Rothley Post (95) July 2012

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

JUL/AUG 2012

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 95

Site for 2000 homes A SITE south of Rothley has been identified as suitable for up to 2000 new homes.

Continued on page 2

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Rothley Jubilee parties THE RAIN did not put off over 200 Rothley residents who celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee at Rothley Parish Church (main pic).

Following a special church service which included uniformed organisations, pews were pushed back and lunch prepared inside the parish church. Fun for all ages followed with jazz music, kids’ activities, a quiz and plenty to eat and drink.

Our pictures also show a Jubilee picnic on Bunney’s Field on Bank Holiday Monday - this time the sun made an appearance.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

Continued from page 1 Charnwood Borough Council has identified the site north of the A46 and west of the A6 between Birstall and Rothley as an option for development. It is preparing its Core Strategy, part of its Local Plan, which will set out the strategic policies for the Borough in respect of housing and employment land for the next 15 years.

The proposed location north of Birstall is within the Parish of Wanlip. The site of the Hallam Fields development was originally within the parish of Wanlip but the Parish boundary was moved before development started – Hallam Fields is now in Birstall.

Rothley Parish Council Chairman Percy Hartshorn said: “This site is totally unsuitable, we want to keep the settlement separation between Rothley and Birstall.”

Birstall Parish Council Chairman Pat Cleere said: “It will be a sad day if when heading north out of Birstall we cross the A46 and are confronted by more houses rather than the green countryside we have a present.

“In Charnwood Council’s own words from their Core Strategy Supplementary Consultation document relating to effects on environmental objectives, ‘there are likely to be significant negative effects upon vibrancy and vitality of settlements,

TO ROTHLEY

A6

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE A46

HALLAM FIELDS PARK & RIDE air quality and soil resources.’

“Unfortunately, Birstall, although in the county, is considered part of a Principal Urban Area (Leicester City) for strategic planning purposes and therefore ripe for an urban extension to the north as the city is allowed to spread outwards. Whether this would be part of Wanlip, Rothley or Birstall or a separate village entirely if it went ahead is not clear.

“There are other options however and nothing has been decided yet.”

Charnwood has a requirement to

build 17,380 new homes between 2006 and 2028.

The Council has already given permission to, or completed, 7,671 of that total and officers have previously recommended a further 6,250 homes to be provided in two Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUEs). These are located in Hamilton and west of Loughborough.

SUEs will be planned neighbourhoods that incorporate local facilities and provide local shops, employment opportunities, community facilities, open space and schools.

That still leaves 3,459 properties to plan for.

2143 are proposed for the Principal Urban Area north of Leicester and the Council is presenting five options.

• growth north of Birstall – 2000 homes • growth north of Birstall and north of Glenfield – 1500 homes in Birstall and 500 in Glenfield • growth north of Glenfield and south and east of Syston – 2000 homes • growth south and east of Syston – 2000 homes • do not meet the housing requirement These five options are expected to be included in the Council’s Draft Core Strategy document, published in September 2012. At this stage the public will

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have the opportunity to comment. The Core Strategy will be adopted in December 2013. www.charnwood.gov.uk/cssupplement ary

HMRC arrests for fraud TWO PEOPLE have been arrested on suspicion of VAT fraud and money laundering A man and a woman from Rothley were arrested in dawn raids on April 24 by criminal investigators from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on suspicion of tax evasion, money laundering, and fraud offences relating to the creation of false invoices in connection with the clothing industry. The alleged fraud is believed to have resulted in the theft of over £600,000 from public finances.

A man aged 48 and a woman aged 42 were arrested and officers searched one residential property. Both were questioned by HMRC criminal investigators under caution and have been bailed until July 10, 2012.

They were arrested on alleged offences of VAT evasion contrary to the VAT Act 1994, dishonestly making a false representation and possession of articles for the use in fraud contrary to The Fraud Act 2006 and on suspicion of money laundering offences contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Gary Lampon, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC, said: “This action sends a firm message to anyone involved or considering fraud against HMRC – your time is up. We are working relentlessly to combat those involved in tax evasion and fraud and being them before the courts. With over £10 billion being stolen from UK finances each year by criminals involved in the hidden economy it’s serious crime which we are determined to eradicate.”

He added: “We would encourage anyone with information regarding tax evasion and fraud to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000. Calls can be made anonymously.”

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

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Traveller site plans latest A CITY Council committee has recommended that an authorised gypsy and traveller site on Greengate Lane be given the go-ahead.

The City Council’s Scrutiny Commission was asked by City Mayor Peter Soulsby to review his choice of three traveller sites and to investigate if any alternative sites were suitable.

The commission, chaired by Cllr Sue Waddington, presented its report on June 14 and recommends that the Greengate Lane and Red Hill Way sites be recommended but not the Beaumont Way site, located close to Beaumont Leys Police Station and Tesco.

Cllr Waddington said: “Both [Red Hill Way and Greengate Lane] are of the right size, are well screened and are not too close to residential streets.

“I do not consider the area at Beaumont Way to be suitable. It is much too small and exposed and would be difficult, if not impossible to screen.”

The Commission has recommended a new site on Hoods Close off Thurcaston Road. It is located near to Birstall Golf Club and the Mowmacre Sports Ground, in an area often used illegally by travellers.

Cllr Waddington said: “I strongly recommend that Hoods Close off Thurcaston Road be considered as a transit site. It is of the right size and nature to be used as a transit site for about six

Join local drama group THE LATIMER Players, based in Thurcaston, are holding auditions for their next pantomime on Thursday July 26 in the Harrison Rooms, Thurcaston at 8pm.

Production week is November 19-24. Spokeswoman Christine Deavin said: “If you have ever considered taking part in a thriving drama group, there has never been a better time to come along. We rehearse for about two hours one or twice a week, depending on the type of part you have.

“We are also looking for people to help with scenery and back stage. You don’t need any experience – just lots of enthusiasm” She added “We are a very friendly society and have regular social meetings and trips to theatres. If you would like more details about the production and the society please contact me on 01827 880834 or email: christinedeavin@btinternet.com”

pitches, it is not near residential developments, and has been a popular stopping off site for travellers and gypsies in the past.”

The report also recommends that if future sites are required they are located outside the Beaumont Leys and Abbey Wards.

• The report states that the Greengate Lane site is not big enough for 10 pitches and recommends “about six … though there is a possibility it could be extended in the future.” The proximity of Ashton Green is “…not seen as an impediment to the location of the site.”

• Five of the alternative sites recommended by Liz Kendall MP were visited and deemed either unavailable or unsuitable.

• The report states: “Consideration should also be given to the fact that some gypsies and travellers are horse owners and will wish to keep their horses reasonably close at hand. It is possible and usual for land to be rented from local farmers for the horses, although horses are also tethered at the road side near the Meynells Gorse site. While the new site may not be big enough to accommodate horses, providing a stable on one site for use when horses are sick should be considered.”

• The report states: “Good management of the sites is essential … attention should be paid to refuse collection and disposal, the tidiness of the public areas on the sites and the safety of children, including traffic calming measures on

Pic: proposed Hoods Close site roads running into and through the sites.”

The Chairman of the LE4 Action Group, which is campaigning against the proposals, said: “We are disappointed by the Scrutiny Committee’s report, we continue to encourage residents to send letters of objection to the City Council, and sign our petition. The LE4 Action Group think it is unacceptable to add another site into the current consultation.

“We have held a meeting with members of the gypsy/traveller community and have mutual views about the City’s consultation process and also the plans they are proposing. This adds a new dimension to our objections as we have evidence the settled community do not want the plans to go ahead, nor do the travellers. If nobody want this, why would the City Council continue to try and drive this through?”

Residents can give their views as part of the ongoing consultation process which ends on July 13. For details go to www.leicester.gov.uk/gypsyandtravellersit es www.Le4.moonfruit.com

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

Work to locally listed property to improve the energy efficiency of dwellings for residents

John Henry Burley, a banker, who died in 1914.

John Henry Burley was the son of a Leicester Veterinary Surgeon and lived for a time at 'The Grange' in Birstall.

Contacting the Trust

BURLEY HOUSES, a tranquil property that accommodates 14 people in a historic building in Birstall has recently undergone a series of improvements.

Local contractors were employed to install new double glazed windows and repair the roof, chimneys and brickwork.

The properties have cavity wall insulation, new heating systems and a communal aerial and satellite system has been installed.

Trustee James Williams said: “The trustees are committed to providing well maintained and energy efficient homes for the residents and to retaining the integrity and character of the locally listed buildings.

given to widows or daughters of professional men including artists and literary men, as required by the Deed of Trust, other applicants can be considered.

The Deed of Trust requires residents to have lived in the County of Leicestershire for a period of ten years, or has or had a husband or parent who meets the residential criteria.

While all qualifying applicants are considered for housing the accommodation would be particularly suitable for retired ladies or those nearing retirement age.

amenities. There is onsite parking for residents and easy access to a regular bus service along the A6 running south to Leicester and north to Loughborough by way of Rothley, Mountsorrel and Quorn or by way of Sileby and Barrow.

The self contained properties are unfurnished and although there are no private gardens all the residents have access to the well established and maintained grounds and wooded areas.

Residents lead an independent life but are encouraged to make friends and share a wider social life through use of the meeting room and attendance at organised social events.

All of the properties are supplied with a monitoring device linked up to the Charnwood Lifeline providing a 24-hour call-out service.

A Charnwood Lifeline warden makes contact and visits each resident on a regular basis.

“The Trust endeavours to appoint local experienced contractors with a proven record of working on occupied residential properties. Contractors must be considerate and able to create and maintain a good working relationship with the residents. The Trustees would like to thank all of the contractors who have recently carried out work at Burley Houses and the residents for their cooperation and patience.”

Midland Window Installations fitted the new windows and work to the roof, chimneys and brickwork was carried out by the Enderby Roofing Company

A resident is a beneficiary of the Charity and not a tenant and occupies the property under Licence In return for the accommodation, a resident is required to pay a Contribution to the Charity’s running costs.

Residents may be able to get help with paying the Contribution through Housing Benefit and possibly Income Support.

Residents are responsible for paying council tax, electricity, gas, water, telephone charges and the TV licence for their property.

A designated representative, the Trustee Contact, undertakes the day to day management of the properties and there is an emergency contact number if the Trustee Contact is unavailable.

Residents The trust provides single occupancy accommodation for single women, widows and divorcees, who are in housing need and although preference shall be

Location and Amenities There are twelve self contained houses under one roof and two lodges.

Burley Houses, standing in large wooded and landscaped grounds, is located in Birstall, within walking distance of the village centre and all essential

JAMES J WILLIAMS CHARTERED SURVEYOR 16 Tempest Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 3BE Telephone - 0116 2676398 jamesjwilliams@ntlworld.com

There is currently a vacancy at Burley Houses and if you would like further details or an application form please contact the Trust.

The Trust would like to hear from local contractors or tradesmen who would like to be considered for future work at Burley Houses.

James Williams is the Property and Construction Adviser to the Trust and the Trustee Contact and can be contacted using the following: • telephone on 01162676398 • email at jamesjwilliams@ntlworld.com • letter at 16, Tempest Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 3BE.

History The houses, which are locally listed as buildings of architectural interest, were designed by the architect of the De Montfort Hall – Mr Stockdale Harrison – and were first occupied by residents in 1932.

The Burley Almshouses Trust is a Registered Charity run in accordance with the original Deed of Trust, dated 25th April 1928, and any subsequent amendments approved by the Charity Commission.

Voluntary Trustees administer the Charity in accordance with Deed of Trust.

The Charity was established in 1928 according to the provisions of the will of

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THE ROTHLEY POST

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Link road & 300 new homes off Mountsorrel Lane PLANS TO BUILD 300 homes and a link road east of Mountsorrel Lane in Rothley featured at public exhibitions in Rothley and Mountsorrel.

Developers William Davis staged the exhibitions prior to submitting a formal planning application. They also met with Rothley and Mountsorrel Parish Councils to seek councillors’ views.

98 people attended the Mountsorrel exhibition and 157 attended at Rothley. Feedback forms completed by visitors indicated that: • overall more respondents fully or broadly supported the proposals (44%) than did not support them (41%). Support for the overall proposals was

Five run Brighton marathon

ed to have raised £4100. Martin also raised £465 for the Prostate Cancer Charity.

The fourth novice marathon runner Linda Kimberley-Brooks struggled to overcome injury but successfully completed the 26.2 miles, despite missing out on much of the training she had planned to do.

All four of the group who were running a marathon for the first time managed to complete it in times ranging between 5 hours 38 minutes and 5 hours 59 minutes, while Nikki Love managed a personal best time of 4 hours 39 minutes.

Pic: The five runners celebrating their success (l-r) Eleanor Lloyd Jones, Shonnagh Taylor-Burke, Martin Taylor-Burke, Nikki Love and Linda Kimberley-Brooks

Double track

Tool chest

THE GCR is celebrating after the installation of a new signal box at Swithland marks the completion of its 22 year project to install a double track between Loughborough and Rothley.

The GCR say its long term ambition is now to extend the double track south as far as the Birstall station at Leicester North.

The GCR is the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other.

Manned by 700 volunteers, the GCR attracts 100,000 visitors a year.

A COMMUNITY tool chest has been unveiled by Charnwood Borough Council to help local gardening groups blossom.

The Council’s ‘tool pool’ is open to green-fingered community groups who can borrow a range of horticultural equipment throughout the year – completely free of charge.

Tools available for loan include rakes, border forks and spades, lawn edgers, hand forks and trowels, planters, mattocks, bypass loppers, a bow saw and a wheelbarrow.

For more information please contact Access to Nature Officer Tim Adkin on 01509 634975 or at Tim.adkin@charnwood.gov.uk

Pic: The proposed site. White line is the route of the link road

significantly higher in Mountsorrel (63%) than in Rothley (33%) • Less than half the respondents supported the provision of affordable housing within the development • 62% of Rothley respondents supported the relief road compared to 91% of Mountsorrel respondents Comments made by respondents included: • area of separation should be maintained • brownfield rather than greenfield sites should be developed • lack of capacity at school and GP practices • development causing loss of village character • relief road will cause an increase in traffic

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FIVE PARENTS with children at Richard Hill School in Thurcaston successfully completed the Brighton Marathon in April.

Four of the runners, who all have children in class 6 of Thurcaston primary school were running a marathon for the first time. The fifth member of the team was their friend and fellow parent Nikki Love who in April 2010 completed seven marathons in seven days.

“Having seen Nikki complete her seven consecutive marathon challenges a couple of years ago I was inspired to try a marathon myself” commented Eleanor Lloyd Jones, who raised £1500 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Husband and wife team Martin and Shonnagh Taylor-Burke were running to raise money for the Tilinanu Orphanage in Malawi, to support to work led by Alice Pulford whose mother runs Latimer Design in Rothley. They were delight-

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

New school features in plans

SCHOOL

PLANS FOR a new school on the site of Brookfield Farm featured at a public exhibition at Rothley school in May. Developers Charles Church have secured planning permission for 170 dwellings on the site. They are consulting about plans for a school and an additional 20 dwellings before submitting a formal planning application.

Pic: map shows location of proposed school and development

Norman Latham THE ROTHLEY & District Branch of the Royal British Legion were all saddened on April 27 to hear of the passing of their old shipmate Norman Latham.

Norman served in the second world war in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Cavalier which acted as an escort ship to the North Atlantic Convoys.

The Cavalier was part of the 6th Destroyer Fleet operating in the Norwegian sea protecting the Arctic Convoys.

Norman has served the RBL well for over 50 years. As the Rothley and District Poppy Supremo he organised and ran the annual poppy collection routine for his 50 years as a member and during his tenure he amassed a total of over £105,000. Norman had been ill for some time and had passed over the Poppy Organisation reigns to local councillor Peter Osborne but, until his death, he still took a strong interest in the operation. A prayer for Norman was said at the Queen’s Jubilee Nostalgic Supper, held at the Rothley Centre on May 29.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Aug 25.

The copy deadline is Aug 10.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

Council says route is safe FAMILIES IN Rothley have had their appeal against the withdrawal of free school transport refused by the County Council.

28 families in Rothley were affected by the County’s decision to withdraw a free bus pass for school children as they live too close to Stonehill and Longslade.

They were offered a bus pass for £400 a year.

Those appealing the decision said the route was unsafe. The Council undertook a risk assessment and decided the route was safe.

Parent Andy Gale is challenging the Council’s ruling and making a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.

He said: “The Council’s handling of this matter to date has been farcical. It is clearly nonsensical to expect children to walk the route as described by the council to school. To expect 11 year old children to walk alongside and cross dual carriageways with traffic travelling at speed is in our opinion negligent.”

7

Teacher Gary crosses country A TEACHER from Cropston will be walking 200 miles this August, raising money for the Miscarriage Association.

Gary Brown (38) is training for ‘Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk’ across England, from St Bee’s in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire.

The walk will see Gary leave St Bee’s on Sunday August 5 and arrive in Robin Hood’s Bay 14 days later, walking up to 20 miles a day and approximately 200 miles in total. The walk will take Gary through three National parks – The Lake District, The Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors. He will be accompanied by his father, Alan Brown (64) who will run support for Gary during the walk.

Gary said: “Someone has to raise money for this excellent charity. They need a relatively small amount of money to keep going every year, and the work they do is really essential. In 2009 and 2010, my wife Helen and I lost two babies in the space of five months. The loss we felt was immense and still is. I felt I had to do something, and being a keen walker and loving the outdoors, I set myself the challenge of completing Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk.”

The Miscarriage Association is a national charity that offers support and

Wildlife garden wins award THURCASTON SCHOOL has won an environmental award.

Richard Hill Primary School won the Children and Young People’s Category in Charnwood Borough Council’s first ever environmental awards, called ‘Don’t Muck Around’ and sponsored by SERCO. Pupils, parents and teachers worked together to create an allotment and wildlife garden at the school. It is used by pupils to learn about wildlife, composting and growing plants and vegetables.

Rachael Boyall, at Richard Hill Primary School, said: “The children will be overjoyed to be told in assembly that the school has won the award. They have really enjoyed being involved in the project and they have been singing while they have been working.”

Complete Wasters, from Sileby, won the business category award and was the

JUL 2012

overall winner. The company is not-forprofit business which refurbishes computers for sale to the public and prevents them being thrown on the scrapheap. Complete Wasters also provides training for volunteers, long-term unemployed people and people with learning disabilities.

Daren Potter, of Complete Wasters, said: “These accolades reaffirm what we are trying to do and we are thrilled to have won two awards. We started the company by helping at a music festival in Leicester back in 1996 and we have

Pic: Walker Gary Brown

information to anyone affected by the loss of a baby in pregnancy. They provide a UK helpline, a range of helpful leaflets, an online support forum, and training and consultancy for health professionals.

Gary sings and plays Ukulele in ‘The N’Ukes’, Leicester’s premier ukulele band. Members of ‘The N’Ukes’ have promised to sponsor him only if he takes his ukulele with him on the walk, and Gary will be playing a different song from ‘The N’Ukes’ repertoire at each overnight stop.

Gary has received heartfelt support

throughout his training from friends, family and has recently received a message of support from TV presenter Julia Bradbury, whose ‘Wainwright’s Coast to

now refurbished more than 5,000 computers and helped many people on to the learning ladder.”

Thurmaston Parish Council won the community category for working with local schoolchildren to design posters to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets. Their efforts resulted in fewer complaints about dog fouling.

Thurmaston Action Group (TAG) won the Innovation category for creating a colourful mural to brighten up a subway which links residential areas with the town, working with local artists, schoolchildren, residents and young people.

More than 100 guests attended the awards ceremony at Loughborough College’s Radmoor Centre on Thursday June 14. They are designed to recognise and reward people or groups who have made a positive impact on the environment. Mike Boult, Serco’s managing director for direct services, said: “It was one of the most enjoyable evenings of its kind and I would love to see the awards become an annual event. They recognise

the unsung heroes which is something we always try to acknowledge with our own workforce who provide essential services.”

The awards were hosted by BBC Radio Leicester presenter Martin Ballard.

Cllr David Slater, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Congratulations to every single one of our nominees and winners. The quality of entries was absolutely terrific which shows just how much work people and businesses are doing to help protect our local environment.”

The Don’t Muck Around Awards are named after the Council’s nationally acclaimed environmental crime campaign which last year led to significant reductions in litter, dog fouling and fly-tipping.

Coast’ series has been inspirational for Gary.

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/GarySBrown

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Aug 25.

The copy deadline is Aug 10.

8

THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

YOUR SAY...

The Rothley Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed in at Rothley library, Rothley Post Office, Woodgate or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Disbelief We wonder how many of your readers shake their heads in disbelief when they hear of yet more housing developments being proposed in the Rothley and Mountsorrel area.

We cannot claim to have been very outspoken about other developments but have written letters of objection. We find ourselves being unable to stand by and see more greenfield areas around Rothley and Mountsorrel being built on.

Having been to the public exhibition last month at The Rothley Centre we were shocked to find that William Davis wish to build 300 new homes. The local infrastructure cannot cope with more houses. Rothley and Mountsorrel Primary Schools are bursting at the seams and the land they wish to donate to ‘enable expansion’ of Rothley School follows the course of the brook, which as many are aware, floods regularly.

The plans to develop the site between Loughborough Road and Mountsorrel

Lane have already begun. William Davis has a planning application submitted to build 14 houses opposite Hill Top Garage on Loughborough Road.

We urge your readers to at least write a letter of objection to the local council.

Motivated to maintain the character of both villages a group of interested residents are in the process of setting up an action group. To this end we have established a website www.protectrothley.ucoz.co.uk for people to register their interest in preventing expansion that is not in the interests of existing residents. In the near future template letters will be available that can be personalised and printed and sent to Charnwood Borough Council to register objections you may have.

By emailing protectrothley@gmail.com you can be kept up to date with key dates and developments.

Please be proactive in protecting the community in which you live. Should you have any questions about the action group please contact us through the above email address.

Jonathan and Amanda Rashleigh On behalf of Protect Rothley

Birstall Pool I would like readers to know that the Birstall Pool has closed. It is a sad loss to the community.

I would like to give a big thank you to all the lifeguards and staff who help to keep the pool running and for their being helpful and friendly to all.

Thank you to the swimmers who attended the friends of Birstall swimming pool especially Margaret/Jean/Lisa (Thurcaston) and Christine for helping with the stalls to raise money for the pool.

Last thank you goes to Jane and Lyndsey at Longslade and Jerry (Birstall Post) for publishing my letters and adverts for the pool From a regular swimmer at Birstall Pool.

Lesley Moore

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Coffee Shop Rothley Methodist, Howe Lane Every Tuesday morning, 10-11.30am Come rain or shine Now open : Book exchange Everyone welcome Tea, coffee, biscuits, toasted tea cake Proceeds for the Methodist Church ••• Inter Care are hosting

MUSIC aid A fundraising day ‘The Roosters’ and 3 other local live bands, playing pop/rock, soul and folk Set in the grounds of the Carrington Arms, Ashby Folville Sunday July 22 from 3pm onwards Tickets £10 per person with one BBQ item Children under 12 free Car parking, a well stocked bar, seating & children’s entertainment are onsite Inter Care is a unique local charity that reduces the waste of UK medicines and NHS disposal costs.

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Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Thursday and Friday July 5 & 6, at 7.30pm & Saturday July 7, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Upper Brown Street Theatre, Leicester (the old Phoenix Theatre) Tickets £10, £7.50 for under 16s accompanied by a full fee paying adult Block booking offer of ‘Buy 10 tickets, get 1 extra free’ Tickets available from SVMC 0116 2664153 or post (with sae) from Soar Valley Music Centre, The Claremont Centre, Claremont Street, Belgrave, Leicester LE4 7QG •••

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘The Artist’ Friday September 14 (100 mins) This romantic comedy won five Oscars including Best Actor award for Jean du Jardin. It also gained twelve BAFTA nominations. Being tender, romantic and incredibly funny, in black and white silence, this film describes the rise and fall of a dashing actor against the backdrop of tumultuous change in Hollywood.

‘The Help’ Friday October 5 Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, this film explores the touching relationship between two black maids in 1960s Mississippi. In an era of social upheaval and racial tension, there are very funny performances and scenes of heartfelt emotion. As this film progresses, we can see ourselves or someone we know, within each of the characters.

‘War House’ Friday November 9 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 bought at the door.

•••

Baroque Concert on Saturday July 7 at 7.30pm at Rothley Parish Church

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THE ROTHLEY POST

(St Mary and St John) Medea Bindewald, harpsichord, plays music by Jacques Duphly Admission free, donations welcome •••

Open Church for Tea and Cakes at St Leonard’s Church, Swithland LE12 8TJ Saturday and Sunday July 14 & 15 From 2- 4.30pm Donations in aid of church funds •••

Car Boot Sale To include a cake sale In aid of St Theresa’s Church Funds Saturday July 28 in Church car park, Front Street, Birstall Booters to arrive at 8am £5 per car (keeping profits of course) open to buyers 9am – 2 pm Entrance fee – 50p per adult Now is the time to start clearing all your unwanted items and bring in some extra cash Remember ‘One Man’s Junk is Another Man’s Treasure’ •••

Summer Stars Holiday Bible Club for children aged 4-11 years August 6-10, 9.30-11.30am On Your Marks, Get Set….Go! for a week of fun and friendship Mountsorrel Methodist Church Hall, Church Hill Road, Mountsorrel Leics LE12 7JB Cooking, model making, parachute games, team games, bible stories, drama, singing, craft £1.50 per day, £6 per week To book your child’s place, please call: (07748) 590594 or email vivbp@talktalk.net ••• 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 July 5, Aug 2, Sep 6 at 7.30pm Admission £2. All players welcome •••

JUL 2012

9

Leicester Lions Club

Summer Garden Fete 34 The Ridgeway Sunday August 19 11am to 3pm to raise funds for the various local needy charities and schools it supports There will also be stalls, children’s games, tombola, BBQ and refreshments with occasional musical entertainment Admission £2 – children £1 ••• Fosse Co-op Camera Club, Leicester

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Club’s fundraising year A VARIED and successful programme of charity events raised over £19,000 during Rothley Park Golf Club’s Centenary Year in 2011.

Centenary Captains Keith McEwan and Lindsay Jelley were delighted to present the cheque to Janet MacMillan from the Motor Neurone Disease Association, their chosen charity.

Chief amongst the reasons for the club’s outstanding generosity was that a good friend of the club and 2009 Rothley Park Captain Bill Tyler was struck down with MND during his Captain’s year, yet still carried out all of his duties to the full.

Centenary Gents Captain, Keith McEwan, a close friend of Bill’s, said he bore his dreadful illness with bravery, stoicism and humour. “Bill was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2009 - many of us had never heard of it, let alone what its symptoms were, how it affected sufferers or how it impacted upon their loved ones. We hope that our donation can assist research to find a cure for this evil illness” said

Keith.

“Sadly Bill passed away in 2011 but he will be fondly remembered by everyone at the club. His name appears on numerous honours boards, as well as the Club Captain’s board and a stand of white birch trees were planted in his memory, adjacent to the 18th fairway.”

The money was raised through a varied programme of events including the two Captains’ Days, a bridge supper, a fashion show, a recipe book, a silent auction and President’s Day, whilst a remarkable £8,500 was raised in a ‘1,000 Miles in a Day’ golf challenge, where teams took part in a double shotgun event, aimed at covering 1,000 miles around the golf course in a single day.

Pic: A cheque for £19,166 being presented to MND’s Janet MacMillan, Past Gent’s Captain Keith McEwan and Past Lady Captain Lindsay Jelley

10 THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

Life on the farm Parish Council notes 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: Although the weather has been very wet so far during June, farming life at Brookfield carries on.

We have had two Falabella foals born on the farm this year and they will both be registered in the British Falabella Studbook. Brookfield Farm’s stud prefix is ‘Mosaic’ so their registered names will begin with this prefix, but we also give them a pet name for everyday use.

The first to be born was a little bay filly who we have named Mosaic Wildflower, although she will be known as Flower. We had to wait a few more weeks before our second foal put in an appearance. This time it was a lovely palomino and white colt foal with very long legs. As he is the last foal to be born here at Brookfield Farm we have named him Mosaic Brookfield’s Last Hurrah, otherwise known as Henry.

The mares live out in the field together until they get near to foaling, when they are brought in every night so a close eye can be kept on them. The first year we had mares foaling I spent many evenings, and nights, popping in and out of the house to check on any progress. Since then I have become more experienced at recognising the signs of imminent labour, and Bill has fitted a camera in the stable so I can

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watch progress on a television from the comfort of my bed. Most mares seem to foal between the hours of 6pm and 6am so the camera has been an invaluable piece of equipment. The only disadvantage is that Bill complains that it doesn’t improve the quality of his television viewing.

As promised I would like to share another incident that happened a few years ago at Brookfield, although this is more serious than the last anecdote.

Some people will remember the barn fire we had one August Bank Holiday.

We were woken at 2am by a fireman shouting that the farm was on fire.

Someone had set fire to the hay bales in the barn and the whole thing was well ablaze by the time we got downstairs. Fortunately someone had been driving past and had reported the fire to the fire service. My driving pony, Dusty, was stabled next to the barn, but fortunately he was standing in a smoke filled stable, but was quite safe and I was able to let him out. We lost the whole building, and hay plus a few vehicles which were parked in the barn, but nobody was hurt. As the fire smouldered for a week, we had firemen on the farm round the clock damping down. I think they found watching a smouldering barn rather boring as they were quite keen to barbecue on the remaining fire the sweetcorn I was growing that year. They picked it themselves, and all I had to provide was the butter.

Every year the swallows come back to their nests they have in the old brick milking parlour. This year has been no exception, and as this building is now used for the Falabella horses the birds swoop in and out of the doors and windows around their heads and they all seem to live quite happily together. They have been coming back every year for as long as anyone on the farm can remember. I do hope next year they will find another suitable nesting place when Brookfield Farm buildings are no longer here.

A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on April 16.

It was reported that Charnwood have sold the section of the car park that it owns within the Royal Oak car park to Everards, as it did not have a legal right of way across the land to access it.

The Council has obtained legal advice that a private event cannot be held on Bunney’s Field as it is open to the general public. Anyone organising an event on the field does so with the public right of access still in place and without the right to exclude members of the public from any part of that event.

It was reported the Village Hall has been deep cleaned.

The bank balances at year end stood at £214,629. It was agreed to refurbish all the village seats.

The Rothley Annual Parish Meeting was held on May 11.

PC Ed Stephenson reported that the Avalon estate had experienced a spike in burglary. Insp Duncan Southall said three or four individuals were responsible for a rise in burglary that had been ongoing since December. Three arrests have been made. He said the best approach to tackling burglary was to target suspects and monitor them, covertly and overtly.

Reports of antisocial behaviour have fallen following high visibility police patrols of hotspot areas.

Inspector Southall said the Police continued to to work closely with Charnwood and this had been a great success.

County Councillor Peter Osborne said that pressure on budgets meant that villages are more than ever reliant on volunteers. In education, he said the move to promote Academy status meant the County’s Education department was taking a step back. The department is being decimated, he said, with its role changing to providing specialist services. It is not leading in any shape or form over the provision of a new school in Rothley, he said.

Borough Cllr Matthew Blain, Cabinet Lead member for Planning, said the Council was preparing a Local Plan, the draft will be published in September, and that two thirds of councils in the UK had delays in publishing their plans. This made Charnwood susceptible to large planning applications from developers, as without an agreed Local Plan, development proposals cannot be challenged robustly. From this December, he said, we can hopefully bat away these speculative applications that developers are racing to put in before then.

Rev Rob Gladstone, the chair of governors at Rothley school, said the school roll was growing and there is a pressing problem with capacity. He said the idea

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of having two schools to meet growing numbers would be a disaster and the idea that children can be bussed to Cossington School was “barking mad”. He said the school was committed to providing excellent education for the whole community, not only Christians or churchgoers, and aimed to promote community cohesion.

He said any new school should be off Mountsorrel Lane, not on the edge of the village.

The school is applying for Academy status. The school name and Christian character will not change. Academy schools are independent of the Local Authority and are funded directly by central government.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on May 21.

Cllr Percy Hartshorn was elected as Chairman for the ensuing year. Cllr Brian Popple was elected as Vice Chairman.

It was suggested that a new medical centre could be provided within a new Rothley Centre. The Parish Council takes the view that it would not support the proposal to build a new school within the Brookfield Farm development.

Replacement kitchen units, new flooring and re-painting will be refurbishment work carried out as the Village Hall this summer, with a budget of £12,000.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on June 18.

It was reported there had been a break-in at the Rothley Youth Cabin on the Fowke Street playing field.

A NHW scheme covering 120 homes on the Avalon development opposite Woodcock farm has been started.

A resident has indicated they would like to set up a community speedwatch on Mountsorrel Lane, to monitor speeding vehicles. The Council has agreed to support any scheme once volunteers come forward to run it.

It was reported that William Davis, who plan to build 300 homes east of Mountsorrel Lane, have indicated they would consider building a new primary school on the site. Comment was made that this site is more suitable for a school than Brookfield Farm, the site proposed by developers Charles Church.

It was reported that the Harry Hames charity has donated £5000 to the Mountsorrel Railway Project.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on March 15.

Two members of the public were present to comment on Leicester City Council’s proposal for a travellers’ site on Greengate Lane. Comment was made that the site was in a ‘Green Wedge’ and would have negative environmental impact.

The Council agreed to award a grant of £110 to Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on April 19.

It was reported that the police had conducted speed checks along Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Concerns were raised by the Council of young travellers trotting with horses through the villages.

A resident on Causeway Lane has raised concerns about the misuse of the disabled parking bay on Causeway Lane by motorists visiting Bradgate Park.

THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

11

Rothley WI’s Jubilee tea party House burglary: car stolen POLICE ARE appealing for information after a Toyota Aygo was stolen from a house in Thurcaston during the Bank Holiday weekend.

The burglary happened sometime between 8.50am on Sunday June 3, and 4.10pm on Tuesday June 5, in Leicester Road.

The occupants returned home to find a window had been smashed at the back of the house and various items stolen, including a gold ladies Rotary watch, a Samsung tablet, a Hot Diamond bracelet and a brown Apple iPod. Also taken was the family’s red Toyota Aygo, vehicle registration VO5 60EK. PC Shea Wakelin, the investigating officer, said: “The family are understandably upset that someone has been in their home and also that they have taken their belongings.

“We are carrying out our own enquiries to try and locate those responsible and also the stolen property but I would urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact PC 4594 Shea Wakelin on 101, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 4594.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

ROTHLEY WI’S June meeting began with a warm welcome and heartiest congratulations to our Vice President Diane Wise, the new Mayor of Charnwood.

We were delighted that Diane was able to find time to join us for this months meeting and that along with Pic: Rothley WI at their Jubilee party the rest of us she was undaunted by the mists, rain, grey skies and wind chills of June 2012 including our Guest speaker Chris Anand with spirits never to be dampened, drews from the RSPB who brought to us the members of Rothley WI turned up in an enjoyable presentation entitled “Birds their lovely summery outfits, along with in Your Garden”. hats and squeaky smart shoes to partake Chris explained the history of the of a Jubilee Tea fit for the Queen herRSPB and that because of the dedicated self! hard work of the organisation’s staff, The Jubilee Tea was very kindly proalong with 18000 volunteers, much has vided by the President and committee. been done to improve our wildlife and Their splendid effort was certainly very bird population. The presentation inmuch appreciated by everyone present, volved bird songs and an overview of

each of those birds that frequent our gardens.

Next month we will be meeting Denise Taylor about her “ Hearing Dogs for the Deaf “. Meeting as usual, Rothley Centre Mountsorrel Lane Rothley, 1.15pm. 4 July. 2012. Our doors will be open to all, why not pop in for a tea or coffee with us, we would love to meet you.

From Maureen Bulmer Rothley WI.

Toast to the Queen at celebration 83 ROTHLEY, MOUNTSORREL and Syston British Legion members and friends gathered at the Rothley Centre on Tuesday May 29 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.

Prior to the meal, grace was said by the Rothley RBL chairman, Meg

Hendry.

A superb supper, cooked on the premises by Brian Gardiner, was served by a sturdy, if ageing, group of old soldiers in record time and all present said how tasty and enjoyable it was. At an appropriate moment, all stood for the Loyal Toast and the singing of the National Anthem.

After a short interval enabling the gathered throng to top up their drinks at the bar the entertainment commenced with Ian Rogerson and Julia Meynell,

ably accompanied on the piano by Mary Starie, singing a selection of songs from the shows, followed by nostalgic songs from yester-year and culminating in a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ type finale.

It was a very enjoyable and nostalgic evening and several diners commented afterwards that it was the sort of occasion which brought the community together and which could be repeated from time to time as a local community event.

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12 THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

The organist entertains THE PRESENTATION on the evening of May 15 proved to be a special treat, with a talk on the history of church organs by David Gabe, who followed this with an organ recital.

His enthusiasm for his topic was infectious. David’s professional background is that of a university scientist, specialising in metallurgy, but having learnt to play the organ at the age of sixteen, he has had a life-long love of organ music and particularly an interest in organ mechanics. He maintains his playing skills as the organist at Loughborough Baptist Church and has played as a visiting organist at other churches on special occasions.

David gave us an illustrated guide through the structure and function of organs, then proceeded to detail the many purposes of organs, from musical accompaniment during church services, to public entertainment, such as at the de Montfort Hall in Leicester.

For the second part of David’s presentation we were entertained by his delightful organ recital. Prior to playing for us, David explained that each organ

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has its own distinct characteristics, and as this would be the first time he would play All Saints’ church organ, he hoped he would achieve a satisfactory standard.

We were not disappointed and his repertoire, which included eight short pieces of music, ranged from the “Gavotte in G” by William Boyce to “Saints on a Spree” by Nigel Ogden – a very pleasant ending to a most enjoyable evening.

Our remaining summer meetings will be first on Tuesday July 17, meeting at 7.15pm outside Birstall Village Hall when we shall have a guided walk around Birstall Village, starting at 7.30pm, led by two members of Birstall Local History Society – no charge and no pre-booking required. On Tuesday August 14 we shall visit the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, Ulverscroft, for a guided tour of the Manor and grounds, including an explanation of the Trust’s origins and its work – meet there at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. Cost: £3 per person donation to the Foundation. For further details about either of these meetings, please contact Peter Smith on 0116 2367365.

Jennifer Kennington, Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society

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New Monday club’s outing Police OUR ANNUAL coach trip this year took place on May 17, when we headed to the Isle of Ely. Chief interest was Ely cathedral and the Stained Glass museum. The cathedral is immensely beautiful and is thus very often used as the location for films and TV programmes the revenue from which, is very important to maintain the structure and interior fabric of the building ie “Elizabeth. The Golden Age“, “The Other Boleyn Girl” and most recently “The King’s Speech”. There was evidently planning and discussion today, for a forthcoming TV programme and Mrs. Sue Wakerley (my Deputy) had her photograph taken with Mark Stacey, so watch this space!

Other areas of interest, including the very comprehensive Market held each Thursday, was Oliver Cromwell’s house.

The history of Cromwell’s life was comprehensively covered as both a family man and soldier. At the end of the tour apparently the visitor is required to decide whether he was a hero or villain!

Those members who visited, found it fascinating and well worth their time there.

Our Coach Trip Raffle in aid of the NSPCC organised by Mrs Sue Wakerley, achieved a healthy sum of £36. Thank you to all who contributed.

On a very wet and somewhat disheartening day, on Monday June 11, the membership came together delightfully and comically attired in red, white and blue to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. In the warmth of the Hall, they were greeted with a colourful and generous display of Union Jack bunting and copious balloons; thus starting the meeting in a very happy atmosphere.

Our speaker on this occasion was the very popular radio presenter, from Radio Leicester, Bridget Blair. Bridget’s subject was “Radio Magic” and she took us on a very bubbly and mirthful journey through the myriad of interviews, experiences and eminent people she had interviewed, including the Pope, which she had mostly enjoyed, together with more serious and emotional interviews as a consequence of disasters and human tragedy. In her Radio programmes she makes a point of highlighting issues requiring public support which possibly would have gone unnoticed otherwise on a day to day basis and which give the public a chance to express their opinions.

After an hour of a great deal of laughter, we enjoyed our very welcome cups of tea and beautifully made cakes in honour of the occasion, presented by our chef, Mrs Diana Whatton.

Our next Meeting will take place at “The Wheatsheaf” Public House in Thurcaston, on Monday July 9, at 2.30pm, for our Annual Strawberry Cream Tea. Based on the success and happy occasion last year, we would welcome anyone interested to join us this year, so please contact me to book a place £5.50 - this invitation includes husbands, partners and friends. My telephone number as usual is 0116 2363467. I hope you can come along.

From Ann Farndon, The Monday Club, Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston & Rothley

commander appointed THE CHARNWOOD Local Policing Unit (LPU) has a new commander.

Inspector Gaynor Turner took over from Inspector Duncan Southall on Monday June 11, 2012. Inspector Southall, who ran Charnwood Local Policing Unit LPU for more than three years, has become a Counties’ Operational Support Inspector covering crime and incidents across the nine policing areas that make up the Counties’ BCU.

Pic: Inspector Gaynor Turner Inspector Gaynor Turner has had a varied career with the police. She started working for the Force in 1996 as a call handler in the control room answering 999 calls. It wasn’t until December 2001 that she became a Police Constable and worked from Braunstone for a number of years before moving to Market Harborough in 2005 and was promoted to Sergeant in October of that year.

From April 2007 she worked for two years as deputy LPU Commander at Market Harborough and from there was promoted to the post of Acting Operational Support Inspector for one year still based in the south of the County. In October 2011 she was promoted once again into the role as Temporary Operational Support Inspector covering the County of Leicestershire and Rutland, moving into the post of Charnwood LPU Commander in June 2012.

Inspector Turner said: “I am looking forward to working at Charnwood and getting to work in partnership with the community, local authorities and other agencies. I hope to continue the good work that is already in place and plan to take every opportunity to reduce crime.

Overall, crime across the local policing area is currently showing a reduction.

Our main focus at the moment is burglary but we will of course continue to tackle a range of other issues including anti-social behaviour which can have a detrimental affect on people’s lives.

Please don’t hesitate to report any problems to us. If you have any issues at all you can contact me by phone, email or letter.”

THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

13

Park and Club’s visit to Wymeswold garden ride losses THE NUMBER of journeys taken from Birstall park and ride must increase by 400 per cent if the service is to break even.

The £5.25million, 1000 space facility has been used for 57,625 journeys since it opened in July 2011. This equates to 5760 journeys a month when 28,050 are needed for the service, which is combined with Enderby park and ride, to break even.

8,500 journeys a month are made from the Enderby site, which cost £9.2million. the combined service cost £577,000 to run in 2011/12 and the estimated cost for 2012/13 is £486,000.

The service is run jointly by the City and County Councils. It runs Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm every 15 minutes.

Day tickets are £3, a six month ticket is £250 and a 12 month ticket is £470.

Passengers with an older person’s pass travel free after 9.30pm. It was revealed in May, following a Freedom of Information request, that 31.5% of all journeys in the 12 months ending March 31, 2012 were made by passengers with an older person’s pass

NHW news & crime report HELLO AND welcome to our report for the Rothley beat, including Thurcaston, Cropston, Newtown Linford and Swithland.

As we have had a number of burglaries reported could we ask that everyone makes sure all windows and doors are locked when you go out, especially in the (hopefully) warm weather during the summer months. Also, make sure downstairs windows are closed when going to bed and remove all keys from the inside of locks. If you are going away ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the property and please report anything suspicious to us.

We also had the pleasure of working at the Rothley 10k recently and I have to say I was surprised at how many people took part! It was extremely well organised and everything seemed to go well.

Well done to all those that took part – it looked exhausting!

There is now in place a new Inspector at Syston, replacing Insp Southall.

Her details are: Insp 4358 Gaynor Turner From PC Ed Stephenson 2029 & PCSO Alex Beirne 6695, telephone 101

Crime Report Apr 17 – May 29, 2012 Theft: Apr 22, theft of scooters, Hickling Close; Apr 28, theft of horse, Westfield Lane; Apr 28, Cross Green Burglary: 7, damage 2, assault 1, burglary non-dwelling 1

MEMBERS OF the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club enjoyed a bumper crop of activities in May with a visiting speaker and a trip to the Malvern Spring Show.

Our visiting speaker was Geoff Bates talking about pests and diseases.

The whole evening was very interactive, and Geoff used the collective knowledge of the members to agree definitions, and list lots of pests and diseases. Geoff stressed that the more we know about pests and diseases, the more we will be able to protect our plants.

The day out at the Malvern Spring Show was excellent. This show is one of the first major shows of the year, and the plants on display reflect this. There is so much to enjoy at the show including the show gardens, the floral marquee, plant stalls, garden furniture and equipment, and much more – not forgetting the numerous stalls selling refreshments. It’s a good job the coach had a big boot for all the plants bought at the show!

The first of our summer activities was in June, an evening visit to Ridgewold Farm in Wymeswold. We were warmly welcomed and given a guided tour around the stunning 2 ½ acre gardens and surrounding woodland walk.

The garden is part of the National Garden Scheme. For a garden to be accepted onto this scheme it needs to hold the interests of visitors for 45 min-

Holiday club SUMMER STARS Holiday Bible Club is returning this summer and all children aged 4-11 years are welcome.

The Club will be held at Mountsorrel Methodist Church Hall, 9.3011.30am, Monday Aug 6 to Friday Aug 10, cost £1.50 per morning or £6 for the whole week.

Children will be able to take part in a variety of activities each morning including: team games, craft, model making, action songs, drama, cookery, Bible Stories and parachute games. The morning also includes snack time and outdoor play if the weather is dry. At the end of the week, the children will have the opportunity to take part in a short concert to show family and friends what they have been doing at the club.

Last year 36 local children attended, with many families saying that their children had enjoyed the club so much that they wished it could continue all summer. This year, the organisers hope to welcome back old friends and also look forward to seeing some new faces.

To book your child’s place, please email: vivbp@talktalk.net or call (07748) 590594

Pic: Ridgewold Farm utes. This garden did this, and more.

The owners have created gardens around the farmhouse with many interesting features including a rose garden, herbaceous borders, natural fish pond, stream, and native plantation with woodland walks. The planting is largely informal, with many areas created to encourage and support wildlife. This is all set in a lovely rural landscape.

This was an excellent evening visit and the 30 plus group of members and visitors thoroughly enjoyed the garden and the refreshments, including homemade cake, served at the end of the visit.

Other summer meetings and activities at the Gardening Club • Wednesday August 8 – ‘They think it’s all Over’ – a talk by Stuart Dixon How to keep colour in our gardens into the Autumn and Winter months 7.45 pm at the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston • Saturday September 1 – 29th Annual Produce Show – Memorial Hall This is an OPEN show and everyone is welcome to enter – for the competi-

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tion, or just for fun. Schedules of classes with full details on how to enter are available from Brookside Nursery in Anstey, Tebbatt Electronics in Thurcaston, Bradley’s Supermarket in Rothley, and the Memorial Hall in Thurcaston.

Or contact Dave Haddon, the show secretary on 0116 235 9758. Doors open to the public to look around at 2.30 pm From Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club

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14 THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is still required if you are selling or renting out your house.

Call David Jackson on 0781 5519490 to arrange your EPC

OUR PICTURE shows Joan Lovett, President of the Ladies Circle, presenting a £450 cheque to Tony Bradley of the Air Ambulance.

The group would like to thank everyone who supported their coffee mornings.

Swimming pool closed in Birstall BIRSTALL POOL has been closed after one of its boilers failed. and the community team here at the The pool will be closed permanently college public swimming does not acas Longslade College, who own and run count for a large percentage of the init, say the cost of re-opening the pool to come.” current safety standards would be at Birstall Pool was least £250,000 built in the early A spokesman for 1960’s. In 1983 a the college’s governcampaign began to ing body said: “Goverfund improvements to nors have expressed the pool, which had a concerns over the damaged roof and a income and expendifailing air heater, moss ture for the pool. In and algae growing on common with many the walls and a damschool swimming Pic: Birstall Pool in 1983 aged pool lining. In pools, the pool at 1984, a £217,000 programme of imLongslade has run at a loss over the last provements was agreed, provided by five years. An estimated annual loss is Charnwood Borough Council, the Sports £15,000 per year. Despite efficiency Council and the County Council. savings being made, for example energy The pool provided swimming lessons conservation, the repair and maintenance costs have increased year on year. for children and adults, aqua aerobics, baby swimming sessions and lifesaving The reason for this is that the boilers courses. There were 12 members of and the unit which ensures the proper staff. functioning of the pool, the Mynerga Lesley Moore from the group The unit, are beyond their expected lifespan.

Friends of Birstall Pool said: “We knew “One of the boilers did not pass its that if the boiler ever broke down that annual service earlier this month and cannot be used. With this and the poten- the pool could not finance the cost of a new one. It is very sad to lose the swimtial replacement of the Mynerga air unit, ming pool especially if you have no approximate replacement costs to enother forms of transport to get to the sure the pool is safe and usable, as well leisure centres nearby. The fact is the as to a standard which is equivalent to pool was losing money and no-one is other public swimming pools would going to fund a new boiler if the pool require a minimum of £250,000. can’t earn enough money to pay for “The college cannot move money itself. from the school budget to support the “If Birstall and the surrounding vilrunning of the pool, its running costs lages had supported the pool more by must be met from the community budget. In addition the building which houses attending it then who knows if it could the swimming pool is coming to the end have paid its own way. It’s hard for a school pool to compete against the leiof its useful life, sure centres and what they offer.”

“The majority of usage is from swimParent Lyn Van Ristell’s child had ming lessons, private hire and affiliated swimming lessons at the pool. She said: societies and despite the best efforts of “I was bitterly disappointed and sadboth members of our local community

dened to receive a letter today from Longslade notifying me that the pool has closed effective from June 12. My child only had a lesson the previous day when a notice was displayed to say that the boiler had broken down and that the pool would be closed until further notice.

A village the size of Birstall needs a swimming pool for children and adults.

Riverside and Highcliffe have small shallow pools for babies and young children. The nearest public swimming pool will not be in Mountsorrel and of course, transport, car or bus, will be needed to travel there.

Birstall pool is a fantastic asset to Birstall and the swimming teachers exceptional. Over many years my family has supported Birstall Pool – having weekly lessons for my children, and also when I too was a child, I took part in fundraising activities such as sponsored swims to raise funds for the swimming pool. Can nothing be done to save our swimming pool? Could the Leicestershire County Council or even local parish council or local schools contribute funds to purchase and install a new boiler and keep the pool open?”

Matthew Sharp runs the Birstall College of Diving and has been using the pool since 2009, paying an annual fee of £2500. He one worked as a lifeguard at the pool.

He said: “Over the years it has been apparent that Birstall swimming pool is an under-used resource, however I do feel that Longslade Community College has never really supported the staff at the pool in promoting its use. Most of the college staff and pupils are unaware that there is a dive school or that the pool conducts Lifeguard training. Both of these could help a young person find employment. There has also been a lack of consultation with the local community regarding the pool’s future. It is an asset to the community and should not be lost. From a personal point of view I urge people to speak out and try to save

Trip to palace THE SUCCESS of a Prince’s Trust programme at Longslade College was recognised when Principal Liz Hall was invited to an event at St James’s Palace where she met HRH The Prince of Wales.

Ms Hall was a regional representative at the Prince’s Trust ‘No one Left Behind’ event that aimed to consider ways in which the Trust’s personal development programmes for young people can be supported and extended.

Longslade has been running the Prince’s Trust XL programme at the college for seven years. It currently has 52 students from years 10 and 11 taking part.

The XL programme works with young people who are struggling with their education and maybe at risk of exclusion from school. Small groups work on youth led projects doing fun, practical hands-on activities that aim to improve personal and social skills, gain confi-

Pic: Liz Hall with Prince Charles

dence, motivation and help re-integrate them into mainstream education.

Liz Hall said: “We had an opportunity to meet and speak with HRH Prince Charles. He spoke to our group for longer than we anticipated and is clearly very appreciative of the significant and successful work with young people as part of his Prince’s Trust Charity.

“My sincere thanks must go to the team involved in delivering the programme – Karen Norris, Margot McSwiney, Ann Wright and Jayne Yeates.

Their hard work and support for young people has ensured the programme is very successful and Longslade is certainly on the map as far as the Prince’s Trust is concerned. Well done to all Longslade students, past and present who have achieved success following their participation in the XL programme.”

Longslade’s XL students have undertaken several projects including working with pre-schools and primary schools and doing a DIY makeover at Birstall Youth Centre.

Year 10 student Kayleigh Burley said: “I really like to be part of the XL group, the projects are really good and my confidence is loads better since being involved.”

THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

15

Volunteers restore local railway PLANS TO restore a historic Leicestershire railway line as a linear working museum have taken a significant leap forward with the completion of track laying along the second phase of the project, and a significant donation from the Edith Murphy Foundation.

Community volunteers from Mountsorrel and the surrounding area have been working hard over the past four

and a half years to carefully restore part of the railway system that used to run to the village. When complete the restored railway will connect Mountsorrel to the Loughborough based Great Central Railway, allowing steam trains to run back to the village once again.

“Four and a half years ago we set out with the vision of preserving and restoring an important part of our local heritage. We wanted to be able to tell the story of our industrial past in a way that would engage the community and encourage a better understanding of what village life was like in times gone by” said volunteer project leader Steve Cramp.

Already the project has brought educational benefits to over 500 local children, through school visits to learn about the history of the route and through ecological work along the railway corridor. Steve said: “We haven't just set out to restore the railway itself, but also to care for the ecology and wildlife alongside the route. We've tried to encourage flora and fauna that would have been native to the sides of the railway during it's original operating life as well as creating wildlife habitats.”

Over the winter, sections of the hedgerows alongside the line have been professionally laid by volunteers, giving children and young people an opportunity to learn the art of hedge laying for themselves. Over 1,100 native trees and bushes have also been planted. The project has recently launched "Wildlife Warriors" which are free sessions for children aged 3-11 and their parents, aimed at allowing them to learn about the wildlife along the route and enriching it through fun ecological activities.

The 1.2 mile long railway is being restored in four phases. With phases 1 and 2 now complete, attention is turning to raising the £23,000 required to buy rail for phase 3. Steve said: “We are very grateful to the Edith Murphy Foundation

for helping to launch our phase 3 appeal with a wonderfully generous donation of £5,000! Together with donations already received from members of the public we have now raised a remarkable £18,500 in only two months so are well on our way to our £23,000 target!

“The railway is being restored using historically correct materials and all the track laying is being done by hand using the same methods as the original navvies who built the railway in the 19th century. Community spirit and hard work have brought us this far and we are now very close to agreeing a deal to secure enough rail to complete phase 3, pending or course fundraising of the remaining £4,500 we need.

Phase 3 will extend the railway by a further 500 metres and take us to Wood Lane on the outskirts of Mountsorrel.”

To donate and help create what will be a much valued educational and recreational resource, please send your cheque, made payable to "DCRT" (David Clarke Railway Trust) with "Mountsorrel Railway" written on the back, to 112 Balmoral Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough, LE12 7EW. For further details please see the project website www.mountsorrelrailway.org.uk To volunteer and get involved yourself email project leader Steve Cramp steve@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk

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Pic: the scene at Rothley Station

War weekend

THE GCR war weekend saw visitors enjoying the period atmosphere.

Dozens of re-enactors in period outfits helped to set the scene at Rothley station. In Birstall, the assassination of a German officer by the French resistance, followed by a fire fight, entertained a large crowd on the platform.

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16 THE ROTHLEY POST

JUL 2012

WI news AT OUR June meeting, we held our 76th birthday party combined with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration.

The village hall was decked out with flags and bunting and the members as usual supplied a wonderful spread. After we had finished eating, we enjoyed a quiz and finished the celebration singing the National Anthem.

Our next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday July 5 at the Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston when Mrs Margaet Sharman will be talking about the ‘street pastors’. Competition: A street scene.

From Thurcaston & Cropston WI Pics: (above) garden owner Liz Phillips with her daughter Amy (12) & granddaughter Chloe (12). Below: John & Pat Gourlay in their garden

Small Ads Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words.

17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Rothley library or Rothley Post Office on Woodgate.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plans drawn and submitted.

Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 / 07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk PILATES CLASSES @ St Hilda’s Church Hall, East Goscote.

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School’s fundraising STAFF AND pupils at Rothley school have been raising money for LOROS. Teacher Sarah Stonehouse died last year and was supported by LOROS in the final stages of her illness, so the school decided to support the charity.

A total of £3,600 has been raised by a sponsored run of the Paris marathon by Alex Palmer and pupils’ activities including car washing, dog walking and non-uniform days.

Lots of the school’s female staff took part in the LOROS sponsored Twilight walk around Leicester.

Pic: Visitors Paul Wilson & his grandson Reece Emery (11)

Planning P/12/1295/2: 67 Swithland Lane, Rothley – erection of two storey extensions to both sides of dwelling P/12/1367/2: Russetts 124, The Ridings, Rothley – works to 4 lime trees P/12/1307/2: 3 The Crescent, Rothley – erection of single storey rear extension P/12/1186/2: 30 The Ridings, Rothley – erection of single storey rear extension P/12/1207/2: 8 Westfield Lane, Rothley – felling of 1 eucalyptus tree, raising, thinning of crown and pruning back of extended branches of 1 copper beech tree and reducing height of 1 yew tree P/12/1225/2: 17 The Ridgeway, Rothley – demolition of outbuildings P/12/1224/2: 17 The Ridgeway, Rothley – erection of detached outbuildings P/12/1247/2: Cossington Lock, River Soar Navigation, Cossington Lane, Rothley – alterations to locks P/12/1178/2: 22a Greenway Close, Rothley – change from annex to separate dwelling P/12/1145/2: adj 54 The Ridgeway, Rothley – demolition of building and erection of dwelling with associated garaging and access P/12/1143/2: 54 The Ridgeway, Rothley – erection of triple garage with first floor studio P/12/1151/2: 1 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – change of use of ground floor to mixed use of Dolls House Shop (Class A1) and Coffee Shop (Class A3) First floor front room from Office (Class B1) to Showroom Dolls House (Class A1)

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OUR PICTURES show just a few of the 17 gardens opened to the public in Thurcaston & Cropston for the annual garden trail, organised by Richard Hill school PTA. P/12/1122/2: Six Acres 17 The Ridgeway, Rothley – construction of dry stone garden wall, posts and entrance gates to front of dwelling with garden lighting P/12/1135/2: 24 Holmfield Lane, Rothley – works to 1 horse chestnut tree and 1 Corsican pine tree P/12/1121/2: Six Acres 17 The Ridgeway, Rothley – construction of swimming pool P/12/1378/2 47 Latimer Road, Cropston – various alterations to dwelling including replacement roof to rear P/12/1009/2: 64 Rectory Lane, Thurcaston – erection of extension to side of the rear and form part of garage into a garden room

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