rothley post (113) july 2015

JUL/AUG 2015 No. 113www.birstallpost.co.uk

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

EVERY YEAR the children atRothley school take part ina special assembly for miss-ing children, held in May tocoincide with the disap-pearance of Madeleine Mc-Cann.

The tree that was planted at the oldschool on the first anniversary ofMadeleine’s disappearance has beenmoved and replanted on the new schoolsite.

“We all had our fingers crossed thatthe tree would move successfully” saidLissie Faulkner from the school office.

“We are delighted that itappears to have settled welland there is already newgrowth. Each year we tiefresh yellow and greenribbons on the tree, asthese are synonymous withthe charity for Missing Chil-dren. Pics: (top) School council members & Rev Rob Gladstone with Janet Kennedy,

the aunt of Kate McCann; (inset) Madeleine McCann

PLANS FOR 45 new homes off Mountsorrel Lane in Rothley have been submitted toCharnwood Borough Council.

The new homes are the first phase ofa 250 home estate and link road thatwas given planning permission in April2014.

Concerns have been expressed aboutconstruction traffic using Linkfield Roadand Mountsorrel Lane, as the developerplans to start building before providingthe link road from Loughborough Road(old A6) to Mountsorrel Lane.

Leicestershire County Council’s High-ways Department’s response to the ap-plication states: “The proposed phasing

of the development is not ideal in that itwould have been preferable if the linkroad was provided from LoughboroughRoad first, so that all traffic and espe-cially the construction traffic could usethat to access the site and not have totravel via Linkfield road and then Roth-ley village. However as this developmentis only for 45 dwellings, it would per-haps be difficult to insist on this. Howev-er before phase 2 commences, vehicularaccess for construction vehicles shouldbe provided from Loughborough Road

Missing children remembered

New estate: first 45 homesand the link road provided as part of

Continued on page 2

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JUL 2015THE ROTHLEY POST2

THURCASTON AND CropstonParish Council has a newchairman.

Cllr Richard Webb (35) said: “I amthe youngest member of the parishcouncil and having only lived here forthree years I am relatively new to Thur-

caston.“That being said I have worked hard

to get here and am proud to representthe community in standing up for villag-es.

“I was an active member of the Thur-caston Action Group (TAG) and foughthard to oppose the planning application

that threatened our beautiful fields cul-minating in delivering a well receivedspeech at the borough council meetingwhere the plans were formally rejected.

“As chairman I am probably mostlooking forward to ensuring our councilengages more actively with the parishand communicates more effectively.

“I know I have a strong team in myfellow councillors but we do currentlyhave a vacancy we need to see filled.Personally I believe we are under repre-sented for the Cropston ward and withno female councillors there is an imbal-ance I would like to see resolved.”

Anyone wishing to nominate them-selves for the vacancy on the councilshould contact the Parish [email protected].

• There are six councillors represent-ing the parish – three seats for Thurcas-ton and three for Cropston. At theelection on May 7, there were threenominations for the Cropston seats so allthose nominated were returned.

For Thurcaston there were five nomi-nations and so an election was required.The results were:

Brooks, Stefan 454 (elected)Charles, Mark 464 (elected)Webb, Richard 446 (elected)Weston, Richard 179Younie, Richard 198The candidates returned uncontested

for Cropston were James Clooney, Wil-liam Green and Michael Jackson. JamesClooney has since resigned.

THE MATTIOLI Woods Rothley 10k is one of the most cele-brated charity road running races in Leicestershire whichthis year took place on June 16.

The race, organised by the Rothleyand Soar Valley Lions, attracts over 600runners in support of local charitablecauses.

The 2015 race is special for the Mat-tioli Woods Rothley 10k as it celebratesits 30th anniversary. Over the last threedecades the event has raised over£250,000 in total for local charities,including Rainbows, LOROS, County AirAmbulance Service, Age UK, Eye Camps,RNLI and many more.

Joe's Jog, now in its second year,took place before the main race. It aimsto raise funds for the Joe HumphriesMemorial Trust (JHMT), which was setup to increase awareness of suddenheart deaths in young people.

Joe fell victim to SADS – sudden

arrhythmic death syndrome – whilst outon a training run in his home village ofRothley in October 2012.

The fun run gives families and chil-dren aged seven and over the chance tobe part of the Rothley 10k evening, aswell as raising money for JHMT and

LOROS.Colin Favell, on behalf of Rothley 10k

Race organisers Rothley & Soar ValleyLions Club and Mattioli Woods said: “Wewere delighted to see this addition to the

well-established Mattioli WoodsRothley 10k race last year, andwe're equally delighted to see itback again for 2015. We knowhow generous everyone whogets involved in this event is –giving their time and raisingmoney for so many worthycauses – so it's excellent newsthat the JHMT have once againbeen represented at such aninclusive and family-friendly

event.”The first man to finish was Jason

Williams (0:35:01) and the first wom-an was Amber Lester (0:39:56).

the second phase and open to all trafficbefore occupation of any dwelling onphase 2.”

Rothley Parish Council’s response tothe plans expresses the same concernabout the link road, and supports areduction of 30% affordable homes to15% providing a section 106 agreementincludes funds towards community facili-ties in Rothley.

County Council Highways is recom-mending refusal of the plans on thegrounds that the scheme lacks appropri-ate parking spaces and the internal roadlayout does not show suitable speedcontrol features. Shortly before going topress suitable speed control features.Shortly before going to press WilliamDavis submitted modified plans to ad-dress these issues.

Application reference P/15/0156/2

Continued from page 1

Charity road race

Pics: runners on the streets ofRothley

Parish Council has new chairman

The next issue ofTHE ROTHLEY POSTwill be published on Aug 29.

The copy deadline is Aug 14.

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JUL 2015THE ROTHLEY POST 3

A FULL meeting of Rothley Par-ish Council was held on April20.

It was reported that vandalism hadoccurred at the old primary school andthe Police are now patrolling the areaon a regular basis. Merriman Construc-tion has been appointed as the principalcontractor for the demolition and clear-ance of the site.

It was reported that the land at thebottom of Howe Lane is in a poor statedue to cars parking on the grass.

It was agreed to object to planningapplications for the erection of 13 dwell-ings at Lazarus court and 45 dwellingsoff Mountsorrel Lane.

Chairman Percy Hartshorn thankedParish Clerk Robin Dent who is retiringafter 16 years. He also thanked council-lors who will not be seeking re-electionin May: Olwen Jones, Shona GreenwoodBrown, Elizabeth Fothergill, Harold Wiseand Carol Collett.

A full meeting of Rothley ParishCouncil was held on May 18.

Cllr Percy Hartshorn was elected aschairman for the ensuing year and CllrBrian Popple, vice-chairman.

Hazel Mueller was co-opted to fill avacancy on the council.

Rothley’s new Borough CouncillorLeon Hadji-Nikolaou introduced himselfto councillors.

A member of the public requestedthat follow up actions are recorded withregard to issues raised during publicparticipation.

It was agreed to form a Neighbour-hood Planning Group.

It was agreed to thank Corts Hard-ware for their donation of beddingplants.

It was reported that the transfer ofthe library from the County Council toRothley Library Committee will takeplace in October with the intention toopen on Monday October 19. An open-ing event will take place on October 17.The committee intends to configure theinterior to make the library a moreattractive place. The Parish council hasmad a grant of £1000 and pledged fur-ther support.

of Midland Rural Housing gave a presen-tation on the Housing Needs survey car-ried out in February 2015.

Issues raided by parishioners includ-ed: car parking, dog fouling, request fordog waste bins, request for grit bins inCropston, Caudle Close and CausewayLane, request for double yellow lines toextended on Roecliffe Road near Hall-gates, request for a school crossingpatrol person, speeding on Mill Road,unsightly wheelie bins in front gardens,request for speed indicator signs on MillRoad, Thurcaston Road, Cropston Roadand Reservoir Road, the location of theChristmas tree.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Crop-ston Parish Council was held on April16.

Thurcaston Hand Bells opened themeeting with a performance with theirnew hand balls, one of which was do-nated by the Parish Council.

Borough Cllr Diane Wise reportedthis would be her last meeting as shewas not seeking re-election in May.

Chairman Richard Younie presentedCllr Audrey Flower with a card and anorchid to thank her for 36 years ofservice to the parish council. Cllr Flow-ers will not be seeking re-election inMay.

A member of the public reportedblocked drains on Leicester Road, Thur-caston.

joyed the first 20 hours, they went by ina flash, but the last four hours werereally tough and we really started toache – with me it was my knees andelbow and Kevin had blisters.”

She added: “We had supporters en-couraging us for the full 24 hours andthat really helped – people were playingus wearing pyjamas and their dressinggowns.” Walking off the court after 24hours the first thing the couple did wasopen a bottle of champagne with friends

and supporters.Kevin said: “Nepal is a place we have

longed to visit for a number of years.This earthquake has caused so muchdevastation in Nepal it’s hard to quantifyit, and it will take years to fix. We hopeour event will keep it in the forefront ofpeople’s minds.”

www.justgiving/tennis4nepal

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston &Cropston Parish Council washeld on March 19.

Cllr Clooney reported he had attend-ed defibrillator training and suggestedconsideration be given to provision inCropston.

It was reported that the mobile li-brary is used regularly by Wallis Close,the Early Learning Group and residentsin Cropston.

The Annual Parish Meeting of Thur-caston & Cropston Parish Council washeld on April 15.

Chairman Richard Younie presentedthe annual report. Richard Mugglestone

Parish Council notes

A 24 HOUR tennis marathon at Rothley Tennis club hasraised more than £5000 for the DEC Nepal Earthquake ap-peal.

Tennis for Nepal

Birstall couple Kevin Shepherd andMary George began their challenge at2pm on Saturday June 13, playing as a

doubles pair against allcomers for 30minute sessions in return for a donation.

Mary said: “We both thoroughly en-

MOUNTSORREL COUNCILLOR JohnCapleton has been appointed Mayorof Charnwood for the next year.

He will be supported by Meg Jenkin-son as his Mayoress. Cllr Capleton’schosen charities for the year are TwentyTwenty and the Sorrel Youth Care.

The new deputy Mayor is Birstallcouncillor David Gaskell.

Pics: Kevin Shepherd and Mary Georgeplayed tennis for 24 hours

New mayor

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Rothley, Thurcaston andCropston’s new MP EdwardArgar won the Charnwoodconstituency with 28,384votes, a majority of 16,931.He increased the conservativeshare of the vote from 49%in 2010 to 54% in 2015.

The defeated candidateswere:

Kelly Walsh, Sean (Lab)11,453

Yates, Lynton (UKIP) 8830Sansome, Simon (Lib

Dem) 3605Duffy, Cathy (BNP) 489Turnout: 68%Conservative candidates

were also successful in the CharnwoodBorough Council elections. The resultswere:Forest Bradgate (turnout 73.44%)

Snartt, David (Con) 1459 (elected)Stevenson, Susan (Lab) 424

Rothley & Thurcaston (a 2 memberward, turnout 75.02%)

Barker, Diana (Lab) 770

Goodwin, Theresa (Lab) 725Hadji-Nikolaou, Leonidas (Con) 2373

(elected)Hubbard, Gregory (UKIP) 899Paige, Michael Brian (Con) 2583

(elected)

George Line (20) began his car rac-ing year finishing third and with thefastest lap time at the British Racing andSports Car Club Mazda MX5 Super CupNational Championship at Silverstone.

He was also awarded ‘driver of theday’ for the mostovertakes.

George will betravelling aroundthe country com-peting in all 19rounds of thechampionship,which are all held

at the major UK circuits.George is sponsored by CMS Cepcor

Ltd of Coalville, the biggest Europeanmanufacturer of crusher heads andequipment for the worldwide mining andquarrying industries.

He is run by his stepfather RobinLangford past owner of Langrops inAnstey who used to compete in motor-sport in the 1970s. George is alsohelped by Scott Russell of First Automo-tive on the mechanical side and Suvi ofSS Cars Roughton Street Leicester, whotries to keep up with the contact dam-age.

ELECTION DAY in May was a successful one for the Conserv-ative party in Charnwood.

May election results

A FORMER champion kart racer from Thurcaston has se-cured a podium finish in his first race driving a Mazda MX5sports car.

P/15/1110/2: 4 Homefield Lane,Rothley – erection of a single storeyrear extension extending beyond therear wall of the original house by4.30m, with a maximum height of3.80m, and height to the eaves of2.95mP/15/0999/2: 103 Town GreenStreet, Rothley – increase of singlestorey side extension to two storey,installation of new windows anddoors and internal alterationsP/15/0970/2: 23 Woodgate, Rothley– change of use to mixed use fordwelling and café/restaurant anderection of single storey extension tosideP/15/0969/2: 12 Oldfield Lane,Rothley – erection of detached ga-rage and conversion of existing ga-rage to studyP/15/0987/2: 22 Babington Road,Rothley – erection of single storeyextension to side/rear of dwellingP/15/0929/2: 39 The Ridgeway,Rothley – erection of a detacheddwelling with double garage andswimming poolP/15/0855/2: 205A Swithland Lane,Rothley – erection of detached ga-rage and single storey extension toside of dwellingP/15.0841/2: 129 Mountsorrel Lane,Rothley – erection of 1 dwelling

P/15/0803/2: 33 Mountsorrel Lane,Rothley: dropping of kerb outsideproperty to provide vehicular accessto driveP/15/1093/2: 10 All Saints Road,Thurcaston – 2 storey side and rearextensions to dwellingP/15/1118/2: Richard Hill Church ofEngland School, Anstey Lane, Thur-caston – landscaping works, exten-sion to car park, creation of soft playarea and re-routing of main footpathserving schoolP/15/1008/2: 63 Leicester Road,Thurcaston – 1 and 2 storey front,side and rear extensions to dwellingP/15/0880/2:Mill House, 29 MillRoad, Thurcaston – erection of anannexP/15/0838/2: 12 Rectory Lane, Thur-caston – erection of a single storeyextension to rear of dwellingP/15/0888/2: 180 Station Road,Cropston – erection of two storeyextension to side/rear and singlestorey extension to rear of dwelling

Podium finish atSilverstone for George

Pics: George Line pictured inset and racing at Silverstone

Planning applications



Pic: Edward Argar MP

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A ROTHLEY man has died ina road traffic accident.

Andrew Standley (32) was riding hisKawasaki motorbike when he was in-volved in a collision with a tractor.

The accident, on Saturday June 6 ataround 4.15pm happened as the tractorpulled out onto the A607 Rearsby by-pass.

Andrew’s family and friends have setup a charity fund in his memory, whichhas already raised more than £600 forBrake, a road safety charity that sup-ports bereaved families and campaignsfor safer roads.

The justgivingpage set up by hisfamily states: “Stanwas a kind, popu-lar, loyal and veryfunny 32 year old.

“He had every-thing to live for butin a split second itwas taken away ina terrible motorbike accident.

“The heartache of losing Andy will bewith his wife and family forever but theywanted to do something positive in hisname.

“They have chosen to support Brake,the road safety charity which works toincrease road safety and helps the be-reaved families of those who have losttheir life in a road traffic accident.

“Let’s do something great to honourhis memory.”

A 17 year old man was arrested atthe scene of the accident on suspicionof causing death by careless driving andhas been bailed.

www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Standley/

PLANS TO demolish the em-ployment units at LazarusCourt off Woodgate and tobuild 13 new houses havebeen submitted to CharnwoodBorough Council.

There would be a mix of two andthree bedroom house types, over twoand three storeys, with dormered stylerooms in the roof.

Rothley Parish Council is objectingto the plans. It says the access is un-suitable, some of the proposed dwell-ings will overlook existing propertiesand the plans will result in the loss ofmuch needed employment land.

Planning reference P/14/2523/2

AndrewStandleyremembered

Pic: Andrew Standley

Demolishandbuild

VISITORS TO the summer fete at All Saints’Church Thurcaston in June enjoyed music,stalls, coffee and cakes and the unusualsight of teddy bears wearing parachutesbeing launched from the top of the churchtower.Pic: (left) Benita Gettings and Elaine McDonoughserving cake

Parish churchsummer fete

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LeicestershireRoad Cycle ClubJoin us for one of two club rideseach weekWed: 6.30pm, meeting LeicesterOutdoor Pursuits Centre, Red Hill,30 miles with average speed of16/17mphSat: 9.15am, Rothley Co-op carpark. Fast Group: 40/50 miles ataverage speed 18/20 mph. SlowGroup: 30 miles at 15mph. Wemeet up halfway round for a cof-fee stop which enables people toswap groups for either a fast re-turn ride or an easier one home.Facebook: Leicestershire Road Club


The Cedars Academy opening cele-bration will be on September 26. Thenew build won't quite be finished but wewanted to celebrate the launch of theschool just before the good summerweather disappears (we hope!)

We're inviting any community groupsfrom Birstall and Rothley to have a stallto promote their activities - just let meknow that you'd like to book a space(sadly we can't provide any gazebos,tables etc, but we'll gladly create a goodspace for you to set up).

The event runs from 11am-3pm.All the food and drink for sale on the

day will be provided by the academy tohelp us raise funds to support the stu-dents (so it's not possible to have cakestalls etc I'm afraid) but there are lots ofother options for you if you'd like toraise funds for your group - games,raffles etc.

We would love to have lots of enter-tainment running throughout the event,so if you or your group would like tosing or dance or do circus tricks, what-ever ... we have space in the theatre formore formal performances and we'llalso be creating spaces around the sitefor more informal busking-style enter-tainment.

The rugby world cup will have startedand we've deliberately avoided matchtimes, but there will be a rugby themerunning throughout the day and BirstallRugby Club might even be playing amatch on the field for you to comealong and watch.

Feel free to get in touch if you'd liketo know more.

Chris Swan, Lionheart AcademyTrust

[email protected]: The-Cedars-AcademyEd’s note: The Cedars Academy is the

name of the new school following themerger of Stonehill and Longslade

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Save a life – givebloodFriday July 3Soar Valley Leisure Centre. King-fisher Rd, Mountsorrel1pm-3.30pm and 5pm-7.45pm

The Circus isComing to Town!Swithland St Leonard’s CF PrimarySchoolMain Street, SwithlandCircus Theme Summer FeteSunday June 28From 12noon to 3pmCircus workshop, tombola, raffle,refreshments, cakes BBQ, gamesMany stallsAdults £1, children free

The Rothley Charities

Duck RaceRothley Brook – Bunney’s FieldNear the Woodman’s StrokeThursday July 2 at 6.30pmTo find out more call us on 01162168473Or email:[email protected]

Syston SyclersBeginners Group

Do you have a bicycle sitting inthe corner of your garage or shed,gathering dust and desperate tobe cleaned, oiled and ridden? Ifso, come and join us, we meet onSunday mornings 9am at theGreen in Syston. We are a friendlygroup and want to enjoy the fan-tastic countryside that we have onour doorstep! We cycle at a steadypace and always wait for one an-other, no-one gets left behind. Onour Sunday rides we have cycledto Abbey Park, Gaddesby, Hoby,Thrussington to name just a fewof the local places and alwayshave a tea/coffee and cake stop!Do you want to:build your confidence in riding abicycle?make new friends?have fun?feel fitter?eat more cake because you haveearned it?If the answer is yes to any or allof the above questions then Sys-ton Syclers Beginners Group is foryou! Please email me onDella@systoncyclers if you haveany questions or if you would liketo join the Syston Syclers SundayBeginners Group.For details of all Syston Syclers

The Rothley Post welcomes yourviews and opinions on any subject. Let-ters, which must include your name andaddress, (though not necessarily forpublication) can be posted to: The Bir-stall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, TheSidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed inat Rothley library, Rothley Post Office,Woodgate or email:[email protected]

YOUR SAY...

Pilot Officer 77202 John RichardDrewry, 144 Squadron, Royal Air Force,is buried in Rothley Cemetery in a Com-monwealth War Grave but is not men-tioned on any village war memorial.What is his connection to Rothley andwhere is he commemorated?

Born in Lenton, Nottingham, in 1910he died on the 12th September 1940 inLincolnshire and brought back to Roth-ley for burial. His grave was owned byWilliam Burton, cardboard box manufac-turer, of Aberfeldy, The Ridings, Rothley.For a short time John Richard Drewrylived at 84 Main Street, Kirby Muxloe,the address given in the Probate Regis-try.

There is no Second World War Me-morial in Lenton but my research isbeing shared so that their war dead willbe recorded.

His last action in the war was flying aHampden aircraft on Operation Brestwhich crash landed at Boscombe Down,

Wiltshire on the night of the 23rd/24thAugust 1940.

If anyone can add information aboutJohn Richard Drewry please contact meas part of my research of Rothley WarMemorials and those who died.

Marion Vincent0116 2375156

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Get InvolvedGet InvolvedGet InvolvedGet Involved!First volunteer meetings : Wed 8 July from 9.30-10.30am or 7-8pm in the Rothley CentreThis is a great opportunity to be part of the community library’s future. Can you spare a little time regularly, or doyou have a spare hour or two sometimes that you‘d be willing to give?

There will be all sorts of jobs, big and small. We shall need to keep the library building and grounds up to a highstandard - is gardening your interest, or painting, cleaning or odd jobbing? You might be happy delivering leafletsabout forthcoming events, helping to raise funds, talking to newcomers about what the community library offers,setting up displays and making people welcome, or responding to consultations and surveys.

Perhaps you have a particular skill you could share. Could you run storytelling or craft sessions with youngchildren? Would you be happy to be on hand for young people using the library to do their homework? Could youset up and run a book group or a reading aloud group for adults or children? Could you set up colourful displays?Could you organise a second-hand book stall? Could you make tea, shelve the books or keep the notice boards upto date? Do you have good research skills? The library will be shaped around what we can all offer.

Library counter volunteers will be very important, of course. Currently the library is open for sixteen hours a week,and we want to keep up that level of service and extend the opening hours if that’s possible. So if you are okaywith computers and you have a couple of hours a week, or every two weeks, to be part of a rota, we would love tohear from you. Training and ongoing support will be available for this role, and there will always be two people inthe library when it is open.

Please do get in touch with offers of help and ideas you might have. This is a shared venture, and we can make thelibrary a real hub of village activity, if we do it together. Sue Barnes, Volunteer Coordinator

Contact: through the RCL boxes in the Library or Post Office

Welcome to this special feature on Rothley Community Library. We are now only a few monthsaway from the date in October when the library on Mountsorrel Lane transfers from the CountyCouncil to a community run project. That means that it will be YOUR library. I have the goodfortune to be working with a small but talented group of people who are preparing andplanning for this date. We are doing this on behalf of our local community, and would verymuch like you to join us. Read on for all the news and information. Steve Mitchell, Chair

RCLRCLRCLRCL

Rothley Community LibraryRothley Community LibraryRothley Community LibraryRothley Community Library

Four Page Newsletter ~ July 2015news, competitions and how to get involved

OPENINGMONDAY 19 OCTOBER 2015

Page 1


ARCHITECT’S PLAN OF NEW LAYOUT

THE STORY SO FAR ... an interview with Steve Mitchell ...Q. You’ve been involved in the library changes from the start?A. The County Council had already indicated that £800,000 savings needed to be made and staffing was to be cut,before the public meeting that was held on 25 June 2014. If a group did not come forward to run the library voluntarily,then it would close. Olwen Jones, Sally Lee, Alan Meredith and I had come together a few weeks before the meeting andplanned to deliver a questionnaire at the meeting to help find some volunteers. I was allowed to speak, and I gave outsome questionnaires and also asked people to give their details should they be interested in volunteering. This formed thefirst list of volunteers, which has now expanded over eleven months to seventy.Q. There was a big meeting in February where lots of people offered to help - what’s been happening since then?A. From the meeting a dozen people met in the Royal Oak two days later. We adopted a prepared constitution, voted in acommittee of eight and planned a series of meetings. Since then we have been very busy and productive, withcommittee members going on training events, planning a vast range of issues from insurance to charitable status, gettingarchitects’ plans for future development, writing and planning volunteers’ documents, investigating energy suppliers … thelist goes on. One big issue that is constantly on the go is publicity and keeping in touch with our volunteers. They will beone of our most precious assets for the future success of the library.Q. What will the library be like in a year’s time?A. It may look different inside. We are planning to move the counter near to the door, to free up the area where thecounter is now with a sofa, drinks machine and more info boards. This will allow more access to the toilet facilities. Wealso want to have a more child-friendly area which is brighter and more attractive. We’d like to have an extra PC for publicuse to cut down the waiting times. We want to respond to ideas and requests positively as our limited funds allow.Q. What’s the best thing to have happened so far?A. The best thing has been the formation of a committee and the benefits it will bring to the village in saving the library.Committee meetings are productive and last about 90 minutes once a fortnight. We are getting to know each other reallywell and I hope others agree that it can be fun. Having a sense of humour goes a long way to making meetings moreenjoyable and efficient. My favourite joke at present is the quote from Tommy Cooper, when someone told him he wasgoing to cut off one of his trouser legs and leave it in the library … “That’ll make a turn up for the books,” he replied.

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HISTORY OF ROTHLEY LIBRARYby Marion Vincent

The original library in Rothley was in a classroom in Rothley Schoolon Mountsorrel Lane and staffed by volunteers. It was open for onehour a week during term time and had a stock of about 900 books.Rothley Parish Council campaigned for ten years for a permanentlibrary in the village and in October 1986 this was officially opened byMr David Radford, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council.Present at the opening were the volunteers from the school library,Mrs Betty Roberts and Mrs Alice Greasley, with Miss Elsie Boyerunable to attend due to poor health. All were presented with acarriage clock and a basket of flowers.The new library was operated by LCC and staffed by paidemployees. Due to the financial situation in the 1980s a brickbuilding could not be afforded, so a former portable classroombecame the home in 1986 for 9000 books. 750 members wererecorded in the first weeks with more joining.

In October 1996 the library celebrated its 10th birthday with a partyfor local children. Disaster struck in December that year when thelibrary was totally gutted by fire in the early hours of the morning.Arson was suspected and a local teenager arrested. He said that hewas drunk and fed up after an argument with his girlfriend. He saidthat he found a bottle of white spirit in the street, claimed that thelibrary fire door was open, splashed the liquid over the carpet usinghis cigarette lighter to ignite it and watched it burning for 20 minutesbefore making his exit. He was sentenced to 2½ years in custodyand in his summing up the Judge said ‘he lost all control over his lifeseeking anaesthesia in the bottle and the pill with disastrousconsequences’. 5,800 books were destroyed in the fire and allmembership details (the little brown packets!).

A Mobile Library immediately came to the car park at the destroyedlibrary before moving to the Rothley Centre car park while suitablepremises were found. In January 1997 the skittle alley at the back ofthe Rothley Centre became its temporary home whilst plans weremade to provide a new library on the original site. It was reported on10 January 1997 that the cost of the new library would be around£100,000 but because of the circumstances of the fire the LCC wasunable to get insurance for a permanent building so a temporary unitwould be erected. The total cost was almost £130,000.

THE TEAMSTEVE MITCHELL ChairpersonMAXINE LINNELL Publicity/Volunteer TeamSALLY LEE Treasurer/ITJILL ANSTOCK SecretarySUE BARNES Volunteer Co-ordinatorJILL WILLIAMS Schools LiaisonHELEN HALL Volunteer TeamBARBARA JIBSON Volunteer Team

OPENING HALF TERM FESTIVAL

Plans are underway for an opening event onSaturday 17 October and a half-term openingfestival of stories, readings, workshops and fun foradults and children during the first week. If you’dlike to offer something for the week, or if you knowsomeone who might, please get in touch!Watch www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk,Facebook and the local press for more details.

HOW TO BE A MEMBER OF ROTHLEY COMMUNITY LIBRARY (RCL)Do you want to support the continuation of the library in Rothley but you don't have time to volunteer? You can be involved bytaking on membership of RCL, and it's free. You only need to register your contact details with us. The group is applying tobecome a registered charity. The more members there are, the more we know that Rothley and surrounding villages aresupporting the community library project.Being a member means you will have a vote at the AGM when the committee comes up for re-election, and you will receive anewsletter telling you about developments and events. Children and young people can also join with their parents’ permission,and when they are 16 they will have a vote and can stand for election (tbc). This is separate from membership of the countylibrary to borrow books. If you feel you can give your support in this way, forms are available from the library or downloadedfrom our website. Return completed forms to the library or email to [email protected].

VACANCIESTwo General Committee Members

[email protected]

THANK YOU ...I would like to take this opportunity to thank thepresent Library Assistants. This has been aparticularly difficult time for them, knowing thatplans were being made to transfer the library,where they have worked so hard, into volunteerhands. They have acted professionally and withdignity throughout, and I know that the past andpresent users of the Rothley Library would liketo join me in thanking them for all the expertiseand help they have supplied so far, and to wishthem well for the future. Steve Mitchell

A Desert Island Library Book competition was launched in Sept 1997, local people could help choose books for the new library.It was open to the public on 9 October 1997, ahead of schedule but without all its books. The official opening took place on 6November 1997 by Councillor Alan Kind, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council and attended by the Mayor of CharnwoodJune Tyrell. The ceremony was part of National Libraries Week and a special celebration cake in the shape of a book was cut.

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SIGN AND LOGO DESIGN COMPETITIONDesign a new sign for Rothley Community Library or a new logo. Would you like to see your design every timeyou go past? Could your logo be used on the website or when emails are sent out? You can design digitally or byhand in pencil, crayon or paint - just use A4 paper. We may use one of the designs, or put more than one ideatogether. Some of the designs may be exhibited in the library.

There are three competitions for: i. Key Stage 1, ii. Key Stage 2, iii. Key Stage 3 and adults, so anyone can takepart. Full details and an application form are on www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk or in the library. Thecompetition will be judged by local artist Helen Rhodes and the committee.

The deadline is Friday 31 July 2015

CONTACTCONTACTCONTACTCONTACTinfo@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.ukchair@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uktreasurer@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.ukvolunteers@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uksecretary@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk

Web: www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.ukRothley Post Office Drop BoxRothley Library Drop BoxFind us on facebook

For full competition rules please see Rothley Community Library website atwww.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk

No committee member or family of committee members are eligible to enter

Prizes donated by local businesses: see website for details

ROTHLEY COMMUNITY LIBRARY CHILDREN’S QUIZ

You need to visit the library and read this newsletter

1. When did this library building first open?2. What shape was the cake that was made to celebrate the opening?3. In the library how many green signs are there hanging from the ceiling?4. In the non-fiction section what letters go with the number 643?

(Clue: look at the green labels along the top of the book shelves)

Now write in no more than 50 words about what you would like to seein the library that is not there at the moment.

The deadline is Friday 31 July 2015

Competitions for adults and children

SUMMER READINGCHALLENGE

Ask in the library fordetails

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rides check our websitewww.systonsyclers.com orcontact Phil 0771 778 [email protected]. Find uson Facebook too!

Open ChurchWeekendat St Leonards Church, SwithlandJuly 11/12 & Aug 15/16Tea and cakes will be served eachday from 2-4pm

Coffee ShopRothley Methodist, Howe LaneEvery Tuesday morning, 10-11.30amCome rain or shineNow open : Book exchangeEveryone welcomeTea, coffee, biscuits, toasted teacakeProceeds for the Methodist Church

Birstall & DistrictArt SocietyTuesday July 14 at 7pmYou are invited to join us at thePalmer Tomkinson Centre atLongslade College, LE4 4GH towatch renowned artist Rob Waringcreating a portrait in pastel, allwithin the space of a couple ofhours!Tuesday August 11 at 7pmWatch renowned artist Chas Evansdemonstrating how to paint aSnowscape in watercolour. Afterseeing this, you will want to becreating your own Christmas Cardsin good time!Demonstration to end at 9pm.Members £1, Guests £3. Free raf-fle. Ample parking and wheelchairaccess.

Birstall BAG’sRegistered Charity Number1160190This year’s

WatermeadChallengeon Tuesday July 7 at 7pm, TheRotary Club of Wreake Valley an-nual 5 or 3 mile run around ourglorious local park, will be held inaid of Birstall BAG’s.Birstall BAG’s would like to en-courage as many of our supportersas possible to enter the event –wear pink to show you support!For more information and to reg-ister please visit:www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk

Rothley BowlingClub(Mountsorrel Lane)extends a very warm welcome toeveryone to join us at ourOpen DaySunday 12th July from 12 noon to4pmEveryone welcome (old, young,male, female, novices or experi-enced)

All equipment provided - justwear flat soled shoesCome and "have a go" and seewhat bowling is all about at a veryfriendly club.Light refreshments will be servedduring the dayChummy Evenings are also heldevery Wednesday from 4.30 pmonwards foranyone interested.Further details may be obtainedfrom Club CaptainsCarole Ballantine 0116 2302629Geoff Porter 011621032102303856Or Club Secretary Mrs Carole Law0116 2990178 [email protected]

Soar Valley Music Centre

Summer MusicActivity WeeksAre you looking for something tokeep your children occupied overthe summer holidays? Soar ValleyMusic Centre, based in ClaremontStreet, in Belgrave are runningtwo summer activity weeks.Music is fun!Monday 13th - Friday 17th July9am - 3pm. For ages 6 - 12 years.Come along and find out abouttraditional orchestral instruments,learn to compose your own music,play a new instrument, make yourown orchestra and promote andorganise your own concert forfamily and friends. This week in-troduces children to a range ofmusical experiences, helping themto understand how instrumentswork, how music is developed andhow to work together to make apleasing sound and a good per-formance.Techno, Rock & PopMonday 3rd August - Friday 7thAugust 9am - 3pm. For ages 9 -16 years.For those who want to explore therock and pop world and want toknow how modern music is made.Come along and learn how tomake electronic music, make yourown beats and then record your-self and your friends and producea CD. You can learn to play a bandinstrument, form and promote aband and set up a gig for familyand friends. You will also learnabout how modern music is writ-ten and performed, learn aboutcopyright, plagiarism and how themusic industry works. It is a goodcourse for young people interest-ed in developing their musicalabilities and for those you wouldlike to perform or work in the mu-sic industry.The weeks cost £45 per week perchild (£40 per week per child for3 or more siblings). A packedlunch will be neededPlaces are limited so please con-tact SVMC on 0116 266 4153 oremail [email protected] book a place or to find outmore.

Quorn BadmintonClubRawlins Community CollegeSports Hall ( 4 Courts)Monday evenings 7.45 - 9.45Just come and experience havingfun playing matches with us.Further Information 07837646544

Organist andChoirmasterRequired from Sunday 14th June2015.Birstall and Wanlip churches arelooking for anorganist/choirmaster to work inboth churches; attendances: 100at 10am, 20 at 6pm.The successful candidate is some-one willing to play weekly at Sun-day services and prepare the choirat weekly practices;encouraging/developing newmembers. The appointed personwould also play for weddings, fu-nerals and seasonal servicesthroughout the Church year.Remuneration will be by negotia-tion but in accordance with theterms and conditions laid down bythe Royal School of Church Music.For further information contactthe Rector, Revd. Vince Jupp.Tel: 07840-855030E-mail [email protected]: www.birstall.org

Leicester Host Lions Club

Summer FeteSunday 2 August 201511am - 2.30pmat 34 The Ridgeway Rothley LeicsVariety of Stalls, BBQ, Refresh-ments

Music by Hiss & Boo Band until1.30pmAdmission £2.00 Children £1.00

The Coalville Male Voice Choir

ConcertSupporting the Rothley & DistrictRBLthe Rothley Centre, WednesdayAugust 5thA musical celebration of the endof the 2nd World War conflicts andvictories in Europe & Japan.7pm for a 7.30pm start, and teasor coffee will be served in the in-terval. All are welcome to thisimportant and patriotic celebra-tion and the ticket price is £8.50p.p. It is important to book yourplace by calling John Leake on0116 230 3858. You may pay atthe door.

The next in the series of

Charity WhistDrivesorganised by Derek Farr will beheld at 7.30 p.m on Thursdays2nd July,7th August and 4th Sep-tember in the Rothley Centre,Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. Ad-mission £2.00. All players wel-come

Film Presentationsfrom Thurcaston and CropstonParish Council“The Second Best Exotic MarigoldHotel” Sept 11 (122 mins)During the three years since ourfirst “Exotic Marigold Hotel”, theproprietor, Sonny, has found agirlfriend on whom he dotes. Co-manager, Muriel, played by Mag-gie Smith, assists with the hotelexpansion. The wonderful per-

PART-TIME SALES ASSISTANTREQUIRED

A vacancy has arisen in our established and well-known hardware shop inRothley. The candidate that we are looking for must be presentable, sociable, anda good communicator. A good level of enthusiasm is required for a position thatis varied in duties, together with a willingness to learn. An ability to multi-task

calmly and efficiently, whilst being aware of surrounding situations is essential. Abackground in retail, and any knowledge of DIY or related trades would be ad-

vantageous, but not essential. The physical side of the job entails being able to liftup to 25kg. You must be flexible with working hours and some weekend work isrequired. We pride ourselves on a low turnover of staff, where everyone works as

part of a happy team.Please apply in writing with c.v. to:

Mr J. Cort, Corts Hardware, 3 Cross Green, Rothley, Leics. LE7 7PF

Rothley's own vineyardwww.rothleywine.com

Rothley wines are available fromlocal restaurants & David North’sdelicatessen, 289 Station Roadby the steam railway station bridgewww.dominic-davidnorth.co.uk

are available in the shop & by email,contact [email protected]

Discount vouchers for Rothley residents

Kingfishers’ Pool


formances by Judi Dench and BillNighy are enhanced by RichardGere to produce a hilarious buttouching drama.“The Imitation Game” Oct 16(114 mins)

October’s film is set during theSecond World War when Alan Tur-ing, played by Benedict Cumber-batch, amazingly breaks theEnigma code.Thurcaston and Cropston ParishCouncil will be showing thesefilms at Thurcaston Memorial Hall.Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost£5 and concessions are £4.50.There will be refreshments and alucky prize draw. Advanced ticketsmay be purchased via the parishoffice – 0116 236 7626 or at thedoor.

St. Patricks Church HallBeaumont Leys Lane

Quiz Nightwith Holiday ThemeFriday July 31st at 7.30pmPloughmans SupperBar Open£4.00 adult, children 5-16 £2under 5's free.Seperate quiz sheet for the littleones

Red Hill AllotmentsOpen DaySaturday August 812.00 – 4.00pmA fun event for all the family, withhome-made produce and allot-ment-grown fruit and vegetablesfor saleRefreshments, competitions, craftstalls and much more!If you are interested in taking onan allotment, we have plots avail-able to rent – talk to us on theday, or phone Rita on 0116 2993056 for more informationPlease wear sturdy footwearEntrance off A6 LoughboroughRoad, just north of Red Hill CircleSorry, no parking on site exceptBlue Badge holders

AN UNATTENDED train ranfor more than a mile alongthe Great Central Railway’strack before crashing intostationary coaches.

The Gun DogCompany is runby John Robert-son and his wifeKaren and lastyear they visitedThurcastonschool.

“It’s good tosee the excite-ment on thechildren’s faces”said John, whohas been train-ing dogs for thelast four years.

The schoolvisits involve

John giving a talk followed by a demon-stration of how the dogs respond tocommands. Children compete with thedogs running and jumping over haybales.

John said: “It helps the children tounderstand that a dog is not just ahouse pet, and the responsibility of dogownership. We aim to have a happy,enjoyable and fun learning experiencefor all involved.”

There is no charge for the schoolvisits although contributions are grateful-

ly received. To arrange a visit contactJohn 07760 352489www.thegundogcompany.co.uk

The Rail Accident InvestigationBranch (RAIB) has just published it’sreport into the incident, which tookplace on May 12, 2014 at 12.35pm on asection of track 450 metres south ofLoughborough Central station.

No-one was injured in the accidentbut damage was sustained to the vehiclesthat collided.

The RAIB report says that the train –a locomotive coupled to one coach –ran for about 1.8 miles along a downhillgradient from Quorn towards Loughbor-ough.

The report concluded that the train,which was left unattended, ran awaybecause the wheel scotch, a type ofprop, was positioned against the loco-motive’s wheel in a way that made it“ineffective”.

It also said the driver did not applythe vehicle’s handbrakes because hebelieved they were not effective on thisclass of locomotive and the wheel scotchwould provide sufficient braking force.

The RAIB determined that the hand-brakes, had they been used, would haveheld the train. It has issued a number ofrecommendations to the GCR to preventfurther incidents.

The GCR Safety Director Dr EricSmith was reported by the BBC as say-ing: “We have to be seen to act on sucha report and I'd like to say we’ve actedvery positively in this respect. we havereinforced a number of procedures inreadiness for what the RAIB said.”

A CROPSTON family who train dogs have been visitingschools to give demonstrations with their four cockerspaniels.



Runawaytraincrashes

Pic: damage caused by the accident

Dogs show off theirskills on school visit

• New term starts 1st Sept •

Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern &National for children from age 3

Tel: 07584 166838

Ladies Tap classes for experienced orbeginners held on Mondays at 7pm.

Pupils 3yrs + welcome

PILBEAMACADEMYof DANCE

Principal: Antonia Pilbeam F.D.D.A.

JOIN US FOR FUN, EXERCISEOR EXAMINATIONS • Est 1990

Held at Rothley Village Hall, onMonday & Tuesday evening, & at Roth-ley Baptist Church, Woodgate, from

4.30pm on Wednesday.Some spaces available in the beginners

class at 4.30pm. All classes canlead to stagework, medals and

examinations.

25C E L E B R A T I N GYears

An EnergyPerformance

Certificate (EPC)is still required if youare selling or renting

out your house.

Call David Jackson on0781 5519490

to arrange your EPC


HUNDREDS OF people in 1940’s clothing helpedcreate a special atmosphere at the Great CentralRailway’s Wartime Weekend in June.

Birstall station was home to the French with sing-ers, military vehicles and vintage stalls at the Greena-cres café.

Rothley was a German base and the scene of abattle re-enactment with American troops.

Quorn and Loughborough stations were the homeof the British, American and French with displays ofBedford trucks, halftracks, jeeps and vintage vehicles.

Event organiser Christine Brown said: “The week-end gives visitors the real chance to experience someof the sights and sounds of wartime Britain.”

ROTHLEY PARISH Councilhas taken over most of thegrass cutting that waspreviously done by Leices-tershire County Council.

“There have been a number ofteething problems but these issues,most of which have been at theboundaries with neighbouring parish-es, have now been resolved” said aparish council spokesman.

Leicestershire Highways are stillresponsible for cutting grass outsidethe 30mph zones and will cut on a sixweek cycle.

Rothley Parish Council’s contrac-tors work on a two week cycle.

“The Parish Council wish to thankthose affected over the past few weeksfor their patience” said the spokes-man.

Wartime weekendin Rothley

Pic: Georgia Baines Stewart (4) found the battlea little too noisy

Grasscutting Misted up

double glazing ?Replace withnew clear sealed unitsFaulty locks & handles replaced

Call Colin Wright for afree quote

07765635505 • 01162209573LOCAL BUSINESS

Funeral ServicesH Towell

Call us 24 hours a day

Private chapels of rest

5 Danvers Rd, MountsorrelTel: 0116 230 2449

Part of Dignity plc.A British Company

Can we help with:

• Garden Maintenance• Landscaping• Fencing & Gates• Patios, Paving &

DrivewaysPlease call Michael on:

0116 26753090798 0811737


ROTHLEY LADIES Circle haveraised money by holding coffeemornings.

LadiesCircle

The Make a Wish charity has re-ceived £500 and Rothley Methodistchurch £400.Pics: Carole Jordan, President of the LadiesCircle, presents a cheque to Lorna Grey fromMake a Wish and Sue Wainwright, from theMethodist church.

LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTYCouncil has appointedDavid Snartt as its 41stchairman.

Newchairman

David Snartt has been the countycouncillor for Bradgate division inCharnwood, which includes Thurcas-ton & Cropston, for 10 years. He ismarried to Joan and has two chil-dren.

His chosen charities for his yearin office are LOROS and the LeicesterChildren’s Holiday Centre at Mab-lethorpe.

Cllr Snartt said: “I am lookingforward to working closely with manyorganisations and individuals whocontribute to the life of Leicester-shire, especially the many volunteerswho devote their time to the wellbe-ing of Leicestershire.”

MORE THAN 20 businessesswapped the office for thegolf course to help raisemoney for LOROS Hospice inMay.

A total of 24 teams competed againstone another in the annual sell-out eventwhich took place at Rothley Park GolfClub and made a record profit of morethan £14,000.

Fundraising Manager at LOROS, Di-ane Morris, said: “For another yearrunning, everyone had an absolutelywonderful day of golf, while raisingmoney for the Hospice.

“I’m so grateful to all the players forparticipating and for their generosity inraising an amazing amount. The moneyraised could pay a LOROS nurse to lookafter our patients for five months.”

A buffet lunch was provided at thestart of the event and the day wastopped off with a private dinner, raffleand auction, which included the likes ofa flying lesson, a designer bag and achocolate making experience.

The event was sponsored by LCMWealth management, Spire Leicester

Hospital and Mosdorfer CCL. Next pro-vided the team prizes and Sam Spillane,of SJ Events and Danny Spillane of GolfRetails Limited, the individual prizes.Camozzi Pneumatics Ltd, KPMG, SygnetSigns, Stoll Knitting Machines and Walk-er Movements all sponsored the tees,while SJ Events supported the event.

The winning team was Spire Leicester

Hospital Team Two, with CharnwoodSupplies coming in second and BabcockBulls in third.Pic: The winning team, Spire Leicester, HospitalTeam Two, with fundraising Manager Diane Mor-ris

£6000 WAS raised by Roth-ley & Soar Valley, Thurnbyand Leicester CharnwoodLions Clubs at their jointAnnual Charity Golf Day atBeedles Lake Golf Club.

Dr G Warwick, Consultant Nephrolo-gist of The John Walls Renal Unit ofLeicester General Hospital said: “Onbehalf of the patients and staff workingin the Kidney Unit, I would like to thankthe Lions Clubs for their generous dona-tion of £3000. These additional fundsare very useful in providing some extracomfort for patients who have to attendfor dialysis three times a week for manyyears. They also help to bolster the NHSequipment fund.”

Kamlesh Khunti, Professor of PrimaryCare Diabetes & Vascular Medicine ofthe Leicester Diabetes Centre at LeicesterGeneral Hospital said: “There is a highlevel of diabetes in the Leicestershirearea and we undertake a variety of re-search, both drug trials and academicstudies. Much of our work has helped todevelop and shape national guidelines,especially around the area of screeningfor diabetes, and in the development ofeducational interventions. Your kinddonation of £3000 will go towards thisarea and benefit many people.”

Rothley club hosts charity event

Lions’golf day

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it was not acceptable forwomen to own land in theirown right!

On Sunday August 16there will be a guided tour ofStoneywell Cottage, Ulver-scroft: numbers are limitedfor this. Nat. Trust membersfree, otherwise £8.10 perperson. Pre-booking essen-tial. For further details abouteither of these outings, pleasering Peter Smith on 01162367365.

From Jennifer Kennington,Thurcaston & Cropston HistorySociety


Crime Report : Rothley, April & May2015

Damage to motor vehicle 2, theftcycle 1, theft motor vehicle 1, attemptedtheft from motor vehicle 1, theft frommotor vehicle 4, theft 1, burglary dwell-ing 3, attempted burglary non-dwelling3, burglary non-dwelling 9.

You can contact your local policingteam –PC 4505 Leye Price, PCSO 6524Kendall and PCSO 6646 Steve Quinn bycalling 101, selecting option 2 and whenprompted, tap in identification number4505, 6524 or 6646 to leave a message.You can also send an email by loggingonto the website at www.leics.police.ukand clicking on the ‘NeighbourhoodPolicing’ icon.

of music programmes and was a startingpoint for many artistes and performers ofthe day.

With the aid of DVD’s and a variety ofexamples of musical recordings and per-formances, Ken proceeded to induct usinto a basic understanding of classicalmusic, beginning with the types of compo-sition and including the composers rele-vant to each music genre.

Ken concluded his presentation by gar-nering audience participation as he led usin a “Last Night of the Proms” session –we joined enthusiastically in singing “Jeru-salem”, “Rule Britannia” and “Land ofHope and Glory”, accompanied by energet-ic waving of patriotic flags which werethoughtfully supplied for our use by Ken!

After such an entertaining time, plusour vocal contri-butions, we werevery pleased toenjoy some wel-come refresh-ments toconclude theafternoon.

Our nextmeeting isplanned for Mon-day 13th July at2.30pm, when

our venue will be “The Bluebell Inn” atRothley to partake in our annual Strawber-ry Cream Tea – cost of the tea is £5.50per person. Please contact Mrs Sue Waker-ley on 0116 2351156 or myself on 01162363467 for further details. If you wouldcare to join us, you will be most wel-come.

From Ann Farndon, The Monday Club:Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston And Rothley

Small AdsSmall 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 Rothley library or RothleyPost Office on Woodgate.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 50

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consul-tancy. Plans drawn and submit-ted. Extensions, conversions, newbuild. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons)FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 /07974807111www.amlidesign.co.uk

THE COACH left Cropston at 8.45amand went on to Rothley for a 9.00amstart for a wonderful trip to Ludlow,in Shropshire.

On arrival in Ludlow, the Membershipbroke up to wander through the variousstreets lined with a mixture of differentcentury buildings from Norman through topredominately 15th Century, shadowed bythe once magnificent Ludlow Castle con-structed in the late 1lth Century, as a bor-der stronghold. However, the Castle wasunfortunately closed for our inspection, butwe learnt of its long history which wasevident from its mixed architecture – Nor-man, Medieval and Tudor buildings, manyof which still stand! Some Members wereable to get a good view from a beautifulwalk along the River Teme.

At one pointthey cited thefamous “Mr. Un-derhill’s” Hotel, aMichelin starredRestaurant. Spec-ulation was thatLunchtime wouldcost in the regionof £200!

On conclusionof our tour, a fewmembers sat in the square soaking up thesunshine, which was appreciated by tiredfeet before boarding our coach for ourreturn journey. A very successful anddelightful trip.

Our speaker in May was Mr Ken God-dard, whose talk was entitled “An Intro-duction to Classical Music”.

He treated us to an extravaganza ofclassical music, delivered in an entertain-ing and light-hearted manner– there was something foreveryone’s tastes.

Ken began his well-pre-sented and researched talkby reminding us of the era ofthe BBC Radio “Light Pro-gramme” (prior to Radio 2),which provided a wide range

AT OUR May meeting Richard Knox, Heritage Development Managerwith Leicestershire County Council, for a return visit, this time tospeak about “The Medieval Knight”.

His highly entertaining and beautifullyillustrated talk began with a review of howa young man was trained to become aknight during the period of the 11ththrough to the end of the 15th Centuries.Training began in earnest from the age of5 years when a boy learnt from his motherthe basic social skills, such as courtesyand etiquette, as well as reading and writ-ing, he would require in order to succeed.Interestingly in this respect, medieval gen-tlewomen were often better educated thantheir male counterparts, the latter’s educa-tion having greater focus on martial ac-complishments rather than scholarlystudies.

By the age of 7 years a boy would pro-ceed to the next stage when a suitablesponsor would provide a position for himas a page in their household.

The future King Richard III spent histime as a page at Raglan Castle where theEarl of Warwick was his sponsor. Betweenthe ages of 14 and 21 years the fledglingknight would remain in his sponsor’shousehold, with his role progressing tothat of a squire. Throughout these spon-sored years, his tuition would continue, toinclude essentials such as household skills,social interaction, riding, hunting, tiltingskills and martial training.

By the age of 21 years, provided he hadachieved all his training objectives satisfac-torily, he would be considered to be fullyprepared for the role of a knight. However,if this was not the case, or the young manfelt unable to take on the role expected ofhim, he could opt out by paying a forfeit to

the King and assuming the lesser rank ofan esquire.

The actual ritual of creating a knightwas full of Christian symbolism and was amajor event in the young man’s life. Hewould spend the day and night before theceremony in church, in prayerful supplica-tion as preparation for the responsibilitiesexpected of him. Knights invariably camefrom an elite group of landowners withestablished status within the hierarchy, andthe act of being knighted and presentedwith his shield, sword and spurs confirmedthat status. Also, one of his most valuableassets would be a well-trained war horse.

On taking up his newly-bestowed role,there were many duties expected of aknight, including military service to hisliege lord, providing charity to the poor,upholding Christianity, meting out justiceby running the Manorial Court, running hisestate/s through a steward and bailiff, en-acting duties bestowed by the King (but inso-doing not offending the King by assum-ing too much power) and honouring thecode of chivalry.

If in favour with the monarch, therecould be many rewards, but if a knightbrought about royal displeasure, therecould be dire consequences, such as con-fiscation of property and land, or muchworse!

Richard then informed us of other as-pects of medieval knighthood. Heraldryconcerned the right to bear arms and tohave a family crest. Crests were carried inbattle and were a means of identity, partic-ularly when their owner was killed orinjured in combat (hence the term “crest-fallen”). King Richard III set up rules tocontrol and standardise the issue of crests.

A knight’s home was usually a castle ormoated manor house and we are fortunatein Leicestershire to have many examples,albeit the majority in ruins, such as Ashby,Kirby Muxloe, Mountsorrel and Oakham.

Richard showed us examples of differ-ent types of armour, from chain maille thatwas worn over a tunic, to the eventualintroduction of plate armour. Later, chainmaille and plate armour were worn incombination to give greater protection.

The knight and his horse were highlyvaluable commodities – if a knight wasunfortunate enough to be taken captive inbattle, he was an asset to be held to ran-som and when his family paid up he mightbe released, but his captors would retainhis sword and his horse!

Upon the death of a knight, it was cus-tomary that his eldest son would inherit hisfather’s land and estates. If there was noson, it was possible for the knight’s widowto inherit, but she would be expected toremarry, thereby passing on her late hus-band’s assets to her new husband, because

History society news Monday Club

Pic: Ludlow castle

Crime report

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Our speaker, Simon Gulliver, a Na-tional Trust Consultant, showed us howto be kind to nature and still have abeautiful and productive garden

Simon’s overall view was that weshould ‘garden the soil’. The idea be-hind this is that if we get the soil rightfor the plants we are trying to grow,then success is more likely. This is nota new idea! As an example, Simon re-ferred to crop rotation which has beenpracticed for thousands of years. Themain reasons for rotating the four maincrop families – brassicas, legumes, alli-ums, and root crops – is to avoid nutri-ent depletion and reduce disease.Simon also talked about the soil condi-tions needed to grow the different crops.

Simon spent some time talking aboutdifferent ways to enrich the soil, includ-ing compost, liquid feed made fromcomfrey, and green manures. The aimis also to encourage a healthy earth-worm population. Worms improvedrainage, improve soil structure, andrelease nutrients.

Another impor-tant aspect of thetalk was helping usunderstand hownature works, andthe connection be-tween fungi andhealthy root growth.He also talked a lotabout encouragingwildlife into ourgardens. Manyinsects, most fungi, most birds and someanimals are beneficial in our gardensand some are pests. There is a scalefrom totally beneficial to absolute pest,and many organisms come in the mid-

dle. To explain this point, Simon re-ferred to wasps. Wasps are thegardener’s friend at some stage in theyear because they feed aphids to theiryoung, but later in the year they can bea nuisance.

The talk was supported by manyexcellent photos. Also, Simon ‘walkedus through his garden’ with a series ofslides to reinforce many of the points hemade in histalk.

This wasa very in-formativetalk whichcreated alot of inter-est andmany ques-tions.

The firstof the Thurcaston andCropston Gardening Club’s summeractivities was an evening garden visit to‘Mountain Ash’ in Newtown Linford,

home of Liz &Mick Newcombe.“Mountain Ash”has an idyllicsetting lookingout over thewooded hillsidesof the Charn-wood country-side.

Within theoriginal half acre

site of house and garden there are waterfeatures, lawns with flower and shrubbeds and a well maintained vegetablegarden with greenhouses and fruit trees.

The garden has been extended by an

additional one and ahalf acres of trans-formed hillside fields.Lawns sweep down to alarge wildlife pond withwaterfall and on intothree areas of woodlandwith walks that take youthrough many different

species of trees.Over 30 members and visitors en-

joyed this visit on a lovely warm evening.We finished the evening in style withrefreshments, sitting on the patios as thesun went down looking out over woodedhillsides, the garden extending far be-yond its boundaries.

The gardening club meets in theThurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall

Whether an experienced gardener oran enthusiastic beginner we are sure youwill something of interest in this year’sprogramme. New members are mademost welcome. The membership fee is£12 for the year or £3.00 per meeting.And, if you would like to come as avisitor and then you decide to join, yourvisitor fee will be refunded!! So, if youare interested in gardening - come and

give the Club a try.The next club events are:Wed 12th August, 7.45 pm – ‘A Van

Full of Colour’ – Ady DaymanA very popular panellist on Radio

Leicester’s ‘Down to Earth’, Ady will giveus a masterclass on seasonal plant carein his own inimitable comic style.Choosing a wide selection of annualsand perennials, he will help us to getthe very best from each of them.

Sat 5th September, 32nd AnnualGarden, Craft & Produce Show (Open toAll)

To be held at the Richard Hill Prima-ry School, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston.Show schedules now available.

For more information, please callDave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758

From Thurcaston and Cropston Garden-ing Club

THE ROTHLEY POSTYOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Unit 109, Greenacres,The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR

Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson

Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 4422067Correspondence, news etc

can be handed in at:Rothley Library, Rothley Post Officeor to our office Unit 109, Greenacres,

The Sidings, Leicester LE4 [email protected]

THE MAY meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston Garden-ing Club was entitled Wildlife: The Environment & OrganicGardening.

Gardening club news

THE REPORT of Thurcaston and Cropston’s Housing NeedsSurvey has been published.

The survey was conducted by Mid-lands Rural Housing at the request ofCharnwood Borough Council in order toobtain clear evidence of any local hous-ing need for a range of housing tenuresfor parish residents.

Almost a third of households re-sponded to the survey which is consid-ered a good response rate for a surveyof this type. Around two thirds of re-spondents felt that no further homeswere needed. In spite of this, over 40%of respondents said that they wouldsupport a small development of afforda-ble housing for people with a local con-nection. Despite this underlying feelingof support for ‘local homes for localpeople’, particularly affordable homes,the survey did not identify a level ofneed that could realistically lead to thepossibility of a small scheme of afforda-ble homes being explored further.

The survey found that one affordablehome and six market homes would berequired to meet local housing needs.The results were cross referenced withCharnwood Borough Council’s housingregister and the affordable housing need

levels were confirmed as just one house-hold being in need of an affordablehome in the Parish.

If no other housing needs are identi-fied it is likely that the report will simplybe placed on record. It is valid for fiveyears and can be referred to by theParish Council and Borough Councilshould any development be proposed inthe future.

Housing needs survey

Pic: ‘Mountain Ash’, Newtown Linford



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