MARCH 2014 No. 46www.birstallpost.co.uk

Y O U R F R E E C O M M U N I T Y N E W S P A P E RMOUNTSORREL POST

THE MOUNTSORREL Revival event in August promises to bean old style festival of fun.

Summer fun event“The Revival is Mountsorrel’s version

of the traditional village fete – all the oldfashioned fun served with a moderntwist” says organiser Ian Shonk.

“Mountsorrel used to have a carnivalyears ago. When I suggested the idea ofa ‘Revival’, everybody I spoke to seemedto think it was a great idea. We have hadsuch great support and offers of help it’sbeen amazing” he added.

The event, on Sunday August 10 from10am – 4pm, will take in venues all theway from Stonehurst Farm through thevillage, using business forecourts, publicspaces, the Parish Office, library, Memo-rial Hall as well as pubs and restaurants.

On the riverside there will be rivertrips, have-a-go archery and gnome

lobbing.Ian said: “The idea is the whole vil-

lage will be full of events and entertain-ment ranging from river trips to soapbox racing, archery to vintage shopping.

“Custom cars will jostle for spacealongside ice cream sellers and localrock group ‘Lockdown’ will be taking

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over the Buttercross alongside vintagecars and bikes.”

Leading the day’s event will be soap-box racing, and Ian is inviting villagegroups or individuals to take part –more than a dozen have already signedup.

He said: “Remember when you werea kid, making a kart out of old pramwheels and some planks? Well, whenboys and girls grow up it gets a bit morefun, with everything from baby landrov-ers and airplanes to a rolling cheese-burger – all powered by nothing morethan gravity!”

The racing will start after a proces-sion through the village to the racetrack.

Ian Shonk and his wife Anne havelived in Mountsorrel for four years andenjoy putting something back into thecommunity – they run the Ripples

awards dinner each year, which recog-nises individuals who have made a con-tribution to the community.

To participate or to find out more goto the event website:

www.mountsorrel-revival.co.uk

A FULL meeting of Mount-sorrel Parish Council washeld on December 9.

Borough Councillor Richard Shep-herd reported on the exhibition atMountsorrel school for a proposeddevelopment by Charles Church of150 dwellings off West Cross Lane, inRothley. Borough Councillor LeighHarper-Davies said she felt it wasinappropriate to put more houses inthe village and that the BoroughCouncillors would support the parishcouncil in its response to these pro-posals.

Cllr Pat Moulding’s resignationfrom the Council was announced.Chairman Brian Allard thanked herfor her work over the years.

It was agreed to spend £200 on abench for the cemetery.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel Par-ish Council was held on January 13.

Resident Ian Shonk reported thathe was organising a village gala typeof event in the summer and requestedsome funding from the Parish Coun-cil. It was agreed to consider therequest at the next meeting.

PCSO Tom Joyce will be leaving hisrole to start training as a Police Con-stable. He introduced Mountsorrel’snew PCSO James Meachem.

Some concern was expressedabout the future of Mountsorrel li-brary in light of the County Council’scutbacks. It was agreed to ask theCounty and Borough Councillors fortheir support to keep the libraryopen, staffed and managed by theCounty Council.

It was reported that within the nexteight weeks a new plan to demolishand rebuild the Memorial Hall wouldbe available and that a suggested startdate for the build was November 11,2014.

It was reported that the YouthDevelopment Group needed morepeople to attend with ideas for thegroup, or it could not continue.

The Council’s precept for 2014/15is £163,858.

Pic: Organisers Ian & Anne Shonk with their ‘40 style Hot-Rod

THE QUALITY of teaching at Mountsorrel primary school isimproving, say Ofsted inspectors.

Inspectors visited the school in Feb-ruary – it’s first monitoring inspectionafter Ofsted graded the school as ‘inade-quate’ last year.

Following that inspection, in Septem-ber 2013, Ofsted said that Christ Churchand St Peter’s Church of England Prima-ry School was a school that has ‘seriousweaknesses’. Graded as ‘inadequate’, theschool was not placed in ‘Special Meas-ures’ as Ofsted judged the school’s lead-ership and management to be ‘Grade 3or better’.

David Williams, the headteacher, wasappointed in September 2012 and Ofst-

ed’s inspectors said he had: “…a goodunderstanding of the school’s strengthsand weaknesses and has been swift totake action to improve the school’s per-formance.” The report stated: “Teachingis improving. Teachers are working hardto improve their practice with guidancefrom the headteacher. All staff are work-ing together as a team to improve the

school.”The report also found that: “Pupils

have not made enough progress overtime in English and Mathematics becausethe quality of the teaching has beeninadequate and inconsistent. Teachersdo not have high enough expectations ofwhat pupils can achieve.

“In those lessons where teaching isnot good, pupils’ behaviour and attitudessometimes impedes learning.”

The Inspectors found that pupils feelsafe in school and say that bullying isnot a problem in the school.

Ofsted’s monitoring inspection onFebruary 4, 2014, found that: “Theschool’s action plans provide a soundbasis for improvement.

“The headteacher and deputyheadteacher are ambitious for the schoolto improve and have taken decisive ac-tion to improve the quality of teaching.”

The inspectors found that the propor-tion of teaching which is consistentlygood or better is increasing, and that thegoverning body provides better challengeand support.

Headteacher David Williams said: “Iwas appointed as headteacher fromSeptember 2012, I am also a registeredOfsted inspector. Upon appointment myevaluation of the school was that, overtime, it had failed to secure appropriateattainment levels for a sufficient propor-tion of its pupils and therefore was fail-ing within the context of the Ofstedevaluation criteria and when comparedto schools nationally. This evaluation hasbeen the focus of the school’s improve-ment agenda over the last 18 monthsand has been shared with staff, gover-nors and parents throughout this time.”

Mr Williams said his comment to anyparent with concerns about Ofsted’srating of the school was: “Over time theschool has failed to secure a sufficientproportion of pupils attaining at age-related levels but it is no longer a failingschool. It is one where pupils overallare making good progress, many aremaking outstanding progress and thegap between the levels at which childrenshould attain is beginning to close.”

Before the inspection in September2013 the school’s governors were inves-tigating the advantages of the schoolbecoming an academy. They have nowagreed to begin the process and theschool will join the multi-academy trustof the Diocese of Leicester, called theLeicestershire Academies CharitableTrust.

ParishCouncilnotes

Continued from page 1

School “inadequate”but improving

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Plans for new homes“unsustainable”

Prepared by the West Cross laneFields Residents Action Group, the docu-ment sets out their objections to theproposed development, which is locatedon the parish boundary with Mountsor-rel.

The action group object on thegrounds:

• the site is on an area of greenwedge that separates Rothley and Mount-sorrel

• there is no public transport provi-sion in or near the site

• access to major road networks islimited and difficult

• local services and facilities are toodistant from the site

• the site is not a Development FocusArea within Charnwood’s Core Strategyand Local Plan

• there are increased road traffic andsafety implications

• local schools are at capacity, eventhe new build school in Rothley

• the site encroaches on the RothleyRidgeway Conservation Area

• there will be a significant impact onthe local community in terms of disrup-tion, loss of amenities and competitionfor inadequate services

• affordable housing at the proposedsite does not fit with policy guidelines

Action Group spokesman Andy Worbysaid: “We plan to oppose this develop-ment by demonstrating it is not sustaina-ble within the spirit of the latestgovernment guidelines, is not requiredin order to meet housing targets in thisarea and is not good for the villages,their residents and the local communi-

ty.”Rothley Parish Council has objected

to the development and MountsorrelParish Council has asked for an exten-sion to the date for submission of com-ments. Rothley Parish Council’sChairman has expressed concern thatthe site has room for at least 600 newhomes and said that developers CharlesChurch should give a legal assurance, ifplanning permission is granted, that nomore than 150 homes be built.

Increased housebuilding in the par-ishes of Rothley and Mountsorrel hasput strain on local services, roads andfacilities, and the campaigners say thatincreasing this still further is unsustaina-ble.

The total number of homes in Roth-ley and Mountsorrel is 4686 and theadditional housing that is currentlyplanned in or near the parish boundary of the two villages is 2259 – an increase

of 48 per cent.“The local infrastructure is not able

to support a 48 per cent increase in thenumber of houses, residents, childrenand elderly and those needing care,cars, demands upon public services etc.This scale of development is not sustain-able” say the action group.

If local objectors can persuadeCharnwood Borough Council to turndown the application, the developer canappeal and the appeal will be decidedby Her Majesty’s Planning Inspectoratewhich is based in Bristol.

Appeals are often successful as wasthe case with the Brookfield Farm devel-opment in Rothley, currently under con-struction.

If Charnwood grant planning permis-sion, residents cannot appeal as onlydevelopers have the right to appeal.

A spokesman for Charnwood Con-servative Association said: “Many resi-dents in Charnwood recoil in horrorwatching the random, almost anarchicaltransformation of rural agricultural landinto housing estates. This has a cata-strophic effect on the character ofCharnwood and the situation is gettingworse. Rothley is particularly badly af-fected and local residents feel betrayed.”

Planning application referenceP/14/0058/2. You can comment on theplan until March 13. Visit the planningsection of Charnwood Borough Council’swebsite to leave your comment or writeto the Planning Department.

CAMPAIGNERS OBJECTING to 150 new homes planned forWest Cross Lane in Rothley have submitted a detailed 43page objection to Charnwood Borough Council.

Additional Housingplanned in or near Rothleyand Mountsorrel

• Halstead Road – 200• Brookfield Farm – 120• Mountsorrel Lane – 250• Marsh Road – 14• Lindens Public House – 9• West Cross Lane –150• Old Rothley School site – 16• ‘North Birstall’ (old Bentley’sRoses site) – 1500Total - 2259

A HAND carved bench willbe a lasting memorial forfour year old Lexi Bran-son, who was killed by thefamily pet dog last Octo-ber.

The bench has been installed at theCaterpillar Pre-school in Mountsorrel,which Lexi had attended for two years.

The pre-school organised a spon-sored walk after the tragedy and themoney raised was donated to the airambulance service and the LRI SpecialCare Baby Unit, both causes chosen by

Lexi’s mum Jodi.The proceeds alsopaid for the bench,which was designedby Peter Leadbeaterand features a cres-cent moon withthree smiling stars.

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Stephen (Pip) Pierrepoint(54) was passed the ring bySimple Minds keyboard play-er Andy Gillespie (picturedabove with the couple) ashe popped the question togirlfriend, Deborah King(44).

Deborah, also from

Mountsorrel, said: “Pip got down on oneknee and asked me to marry him whichof course I accepted. The feelings I hadat the time are hard to explain, it wasquite an emotion.”

She added: “Pip and I met throughmusic, we have a passion for Simple

Minds. While back-stage we also metMidge Ure fromUltravox which wasan added bonus asthey were supportingSimple Minds – thewhole event wasmind blowing!”

ity that helps such a wide range ofillnesses. Not only is it close to bothour hearts but we realised that every-

one has come acrossthe amazing localwork that this charityhas done at one pointor another in theirlives.

“Both my auntieand I are doing thecharity ride togetherand after losing myuncle, Lorraine’s

husband, to cancer as well as otherfamily members and friends, we feltthat as an auntie and a niece duo weshould attempt to conquer the world– well the next best thing – cycle the400km route from Vietnam to Cam-bodia! Lorraine had the idea as she

is celebrating her 55th birthday and Ithought at 26 I’d better go and lookafter her!”

Beth added: “We feel so upliftedand positive each time we visit thehospice and we are hoping to raise£6000. We are most looking forwardto seeing the two amazing countriesand finding out if we are up to thechallenge!”

To donate go towww.mydonate.bt.com/fundraising/bethandlorraine

MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

WHILE BACKSTAGE at a Simple Minds concert at London’sO2 arena a Mountsorrel man proposed to his bride to be asband members looked on.

TWO WOMEN from Mountsorrel will be cycling 250 milesfrom Vietnam to Cambodia this November, to raisemoney for LOROS.

Beth Parker (26) and her auntLorraine (55) will be cycling fromSaigon to Angkor Wat, passing throughtraditional Vietnam-ese villages, paddyfields and mountainscenery.

Beth said: “Wehave decided to takeon the challenge inaid of LOROS. It’sthe only way we feltwe could give some-thing back to a char-

Cycle ride for LOROSProposal backstage atSimple Minds concert

Pics: (left) the happycouple & far left, Deborahwith Jim Kerr fromSimple Minds

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5MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

The County Council currently main-tains 52 libraries and six mobile units ata cost of £5.82million. It is looking atmeasures to save £800,000 over thenext four years.

Birstall library is one of 16 that willcontinue to be maintained by the County,but the libraries at Rothley and Mount-sorrel along with 36 other small librar-ies are at risk.

Richard Blunt, the County Council’scabinet member for libraries said: “Weexpect to continue to run our town li-braries, but we will explore community-running of our smaller libraries andpossible co-location with other organisa-tions, such as parish councils. We mayhave to close libraries if we can’t findpartners. Smaller libraries are alreadynot the best used and we’ve reflectedthat by reducing opening hours.

“The authority is facing significantfinancial challenges and we are propos-ing to make savings of £800,000 overthe next four years. When taking intoaccount the wider budget pressures,people thought that there were higherpriorities than libraries.

“We are still working on the detailbut the broad proposal is for the countycouncil to offer professional supportfrom its libraries service on a taperingbasis.

“We have been following the work ofother local authorities who have beenmore advanced in this to learn lessonsfrom them. We also have a significantvolunteer network working with theservice already and we hope that we canencourage greater involvement fromthose experienced volunteers to help.We’ve been having exploratory discus-sions in Kegworth, Ratby and Barrowand these discussions are ongoing.”

Representatives from parish Councilsin Rothley and Mountsorrel have beeninvited by the County Council to a meet-ing on March 31 to discuss “new anddifferent ways of sustaining our locallibrary network”.

The changes to the library service arepart of a package of cuts to services thataim to save £110million by 2018.

Byron Rhodes, the Council’s deputyleader and finance spokesman, said:“We simply cannot afford to run servicesthe same way as we have in the past. It’sinevitable that the public will noticemajor changes. We have to concentrateon caring for the most vulnerable peopleand that means saving money from otherservices, which have to take a lowerpriority.”

The Council will lose 700 full timeposts, in addition to the 600 redundan-cies that have taken place over the lastthree years.

The savings are required because ofa reduction in the annual grant theCouncil receives from the Government,combined with an increase in demandfor certain services, such as adult socialcare.

Reductions in the budget include:• children and young persons budget

£12.7million will be cut by 2017/18.That includes £1.5million on reducingthe cost of social care placements and£2.1million in cuts to its early helpservice, which intervenes as soon aspossible to tackle problems emergingfor children and their families.

• Adult social care: changes will savenearly £23million.

• Environment and transport: a totalof £18.7million will be cut from thebudget. That includes £1.2million fromstreet lighting, £3.3million from highwaymaintenance and £9.2million of efficien-cy savings.

• chief executive’s department:£4.6million will be saved, including£2million by reducing grants to volun-tary groups. £550,000 will be savedfrom a review of the Council’s youthoffending service and £80,000 fromreduced maintenance of country parks.

“One thing this club offers is thechance to just pay and play and givetennis a go” says club coach Tim Stan-ton.

“Adults who are not members canjoin in the cardio tennis on a Mondayevening or coaching on a Friday morn-ing or Tuesday evening.”

The club is also launching the newonline court booking system at the openday allowing people to be able to bookand pay online. The pay and play ses-sions and online court booking systemare part of the club’s commitment towidening access to trying out tennis.

The open day will be held on Satur-day March 29 from 2–4pm. The club islocated behind Rothley library, next toRothley school.

Half price memberships will be avail-able for adults on the day. Club spokes-

woman Anne Mumford said: “This is agreat time to join as match practicesstart just before Easter and the newcoaching term just afterwards along withwhat is probably the best club competi-tions programme in the county.

“Coaching is available for adults andjuniors. Bring your racket if you haveone and join in the social play for adultsor junior coaching.”

She added: “Club membership givesincreased playing opportunities throughsocial play, club competitions and matchtennis for less than £3 a week – greatvalue and great fun!”

For more information about member-ship call the membership line on : 07757833 360, www.rothleytennis.info

For information about coaching callTim Stanton on: 07929 335 246.

SMALL VILLAGE libraries in Leicestershire could close if theCounty Council cannot find partners to help run them.

Future of villagelibraries uncertain

Try tennis atclub’s open dayNEW PLAYERS are invited to try tennis at Rothley Tennisclub’s open day in March.

THE OLD Baxter Gate hospitalsite in Loughborough is set tobecome a brand new multi-mil-lion pound cinema and leisurecomplex.

The site has been sold to developerCitygrove which wants to build an eight-screen multiplex cinema complete withup to seven family restaurants, includingNandos.

The project will create around 180jobs and will boost Loughborough’sprofile as a top destination for shoppingand leisure, says Charnwood BoroughCouncil.

The Citygrove development was ap-proved by the Council’s Plans Committeeon December 5, 2013.

Councillor David Slater, Leader ofCharnwood Borough Council, said: “Ithink it is fair to say the Baxter Gate isoverdue some tender loving care, andthis complex will deliver that as well asgiving the town a major economic shotin the arm. We’ve been working on im-proving and regenerating the town centrefor a number of years and national com-panies are now recognising that Lough-borough is the place they want to be.”

Steve Wiener, CEO of Cineworld said:“I am very pleased that Cineworld will beable to provide a new modern cinemafor the residents of Loughborough andthe surrounding area. We take greatpride in always trying to deliver the bestmovie experience for all members of thecommunity.”

Oliver de Chalus, Development Direc-tor for Citygrove, said: “Operators whohave now committed to the scheme in-clude Cineworld for an eight-screen stateof the art multiplex cinema, Pizza Ex-press, Nandos, Loungers Café Bars, Star-bucks, Dean’s Diner and Mimosa. Welook forward to commencing construc-tion works late summer 2014.”

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6 MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

New heritage centre: funding secured

Location ofHeritage Ctr

tional resource forour local communitiesto enjoy. We aregrateful to Lafarge forsharing this vision andproviding such a gen-erous grant.”

Both the grants arefor 90 per cent of thecapital cost and theremainder has to beraised by the MRP.

Fundraising for the £56,000 needed forthe Heritage Centre has already begun.

The Heritage Centre will be locatedalongside the restored Mountsorrel rail-way, near the junction of Swithland Lanewith Halstead Road. The existing ‘Nunck-ley Trail’, a nature and history trail, willalso form part of the overall attraction.

The scheme intends to save, relocate

and restore three historic buildingswhich are at risk of being lost. Theseare a 200 year old granite barn fromKinchley Lane, Rothley, once used as a

AN AMBITIOUS project tobuild a heritage centre, mu-seum and tea room onSwithland Lane has beengiven a £540,000 fundingboost by quarry giant La-farge Tarmac.

The Mountsorrel Railway Project arecelebrating after receiving news of thegrant from Lafarge Tarmac’s CommunityFund, who have promised an additional£66,000 for the group’s planned stationat Mountsorrel Halt, near Bond Lane.

Steve Cramp from the MountsorrelRailway Project said: “We’ve virtually

completed this branch of the Great Cen-tral Railway using nearly entirely volun-teer labour and next to no money inrecord time.

“The level of support from LafargeTarmac for this project is hugely appre-ciated. We have an opportunity to createan outstanding recreational and educa-

mess room for German prisoners of warduring World War I, the only remainingoriginal building within the old Mount-sorrel quarry site, the ‘Time Office’ andthe remnants of a granite built explo-sives store at the disused Nunckley Hillquarry. They will be carefully dismantledand rebuilt to form the basis of theHeritage Centre and a tea room.

The heritage centre has been de-signed to tell the story of both Mount-sorrel’s and Rothley’s village history.There will be a car park with access tothe adjoining road and a quarry muse-um telling the story of granite quarryingin the area. This will include demonstra-tion stonemasons’ huts, recreating aquarrying scene that would have been

common in the late 19th century. A smallrailway platform will allow passengers to

Pic: the Heritage Centre & (left) the planned layout of the site

Pic: the granite barn on Kinchley Lane (left) & the Mountsorrel quarry Time Office

Pic: Stonemasons’ huts, c1890

Please phone to make an appointment.You will need to give some financial details

but these are kept confidential.

Do you need financial help?Have you lived in

Mountsorrel for 6+ months?

MOUNTSORREL UNITED CHARITIESRelief in Need Fund

Registered charity number 217615

www.mountsorrelunitedcharities.co.uk07534 604 337

The Mountsorrel Relief in Need Fund couldhelp by giving you a grant towards items for yourhome, your health, your garden or other needs.

7MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

project built by the community for thecommunity. If you would like to volun-teer and help make this a reality thenplease get in touch by email tosteve@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk”

If you want to view the progress onthe railway, walk around the newly cre-ated nature trail and see the plans forthe Heritage Centre, there will be openpublic consultation days on March 22and 23 from 11am-2pm with guidedtours from the Swithland Lane entrance.There is no parking at the site.

You can donate to the project bysponsoring a brick for £50 – seemountsorrelrailway.org.uk for details.

join and leave the trains to visit the newattraction. At a later stage there will alsobe a small museum building linked byrail to the Mountsorrel Railway. Themuseum will exhibit historical railwayvehicles that once worked at Mountsor-rel.

Work on the station and car park atBond Lane is expected to start thisspring for completion by the end of theyear. The 10 per cent match funding ofthis project has already been secured.

Steve said: “The reinstated railway is

now viewed as a unifying force for theparishes of Rothley and Mountsorrel andthe construction of Bond Lane Halt andthe Community Heritage Centre are vitalfurther steps towards realising the po-tential benefit that the project can bring.We will be working with the Rothley

History Society, the Mountsorrel HeritageGroup and the Rothley Heritage Groupto ensure that the heritage centre tellsthe story of our past in as thorough andaccurate way as possible. We are enor-

mously grateful for the support we havereceived from the local communitiesand, of course, our tireless volunteerswho have worked to bring the project toits current stage. This is a community

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Maurice Wainwright moved fromnumber 97 to number 92 in 1974,where he had a garden for the first time,which he loved.

As a boy, Maurice attended St Peter’sschool and St Peter’s church, where hepumped the bellow for the church organby hand.

From age 16 until 21 he was an ap-prentice engineer at Brush in Loughbor-ough and completed his National Servicein the RAF from 1946-1948.

After he was discharged from theRAF, Maurice began annual collectionsfor the RAFA which he did every year upto 2013, raising many thousands ofpounds.

When he retired aged 65, Mauricewas working at the Garats Hay Barracks,Woodhouse Eaves as a Mess Hand.

He was awarded a Civilian Honour inMarch ’91 because during a weekend inDecember ’90 he travelled to work bybicycle in severe wintry weather for twodays to provide the only civilian cateringsupport for 200 soldiers while electrici-ty and water supplies were severely dis-rupted. He stayed all day to carry outadditional duties of those who did notmake it to work.

Following his retirement Maurice wasawarded the Imperial Service Medal inrecognition of the meritorious serviceswhich he had rendered. He received hismedal in July 1993 from the Lord Lieu-tenant of Leicestershire Colonel AndrewMartin.

In later life he took driving lessonsand although he passed his theory test in1997 at the age of 68, he never man-aged to pass his practical test and so it

was still the bike for Maurice. In fact, heenjoyed his driving lessons so much thathe continued to have them until the ageof 70.

The funeral was held at St Peter’sChurch on January 30, with the wake atStonehurst Farm.

A CHRISTMAS tree festival at Christ Church in Mountsorrel was visited by 200people over three days in December.

36 groups, companies and organisations displayed decorated trees in the churchAnd the event, in its seventh successive year, raised £300 from donations.

silver coins and an Iron Age axe-headplus many others.

The MHG Chairman Brian Stantonthanked Phil Harding for his very inter-esting talk and explained to the non-members in the audience the groupmeets on the second Tuesday of everymonth in the Mountsorrel library and iscurrently involved in a number ofprojects embracing The MountsorrelArchive Website, recording interviewswith older Mountsorrel residents, tracingimportant families from earlier timesand recording and logging local Floraand Fauna.

The next meeting is on Tuesday,March 11 at 7.30pm in Mountsorrellibrary – all are welcome.

From Mountsorrel Heritage Group

MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

A WELL known local character who lived all his life onLoughborough Road, Mountsorrel, has died aged 85.

Maurice Wainwrightremembered

Phil Harding, a biologist and keenamateur metal detector, entertainedeveryone with his experiences and 'finds'in the Leicestershire area. He stressedthat permission should always be soughtfrom the landowner before entering onto anyone’s land for the purposes ofmetal detecting.

Apparently, ancient unploughedmeadows are not the best places forfinding ancient objects as the items willbe deeply buried below the surface.Ploughed areas will often yield theirtreasure more easily because the deepploughing has brought up the objectsfrom their resting places to near thesurface.

He showed the audience a number ofhis finds including Roman gold rings,

MEMBERS OF Mountsorrel Heritage Group enjoyed a pres-entation on metal detecting in February, held at Mountsor-rel library.

A POPULAR charity that provides narrowboat trips for thedisabled and elderly is looking for volunteers.

Peter Anderson, Chairman of theBaldwin Trust, said: “We give full train-ing in narrowboat operations and theroles of the waterways to new volunteersand it is not necessary for them to haveexperience of ‘messing about on thewater’, it’s more a case of having ‘funon the water’ while providing a valuableservice to the local commu-nity who are less fortunatethan ourselves.”

The Baldwin Trust hastwo 70 foot narrowboats –one moored at LeicesterMarina, Thurmaston andanother at Pilling’s Lock,Barrow on Soar.

In 2013 the charity car-

ried 3000 clients on days out and theirboats are on the water almost every dayof the week.

Mr Anderson said: “So, if you areactive and reasonably fit and would liketo join a friendly charity on the water-ways of Leicestershire or would like tohelp on the administrative side the Trust

would like to hear fromyou!”

Visitwww.baldwintrust.org.uk,where you can leaveyour details, or contactPeter Anderson on07787757114

WORK ON the demolition of Bel-grave flyover began on February 1.

Leicester City Council says the dem-olition work will be completed at theend of March.

This will be followed by furtherworks at the junction which are ex-pected to be completed by October2014.

www.leicester.gov.uk/belgraveflyover

Pic: Maurice Wainwright

Belgraveflyover

Christmas tree festival

Mountsorrel heritage

Local charity seeksvolunteers

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47 x 59mm £23 • 47 x 120mm £4198 x 59mm £41 • 98 x 120mm £69

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Licensed Boarding Catteryin garden setting

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9

‘BU People’ is a 52 page land-scape A4 size book made up ofcontributions from many peopleconnected with BU.

In its 1960s heyday this power-house of British engineering em-ployed over 4500 local people andwas the world’s largest supplier ofshoemaking machinery and materi-als. The final quarter of the twenti-eth century saw the gradual demiseof BU culminating in in its eventualclosure in 2000. With support from theHeritage Lottery Fund the BU HistoryGroup have connected with ex employ-ees of the company to build a record ofmemories and photographs of life at BU.

This people’s history contains memo-ries, history and many colour and blackand white photos, and covers much ofthe company’s 100 year existence. There

are stories about being an apprentice,the Quarter Century Club, the BU at War,family life connected to the firm, techno-logical excellence and innovation, andpride and satisfaction at working for BU.

The book is priced at £5 (of which£2 will be donated to LOROS, a Leices-tershire hospice charity). Postage withinthe UK is an additional £2. Send a

MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

COFFEE MORNINGS at Mountsorrel Baptist church have raised £761 forLOROS. Our picture shows Adrian Walker from LOROS (left) receiving acheque from Alan Alexander.

MEMORIES or working life at the British United Shoe Ma-chinery Company feature in a new publication, publishedby the BU History group.

DOG fouling and litter in hotspot areas was slashed by athird during a Charnwood Borough Council enviro-crimecrackdown.

The Council’s three-month Don’tMuck Around campaign helped cut dogfouling by 32% in a record nine areasacross the Borough and litter by 37% inthree hotspots.

Dog fouling hotspots covered Birstall,Rothley, Loughborough, Barkby, Queni-borough, East Goscote, Woodhouse,Mountsorrel and Sileby.

As part of the crackdown, enforce-ment officers also issued 35 fixed penal-ty notices to offenders for a range ofenvironmental offences.

The Council also recorded a six percent increase in awareness of Duty ofCare offences - where householders canbe fined for failing to responsibly get ridof waste from their homes.

Councillor Jane Hunt, CharnwoodBorough Council’s Cabinet Member forRegulatory Services, said: “Once againthe Don’t Muck Around campaign hashelped to reduce incidents of environ-mental crime across the Borough,through education and enforcement.

“The Council is committed to ensur-ing Charnwood is clean and tidy forresidents and visitors, and we will con-tinue to work towards driving down

incidents.“This year we focused on a record

nine hotspot areas following feedbackfrom our residents, so I am reallypleased we can report a reduction inincidents across the three campaignstrands.

“The reduction in the instances ofdog fouling in the hotspots is particular-ly encouraging. Please could I, on behalfof local residents, thank those peoplewho have changed their behaviour andnow clean up after their pet. Your helpin improving the area is appreciated.”

The campaign ran for three months,from September 27, 2013, to December20, 2013.

Officers monitored hotspot areasbefore and after the campaign to seewhat impact the education and enforce-ment work had on offences.

To help with education, the Councilalso introduced an online tool to helpresidents plot the dog waste in theirarea, and the location of nearby dog andlitter bins. All reports of dog fouling arenow featuring onwww.my.charnwood.gov.uk.

cheque for £7 made payable to the BUHistory Group 8 Greenhill Road, Leices-ter LE2 3DJ.

The book is also available for pur-

chase at £5 in the following LOROSshops: Anstey, Birstall, Leicester HighStreet and Queens Road Bookshop.

info@buhistory.org.uk

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Memories of lifeat British United

Dog waste crackdown

Enjoy a complimentary therapy treatment in a calm relaxing atmosphere. Meet &chat to other patients & carers over a cup of tea. Therapies available includearomatherapy massage, reflexology, Indian head massage & reiki

Funeral Services

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10

The new 111 telephone call servicefor urgent medical care is now workingin our area and across Leicestershire.

Why should we use it?Most of us who call 111 (and might

have called 999) are not experts intelling the difference between the needfor urgent (fast) medical care and emer-gency (life-threatening) care. If you call111 and the person answering decidesyou need emergency care they will sendan ambulance to you immediately with-out you needing to call 999. Therefore111 can get you emergency care withoutany delay.

How should we use it?The person who answers your call

(the call handler) is trained to get youthe help you need quickly. S/he will askquestions about you and what has hap-pened to you or the person you arecalling about. You will probably be wor-ried, you might even be scared but try tostay calm and answer the questions aswell as you can. The call handler hasmedical experts (experienced nursesand a GP) available to help and, if need-ed, will transfer you to talk to them.

Call 111 for the best service for you.If you need emergency care (an am-

bulance) you will get it;If you need urgent (fast) care, you

will get it;

LE4 4DHFor more info please contactSoar Valley Leisure Centre, Mount-sorrel, 0116 2230365or email: gp-referral-charnwood@fusion-lifestyle.com

Charity BridgeDriveOrganised by Loughborough LionsClubat the Rothley Centre, MountsorrelLane, RothleyWednesday April 9 at 1.30pmAfternoon tea provided at a costof £6 per personTo book a table please contactJackie on 0116 2303317 or emailbrianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com

The Charnwood Orchestra40th Anniversary

Spring ConcertSaturday March 22All Saints Parish Church, Lough-boroughTickets £10 (£9 concessions and£3 for accompanied children un-der 16)Available from the Box office:07718153117 or by emailingjudithrodgers155@gmail.com orfrom members of the orchestra oron the doorBeethoven – Leonora overtureNo.3Elgar – Cello concerto with soloistTim GillBrahms – Symphony No.3Further details about the orches-tra and the pieces we are playingare on our websitewww.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

Mountsorrel Methodist Churchpresents the 3rd in the 13th seriesofSunday Night @ Eight

Organ RecitalsSunday March 15 at 8pmby Ivan LinfordOakham organistAdmission freeDonations for church’s develop-ment fundBuffet from 7.30pm

Film Presentationsfrom Thurcaston & Cropston ParishCouncil ‘Philomena’ Friday April 11 (134mins)

This British film is a moving truestory about one woman’s quest toright a terrible wrong. Philomenais played remarkably by Dame JudiDench. She and the journalist,played by Steve Coogan, form abeautiful relationship as he inves-tigates her son’s disappearance.‘Sunshine on Leith’ May 9Thurcaston and Cropston ParishCouncil will be showing thesefilms at Thurcaston Memorial Hall.Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost£4.50 and concessions are £4.The price includes refreshmentsand a lucky prize draw. Advancetickets can be purchased via theparish office - 0116 236 7626 orat the door.

RotaractThe social club with a conscience,aiming to have fun whilst raisingmoney for charity and aiding thelocal communityRotaract is a fun, dynamic andunique international organisationfor people aged 18-30, offering awide range of activities that ena-bles you to try something newwhile having a great time andmaking new friendsWe are always recruiting peopleaged 18-30 so if you would liketo get involved, meet like-mindedpeople and help out in the localcommunity then contact us onr.hallam23a@gmail.com or search‘Leicester Rotaract’ on FacebookWe look forward to hearing fromyou!

Continental MarketGallowtree Gate, LeicesterWed Mar 26 – Sun Mar 309am to 5.30pm (Sun 10am to5pm)Food, artwork, crafts, coffee,flowers, plants, gifts

High energy bills?Confused by energy tariffs?Need help switching suppliers?Charnwood Borough Council wererecently awarded funding from theDepartment of Energy and ClimateChange to run ‘Big Energy SavingNetwork’ sessions, offering freeand impartial energy saving adviceto groups of consumers within thelocal community. Each event willgive you the opportunity to re-ceive one-to-one advice, covering:• payment options, tariffs and

MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

Noticeboardall details printed free

YOUR SAY...

The Mountsorrel Post welcomes yourviews and opinions on any subject. Let-ters, which must include your name andaddress, (though not necessarily forpublication) can be posted to: TheMountsorrel Post, Longslade College,Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH,or handed in at Mountsorrel library oremail:editor@birstallpost.co.uk

In which battle did Napoleon die?His last battle

Where was the Declaration of Inde-pendence signed?

At the bottom of the page

What is the main reason for divorce?Marriage

What is the main reason for failure?Exams

What can you never eat for breakfast?Lunch & Dinner

What looks like half an apple?The other half

If you throw a red stone into the bluesea, what will it become?

Wet

How can a man go eight days withoutsleeping

He sleeps at night

How can you life an elephant withone hand?

You will never find an elephant thathas only one hand

If you had three apples and fouroranges in one hand and four applesand three oranges in the other hand,what would you have?

Very large hands

If it took eight men ten hours tobuild a wall, how long would it takefour men to build it?

No time at all, the wall is alreadybuilt

How can you drop a raw egg on to aconcrete floor without cracking it?

Concrete floors are very hard tocrack

From Peggy Clarke

If what you need is an appointmentwith your own GP within 24 hours youwill get it.

Even if all you need is just good ad-vice about what you need to do, you willget it.

Call 111 when you need medical helpKevin BlanksNHS Healthwatch

Come and Enjoy Music More!Do you enjoy

Classical musicand would you like to know moreabout it?Enjoy Music More meets at theAdult Education College in Wel-lington Street, LeicesterOn Tuesdays from 10am to12noon from September to Marcheach year. The well-known localorganist, choirmaster and musicteacher Robert Foreman talks tous in his very individual styleabout a variety of music and wethen listen to and discuss the mu-

sic.Are you interested?Ring Martin on 0116 2592868 orKen on 01455 822285

50+ FitnessClassesBirstall and SilebyIf you are over 50 or have beenreferred for exercise by a doctor,come and join our low impactaerobics, toning and Tai Chi ses-sions at Sileby and BirstallSileby: Tuesdays 12.30-1.30pmSileby Community Centre41 High Street, Sileby Loughbor-ough LE12 7RXBirstall: Tuesdays 2-3pmVillage Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall

NHS 111

Questions answered

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47 x 59mm £23 • 47 x 120mm £4198 x 59mm £41 • 98 x 120mm £69

CALL 2674213 for an advertising rate card,or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk

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Ian RoeBUILDING MAINTENANCE

HARD & SOFT LANDSCAPING& FENCING etc

INTERIOR & EXTERIORPAINTING

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General Building

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11

how to switch• fuel bills and the annual state-ment• further assistance available –help with paying fuel bills, fueldebt advice or improving energyefficiencyCharnwood’s Jennifer Robertssaid: “We hope that local commu-nity groups will put themselvesforward for a Big Energy Savingnetwork session, held throughoutFebruary and March 2014. formore information, please call meon 01509 634937 orjennifer.roberts@charnwood.gov.uk”

ConservationVolunteersDiplomas in work based environ-mental conservation training arefree to people on qualifying bene-fitsGain knowledge and pursue a ca-reer in the environmental sectorThe Conservation Volunteers(TCV) have been improving Ayle-stone Meadows since 2000If you want to join in with TCV’sDiplomas in Environmental Con-servation or find out how else youcan volunteer with us either visitwww.tcv.org.uk or call 01162553515

One Act PlayFestivalA competition between local am-dram groups, with each grouppresenting a play of 25-50 min-utes durationGroups are judged on their pres-entation, acting skills, directionand overall expertiseThe Old Phoenix Theatre, NewarkeSt, LeicesterFri March 21, 7pmSat March 22, 2pmTickets £8 on the day or fromsandra.sutcliffe@ntlworld.com0116 2236428

Messy ChurchFirst Saturday of the month, at10amAt Mountsorrel Methodist ChurchCraft activities, lively songs, Biblestories, friendship and free lunchprovidedEveryone welcomePlease call 07748 590594 or

emailloughboroughsdachurch@gmail.com to let us know you are coming

LeicesterSymphonyOrchestraSaturday April 57.30pm De Montfort Hall, Leices-terConductor: John AndrewsSoloist: Laura van der Heijden,winner of BBC Young Musician ofthe Year 2012Tchaikovsky, Francesca da RiminiTchaikovsky, Variations on a Roco-co ThemeDvorak, Rondo op.94Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhi-bitionFree pre-concert talk 6.30pm withLaura van der HeijdenTickets £11- £18, children 18 andunder, £5Tickets from DMH box office orNigel Moore:nigel.moore@moorelarge.co.uk

Soar Valley BowlsClubWe would like to extend a warmwelcome to all age groups whowould like to try bowlingWe are holding two open days onApril 26/27 from 10am to 12noonfor anyone who would like to havea goAll that you will need is a pair offlat soled shoes and we will sup-ply the equipmentOur bowls green is situated onLoughborough Rd, Mountsorrel,opposite Hilltop GarageWe will also tea and biscuits tocalm the nerves!If you would like any more infor-mation please phone 01162364246Or email hilbil1@virginmedia.comRemember it’s not just for theaged!

Charity WhistDrivesorganised by Derek Farrwill be held at 7.30pm on Thurs-days March 6, April 3, May 1in the Rothley Centre, MountsorrelLane, RothleyAdmission £2. All players welcomeLarge free car park

The Alpha CourseStarts again at Christ ChurchTop of The Green, Mountsorrelon March 14 at 7.30pmIf you are interested in finding outmore about the Christian Faith orwant to explore the meaning oflifeContact Christine Butcher on 01162376122 or 07708 443870 orchrissie.butcher@yahoo.co.uk

77th Bradgate Scouts

Jumble SaleSaturday March 22, 11am-1pmMemorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thur-castonJumble, tombola, bottle tombola,cake stall, refreshments

Get Fit, Meet People & Have Fun with

Quorn Tap & BalletClubsWhy not try something new in2014 – come tap andballet dancing!It’s a fantastic way to keep fitwithout overdoing it plus it’s agreat place to have a giggle andmeet new people.Quorn Tap Club takes place everyMonday, 7.45-8.45pm and QuornBallet Club takes place every otherMonday 8.45-9.30pm. Both are atQuorn Church Rooms (just in frontof Rawlins Community College inQuorn).Both classes are for mixed abili-ties and focus on dancing for en-joyment. You can attend tap orballet or both! One class costs just£3.50, and tap and ballet togeth-er cost just £6 and is payableweekly. So if you miss a week, itdoesn’t matter! You only pay for

the sessions you take part in. Newmembers are always welcome –just turn up!You don’t even need dance shoesif you don’t have any – just wearsensible shoes and comfy clothes.So what are you waiting for? Comeand give us a go this Monday!For more information log on towww.amcschoolofdance.co.uk orcall Adele on 01509 556564, text07842098146 or emailinfo@amschoolofdance.co.uk

Wreake Valley Rotary Club

10th Real AleFestivalSyston Community CentreApril 10, 11 & 12Thursday 10th & Friday 11th willbe 5-11pm and Saturday 12th willbe 12noon- 11pmWe will be offering 20 differentales to sample and on Saturdaythere will be a quiz to keep thegrey matter stimulated.As usual all the proceeds will beused to support local and interna-tional charities throughout theyear.

MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

THE SPEAKER at the January meeting of Mountsorrel WI wasSandy Leong who gave us a very entertaining talk on the histo-ry and meaning of nursery rhymes.

As Sandy said rhymes are passed downthrough generations and are still recitedtoday but what exactly is the meaning ofthese? As we discovered are they reallyappropriate for young ears? Some containsocial comment, others malicious gossip,they include coded insults and there iseven the odd one designed to entertainchildren!

We were fascinated to hear that 'popgoes the weasel' was actually about pawn-ing the Sunday best coat every week tofund a lot of drink and a little food! Youmay have thought Old Mother Hubbardwas just about a poor old dog but in factwas comment on Cardinal Wolsey's inabil-ity to gain a divorce from Rome for HenryVIII.

And a word of warning: Lucy Locketand Kitty Fisher may not be all they seem!We were all able to remember 21 out ofthe 22 rhymes covered which just goes toshow how ingrained these are in thememory of many people. We did wonder,however, if the tradition of retelling thesehistoric rhymes is being carried on today.

At our February meeting the speaker

was Roxanne Dinsdale on Belly Dancing.All visitors are very welcome so why notcome along! We certainly are not just Jamand Jerusalem. Please just turn up and beassured of a very warm welcome or forfurther details contact Alison Aldwinckleon 07517232029.

From Mountsorrel WI

WI news

ANNUAL PARISHMEETING

Mountsorrel Memorial Hall, Leicester Road,

Mountsorrel

Thur March 20th 2014at 7.30pm.

MOUNTSORRELPARISH COUNCIL

Every year parishioners inMountsorrel show their interest andconcerns by attending the AnnualParish Meeting. The Parish Councilare hoping that the following guestswill be attending to answer yourquestions and hear your opinionsREPRESENTATIVES FROMCharnwood Borough Council &Leicestershire County CouncilLafarge AggregatesLeicestershire ConstabularyMountsorrel Charities

LANCASTERLANDSCAPESBLOCK PAVING SPECIALISTS

Drives • Patios • PathsGarden DesignCrazy Paving

SlabbingFencing

Lawns CutHedges Cut

TurfingSlabs & Walls Cleaned

07979 851976

12 MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

Thurmastonurban extension

that is well integrated and has excellentconnections with Thurmaston andLeicester. It will assist in realising regen-eration opportunities for Thurmastonand north east Leicester and create anew focus for the community east of therailway line but maintain a physicalseparation from Syston, Barkby andBarkby Thorpe.

It will provide a balanced mix of highquality housing as well as diverse em-ployment opportunities and an excellentnetwork of green infrastructure whichconnects into existing areas of environ-mental value and includes an extensionof the Leicester Hamilton Green Wedge.It will have vibrant centres that provide aheart to the community and accessiblecommunity, shopping and business facil-ities.

Charnwood Borough Council is re-quired to provide sites for 17,380 newhomes within the period 2006-2028.

More details on the planning pages ofCharnwood’s website, planning applica-tion P/13/2498/2

PLANS FOR 4500 new homes near Thurmaston feature in aplanning application submitted to Charnwood BoroughCouncil in January.

The plans include:• 4500 dwellings• 13 hectares of employment land

creating 3000 jobs• two local centres• one district centre• a range of retail outlets and one

large convenience store• a travellers site adjacent to the

A607, near to the Asda roundabout• up to three new primary schools

and a site reserved for a secondaryschool

• healthcare facilities• allotments• a new southern link road• increasing accessible open space on

the development site from 35 hectares to137

The 360 hectare development sitestraddles the Charnwood and LeicesterCity Council boundary. The majority ofthe land is currently in agricultural use.

The applicants are Commercial Es-tates Project Ltd and Mr J Pochin Trus-tees. Their application states: The NorthEast of Leicester Sustainable Urban Ex-tension will be a locally distinctive, sus-tainable and thriving new community

CBCLCiC

1a

1b

2

3

4

KEY

1a. Syston

1b. Syston Station

2. Thurmaston

3. Hamilton

4. Watermead CountryPark

Site Boundary

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Pic: red line shows area for development

Art society offersfriendly welcome

The Birstall & District Art Society wasstarted in 1995 by the late Norman Sims.It is a mixed ability group and meetsmonthly at Longslade’s Palmer-Tomkin-son Centre.

A spokesman said: “A warm andfriendly welcome awaits anyone wishingto join our society.

“Whether you are young or old you’llbe more than welcome to come alongand join with others who have the sameinterest.”

The society offers facilities for tuition,workshops and outdoor sketching in thesummer months, and a social calendarthroughout the year.

“We are a mixed ability group shar-ing a common interest, a group wherewe all help eachother and wherethe absolute begin-ner is as welcomeas the professionalartist” added thespokesman.

The annual subscription is £25 plus£1 per meeting, members’ children andgrandchildren have free membershipand non-members’ children cost £12.50per year, 50p per meeting. Full timestudents have a 50% concession. Visi-tors can try a single meeting for £3.

For details visit www.badas.org orphone 0116 2606826

A LOCAL Art Society has launched its 2014 programme andis welcoming new members.

Pics: (top) a demonstration in thePalmer Tomkinson Centre & (below)the Society's annual exhibition in BirstallVillage Hall

CYCLISTS ARE being offeredthe chance to take part in twoexciting rides and to raisemoney for a local charity.

Alex’s wish is raising funds for lifesaving research into Duchenne MuscularDystrophy – a muscle wasting condition.Alex (7) from Rothley was diagnosed in2010 and there is no cure.

The charity has secured 26 places onthis year’s Prudential Ride London eventon August 10, a 100 mile route onclosed roads through London and Sur-rey, made famous by cyclists at the 2012Olympic games.

A £50 deposit secures your place,and £500 sponsorship. Every cyclist willreceive an event jersey and training andsponsorship advice.

A bigger challenge is the London toParis cycle ride, leaving London on July25 and arriving on Sunday July 27.

To find out more about either ridecontact Emma Hallam on 07903 349475, emma@alexswish.co.uk or visitwww.alexswish.co.uk.

Cyclerides

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE ex-pects to lose up to 300 of-ficers in the next threeyears as part of a cost cut-ting programme.

The force currently employs 2150officers and has lost 260 police officersand 230 staff in recent years. It has tomake savings of £20million by 2016/17.

The losses are expected to comethrough natural wastage – mostly retire-ment.

To help keep trained officers on thefrontline Leicestershire Police have beenusing support staff more widely.

Earlier this year the county’s Policeand Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Load-er raised council tax payers’ annualcontribution to policing by 1.5% - theequivalent of £2.60 a year for a bandD property.

Police jobsto go

13

The Sorrel Youth Café on The Greenhas organised six sessions, covering arange of popular music including rock,rap and pop.

The workshops aims to give youngpeople an opportunity to have a go atsinging, playing an instrument and per-forming

As part of their Music in the Commu-nity unit, Loughborough College will leadthe workshops. College Lecturer MattToole said: “Our students are very excit-ed about the opportunity to inspire peo-ple in the local community and to sharetheir passion for music. They see theworkshops as a fantastic opportunity forboth themselves and the community.”

The workshops are part of the SorrelYouth Café new Catch Up Friday’s pro-gramme that aims to introduce anddevelop young people’s interests overfour themes – music, film, food andfitness. Youth Officer, Graham Lloydsaid: “Our partnership with Loughbor-ough College is just one of the ways weare trying to develop our Friday nightprogramme. Their expertise and access

to equipment will mean that we canoffer things that we couldn’t afford to doon our own. It’s a great relationship.”

The Café is now looking for youngpeople over 14 to sign up for the work-shops. Places will be limited to a maxi-mum of eight per session. Participantsdon’t have to attend more than one andcan choose depending on the type ofmusic they are interested in.

Those who are interested can sign upto as many sessions as they like, but itwill be on a first come, first serve basis.Graham said: “We are looking for youngpeople who are interested in having ago, but there will be no pressure onthem to attend regularly. However forthose who are interested we want towork with them to develop their talentthrough the programme, including openmic sessions, organising a local musicevent and so on.”

Those interested in find out moreabout the workshops should contactGraham on 07775 616001 or 01162375289 or email glloyd@sycafe.org.

Thrummy Drummer DementiaGroup’s aims are to help alleviate theisolation experienced by both sufferersand carers. A spokesman said: “At eachmeeting there will be a short talk onsubjects that will be helpful or of inter-est, along with entertainment which hasincluded dancers, choirs and flowerarranging demonstrations.

“At our December meeting we cele-brated Christmas with a choir and lotsmore, mince pies along with the tea,coffee and biscuits that are served at allour meetings. We extend a very warmwelcome to all those who live in theBorough of Charnwood and are affectedby dementia.”

The Group meets between 10.30am –12.30pm at Elizabeth Park Sports Cen-tre, Checkland Road, Thurmaston,Leicester LE4 8FN

The Thrummy Drummer will continueto meet on the second Thursday of each

month throughout 2014. For more infor-mation please call Jane or Marian –07754 109798 or just turn up on theday. The cost is £1 per head.

MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

OUR PICTURE shows children from Christchurch and St Peter’s primary schoolchoir singing at Mountsorrel Parish Council’s Christmas carol concert on De-cember 10.

MUSIC WORKSHOPS for young people are being held inMountsorrel.

CANCER RESEARCH UK is calling on Leicester women of allages, shapes and sizes to enter this year’s Race for Liferun at Victoria Park in July.

The event is a women only 5k or 10kcharity walk/run which last year saw4800 take part, raising £335,000.

Katie Martin, Cancer Research UK’sLeicester Events Manager, said: “We’recalling on Leicestershire’s mighty mums,gutsy-grans, feisty friends and go-gettinggirls to join our formidable army andtake on cancer at this year’s Race forLife.

“We know how committed Leicesterwomen can be when they really makeup their minds to do something. Wewant to harness that power to stop can-cer in its tracks, by raising money forlife-saving research.

“Race for Life is non-competitive. It’snot about being fit or fast. Most womenare able to walk 5k in an hour while

chatting and having fun. Or they canchoose to jog, run or even dancearound the course if they prefer.

Money raised through Race for Lifeallows Cancer Research UK’s doctors,nurses and scientists to advance re-search which is helping to save the livesof men, women and children across theEast Midlands.

Katie continued: “Race for Life is anamazing way to celebrate life but alsoremember those who have been lost tothe disease. There are over 200 cancersand we won’t give up until we find curesfor them all.”

To enter Race for Life today go towww.raceforlife.org or call 0845 6006050

A NEW group has been set up in Thurmaston for those af-fected by dementia.

WE WOULD like to apologise for anerror in our December issue re-garding funding for the Mountsor-rel Youth Café.

In the article the incorrect officerwas quoted as securing the fundingfor the café. The correct officer to becredited for this should have been PCIan Mundy. The report was takenfrom the Leicestershire Police websitewhich contained the error. Leicester-shire Police subsequently changed thedetails on their website but this wasafter our report had been written. Weapologise for the error.

Music workshopsat youth café

Join in with city’srace for life

PH

OTO

: CLI

VE

RA

SIN

New dementiasupport group

Correction

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14

‘Messy Church’ starts with craft activi-ties, games and puzzles for children andadults.

A spokesman said: “Next is a shortand lively worship time of songs and aBible story. A free lunch is provided foreveryone to enjoy spending more timerelaxing with family and friends.

“Messy Church is church for every-one – children of all ages, parents,grandparents, neighbours and friendsare all welcome. Children will need tobring a responsible adult with them.There is no charge but donations to-wards the cost of running Messy Churchare always very welcome.”

Messy Church, organised by Lough-borough Seventh-day Adventist church,will be meeting on Saturday April 5,

Saturday May 3, Saturday June 7 andthereafter on the second Saturday ofeach month. They meet at MountsorrelMethodist Church, Church Hill Road,Mountsorrel LE12 7JB.

Please call 07748 590594 or emailloughboroughsdachurch@gmail.com ifyou wish to attend.

MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

A NEW church service aimed at adults and young childrenhas started in Mountsorrel.

GCR wins award

The full restoration of the elegantglass, metal and wood station canopy,which is grade II listed and dates backto 1899 took three years to complete.Originally provided to protect Victoriantravellers it is now ready for anothercentury of service at the heritage line.

It picked up the first prize at theNational Railway Heritage Awards in thestation environment category. It facedcompetition from two projects complet-ed by Network Rail at Battersea Parkand Horsham stations.

The National Railway Heritage Awardsrecognise work to preserve Britain’s railheritage. They encompass buildings,

structures and signalling. The GreatCentral Railway has previously wonawards for its signalling and the workcarried out by volunteers at Rothleystation.

The judges praised the renovations atLoughborough station as a “heritagerestoration of the highest order”. Thework was funded through a major pub-lic appeal and also grants from the Wolf-son Foundation, The Pilgrim Trust, Biffaaward, Garfield Weston and the EdithMurphy Foundation. Hundreds of hoursof volunteer time was dedicated to re-covering original wood and metal wherepossible or manufacturing completelynew pieces.

THE GREAT Central Railway’s half a million pound renova-tion project to revive ‘Loughborough’s Crystal Palace’ hastriumphed at a national award ceremony.

A MONEY advice centreoffering free advice isopen in Rothley twice aweek.

The Soar Valley Community MoneyAdvice centre has trained advisorswho provide free face to face debtcounselling.

Centre Manager Tim Jackson said:“We will go through your finances,prepare a budget and negotiate withanyone you owe money to. This willremove the pressure that your credi-tors are putting on you and ensure anaffordable payment plan is agreed.The aim is to support you to a futurefree of debt.”

In addition the Centre can adviseon benefit entitlement, other freeservices available, cost saving ideasand budgeting.

Mr Jackson added: “Over the lastyear we have been developing thevision for the Centre, so it is fantasticto open our doors to support thosewho need help. The team have a realheart to help those whose life is beingimpacted by debt and to help them toa debt free future. We re supported byCommunity Money Advice which is anational charity overseeing 130 cen-tres across the UK.”

The Centre is based at RothleyBaptist Church, Woodgate, Rothley andis open Monday mornings andWednesday afternoons. “It is open toanyone who needs help so please popin and see us, call/text 07743 765958or email: soarvalleycma@gmail.organd start the journey to a debt freefuture” said Mr Jackson.

Moneyadviceis free

AN AWARD-winning company has been appointed to man-age beauty spots throughout Charnwood.

Quadron Services, a specialist GreenSpace management company, won arigorous bidding process to managegreen spaces on behalf of CharnwoodBorough Council.

Last year the Council approved plansto outsource the management of GreenSpaces which includes the maintenanceof Queen’s Park, the Outwoods, Lough-borough Cemetery and management ofthe Rangers Service.

Current green spaces staff will betransferred over to Quadron with no joblosses,. Outsourcing the service is ex-

pected to save the Council around£90,000 per year.

Councillor Hilary Fryer, CharnwoodBorough Council’s Cabinet member forCleansing and Open Spaces, said: “Thebid submitted by Quadron was excep-tional and their plans for enhancing ouralready gorgeous beauty sport are reallyexciting.

“This represents brilliant value formoney for our residents as well as meet-ing our very high standards of qualitywhich have helped make our open spac-es among the best in Leicestershire.”

Quadron’s successful bid includedcommitments to enhancing the greenspaces service by:

• cutting grass more often• more sustainable planting• providing better equipment and

training to staff• increasing the number of beauty

spots with Green Flags• enhancing the council’s contribu-

tion to Loughborough In BloomQuadron also detailed how it plans to

recruit apprentices and beef up a net-work of volunteers to help staff keepCharnwood’s Beauty spots in top condi-tion.

CHARNWOOD BOROUGHCouncil have re-designedtheir website.

A spokesman said: “The site has beendesigned with customers in mind so theycan find the information the need quick-ly and easily as well as paying bills,reporting issues, and requesting help atthe touch of a button.”

www.charnwood.gov.uk

New messy church

Website

The June issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POSTwill be published on Jun 7.

The copy deadline is May 23 . New green manager

Advertise in the

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47 x 59mm £23 • 47 x 120mm £4198 x 59mm £41 • 98 x 120mm £69

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The prices above exclude VAT

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Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern&

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Some spaces available in the begin-ners class at 4.30pm. All classescan lead to stagework, medals and

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15MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

Proposedemployment land

ProposedWanlip bypassPlanned Broadnook

Garden Suburb:1500 homes & 15hectares ofemployment land

Employment land:more than half is in Wanlip

at the morning and evening rush hour.Birstall Parish Council and Wanlip

Parish Meeting have both opposed theproposed bypass. At this stage the bypassis an option being considered by Charn-wood: it featured in a report they com-missioned to suggest measures tomitigate the impact of development in

the area.If it passes through the consultation

stage, the 30 hectare Wanlip site will bepublished in a ‘Preferred Options’ docu-ment this summer. At this point, exhibi-tions will be held and the public invitedto comment on the plans.

A 30 HECTARE site in Wanlip has been identified as poten-tial employment land by Charnwood Borough Council.

The site is located east of SevernTrent’s water treatment works and westof the A6. It would be in addition to the15 hectares of employment land that isproposed for the Broadnook GardenSuburb, the planned development of1500 homes that is proposed for a sitenext to the old Bentley’s Roses.

If both sites are developed, it wouldsee the parish of Wanlip getting 60 percent of the employment land CharnwoodBorough Council says is necessary forthe entire Borough in the next 15 years.

The 30 hectare Wanlip site featuresin the draft Allocations and PoliciesPlan, published by Charnwood lastmonth. It is part of the Council’s LocalPlan process, which sets out areas fordevelopment in the Borough for the next

15 years.Birstall Parish Council’s Chairman

Anne Marshall said: “I am very con-cerned about the effect the houses andthe employment land will have on trafficon the A6. Hallam Fields is not evencompleted yet and the traffic is very bad,at peak times it is almost gridlocked. Tocontinue to pour even more traffic downthe A6 is lunacy.”

The Borough Council has suggested aWanlip bypass to take pressure off theA6. It would leave the A6 near the oldBentley’s Roses’ site, cross the A6 andpass through a field before joining Wan-lip Lane, moving traffic out of WanlipVillage centre. Charnwood’s report saysthe bypass would result in 500+ vehiclemovements an hour along Wanlip Lane

A ROTHLEY man was part of a gang that broke into an Ev-ington home and threatened to throw acid over the occu-pants, before ransacking the house for valuables.

Peter David Gilheaney (21) of Armit-age Drive, Rothley has been jailed forseven and a half years for his part in theraid.

On May 10, 2013, Gilheaney andthree other men arrived at the home ofthe Gosai family in Evington at 1.30pm.

Gilheaney and an accomplice, bothwearing masks, broke into the houseand confronted Rajeev Gosai (23) in hisbedroom where he was watching televi-sion.

Gilheaney’s accomplice threatened tothrow acid over him, hit him with ametal pole and demanded drugs, moneyand gold. They then woke his father,asleep in another bedroom, and threat-ened him, making the same demands.

The burglars then ransacked theentire house, leaving after 30 minuteswith £1000 of jewellery and cash.. Thefather and son said they feared for theirlives during the ordeal.

CCTV cameras from a nearby propertyfilmed the men entering and leaving the

property. Two other accomplices waitedoutside, one as the getaway driver in astolen Mercedes and one as a lookout.

Gilheaney’s DNA was found on a scarfleft in the getaway car which was foundlater abandoned and burnt out. He ad-mitted aggravated burglary and wassentenced to seven and a half years.

Man jailed afterviolent burglary

Pic: Peter Gilheaney - jailed for seven& a half years

A LOCAL church is appealing for waste it can recycle toraise funds for a building.

The Loughborough Seventh Day Ad-ventist church currently meets at Mount-sorrel Methodist church on Saturdaymornings. A spokesman said: “We arevery happy at our current rented loca-tion but our dream is to own a churchbuilding of our own.”

For the last three years the churchhas been organising fundraising eventsand is now appealing for waste itemsand packaging, much of which cannotcurrently be recycled though the greenbin system. The church receives 2p peritem recycled.

Items needed are biscuit packets;Activa, Actimel or Shape pots; Tassimodiscs; Kenco refill pouches; old mobile

phones; used pens; printer cartridges;baby food pouches; clothing and shoes.

Waste can be collected or a freepostlabel sent. For more information contactVivienne 07748 590594.

loughboroughsdachurch@gmail.com

GROUP TICKETS from Birstall’s parkand ride are now available from7am.

The group ticket is £3.50 per carand allows up to five people to travel.It was previously only available after9am.

www.quicksilverbus.co.uk

Church raising funds

Park &ride

An EnergyPerformance

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‘Women in Construction’ is a freetaster course run by Leicester City Coun-cil for women aged 16 and over. It al-lows women to try their hand atbricklaying, carpentry, plastering,plumbing, electrics and painting anddecorating.

The course is provided by LeicesterCollege and runs this year during theEaster holidays: April 14-17 and 22-25

at the college’s Aylestone Road site.Women can attend as few or as many

sessions as they wish and there is theopportunity for those who enjoy thecourse to go on to apply for an appren-ticeship.

Find out more at the college’s openday on April 7/8 or visit

www.leiecster.gov.uk/womeninconstruction

P/14/0402/2: 9 The Homestead – erec-tion of replacement single storey rear ex-tensionP/14/0321/2: 10 The Quay – erection ofsingle storey extension to rear of dwellingP/14/0252/2: 9 Heron Close – erection oftwo storey extension to side of dwellingP/14/0071/2: Plots 16 &17, The Lane,Waterside Drive – erection of two dwell-ingsP/14/0031/2: 99 Rothley Road – creationof additional flat to first floor, alterationsto shop front and insertion of two doorsto side elevationP/14/0021/2: 42 Otter Lane – erection ofsingle and two storey extensions to rearand porch to front of dwellingP/14/0058/2: Land off West Cross Lane –site for residential development of up to150 dwellings (Outline Application)P/14/0030/2: 5 Renning End – erection ofextensions to front, side and rear and twojuliet balconies to side of dwelling, fol-lowing demolition of garageP/14/0067/2:Mountsorrel Quarry, Lough-borough Road – LCC CM Application. Ex-tension of the mineral extraction area,relocation of the primary crusher andsurge pile, relocation of quarry office,workshops, lorry and car parks, construc-tion of overburden landforms and pro-posed restoration and aftercare.P/13/2514/2: 36 Cross Lane – erection ofsingle storey extension to rear of dwellingP/13/2419/2: Charnwood Surgery, 39Linkfield Road - erection of canopy toside of building and alterations to carparklayoutP/13/2451/2: The Lindens, 22 HalsteadRoad – erection of nine dwellingsP/13/2518/2: 38 Halstead Road – singlestorey rear extension

MAR 2014MOUNTSORREL POST

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 anenvelope) at Mountsorrel library.Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p aword. You are liable for the trade/businessrate if you are offering a service for whichyou are asking for payment, or if you are ad-vertising new goods for sale. All text will beprinted bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50words. Phone numbers count as one word.

Small Ads

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consul-tancy. Plans drawn and submitted.Extensions, conversions, newbuild. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons)FBEng MCIOB 01162674395/07974807111www.amlidesign.co.uk

THE GREEN, Mountsorrel. Lock upgarage to let. £30 per month. Tel:Jarroms 0116 2221999

THE MOUNTSORREL Post isdelighted to receive contri-butions from residents. Youcan send us:

Details of a community event such asa rummage sale, fete or coffee morningfor free publication on our ‘Noticeboard’page.

Items of news - we’re interested ineverything: club and society news,prizewinners, charity events, churchnews, complaints, praise, new projects,new facilities, trips, sport, crime, any-thing that concerns or interests you.

A letter for our letters page - wewelcome letters on any issue, local ornational. All letters must include thesender’s name and address (though notnecessarily for publication).

Photos - we particularly welcome oldphotographs giving an insight into localhistory.

Small ads - you can sell items with aclassified ad for only 25p!

How you can contact us:Phone or Fax (0116) 267 4213Hand in your items at Mountsorrel

Library, Rothley Library or Birstall Li-brary

Write to us at The Mountsorrel Post,Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall,Leicester LE4 4GH

Email: editor@birstallpost.co.ukThe Mountsorrel Post is an independent newspaper

Contact us

MOUNTSORREL POSTYOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Longslade College, Wanlip Lane,Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH

Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson

Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at:

Mountsorrel Library, Rothley Post Officeor to our office in the Youth Centre,

Longslade College, Birstall

editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Planningapplications

A MOUNTSORREL man hasbeen fined for growing can-nabis plants.

Steven David Phillips (32) of GlebeClose, Mountsorrel, was fined £300 atLeicester Magistrates Court on December2, and ordered to pay £30 victim sur-charge for producing cannabis plants, acontrolled B-class drug.

He pleaded guilty and an order wasmade for the plants and growing para-phernalia to be forfeited and destroyed.

A FREE course offers women of any age the opportunity tohave a go at construction and craft trades.

SCRAPPING CHARNWOOD Borough Council and the six otherdistrict councils in Leicestershire would save £31.4 milliona year.

The findings emerged from a reportcommissioned by Leicestershire CountyCouncil and prepared by consultantsErnst & Young.

The County Council currently spends£356 million a year, and has to save£110 million by 2018.

County Council leader Nick Rushtonsaid: “We commissioned the reportfollowing a strong steer from Counciltaxpayers and local MPs.

“People who responded to our budg-et consultation last summer said theywanted fewer councillors and publicservice organisations. And when webriefed MPs about our financial situa-tion, they mooted the idea of a unitarycouncil.

“I’m not commenting on the conclu-sions today and I’m not advocating animmediate campaign, either for oragainst. But, at a time we must save athird of our budget and front-line servic-es have to be reduced, this report is animportant contribution to the publicdebate. We’re happy to hear from mem-bers of the public.”

The report, by consultants Ernst andYoung, says:

• Having a single, unitary council forLeicestershire would save up to £31.4million per year, compared to the costof running the current county counciland seven district and borough councils.

• The costs of setting up the newcouncil - £12.8 million - would be re-paid in just over a year, mainly fromreduced management and support serv-

ice costs.• The savings could lead to a reduc-

tion in Council Tax of more than £7million per year across the county. Thecurrent average band D Council Tax forcounty and district councils would re-duce by 3.1 per cent (£37 per year). Ofthe 280,000 properties in Leicestershire,more than 230,000 would see theirCouncil Tax bill reduce by between 0.6per cent and 8.4 per cent.

• Based on Boundary Commissionadvice and what has happened in otherareas, the number of councillors inLeicestershire could reduce from 316 atthe moment to around 100 in a unitarycouncil.

• The number of jobs that would belost at district level would be 520.

Courses for women

Scrapping councilswould save money

Manfined

The June issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POSTwill be published on Jun 7.

The copy deadline is May 23 .

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