June 2013 Rearsby Scene

Jottings June 2013

I wonder what we can expect, weather-wise, in June after a month when we had summer and then back to winter in less than a week. Central heating off then on again! At least the fruit trees and shrubs have blossom so perhaps we might have a good harvest. Last year I didn’t have a single apple, pear or gooseberry.

Once again our Village Hall is on the ball. All round sound is now installed. This will greatly enhance the showing of films and the performance of concerts.

I have often drawn your attention to the way in which certain individuals in the village take the initiative to work for the good of the community. One such a person is Gill Garner. For many years she was the Chairman of the Village Hall Committee when plans were drawn up for the new Hall and the difficult job of raising the money required. At that time the Post Office was based in the old Village Hall and she suggested to Rearsby that it would be a good idea to serve coffee during opening times. She has continued to organize this successful weekly event. Many thanks for all she continues to do for the community.

It always amazes me how the contributions to the magazine vary from month. During the early part of the year they were few in number then last month we had to leave out a couple which were not ‘date sensitive’. My apologies if we have to do this.

There has been a lot of talk recently regarding the possibility of the Post Office opening in the Village Hall. It now appears that discussions with the Post Office are continuing and the Village Hall Committee will be explaining the position in the July/August issue of the magazine. I have therefore decided to leave any discussion on the subject until a final decision is made.

Many of you will soon be going on holiday – enjoys yourselves.

Mary Beskeen

Notes on the Parish Council Meeting held on the 1st May at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.Present, Councillors:Peter French (chair), Ian Christie-Smith, Martin Cooke, Janette Jones, Mrs. S Norledge (clerk), and P.C.S.O Brian Geeson.Apologies, John Blankley and Simon Chenery.In Attendance, 5 members of the public.Rearsby Roses Development The planning inspectorate has now awarded the developer outline permission to build 60 properties on the site, subject to detailed plan approval.Repair & Maintenance. A “Pothole Survey” is to be carried out; this will be used to assist the highways dept in their efforts to locate & repair. Several sewage drains have been recently reported as blocked, they have quickly been made operational by the Severn Trent dept.Police Report. A spate of vehicle related crime has emerged in Rearsby, which includes wiper blades and number plates. As a counter move to number plate theft, 10 local garages will be able to supply tamper proof screws. A burglary has been reported in Station Road, forced entry at the rear of the property, and was the method of entry. Personal possessions and a motor car were amongst the items taken. All of these crimes are quite despicable, but highlight the need to stay secure and vigilant. Please report all “strange vehicles” to the police.

Children’s Play Area. The project continues to progress, playground equipment has been identified by the committee and the primary school will be asked for their opinions.Public matters. Members of the public voiced their concern about the probable loss of the Post Office facilities.Road Traffic. Speed and vehicle checks on Melton Road and Station Road will continue.Flooding. A flood warning system that will operate along the Brookside, is now operational.

Caught Reporter

Planning Applications

Wed, 17 Apr 2013P/13/0682/2

Felling of one willow tree. (Tree Preservation Order)

15 Gaddesby Lane Rearsby Leicestershire LE7 4YJ

Mrs Jennifer Woods

The Village Grows

I would like to welcome Lisa Woolman to our distribution team. Lisa has recently moved into the new Blue Stones development and has volunteered to deliver their R.S. magazines for us. I accompanied her for her first time and we chatted to people as we went from door to door. It was great to hear people talking happily about their move to Rearsby and how peaceful and pleasant they found the village to be. We sometimes forget, I know I do, how lucky we are to live in such a lovely spot.

Jeannette BuswellPollarding of Willow Tree on Brookside for safety reasons

Over winter it became apparent that the main trunk of a Willow tree on Brookside adjacent the seven arch bridge was diseased and decayed, and there was considered to be a significant risk that this tree may collapse. Given the tree’s proximity to the children’s play park and Church Lane/Brookside, expert advice was sought from the arboriculture experts from both Charnwood Borough and Leicester County Councils. The experts concurred that the tree could be saved by pollarding its branches back to the main trunk thereby allowing it to grow back again and extending its life span.As the tree is in the village conservation area, planning permission needed to be applied for before the work could be carried out. The application was duly made on behalf of Rearsby Parish Council by the tree warden during March, and following the approval of the application on 11 th April pollarding was carried out. Peter French (Chairman – Rearsby Parish Council)

Dog Fouling

In response to concerns raised by residents, Rearsby Parish Council would remind owners that dogs should not be taken onto the children’s play park off Brookside/Church Lane nor the playing fields behind the village hall. Anyone walking a dog along the public footpath which

runs from Melton Road through the playing field behind the village hall are required to keep to the *footpath and not to allow their pet to run free.* Line of footpath follows right hand side of the field. Under no circumstances should dogs be toileted on either park due to the serious health risk, in particular to the children who use these areas.

Environmental offenders can be reported in confidence to Charnwood Borough Council on 01509 634564

Forthcoming Events June 2013

The return of … The Walking Treasure Hunt

Lyn & Dave would like to invite you to take part in another walking treasure hunt around a local village on Tuesday evening 18th June, starting from 6.30pm onwards.

The cost will be £7.50 per head to include refreshments afterwards. Please contact Lyn/Dave on 07710 448253 to book your place by 10th June. We must have 20 people booked by that date for it to go ahead.

The starting point will be notified to you a couple of days before the event………. We wouldn’t want you having a sneak preview would we!!!!

Cinema Club NightRearsby Village Hall CINEMA CLUB NIGHT will be on Thursday 20th June 2013The film LES MISERABLES will be shown which has a 12 certificate.This musical phenomenon will sound fantastic on our recently improved sound system and we hope everyone will come along to enjoy the evening.The Village Hall will open at 6.45 pm and the film will start at 7.15 promptly – bring your own drinks and nibbles

Friends of Rearsby ChurchSponsored walk Saturday 22 JunePlease join the Committee for a 3 mile countryside walk from Rearsby on Saturday 22 June, beginning at Church at 10 am. Sponsor forms are available from Ann Bassett (01664 424376), Kathy Ledger (01664 424311), Rita Meade (01664 424696), and from Church after services on Sundays. There will be refreshments in Church after the walk. We hope this will be a fun walk for all the family. Funds raised will be used for vital repairs in Church. Thank you for your support.

Tots and Tinies

Do you have babies/young children to look after? Could you do with a break and some adult conversation? If so - why not come along to Tots and Tinies at St. Michael and All Angels church on the 1st Thursday of the month from about 12- 2pm?

It is a very informal get-together – not a service and parents/grandparents & carers have a chat while the children play. Tea/Coffee is provided and if you would like to bring along some nibbles to share they would be welcome. (As its lunchtime some Mums bring along a picnic for their babies/toddlers).Our next get together will be on Thursday 6th June - if it’s a nice day we will meet on the park by the swings at the bottom of Church Lane.

Please come and join us. If you want more details ring Rita 01664424696.

The mystery of the missing Wheel chair foot rests?? We have somehow mislaid the foot rests for the wheel chair in church – have you seen them or have knowledge of where they might be?? Please give me a ring ---Thankyou Rita 01664424696

Auster Aircraft’s Memorable Day

The day was one which you can really only dream about. Not only were years of meticulous planning and organising brought to a successful conclusion but the weather also played its part and in a cloudless sky the wind remained hidden and the sun shone as if we were in the Sahara.

The Auster faithful gathered on Saturday 20th April at the Rearsby Business Park to remember and commemorate what happened there.

Picture of the crowd?

The site was host, prior, during and post the Second World War to the development and production of Leicestershire’s most prominent aeroplane the Auster.

The event was inspired by the owner of the Rearsby Business Park Mr Ivor Vaughan CBE who planted the idea of a commemorative plaque some eight years ago. The idea lay dormant until the start of 2011 when it was taken up by Chairman of the International Auster Club Heritage Group (IACHG), Mr Gordon Hallam who spent the following two years preparing for just this day.

A good-natured crowd of over a hundred, including ex-Auster employees, International Auster group members, members of the Leicester Museum Services, members of the IACHG and local media were welcomed to the event by Mr Hallam under a cloudless sky.

Picture of Gordon and Ivor

He introduced the event’s patron Mr Ivor Vaughan who talked with some passion about the Auster and the reason he was so inspired to mark both the aircraft’s role and the role of the many hundreds of people who worked to develop this remarkable machine.

He said “we are gathered here today so as not to forget the hard work, innovation and engineering expertise of the people who worked here, and to permanently commemorate and record what happened here because the Auster was one of Leicestershire’s best”.

He also spoke of the remarkable Mr A L Wykes the founder of the Company whose vision led to the production and ultimate success of the Auster aircraft.

He then paid tribute to probably the very first ‘Apprentice’, Austers own Mr Gordon Hallam, a lifelong admirer of the aircraft who in Ivor’s own words “smote aside all obstacles” and ensured that the day actually happened and also that it went exactly to plan.

The crowd, some clad in Auster apparel, were then marshalled by members of the Air Training Corps to the front of the business park ready for the unveiling of the plaque.

Under a sky blue cloth and RAF colours, the plaque was revealed by Mr Ivor Vaughan to gentle but quite emotional applause from the Auster enthusiasts.

Picture of the unveiling here

Then exactly on time the faint, low hums of Gypsy Major engines were heard getting closer and closer. Every camera in the crowd swung skyward and two Auster aircraft came into view. They didn’t roar like jet engines nor did they leave vapour trails, but elegantly moved across the brilliant blue sky over the crowd before turning gracefully for a final flypast. Despite the Austers’ role during the war their appearance seemed to suggest a link back to gentler times. The crowd were quiet and respectful as the Austers flew past the second time, held in place by their own individual memories of their time with the aircraft. It was very possibly the last time some of the crowd would ever see the Auster fly.

Picture of the two Austers here

It felt rather emotional as the Austers disappeared over the horizon and people started the short trip to Queniborough Village Hall for refreshments courtesy of Mrs Beryl Preston and her team.

Tables had been prepared for over a hundred and they were packed as people enjoyed their well earned coffee, tea, biscuits and cakes. ‘Auster’ was in the air as people reminisced and shared their memories of their time with the aircraft. With the cakes and tea and chatter the atmosphere in the hall was reminiscent of the days when the Auster was at its peak, people seemed to have more time for each other and high teas and tea dances were the order of the day.

With the IACHG’s role now coming to a conclusion they took the opportunity to share their remaining books, pictures, prints and memorabilia with the Auster enthusiasts. Six lucky ticket holders walked away with wonderful pictures of the Auster aircraft, the ATC were presented with three prints in thanks of their hard work on the day.

To conclude, as a thanks for his inspiration and patronage, Mr Hallam presented Mr Ivor Vaughan with three leather-bound volumes of Auster information recording the histories of the Auster aircraft and its people.

As people melted happily away from the hall with their Auster memories refreshed, thus ended a wonderful couple of hours which for some reason seemed pleasantly to last all day.

Gordon Hallam

Jottings from a Happy GardenerWe should now have seen the last of the frosts for this year, but not before a sharp one in early May caught the magnolia yet again. Luckily it wasn’t fully out and the damage was only slight. The hanging baskets and pots are now planted and beginning to fill out. Winter pansies, which were not very good during the winter, are now looking very good so I have left them in the pots

and added other plants to them. The marigolds, antirrhinums and alyssum are now planted out in the beds and borders but the cleome were very slow to germinate and will not be ready for a few more weeks.Cabbages, calabrese and cauliflowers have been planted in the netted frame. This was new last year and seemed to help to keep the caterpillars and pigeons at bay. The leeks have been in for a few weeks and are growing well. We have grown Santero onions from seed, a variety which is rust resistant. In the past we have suffered from both onion and leek rust. Runner beans have been planted directly into the ground instead of being started in pots. We tried this last year and it worked well. To get the best plants we have planted two beans per stick and will remove the weakest. The outdoor tomatoes are now planted out and having used all the cuttings from the greenhouse for the pots and baskets, we now have room to set up the indoor tomatoes and mini cucumbers.Last autumn we called in the experts to sort out our lawn which was full of weeds and moss. We have just had the fourth treatment and the grass is looking very lush with not a weed in sight. There are some bare patches where the moss was very thick, but these have been reseeded and should soon be green.Enjoy your gardening.

Curious Coinage by Sir Frank Rearsby

I see the PC is trying to solve the unsolvable question of unclaimed dog deposits in the village. Actually, my solution would be to shoot all offenders – the owners, that is, not the dogs. Humans are dispensable, but mutts less so, as they are invariably superior to homo sapiens in their standards of morality. Just think, how many people do you know who wag their tails in delight every time they see you? Talking of solutions to pooch poop, I use an old Second World War flame-thrower to incinerate our dog’s dumps instantly. You might think this an eccentric way of dealing with the problem, but you can buy a gadget called Ashpoopie which does exactly the same thing. Another possibility is to think of the doings as art objects à la Tracey Emin or Damien Hurst. Then when you see the muck, you can say, ‘Ah, what a creation! It says so much about our consumer society.’ A council called Broxtowe Borough Council came up with a similar idea themselves as they set about spraying any offending detritus pink. This was supposed to induce ‘dollop shame’ in canine carers, but merely had the effect of enticing little girls to pick it up thinking it was Barbie playdo.I’ve heard rumours that Rearsby is to be declared a ‘Countryside Free Zone’ in the next Charnwood plan, though I wouldn’t worry as most of us will be dead by the time they get it out. It wasn’t that long ago when Rearsby was just a few Viking farms – no brick to be seen anywhere. True, there were plenty of murders, but that kept things sustainable. I’ve emailed Dave to see if he can get some initiative going on Danish immigration so that we can fashion a return to the good old days.My friend Nige suggests we should turn the village into a gigantic park-and-ride: we’re halfway there anyway as the place looks like a parking lot in some areas. I’ve noticed two houses that have seven cars in them: one for every day of the week. I find this rather annoying as I thought I had the most cars; still, they’re not all Range Rovers like mine. Imagine in a thousand years when Rearsby is dug up what a wealth of archaeological remains there’ll be. I can just see the joy on children’s faces in the county when they hear about the legendary exploits of King Brian and Queen Mary of Rearsby.Keep the faith!

Rearsby WI Report May 2013

Our deputy President Helene welcomed everyone to a very well attended May meeting. Details were finalised for our June outing to Whatton Gardens finishing with a meal at The

Otter at Kegworth. With all the business completed we then welcomed our speaker Ken Goddard who entertained and educated us brilliantly with his Classical facts.

Ken played snippets from 12 types of Classical music including Concertos, Symphonies, Overtures and Opera, finishing with the last night of the Proms and the proverbial flag waving. One of the intriguing facts was about Nessun Dorma. Although we all love the Pavarotti classic, not many of us knew the full story behind the aria. So if you didn’t know either, PrincessTurandot has set three questions to her many male suitors and all have failed and lost their heads, until Calif turns up and surprisingly answers all her questions correctly. Realising that she doesn’t really want to marry him, he tells her that if she guesses his real name before dawn, then she does not have to marry him and he agrees to die. That’s where the ‘Nessun Dorma’ comes in - ‘None shall sleep’, because all of the queen’s court is rushing round to find out his name before the morning comes. If they find out, he loses his head, if they don’t; Princess Turandot has reluctantly found her prince. Calif is very confident as he sings ‘Vincero’ (I will win) at the end of the aria. But does he? Someone dies, but who? I won’t spoil the ending for you, it is a gripping story.

Our next meeting at the Village Hall will be in July when we will be hosting a Summer Special – A Countryside Scavenger Hunt, or just a quiz if you wish to take it easy, followed by a luxury Cream Tea. Your place is set if you would like to join us, you are very welcome.Janet Wood Secretary

Recipe from Rearsby WI

Date and Walnut Cake

8 oz dates, chopped1 tsp bicarb of sodapinch of salt1/2 pint hot water10 oz S/R flour4 oz butter or margarine2 oz shelled walnuts, chopped4 oz dark soft brown sugar1 egg, beaten

Put the dates, bicarb of soda and salt in a bowl. Pour the hot water over them, set aside to cool. Sift the flour into a mixing bowl. Add the butter in pieces, rub into the flour. Stir in the walnuts and sugar until thoroughly combined. Mix the dry ingredients into the cooled date mixture. Beat in the egg, mix well. Pour into a 2 lb loaf tin. Bake in No. 4 oven for 1 to 1 & 1/4 hours.

Rearsby Walking Group

During April, nine intrepid members of the RWG visited Cornwall for a fun and feast packed week staying at Gorran Haven near Mevagissey.

Invigorating walks enabled the party to enjoy the breath taking scenery along this part of the south Cornwall coast, and other places visited included The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Eden Project as well as many of the varied towns and villages in this beautiful part of the UK.

But it was not all walking, as the party took time out to enjoy tasty meals and socialise together in our comfortable accommodation. Plus we shared lots of laughter, especially “badger watching” and “spot the butler” both of which will surely go down in walking group folklore.

Thanks go to Ian and Kathy Christie-Smith for organising the holiday.

The Rearsby Walking Group is not a club, and is open to all comers. So if you would like to be part our friendly mixed ability group, then why not come walking with us this summer?Forthcoming walking dates are June 4th, 12th, 18th, 26th and July 2nd, 10th, 16th, 24th, 30th. Meet at the Seven Arch Bridge 6-45pm. (latest). For more information contact Peter French Tel: 01664 424331

Footpath Number I73

Rearsby Parish Council have received an informal request for their views from Leicestershire County Council regarding an enquiry by Network Rail about the possible extinguishment of Public Footpath I73 as shown on Plan No. 2329 P, as part of their national initiative to reduce the risks associated with Public Rights of Way crossing railway lines. A copy of Plan No. 2329P can be seen on the Notice Board near the Seven Arch Bridge.

We have been asked to publicise this potential threat to our rights of way.

1st Rearsby Scouts – April 201312th April – Night Hike - Pen invents the Cold Dog!We started the new term with a combined night hike with the Cubs. Thanks to Pen’s quick thinking we soon managed to shake them off as we completed the route through Rotherby and by the old mill in opposite directions.Managing to complete some map work (vital for the step up to Explorers for route planning) including setting the map and taking bearings we still managed to meet up with the Cubs in Rotherby and head back to Brooksby college car park.

Due to a slight technical hitch with gas, Pen once again excelled during the night having bought pre-cooked sausages the Cold dog was born, Cubs couldn’t get enough, Scouts less impressed! Well done to all, good first night back.19th April – Bridge building - ‘Why?’ ‘Why do we need a bridge when we can just walk round?’ Whoever asked this question missed the object of the evening I think. Once the lashings and ‘A’ frames were completed, which were surprisingly good, the structure took shape and all involved were quite rightly

pleased and proud of themselves. Unfortunately we could not leave the bridge in place as requested but the question demonstrated how pleased people were.26th April – Photography - ‘David Bailey eat your heart out’A big thank you to Paul Bridge for continuing his work towards the photography badge, I can’t wait to see the results and add to next month’s news letter. Pen, Jonathan and RoyTo remind you of some details relating to the 1st Rearsby Scout Group:

Beavers (aged 6-8 years) - meet on Wednesday 18:00 - 19:00 Cubs (aged 8-10½ years) - meet on Friday 18:30 - 19:30 Scouts (aged 10½ - 14 years) - meet on Friday 19:45 - 21:00 Meeting Place: The Village Hall, Hoby Road, Thrussington LE7 4TH For more information contact Anne Lewis MBE on 01664 424803, email: annelewis41@btinternet.com

Summer Reading Challenge 2013 – Creepy House

Children aged 4-12 can take part in spine-tingling exploration and hair-rasing adventure at their local library this summer. Creepy House is an exciting reading challenge taking place in all Leicestershire libraries, including mobiles from 6th July.

Sign up for FREE . Read six books throughout the summer and receive stickers and rewards. Explore the Awful Upstairs, The Frightful First Floor and The Sinister Cellar. All children who complete the challenge will receive a Creepy House certificate and medal.

Syston Library will be holding a special Creepy House event “Things that go bump in the library!” on Thursday 22nd August 10-11.30. Come along for spine-tingling crafts and stories. For children 4-11 accompanied by an adult. £1 per child. To book a place call 0116 305 3500.

All children taking part are entitled to free admission to Snibston Discovery Museum and Bosworth Battlefield by showing their Creepy House sticker poster at reception (one child per full –paying adult).

For more information about Creepy House call in at your local library or visit the website www.leics.gov.uk/creepyhouse

It’s free to join the library and there’s something for all the family to enjoy!

In Memoriam - June

Gerald Topley Clarke 21st Aug 1921 - 2nd June 1996Fiona Jane Holton 8th Dec 1965 - 9th June 1996Irene Bonnin Tyrrell 4th March 1939 – 19th June 2005Jim Cattell 9th Jan 1949 - 20th June 2005David Caryl Hairs 7th April 1923 - 24th June 1990Ryszard (Rick) Szopa 30th Aug 1946 - 27th June 2010Paul J Brutnall 17th May 1944 - 30th June 1993Robin Robert Jones 17th May 1940 - 30th June 2010

Note: The above names are only taken from entries in the ‘In Memoriam’ book on display in Church. To register an entry in this book, contact Rita Meade 424 696.

Church Cleaning Rota

June 9th V. Drury - J. Cole “ 23rd Mrs. S. Metcalfe - Mrs. A. Bassett

Not all about me

The words are so familiar. We say them so often – in church, in school, at funerals, at weddings, at home in our own private conversations with God.

Some people like the traditional version: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name … Some prefer the new: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name …

Either way, they’re the words Jesus gave his first disciples. They knew that he prayed, and that his prayer was both the cause and effect of the profound relationship he enjoyed with God. And they wanted something of the same. So they asked him: Lord teach us to pray.

It’s not the only way to pray, but they’re good words to know off by heart, so when all else fails and you don’t know what to say – you can say this prayer.

There’s so much packed in. It starts with God, puts our lives into the perspective of eternity, and then turns to the basics that we all need – food, forgiveness, the ability to make good choices …

The words are so familiar. I suppose we often say them without really paying attention. But perhaps what’s most significant is not the list of what we’re praying for, but that it’s what we are praying for. It’s not my prayer, it’s our prayer. It’s not my Father, it’s our Father.

It would be a very different prayer if Jesus had said: This is how you should pray. My Father in heaven … give me my daily bread. Forgive me my sins. Lead me …

It’s a prayer we make with each other, and for each other. It’s an expression of our interdependence and of our responsibility for each other.

I can’t pray for my needs to be met without praying for yours as well. I can’t ask to be forgiven if I’m not willing to forgive. I can’t ask for enough to eat if I’m not wanting you to have enough, whether you live in this village or on the other side of the world. And if it’s my greed that’s preventing you from having enough …?

So maybe I can’t ask for the things I need if I’m not willing to be part of the answer to my prayers for other people.

Love Lorna

(01664) 424-962 lorna.brabinsmith@btinternet.com

Services at St Michael and All Angels Church June 2013

St Michael’sRearsby

Holy Trinity

Thrussing-ton

St Botolph’s Ratcliffe

Sunday2nd June

1st

Sunday after

Trinity

11.00amParish

Eucharist

9.30amMorning Praise

6.30pmSongs of

Praise

Sunday9th June

2nd

Sunday after

Trinity

11.00amParish

Eucharist

Sunday16th June

3rd

Sunday after

Trinity

11.00amParish

Eucharist

9.30amBCP Holy Communi

on

6.30pmEvening

Reflection

Sunday23rd June

4th

Sunday after

Trinity

11.00amSunday

Mix

Coffee and croissants at 10.30am

9.30am9.30

EXPRESS

-

Sunday30th June

Fifth Sunday –

Cathedral PLUS

Cathedral PLUS

5th

Sunday after

Trinity

Ordination of our new Curate at Leicester Cathedral

PLUS 10am Eucharist at

Syston

10am Eucharist at Syston

10am Eucharist at Syston

REARSBY DIARYJUNE

Tues 4th Rearsby Walking Group 6.30 pm Meet at Pack Horse Bridge

Thurs 6th “Tots & Tinies” 12 noon in ChurchParish Council Meeting 7.30 pm in Village Hall

Sat 8th Car Boot Sale 8.00 am in Playing Field at rear of Village Hall

Wed 12th Library Van VisitRearsby Walking Group 6.30 pm Meet at Pack Horse Bridge

Thurs 13th W. I. Annual Outing

Tues 18th Prayer Group Meeting 2.30 pm at 35 Wreake DriveRearsby Walking Group 6.30 pm Meet at Pack Horse BridgeWalking Treasure Hunt 6.30 pm Further Details TBA

Thurs 20th Cinema Club Night Start 7.15 prompt in Village Hall

Sun 23rd Friends of Rearsby Church Sponsored Walk

Wed 26th Library Van VisitRearsby Walking Group 6.30 pm Meet at Pack Horse Bridge