Rothley Post (91) November 2011

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

NOV/DEC 2011

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 91

45 homes planned PLANS TO build 45 homes on the edge of Rothley will put unsustainable pressure on local schools and facilities, says Rothley Parish Council.

Continued on page 6

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Rothley wine wins award A LOCAL couple who have a vineyard at the bottom of their garden have won an award for their wine.

Liz and Matthew Robson of Westfield Lane have been making wine as a hobby for the past three years, growing Orion, Siegerebbe and Solaris grapes.

The Mercian Vineyards Association awarded them a bronze medal for their medium dry wine and a highly commended for their dry white.

Liz Robson said: “We only entered the wine into the competition to get the feedback, because all wines are assessed by three Masters of Wine. When the results were given out and we heard we had a highly commended for the dry white we were astonished and when we heard 'Bronze Medal’ in the medium dry category I nearly fell off my chair.”

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The couple make the wine in their kitchen and last October press-ganged helpers from Forge End, who trod the grapes in the traditional manner.

Last year the ‘Kingfsher’s Pool Vineyard’ produced 36 bottles from the first harvest and this year 18 bottles, due to the May frosts.

Liz said: “We have had a number of setbacks in particular hormonal weedkiller drifting over in 2009 and then May frosts in 2010 and 2011 which killed off most of the growing shoots.

“2010 was our first small harvest and also our fist attempt at making wine because the crop was too small to send Continued on page 14

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011

THE ROTHLEY POST

Brookfield Farm: developers appeal

Battle of Britain day service Church of England primary school. They listened intently, stood quietly during the one minute’s silence, and were genuinely attentive during the RAF officer’s explanation of the battle back in 1941, which was a new subject to most of them. One lady in the crowd was from France and she was effusive in her praise of the British in standing firm at that time. Her comments were greatly appreciated.”

THE DECISION to refuse permission to build 170 homes off Hallfields Lane, Rothley is being appealed by the developers.

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ROTHLEY REMEMBERED the ‘Few’ at a parade and service to mark Battle of Britain Day. Organised by Rothley and District Royal British Legion and held at the War Memorial on Cross Green, the event was attended by cadets from Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College.

The Standards of the Royal British Legion Rothley and Mountsorrel branches were there to flank the flag pole dur-

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ing the flag raising ceremony and Bob Hendry of Rothley and Keith Hassel of Mountsorrel were the Standard Bearers.

After the parade and the flag raising ceremony the Reverend Rob Gladstone of Rothley Parish Church asked Mrs Meg Hendry, Chairman of the Rothley RBL branch to recite Homage and this was followed by one minute’s silence in memory of the fallen. Flight Lieutenant Trudy Askew then recited a eulogy to the battle in which she explained the dramatic series of events which ultimately ended in victory for the RAF ‘Few’. Prayers followed to conclude the event after which all were invited to take refreshments at the Rothley Centre.

Norman Pratt, spokesman for Rothley & District RBL, said: “The event, which was attended by many villagers, was greatly enhanced by the attendance of some 150 pupils from the local Rothley

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Builders Charles Church and Rothley Temple Estates want to demolish Brookfield Farm and build on the 6.9 hectare site. The new dwellings would be located next to the 149 homes built off Loughborough road.

Charnwood Borough Council refused permission in April 2011 because the site is an area of open countryside, it will be detrimental to the Rothley Conservation Area and local schools and infrastructure have insufficient capacity.

The original application attracted 750 letters of objection and action group Keep Rothley Rural campaigned against the plans.

In its appeal documents, the developers say: “…there is an overriding need for additional housing in the Borough to enable the Council to provide its five year supply. It is considered that this carefully designed scheme would not adversely affect the character of the area and that the lack of a five year housing allocation justifies development in this location.

“Rothley has been identified by the Council as a sustainable location for development in its emerging Core Strategy with sufficient services, facilities and infra structure to accommodate further growth.

The application therefore, is not contrary to either local or national planning policy.

“Detailed landscape and design work was undertaken as part of the application process to ensure that the proposed development was of a high standard to both reflect the character of the area and to respect the nearby Rothley Conservation Area. As a consequence, it is not considered that the proposed development if permitted, would fail to preserve and enhance the setting of the Conservation area and it would not be contrary to local and national planning policies.”

It is expected that a Planning Inspector will consider the appeal at a hearing at Charnwood Borough Council, although the developers have requested a full public enquiry.

Details of the planning application P/10/1886/2 can be viewed on Charnwood’s website

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NOV 2011

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Church was held on September 19.

It was reported that the decision to refuse planning permission for 170 homes on the site of Brookfield Farm had been appealed by the developers.

A local resident commented on the amount of roadside weeds and it

was agreed to report this to the County Council.

It was agreed to spend up to £60 on red tulip bulbs for Cross Green.

It was agreed to remove vandalised play equipment at the rear of Rothley library.

The Parish Council has received

a complaint from a resident who was asked to park at the back of the Rothley Centre car park.

The complainant had pointed out that a car was parked in the front of the car park at all hours.

This car belongs to the tenant of the flat above the Rothley Centre and is allowed to park there.

It was agreed to spend £4089 on the Christmas lights.

It was reported that Greene King, the owners of the Rothley Court Hotel, had put in place a schedule of works and inspection for the Templar Chapel.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on October 17.

It was agreed to donate around £200 for the provision of a water source and gardening equipment for Babington Court.

It was agreed to utilise the services of planning consultant Mr Will Antill in furthering the joint interests of Rothley and Mountsorrel Parish Councils in both neighbourhood planning matters and also any appeal against the Brookfield farm application. It was agreed to allocate £2500 towards the costs of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan.

The replacement of vandalised play equipment will cost £2500, with partial reimbursement from the insurers and the persons responsible for the damage.

The council is investigating the provision of outdoor gym equipment at the Town Green Street playing field.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on June 16.

PC Steve Rhodes reported that Quorn Police Station will close at the end of June. The permanent Police base for the neighbourhood beat team will be in the Rothley Centre. Bicycles will be used by PC Rhodes and PCSO Ritchie to cover 30 square miles.

Speed checks have been carried out on Leicester Road and Station Road.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on August 18 (there was no meeting in July).

Mr Janusz Jankowski was co-opted to fill a vacancy on the council.

PCSO Ritchie reported that the new Police base in Rothley was working well enabling a greater Police presence on foot and on bike

patrols around the villages.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on September 15.

Parishioners present reported that several vehicles were parking along the pavement along Leicester Road, Thurcaston and that weeds were a problem along Station Road, Cropston and Leicester Road, Cropston.

It was reported that the County Council are responsible for the condition of Sandham Bridge and that an inspection is imminent.

It was agreed to erect a 15 foot Christmas tree outside the Memorial Hall in November at a cost not exceeding £300.

Investing in patient care PILBEAM OPTICIANS goes 3D! Pilbeam Opticians has recently invested in the latest high tech consulting room equipment for their Practice in Mountsorrel.

Pic: Optician Jonathan Pilbeam

The equipment includes Test Chart Xpert 3D which allows fine tuning of a patients vision. Jonathan Pilbeam, Managing Director, explains: “With the ever increasing demands placed on vision in today’s electronic society, our eyes need to be fine tuned to gain the maximum benefit from the devices that we use every day. This may be our mobile phone screens, computer screens and even the latest 3D technology used in cinema, television and now even on mobile phones. Test Chart Xpert 3D has the potential to fine tune a patients vision for optimum performance and we are very excited about incorporating the technology in our assessment of our patient’s vision”.

Pilbeam Opticians has also invested in equipment that will enable images of the front of patient’s eyes to be stored for monitoring of eye health. Jonathan said: “This is particularly important in contact lens wear where maintaining eye health is our highest priority”.

Plans withdrawn A PLANNING application to build a two storey, four classroom block at Rothley school has been withdrawn.

THE ROTHLEY POST

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NOV 2011

Policeman retires AFTER 30 years with the Police, Rothley’s Beat Officer PC Steve Rhodes will be retiring in December.

Pic: PC Steve Rhodes in a Victorian uniform at a village heritage event in 2009

Supermarket plans for library HQ PLANS FOR a convenience store at the site of the old library bookstore on Loughborough Road have been submitted to Charnwood Borough Council.

The applicant is ‘The Charnwood Trust’ and the application states: “the shop will provide local employment and provide sustainably located top up shopping facilities for a local and

rapidly growing residential population in a location that does not currently have these facilities.”

The applicant states only minor physical works are required for the change of use to a shop – new entrance doors and an ATM unit, with air conditioning and refrigeration equipment at the rear.

The shop would be a SPAR convenience store. At the time of going to

press the application was deemed to be invalid as the plans submitted did not contain the required details.

Details of the application, P/11/2054/2, can be viewed at Charnwood Borough Council’s website.

A separate plan to build 14 homes at the rear of the site were also ruled to be invalid by Charnwood Borough Council in August.

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OFFICERS FROM Charnwood local policing unit are appealing for public help after a burglary at the home of an elderly man in Thurcaston.

The incident took place at about 10.20pm on Thursday September 8 in the Leicester Road area of Thurcaston. Three men entered the home of the 60-year-old victim whilst he was in the lounge watching the TV. The men claimed that they were from Neighbourhood Watch and wanted to check the house. The men then searched the property and stole a small quantity of cash. The victim was not hurt during the incident.

All the suspects were white. One of them was in his mid 20s, 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a dark woolly hat and dark clothing. The second suspect was slightly older than the first suspect and taller, it is believed he was wearing a hat and dark clothing. The third suspect was about 5ft 10ins tall and also wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Kim Potter is investigating the incident, she said: “This was a shocking incident for the elderly victim in his home, the people responsible had no regard for the effect their actions would have on him. We would urge anyone who was in the Leicester Road area on the evening of September 8, close to the junction with the A46, to contact us if they remember seeing anyone acting suspiciously or they were visited by someone in similar circumstances. Any information about the incident or the suspects, no matter how insignificant it may seem could help us move this investigation on. Any calls received will be treated in confidence.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4269 Kim Potter on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4269. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

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Thurcaston home burgled & cash stolen

For the last seven years Steve has been the Community Beat Officer for Rothley, Thurcaston, Cropston, Swithland and Newtown Linford.

PC Rhodes said: “I have enjoyed policing the villages and getting involved in as many groups and activities as possible. I would like to thank everyone who supported me and assisted me in any way.

“The last six months working from the Rothley Centre has worked very well and I will miss most of the people I have spoken with over the years.”

Percy Hartshorn, Chairman of Rothley Parish Council said: “Steve has always been very helpful, if we tell him about problems he gets something done. Since he’s been working from the Rothley Centre its been very good, we’ve been getting good Police cover.”

For Rothley NHW Marion Vincent said: “Steve has been a great supporter of the Rothley and Swithland Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, encouraging residents to get involved and promoting it at every Beat Surgery in the village. He has set the standard for Neighbourhood Policing in Rothley and Swithland and will be a hard act to follow. Thank you Steve from all in Neighbourhood Watch.”

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011

Continued from page 1 Developers John Willcox Land Ltd want to build 45 homes and create a public open space at Linkfield Farm, between Hill Top Garage and Rowe Leys Furlong.

The derelict farmhouse will be demolished, an access lane created with predominantly two storey dwellings built with detached houses in the north of the site and semi-detached and terraced properties on the lane.

30 per cent of the dwellings will be ‘affordable properties’.

Once demolished the Linkfield Farmhouse site will be a small group of dwellings served by a private drive.

Chairman of Rothley Parish Council Percy Hartshorn said: “Rothley is unable to cope with the additional pupils from further housing as Rothley school is nearly full, as are the doctors.”

The Section 106 developer contributions associated with the planning application are £194,912 for local schools, £2450 for library facilities and the provision of a new bus stop.

Details of the application, P/11/2150/2, can be viewed on Charnwood Borough Council’s website.

Charity climb A ROTHLEY teenager had to postpone her charity climb of Mt Kilimanjaro due to illness but will be leading a climb to the summit in 2012.

Mystery carnival queen ROTHLEY’S HERITAGE warden Marion Vincent has sent us this photo.

She said: “I am trying to identify the Royal British Legion Carnival Queen of 1948.

It may be that she comes from Thurcaston or Cropston. This was the Baby Show at the carnival and I have no names for the young ones.”

Contact Marion on 0116 2375156 or vincent.mbe82@yahoo.co.uk Pic: (l-r) Bernice Wilkinson, Margaret Seal, Joan Baker, unknown Carnival Queen, Margaret Hartshorne, Thelma Waterfield and Mary Chester.

School’s Christmas fair THE WHOLE community is invited to attend the annual Christmas Fair at Richard Hill School, Thurcaston.

Held on Saturday November 26 from 1.30-4pm, visitors can meet Santa in his grotto, play games and dive into a lucky dip. And for the adults, take a chance on a raffle, enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee and home-made cakes.

Linda Bennett, co chair of the Parent Teacher Associ-

ation at Richard Hill School and Christmas Fair organiser, said: “To date the response we’ve had to our Christmas Fair has been amazing, and we are predicting it is going to be very busy as there are lots of exciting activities planned. With more stalls selling a range of fun and unique gifts, books, Body Shop, toys and jewellery – plus much more – why not come along and get those extra special Christmas presents.”

The PTA aim to raise funds to purchase an outdoor classroom which will allow chil-

dren the benefit of the connection to the outside and environment, no doubt improving their learning and being a great deal of fun!

Linda added: “Throughout the afternoon you will be able to browse stalls, join in with games and enjoy your fist mince pie of the season – at the same time as supporting your local traders, the local school and the children who attend. We welcome the whole village and community to the school for our festivities!”

Holly Whittaker (19) and a team of fellow students from Aberystwyth University were set to scale Africa’s highest mountain this year, until she came down with glandular fever.

But Holly has exceeded her fundraising target and raised £3000 for Childreach International. An event in June, an Evening with Elvis featuring local tribute singer Darren Turner, helped Holly reach her total.

Green business A CROPSTON bed & breakfast has been awarded the highest tourism accolade for running a ‘Green’ business.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme visited Horseshoe Cottage Farm and awarded it Gold status for being sustainable in every area of the business.

Sustainable Tourism is about reducing energy and water consumption, increasing recycling and using produce that is grown close to home, reducing food miles. This not only helps to protect the environment, but also gives the guests healthier food that has been produced locally and supports other local businesses. Electricity bills have been cut by 18% by installing solar panels and energy-saving light bulbs.

Part of the Wolsey Lodge group of luxury B&Bs the 5 star business is seeing an increase in visitors, despite the recession. “We are delighted to have been awarded this Gold Award” says Linda Jee, who runs the business with her husband Tim. “It reinforces our belief that we are providing a special service and venue for our guests but with a green ethos. We always try to give that little bit extra in terms of service, ambience and food but being awarded Gold proves to us that our efforts are noticed”.

The Jees have run Horseshoe Cottage Farm, near Bradgate Park, as a luxury B&B for the past nine years and it is the only Visit Britain 5* Gold accredited B&B in Leicestershire. www.horseshoecottagefarm.com

THE ROTHLEY POST

Soar Valley Artists’ exhibition 300 VISITORS enjoyed an exhibition of paintings staged by the Soar Valley Artists at the Rothley Centre in October.

99 paintings were on show at the Society’s ninth annual exhibition. The Society’s 30 members also have paintings displayed at Glenfield Hospital and exhibit each year at the Cossington Open Gardens event.

Pic: Demonstrator Bob McLuckie

Pic: War Memorial, Cossington Village. Bernadette Loughran

Pic: Anton & Erin. Grahame Robinson Pic: Cottage Farm Garden, Norfolk.

Carol Ann Sewell

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Event for the ‘33’ WITH AN hour or so of song, story and music, Rothley Parish church is presenting a special one-off event to mark Remembrance Day.

Pic: Onion 17. Derek Walsom

Pic: a painting by Eric Phillips

NOV 2011

The event is special because the date 11/11/11 is 90 years after a grand new organ was installed in the church as a permanent memorial to the 33 Rothley men who died in the Great War. The names of the 33 casualties are lovingly painted into a red and gold triptych in the North Aisle chapel next to the organ.

The evening will feature organ pieces, vocal items by the choir and the audience, other virtuoso musical performances, all interspersed with illustrated stories from a representative selection of the 33 casualties. Admission is free. At the close refreshments will be offered, and everyone will be encouraged to give generously to the Poppy Appeal of the British Legion.

‘Remember the 33’ is on Friday November 11 at 7.30pm. For more information call Terry Sheppard on 0116 2302931.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011

Bronze Age hoard saved A SPECIAL viewing of rare, Bronze Age axe finds was held before an invited audience at Rothley Centre in October.

The event, organised jointly by Rothley Heritage Trust and Leicestershire County Council, was arranged for all those organisations and individuals who had made a donation towards the purchase of the axes through the County’s Museum Service.

The audience was able to view and discuss the axes at first hand with Dr Richard Pollard, Curator of Archaeology at Leicestershire Heritage Services. After the viewing session he gave a talk on the Bronze Age, its technology and the various scenarios that might have led to the hoard of axes being buried in the Rothley area around 1000 BC. The find, from Rothley Plain, was made by a local metal detectorist who acted properly in reporting the discovery to the Leicestershire Museums Finds Officer. Subsequently they were passed to the British Museum where they were declared to be treasure and given a valuation.

Brian Verity, Chairman of Rothley Heritage Trust, closed the evening with thanks not only to Dr Pollard and his colleagues but also to all those who had contributed financially towards the safe return of these valuable artefacts so that they may be appreciated by present and future generations of Leicestershire’s residents.

“It’s a real homecoming for part of Rothley’s rich archaeological heritage” he said.

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. very similar to the sweetcorn which most Today Bill and Sarah Wright live at of us enjoy cooking and eating with Brookfield Farm on Hallfields Lane. In this and future issues of the Rothley Post, butter. We sometimes see Sarah will be writing about life on the people in the farm: fields scrumping the cobs, The main corn harvest is over at last, and wonder and the grain drier is finally silent, and what happens the summer dust settles. At this time I when they try always think that Brookfield is going to to cook them become a less busy place. As always, however, the drilling of the seed for the following year’s crops follows on as, maize is very immediately. This hard and full of year we will have starch and does purchased and not become soft sown approx 100 and sugary tons of specially when cooked. prepared wheat As the weathseed. It is, thereer gets colder fore, imperative that the livery horses the conditions are begin to wear as ideal as possible their winter for the seeds to Pic: Nick Carter on a seed drill rugs and will germinate. A close be brought in to eye is kept on the be stabled at night. This is generally to weather forecast and the soil in the various fields is regularly inspected. The keep the fields in good condition as they can become very muddy and churned by type of land in each particular field is the horses feet when the ground is wet. taken into consideration before the final We have to ensure that the grass in the decision is made to start drilling the fields will grow again next year. seed. It can be very costly if the seed The Falabella foals are weaned at this does not germinate and has to be retime of year as they are now about six drilled. months old and eating grass, hay and a During October the maize harvest takes place with the cobs being used for special foal mix of cereals. They are put in their own nursery barn together away cattle feed. The yellow maize cobs look

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from their mothers for a couple of weeks. For the first few hours they do call for their mothers, however I have noticed that the mothers don’t often call for their foals – I think by now they are pleased for them to fly the nest and have some time to themselves. The foals seem to quickly forget their mothers and soon resume playing with their friends.

After two weeks when I am sure they are eating properly, those who are going to new homes are picked up by their new owners and the rest are turned out together in a field with a shelter. They have now grown very woolly winter coats and spend many hours chasing each other around the field at high speed.

During the months of October and November the days are shorter and there is very much a feeling of preparation for the Pic: Falabella foals winter ahead. The suckler herd and the bull will be brought into barns for the harsher winter months where they will have shelter and can be given extra feed. We have to ensure that we have sufficient supplies of hay and straw for the herd and the horses to last the winter. Despite our often high-tech methods of farming these winter tasks have taken place on farms for generations and it is satisfying to see the barns full of grain, hay and straw. Now we just wait to see whether this winter will be as hard as the last.

From Sarah Wright, Brookfield Farm

Music centre A NEW Birstall Area Music Centre has been launched at Stonehill School.

The County Council’s Leicestershire Schools Music Service (LSMS), together with Stonehill and Longslade Schools are providing the service to give young people the opportunity to play in an ensemble.

Groups offered are windband and strings LSMS hope to introduce a choir in the autumn term. Sessions will take place weekly during term time.

Wind instrument players should have been playing for one year or more and string players for three terms up to a grade 2 standard.

The charge is £30 per term. For more details Melanie Cahill 0116 2700850 or melani.cahill@leics.gov.uk

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011

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Charity cricket match New youth worker THE STARS turned out for LOROS at Rothley Park cricket club’s annual charity match.

Leicestershire County Cricket Club, with a full strength team, arrived full of confidence aiming to defeat a Leicester Tigers XI at 20/20 cricket, but a sparkling performance by Tim Stimpson with the bat and some sensational fielding especially from Scott Hamilton led the Tigers to win with 1 over to spare.

For the County Josh Cobb hit an unbeaten 78 to bring some consolation.

Steve Thomason, spokesperson for Rothley Park Cricket Club, said: “This year the Tigers squad was joined by Pic: Diane Morris (LOROS) and Steve Thomason (Rothley Park CC) Leicester Riders and & (top) batsman James Sykes ex Leicester City players and helped raise thousands of pounds for LOROS, tors who enjoyed a wonderful afternoon, Rainbows and junior cricket at Rothley the sun even came out after a damp Park. A big thank you to all the players start to the day.” for coming along and to all the specta-

Church services THIS YEAR the Remembrance Service at the Parish Church starts at 10.30am on Sunday November 13 with the usual two minutes silence observed at 11am and joined by The Royal British Legion.

An all age children/youth/youth organisations service will be held at The Rothley Centre from 10.30am for a 10.45 start.

Both services will finish at 11.30am and process to the village green for an act of remembrance to start at 11.45am. This will include a two minute silence and the laying of wreaths.

Refreshments will be served in the Baptist Church following the act of remembrance.

All welcome.

There will also be an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial arranged by The Royal British Legion on Friday 11th November starting at 10.45am including silence at 11am.

Christmas Church Services All welcome at the following services: Parish Church, Church Street Sunday 18th December: 6.30 pm Carols by Candlelight: Christmas Eve: 4pm Christingle Service 11.15pm Holy Communion: Christmas Day: 9am Holy Communion 10.30 am Christmas Morning Family Service Baptist Church, Woodgate Sunday 18th December: 6pm Carol Service Christmas Day: 10am Family Worship Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Mountsorrel Lane Sunday 18th December: 3.30 pm Children’s Service Christmas Eve 7.30 pm Carols 8pm Christmas Night Mass Christmas Day: 11am Christmas Day Mass Methodist Church, Howe Lane Christmas Eve: 4pm Christmas Eve Service

Tennis award ROTHLEY TENNIS Club has been awarded ‘Beacon’ status by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as part of the AEGON Parks Tennis programme, which recognises high quality, affordable community tennis programmes.

The announcement was made at the club, and Chairman Tom Lewis was presented with the prestigious Beacon plaque by Paul Sheard, LTA Tennis Development Manager for Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

The club joins 180 sites across the country to have achieved the national accolade which recognises the best community-focussed facilities offering free and affordable tennis as part of the AEGON Parks Tennis programme.

To achieve this status, facilities must also offer access to quality, affordable coaching as well as regular competitions for all ages and abilities.

Paul Sheard said: “Rothley has done an outstanding job over recent years developing a community tennis programme for people in the area.

“Tom Lewis and Tim Stanton have done a fantastic job developing a range of coaching and competitive opportunities that are available to the public at an affordable price. The coaching team are supported by a really hard working and pro-active committee who are always striving to ensure that the club remains accessible to all sections of the community.

We are delighted with the progress made at the club and the awarding of Beacon status is recognition of all their hard work.”

ROTHLEY PARISH church have appointed a new youth worker.

Tom Brewster (23) is a former music student.

Tom, pictured right, said: “So what am I doing here? Am I here to make your kids Christian? No. Am I here to drag your kids off the streets into a weird building to sing Kumbaya? No. I don’t even have a tambourine.

I’m here because I think this man called Jesus is fascinating, unique and courageously counter-cultural – and I think every young person should have the opportunity to come to terms with him. I’ll be doing that by going into

some local schools, spending some time out and about in the village and hopefully putting on some things that give our young people a chance to engage with the most interesting guy in history – that’s Jesus, just in case you hadn’t caught on.”

Invest in sunlight & generate power LIKE MANY people, you might think that getting electricity from the sun in the UK is a waste of time.

But according to Carl Benfield of Prescient Power, you would be wrong.

He said: “This year has seen an unprecedented increase in installation of Solar Photovoltaics, PV for short, across the UK; it is one of the best financial investments you can make, and you also get to save the planet, which is pretty cool.”

He added: “Ok, lets get the geeky bit out of the way. Firstly, if you want to impress your friends, solar PV comes in ‘modules’ not ‘panels’ which is is a term usually used when you get hot water from the sun. These modules are made up of “cells” connected together. When you connect modules together, you have an ‘array’, and now you’re starting to sound like and expert.

“When sunlight shines on the solar cells, electrons are effectively knocked out of place and start flowing around

the circuit, making electricity. This electricity is direct current, as would get from a battery. To connect this to the mains, or grid, you need an ‘inverter’ that converts it to AC electricity. And that’s it. Really. The basics of PV really aren’t complicated - but getting the best out of a system is where you need a professional.”

For details go to www.prescientpower.co.uk

10 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011

History society OUR SEPTEMBER meeting with Diana Courtney and her talk about Richard III was a great success and we had a very good attendance.

Poor Richard – he was much maligned by Shakespeare, but one has to remember that Shakespeare was writing about the Plantagenet dynasty but he worked for the Tudors, namely Queen Elizabeth I. So what can one expect – history is always written by the winners seldom by the losers.

In October we welcomed Janet Courtney and her husband who came to talk to us about their holiday in Uzbecistan and the cities they visited: Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand.

Janet had many stories to tell of their holiday: including their travelling from one city to another. For their flight to Bukhara they flew in old decrepit planes where the seat belts were tired together as they were not safe to be worn, and the passengers applauded on their safe landing. Also by bus over mountainous areas with views of ramshackle houses built into the hillside, as she said “not to be envied by any of us”.

We heard the historic story of “The Heavenly Horses”. The Chinese were SEVENTEEN VOLUNTEERS including two from Birstall, six from Rothley and two from Thurcaston visited medical centres in Africa as part of a trip organised by jealous of the fine, sleek and swift horses from Kokan in the Ferghana Valley. a local charity.

In 102 BC the Emperor Wu sent an expedition to capture some of the “HeavInter Care – Medical Aid for Africa lar needs. enly Horses, who were said to sweat sends unwanted medicines to those in General Manager Diane Hardy said: need in Africa – since 1974 it has des“Inter Care is a truly unique and humani- blood. On their first attempt they were patched £9million worth of drugs that tarian charity. Everyone who hears about beaten off by the locals. However, the second time the Chinese soldiers arrived, have been diverted from destruction as us recognises its value. With continuing they managed to capture enough horses waste. encouragement and help we hope to be to take home. Later, horses became a The Syston based charity currently able to bring in more medicines and major trading item. supplies medicines to 116 rural units in finance, thereby increasing the number The talk was accompanied by slides six African countries: Cameroon; Ghana; of medical units that we support. There Malawi; Sierra Leone; Tanzania and are, sadly, so many more waiting for our of the cities of Bukhara, Tashkent and Samarkand, all ancient and historic Zambia. help. cities, with beautiful turquoise domes At least twice a year, each unit re”We are currently victims of our succeives a consignment of drugs and other cess and are blessed with an abundance and tiling.

On Wednesday, November 16 it is medical supplies tailored to their particu- of good, quality donated medicines but like many charities in this tough econom- Rothley History Society's Annual General ic climate, we are struggling to cover the Meeting, which will be at our normal time of 7.30pm and, of course, at our costs to collect the medicines from GPs usual venue – The Rothley Centre, nationwide and the shipping costs to Africa, therefore any donations would be Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. It is at the Trust begins here...

AGM that I shall be retiring from the gratefully received to help ship these We aim to provide a professional, cost post of Programme Secretary. I shall effective & friendly service valuable medicines.” of a high standard for all our clients have been in that position for the past For detailed information see five years and I have enjoyed booking We specialise in the following areas of law: www.intercare.org.uk or speak to Diane Residential Property • Commercial Property and meeting our very varied selection of Hardy, General Manager on 0116 Family • Landlord & Tenants • Wills & Probate speakers, and also writing up a summa2695925 Immigration • Intellectual Property ry of their subjects. I do hope that you Pic: A group visiting the Mma ClementiPowers of Attorney & Statutory Declarations have enjoyed reading them. na’s Foundation in Tanzania includes volCommissioners for Oaths unteers from Birstall (Beryl Massey, Peter From Noreen Wilson, Rothley Call Us Now 0116 268 2300 Moakes), Rothley (Barry Connolly, Ralph History Society

Gift of medicine

Sona Solicitors

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Moakes & Jeff, Diane, William and Nathan Hardy) and Thurcaston (Carol & Colin Austin)

Breastfeeding support BIRSTALL WILL host free breastfeeding workshops for expectant parents.

The new workshop will be held at Birstall Methodist Church Hall on Wanlip Lane from 2-4pm on the second Saturday of every month.

Pregnant women are invited, preferably from about 33 weeks gestation, with or without partners. It is free to attend and is designed as a one-off workshop so each couple would attend once only.

The sessions are run by Charnwood

BRAS (Breastfeeding Reassurance and Support) Group.

For more information about this workshop or the Charnwood BRAS in general, please see www.charnwoodbras.co.uk To book a place please contact the group on 07583 041054

BRIAN JOHNSON gave a meticulously researched and nostalgic presentation on the ‘Village Cinemas of Leicestershire’ at our September meeting.

By 1929, talking pictures (or “talkies” as they were known) had been developed and, at the height of its popularity, 20 million people went to the cinema each week! Going to the cinema provided a much needed diversion and escape from the often harsh realities of daily life. A copy of the Leicester Mercury in 1938 showed two full pages of cinema adverts. However, village cinemas tended to produce their own publicity fliers, because they could not afford the costs of advertising in the newspapers and beautiful hand-painted posters were often produced. To attract custom, there

might be special offers, such as free admission for old aged pensioners on two afternoons per week.

In some villages, the first viewing experience was often at the annual village fair, when the latest film would be shown in a trailer towed by a traction engine. Pretty soon, local entrepreneurial families saw the advantage of building proper cinemas, albeit that many of these were corrugated iron structures which gave rise to some problems, such as the noise of heavy rainfall on the roof during a film show, requiring the sound to be turned to full volume and then readjusted when the rain stopped, otherwise the customers might be deafened!

During his research, Brian travelled the length and breadth of Leicestershire, seeking out the sites of the county’s cinemas and meeting many people, local to each place, who had detailed memories and anecdotes about the cinemas familiar to them, and which Brian was able to record. A map of Leicestershire, compiled by Brian, showed that the majority of market towns and the larger villages had one or more cinemas, although they were scarce in the more rural area to the north-east of the county.

Some cinemas doubled as dance halls at a time when ballroom dancing was another major social activity.

Brian proceeded to conduct us on a virtual tour of the many Leicestershire cinemas he had discovered on his travels, many of which had intriguing names such as “The Gadget” and “The Cosy”.

Some members of his audience had fond memories of some of the cinemas he mentioned. He discovered that some former cinemas have been demolished and others have been adapted to alternative uses, such as industrial premises or for different social purposes.

By the time of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the cinema

Longslade exam results EXAMINATION RESULTS at Longslade College improved in 2011 compared to last year..

45% of students achieved five or more GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths. In 2010 the figure was 43% and the national average was 53.5%.

75% of students achieved five or more GCSEs, compared to 72% in 2010.

Post 16 students achieved a pass rate of 97% at A2 level and the number of students achieving a grade C or above has risen from 64% in 2010 to 71%.

School examinations results are not published in full until December 2011 and can be viewed at www.education.gov.uk • Former Longslade student Jane Aston has been awarded a first class for part two of the mathematical Tripos from Trinity College, Cambridge, and David Russell, also from Longslade, has gained a first class honours degree in chemistry from the University of Leicester, winning the Hunter Medal and Prize for the best graduating student in chemistry.

THE ROTHLEY POST

industry was in rapid decline. New forms of entertainment, such as playing Bingo, were becoming available, but the biggest change in the way we enjoyed our leisure time was the birth of television – as they say, “the rest is history”! The cinema did not fade away altogether, of course, but still manages to thrive today, despite fluctuating costs and competition from other leisure pursuits. It still provides a touch of glamour, drama and escapism from daily routine.

Our final meeting for 2011 will be on Tuesday November 15 for the AGM followed by a talk on Old Postcards at7.30pm. Venue – the Harrison Room, All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston. Our programme for 2012 is already planned and the first meeting of the New Year will be on Tuesday January 17, when the speaker will be Prof Marilyn Palmer and her subject the ‘Horse-drawn Railways of Leicestershire and South Derbyshire’, (time and venue, as above). New members and visitors are most welcome.

From Jennifer Kennington, Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

Dance bands REAL MELODY, great composers, big bands and legendary vocalists – hear all these and more at the weekly meetings of the Leicester Dance and Swing Bands Appreciation Society.

They meet every Thursday at Birstall Social Club from 8-10pm and have been going for 25 years.

The club’s honorary president is no less a person than Doris Day and the club members gather to listen to the music of the great composers including Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart and Johnny Mercer.

There’s an even longer list of bands and vocalists such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Ambrose, Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth, the singers include Frank Sinatra, Dick Haymes, Mel Tormé, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and Julie London.

Members prepare their own programmes, presented on a CD or tape.

There is no pressure to be a presenter, everyone is equal.

The annual membership fee is £1 with a 50p evening fee.

For further information please contact Geoff Penrose on 0116 2201175.

Noticeboard all details printed free 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 ••• Rothley Parish Church

Christmas Market on Saturday November 26 10-12noon at the Rothley Centre Raffle, Toys, Gifts, Bric-a-Brac Nearly new women’s clothes Cakes, preserves Coffee & mince pies, hot dogs Children’s activities, Rothley School Choir Proceeds to Rothley Scouts, St John Ambulance & Rothley Parish Church All welcome •••

Age Concern Fancy seeing a top class rugby game against tough French opposition?

Never been to a rugby match?

Never been to the Tigers would famous Welford Road ground and tasted the fantastic family-friendly atmosphere, bars and facilities?

Just want a great afternoon out?

Why not get a party together and help our charity at the same time?

Tigers V Clermont Saturday December 17, kick-off 1.30pm Tickets: adults £25, 65+ £22.50, students £20, juniors £10 Buy through your local Age Concern and help raise much-needed funds Tel: 0116 2237344 •••

Bikes 4 All Do you have an unused bike taking up space in your shed or garage?

We recently donated a bike to ‘Bikes 4 All’ who train young people not in education or employment to do them up. The bikes

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are then either sold in the shop or used for training both adults and children. Donating a bike gave us a good feeling that something we didn’t use was doing some good – the extra space in the shed is useful too!

To arrange collection or to find out more ring 0116 246 0048 ••• Friday Nov 25, 10am to 7pm Saturday Nov 26, 10am to 2pm Birstall Methodist Church

Christmas Festival ‘Winter Wonderland’ Admission to church £1 (accompanied children free)

Outdoor Christmas Market Christmas stalls, crafts, homemade produce Punch/hot dogs, games Friday Nov 25, 2-7pm Table Top Sale Saturday Nov 26, 10am-2pm (Tables £10, tel: Margaret, 0116 2671181) Refreshments served throughout the event (light lunches Fri & Sat 12-1.30pm) ••• National Childbirth Trust

Nearly New Toys & Equipment Sale On Saturday November 19, 1.30-3pm (NCT members admitted from 1pm) Beaumont Leys School Anstey Lane LE4 OFL ••• Attention all clubs, groups, societies & speaker finders!

Have you thought about booking LOROS to come and present to your group?

Our presentation provides a selection of heart-warming stories and gives you a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes at LOROS where you’ll find wonderful people living life to the full, an inspirational blend of tears and laughter.

We also inform you all about our LOROS Lottery and ways in which you can help Offering many prizes, LOROS lottery has winners every week We give you an opportunity to join so you

NOV 2011 11

can win up to £7,500 in our weekly draw!

Our talk is completely free of charge!

Whether you are a local fitness class, WI group, sports club, gardening club, a business – we would love to meet you Everyone loves to hear about LOROS and learn more about us We can tailor make our presentation to your requirements, 10 mins to 1 hr, we will be pleased to meet your group and share our stories Bookings being taken now Please contact Jane Taylor 0116 231 8430 or janetaylor@loros.co.uk •••

Calling all Messy Toddlers 12 months to 3 yrs Bring a grown up to our parent & toddler sessions. The sessions are fun, interesting and very messy! Lots of painting and sticking, biscuit and cake decorating Nature time and musical instruments. Water & sand play Stories and singing and lots of indoor and outside toys. Grown ups enjoy a cuppa and adult conversation while the little ones munch on a well earned snack It’s a great place to spend an hour and a half on Monday mornings.

Interested?

Call Karen, Toddler Leader at Acorn Under Fives (reg charity) on 2672795 £2.50 per session (pre-paid every half term) at Highcliffe Primary School Community Room, Greengate Lane, Birstall •••

The Ibstock Brass Band St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall Sunday November 20, 7.30pm Come along and enjoy an evening of live music for only £3, pay on the door •••

Charity Fair Mountsorrel Memorial Hall Sat Nov 12, 10am to 12noon 30p entry, 20p concessions All welcome •••

Continued on page 12

12 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011

Continued from page 11 Rothley Bowling Club Are holding their

Autumn Fayre and Coffee Morning On Sat Nov 19 10am to 12noon at Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane Rothley Admn. 50p inc tea/coffee Lots of stalls inc bric-a-brac, cakes, homemade produce, crafts, tombola, raffle etc ••• Birstall Birdwatching Club Presents

Spanish Safari

By Mike Webster Just a very short distance back from the beaches there is a beautiful land of mountains, meadows, streams and rivers and we explore some of these habitats on tonight’s journey The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Tuesday November 8 at 7.30pm Visitors welcome £2 Contact Ken Goodrich 0116 2674813 ••• Richard Hill School PTA (Thurcaston)

Annual Christmas Fair Saturday November 26, 1.30-4pm Christmas gifts, Santa’s grotto, yummy cake stall, raffle, BBQ and refreshments, games and lots more!

Why not come along for a bit of early Christmas shopping?

Richard Hill School, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston •••

Soar Valley Trampoline Club Monday & Wednesday evenings from 57pm at Soar Valley College Sessions are for children from age 6 upwards Contact Annette for more details on 01664 840079 or email to aandnlewis@gmail.com ••• Steps School of Theatre Dance Proudly brings you

‘One Night Only’ Advertise in

THE ROTHLEY POST 47 x 59mm £20 • 47 x 120mm £36 98 x 59mm £36 • 98 x 120mm £60

1) Decide what size you want 2) Send us a sketch of your ad 3) We design, publish This Siz & send e you the Wednes bill days

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CALL 2674213 for an advertising rate card, or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk The prices above exclude VAT

DAVE HUTCHINGS

A night of celebration showcasing the talents of local youngsters A night of fundraising activity for Birstall BAGS Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade Community College Friday November 25 from 7pm Tickets £6, Concessions £5 For more information please contact Michelle on: 07909861197 Doors open at 6.30pm for fundraising activities Licensed bar •••

Charnwood Orchestra Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough Sat Nov 19, 7.45pm Concert May Night : Rimsky-Korsakov Violin Concerto No.2 : Shostakovich Symphony No.6 ‘Pathetique’ : Tchaikovsky £10 (£8 concessions, £3 children U16) Tickets from 07718 153117 rodgers_david@hotmail.com •••

Thurcaston Toddler Group We are a friendly parent run informal Toddler Group that opens its doors every Tuesday from 9-11am (during school term times) for pre-school children from birth to 5 years.

Children get to play with different toys, do a craft activity and have a snack and a drink as well as socialising with other children.

Parents/carers can make themselves a drink have a chat and get a change of scene for the morning!

Feel free to drop in and give us a try, admission is £2 – even if you have more than one child We are based at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston LE7 7JA ••• Soar Valley Music Centre Junior Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra Soloists & Ensembles Present

A Selection of Christmas Music

with carols for audience participation Birstall Methodist church Friday December 16 at 7.30pm Bookings can be made through Soar Valley Music Centre: 0116 2664153, or pay at the door •••

Remember the 33 On 11.11.11 An Hour or So of Song, Story & Music Rothley Parish Church 7.30pm Friday November 11 Led by the Choir Under the direction of Simon Murphy Free admission Collection for the Poppy Appeal Info: 0116 2302931 ••• Leicester Symphony Orchestra

The Battle of the Somme On Saturday November 12 7.30pm De Montfort Hall Butterworth : Banks of Green Willow Ravel : Le Tombeau de Couperin Rossi : The Battle of the Somme (with silent film) Guest Conductor Levon Parikian 6.30pm Free pre-concert talk with composer Laura Rossi and Dr Toby Haggith from the Imperial War Museum Full price £17/£14/£11 Children age 16 and under £3 Concessions available Tickets available from De Montfort Hall Box Office 0116 233 3111 •••

Local Artist Anne Kingham Exhibition at Hind Leys Community College, Shepshed Nov 28-Dec 21 during college opening hours Anne lives in Barrow after living in Rothley for 17 years and took up painting and glass work in her retirement •••

Free Girls Football Academy Every Saturday 10-11.30am at Memorial Park, Necton Street, Syston LE7 8HF www.systontownjuniorsfc.co.uk ••• The Latimer Players Present

Puss in Boots at The Memorial Hall, Thurcaston on November 24,25,26 Matinee Sat 26 7.30pm evenings, 2.30pm matinee All tickets £6.50 Available from 121 Leicester Road, Thurcaston 0116 2362692our H •••

Table Top Sale at the Rothley Centre LE7 7PR Saturday November 12 from 10am to 12.30pm Over 30 stalls – bargains galore Admission 50p Tea/coffee/cakes available ••• Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society Present

GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS

The Wizard of Oz

Brickwork • Patios Re-pointing Tiling • Plaster Patching • Fencing etc

at Highcliffe School, Greengate Lane, Birstall on Nov 24,25,26 starting at 7.15pm with a matinee on Nov 26 at 2.30pm Tickets may be ordered by phoning 2671181 or by post to 14 Fielding Road, Birstall LE4 3AJ or by mail to hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk •••

No job too small Friendly Reliable Service Free Quotations • Fully Insured

Tel: 0116 260 7716 Mob: 07770 785400 Email: hutchingsno1@aol.com Website: www.dave-hutchings.com

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

‘Oranges and Sunshine’ Friday November 11 (105 mins) Starring Emily Watson and Hugo Weaving, this film is an enlightening and thoughtproving true story, set in Nottingham. In 1986 Margaret began a tireless campaign to investigate the organised deportation by the British Government of thousands of British schoolchildren ‘in care’. They had been shipped to Australia. Single-handedly, Margaret united many broken families.

‘Nativity’ Friday December 9 (105 mins) This delightful comedy shows an innovative musical re-enactment of the nativity. A primary school teacher, played by Martin Freeman, has the biggest challenge of his life, to lure the Hollywood producer to watch his school’s performance. This moving story becomes one of the happiest Christmas films you will ever see.

On Friday January 13, 2012, we hope to present ‘Jane Eyre’ Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 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.

••• Belgrave Ladies Bowling Club Thurcaston Road, Leicester

Autumn Fayre Sat Nov 26, 10am to 12noon entrance 50p Cakes, tombola, raffle, cards, bric-a-brac and other stalls Everyone very welcome, come and see our excellent bowling facilities Free membership for all newcomers in 2012 Further details from Ladies Secretary on 0116 2674234 ••• Charnwood Conservative Association

Christmas Fair Sat Dec 10, 10am till noon, adm 50p Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP will be attending Raffle, tombola, books, produce stalls, games, cakes, bric-a-brac etc ••• The next in the series of

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Thursdays Nov 3, Dec 1 and Jan 5 Admission £2 •••

Rothley Christmas Lights Switch On & Late Night Shopping Thursday December 1 Lights switched on at 6pm

by BBC Radio Leicester’s Tony & Julie Wadsworth Stalls, fairground rides, Christmas nibbles ••• An evening with

Frank Bruno 7pm till late, November 11 Stonehill High School, Stonehill Avenue, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4JG Comedian & compere, 2 course meal Tel: 0116 2673384 mob: 07855 836489 Tickets £35 per head or £240 for a table of 8 guests All profits in aid of purchasing a new school minibus

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011 13

Trip to Africa A YOUNG man from Thurcaston has recently combined his love of travel with the ability to help others.

Nursery replaces stolen baskets A LOCAL plant nursery stepped in to save the day after thieves stole hanging baskets from Rothley Park Cricket club’s pavilion.

A quick call to Nathan Proud at “What’s the point in stealing our flowers?

Brooklea Nursery ensured the pavilion The thieves had to come across fields looked its best for the visit of players and an electric fence to take them and from LCCC, Leicester Tigers, the Riders by the looks of it there could not have Basketball team and many spectators been much left of them by the time they from Rothley and the surrounding villag- reached the road. Why attack a village es for the club’s annual charity match. cricket club? We are really grateful to Wayne Richardson, the Club Chairman Nathan for helping us out.”

Pic: Wayne Richardson (left) with Nathan was disgusted by the theft. He said: Proud

Planning applications P/11/2309/2: 969A Loughborough Road, Rothley – erection of garage and covered way to front of dwelling. Formation of pitched roof to rear P/11/2302/2: 86 Swithland Lane, Rothley – erection of a detached carport P/11/2327/2: 2 Church Street, Rothley – remove 1 cherry tree (conservation area notice) P/11/2326/2: 21 The Ridgeway, Rothley – fell l oak tree P/11/2317/2: Old Farm House, 36 North Street, Rothley – fell 1 sycamore tree (conservation area notice) P/11/2150/2: Land at Linkfield Farm, Loughborough Road, Rothley – site for residential development of land for up to 45 dwelling with associated open space, access, infrastructure and landscape.

P/11/2163/2: 33 Swithland Lane, Rothley – work to 1 cedar tree and 1 leylandii tree (conservation area notice) P/11/2009/2: 26 Garland, Rothley – installation of solar PV panel system P/11/1977/2: 72 WoodgatAe, Rothley – remove 5 leylandii trees (conservation are notice) P/11/2388/2: 44 Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – tree work to 1 lime tree and prune back 1 tree (conservation area notice) P/11/2372/2: 8 Causeway Lane, Cropston – remove and replant 1 conifer hedge and reduce 40% of crown of 1 ash tree (conservation area notice) P/11/2319/2: 41 Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – work to 1 cypress and 1 sycamore tree (conservation area notice) P/11/2201/2: 139A Station Road, Cropston – erection of detached garage to front of dwelling P/11/2066/2: 17 Waterfield Road, Cropston – extensions and alterations to dwelling and raising the roof to form loft accommodation

Jonathan Draycott (17) who last year travelled alone to America for two weeks’ travel and adventure this year joined a Longslade College trip to the Gambia and in the process raised over £1000 towards the Gambian ‘Take Care’ children’s nursery.

This nursery educates under privileged children with only the most basic of equipment and facilities. Jonathan’s trip included many excursions and activities, visiting an orphanage, monkey farms, going on safari and getting to grips with crocodiles.

Fundraising events and a grant kindly provided by the ‘Richard Hill Church of England School Charity’ ensured that Jonathan raised well over £1000 towards helping the children and young people at the nursery. Jonathan took half a suitcase of simple but much appreciated gifts to give to children including football shirts, pens, papers, balls and other small

99 service axed A BUS service from Mountsorrel to Leicester is to be axed.

The 99 service is operated by Paul S Winson Coaches and runs from Mountsorrel to Leicester via Rothley, Cropston and Birstall, three times a day.

Anthony Winson, Operations Director, said: “I appreciate that this is a service people rely on but the service is not financially viable and as a business there is only so much we can do.”

The service had previously been subsidised by the County Council and when this was withdrawn in 2006 and the service was set to be discontinued, Paul S Winson Coaches stepped in to save it and operate it on a commercial basis.

Mr Winson said: “We hoped we could build up a loyal customer base by offering a good service, smart buses and good drivers but the numbers using the bus have remained stable.” Around 70 people a day use the bus, and 99 percent of these are bus pass holders. Bus operators are reimbursed by the County Council for each passenger who uses a

bus pass, but only receive a percentage of the fare.

Mr Winson said: “This percentage has fallen and fallen since the scheme was introduced to what is now a stupidly low level.”

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) Help At Home (Egerton Lodge) Ltd

Pic: Jonathan Draycott with a pupil

items so taken for granted here in the UK. Jonathan said: “The trip was a life changing experience and one I would very much like to repeat. Before the visit it was very difficult to imagine or appreciate that children in the Gambia have such very basic needs.”

Masterclass THE PILBEAM Academy of Dance’s summer term came to a close with a masterclass.

It was led by Tom Shilcock from the BBC hit ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. Spokesman John Sambrook said: “It was an occasion that all our students, and a couple of our brave ladies, thoroughly enjoyed.”

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14 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011

NHW news & crime report damage since July 1: damage to a small I will be retiring from the Police in early December having completed 30 tree, graffiti to play equipment and damage to a plastic piece of play equipment. years with the force, the last seven The good news is that I have interat Rothley, Thurcaston, Cropston, viewed four young people with more to Swithland and Newtown Linford. be interviewed and between them they I would like to thank everyone who have admitted committing the damage supported and assisted me in any way. and graffiti to the play equipment at the Working from the new Police office rear of Rothley library. at the Rothley Centre has proved to be I will complete my enquiries before very successful. The office is a base to the young people are dealt with approstart and finish and to carry out any priately. paper work or computer work.

The use of the beat office at Rothley A few people have been disappointed Centre is proving very successful with when they have come to see us and no one is there. We cannot give times when numerous positive comments about a noted increase in police presence within we will be there as police requirements the village. change all the time.

The part time office at Newtown LinThe number 101 replaces 0116 222 ford also brought positive comments 2222. To leave a message for me dial from residents in Newtown.

101 and when prompted key in 0544.

From PC Steve Rhodes 0544 For PCSO Nigel Ritchie key in 6647. email: charnwood.lpu@leicestershire.pnn.police .uk Crime Report: Update on Police priorities from July Rothley: Aug 1-Sep 30, 2011 to present: Burglary 6, theft 4, damage 4, • To deal with vehicle related crime theft from motor vehicle 2 and antisocial use on Bradgate Park, Swithland Woods and Beacon Hill coun- Good News A 41 year old man and a 19 year try park locations.

2 men were arrested for possession old woman have been arrested for a of drugs on Swithland Woods car park. burglary on the Ridgeway in April.

There has only been one reported Both have been charged with stealcrime on all of the 8 car parks since ing tools from this address. the beginning of July which is over 3 A man and woman have been months. I have never known it that low, charged with offences following a no doubt assisted by extra police patrols. burglary other than dwelling on • Targeting of suspects We have a close working relationship Mountsorrel Lane in August.

Crime Report: with the Charnwood Street Wardens including using the wardens’ radio Cropston: Aug 1-Sep 30 which we keep Burglary 2, burglary non dwell• To deal with issues of antisocial ing 1, damage 1 vehicle use and criminal damage on Crime Report: Fowke Street and Woodgate Rothley Thurcaston: Aug 1-Oct 8 between 4pm and midnight Burglary 3 (all on Leicester There have only been 3 reports of

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Monday Club

WI news

OUR SEPTEMBER meeting was in aid of THERE MAY well have been a few our charity for the year ‘Marie Curie smiles at our September meeting Nurses Appeal’. when guest speaker Mick Rawle There were generous donations of fruit, spoke of the antics his grandmother vegetables, potted plants, flowers, pots of Mary Ann Rawle during her time with jam and items of bakery. The bric a brac the Suffragette movement. section sported jewellery, china and Because of the Reform Bill of 1832 books. Selling was swift and we raised the giving voting rites only to relatively ‘well sum of £75 which was very pleasing. off’ males and later, by 1884 to more Members were requested to display than 5 milliom men, women, feeling their arts, crafts and hobbies for the interrepressed, wanted their voices also est of the Membership and many demonheard . Thus a ‘Social and Political Unstrated considerable hidden talents. There ion for Women’ was begun and many were lovely paintings, fine needlework, women became interested and inspired pictures featuring cross-stitch, an album of photos of beautiful cake decoration, an by one Emiline Pankhurst, not least intriguing miscellany of hand-made minia- Mary Ann Rawle. Living locally in Leicestershire it was while Mick Rawle was ture dolls, houses with intricate gardens researching family history he discovered and an award winning tapestry in crossthe connection with Mary Ann Rawle. stitch of Leicestershire which won an Highlighting the involvement of Mary Award at the local Horticultural Show in Thurcaston, together with a Shield present- Rawle and many other [ local and othered for most points scored at the Show, by wise] ladies of the late 19th century in Mrs Joan Harrup of Cropston. A “Favourtheir successful fight to get the Governite Recipe” competition was well supportment to allow women to vote Mick was ed and a prize presented to Mrs. Margaret able to bring many photographs of the Hooper for her “Lip-Licking Lemon Cake” family and of the suffragettes who fought Copies of the Recipes were sold for 25p so hard so many years ago on behalf of each, as an addition towards the charity. women today . The presentation was Contributions of poetry and jokes all thought provoking and appreciated by added to the sense of bon ami and in the members. particular an amusing rendition of the Meetings are held at the Rothley Choral “Messiah” offered by Mrs. ElizaCentre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on beth Chittenden of Rothley, featuring the the first Wednesday of each month, 2 viewpoint of a Yorkshire man attending 4.30pm. Tea/coffee and biscuits includthe concert for the very first time (said in ed. true dialect)!

From Maureen Bulmer, Rothley Mrs Brenda Woodings of Grange Farm, Snibston, Nr Coalville was our Speaker for Women’s Institute our October Meeting. Brenda’s family had owned the farm where she was born and brought up, since 1928 and the title of her talk was “Kids in the Countryside”.

Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words.

Brenda now runs the farm with just 17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, her son and two hired men, but life for post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an Brenda had always revolved around the envelope) at Rothley library or Rothley farming life which meant her family enPost Office on Woodgate.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a joyed considerable freedom to explore and learn about the countryside and there- word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which by brought up in the farming tradition you are asking for payment, or if you are adwith a practical outlook on life which set vertising new goods for sale. All text will be them apart from most of their friends printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 both at school and society.

AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Brenda was happy to conduct School Seaports, Long Distance, Courier.

Visits and on one occasion the question was asked how can you tell the difference Tel: 0777 1984806 between a cow and a bull. One bright AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consulspark answered (giving the teacher fear tancy. Plans drawn and submitted. for the response) when you look between Extensions, conversions, new build. the bull’s legs you can see straight David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng through to the ring on his nose!

MCIOB 0116 2674395 / Many extracts from “thank you” letters 07974807111 amused the membership and more colourwww.amlidesign.co.uk ful tales of the school children’s’ understanding of the natural world, which MATHS & PHYSICS tuition. Experiillustrated the different attitudes towards enced popular private/college tutor, animals, such as foxes and badgers, held PGCE & BSc (Hons), offers excelby the farming children! lent exam preparation GCSE & ABrenda took us all down memory lane level. Call 07980 749992 reiterating the many sorts of games we played in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s MATHEMATICS TUITION : A Level & before Health and Safety dominated our GCSE, Birstall based. Call activities i.e. sailing down the brook in an 07737352932 old tin bath; swinging on a rope suspended from a tree to get across a brook; making “dens” in hard to find places in Continued from page 1 woods. Oh, those were the days! to a commercial vineyard. The wine Our next meeting will be on November making was purely experimental using a 14, when we shall listen to the exploits of home kit for wine making as we wanted Mr Peter Legg on “The life of a Mayoral to see what our grapes tasted like when Officer” Everyone welcome to come along. made into wine. The whole process was For more information please ring me on messy but fun, and we had the books 0116 2363467. open in front of us while we were treadFrom Ann Farndon, The Monday ing the grapes and making the wine.”

Club: Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston The wines may become available for & Rothley sale when more vines mature.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

Wizard Meals on wheels of Oz

OVER 1,700 meals on wheels are served every month in Leicestershire and now local people have the chance to come along to a taster session at Birstall library and find out why they are so popular.

HATS’ NEXT show is The Wizard of Oz, a musical play rather than the normal pantomime, but full of the same comedy, music and dance.

Everyone knows the story because it’s based closely on the 1939 MGM movie, starring Judy Garland.

So come and see the twister, Munchkinland, the Emerald City, the Yellow Brick Road and enjoy a couple of hours of fun filled entertainment.

Alternatively, you could come and join our happy band and be involved in the production itself, either on stage or behind the scenes. We are desperate for more male actors, but will welcome anyone, male or female, with open arms.

Performances of The Wizard of Oz are at Highcliffe School, Greengate Lane, Birstall on Thursday, Friday & Saturday Nov 24, 25 & 26 at 7.15pm and a matinee performance on Sat Nov 26 at 2.30pm. Doors are open 30 mins before curtain up.

Tickets are £6 (£5 concessions) and can be obtained in advance by phoning the box office on 2671181 or writing to 14 Fielding Road, Birstall, Leicester or by email at hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk From HATS The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 9.

The copy deadline is Dec 12.

Leicestershire County Council has organised a drop-in session at the library so that residents can find out about the benefits of the service either for themselves or their relatives and get a real taste of what is on offer. Around 650 vulnerable and elderly people in Leicestershire receive meals at home through the Community Meals Service.

Drivers also carry out wellbeing checks and extra tasks, like brining in the post, assisting with menu choices or making a drink.

Launched last autumn breakfast and tea-time treats are among improvements being offered by the new-look service; enabling people to order breakfast (£1.75) and tea packs (£2.25), which are delivered along with their hot meal each day.

Recently, the service also began to provide snacks such as cheese and crackers and soup and a roll, for those who want to add an extra course or who fancy a light snack.

The County Council is also trialling deliveries at different time so that people can have hot evening meals or three deliveries a day if they want.

The price of a main hot meal has remained unchanged this year: £3.20.

Currently the most popular meal is honey mustard chicken and mash with mixed vegetables. The most popular dessert is lemon sponge and custard.

David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities, said: “The meals service plays a vital role in helping older people to live healthy, independent lives. We want everyone to know about the valuable, good quality, service we provide in Leicestershire – delivering meals to people’s homes, luncheon clubs and day

centres.”

“The service provides a wide choice of tasty, good value, nutritious food every day of the year and the delivery drivers are unsung heroes, becoming caring friends to each of our customers.”

Cooked sample meals will be available to try at Birstall library on Thursday November 10 from 12-3pm.

For further details about Leicestershire County Council’s community meals service please see: www.leics.gov.uk/community_meals or call: I Care on 01509 415559/01858 469902 or email Leicestermeals@icaregroup.co.uk

Dog mess INCIDENTS OF dog fouling were reduced by 47 per cent following a blitz on environmental crime.

Charnwood Borough Council conducted a trial in three hotspot areas: Derby Road playing fields, Loughborough; Memorial Park, Sileby and Silverdale Park, Thurmaston between August and September.

Enforcement activity included increased surveillance, high profile patrols and issuing fixed penalty notices. Charnwood’s Don’t Muck Around campaign also targeted litter and fly tipping.

A total of 53 fixed penalty notices were issued.

The campaign also involved raising awareness through a series of public events.

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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.

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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.

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NOV 2011 15

Youth service cuts YOUTH SERVICE provision in the county has been cut by 50 per cent.

The County Council run service will now focus on the most vulnerable groups rather than providing a service to all young people.

Speaking at the Bradgate, Rothley, Mountsorrel and Birstall Area Forum, North Area Youth Officer Andy Hitchcock gave an update on the future of the service.

The focus of activity will now be in priority neighbourhoods, asylum seekers, disabled people and travellers.

Mountsorrel is a priority area and some provision will continue from the Sorrel Youth Café.

In Birstall the remaining service will be delivered from Birstall Youth Centre at Longslade and amounts to: • Senior Youth Club on Wednesdays • Special Needs Space Club on Monday evenings • Teenage Parents group on Wednesday afternoons • Sexual Health provision four to five times a week at lunchtimes Services at Woodhouse Eaves and Rothley have been withdrawn.

The County Council’s IMPACT team, which is part of the Youth Offending Service, will continue

Sporting grants awarded A TALENTED swimmer from Mountsorrel has received a grant from Charnwood Borough Council.

Jack Melia (12) has been awarded a £250 ‘talent grant’. Jack, a City of Leicester swimmer, finished in the top 10 of the Midlands Championships, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the national championships.

“I was really pleased to be awarded the money because I know how expensive swimming is as a sport” said Jack.

“The grant means a lot to me because it means I can keep up my training and get better. One day I hope to compete in the Olympics.”

Cropston Cricket Club was awarded an £800 facilities grant for wicket covers.

Councillor David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We are thrilled to be able to award these types of grants to not only help local clubs but to target talented individuals develop their skills.

“One of this Council’s priorities is to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and that’s what these grants are all about.”

To find out more about the grants programme, contact Hayley Peel, Senior Sports Development Officer, on 01509 634592 or email Hayley.peel@charnwood.gov.uk

16 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2011

Feast for the eyes THURCASTON AND Cropston Annual Garden, Craft and Produce show was held at the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston in September.

Our pictures show just a selection of the items on show.

Otter in park AN OTTER has been photographed in Watermead Country Park.

Parks officers from Watermead Country Park South have captured an image of the creature which is elusive and rare in urban areas, thanks to a remote-controlled camera triggered by heat and motion. The sighting comes just days after the park was told it had retained its nationally-recognised Green Flag status. The otter was caught on camera as part of the otter project which is being co-ordinated by Leicester City Council’s riverside team.

Leicester City Council senior parks officer, Barry Ingram, said: “This latest image is the icing on the cake for the Green Flag award.

There’s no doubt that Watermead and the surrounding area are ideal for otters, and the park justifies its status as a wildlife haven and a quality recreational asset.”

ROTHLEY & Soar Valley Lions, Leicester Riverside manager Adrian Lane addCharnwood Lions and Thurnby Lions Clubs joined together for their annual ed: “The picture confirms the managefundraising event at Beedles Lake Golf ment of the riverside here is reaping Course in East Goscote this September. rewards. The presence of otters indicat21 teams of four took part in the golf ed that the water quality is good and competition, and there were over 110 there are plenty of fish to eat. attendees at the evening presentation din“We believe the otters are active and ner. The event raised over £10,000 here to stay, so people may have a through sponsorship, donations and an chance of spotting one even during dayauction at the dinner, which will be light hours.” shared between Rainbows and the Lions’

Lions’ golf

Pic: an otter photographed beneath Watermead Way

Sight First Campaign.

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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

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