts are appreciated.”

One review states: “Simple but outstanding menu. Excellent atmosphere and always welcoming. Regularly changing guest ale. Don’t be put off by the view from the street, this is a hidden gem.”

The Swan Inn is a 17th century grade 2 listed building with a riverside garden and is located at 10 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel.

Pic: Andy Reed joined Scouts at the event

ROTHLEY SCOUTS organised a special event to launch their fund- “There is no lack of enthusiasm, but time is definitely running out for how long raising campaign for a new HQ. The sale of cakes, books and other stalls helped to raise £165 to boost the £10,000 raised so far towards the £200,000 project.

Spokeswoman Alison Hercock said: “As it was raining it showed off the leaks perfectly and clearly illustrated just how desperately we are in need of a new HQ.” Andy Reed, the former MP for Loughborough, was a special guest at the event, where children gave knot demon-

strations, melted marshmallows and served tea and biscuits.

In the last year the scouts have raised £2000 at their Duck Race, £120 at a Santa’s grotto and £700 from a curry and quiz night.

Alison added:

our existing HQ can continue to house us.”

8

THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011

Church warden elected

WI news

KATE CRODEN, a former teacher at Rothley Primary School, has been elected as Church Warden at Rothley Parish Church to replace Fred Sleath, who steps down after five years in the position.

Kate has lived in the village for over 40 years and taught both infant and junior pupils at the village school for 18 years. During her time at the school she organised the successful school centenary in 2001 and encouraged many children to take up sports through the many varied activities available.

Kate joins Steve Thomason who was also elected for a further year. Steve said “Kate joins the warden team at an excit-

ing time with a growing church and many responsibilities to juggle.

“Other changes include the curate Linda and David Shuker and family moving to Kent in June, with Linda taking up her first post as a fully qualified vicar and new curate Tom Rout and family starting almost immediately afterwards in

July.

“We are really grateful for all Fred has done over the last five years and look forward to working with him still in other challenging roles and responsibilities.”

Pic: Fred Sleath (ctr) hands the church keys over to Kate Croden and Steve Thomason

NHW news & crime report Crime Update : Rothley There was a burglary on Gipsy Lane on April 16/17 where cash and jewellery were stolen and a further burglary on Brownhills Crescent on April 17 where jewellery was stolen.

On April 17 a man was disturbed in the hallway of a bungalow. When challenged he made an excuse and left with nothing. He is described as white, late 30s to early 40s, with short dark hair.

There was just one burglary in

May, of a property in Loughborough Road where cash and jewellery were stolen.

A 19 year old male has been arrested and charged with burglary other than dwelling during which an attempt was made to steal a motorbike from a shed at an address on Mountsorrel Lane on May 3.

A 20 year old male was arrested and admitted causing damage to a vehicle on Mountsorrel Lane on May 1. The man denied causing damage

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to two other vehicles that were found damaged nearby and there was insufficient evidence to charge. A second male admitted a public order offence while being detained at the scene and was issued with a fine.

Crime Summary : Rothley In addition to the above crimes there were: burglary non-dwelling 6 (this includes a total of five bikes stolen from sheds), theft 3, damage 3 From PC 0544 Steve Rhodes and PCSO 6647 Nigel Ritchie.

To leave a message call 222 2222 and use the officers’ number to leave a voicemail.

Thurcaston Crime Figures: March & April Theft 1, burglary non-dwelling 1 (Anstey Lane), theft of vehicle 1 (Leicester Road), damage 1, burglary 3 (Rectory Lane and Leicester Road Cropston Crime Figures : March, April & May Damage 1, drugs 1, assault 1 (a cyclist was assaulted on Station Road on May 19)

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PHOTOGRAPHY WAS the subject set up for discussion at the June meeting of the Rothley WI. Following tea, taken after the business meeting, the members were settling down to listen to ‘Clicks and Misses’, from guest speaker Ros Barber. Along with a display of some of her favourite pictures which she had brought to show us, Ros also had a selection of cards to browse through at the end of her talk.

There were some tips for would be photographers, useful pointers and some pitfalls to be aware of when taking photographs. The June competition winner, with her own photograph of a Pelican, was member Ann Garner.

Feel free to pop in and have a cup and biscuit with us at any of the meetings, always held first Wednesday in the month at the Rothley Centre from 24.30pm, same time, same place. See you there.

Maureen Bulmer THURCASTON & Cropston WI celebrated its 75th birthday at its June meeting.

Guests invited included Mrs Rosemary Heyes, the County Chairwoman from WI House and four former members.

Our President, Mrs Daphne Grieff read out the minutes of the 1936 meeting. These included the forming of the institute, which started with 33 members.

Other items included details of a day trip to Norfolk. The coach picked members up at 7am and returned them to the memorial hall at 10.15pm. the cost of the trip was six shillings.

Members provided a sumptuous faith supper and Mrs Eileen Eversfield baked and iced a splendid 75th birthday cake, which was admired and enjoyed by everyone.

From Thurcaston & Cropston WI

Swim club A LOCAL swimming club is looking for new volunteers.

Birstall Swimming Club has been running for many years and has recently lost a number of voluntary staff to university and is now in danger of closing.

The club is looking for voluntary swimming teachers/teaching assistants for two hours on a Tuesday or Thursday evening at Birstall Pool.

Club spokeswoman Naomi Berry said: “If you already hold an ASA/STA level 1 or 2 teaching qualification and fancy a challenge, please get in touch. Or if you fancy learning a new skill we will work with you and help towards the cost of teaching courses.”

The club caters for young people aged from 4-18 years and teaches non competitive strokes encouraging stamina, new skills and enjoyment If you are interested in finding out more email: birstallswimmingclub@hotmail.co.uk

THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011 9

Summer Gift of footballs to children eye protection WITH THE arrival of long days and warmer weather, our time spent out of doors increases especially for children both at school, on the park or at home in the garden.

Jonathan Pilbeam from Pilbeam Opticians in Mountsorrel, is particularly keen to emphasise the need for eye protection during the summer months.

“It is important for everyone to realise the importance of protecting your eyes from the harmful UV rays when outside, especially in the hours around midday when the sun is at its strongest” he says.

Jonathan suggests that the most common way in which we can protect our eyes is with good quality sunglasses or protective lenses in prescription spectacles. However, wearing a hat with a brim, like a baseball cap, can be an effective way of reducing harmful rays from the sun.

If you spend a lot of time near or on the water, you may have to protect your eyes from reflected glare – best done with polarised sunspecs. Jonathan also recommends careful application of sun cream to eyelids and eyebrows when children are spending time outdoors during the summer.

There is now a huge range of products available for eye protection in the sun for all ages. Jonathan recommends asking an optometrist or dispensing optician for the best way to ‘cover up’ one of your most valuable assets.

For a limited period, Pilbeam Opticians is giving away a free hat for every child who has an eye examination at the practice.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Aug 26.

The copy deadline is Aug 12.

STEPHANIE BRANSTON of Thurcaston will lead a team of volunteers travelling to Tanzania this month to give out over 1,500 footballs to some of the poorest children living in rural Africa.

Stephanie (35) will front The Great Football Giveaway team, made up of six local volunteers, as they travel throughout the region of Mbeya in South West Tanzania, over three weeks during July and August. The balls will be hand delivered to kids in schools and orphanages

Pic: Stephanie Branston

in some of the most remote areas of the country.

The Great Football Giveaway, a UK charity set up in 2006, has hand delivered close to 20,000 footballs and netballs direct to kids in some of the poorest, rural areas of Malawi, Uganda, Angola, Zambia, Rwanda and now Tanzania. The charity’s mission is to utilise the power of sport to help draw kids off the streets, into education, unite war-torn communities and to help to put smiles on kids’ faces by ensuring no child is denied the simple pleasure of kicking a ball about.

Stephanie, a former pupil of Loughborough High School, is working for The Great Football Giveaway charity, having been awarded one of the 2011 Vodafone World of Difference placements earlier this year. Winning one of the highly sought after World of Difference UK placements, from over 11,000 entries, was a catalyst for Stephanie to make some substantial changes to her own life. In March 2011, she left a highly successful career at one of London’s leading sponsorship agencies, Synergy, to work full-time for the charity and manage every element of the Tanzanian project including driving fundraising efforts to reach the group’s target of delivering over 1,500 balls.

Stephanie says: “The Great Football Giveaway has a very simple premise every tenner donated is converted into a

new football, pump out to Africa and start giving out all the & spare valves balls to help put smiles on kids’ faces which are then across Tanzania.” hand delivered to Paul Clarke, Founder of The Great the world's most Football Giveaway, said of the charity, disadvantaged chil- “The Great Football Giveaway is the simdren. For our plest of ideas. A football. A kid. A smile. project, every ball Beyond that, footballs are a hugely rewill go direct to kids in remote Mbeya; a sourceful tool; they help to increase rural region of Tanzania that is rarely school attendance, draw vulnerable kids visited by tourists. We have a great team off the street, and show how kids from of volunteers who are very excited about warring African villages can use football heading out in July with a truck full of to play together in peace. I hope the as many footballs as we can fill it with. I whole of Leicestershire get behind Steph have always admired both the great and her team for their project in Tanzawork and the simplicity of The Great nia this summer.”

Football Giveaway and have wanted to do Stephanie and The Great Football something positive to help the charity for Giveaway team will leave Leicestershire some time.” for Tanzania on Thursday July 21 and She added: “Having played a lot of will travel across the region of Mbeya sport all my life and having been very for three weeks. The aim is to give out privileged to work in the sports industry at least 1,500 footballs (and netballs) to for over a decade, I can truly appreciate kids during this time. If you would like the positive impact that sport has on to donate by buying a ball or balls for people, whatever their background or this project, the website is circumstances. I can’t wait for us to get www.justgiving.com/thegreatfootballgivea way2011

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10 THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011

Noticeboard all details printed free Table Top Sale & Coffee Morning at Birstall Methodist Church Wanlip Lane, Birstall Saturday August 6 10am-1pm Tables @ 10 each Contact 2100915/2672606 •••

Coffee Morning At Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane Every Tuesday morning, 10-11.30am come rain or shine Friendly atmosphere, everyone wel-

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come Tea & Coffee and biscuits or toasted tea cake Proceeds for the Methodist Church •••

Syston Town Juniors FC Female Football Players Wanted Syston Town are a friendly chartered standard club and are currently looking for new female U16 players for season 2011/2012 (current year 9 & year 10 girls) Managers/Coaches Managers/Coaches are CRB checked and hold minimum FA Level 1 qualification.

Some Coaches hold FA Level 2/3/UEFA-B. Youth Module 1 & 2 and Level 2 Goalkeeping qualifications The team trains Thursdays (6.308pm) at Wreake Valley Community College, Parkstone Road, Syston LE7 1LY For more details: Rich Gunn (Girls U16s & Girls Academy Coach) Mobile: 07884117116, www.systontownjuniorsfc.co.uk •••

Ever fancied having a go at Playing Bowls?

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

Come on down to Soar Valley Bowls Club on a Tuesday afternoon and have a go All you need are some flat shoes We can provide the bowls & tuition FREE membership for new bowlers for the first year For further details contact: Mrs Audrey Porter 0116 287 5748; Mr Richard Lakin 0116 230 3211 email: rplakin@btinternet.com We are located on Loughborough Road, Rothley Almost opposite Hill Top Garage through Kindergarten entrance

Sona Solicitors

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Charity Zumba night Class, games and refreshments All proceeds going to ADAPT a local charity supporting families with preterm and dependent babies Friday August 5, 7-9pm at Thurmaston Elizabeth Park Sport & Community Centre £5 on the door or £4 advance tickets from info@boogiebods.co.uk or Lyndsay at ADAPT 07847 264 382 ••• Leicester Host Lions Club

Summer Fair & Book Sale Sunday July 31 11am to 3pm In aid of Lions charities Paintings, Art sale, Tombola, Bric-abrac Plus other stalls & entertainments Set in the grounds of West Lawn, 34 the Ridgeway, Rothley Admission £2 at the gate (children under 14 £1) •••

Summer Drawing & Painting Course for Children Age 8-12 years Come & learn to paint with watercolours!

A dedicated, progressive course, run by local artist & tutor Sue Faulks (Fully CFB checked) suefaulksart.co.uk Monday – Friday August 1-5, from 10 to 12noon Brownie & Guide HQ, Johnson Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3AT Course Fee £40 (includes all materials & refreshments)

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Try a TRY4CHARITY no matter how slow give it a go in memory of Hannah Edwards Sunday September 4 South Charnwood Swimming Pool, Melton Road, Syston, Leicester LE7 1LY 400m swim : 20km bike : 5km run & Kids Aquathlon (Swim and Run) distances dependent on age All proceeds to: • Leicester Parents Group of Diabetes - 70% • Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (FOCC) East Leicestershire – 20% • Wreake Runners Juniors – 10% www.try-a-tri-4-charity.co.uk •••

Open Church St Leonard’s Church, Swithland LE12 8TJ Saturday July 9 & Sunday July 10 & Saturday August 13 & Sunday August 14 from 2-4.30pm Tea, cakes and books, donations in aid of Church Funds.

•••

Summer Fayre Swithland Mothers’ Union Branch, St Leonard’s Church, Swithland LE12 8TJ Saturday August 6 from 10am to 11.30am Entrance £1 inc coffee, sales table, cakes, books, tombola, plants & raffle etc. Please come and bring your friends Proceeds for Mothers’ Union (Charity No.250038) •••

Coffee Concert By the 663 Instrumental Ensemble and Friends on Saturday August 20, 10.30am to 12noon at St James Parish Church, Birstall Proceeds for Mercy Ships & Church Music Funds ••• The next in the series of

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Sincere gratitude must be extended to Councillor Richard Younie, Chairman and to Jane Dew, Booking and Temporary Parish Clerk, who both stepped in at short notice to do much urgent end of financial year business. They quickly learned the onerous duties concerning the cemetery. They and the Parish Councillors have dealt painstakingly with daily commitments in the parish, particularly during the past few months, while we await the appointment of a new Clerk to the Parish of Thurcaston and Cropston.

Diana Green

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Over the last forty plus years the 663 Ensemble has raised funds for many charities. However, the group is now quite small and we would welcome past members or other instrumentalists to join with us on August 20 when we are giving a Coffee Concert at St James Parish Church 10.30-12noon, proceeds for Mercy Ships and church music funds (the organ at Wanlip Church needs repairing).

If you are able to help please contact me on 0116 2673558.

Cynthia Coltman

•••

THE ROTHLEY POST JULY 2011 11

commencing at 7.30pm Admission £2 •••

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘Another Year’ Friday September 9 (129 mins)

Monday Club

AFTER SOME much needed rain received over the weekend, Monday May 9, dawned bright and sunny for our coach trip this year to Spalding.

Members wondered through the town centre and walked by the River Welland to Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens – some venturing onto the Water Taxi from yet another attractive hostelry ‘The Lincolnshire Poacher’, bound This British Comedy Drama about ordinary people starts Jim Broadbent and for Springfields, our afternoon venue In June our speaker was Penny Ruth Sheen as geologist and medical Hodgson who is a qualified librarian, counsellor. The story spans the four a Chartered Member of the Institute of seasons of the year on an allotment, Librarians and Information Professionshowing the comical life and reacals. Soon after qualifying she became tions between family and friends. the youngest Branch Librarian in A ROTHLEY Post reader was sat Surrey at the tender age of 21.

A few years later, not long after her down with the May issue admirmarriage in 1970, she applied for the ing the photo of Richard Sleath post of librarian at Royal Ascot and Senior in 1910, standing beside was delighted to be offered the posihis motorcycle, when the doorbell tion. Situated close to the world farang. mous racecourse it had the added John Hoskins of Thurcaston says: benefit of a huge flat upstairs at a “What a coincidence, it was Richard peppercorn rent.

Sleath of the 1951 vintage at the door, People were very generous and having just arrived on his 1927 AJS.” Pic: (top) Richard Sleath and, above, obviously appreciated their librarian, John took this photo with Richard adopt- his relative Richard Sleath in 1910 ‘Burke & Hare’ Friday October 14 (91 even sending postcards when they ing the same pose as Richard senior. mins) this is a true story set in 1820’s Edin- went on holiday and extending social OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING will be available at Birinvitations. So Penny met a number burgh. Starring Bill Bailey and Isla stall Village Hall on Thursday July 28 from 1-6pm.

Fisher, it is a black comedy about two of fascinating and famous faces durOne in two women over 50 will suffer from this dising her three years at Royal Ascot. grave robbers who find a lucrative ease and of those who suffer a hip fracture, one in five Our next Meeting will be our annubusiness providing cadavers for Edinwill die as a result. Preventative screening is not routineal Strawberry Cream Tea at ‘The burgh University Medical School but ly available on the NHS but you can now have a nonWheatsheaf’ in Thurcaston good events become quite complicated. invasive scan for the reduced cost of £22 (usually £30) Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council weather will be a happy bonus!

For further information and to make an appointment From The Monday Club: Anwill be showing these films at Thurplease call Healthcare on 0845 224 6784. stey, Thurcaston & Cropston caston Memorial Hall. Starting at

Motorcycling family

Heel scan

7.30pm, tickets cost £4.50 and concessions are £4. The price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office, 0116 2367626 or at the door ••• Have you any unwanted knitting wool?

Would you like to let us have it for our Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal We have ladies knitting hats and scarves to send out to the children at Christmas but are struggling for knitting wool.

If you have any could you please contact Daphne on 2675721 or 07971721927.

Thank you ••• Watermead Family Discovery Day Saturday August 13, 11am to 4pm

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12 THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011

Life on the farm Living & working at Brookfield AS YOU drive down Hallfields Lane in Rothley many people hardly notice the farm gate which leads to Brookfield Farm. There has been a farm on this site for many years, long before many of the houses which now make up the village of Rothley.

Today Bill and Sarah Wright live at Brookfield Farm on Hallfields Lane. In this and future issues of the Rothley Post, Sarah will be writing about life on the farm: Jack Wright, Bill’s Father, took over the tenancy of Brookfield Farm in 1955, and moved into the farmhouse with his wife Esmah and two young sons John and Bill. The farm could accommodate 12 milking cows, and Jack quickly adapted buildings to enable him to milk 18 cows.

Over the years the farm steadily grew, and while John pursued a career in teaching, Bill was determined to leave school at the earliest opportunity and work with his father. Bill’s interests lay in arable farming, and while Jack continued to expand the dairy herd, Bill endeavoured to rent more land to farm.

The original 100 acres which Jack rented now stands at 3,000 acres farmed by JN Wright and Son, in addition to various contract farming arrangements with other landowners.

The dairy herd also expanded until it reached a peak of 350 cows being milked twice a day, producing 3.5 million litres of milk per year. In addition to that the calves and young heifers brought the total number of animals to over 500. The twice a day milking and the care of the animals was a 365 day job, so Brookfield Farm was always a busy place.

Keeping the dairy herd became increasingly uneconomic, and with the ever increasing housing development close to the farm, the difficult decision was made three years ago to sell the Templar Herd. It was a sad and quiet

Pic: Bill & Sarah Wright

day when the last cow left the farm. We did, however, keep 20 of the last heifer calves to be born on the farm, and they have now grown and formed a small suckler herd.

I’m sure many Rothley people have missed seeing the cows grazing on the hill overlooking the village. However, as some of the buildings previously used by the dairy herd had become redundant, it was decided to run a small livery business. Now we have a few horses that can

All residents second wheelie CHARNWOOD RESIDENTS are to receive a second wheelie bin for recyclable waste.

The new wheelie bins will be in addition to the existing black bins and will be used for glass, plastic, aluminium, steel cans, mixed paper and cardboard.

The bins will replace the current purple sack and recycling boxes.

They will be rolled out across the Borough over a six week period from

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September 5.

The contract for transporting and sorting the 16,000 tonnes of mixed recyclable waste produced in the Borough each year has been awarded to Viridor.

Charnwood is paid for the recyclable waste it collects and when the agreement with its previous contractor expired, the

Council agreed a deal with Viridor that will generate an additional £2million of income over the next six years.

The waste will be processed at Viridor’s facility in Kent and will be used to create new products and packaging.

Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s cabinet member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said: “This new contract represents an excellent piece of business for both the Council and Viridor and means we can further boost our already excellent recycling service.

“The new wheelie bins will provide a more convenient and cost-effective service and will make recycling even easier for our residents.

“The additional income means we will be able to not only maintain but also enhance the frontline service we provide.

This really is great news for the Council and illustrates how we are working smartly to get value for money for taxpayers.”

The introduction of the new wheelie bins will not affect collection dates. The bins will be the standard 240 litre size.

Richard Hill’s Church of England School Charity The Trustees of the Charity invite those under age 25 years who are attending or have attended the Richard Hill School to apply for a Grant to assist with educational activities (including social and physical training) not otherwise provided by the Local Authority.

Applications should be made to the Clerk, Mrs. Ann Stringer, email rhillcharitytrustees@mypostoffice.co.uk or tel. 0116 234 0625 before the end of December for consideration during the month of January. Grants ranging from £100 to £1,000 will be awarded to applicants who meet the necessary criteria.

be seen in the fields instead of cows.

I run a small stud breeding the beautiful, tiny Falabella horses. These can sometimes be seen being exercised around the village.

In addition to family members the farm now employs six skilled agricultural workers.

In recent years the farm has taken on land and buildings at Colston Bassett and Saxelbye, but Brookfield farm is very much the hub of the business and where it all began.

Agriculture is renowned for having good years and bad years but we wouldn’t want to change our diverse, hectic and sometimes hilarious way of life. It would be a pleasure to share some of this with you in the future, and perhaps give an insight into what is happening at the farm.

Sarah Wright

Pilbeam Academy THE PILBEAM Academy of Dance is celebrating its 21st anniversary year.

Spokesman John Sambrook said: “To start off the year a highly successful and rewarding examination session took place at the Rothley Centre on Sunday May 22 in front of Mrs Christine Carrington, one of the senior examiners from Leicester.

“A total of 42 candidates were entered and were rewarded for their dedication and hard work with another 100% session, indeed all results were highly rated: four students gaining Special Commendations and 14 Commendations with the rest all gaining Honours.”

As further examination session took place on July 2 and a number of pupils graduated into the senior classes. There are now a few vacancies in the preparatory and junior classes for the autumn term which will commence on September 5.

Gunn’s cheque ROTHLEY METHODIST Church Ladies Circle presented Carl Gunns of Gunns’ Boxing Gym in Birstall with a cheque for £350.

Fundraising coffee mornings have also raised a further £300 for church funds.

THE ROTHLEY POST JULY 2011 13

History society OUR SPEAKER in April was Mick Rawle whose talk was entitled Enclosures and the Village Labourer.

On the big screen we were shown a map an area of Leicestershire which showed the strip farming of the villagers.

I feel sure that some of us in the audience were completely unaware of just how poor were the working man and his family.

In May we welcomed back Tim Upson-Smith, who had visited us four years ago when he and 20 of his colleagues were excavating the Grange site.

This time Tim had come to tell us more about the bones they had found on the site. These were all of the middle Saxon period, cemeteries of this period are rare, so it is good that the Rothley findings were able to help the archaeologists.

Some of the bones were sent to Florida for carbon dating, the result being that the earliest was 630 A.D. and the latest was 900 A.D. The burial site was close to the current church yard, and next to the later Roman site, but it was surprising that it appeared the bones were found only 12" below the surface.

This evidently was due to the fact that the garden of The Grange had been landscaped some time in the past. Close by were the bones of animals, presumably a pet cemetery! On two of the photographs we could see pipes of the 1950's, so whoever laid the pipes must have been aware of the bones and shovelled them up and threw them out of the way.

Of the 149 burials, there were 83 adults, 29 males, 13 females, and 24 children who were classed as being under the age of 18, including one 9 year old child. No babies were found, evidently that is because their bones would have disintegrated over the course of many years. Some of the skeletons could be sexed and others couldn't. A surprising fact was that the Saxons were not much shorter than we are today.

The average male was 5' 9" and the average female was 5' 2".

Why were there so many Saxon bones in Rothley? During the Saxon period there were many small chapels where burials were not carried out, therefore it is possible that Rothley was a Minster Church, and the dead from elsewhere were transported to Rothley to be buried.

Questions were asked as to why there was so little about the Roman period.

Roman post pits were found but not enough to decide what was the size of a dwelling. Quite possibly there could be more, but on land that has not been built on; a possibility should the land require planning permission in the future. However, there is compelling evidence that there was some dwelling, possibly an important villa, as there was a large number of Roman roof slates and floor tiles, but there is no conclusive evidence. We all hoped that we had an important Roman villa in our village.

On Sunday June 5, the committee and members of Rothley History Society joined forces with the four members of the The Rothley Heritage Trust to hold an Afternoon of Tea and Cakes in the

Garden of Sue and Peter Joyce to raise funds for the Templar Effigy Fund; to provide a suitable home for the only piece of Templar archaeological evidence in Rothley. This is to be a wood and glass case to preserve and show the effigy. The afternoon was sunny and warm and to our great delight we raised the grand sum of over £600. Some day soon everyone will be able to view our Rothley Templar Knight.

For our final talk this summer we were delightfully entertained by Margaret Hutton who came to tell us about her Life As A Tiller Girl.

What a lovely, happy, light-hearted talk with which to end our summer programme!

We meet again on September 21 when our speaker will be Diana Courtney talking about that "much maligned and controversial King" – Richard III. October 19 takes us to the Cities on the Silk Route with our speaker Janet Courtney.

As usual we meet at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. The doors are open from 7pm and the talk begins at 7.30pm. We look forward to seeing you.

Noreen Wilson, Rothley History Society

Salon’s gold standard

New leader appointed DAVID SLATER is the new leader of Charnwood Borough Council.

The Conservative Group appointed its new leader at a special meeting on Monday, May 9, 2011. Cllr Stephen Hampson was elected as the group’s Deputy Leader.

Mr Slater, 62, was officially elected at the Annual Council meeting on May 16, 2011. He replaces Mike Preston who had to step down due to ill health after leading the group for two years.

Mr Slater, who represents the Quorn & Mountsorrel Castle ward, has been a Borough Councillor for 10 years and was the Council’s cabinet member for Housing for two years and Planning and Development for two years. Before retiring to focus on his work as a councillor, he worked in management, marketing and business economics.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to be elected leader by my group and hope to build on the already sterling achievements we have made over the last four years in office which have been endorsed by the electorate.

“My foremost wish would have been that there didn’t need to be a leadership election as I hoped Mike Preston’s health would have enabled him to continue. But because he stepped down I decided that I would offer myself to the group and they were pleased to accept

Three stylists at Shapes Hairdressing on Birstall Road, owner Clare Halford, Jonboy Palmer and Louis Pole, received the gold standard from PHAB (Performance in Hair and Beauty).

The PHAB Standard was launched to encourage stylists, barbers, colourists, therapists and nail technicians to develop their customer care skills and focus on listening to and answering client needs.

Shapes’ customer Ms Donaghy said: “The team’s knowledge and skills are second to none. I believe this is because of the ongoing training that they receive within the salon. The team seem to be constantly up to date on new trends which they pass onto their customers.”

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me. One of the good things we have got going is that we were the administration last year so we are starting today to continue with the work already in progress.”

Mr Slater is married with two children and lives in Woodhouse.

The Labour group leader, Cllr Max Hunt, has stood down and been replaced by Cllr Jewel Miah

A BIRSTALL salon is the first in Leicester to receive a PHAB Gold Standard, regarded as the Michelin stars of hairdressing.

Ian Roe

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Pic: David Slater

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14 THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011

Gardening club MEMBERS OF Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club won’t be gazing out to sea on their holidays this year.

If they follow Eric Webster’s advice, what you pay for and recommended that they will be exploring the coastline to you buy the best you can afford. The seek out the many different plants and pests of fuchsias are mainly vine weevil flowers growing there. Eric used his and red spider mite (mainly when extensive collection of slides and photogrown indoors). Malcolm’s talk ranged graphs to show members at their April from taking cuttings and potting on – meeting how flowers and plants adapt to with good practical demonstrations – to the salty windy exposed conditions. watering and feeding.

Many familiar plants from The very good thing our gardens and hedgerows, about this talk is that so grow on the coast but in a many of the practical tips much smaller form growing about fuchsias could be close to the ground, flowerapplied to many plants and ing between one and three club members learned a lot inches high. Sea Holly, sea from the talk, demonstraspurge, sea pea, sea poppy, tion and questions. all appear in this way. Plants Summer is here and the have a major role in stabilisgardening club now moves ing the coast line, making outdoors for the next two sure that sandy beaches and meetings. dunes hold fast and slow Wednesday July 13 – down erosion. Eric described four areas evening visit to Kilworth Nursery, The of coastline: shingle; cliffs; sand and salt Belt, South Kilworth 7pm marsh, each one having its own distincSaturday September 3 – Annual Show tive plants and flowers. His slides, depict- – all welcome ing some of Britain’s most well known Contact Dave Haddon on 0116 235 and beautiful coastlines in Cornwall, the 9758 for more details or just come South Coast and Yorkshire opened our along to a meeting. eyes to a view of the seaside we hadn’t Join our friendly group, we meet considered before. monthly in Thurcaston Memorial Hall.

The May meeting of the club was all Visitors are most welcome (£3 per about fuchsias with Malcolm Beerman. visit) as are new members (£12 per Fuchsias grow in the wild in a wide annum, pro rata if you join mid year) – range of countries and in very different whether as an experienced gardener or conditions and are mostly tough plants. a beginner.

There are 1000s of variety of fuchsias but they all shrubs and can be treated as shrubs.

Malcolm’s passion is for showing P/11/1400/2: 969 Loughborough Road, Rothley, fuchsias and he has had many successes proposed two storey side extension, single stoat shows all over the country. rey rear extension and replacement front porch Malcolm took us through the process P/11/1197/2: 29 The Rise, Rothley, replacement of detached garage of producing good fuchsias. He started P/11/1329/2: Holly Lodge, 60 The Ridgeway, with compost – suggesting that you get

Rotary’s new presidents THE ROTARY Club of the Soar Valley has two new presidents.

Alastair Wood and Carla John were enrolled at a meeting held at the Rothley Court Hotel in June.

Outgoing presidents Norman Ellis and Alison Porter said they had enjoyed their year leading their clubs and believed the focus on fun and fellowship had enabled another very successful year. Local charities supported included LOROS and Rainbows, with help for the first time to the Peter le Marchant Trust and the Sorrel Youth Café.

Incoming Presidents, Alastair and Carla, said they would build on the successes of the last year and that they were looking forward to their 12 months in the limelight.

Pic: Norman Ellis and Alison Porter (left) handed over their presidential roles for Soar Valley Rotary and Inner Wheel to Carla John and Alastair Wood (right)

Planning applications erection of single storey extension to the rear of the property P/11/1334/2: 88 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, erection of detached garage P/11/1299/2: 39 Woodgate, Rothley, formation of hardstanding to front of dwelling P/11/1297/2: 17 Breech Hedge, Rothley, erection of single storey extension to front of dwelling, single storey extension to side of dwelling to convert part of garage to office. Alterations to boundary wall.

P/11/1108/2: Rothley Park Kindergarten, Loughborough Road, Rothley, conversion of an existing detached bungalow into day nursery with new porch to the entrance P/11/1176/2: 90 Swithland Lane, Rothley, retention of triple garage with garden store to rear of dwelling P/11/1247/2: 53 Swithland Lane, Rothley, reduction and removal of branches to one cedar tree P/11/1088/2: Land adjacent 8 Whatton Oaks, Rothley, erection of detached dwelling P/11/1012/2: 8 Church Street, Rothley, erection of boundary wall l.8m high and single storey extension to the rear of dwelling following demolition P/11/1144/2: Southview, 10 Westfield Lane, Rothley, installation of roof windows P/11/0990/2: 43 Hallfields Lane, Rothley, erection of dormer extension and installation of two roof lights to side of dwelling P/11/1025/2: West Lawn, The Ridgeway, Rothley, removal of one conifer tree P/11/0993/2: 8 Brown Hill Crescent, Rothley, works to various trees to front of boundary P/11/0985/2: 53 Swithland Lane, Rothley, reduction and removal of branches to one beech tree P/11/1344/2: 34 Latimer Road, Cropston, erection of single storey extension to rear with pitched roof P/11/1076/2: 51 Station Road, Cropston, retention of use of former ancillary accommodation as an independently occupied two bedroom bungalow P/11/1077/2: 82 Station Road, Cropston, erection of single storey ground floor extension and first floor extension to rear of dwelling P/11/1018/2: 8 Station Road, Cropston, fell one crab apple tree

Wild walks THE LOROS Annual Walk on the Wildside has been organised for Sunday September 18 in association with Severn Trent.

Two walks are planned for participants to stroll around and raise essential funds for the Charity to continue their work throughout Leicestershire and Rutland.

Both courses start and finish at Severn Trent Visitor Centre, Cropston.

The 12 mile circular walk will begin at 9.30am with walkers passing through Bradgate Park, Swithland Wood and Swithland village. The shorter 6 mile walk starts at 10.30am following a route around Bradgate Park before returning to Cropston.

More than 700 walkers are expected to take part. Each year LOROS Hospice provides care to more than 2,500 patients with terminal illnesses and helps improve the quality of life of individual patients by caring for their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. In addition, support for patients’ families and friends is provided.

With services and care provided free of charge, over £4million needs to be raised annually through fundraising and voluntary donations in order to continue these vital services.

If you haven’t already contacted LOROS for your sponsorship pack, you may turn up on the day and pay a donation to LOROS to enter the walk or visit the LOROS website www.loros.co.uk/fundraising. To register free for the Walk on the Wildside event please either call fundraising on 0116 2318431 or check out the LOROS website for a printable registration form.

Individuals are rewarded with a medal to treasure on completion of the walk and once all sponsorship money has been donated a certificate recognising the walker’s achievement will be issued. During the walk, a goody bag will be handed out to participants which includes a thirst quenching bottle of Swithland water, a banana and a high energy Mars Bar. There will be a BBQ on the day with food available, face painting, lively warm up sessions, special guests, stalls, cheerleaders and much much more!

THE ROTHLEY POST JULY 2011 15

Park’s Centre nears completion chainsaw sculptures A ‘TOPPING OUT’ ceremony has taken place to celebrate the construction of the £4.8million Palmer-Tomkinson Centre on the site of Longslade Community College.

A PROFESSIONAL sculptor is using a chainsaw to create large scale wooden sculptures in Beacon Hill Country Park.

Nottingham based sculptor Peter Leadbeater began creating his artwork in June and some of the wood he is using will be sourced from trees that have died naturally within the country park.

Members of the public will be able to watch as over time each piece takes shape and is carved into its unique style.

With the last beam now in place and the roof complete, the building is fully watertight and on course to be ready for both Post 16 and community use this summer. Local landowner, Charles Palmer-Tomkinson donated £1million towards the multi-purpose centre and was in attendance for the event.

The ceremony, on May 19, provided the first opportunity to tour the facility.

The event was also attended by Conservative MP for Charnwood, Stephen Dorrell, representatives from the County and District Council, and teachers from Longslade’s Performing Arts department.

Centred around a large multi-purpose hall, with galleries along three sides, the building includes a large foyer/common room, drama studio, study studio, technology and media facilities. Performing Arts work areas, with a green room behind the stage area will enable all types of performances and events to take place in a professional environment.

Liz Hall, headteacher from Longslade Community College added: “This is a marvellous and exciting project which will provide fantastic facilities for our community and the College. We are very grateful to

Pic: an example of Peter’s work

Peter is working with Leicestershire County Council to make a number of different sculptures that will be permanently displayed at Beacon Hill for visitors to enjoy. They will be themed around the parks environment and wildlife and are expected to be completed next spring.

Byron Rhodes, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Country Parks said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to watch in real time as these fascinating sculptures come to life and recreate the history, wildlife and nature at Beacon Hill. We are fortunate enough to be able to obtain these sculptures and to display them within the beautiful surroundings of the country park. Beacon Hill has always been a popular destination for visitors and these new sculptures will add to the vast range of things for people to see and do whilst at the park.”

Artist Peter Leadbeater said: “I feel very lucky to be able to draw inspiration for my work from such a diverse, interesting and stunning location and I am looking forward to getting started on making a contribution for visitors to enjoy.”

For more details about the work of Peter Leadbeater go to: www.peterleadbeater.com

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Pic: (l-r) Longslade Principal Liz Hall and Ed Reynolds from Wilmott Dixon watch Charles Palmer Tomkinson nail some cladding to the building that will bear his name

Charles PalmerTomkinson for his generous donation and to the YPLA for their support for this new building.”

Willmott Dixon Operations Director Ed Reynolds said: “We are honoured to be involved with a project which will no doubt alter the lives of not just the students who learn here, but the community as a whole. This topping out ceremony is a very special occasion for all concerned and we are sure that by continuing to build our relationships

Pics: The main auditorium (left) & the lobby

with the college and the local residents, there will be many more celebrations to come.”

The project, which coincides with the College’s 50th anniversary year, started in September 2010 and will have taken 42 weeks to complete.

16 THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2011

Gift from Rotarians WHEN THE local branch of Breakthrough Breast Cancer organised a sponsored walk around Watermead Country Park earlier this spring, several members of the Rotary Club of the Soar Valley stepped forward to help and had an enjoyable morning helping to raise funds.

At the club’s May meeting at the Rothley Court Hotel Gillian Carter, Vice Chairman of the North Leicestershire branch of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, explained the valuable work that her charity was funding and the significant

Baldwin boat trips THE AWARD winning Baldwin Trust offers day trips aboard two disabled-friendly narrowboats.

One is based at Thurmaston and one in Quorn and are available for hire for trips from three to seven hours. Charges start at £80 for up to four hours and £15 for each extra hour.

Each boat is wheelchair accessible, with hydraulic lifts, disabled toilets and a fully equipped galley. Hire charges include the services of a skipper and two crew.

A spokeswoman said: “If you have a family member with a special birthday of a ‘certain age’ coming up why not organise a trip with us? We can always stop at a riverside pub if you wish or maybe you might like to bring a picnic!”

For details call 0845 603 3695 or go to www.baldwintrust.org.uk

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Pic: Gillian Carter Breakthrough Breast Cancer receives a cheque for £216 from Soar Valley President Norman Ellis

progress that was being made in understanding the causes of the disease and improving treatment.

She also talked about the need for continuing fundraising and was promised Rotary help to deliver eight sacks of bras that will be used later this year as part of an attempt to break the world record for the longest line of connected bras ever assembled.

After her informative and entertaing talk she was presented with a cheque for £216 by Rotary President Norman Ellis as the proceeds from the Rotary efforts at Watermead Country Park.

Victim site LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE have launched a new website aimed at victims of crime.

The ‘Supporting Victims & Witnesses’ website is a one stop shop for victims and witnesses for information about support available and the process of being a witness. www.leics.police.uk/support

Park and ride opens this month THE NEW Birstall Park and Ride will open on July 18.

Services will run from Birstall to Leicester at least every 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday, with the first bus departing at 7am.

The standard fare will be £3 to the city centre but discounts will be available for off peak group travel.

For instance, five people travelling together off-peak, the fare will be 70p each.

Older people with a bus pass will be able to travel free from 9.30am to 11pm Mon-Fri and all day at the weekends and on Bank Holidays.

The £5.5million scheme is a joint

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project of the city and county council and funded by developers Jelson and the government’s Home and Communities Agency.

The terminus building on site will use ground source heat technology to heat the building.

Alistair Reid, strategic director for development, culture and regeneration at Leicester City Council, said: “The new park and ride will really make an impact on reducing congestion and pollution. Not only will it cut down on carbon emissions, it will turn ground heat into energy to generate power for the terminus.

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Methodist church anniversary

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THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson

ROTHLEY METHODIST Church is 188 years old and celebrated its anniversary with a special service on April 10.

The service was given by Mrs Joyce Hearn whose late husband Rev Ken Hearn was the minister in the late 1980s.

The congregation celebrated after the service with tea and cake and a gift from Mrs Joyce Hearn and Mrs Iona Chester.

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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

on the landscape’. One source said: This demonstrates our ongoing commit“Who is going to use it? At £3 a ticket, ment to making us a low carbon city.” there’s no incentive to go by bus rather Mark Davies of the Homes and Comthan car and even if bus travel was free munities Agency, said: “The project will for all, it wouldn’t make much differhelp to relieve congestion whilst also ence. It’s just another box ticking exerproviding a sustainable transport option for residents at the new housing develop- cise – build a housing development and stick a park and ride next to it to satisfy ment adjacent, in which we have also the planners.” invested.”

For more details of the service call The facility will be linked to the End0116 3050001 or visit erby park and ride and 1400 users a www.leics.gov.uk/leicester_park_ride day will be needed to pay for itself. The Pic: Pictured at the opening of the new terminal Council had hoped to reach this target building are (l-r) Jeff Miller, Lesley Pendleton, by 2016 but now says this is unlikely.

Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet member Some residents fear the scheme will for Environment and Transport, Ian Drummond, become a white elephant and is a ‘blot Assistant Director for Transportation and Rick Green, contracting director for Tarmac.

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