Rothley Post (87) Mar 2011

Rothley Post MAR/APR 2011 (87), page 1

THE ROTHLEY POSTY O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S P A P E R

Delivered FREE to Rothley, Thurcaston & CropstonMAR/APR 2011 ISSUE No. 87

TWO LOCAL stores have helpedprovide provisions for our forcesserving in Afghanistan.

Customers at Budgens in Mountsorrelpledged either £5 or £10 which the store used

AMBITIOUS PLANS to demolish and rebuildRothley’s Scout HQ off North Street haveseen the launch of an appeal to raise£260,000.

Scout leader Ron Bromley explains:“It’s old and when it rains the roof leaks.

When the wind blows the weatherproofing onthe roof often peels off. It’s a wooden buildingand the woodwork is extensively rotten. It’sbeen vandalised more than once and attemptsat illegal entry have been made. As a conse-quence about half of its windows are boarded

Pic: Norman Pratt with another load of boxes for the troops

Scouts’buildingappeal

Pic: the planned new HQ

Continued on page 2

Parcelsfor thetroops

Continued on page 2


to buy and supply at cost small itemsfor servicemen and women to takeout with them on patrol.

63 tuck boxes were assembled andsent out by the Rothley and DistrictBranch of the Royal British Legion tonamed recipients who are from thedistrict.

Following the success of the tuckbox scheme, the troops were request-ing hot water bottles. Corts of Rothley,were able to offer them at less thancost price and as a result, 40 bottlesare now on their way to Afghanistan.

Norman Pratt, one of the schemeorganisers along with Diane Allenfrom Mountsorrel, said: “This action,following the hundreds of tuck boxessent out over the last months throughthe kind offices of Budgens store inMountsorrel, has bought many mes-sages of appreciation from the boysand girls performing their hazardoustasks out in the danger zone. Many,many thanks to all the generous localcontributors.”

Norman added: “Diane Allen has,in her own right, collected and dis-patched a large number of boxes inaddition to those collected at Budgensand is to be applauded for her dedi-cation and efforts.”

up. The heating is inadequate and antiquated, and thereis no hot water system. Representatives of utility compa-nies have been known to judge it as derelict whenvisiting to read the meters. And these are only some ofthe problems with our Scout ‘Headquarters’.

You may not have noticed the building, situated as itis between North Street and Howe Lane, but if it weresituated in a more prominent part of the Rothleyconservation area, like North Street, or Howe Lane, oreven Woodgate, then I imagine the complaints about itsappearance and condition would be overwhelming. Andeach week throughout school term time 62 (at the latestcount) local boys and girls use this building for theirScout meetings

Patching, repairing, bringing the facilities in theexisting building up to date, none of these would be costeffective. Just throwing good money after bad. And sothe Trustees of Rothley’s Scout Group have taken thedecision to replace the ‘hut’ with a substantial, custom-built building. We already own the land and with somehelp from our friends we have produced the plans fora new building, and these plans have received planningpermission from the local authority.

Estimates for the clearance of the site and theconstruction of the new building have been obtainedfrom four recommended building firms. The lowest ofthese is in excess of £200,000 which will becomenearer £260,000 if we have to pay VAT at 20%. Thiscost is massive for a voluntary organisation like oursand although we have made a start finding the money itwould be an impossible mountain for a Scout Group toclimb solely by its own efforts.

So we are launching an appeal for dona-tions, grants, etc. We will spread the net aswide as we can but ours is a village ScoutGroup, part of the local community for many,many decades past and hopefully for manymore to come. Therefore we feel fully justifiedin appealing to the village for help with thisfinancial undertaking, just as we do when weneed adults to donate their spare time asvolunteer Scout leaders.

There must be many local residents of allages who have been Scouts, either in Rothleyor elsewhere, and will remember this time intheir lives with some affection. If you can’tthrow money then perhaps you can supportthe Group’s future fund-raising events. Or youmay know a source of grants that we don’t.You might even be willing and able to raisesome funds yourself to help us towardsachieving our goal.

The Rothley Scout ‘hut’ is way past its useby date. Any restrictions, problems or discom-forts that affect its current users will onlyincrease as the building deteriorates stillfurther. So will you please help us to replacethis relic, this local eyesore, with a buildingthat will show how much the communityappreciates these young people and supportstheir interests and activities. A headquarters ofwhich they can be proud.”

Contacts, Ron Bromley (0116 2376311),Jerry Pilbeam (0116 2374119), Di Hardy(0116 2303041)

Boxes from page 1 Scout HQ from page 1


GRATEFUL VILLAGERS marked the retire-ment of Cropston’s postman by organisinga party for him.

David Beazeley (65) was the guest ofhonour at the event, held appropriately inCropston’s old post office on Station Road.David was presented with a cheque and wasthanked by the fifty or so people who attended.

Cropston resident Rona Baxter said:“David, in addition to earning a well deservedrest, has earned the deep respect of thepeople of Cropston and has become a wel-come part of village life.

“He has become known for his courteousmanner, his friendliness and for many acts ofkindness. We shall miss his cheery wave, hisfriendly chats and willingness to listen to ourconcerns.

“Always ready to go the extra mile to helpout, we weren’t just faceless people behindnumbered doors, he became a friend to usand we to him. We extend to him our verybest wishes for a happy retirement.”

David said: “It was a humbling occasion, I wasflabbergasted and overwhelmed. They have been marvel-lous to me, it was lovely to see so many people here andI would like to express my appreciation to them all.”

Pic: Cropston’s postman David Beazeley

A SUBSIDISED bus serv-ice from Thurcaston toLeicester has beenaxed.

The 55 service, operated byCentrebus, is a victim of Leices-ter City Council’s round ofspending cuts. The hourly serv-ice which ran from Monday toSaturday will be withdrawn inearly April.

The Centrebus website saysthe City Council may fund areplacement service, but aCouncil spokesman told TheRothley Post on February 16that a decision has yet to betaken on providing a replace-ment service.

Cropstonthankspostman

55busaxed


Members created a display with Christmascards they had made themselves. “Judging bythe general chatter and the camaraderie thelunch was well enjoyed by those who were ableto make it” said organiser Maureen Bulmer.

Rothley Craft Group meet on the secondMonday of each month, 9.15-12noon at theRothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane. There is ameeting fee of £2 per month (includestea/coffee and biscuits) and a one off life

subscription of £5.Maureen added: “Coming from varied back-

grounds our members share a common inter-est in creating their own cards of all shapesand sizes and with a wide choice of materials.Despite this not being a teaching group werange from beginners to the experienced incard making with everyone being happy toshare their talent and art skill with others thuscreating a friendly interactive group with helpon hand for anyone who needs it.”

For more details contact Maureen:07504976415 [email protected]: Rothley Craft Group members (back row, l-r)June Bishop, Audrey Creswell, Heather Parnham,Jenny Trotter, Alison Briggs, Barbara Wood,Eileen Eversfield (front row, l-r) Cathy Harbour,Glenise Bowyer, Jay Copson, Jacqui Chilton;seated: Pauline Fitchett

ROTHLEY CRAFT Group brought its year to a close with a Faith Lunch, held in theRothley Centre.

THE ROTHLEY Post will bepublished in colour from May.

As well as being in colour, future issueswill be in a slightly larger format than thecurrent A4 page size. The paper used willbe of the same quality.

Jerry Jackson, Editor of the Rothley Post,said: “I hope our readers and advertiserswill enjoy our new colour editions andlarger format which will enable me tosqueeze even more of your news into thePost.”

Sister papers The Mountsorrel Post andThe Birstall Post will also be published inthe same format.

THE ROTHLEY POST

ColourfromMay

Card making craft group

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VILLAGE GARDENS will be opened againthis summer as part of Thurcaston andCropston’s Open Gardens Weekend.

The Richard Hill School PTA are once againorganising this popular event, this year on June25/26.

Organiser Linda Bennett said: “In previousyears it has proved to be a very popularweekend with both members of the villagesinvolved as well as many people from nearbyvillages and further afield. However, it doesrely on a number of people being willing toopen their gardens to the visiting public. Weare therefore looking for such people!

“Maybe you have opened your garden everyyear so far, maybe you have once or twice ormaybe you’re plucking up courage to do so!People who have opened before have reallyonly good things to say about the experience,which is why so many people continue to openeach year. We can only encourage you to giveit a try and see what you think. All gardens arewelcome, big or small, simple or elaborate,immaculate or a little more ‘natural’!

“This year we shall be going back to theformat of gardens in both villages being openon both days. However, if you would like toopen yours but are only able to do one day thatis not a problem. And you don’t have to do

refreshments, plant stalls or anything else,unless you would like to, just be willing toshare your garden, and all your hard work,with a very appreciative audience.”

If you would like to open your garden forthis year’s event or you would like moreinformation contact Linda 0116 2363872, Jane0116 2357980 or Rachel 0116 2366285

Or you can email [email protected]

AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Seaports, LongDistance, Courier. Tel: 0777 1984806

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plansdrawn and submitted. Extensions, conversions,new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB0116 2674395 / 07974807111www.amlidesign.co.uk

CLARE’S LITTLE Cupcake Company. Specialisingin bespoke handcrafted cupcakes. Gluten freeand diabetic options also available. Free con-sultation and local delivery. Tel: 07837 533401or visit www.clareslittlecupcakeco.com

Small AdsSmall ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32

words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us orhand it in (inside an envelope) at Rothley library orRothley Post Office on Woodgate.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word.You are liable for the trade/business rate if you areoffering a service for which you are asking for pay-ment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. Alltext will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max50 words.

ROTHLEY, THURCASTON & Cropston’s police team havebeen provided with an office in Newtown Linford.

PC Steve Rhodes and PCSO Nigel Ritchie are using theSunday School Rooms next to Bradgate Park, courtesy of theParish Council and the parochial church council of All SaintsChurch, Newtown Linford.

The move comes after the closure of Quorn Police station,one of 12 in the county which is being closed as Leicester-shire Constabulary tries to save £15million. The Police teamare also using a room in the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston

Open garden days

Police office



DURING 2010, there were 24 recorded burglaries in Roth-ley down from 33 in 2009.

Various initiatives have been carried out to reduce thisduring 2010, at various locations and times. The main loca-tions were six on Swithland Lane and five on Hallfields Lane.

The 43 burglary other than dwellings in 2010 consisted of26 sheds, seven outbuildings, two garages, five businesses andthree containers. A good percentage were at the allotments onLoughborough Road.

The most encouraging figures were incidents of criminaldamage which were again going down, falling from 72 to 25to 19 over the last three years.

There were 61 miscellaneouscrimes, 39 of those were forassault or harassment, eight fordrug offences and seven forfraud.

In February one of our wellknown burglars from Rothleywas sent to prison for threeyears for committing a burglaryin the village. His arrest resultedfrom observant members of NHWcontacting the police.Crime ReportRothley: Dec 2010 and Jan2011

Burglary 5, burglary other 1,theft 4, damage to motor vehicle

NHW news & crime report

Rothley, Thurcaston &Cropston’sPC Steve Rhodes

3, theft ofmotor vehi-cle 2Cropston:Jan 2011

Burglaryother 1Thurcaston:Jan 2011

Theft fromvehicle 1,burglaryother 1, theft1

From PC0544 SteveRhodes Tel:0116 2222222 to leavea message


A WASSAIL in a Rothley orchard aimed toensure a bumper harvest this autumn.

Guests, friends and customers of FarmerFear’s ‘Thirsty Farmer Cider’ enjoyed anevening of merriment with a serious, tradition-al twist at the Thirsty Farmer orchard on TownGreen Street in Rothley, on January 15.

A procession of invited guests left The BlueBell Inn in Rothley at dusk, led by LeicesterBorder Morris Dance Troupe ‘Bakanalia’ andby a Wassail Queen, Amy Gledhill ofLeicester. Upon reaching the or-chard the apple trees were‘wassailed’ by the gatheredgroup. Usually performed onthe old Twelfth Night thepurpose of wassailing is towake the apple trees fromtheir winter slumber and toscare away evil spirits to

ensure a good harvest of fruit in the autumn.A traditional incantation was made to the

trees of the orchard: “Here’s to thee goodapple tree, to bear and blow apples enow, thisyear, next year, and the year after too; hats full,caps full, three bushel bags full, and pay thefarmer well!”

The Wassail Queen then led everyonethrough the orchard weaving their way be-tween the planted rows, placing cider soaked

toast into the boughs of the treeswhilst music was played and songs

were sung by the proces-sion.

The assembledcrowd were then en-couraged to make alot of noise and around of gunshotswere fired into thenight sky through

the branches of thetrees to make sure that

no evil spirits remained.Andrew Fear, the ‘Farmer Fear’

who produces the award winning cider,

provided all the assembled guests with freecider and a BBQ supper.

He said: “The Morris men were wonderful!They provided us all with a great deal of

entertainment and joy. They also per-formed for us several dances includ-ing Lord of the Dance, Leominster,Black Pig & Wellyboot. I can’t thankthem enough and I can confirm thatthey enjoyed themselves as much as Idid.”

Thirsty Farmer Cider is made local-ly in Sutton Bonnington, near Lough-borough and is produced from aquality mix of cider apples from both

the Rothley Orchard and Somerset. The recipefor this pleasant medium dry cider has beenpassed down to Andrew Fear from his grand-father, Metford Fear who first sold it on a smallcommercial scale from the Pier at WestonSuper Mare in 1880.

The recipe remains a family secret, but doesnot contain any unnecessary ingredients and iscompletely natural.

Andrew puts his recent win in CAMRA’s EastMidlands and Yorkshire Cider Competition inOctober 2010 down to, in part, the success oflast year’s Wassail. “Last autumn’s bountifulharvest produced an award winning cider thatI am very proud of!” he said.

Thirsty Farmer Cider can be bought fromFarmer Fear’s Budgens, Granite Way, Mount-sorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7TZ and costs£5.49 for a 2.5 litre Flagon or in larger bag inbox quantities by request, visitwww.farmerfear.co.uk for more information.

Pics above & left: Wassail Queen Amy Gle-dhill & cider producer Andrew Fear

Orchard wassailed

The next issue ofTHE ROTHLEY POSTwill be published on Apr 23.

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A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Councilwas held on January 17.

PC Steve Rhodes reported that two burglarswere arrested in Birstall on December 23. Onewas remanded in custody, the other tagged.There have been no burglaries in Rothley sincethat date.

The Police priorities for the next threemonths are allotments, antisocial vehicle usageand school road safety. The issue of KinchleyLane being used for drug related activity wasraised and noted.

Rothley Parish Council will liaise withMountsorrel Parish Council on future planningapplications that effect the two villages.

A proposal (P/10/2760/2) to demolish adetached dwelling at 1082 LoughboroughRoad, Rothley and build 27 dwellings on thesite was opposed on the grounds that itreduces the area of separation between Rothleyand Mountsorrel, the density of developmentis too high and the proposal would block anylink road between Walton Way and the A6junction roundabout.

bringing speed measuring equipment to show thechildren. PCSO Ritchie has been using the MemorialHall back room as a base.

It was reported that the number 55 bus servicewould be withdrawn on March 31, 2011. It wasagreed that Cllr Snartt be asked for help in re-routingthe 54 service . Rectory Lane could be designated a‘hail and ride’ section or a new bus stop installed.

It was agreed that the Council arrange for a loanof a projector for the showing of films at theMemorial Hall. The projector will be provided at nocost, but there is an annual maintenance fee of £60plus approximately £40 per annum insurance.

The films shown are part of the County Council’sCentre Screen project which aims to bring films outto the villages. The Parish Council pays a fee of £90per film plus 50 per cent of the gross box office. Itwas agreed that a full balance sheet be presented tothe Parish Council following every film screening.

A quotation of £9930 from J Adams for work tobe done during the mowing season 2011 was ap-proved. A quotation of £4,595 from M & M Bunneyfor the maintenance of the cemetery for 2011 wasapproved. A quotation of £1695 from M & M Bunneyfor work on the six planters adjacent to the cross-roads, Thurcaston and shrub bed at the junction ofRectory Lane/Leicester Road, Thurcaston for 2011was approved.

The Council agreed a precept of £32,000 for theyear 2011/12. This is the same sum as the previousyear.

It was agreed to award a grant of £250 to theLatimer Players towards the cost of materials.

Councillors discussed the provision of salt binsand gritting in the parish.

OPPORTUNITIES ARE available at Wa-termead Country Park for anyone whohas a New Year resolution to helpconserve their local environment.

Leicestershire County Council park rangerswill be holding monthly volunteer daysthroughout 2011 at the northern end of thepark where people can learn new skills, meetnew people and get hands-on conservationexperience. Events planned include the build-ing of a Kingfisher wall, wetland, tree andwildflower meadow management and generalpark maintenance.

All days start at 9.30am and finish by 1pmwith hot drinks and biscuits provided.

Byron Rhodes, County Council CabinetMember for Country Parks, said: “Watermeadis a haven for an array of wildlife and, underthe guidance of the rangers, people will beable to help nurture the creatures that livethere. Volunteering in this way also presents agreat opportunity to meet like minded people,get fit, enjoy the fresh air and learn newskills.”

Volunteers are asked to wear old clothingand, if possible, bring wellies, steel toecappedboots, waterproofs and gloves.

If you are interested in finding out morecall the Country Park office on 0116 3055434.More information is available atwww.leics.gov.uk/watermead_volunteer

ParishCouncilnotes

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & CropstonParish Council was held on November 18.

PC Steve Rhodes reported on current policepriorities and said that a petition concernedwith non stopping traffic at the junction ofCauseway Lane and Reservoir Road, Cropstonhad been presented by residents to CountyCouncillor David Snartt.

PC Rhodes reported that Quorn PoliceStation is to be closed and it was agreed thatPC Rhodes be allowed to inspect the backroom of the Memorial Hall to check its suita-bility as a part time office.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & CropstonParish Council was held on January 20 (therewas no meeting in December).

PC Rhodes reported that crime in the Parishwas falling. He will be visiting schools inFebruary with a road safety initiative and

Countrypark


A SPONSORED cycle ride will set off fromRothley school this April.

Rothley Primary School PFA and the MattHampson Foundation are hoping that at least250 cyclists from across Leicestershire willcome forward and take part in their newCharnwood Forest sponsored Cycle Ride.

The Ride on Sunday April 10 – starting andfinishing at the Rothley Centre between 9 &10am- takes cyclists on a 20 mile circularroute along the leafy lanes and through thepicturesque villages of Charnwood Forest.

A spokesman said: “The ride is suitable forall levels of ability, is a fantastic way to kickstart a New Year exercise or keep fit regimeand it is hoped that through a £10 entry fee

and sponsorship that it will raise much neededfunds for both Rothley Primary School PFA andthe Matt Hampson Foundation.”

Matt Hampson said: “I’m extremely excitedto be working alongside Rothley School on thisfabulous new event. We really want as manypeople as possible to come forward and takepart to help make this first event a hugelysuccessful one that we can then build on forfuture years to come!”

Anyone wanting to take part can obtainentry forms and further details by phoning0116 2374867 or 07717 044226, [email protected] or via our Face-book page: Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride. Thedeadline for entries is March 28.

A NEW national website which allowsthe public to see what crime and antiso-cial behaviour has happened on theirdoor step was launched last month.

Leicestershire Constabulary has joined allother Forces across England and Wales bypublishing new street-level crime, antisocialbehaviour (ASB) and local policing infor-mation via a new website – www.police.uk

The new site allows the public of Leices-ter, Leicestershire and Rutland to check onthe crime and antisocial behaviour that hashappened on their street in recent weeks bysimply entering their postcode.

This transparent new level of crime andlocal policing information will help peopleto find out what’s happening and will enablethem to hold their local police and partnersto account for the action being taken andhow issues are being tackled.

Superintendent Ian Coulton, of Leicester-shire Constabulary, said: “LeicestershireConstabulary is committed to supporting thepublication of street level crime and antiso-cial behaviour information. This will meanthat communities across Leicester, Leices-tershire and Rutland will have access toinformation about crime, along with detailsof their neighbourhood policing teams, atthe touch of a button.

“We hope it will encourage more peopleto get involved in working with or support-ing our local policing teams to tackle crimeand antisocial behaviour in their area.”

The launch of this website is part of anational programme, which will be broad-ened over future months, to provide otherpolicing and criminal justice information solocal people can get a better understandingof what’s happening in their area.

ON THURSDAY February 3, Derek Farr or-ganiser of Charity Whist Drives at the Roth-ley Centre expressed his appreciation towhist players present for their support andgenerosity which has enabled a donationof £100 to be sent to the County Air Am-bulance.

Springcycleride

Pic: Matt Hampson with some pupils outside Rothley school

Crimeinformation

Donation


VICKY KERR from Cropston along with eightother women from Charnwood took part inthe La Leche League Breastfeeding PeerCounsellor Programme aimed at providingsupport to mums who are breastfeedingand giving information to pregnant womenabout feeding their babies.

The course covers the practicalities andhealth benefits of breastfeeding as well asusing local Home Start leaders to cover issuessuch as confidentiality and communicationskills. The classes were taught by a mixedgroup of Community Health Service staff andLocal Authority Family Outreach workers andwere co-ordinated by Joanne Talbot, a Com-munity Nursery Nurse working in Charnwood.

This same team were recently presentedwith the Leicestershire County & Rutland PCTStar Award for their positive influence onbreastfeeding support within the wider area.Angie Bell, a Charnwood Health Visitor andone of the course administrators said: “It hasbeen a pleasure and a privilege to havefacilitated in the growth of this exceptionalgroup of women, from willing volunteers toskilled peer supporters. And I’m confident that

they will offer invalua-ble support to new par-ents withinCharnwood.”

Vicky and the latestgroup of volunteersjoin 20 other women,including Jay Field fromBirstall, who havetrained over the lasttwo years and are nowout and about in Charn-wood supporting mumsat breast feeding cafes, hospitals and Sure StartCentres. They are also planning antenatalbreastfeeding workshops and feeding relatedtalks, starting some involvement with teenmums and much more besides.

The Mayor Charnwood, Councillor Jill Vin-cent, a strong supporter of breastfeeding,presented the new volunteers with their certif-icates at a ceremony at Shelthorpe Children’sCentre in Loughborough..

Contact the Charnwood BRAS (BreastfeedingReasssurance and Support) via their websitewww.charnwoodbras.co.uk or through yourhealth visitor or midwife.

A CLASS that teaches water confidence to babiesmeets at Birstall swimming pool.

Water Babies teach a structured programme designedto make the most of babies’ natural affinity with water.Spokesman Chris Craven said: “Swimming from birth isexcellent for babies’ development, providing a completephysical workout which in turn aids the development ofthe brain. Regular swimming can enhance their awarenessand improve eating and sleeping patterns. With a clearemphasis on having fun, lessons are generally very sociableoccasions.”

For more information call Chris and Charlie on 01664567302 or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk

Support forbreastfeeding

Pic: Vicky Kerr (left) with the Mayor of Charnwood Jill Vincent

Baby swim


NINE NEW homes will be the first coun-cil houses to be built in Charnwood foralmost 20 years.

The Borough Council are building nine affordableand energy efficient properties in Barrow-upon-Soar, Thurmaston and Shepshed. They will be forrental only.

The £1.2million project will be part funded bythe Homes and Community Agency (HCA) which isproviding £406,000.

The building was scheduled to start in August2010 but was stalled following the emergencybudget in June 2010. To enable the scheme tocontinue Charnwood had to find extra money: lastyear the Cabinet agreed to use £264,175 of Section106 money provided by the developers of theGrange, Fowke Street, Rothley. It had been allocatedfor affordable housing.

Section 106 monies are payments from develop-ers that are negotiated by the planning authority aspart of planning approval. They are designed tomitigate the impact of new development and arenormally spent in the immediate local area.

Charnwood plans to build 250 affordable homesin the Borough by 2012.

The remaining Section 106 monies associatedwith the development of the Grange are:

• £38,952 healthcare contribution• £30,914 education contribution• £17,041 youth/adult recreational facilities

Club Secretary Martin Williams reports:“Both senior teams are playing higher gradecricket in the Everards Leicestershire

League, the 1st XI now playing in Division 1,its highest level ever achieved followingthree successive promotions. “New for 2011will be a Sunday League Development XIplaying in the Melton and Grantham League,the aim being to encourage our promisingjunior cricketers to experience the longer40 over matches and develop their skills.

“We will once again be looking to host athriving junior section, offering coachingand match play throughout the week for allage groups from Kwik cricket to U17. Withthe Club’s intention to attain ECB ClubMarkstatus this summer, new junior cricketersand their parents will always receive a warmwelcome.

“Weekly winter practice nets for bothseniors and juniors are now taking placeFebruary-April at the ECB Cricket Academyat Loughborough University and we encour-age anyone wishing to give the club a try tocome along. With our exceptional villagecricket setting, the regular match opportuni-

ties for all, the social and charitable fundraisingefforts, Rothley park is a great place to enjoyplaying cricket.”

If you would like to join the senior or juniorclubs, attend the winter nets or need moreinformation, please [email protected] or contact the secre-tary, Martin Williams on 07900 570897 [email protected]

WITH THE evenings already getting lighter and the grass beginning togrow, Rothley’s village cricket club is looking forward to the forthcom-ing season.

THE MEMBERS of Rothley WI would like towish our readers a very Happy New Year.

As well as a new decade, we are presented witha new leaf and for RWI a new page in our 62½ yearhistory to begin the leadership of new President,Diane Wise who has taken up the reins from retiringPresident Pauline Fitchett. The meeting commencedwith a special vote of thanks to Pauline all for herhard work as a dedicated President for no less thanseven years which saw a number of changes, asignificant increase in membership, the challengeand success of a change of meeting times fromevening to afternoons.

Our guest speaker was Jane Barnes with her‘Tales from a Farmers wife’ and what a lively andfascinating insight into the family, history, manage-ment and organisation of a busy dairy farm herpresentation turned out to be. The competition waswon by Elisabeth Chittenden.

February’s meeting was well attended and ourguest speaker was Brian Johnson, telling the story‘100 years of cinema in Leicester.’ The presentationincluded just about every cinema that existed in thecity since the beginnings of ‘moving pictures’ andhow they had developed in the late 1890’s from thecylinder with pictures inside which when spun wouldgive the impression of a person or object moving.Perhaps this flickering image gave rise to the cinemabeing referred to as the ‘Flicks’, still heard in someparts of the country today. This month’s competitionwas a Theatre or Cinema programme and was wonby member Jacqui Chilton with a very early pro-gramme of a visit to a Shakespeare Play.

Next month the subject will be LeicesterChildren’s Holiday Home Mablethorpe. Everyone iswelcome, Rothley Centre Mountsorrel Lane Rothley.2,30 – 4pm, first Wednesday each month.

From Maureen Bulmer, RWIMeetings are held 2 – 4.30pm first Wednesday

each month, at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel LaneRothley. Visitors and guests are always very welcome.

WI news

AMY MOORE from Twycross Zoo gave a talkat the February meeting of Thurcaston &Cropston WI.

Amy works in the Zoo’s Education Centre andstarted by telling us how the founders Miss MollyBadham and Miss Natalie Evans met.

Both owned pet shops and both had a keeninterest in primates. As time went by they accrueda number of chimpanzees and eventually bought abungalow with a small amount of land to accommo-date the chimps. Their antics soon created a lot ofpublic attention and visitors left donations to helpwith their upkeep. It was when they were used forthe famous Brook Bond tea adverts they becamereally famous and the money earned for theseadverts enabled their owners to purchase an oldhouse and land which is now the famous TwycrossZoo.

New homes Club’s season ahead


We were told that the zoo is now home to over1,000 animals from over 200 different species. It isdedicated to conserving threatened species andproviding education and study for its many visitors.It also houses the largest collection of primatespecies in the Western World. The zoo is the worldprimate centre and the only in the UK to care for allfour species of Great Ape.

This was a fascinating and entertaining talk whichheld us all enthralled. A most enjoyable evening.

Our next month’s meeting will be held on Thurs-day March 3 at the Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane,Thurcaston at 7.30pm when Mr Neil Crutchley, ‘MrLeicester’, will talk about well known characters.

The competition: A Leicester Anecdote.From Benita Gettings

THE MONDAY Club – Anstey, Cropston,Thurcaston and Rothley, welcomed Jenni-fer Leach CFR Leics & Rutland, The RoyalBritish Legion, to receive a cheque for£530, the result of the club’s fundraisingfor the year 2010.

Jennifer gave us an up-date of the activitieswhich had taken place, both locally andcountrywide. The Royal British Legion pro-vides financial, social and emotional supportto millions who have served and are currentlyserving in the Armed Forces and their de-pendants through the work of 2000 branchesincluding overseas participation in social andwelfare activities.

During the last few years, the Legion hasintroduced new services thus extending thereach of existing ones. The RBL spends£1.2million a week on welfare work andthus helps around 100,000 people each year.

We were delighted to receive a very col-ourful commemorative plaque in recognitionof the Club’s fundraising together with aletter of appreciation from Nick Buckley,Head of Poppy Appeal, Aylesford in Kent.

We were also treated to a delightful poemread by Margaret Hooper, written by hereight year old grand-daughter about‘Snowflakes’. Elicia lives in a village just

outside York, called Wheldrake, where shewon a school prize for her poem; Elicia isobviously taking after her grandmother withher talent for poetry!

Members braved the cold but sunny day to

attend the 8th Annual General Meeting of theMonday Club on February 14. This year’scharity will be ‘Marie Curie’ nurses.

We then proceeded to introduce a goodelement of fun into the meeting for theMonday Club, when several poems were readby members which caused much laughter.We then enjoyed a much needed cup of teaand enjoyed a large quantity of beautifullydecorated cakes, made by our resident chef,Mrs Diana Whatton, taking up the Valentine’sDay theme with an abundance of pink sugarhearts both on the cakes and scatteredattractively on the tablecloth.

Our next meeting will be on March 14when we shall welcome Mrs Felicity Austin togive us an insight to ‘Life in the 60s’. Nodoubt she will bring back many memories forus. New visitors will be most welcome, soplease come along to the Cropston Evangeli-cal Chapel and join in the fun at 2.15pm. Formore information please ring 0116 2363467.

From Ann Farndon

Monday club news

Home CarersRequiredAre 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 availa-ble.No experience required as all training willbe provided.Up to £7.25hr, plus travel expenses. Tele-phone essential. Ring Debbie between8.30am & 4.30pm for more information on0116 2696247 (quoting reference BP)


THURCASTON AND Cropston Gardening Club got off to aflying start at their first meeting of 2011 with 33 mem-bers attending the AGM and listening to a talk on ‘TheNative trees of Charnwood’.

Mark Graham, Charnwood Council’s Wildlife Officer, the firstspeaker of the year had an attentive audience. He explained how‘native’ trees are considered to be the trees growing in Britain at atime before the last Ice Age when Britain was still connected toEurope by a land bridge. This gives Britain a small number of nativetrees, around 30, unlike New Zealand where there are over 200.Hazel, Oak, Silver Birch, Beech, Willow, Alder, Elm, Yew, Ash andLarch are some of the most well known of our native trees, each onehaving a preference for a particular habitat. Native trees areparticularly important in supporting other wildlife.

Charnwood is host to many oak trees, probably the most importantof all our native trees, which support up to 500 other plant and insectspecies, their life cycles timed to perfection to make the most of thetrees. Look out for the caterpillars that appear every May to feast onnew leaves. Several serious diseases are threatening oak trees, withAcute Oak death a current concern.

Gardening Club members engaged their speaker in a livelydiscussion at the end of the talk.

Why not join this friendly and welcoming group. The next fewmeetings are:

Wednesday March 9: ‘The History of Rock Gardening’ by VicAspland

Wednesday April 13: ‘Story of the Walled Garden’ by KatherineWard

Visitors are most welcome, as are new members – whether as anexperienced gardener or a beginner.

The Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club meets on the secondWednesday of the month, 7.45 pm at the Thurcaston Memorial Hall

Contact Dave Haddon on 0116 235 9758 for more details.From Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club

P/11/0238/2: 16 Thurcaston Lane, Thurcaston– retention of 2 x workshop unitsP/11/0227/2: 3 The Crescent, Rothley – erec-tion of 2 storey extension to side of dwellingP/11/0270/2: 22 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley –erection of single storey extension to rear ofdwellingP/11/0236/2: 8 Kiln Garth, Rothley – erectionof two storey extension to rear of dwelling,single storey extension to side and 1.8mboundary wallP/11/0187/2: 53 Woodgate Rothley – erectionof two-storey extension to front and first floorextension to side of dwellingP/11/0237/2: Holly Lodge, 60 The Ridgeway,Rothley – fell 1 oak tree (conservation areanotice)P/11/0163/2: Leicester Rowena Garden Cen-tre, Loughborough Rd, Rothley – erection oftwo garden centre retail sales buildingsP/11/0210/2: 31 Wellsic Lane, Rothley – fell1 cherry tree (conservation area notice)P/11/0003/2: 30 Anthony St, Rothley – reduc-tion by 25% to 1 flowering cherry and 1 moun-tain ash tree. 30% to 1 flowering cherry andcrown lift to 1 prunes tree (conservation areanotice)P/10/2839/2: 32 The Ridgeway, Rothley –erection of dwelling with granny annexe andgarageP/10/2812/2: 32 Fowke Street, Rothley –proposed single storey extension to rear ofdwellingP/11/0246/2: Bybrook Farm House, 25 AnsteyLane, Thurcaston – reduction in height by7-8ft of 1 birch tree (conservation area notice)P/11/0252/2: 27 Latimer Road, Cropston –erection of 1st floor and two storey extensionto rear of dwellingP/11/0239/2: 25A Anstey Lane, Thurcaston –remove 1 sycamore and 1 conifer tree(conservation area notice)P/11/0137/2: 139A Station Road, Cropston –proposed replacement of existing wooden ga-rage

OUR FIRST meeting of 2011 was on TuesdayJanuary 18 when Richard Knox, from the Bos-worth Battlefield Visitor Centre which is man-aged by Leicestershire County Council, gave awell-illustrated, informative and entertainingaccount of the renewed hunt, begun in 2005, totry to finally establish the true location of Bos-worth Battlefield site.

There is no doubt that the battle took place onAugust 22, 1485, and some accounts from the timeindicate that the battle was fought at Redemoor Plainand that King Richard III died at Sandeford, but thereare no surviving authentic documents to confirm thisor the site of the battle. Also, throughout the centu-ries, widely differing accounts have been writtenabout the events that took place on that fateful day,which was a highly significant turning point inEnglish history and led to the establishment of theTudor dynasty.

Varying maps of Leicestershire show a shift of thesite over a number of years to Ambion Hill, near towhere the present Visitor Centre has been estab-lished. Since the mid 1970’s, there have been anumber of theories expounded as to the true locationof the battle site, with suggested sites being atDadlington, Atherstone or Sutton Cheney.

However, a key to discovering the whereabouts ofthe true site was in trying to identify the exactlocation of the medieval marsh which was pivotal inthe investigation, because King Richard was killedwhen his horse became stuck in a mire (or marshyground).

Funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund,an archaeological survey was undertaken, which,with the co-operation of local landowners, coveredpreviously unexplored areas of land. Eventually, thebattlefield site was identified, three kilometres southwest of Ambion Hill and straddling the Roman roadknown as Fenn Lane.

The survey included aerial photography, soilanalysis and painstaking and systematic metal detect-ing, the latter providing crucial evidence, the mostimportant of which was finding a silver-gilt boarbadge – Richard 3rd’s own badge. These badgeswere given in large numbers to Richard’s supporters.The significance of this particular badge is that it issilver-gilt and was almost certainly worn by a knightaccompanying Richard during the last moments ofthe battle before the King was killed and, crucially, itwas found next to the site of a small medieval marsh.

Other artefacts found to further authenticate thesite were silver coins of Charles the Bold of Burgun-dy, another silver-gilt badge near to where it isbelieved the Duke of Norfolk was killed and thelargest collection of artillery round shot ever discov-ered on a medieval battlefield in Europe.

After so much hard work between 2005 and2008, by everyone involved in the project in achiev-ing these momentous discoveries, a conference washeld at County Hall, Glenfield in February 2010 topublicize the findings. Ongoing plans are in hand tocontinue work to detect for iron objects, carry outgeophysical surveys looking for and excavating anypossible grave pits, publish the findings and create anew battlefield interpretation trail. This newly foundsite of Bosworth Battlefield covers a wide area ofland which is all privately owned, so LeicestershireCounty Council, English Heritage and the BattlefieldsTrust are continuing to work with the landowners toarrange for safe and considerate public access.

Further information and updates on developmentsare available on Bosworth Battlefield websitewww.bosworthbattlefield.com.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday March 15when Shirley Aucott will be the speaker and hersubject, “What Bard Hath Sung of Thee” – focusingon women’s lives in Leicester from 1780 to 1925.Time: 7.30pm. Venue: Harrison Room, All Saints’Church, Thurcaston.

From Jennifer Kennington, Thurcaston &Cropston Local History Society

History societyGardening club Planning


My name is Calum Sexton and I work atBradleys in Rothley. On New Year’s Eve as Iwas walking home from work, my wages hadfallen out of my pocket without me noticing. Afew days later a stranger turned up at my doorreturning them, which I am very grateful for.As my name was on the wage packet he lookedfor my surname in the phone book and foundout where I lived. Sadly, I do not know thisperson as I was not in when he came to returnthem. I am writing in request for this man toreturn to collect a reward because I feel agood deed like this should not go unnoticed.

Calum Sexton921 Loughborough Road, Rothley

Supporting HOTPEC Orphanage, CameroonPresents an afternoon of

Tai Chi Joint Exercises (22 forms)and Qi Gong (18 forms)

Saturday March 26, 1.30-3.30pmat Birstall Methodist Church Hall

Tutor Sue Hon, student of a Tai Chi ‘Grand Mas-ter’ in Hong Kong

Come and learn how to keep supple using exer-cises of special benefit for joint movement

Simple, gentle movement suitable for all agesTickets £7 (concessions £6)Places limited – book early

Tel: 0116 2677576Email: [email protected]

• • •

Coffee MorningAt Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane

Every Tuesday morning, 10-11.30am come rainor shine

Friendly atmosphere, everyone welcomeTea & Coffee and biscuits or toasted tea cake

Proceeds for the Methodist Church• • •

Film Presentationsfrom Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

‘Invictus’ Fri Mar 11 (134 mins)In February 1990 Nelson Mandela walked free

from prison after a quarter of a century of incar-ceration in his 8ft by 8ft cell. This film is a truly

inspiring drama, unravelling the story aboutPresident Nelson Mandela’s struggle in SouthAfrica, the emotional rifts in rugby and the

amazing reconciliation among the earthy coloursof the country and the spirit of its people.

‘Made in Dagenham’ Friday April 8 (113 mins)The 187 women machinists employed at Ford’s

Dagenham assembly plant in 1968 were workingin impoverished conditions for long, arduoushours. They laid down their tools when they

were reclassified as “unskilled”. The single actof rebellion changed history. This film is a hilar-ious and heart-warming tale of female empow-

erment.

‘The King’s Speech’ Fri May 13 (118 mins)Starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter,this awarding winning film is the story ofGeorge VI, his impromptu ascension to the

throne and the speech therapist who helped theunsure monarch to become worthy of it.

Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will beshowing these films at Thurcaston MemorialHall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost only £4.

Concessions £3.50. Price includes refreshmentsand a lucky prize draw.

Advance tickets can be purchased via the parishoffice, 0116 2367626 or at the door

• • •Birstall Birdwatching Club

presents

Jewels of the Watersideby Steven Houghton

Steven has been photographing dragonflies anddamselflies for over 25 years and has spent timeat Priory Water to produce stunning pictures of

these jewels of the watersideTuesday March 8 at 7.30pm

Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, RothleySongs for Summer

by Nigel SlaterThis is the time of the year when we are deter-

mined to get to grips with bird song and Nigel isgoing to show us how easy it is

Tuesday April 12 at 7.30pmRothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley

Visitors welcome to all meetings £2Contact Ken Goodrich 2674813

• • •

The Rothley Post welcomes your views andopinions on any subject. Letters, which mustinclude your name and address, (though notnecessarily for publication) can be posted to:The Birstall Post, Longslade College, WanlipLane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed inat Rothley library, Rothley Post Office,Woodgate or email:[email protected]

YOUR SAY... Noticeboardall details printed free

Craft FairOrganised by the Loughborough Lions Club

at Rawlins Community College, QuornSunday March 27

(just before Mothers Day) from 11am to 4pmRefreshments available

Also activities for the children£1 adults, 50p concessions & children under 5For more info or to book a stall, please contactJean/David on 0116 2376154 or Ann 01509

232422• • •

Coffee MorningMethodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley

March 12, 10-11.30amProceeds in aid of Carl Gunns Boxing Club

and Methodist Church fundsRaffle, Tombola, Cake Stall, White Elephant

Entrance 50p. Inc tea & coffee• • •

Birstall Longslade Swimming PoolEarly morning swim sessions Monday/Tuesday &

Friday at 7-9amCost for adults £2.90, over 60s £1.70

Also Sunday morning Adult swim 8-9.30amThere are also other swimming sessions available

Tel: 0116 2673461Website www.longslade.leics.sch.uk

• • •The Bark Foundation (charity no.1129762)

Continued on page 16

Reward


Open Afternoonat Abbeyfield, Birstall, 33/35 Church Hill

Friday March 25, 2-4pmYou are invited to join us for tea/coffee and cake

For more info please call Nic on 0116 2674460or Jenny on 0116 2671523

• • •Leicestershire & Rutland Branch

Motor Neurone Disease Association

Charity Eveningat the Royal British Legion Club, Front St,

Birstall LE4 4DQWed March 23, 6.30pm for 7pm

3 Course Dinner. £15.50for tickets and your menu choice please tel:

0116 2674040Evening entertainment

James Selfridge Sings Sinatra & The Rat Pack Erawww.franksinatramyway.co.uk

• • •

Easter FairRichard Hill School, Thurcaston

Saturday April 9, 1.30-4pmRaffles, children’s Easter activities, stalls, cakes,

refreshments. 50p admission• • •

SOS Fashion Show and SaleSt Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield

Tuesday March 29 at 7.30pmIn aid of LRFWI funds

This is a fun evening with the opportunity to buya bargain. Designer label clothes from compa-nies like M&S, Per Una, Principles, Wallis, Next,Gap, Monsoon and others will be available at

half price or less.

Tickets £5 (inc tea/coffee and homemade cake)can be obtained from Ruth Fenney 01162874114 or Pat Dickinson 0116 2872978

• • •The next series of

Charity Whist drivesorganised by Derek Farr will be held in the Roth-ley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Thurs-days March 3, April 14 and May 12 at 7.30pm

admission £2.00• • •

Comic Relief

ZumbathonHappening in a village near you on

Friday March 18Why not come along and help us raise a sub-

stantial amount of money for Comic Relief, class-es cost £3 with ALL proceeds going to charity.

Your nearest class is at Birstall Village Hall,6.30-7pm. Booking essential!

For more info or to book please contact the Ac-tive Together team on 01509 632535 or email

[email protected]• • •

Celebrating 20 years of HATSHighcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society

invites you to our forthcoming production of

Play OnA comedy drama by Rick Abbot

At Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane,Birstall

on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 19th,20th, 21st at 7.30pm

Tickets £6 adult, £5 concess (disc for groupbookings)

Available from Box Office 0116 2128757 or

07757854719Email: [email protected]

• • •Birstall Conservative Branch

Outing to Yorkwith an escorted tour of the Minster (optional)

Thursday May 12We will be leaving Birstall at 8.30am, departing

York at 6pmCost £20 per person

If you are interested in a day out in a beautifulcity

please contact: Mary Allen on 0116 2673941or David Gaskell on 0116 2674746

THE ROTHLEY POSTYOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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

Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213Correspondence, news etc

can be handed in at:Rothley Library, Rothley Post Officeor to our office in the Youth Centre,

Longslade College, [email protected]

Continued from page 15

Documents

Rothley Post (87) Mar 2011