rothley post sep 2009 (78)

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 1

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

Delivered FREE to Rothley, Thurcaston & CropstonSEP/OCT 2009 ISSUE No. 78

ROTHLEY HAS a new charitable trust dedicatedto promoting and conserving the village’s his-torical and natural treasures.

The Rothley Heritage Trust has been formedby the village’s three Heritage Wardens, BrianVerity, Marion Vincent and Terry Sheppard.The treasurer of the new trust is BrendaSutherland.

Chairman Brian Verity said: “There are somany exciting things that might be done toeducate the general public about the richhistory of Rothley at the same time conservingthe local heritage.”

One of the Trust’s projects is the creationof a Rothley Heritage Centre in the nowunused cemetery chapel. Brian said: “A lot ofwork needs to be done but feasibility talks onthe lease have started with Rothley ParishCouncil who own the chapel. The great thingabout the new trust is that its constitution willallow it to raise funds from sponsors and

THREE GUIDES from Thurcaston and Cropstontravelled to St James’ Palace to receive awardsfrom the Duke of Edinburgh.

The three Rangers, Rebecca Langton, EilidhLeitch and Georgia Walton were presented withtheir Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. The triowere accompanied by leaders Mrs Irene Mar-riott and Mrs Christine Miranda, who wereintroduced to Prince Philip for their work withLeicestershire Guiding and the Duke of Edin-burgh awards scheme.

Nineteen year old Rebecca said: “My day atthe palace is one I will never forget. Sincegaining my award I have continued to work

Pics: (l-r) Mrs Irene Marriott, Rebecca Langton, Eilidh Leitch, GeorgiaWalton and Mrs Christine Miranda. Right: Chris Miranda shakes handswith Prince Philip

RothleyHeritageTrust

Continued on page 2Goldengirls

Continued on page 2


with the Brownies and have become awarranted leader. I would certainly encour-age others to participate in the award, it hasbeen great fun, I have learnt so much andmade some good friends along the way. Itwas a fantastic experience and gave me theopportunity to learn lots of new things frombell ringing to motor skills.”

Any girls aged at least 14 or in Year 9 atschool who would like to find out moreabout the DofE Award Scheme should con-tact Chris Miranda [email protected] orIrene Marriott on 2364295 or come to thefirst meeting on September 16, 7.15pm,Richard Hill School, Anstey Lane.

funding organisations such as the NationalLottery. Already Rothley History Society haspromised £2000 towards the museum project,which is a great start.”

Rothley’s Heritage Wardens were initiallyappointed by Rothley Parish Council in 2004,working with the guidance of the CountyCouncil’s Community Heritage Initiative.

Since that time the wardens have carried outa lengthy archaeological and natural historysurvey of the ancient parish boundary withhundreds of photographs and notes. They havealso organised events and open days forRothley’s notable historic buildings includingthis month’s Heritage Open Days.

The Trust’s latest publication is ‘The Depar-ture of the Dead, the story of burials inRothley’. The book is a comprehensive look atthis subject from Roman times to the first 50years of burials in the Parish cemetery onMountsorrel Lane.

Pic: (l-r) Terry Sheppard, Marion Vincent MBE (Secretary), Brenda Sutherland (Treasurer), and BrianVerity (Chairman).

Guides continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

HOW MANY times have you thought ‘I would liketo learn how to do that’ or ‘I wish I could speaka foreign language’.

The Leicestershire Adult Learning Serviceoffers a wide range of courses including IT,Languages, English & Maths, Sport, Arts &Crafts and General Interest starting in Septem-ber. Courses are available at Longslade inBirstall, Rawlins in Quorn and also a smallnumber of courses at Mountsorrel Library.

You should by now have received theirbrochure through your door giving details ofcourses in your area. If you have not receiveda brochure but would like one or, would likeadvice on one of our courses please telephoneFreephone 0800 988 0308 and speak to anadvisor.

Alternatively contact your local college onone of the following numbers: Longslade,Birstall 0116 2673389, Rawlins, Quorn on01509 622826 or go to our websitewww.leics.gov.uk/golearn.

Learners in receipt of certain benefits areeligible for 70% or 100% discount, telephonefor details.

A FLORAL marquee exhibited by a Birstall manhas won a Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medalat the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

The RHS Gold Medal is the highest accoladein the gardening world and was won by MrBarry Berrington of Birstall Road, owner of theOska Copperfield Nursery in Rothley.

Adultcourses

Gold medalwinner


YOUNG PEOPLE working with graffiti artists havetransformed Rothley Youth Club.

Around 30 young people worked togetherto create a design on the youth club buildingon the Fowke Street playing field with artistsDones and Emptea from Kolorblindesignz.

The artwork depicts a jungle theme. Theyouth shelter has also been painted with aspaceship design.

Youth Worker Nicki Rhodes said: “Thegroup of young people involved with theproject have got on well and have reallybonded. We’ve seen how their skills haveimproved as the week went on.”

Money for the project was provided byCharnwood Borough Council after CountyCouncil Youth workers put in a bid for funding.Pic: Some of the young people who worked onthe graffiti project

Summergraffitiproject


PUPILS AT a local dance school have returnedfrom Paris where they entertained audiences atDisneyworld.

“Each and every dancer, as well as myself,has taken away memories to last a lifetime”says teacher Bianca Zarcone of Bianca’s DanceAcademy.

She took a group of 31 dancers, whoperformed in front of a packed audience atDisney’s Fantasy Festival Theatre. Biancasaid: “All the seats were taken and theaudience were so supportive, clapping andcheering for the dancers.

“The Disney team commented on theenergetic routines and thelovely smiling faces of all thedancers and praised ourcolourful costumes. Wewere supported with a fulllighting and sound teamwho ensured that the per-formance was very profes-sional.”

To top off the day, 24 ofthe older dancers took partin a parade through thestreets of Disneyworld afterthe show, watched by thou-sands of visitors.

www.walkinginleics.co.ukThe site has details of more than 170 walks to

download and print for free as well as details ofall the Leicestershire walking groups, maps andwalk books.

A NEW website contains all the information you need aboutwalking in the county.

Keen walker John Harris says he get fed up with the lackof information on walks that are going on in Leicestershireso decided to create his own website:

THE GREAT Central Railway has been given ap-proval to carry out testing work at a top speedof 75mph.

The increase in the permitted maximum speed atthe GCR from 60 to 75 mph will only happen understrictly controlled testing conditions. The speed ofGCR passenger trains remains limited to 25mph.

Land adj to 39 The Ridgeway, Rothley – 3 storey sevenbedroom detached property with double garage and open airswimming pool5 Alvis Dale, Rothley – erection of single storey extension toside of dwelling54 the Ridgeway, Rothley – change of use of annex to dwell-ing house with new access56 Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – reduction by 15% and raisecrown by 2.0m to 3 yew trees, cut back 0.5m to 1 conifer treeand fell l leylandii tree58 Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – feeling of l larch tree and 2eucalyptus trees55 Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – crown reduction of 1 corkscrewwillow tree300 Leicester Road, Cropston – erection of single storeyextension to rear of dwellingHigh View, 112 Rectory Lane, Thurcaston – reduction of 3Lawson cypress trees

Dancers’ Paris show

Pic: Dancers on stage at Disneyworld

Walkingwebsite

GCR speed

Planning


ROTHLEY PARK Cricket Club’s annual charitymatch was held in August in front of a recordcrowd.

A full strength Leices-ter Tigers XI captained bySam Vesty lost by 28 runsto a strong Matt Hamp-son Trust XI team in theirannual 20/20 cricketmatch, raising over£8000 for local charitiesand attracting over l,300supporters.

This was the sixth yearthe event has been heldat Rothley Park Cricket Club. Charities tobenefit from the event included LOROS, theMatt Hampson Trust and the development ofjunior cricket at Rothley Park.

Sam Vesty won the toss and putt the MattHampson Trust XI team into bat, captained byMatt Elliott (Leicester City). Matt Elliott hit amatch winning 45 in their total of 171-8.

In reply for the Tigers James Grindal topscored with 30, but the team fell well short ofthe required run rate to finish with 143-8 offtheir allotted overs.Pic: Matt Hampson (centre) with the teams

THE ROTHLEY Royal British Legion team en-tered in the Annual Rothley Village Quiz cameout tops in the general knowledge and themedquiz held on June 10 at the Rothley Centre.

The four man team comprising A Green,C Swan, P Chester and J Brooks conqueredthe complexities of the competition which is

in its 17th year and organised annually by MrAlbert Greaves.

A large number of village groups put upteams of all ages and the event is an annualoccasion much appreciated by villagers. TheRothley RBL members at their monthly meet-ing in the Rothley Court Hotel all greatlyappreciated the team’s efforts and celebratedby toasting the champions.

From Norman Pratt RBL Rothley

CricketingSunday

Legion quiz winners


25 GARDENS in Thurcaston and Cropston wereopened to the public in June, as part of the OpenGardens weekend.

Organised by the Richard Hill school PTA,this year gardens were open in Thurcaston onthe Saturday afternoon, while the Richard HillSchool Fair was taking place, and gardens inCropston were opened on the Sunday after-noon.

The weekend was a great success and thetotal amount raised from the Open Gardensand the Richard Hill School Fair was £3259.This money will be used to continue to im-prove the playground facilities at the school,and to support some of the after-school clubsincluding activities such as music, art and sport.

The organisers would like to thank everyonewho supported the event and all the gardenowners. If you are interested in finding outmore about the Open Gardens weekend orwould consider opening your garden for the2010 event then the Richard Hill School PTAcan be contacted on [email protected] or0116 236 2503

Gardenweekend

Pic: Taking abreak on thegarden trail are(top) MrsRosemary Hale& Mrs MonicaSpowage &(right) Norman& Barbara Ellis

Pic: Carol Grocock with her granddaughterTamzyn Worth


ROTHLEY SCOUTS were winners in a recent competition.When the Charnwood Scout District Patrol camping competition was

resurrected in July after being in abeyance for some years a patrol fromRothley emerged as the winners.

Led by 13 year old patrol leader Amelia Yeomans the team of sixyoung Scouts aged from 11 to 13 had to hike to John’s Lee Woodcarrying all their personal kit on their backs and then camp for a24-hour period under canvas, looking after themselves completelywithout any adult help. This they did successfully and took the competi-tion shield home with them.

Group Scout Leader Ron Bromley congratulated the patrol on theirsuccess.Pic: (l-r) Harry Cox, Alex Bailey, Amelia Yeomans, Alex Mee, James Lovett,Spencer Freeman

ROTHLEY’S Kirby and West milkman, DerekPoyser, is once again in training for theLeicester Marathon which takes place on Sun-day October 11.

All Derek’s sponsorship money will bedoubled by Kirby and West and donated to

LOROS. If you would like to sponsor Derekjust hail his milk float any morning or visitUppercrust in Woodgate, Rothley wherethey have asponsorshipform and the

Certificateof his dona-tion to LOROSin 2008.

PARENTS AND toddlers are being invited to anew group where they can cook healthy foodtogether and have fun.

The Parents and Tots Cook 'n' Eat Club isthe idea of Leanne Nelson from the Royal Oakon Cross Green.

Jeanne, a qualified nutritionist and chef,said: “I worked for two years as aSurestart/NHS healthy eating advisor and mymost popular sessions were the cook 'n’ eat.

“As well as having fun and learning to cooktogether, I’d hope that we could also puttogether a village recipe book for the children”.

Soups, baking, sandwich filling and dips aresome of Leanne’s ideas for the club, whichwould meet on Thursdays from 3-5pm at theRoyal Oak. A small charge would be made tocover the costs of the ingredients.

Leanne said: “I would like to give somethingback to the community that we are now a partof and I hope we could build up this lovelygroup within the village.”

Leanne would like to start the group tocoincide with British Food Fortnight September19 to October 4 and needs expressions ofinterest from parents to get the club established.

Contact her on 0777 958 1833.

Top Scouts

Kidscooking

Marathonmilkman

Pic: DerekPoyser

Immaculate fullyrefurbished throughout

ground floor 2 bedroom &first floor 1 bedroom flats

for rentIn prime location, centre of

Rothley Village.Superb opportunity to suit

single orprofessional couple.

Strictly no smoking or pets.Please ring for details.

07887 787661


ROTHLEY PARISH Church are looking fornew bell ringers.

If you would like to try bell ringing for thefirst time, or have rung in the past and wouldlike to know more, please contact Ian Stone-house for more information.

Practices are every other Tuesday eveningfrom 7.30pm and the bells are rung everyother weekend and for almost all weddings.

Peals have been heard over Rothley fornearly 500 years. Six bells currently hang inthe upper tower. The ‘foure’ Tudor bells(1553) were recast into five and re-hung in1784 by Edward Arnold for £95.7s.9d. Tay-lors of Loughborough re-hung the bells in1877 and a sixth bell was added in 1934 for£66 in memory of the vicar Lewis Pearsonwho served from 1916-1926.

ContactIan Stone-house by e-mail [email protected]: a bell-ringer atRothleychurch

THE BIRSTALL and Rothley Branch of the Workers’Educational Association offers three choices for theautumnPompeii And Herculaneum

This is our very popular Tuesday morning history classand enrolments must be made by post to secure a place.Please do not turn up at the first class as you could bedisappointed! Enjoy history with this popular tutor.

Tutor: Colin GrovesVenue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.Date and Time: Tuesday 15th September 2009 for 10

weeks 10.00-11.30amFees: £43.50 Concession A £39.15 (not available for

those retired) B FreeAfternoon Tai Chi

This is a lovely way to keep your body supple or gentlymove those flagging knee and hip joints. The soft-flowingmovements to quiet music promote stress reduction andwell-being and this class is suitable for all ages and abilities.The tutor will be pleased to discuss the movements if youhave doubts about your ability to participate in this enjoya-ble form of exercise. Beginners and those with experiencewill be very welcome.

Tutor: Laraine TuckerVenue: Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, BirstallDate and Time: Tuesday 15th September 2009 for 12

weeks 1.30-3.30pmFees: £69.60 Concession A £62.65 (not available to

those retired) B FreeCatching The Light

Come and explore the dynamic concept of light in art andhow artists represent it as a form of energy, patterns andother ways. Artists will range from Monet, Seurat, Delaunayand Boccioni. If you enjoy looking at paintings and want to

increase the pleasure gained from the gallery visitthen this is the course for you. Just come with alively, open-minded interest in art!

Tutor: Janis BakerVenue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane,

Rothley.Date and Time: Wednesday 16th September for

10 weeks 7.15-9.15pmFees: £58 Concession A £52.50 (not available to

those retired) B FreeFor further information please contact Marion

Vincent 0116 2303405 [email protected] Franca Freeman 0116 [email protected]

Postal enrolments to the WEA Treasurer JohnLaurance, 35 Seagrave Road, Sileby, Loughborough,Leicester LE12 7TN 01509 813005

RESIDENTS ARE being invited to find out more aboutplans for a new, state-of-the-art recycling facility inthe Charnwood area.

The County Council is proposing to replace the recyclingand household waste site in Sileby with an ultra-modern,accessible facility at an industrial estate on Granite Way,Mountsorrel.

The new facility would offer:• a new, modern design• ample parking space• containers without steps• easy access from the A6• clear signs and information• recycling for a range of materials meaning less waste

to landfillFind out more at www.leics.gov.uk/waste

New bellringers

WEA’s autumn choices

New recycling site

ROTHLEY’S PREMIER TREE SERVICEJust like the rest of your property, have youconsidered your trees require a littlemaintenance from time to time?

...UNSAFE, TOO TALL OR UNTIDY

...BLOCKING LIGHT FROM YOUR HOME,OR YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S HOME...LIKELY TO AFFECT YOUR PROPERTYSTRUCTURE

ARE YOUR TREES MAYBE?

With 20 years experience in all aspects of tree work wewould be pleased to offer you FREE expert advice & aFREE quotation without obligation

YOUR LOCALTREE SURGEON

PHONE NOW ON 0116 2505842

“Good basic advice with seating and speeches,wedding format on all menus. The very best of food

with quality and quantity.”

Rival CateringOUTSIDE CATERERS

Professionally Managed to Traditional StandardsWe Come To You With Friendly

Silver Service WaitressesCatering for your:

Marquee BanquetsIn House ExhibitionsSales OpeningsDinner DancesWedding Receptions

Send for menus for your special occasion toRITA or PETER ELLISON

Tel: LEICESTER 237 6090 orWrite/call: 113 Halstead Rd, Mountsorrel, Leicester


ROTHLEY RESIDENTS will have the chance to helpdecide how £20,000 could benefit the local areathanks to an innovative new project.

The cash will be made available for projectswhich will:

• improve access to services• support and develop young people• make the area saferEach of the seven Area Forums in Charnwood will

have £20,000 of Government money to pass on toprojects. He money is part of a new £½ millioninitiative which involves giving £20,000 to each ofthe 27 Forums across the county to boost their localareas.

People from Rothley, as well as surroundingvillages in the Bradgate, Rothley, Mountsorrel andBirstall Forum area, are invited to come forwardwith their ideas. Community and voluntary groups,businesses and local residents are all being urged tobring suggestions to a special ‘workshop’ in Octo-ber. This will take place on Monday October 26. thevenue will be Woodhouse Eaves Village Hill, startingat 5.30pm.

Progress will be reported back via the Leicester-shire Community Forums website:www.leicestershireforums.org. and at subsequentArea Forum meetings. Area Forums are an opportu-nity for people to find out what is happening on theirdoorstep, give views, get answers to queries andinfluence local decision-making.

Derk van der Wardt, the County Council’s Com-munity Engagement Team Manager, said: “We wanthelp in deciding how £20,000 could improve eacharea and are offering people a chance to comeforward with suggestions and vote for their favourite.Residents, businesses and local community groupswith ideas about a local project which needs a boostare invited to the workshops where they can have ahand in shaping their community”.

This workshop will be free to attend and willinclude a finger buffet and refreshments. Places willbe limited so to book a place, or for furtherinformation, or to be added to our mailing list,please contact 0116 3058015 or visitwww.leicestershireforums.org.

box is now being used again as a temporaryoffice

• to improve road safety and reduce speed-ing on Bradgate Road Newton Linford, MainStreet Swithland and Westfield Lane Rothley.

Result: We carried out speed checks on 15occasions giving out nine fixed penalty ticketsand 72 advice notices.

Beat Surgeries for September and Octoberby PC Steve Rhodes and PCSO Alex Foster

Fri Sep 11: 2-4pm, Rothley library, Mount-sorrel Lane

Sun Sep 13: 2-4pm Cross Green, RothleySat Oct 3: 2-4pm, Mercury newshop,

WoodgateFri Oct 30: 2-4 Rothley library

Crime ReportRothley, June, July & August

Burglary 9, burglary other 5, theft from vehicle 4,damage 10, theft 2, theft of vehicle1Thurcaston, Jan-July

Damage 4, theft 4, theft fromvehicle 4, burglary other 1, burgla-ry 9, theft of vehicle 1Cropston, Jan-July

Theft 5, burglary other 4, theftof vehicle 2, theft from vehicle 2,theft 4, damage 3, burglary 8

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Policing team have settheir new priorities for the next three months:

• to work with partner agencies to reducerural crime including the theft of farm equip-ment by increasing awareness, communica-tion, and through high visibility police patrols

• to continue to work with partner agenciesand the local community to reduce vehiclecrime and antisocial vehicle use on the fiveBradgate and Swithland Woods car parks.

The results of the previous priorities were:• to work with young people, primary

schools and other groups to raise awarenessof stranger danger and antisocial behaviour

Result: We visited the primary schools atRothley, Thurcaston, Swithland and NewtownLinford talking to over 700 children in 26classes along with talking to other groups ofyoung people on effects of antisocial behaviourand raising awareness of stranger danger

• to work with partner agencies and thecommunity to reduce vehicle crime and antiso-cial behaviour on the Bradgate Park andSwithland Car Parks

Result: We carried out crime preventiondisplays on six occasions and worked closelywith the Bradgate Wardens, one person wasdealt with for drug offences and there wasonly one recorded vehicle crime, down fromseven in the previous three months. The police

Rothley, Thurcaston &Cropston’sPC Steve Rhodes

THE NEW president of the Rotary Club of the SoarValley has pledged to redouble its charitableefforts in the Soar Valley villages.

Roger Williams, who took over from Mountsorrel’sCarl Porter at the club’s annual dinner at the RothleyCourt Hotel, also promised to continue support forRotary’s national and international projects.

The annual dinner was a joint event with the InnerWheel Club of the Soar Valley and during the eveningMrs Elizabeth Brookes succeeded Judy Jarratt asPresident of the Inner Wheel Club and a new Rotari-an, Joe Leverment of Cropston was inducted.Pic: (l-r) Inner Wheel Past President Judy Jarratt,President Elizabeth Brookes, Rotary PresidentRoger Williams and Past President Carl Porter

Cash ideas NHW news & crime report

Rotary dinner


A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council washeld on July 20.

Councillors were given a presentation by a repre-sentative from Severn Trent about the installation ofa wind turbine within the Wanlip water treatmentworks.

County Councillor Peter Osborne reported thatthe County are continuing with their deliberationsabout Howe Lane. They are looking at refiguring theturn from Woodgate to either remove the no left turnrestriction or make the turn impossible. Speedbumps are a solution to traffic speed on the lane.

It was reported that the County Council haverejected the Parish Council’s request for additionalsignage for the Rothley Centre car park. The Countysay cars will still turn into Woodgate first and thesigns would therefore be superfluous.

Lafarge have agreed to donate 60 tonnes ofquarry waste for the resurfacing of part of theRothley Centre car park.

It was agreed to publicise the fact that while thereare two NHW schemes in Rothley only one is free,has been running for a considerable time and issupported by the local police.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was heldon August 17.

Charnwood Borough Councillor Paul Harley,Cabinet Lead Member for External Relations, attend-ed to listen to councillors’ comments on the per-formance of the Borough Council. Comment wasmade that Charnwood would not return phone calls,enquiries were passed from one department toanother and consultation documents were too longand technical. Councillors also raised issues relating

to the funding of the new Rothley Centre, car parkingat the Royal Oak and the fact that Charnwood askedthe Parish Council for its views on planning applica-tions, ignored them, and went ahead with whateverit liked.

Rothley’s new Churchwarden Steve Thomasongave a presentation to the council about his role.

A proposal by Rothley Park Cricket Club to createa vehicle entrance for car parking on the WellsicLane/Westfield Lane bend was discussed. Councillorsagreed that the proposal should be submitted as aplanning application to Charnwood, so that thepublic can look at the plans and have the opportu-nity to comment.

The Council intend to provide new play equip-ment for the Mountsorrel Lane playing field, next tothe library, and have been considering quotations fora slide, climbing frame and seats mounted onsprings. The council agreed to prepare a bid forfunding of up to £50,000 for new play equipmentfor 8-13 year olds for the Fowke Street playing fields.

The Council are considering quotations for resur-facing work to the Rothley Centre car park – thework is expected to cost no more than £15,000 andwill include improvements to the surface waterdrainage.

The Council agreed to support in principle aproposal from Rothley Heritage Trust to convert thecemetery chapel into a museum.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston ParishCouncil was held on June 18.

It was agreed to provide some new shelving in the

THE PILBEAM Academy of Dance continued itssuccess with the second exam session of 2009taking place in June/July.

The large number of students ready and eager totake their exams necessitated this session being splitinto two venues, dates and examiners. A total of 93entrants were examined, including 10 pupils fromOur Lady’s Convent School where the academy alsoholds lessons. This had to be divided with 19 SeniorPupils performing in front of the Senior Examiner ofthe Society, Miss Monica Bannister FDDA fromNuneaton, and a further 74 Junior and Intermediatestudents standing in front of Mrs Diane King FDDAfrom Ashby.

On the Tuesday June 30 session four Recommen-dations and four Commends attested to the highstandards obtained by the Senior Students and theSunday July 5 venue produced no less a standard ofattainment with two Recommendations, five SpecialCommends and 20 Commends. These results togeth-er with a 100% pass rate means that all the pupilsare to be congratulated.

The autumn term will start on Monday September7 and Tuesday September 8 at the Rothley VillageHall and on Wednesday September 9 at the RothleyBaptist Church.

The loss of several of our Seniors who have goneto university means that there are a few vacant placesavailable.

From John Sambrook

Memorial Hall storeroom and to replace the Hall’sgutter brackets and have all the gutters cleaned. Itwas agreed to obtain quotations for a new waterheater for the kitchen.

Chairman Richard Younie reported on the costsof obtaining a screen and projector for the filmshows and it was agreed that he be delegated toinvestigate sources of grant funding.

It was agreed to purchase a 100 litre steel litterbin for Jubilee Park.

There was no meeting in July.

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

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

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

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

Parish Council notes

Pilbeam Academy

LEARN TO DOSILK PAINTINGSaturday 7 November 2009

Rothley Centre10am until 4pmCost: £38 which

includes materialsNo drawing ability needed. This will be arelaxed and supported day when you can

learn a new skill.To book or for more info ring

01509 416823

VEHICLE TESTINGSTATION

MOTTESTING

PETROLS • DIESELSMOTORCYCLES

CROPSTONGARAGE

37 - 39 Station RoadCropston, Leicester

0116 2362363


A SPECIAL dinner was held at the Rothley CourtHotel on Monday July 13 to mark the installationof Norma Grimes as President of Rothley & SoarValley Lions Club.

Guests of honour at the dinner were Mike Foster,Chairman of the Leicester Cobras Wheelchair Basket-ball Team and his wife Kathy.

In his after-dinner talk, Mike, a wheelchair userhimself, explained how his association with Cobrashad changed his life and given him a new interest,an opportunity to make many new friends and, fromparticipation in this fast-and-furious, physically-demanding sport, greatlyimproved his physical fit-ness.

He also spoke withgratitude of the Cobraslong association with andsupport from local LionsClubs, first with Syston &Wreake Valley LionsClub, going back morethan 10 years, and thenwith Rothley & Soar Val-ley Lions since the two clubs had amalgamated.

The Rothley & Soar Valley Lions Club is commit-ted to helping those in need in the local community.They hold business meetings once a month atRothley Court Hotel and enjoy social events togetherthroughout the year. New members are alwayswelcome. For further details please contact NormaGrimes. Telephone 0116 2608412, email:[email protected] or Frank Luce, tel:0116 2302433.

We were blessed with glorious evening sunshineon Tuesday June 16 for our walk to and fromRothley, with Society Secretary, Peter Smith, as ourwell-informed guide.

Starting at 7pm, we joined the bridleway leadingfrom the mini-roundabout at the Rectory Lane /Leicester Road junction in Thurcaston. On oldmaps, the bridleway is marked as the “Slang”, themeaning of which is “a long, narrow (sometimessinuous) piece of land; the ground beside a stream”– an apt description.

Reaching the rise of the hill, we paused at therailway cutting where Peter gave a brief resume ofthe history of the railway, which closed in 1969, avictim of Dr Beeching’s cuts. However, thanks to agroup of keen volunteers who worked tirelessly inthe ensuing years, the line is open and thriving todayas the Great Central Railway (G.C.R.).

Having passed over the parish boundary, wecontinued to where the path met the junction of a

late 18thC carriage drive, constructed in the time ofThomas Babington, which crosses a bridge (to ourleft) over Rothley Brook. Sadly, the bridge is nowovergrown and impassable. The whole drive origi-nally led to the main road, coming out near thejunction of the old and new A6 roads and avoidinggoing through Rothley village. On our right was thewood known, mysteriously, as “Black Hovel Spin-ney” and, in the distance ahead, the tower ofRothley Parish Church was visible.

Next, we reached the bridge spanning RothleyBrook, it having meandered through Anstey andThurcaston on its route from its source at Bag-worth. Prior to this bridge being built, around1900, the only access had been by a ford andstepping stones at this point. In 1979 banking wasconstructed nearby to alleviate the surrounding areafrom regular flooding. In the heyday of the industri-al past there were several mills along the route ofthe brook.

Across the bridge, we came to Town Green,Rothley, known as “Uptown” in the 1920’s. It isunusual that Rothley has two greens (the otherbeing Cross Green), but it is probably due toRothley Temple being regarded as a separatecommunity in the past. In 1954, G. Cecil G. Gee –hosiery manufacturer – donated a marker stone andbenches to commemorate the coronation of QueenElizabeth 2nd which had taken place the previousyear. A survey in 1954 showed that Rothley had aquarter of the surviving cruck-frame buildings inLeicestershire.

Next, following the footpath alongside the cricketground, Peter related a brief history of RothleyTemple. Its incumbents were the Knights Templar(1231 – 1312), the Knights Hospitallers of St. Johnuntil 1540 and then it was sold to the Babingtonfamily. The main house dates from circa 1600 and

was remodelled in the 18th and 19th centuries.Thomas Babington (1758 – 1837) was an anti-slavery campaigner (with William Wilberforce) andis buried in the chapel in what are now the groundsof Rothley Court Hotel. Lord Macaulay, historianand essayist and nephew of Thomas Babington, wasborn at Rothley Temple in 1800. In 1893, RothleyTemple became the home of wealthy, Manchestershipping merchant, Frederick Merttens, then duringWorld War 2 it became a nursing home and by1974 it was converted into a hotel, which it remainstoday.

Walking along Westfield Lane towards Cropston,we reached Rothley Station and learned that it wasFrederick Merttens who persuaded the G.C.R. com-pany to build the station here and not at Swithland,as had previously been planned. This area , bound-ed by Swithland Lane and The Ridgeway, was allpart of Frederick Merttens’ grand plan to create“Rothley Garden Suburb” – what we would calltoday the “commuter belt”, with access to nearbytowns and work by rail, while being able to enjoythe benefits of living in the country. Season ticketsto Leicester were £5, 3rd class and £7 / 1s / 9d,1st class. Merttens’ vision was of “broad, windingavenues and spacious gardens, back and front”.Eminent architects submitted designs and no spec-ulating builders would be tolerated. House pur-chase prices ranged from £250 to £1000, or rentswere from £30 to £100 per annum. Additionalfacilities were to be tennis courts, a bowling greenand a golf club, the latter being the only project toreach fruition and it opened in 1911, with theclubhouse opening in 1912. Sadly, 1914 broughtthe outbreak of World War 1 and Merttens’ grandplan was never completed.

Two very interesting discoveries were made, onewhen the cutting was dug near Rothley Station, it

History societies

New president

Pic: Mrs Norma Grimes

Continued on page 12

HANNAH CLARKE FOR ALMSHOUSESThe charity have a vacancy of a one bedroom flat,well situated with an open outlook over the golfcourse, and is maintained to a high standard by thetrustees.The property is of a sheltered nature and is suitablefor a lady of 60 years plus. It is situated in ParkRoad, Birstall.

Apply to the Secretary: Roger Gregory, 21 The Green, LongWhatton, Leicestershire LE12 5DA. Tel: 01509 843579


revealed a Saxon burial ground and the second, in1904, was during the construction of the Ridgeway,when the foundations of a very substantial RomanVilla (circa 200A.D.) were unearthed – today thisarea, at the end of The Ridgeway, near RothleyStation, remains untouched and no further excava-tions have been done.

Nearby is David North’s grocery shop, foundedby his father after W.W.2, and David’s son, Dominic,also runs a patisserie business.

Further along, almost opposite the junction ofThurcaston Lane with Station Road, is SwithlandHall Lodge, which dates from 1838 and currently isundergoing some refurbishment.

Peter had brought some relevant photographswith him to illustrate further some of the places andevents of interest mentioned along our route. Theevening concluded with very welcome refreshmentsat the home of Society Chairman, Colin Revell, andhis wife, Nadia.

On Tuesday July 7 we gathered for an evening’sguided tour of Beaumanor Hall at Woodhouse. Thismade an interesting follow-up to the talk we had inFebruary about the use of Beaumanor Hall duringWorld War 2 as a “secret listening” intercept station.

Beaumanor Hall was the home of the Herrickfamily for several generations and there have beenat least three different houses on the site. Originally,the estate extended to Woodhouse Eaves and be-yond. William Perry Herrick was the last of the lineto inherit Beaumanor and, when he did, the build-ing was not at all to his liking, so he decided to havethe old Hall demolished and have a new one built,specific to his taste! Designed by the architect,William Railton, who is also credited with the designof Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London, theBeaumanor Hall we see today was begun in 1842

and took approximately 11 years to be completed.It is a prime example of Victorian architecture.

Having congregated in the grand entrance hall,for the first part of our tour, we descended to seethe cellars beneath the Hall which are constructedaround a central courtyard. Numerous cellarrooms, some of which have no windows, areaccessed via a network of corridors, all of whichwere originally lit only by candles or oil lamps.Some of these rooms have fireplaces, so would havebeen quite warm and dry and the whole complexwas planned as the location for the servants toundertake all the services and tasks required tomaintain a large country residence. Rooms we wereable to view to illustrate some of these tasksincluded the bread kitchen, salting room, linenroom and laundry room. Other cellar rooms wereclearly put to different uses when the Hall wasrequisitioned for military purposes during W.W.2.

Interestingly, there is a hot air venting channelwhich leads from the cellars up to the mainentrance hall, although our guide did not have anyavailable information as to how this heating systemwas fuelled. Also, there are ducts at strategic placesfor access to sweep the chimneys.

Moving upstairs again, we ascended to the firstfloor. We were unable to visit some areas, such asthe servants’ former bedrooms on the top floor, andmany other rooms have been converted into offices,but it was easy to imagine what a grand establish-ment it was in its heyday. We were able to see theroom known as “King Richard’s Room”, named inhonour of King Richard 3rd, because at one timethe bed he was purported to have slept in, prior tothe Battle of Bosworth, was kept there. The roomitself retains much of its original, ornately carvedwoodwork and the windows have some beautifulstained glass patterns.

Our route brought us to the great gallery whichruns around three sides of the main staircase andis very impressive, with views over the entrance hallbelow. The carved woodwork has a proliferation ofbulls’ heads, one of which is featured in W. P.Herrick’s coat of arms. As we descended to the hall,the grand staircase is dominated by the magnificent,armorial, stained glass window at the head of thestairs. Most of the ground floor rooms, now usedfor meeting / conference facilities, still retain someof the opulence of a bygone era, with lofty, ornateceilings and huge windows giving panoramic viewsover the gardens and to Woodhouse village andchurch beyond – all part of the planning, specificto W. P. Herrick’s aspirations. He also had alm-shouses built in Woodhouse to house former serv-ants in their retirement.

Our tour of the Hall concluded in what used tobe W. P. Herrick’s private room cum office andwhere, apparently, he died. He and his wife had nochildren and no other heirs. His wife continuedliving at the Hall for several more years, but afterher death, information regarding the fate of Beau-manor Hall is rather limited, except that, seemingly,it fell into disuse until destiny directed it towards acompletely new purpose in the 1940’s. W. P.Herrick and his wife are buried in Woodhouseparish church.

Ironically, the aforementioned “private room” isnow used as a bar, since today, under the auspicesof Leicestershire Education Authority, BeaumanorHall has to earn its keep through social functions,weddings, conferences, residential courses, etc.

Lastly, there was an opportunity to move outsideto view some of the huts that were erected duringW.W.2 to accommodate the equipment and workersinvolved in the Secret Intelligence Service in inter-cepting enemy radio messages. Some huts still


AC RNBUILDERSEXTENSIONSALTERATIONS &PROPERTYREPAIRS

2675658Proprietor RMS Gibbon(


raised £57 pounds.On August 10 The Monday Club was transported

into the life and times of Joanna David, wife of theYeoman Warder of the Tower of London, talkingabout “Living in the Tower of London from aPersonal Point of View”.

On reaching the position of a Sergeant Major inthe Army, having served for 26 years, Joe Davidqualified to become a Yeoman Warder of the Towerof London.

Joanne experienced plenty of exercise livingthere, as their apartment in the Beauchamp Tower,was on the third floor and the upper and lowerfloor was divided by 15 steps and a further 15 toenter their apartment, then in order to place herwashing line on the battlements (well below publicview!) she had a further flight of 15 stairs. Nocurtains were permitted to be hung at the windows,but as it was impossible to see into the rooms, thiswas of no concern. The apartment was very cosyand afforded the couple complete peace andprivacy from the hordes of tourists visiting theTower. In case of any catastrophes there was arope ladder supplied to escape the BeauchampTower but this was never needed.

When asked if she had seen any ghosts in theTower, Joanne said she had not, but on oneoccasion when left on her own one night, sheexperienced a very heavy and unpleasant atmos-phere.

The next meeting on September 14 will bedevoted to a Harvest Bring and Buy for our Charity“Bosom Friends”. For further details, please con-tact me on 0116 2363467.

From Ann Farndon

THE SPEAKER at the July meeting of Thurcaston& Cropston WI was Mr Ian Rogerson who gave awitty and entertaining talk about his passion

entitled: “Smile please and say cheese!”Ian, a butcher specialising in game and poultry,

had no interest at all in cheese until thirty-eight yearsago when he came down to Leicester from Bootle tomanage Stafford’s the butchers. It was the old shopmanager there who first introduced him to Stilton.Its taste and versatility so impressed him that hebegan to take a serious interest in cheeses. Findingout how the many varieties are made then becamehis quest.

Ian suggested that when serving cheese at adinner party it is best to offer several small portionswith biscuits before the desert, as very often peopleignore eating cheese at the end of the meal. He alsostressed the importance of serving cheese at roomtemperature as it is a living organism and thisenhances the flavour.

From Jacqui GettingsMembers and friends welcomed back as their

speaker at the August meeting Mr David Bell.This time his subject was a rather gruesome one

- Murder cases of Leicestershire and Rutland. Afterreminding us of his own personal background MrBell launched into the story of the murder commit-ted by Laurence Shirley, the fourth of his line to holdthe title of Earl Ferrers. Lord Ferrers resided atStaunton Harold Hall, his trial was held in the Houseof Lords, and he was the last peer of the realm to behanged as a common criminal.

It was quite a long story of how Earl Ferrers, whohad a reputation for mental instability and exerciseda violent temper when drunk, attacked his wife andvarious servants. Finally he shot and killed JohnJohnson the family steward.

In case you may think we spent a somewhatsombre evening, I hasten to add that we did have alaugh or two and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

From Mrs Dorothy Budd.

AT THE June meeting of Rothley History SocietyFiona Ure from Leicestershire Museums Servicespoke about Ladybird Books – known and lovedall over the world.

The Leicestershire Museums have the largestpublic collection of Ladybird books, probably evenlarger than that in the Ladybird Company's owncollection. During her talk, she passed around anassortment of books, which sparked off recollectionsof having this or that one.

What a wonderful trip down memory lane it wasfor all of us. We all remembered our own books,read by ourselves, and later to our children andgrand-children.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, Septem-ber 16th, when we shall be pleased to see PeterLiddle, who is coming to talk about the Time Teamarchaeological excavation of Stonton Wyville, and therare discovery of an Anglo Saxon settlement, at KnaveHill, near Market Harborough. You may rememberseeing this on the television and reading about it.Now come along to the Rothley Centre, MountsorrelLane, Rothley in time for the talk at 7.30pm andenjoy hearing about it.

From Noreen Wilson, Rothley History Soc.

FOR THE third year, the Monday Club has experi-enced a very happy afternoon enjoying a wellpresented Strawberry Cream Tea at the “GriffinInn” in Swithland.

The purpose of our annual strawberry cream teais to raise money for our yearly elected charities.This year we have chosen ‘Bosom Friends’, a localcharity supporting cancer patients, and as a result ofa generously provided table of Raffle prizes we

retain the disguises that were incorporated in theirstructure to avoid detection by the enemy, e.g. onein the guise of a stable. Clearly, the vital workundertaken at Beaumanor throughout W.W.2 greatlyinfluenced the course and outcome of the war, notforgetting the work that continued for several yearsafter the war had ended while the so-called “coldwar” endured. Today, some of these huts are usedas accommodation for people attending residentialcourses at Beaumanor Hall.

All in all it was a thought-provoking evening,when considering the varied history of this grandold Hall.

For our meeting on Tuesday 15th September wereturn to the Harrison Room, All Saints` Church,Thurcaston for a talk by Peter Liddle about theAnglo – Saxons and again, on Tuesday 20th Octo-ber, to hear Lynn Mellor speak about “A basketfulof Leicestershire Legends”. Both meetings start at7.30pm and on 20th October there will be a rafflein aid of society funds.

From Jennifer Kennington, Thurcaston &Cropston History Society

Monday Club

restart in the following two locations

Regular Yoga Classes

MountsorrelMountsorrel Memorial Hall on Tuesday 8th September2009 from 7-9pmWoodhouse EavesSt. Paul's School and Community Centre, Meadow Roadon Wednesday 9th September 2009 from 7-9pm.

These classes are aimed at enabling you to incorpo-rate Yoga into your everyday life and are facilitated bya teacher holding qualifications in both Yoga and theteaching of adults. Both of these classes are suitablefor all levels of ability, this includes people who havenot practised yoga before, and you can join theseclasses at any time in the programme.Come and join in and learn a new skill and enjoy theprocess. For more information either [email protected] or phone meon 0116 2302 402


It was disturbing to see the coverage you gave tomisguided individuals masquerading as Nazi soldiersin your last issue. Were there no British soldiers inWorld War 2, and if so, why weren’t they featured as

well?A particularly distasteful aspect of this bias in

reporting was that some of them were dressed as SSmen, members of the most hated and disgracefulorganisation in the Nazi regime, equalled only intheir mistreatment of prisoners, both military andcivilian, by the Japanese Army. Are we going to seethe latter in the next so-called visitor attractionstaged by the GCR? Or maybe al-Qaeda.

I feel that anybody who thinks it appropriate todress in Nazi uniforms for whatever reason needs tobe treated with suspicion. They should at least memade to study some recent European history. But fora local publication to feature them so prominentlyand thereby encourage their twisted minds, castssome doubt on the judgement of its editor. TheRothley Post is normally a welcome and enjoyedbearer of local news in my household but it won’tbe if any more of this disgusting ignorance of dayswhich some of us lived through is displayed. And asfor the GCR visitor attractions, if this is typical oftheir content then I shan’t be riding on their trains.

R A BromleyEditor’s note: the GCR’s wartime re-enactment

weekend had the support of the Royal British Legionwho this year took part in a special service ofremembrance at the event. The reason Nazi soldiersfeatured in three of our nine photographs of theevent was that Rothley station had been ‘occupied’by German forces.

no-one is buying at present.One Sunday I walked down Woodgate and there

were plenty of parking spaces outside BradleysStore. A BMW car was parked on the double yellowlines/pavement outside the Post Office and chemists(both closed). A male came from the paper shop,got into the BMW and drove off.

If the council provided 50 extra parking spaces,cars will still be parked on the double yellowlines/pavement because drivers are too idle to parkup and walk a few yards to the shops.

If the council ran a check occasionally you wouldfind that this is true.

Parking on double yellow lines is an offence andparking half on the pavement is a danger to pedes-trians, and more tickets should be issued if driversare not disabled.

Name & address supplied

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

YOUR SAY...

I agree entirely with the comments made by HarryOvenall regarding shopping and parking in Rothley.

Some of the shops sell non-essentials which

WAS JESUS Christ just a figure from history, or isHe something more?

These are just two of the questions whichform part of a course being run at RothleyParish Church this Autumn under the banner‘Christianity Explored’.

Rob Gladstone, Vicar of Rothley ParishChurch who leads the course is available totalk with you if you are interested to knowmore. “This is the perfect occasion to askquestions you have always wanted to ask aboutChristianity – others may well have the samequestions! Equally, you will not be asked to door say anything you don’t want to during thecourse.

“Whether you have just started thinkingabout Christianity, or have not been to Churchfor many years, you are encouraged to comealong to the next course. Why not bring afriend with you who may also have thoseburning questions”.

The next course which starts on TuesdayOctober 27 is the fifth one in two years. It runsfor eight weeks in the Old School Rooms,School Street and takes place over a freetwo-course meal and includes a lively DVD andtable talk.

Interested? Contact Rob Gladstone on 0116230 2241 or email the church office [email protected]

GCR weekend Parking

Christianityexplored

Advertise in

THE ROTHLEY POST

53 x 70mm £20 • 53 x 142mm £36109 x 70mm £36 • 109 x 142mm £60CALL for an advertising rate card, or view

online at www.birstallpost.co.ukPRICES EXCLUDE VAT

1) Decide what size you want.

2) Send us a sketch of your ad.

3) We design, publish & send

you the bill


Volunteers RequiredLOROS, the Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice,

requires members of the public to help assist thefundraising team with various events and adminis-

tration work. We also require people to sell ourgrand raffle tickets at local venues.

If you would like to help raise funds to support lo-cal terminally-ill patients then please contact theLOROS Fundraising Team on 0116 2318431/2 or

email: [email protected]• • •

Sunday September 27Leicestershire & Rutland Family History Society

Are celebrating their 35th anniversary by having a

Family History Dayat the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane

between 10am and 4pmAdmission free

There will be local village history groups, booksand CDs, free talks and a help deskLight refreshments served all day

For more info contact Brenda Sutherland(Treasurer) on 0116 2302766

• • •The Ladies Circleinvite you to a

Coffee Morningon Saturday October 3

from 10-11.30am

at Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane, RothleyRaffle, tombola, cakes etc

50p entranceProceeds to the Loughborough Street Pastors

• • •St Theresa’s Tuesday Ladies, Front Street, BirstallWelcome you to join them on Tuesday October 13at 8pm when they welcome a speaker and a puppy

from the

Guide Dogs for the BlindPay on door, £1 includes a cup of tea and a biscuit

• • •Sacred Heart R.C. Church

are holding a

Coffee Morningon Saturday September 12

At the Rothley CentreFrom 10-11.45am

Proceeds for Church Funds and the ‘Street’ childrenAdmission 50p includes coffee/tea & biscuits

Variety of stalls, raffle, tombola etc• • •

Keep Fit With a DifferenceWhy not join our local basketball group

No previous experience necessaryFor further details tel: John 2675269

• • •

Glenfield Country Market(Glenfield Women’s Institute WI Market)

Fridays 9-11.15amSt Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road,

Glenfield LE3 8DP(off The Square)

Free parking at the churchHandmade cards and crafts

Home grown plants, flowers, fruit & veg

Home made cakes, savouriesJams, chutneys, honey, free range eggs, gluten free

itemsCelebration cakes can be ordered

LOROS book stallHamper service

Tea or coffee, admission freeEveryone welcome

Closed all of Jan 2010Glenfield Market 0116 2364295

• • •

Car Boot SaleAt Longslade Community College

Sunday September 27Raising funds for the College’s 50th Birthday Cele-

brations in 2010For more details call 0116 2677107 or email:

school [email protected]• • •

Charity Whist Drivesorganised by Derek Farr

will be held in the Rothley Centre, MountsorrelLane, Rothley

on Thursdays Sep 3, Oct 1 and Nov 5 at 7.30pm• • •

Volunteer DriversCalling all drivers!

Could you spare about four hours per month todrive people who are not very mobile, but may

have to get to the doctor or ahospital appointment etc

We are presently receiving requests from villagesthroughout the South Charnwood area, but unfortu-nately we do not have sufficient drivers to ensurethat we can answer every request. We understandthat volunteers are not always available, so we

need to have a larger list to compensate when oth-er drivers are on holiday/have

family commitments etcMileage is paid and most insurance companies cov-er volunteer drivers at no extra cost – we providethe form to send to your own insurance company.As well as providing a valuable service, it is verysociable taking out the clients. If you have taken

early retirement, or have been made redundant orhave a car available – we would love to have an

informal discussion on the service that the Systonand District Volunteer Centre provide (with no com-

mitment at this stage)Tel: 0116 2607888 (9am-1pm Monday to Friday)

• • •

Volunteering Opportunityat Watermead Country Park South

with Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire(GWLL) Conservation team

every Thursday 10am to 4pmCome for an hour, a morning or all day – meet peo-

ple, get fit, help the environment!Tasks include meadow management, coppicing,

Noticeboardall details printed free

Continued on page 16


path clearing and controlling invasive speciesWear old clothes and stout boots/shoes

Bring a packed lunch if you are staying all dayHot drinks and biscuits provided

For more information phone Catherine Tregaskes,GWLL, Conservation officer on 07929 165452

• • •Holland Academy

of complementary therapies raising funds for localcharities

Health & Well-Being EventHolistic Therapies, readings, gifts & crafts

October 24 & 25From 10am to 4pm

at Birstall Village Hall£2 admission, inc raffle

Call now for more information0116 2673337 or email: [email protected]

St John Ambulance & St James Day Centre• • •

Centre StageThe Oxford Theatre Company

‘Dancing in myDreams’

by Neil DuffieldA musical play suitable for families and children 8+Kathleen loves dancing and Ginger Rogers and FredAstaire, but when the bombs fall, she must swapher life in London for the farms and fields of the

countryside. When Kathleen and her sister are evac-uated, along with many of their friends, they findthemselves sent to live with different families.

Kathleen must cope with the trauma of separationwhilst experiencing the jealousies and prejudicesof her new ‘family’. Escaping the daily reality of

wartime Britain she enters the fantasy world of herfilm idols, Fred and Ginger until an unlikely person

comes to her rescue.Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Barrow

Friday October 9 at 7.30pmTickets will be on sale from the Barrow Paper shopor by phoning Judith on 07718153117. Full price

tickets will cost £8 (concessions £7) but if you buyin advance from the discounted rate of £7 or £6

(concessions).• • •

Charnwood OrchestraHoly Trinity Church, Barrow

Saturday October 10, 7.45pmHaydn: Violin Concerto No.1

Haydn: Symphony 103, The Drum RollRespighi: The Birds

Ravel: Pavane pour une Infante Defunte£8, concessions £6, 16yrs & under £2

Tickets 077181 53117 [email protected]

• • •Thurcaston & Cropston Film Presentations

‘Slum Dog Millionaire’Friday September 11 (121 mins)

This well publicised film, produced by Danny Boyle,with many global awards, is a 21st century realistic

glimpse into the harsh, yet exciting,slums of Mumbai.

‘Dean Spanley’Friday October 16 (100 mins)

This clever, witty and barmy comedy drama, basedon Lord Dunsany’s forgotten novel ‘My Talks with

Dean Spanley’ is an incredible tale set in EdwardianEngland where “lips are stiff and drinks are stiff-er”. Peter O’Toole gives a splendid performance.Both films shown at Thurcaston Memorial Hall,

starting at 7.30pm, tickets £4, concessions £3.50.Price in refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

Tickets can be purchased via the parish office 0116236 7626 or at the door

• • •Leicester Committee for Cancer Research UK

Coffee MorningSaturday October 31, 10am to 12noon

at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, RothleyMany stalls: plants, books, bric-a-brac, gifts, cakes,

tombola, Phoenix cards, handbagsRaffle – entrance 50p inc coffee & biscuits

All Welcome• • •

Birstall Methodist ChurchSaturday November 28, from 10am to 2pm

Table Top Sale(held in conjunction with Christmas Festival)

Tables @ £10 eachContact Margaret – 0116 2671181

• • •

Rothley Parish ChurchThree Services every Sunday

9am Holy Communion10.30am Morning Family Service

6.30pm Evening Worshipwww.rothleychurch.org.uk

• • •

Heritage Open DaysRothley

Sunday September 13 from 1-5pmRothley Baptist Church & Burial Ground

Woodgate Corner, RothleyExhibition of records, organ recitals

28 memorial tombstones, teasSaturday & Sunday September 12/13

from 1-5pmRothley Parish Church

The Richard Burton FestivalExhibition of the 1877 Church Restoration & Victo-

rian Commemoration FloortilesSaturday September 12, 4.30pm

Illustrated Lecture of the Life & Times of RichardBurton, Rothley’s Cleric from 1852-1909

Saturday September 12, 7.30pmVictorian Concert with wine and nibbles at the in-

tervalSunday September 13, 5.30pm Festival Sung Even-song using the 1662 Prayer Book with the sermon

in the style of Richard BurtonSunday September 13 from 1-5pm

Old School Rooms, School Street, cream teasThe Rothley Census Wall

Full printouts for every household in Rothley foreach 10 year census throughout the Victorian peri-od from 1841-1901, with special stories from some

householdsInformation 0116 2302766 or email

[email protected]


THE ROTHLEY POSTYOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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

Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213Correspondence, news etc

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

Longslade College, [email protected]

rothley post sep 2009 (78)

Documents

rothley heritage trust

rothley heritage centre

richhistory of rothley

rothley parishcouncil

rothley post sepoct

rothley parish council

rothley history society

new trust