Village Voice The newsletter of the villages of Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston & Normanton May 2006 Issue No. 23

Grand Opening of Bottesford Youth Club On Wednesday 8th March the newly refurbished Bottesford Youth Club was officially opened by the two Leicester Tigers Mascots. The open night was planned and run by ‘The Bottesford Design

Team’, six young people from Belvoir High School and consisted

of a talent show, karaoke and a disco.

The club re-opened with an exciting new programme:

Mondays: Adventure Challenge Group 7-9pm. (Year 7 - 12), with

Nikki, Donna and Nooby. This award gives you the opportunity to

develop your outdoor skills (includes camping), learn about first-

aid plus much more.

Tuesdays: Senior Youth Group 7-9pm (Year 10 - 19 years), with

Dave, Tasha and Julia. This evening provides various opportuni-

ties and links with relevant organizations (connexions / sexual

health etc).

Wednesdays: Music Project, 7-9pm (Year 7 - 19 years) with Pa-

resh and Keith. Develop your DJ skills and learn about setting up

a band. Opportunity to achieve a Youth Achievement Award.

Friday: Girls’ Group, 7-9pm (Year 7 - 18 years) with Donna and

Ann. Come along for an evening of fun.

Saturday: Brunch Club, 10.30am-12.30pm (Year 7 - 18 years) with Barry and Tasha. Come along for breakfast, plus

much more.

For further information about Bottesford Youth Club, contact Sam Evans, Youth Development Worker, on

844531/belvoiryouth@btconnect.com

Tigers cut the ribbon to open the new Youth Club

ECO Project at the Primary School The Primary School children are taking a serious interest in ways to improve their environ-

ment, reducing greenhouse gasses and recycling waste. Under the leadership of Mrs Natalie

Willcock, a committee of children has been formed and has put forward ideas to make im-

provements in the school.

Areas identified include energy saving, eg

t u r n i ng o f f l i g h t s , s hu t t i ng

doors/windows and controlling the heat-

ing. All electronic equipment will be

turned off where possible. Saving water

has been highlighted and there is a

scrapbox in each classroom for used pa-

per. School dinners provide an improved

selection of healthy food and contents of

lunch boxes have more fruit and less

chocolate and crisps. The Starwalker

Scheme has helped increase the number

of children walking to school. The chil-

dren have a gardening club and, with the help of Mr David Kempson, a group of parents and

children turned out on a very cold March morning to clear an area to make a woodland walk.

They plan to plant wildflowers and put up more birdboxes.

You can watch this developing; it is on the right hand corner of the school grounds, under the

group of trees, as you walk down Barkestone Lane.

Do you know who this is?

(He was a pupil at Belvoir High School in

the early 1990s)

If not, then see our

Sports section on the

back page!

L R Mees Ltd Call us for all your electrical needs

Service sales and electrical Engineers

Established 37 years

5 Market Street 3 Shopping Centre Bingham, Notts Cotgrave, Notts 01949 838597 0115 9892312

ALISON EATON MCSP CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Registered with Health

Professional Council

18 Lime Grove, Bottesford

Tel: 01949 843106

Watch out for the Scarecrows! The Scarecrows will be in Bottesford on the weekend of 20th and 21st May. Along

with a Scarecrow Trail around the Parish, there will be fun and games at the Pri-

mary School on the Sunday. If you want information on how you can get involved

contact Anna Butcher on 844226.

Elvis has left the building…. ‘Elvis’ was in St Marys Church on 18th March when he took part in a ‘Gospel Eve-

ning’ which raised an impressive £1,100 for the Rainbows Children's Hospice at

Loughborough. Thanks go to the numerous people who worked behind the scenes,

and those who attended, for making this event a success.

It’s Adult Learners Week from May 20th – 28th Take advantage of FREE taster sessions at Bottesford - followed by the opportunity

to take a short course in June:

Family French for holidays— Wednesday May 24th 6.00-7.30pm (followed by 4 free

sessions)

Jewellery with beads – Monday May 22nd 7.00 – 9.00pm

Also on offer are: Family Spanish and French, Gentle exercise for older people,

Family History, Family Swimming, Pilates, Family Learning and Lego Day. Contact

the Community Centre on 844199 for more details or to book a place

Time to be a Trustee? The Village Hall Trustees are looking for people to join them and help with the run-

ning of this first-rate village facility.

Several of the current group have retired this year and new people are needed

who will be able to help make decisions on the running of the Hall on behalf of our

community.

This friendly group meet each month and work together to ensure our community

has a Village Hall to be proud of – if you think this sounds like something you

would be interested in please call Marilyn Robinson on 01949 844289 to find out

more.

Spotted a wayward HGV in the village? Our local County Councils have worked together to implement the weight restric-

tion to reduce heavy good vehicles travelling through our parish. However, HGVs

based in our villages can, of course, come and go as they please, as can HGVs

delivering or collecting from within the area of restriction.

Comprehensive signing has been introduced to advise drivers of the restriction and

the routes they can now use, which should ensure that lorry drivers comply with

the restrictions. If members of the public feel that a lorry is in violation, they

should note the name of the company operating the vehicle (and phone number if

possible), the place and time of infringement, the type of vehicle and its registra-

tion number and contact either Brian Kelk, our Principal Neighbourhood Watch

(NHW) Co-ordinator on 842241, their Area NHW co-ordinator or Mrs Barbara Tay-

lor, Clerk to the Parish Council, on 843611. Reports of any infringements to these

new regulations will then be collated and forwarded to the County Council.

Litter Pick – What a Disgrace! The latest litter pick filled 5 more bags than last year! Parish Councillor Barbara

Pizzey told Village Voice that “the Parish Council is very grateful to all the volun-

teers for sparing their time on a cold Spring morning, to remove so much accumu-

lated rubbish from the centre of Bottesford Village.”

Bottesford has more litter-bins for its area than anywhere else in Melton Borough –

let’s make sure everyone uses them!

Skate park calendar photos now available 4 colour and 4 black and white images from the Bottesford 2006 calendar are now

available as exhibition quality photographs. Prices range from £20 to £50. Each is

professionally printed on Kodak Endura exhibition photographic paper and supplied

un-mounted. All proceeds from print sales will go towards Bottesford Skate Park. For details contact Kieran Forsey on 842844 or email: Kieran@forsey.info

STATHERN GARAGE

We now service and repair

Vehicle Air Conditioning

Re-gas, Service

Leak Test & Clean

Prices from just

£45.00 + VAT!!

NEW WE NOW DO

4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT

For prompt and personal

attention, call in or ‘phone

(01949) 860205

Jenny’s Gym Bottesford

Limited New Membership Available

£2 off introductory session upon

presentation of this advert

01949 844807

Bridleway to BOAT? The County Council is considering an

application from a person in Grantham to

change the classification of the path that

goes up Beacon Hill and across the fields

to Allington, from “Bridleway” to “Byway

Open to all Traffic”, known by the acro-

nym BOAT, thereby permitting its lawful

use by 4x4s and trail bikes. This bridle-

way passes the Debdale Meadow 'Site

of Special Scientific Interest', close to

where this recent photograph was taken.

Unlawful use of this bridleway by motor-

ised vehicles has made it almost impass-

able on foot and no pleasure on horse-

back. What a challenge for big kids in

4x4s, pitting their wits and skills against

all that mud! Can you imagine the state

of it? Consider the farmer who has to use the track to tend the land. Will the

drivers feel obliged to contribute to maintenance costs? If you have an opinion

about this application please contact the Rights Of Way Officer, Environment

and Heritage Services, Community Services Department, County Hall, Glenfield,

Leicester, LE3 8TE or email footpaths@leics.gov.uk. Village Voice would be

pleased to receive a copy of your letter.

Neighbourhood Watch (NHW)

Last year brought a 20% reduction in burglaries and similar crimes in the parish,

compared with 2004, with the most common crimes being opportunistic, where

doors or windows were left open, or keys left in the car. In addition to the dedi-

cated policing of our Beat Officers, NHW aims to improve awareness of what we

should do to protect property, to encourage vigilance and report suspicious ac-

tivity. The NHW network is being extended, and, if you would like email alerts

of crimes/suspicious occurrences, contact your Area Coordinator, or the Principal

Coordinator, Brian Kelk, on 842241 (bottesfordnhw@onetel.com). The police

and NHW hope to be calling on you during NHW Week, 17th - 24th June, and

would be pleased to talk to you about any concerns about crime.

The recent appeal for funds has been doing quite well, with 60 envelopes re-

ceived so far, averaging £6 each. The main reason for the appeal is to cover

costs of newsletters, information packs and general communication. To date

the costs have been borne by a few Area Coordinators and local sponsors. If

your envelope is tucked behind the clock please enclose your donation and re-

turn it to the police station or to your Area Coordinator.

5th and Final…... On June 9th a group of Belarussian children and their interpreters from Gomel

will arrive in the village for their 5th & final visit for basic health respite care or-

ganised through the local Friends of Chernobyl’s Children Vale of Belvoir regis-

tered charity based in Bottesford. It is anticipated to be an emotional trip with

lots of tissue time.

The children and interpreters are staying with Host Families who have given up

their homes and life styles to accommodate and provide for their guests. It will

be a full month’s programme of health care, activities, leisure, pleasure and edu-

cation including trips out to such ‘exotic’ places as Rutland Water and Cadbury

World. The children will receive free ophthalmic and dental care as well as daily

multivitamins + lots of TLC. They will be attending Belvoir High School and

maintaining their contact with the primary school.

On July 7th it will be a sad farewell after 4 years. This community has played a

very special and important part in lending a helping hand. It could not have

happened without you. Thank You. We are looking for helpers for this year’s visit and Host Families for 2007 on-

wards and, of course, any contributions in kind or the all-important money. If interested and want to help in any way please contact either Richard 843878

or Ian 842383. If anyone wants to know more they can log into our web site

www.foccbelvoir.org.uk

Ian Brookes BELVOIR CARPETS

Bottesford Supplier and Fitter of all flooring

Telephone 01949 842770 Mobile 07976 433096

Have wheels, will travel! Irene Hotchin originally came to Bottesford

from Carlisle 45 years ago, to become

Nanny to the present Duke of Rutland.

She quickly became involved with local

Guides, becoming Tawny Owl and later

Brown Owl to 1st Bottesford Brownies. An

accident in 1977 caused her to rely on a

wheelchair but, despite this, she main-

tained strong links with Guiding and devel-

oped new interests in the sporting world

and St Marys choir - and she continues to

enjoy a packed and fulfilling life.

As an international trainer for Guiding,

Irene has worked with Guide groups in

countries all over the world including Ko-

rea, Nepal, Japan and across Europe. She

gained a Winston Churchill Fellowship –

against strong competition from thousands

of applicants – and used this to visit Aus-

tralia to look at how they integrated children with disabilities into youth groups, work

she has also developed in both the USA and the UK. Irene has received numerous

honours for her work including The Laurel Award – the 2nd highest accolade in the

UK Guiding world – and an award from the United Nations for her work in The Philip-

pines. Her work with our youth groups continues, baking for ‘camps’, and still assist-

ing with Guides whenever her help is needed.

Outside Guiding, Irene has achieved an impressive 6 Gold Medals, representing

Great Britain in swimming and shot putt at 3 separate Paralympics.

At a 3,000 strong Women’s Conference in Manilla, Irene told her audience “After my

accident I thought my life was over but, thanks to Guiding, I can play like you, work

like you and do what you can do – all I need is 4 wheels”

New look to the Bowls Club Have you noticed the new extension to the Bowls Club on Belvoir Road? Some of the

Bowls Club members, and helpers, have been busy this winter building new toilets

and changing rooms. Why not come along yourself and see the improved facilities?

The Bowls Club is having an Open Day on Sunday 7th May from 10 am until 2 pm.

Why not come along and give green bowls a try. It is not just an old persons’ game

- we have members as young as 12 and you only need to bring yourself and some

flat soled shoes.

Articles for Village Voice The production of each issue of Village Voice is like that of a magazine or newspa-

per. The committee holds a bi-monthly editorial meeting, when we discuss which

articles we want to run and decide who will write them. Before the next committee

meeting, the editors look at all the articles and edit them to fit the space available.

As volunteers we find that this produces the best newsletter for the village in the

limited time that we have available.

So please remember, if you have any ideas for articles let us know before the dead-

line shown on the back page. We regret that we cannot accept articles which say ‘do

not edit without my permission’.

Take it to the Tip! From April until the end of October our ‘tip’ is open from 8 am. until 8 pm. Remem-

ber to use this during the week as well, when it is less congested.

If you see anyone dumping rubbish at the side of the road or in a gateway, make a

note of their registration number and give it to the police.

..…and beware of leaving cardboard boxes for the dustmen if it advertises that you

have just bought a new plasma TV or other expensive equipment. This will help

identify you as a potential target for thieves.

Irene Hotchin

William Pacey & Sons Ltd 16 Castleview Road

Easthorpe, Bottesford, Nottingham NG13 0DX

LONG ESTABLISHED COMPANY TEL: 01949 842313

BUILDING CONTRACTORS NEW HOMES CENTRAL HEATING

EXTENSIONS BATHROOMS ALTERATIONS KITCHENS

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Bottesford Playgroup is 40!

The idea to start a Playgroup came from Jane Watt. Jane organised some meet-

ings and Pat Pearson, Floss Pritchett, Kathy Fisher, Denise Morton, Gill Silver-

wood, Esther Sheardown and Liz Bradshaw came forward to form the first com-

mittee, choosing Irene Pacey as their new Playgroup leader – a job she retired

from just 2 years ago. Initially sessions were held in the V C Hall but, in 1977

this closed for refurbishment and Playgroup moved to ‘temporary accommoda-

tion’ in the Old School – where they stayed for 11 years! They decided they

needed a permanent home and planned, fundraised and constructed their build-

ing in the grounds of Belvoir High School, where the Grand Opening took place

on 29th October 1988.

This year Playgroup turned 40. To celebrate, they held a Casino Night for the

adults and a Teddy Bear Trail and picnic which allowed the younger children to

join in the fun. The money from these well attended events will help refurbish

the kitchen and replace the boiler - things can start to go wrong when you hit

40!

Village Voice has also supported Playgroup recently by providing a large story

book for Playgroups’ next topic on ‘bugs’, as can be seen in the photo. The book

allows all the children to see the pictures when gathered around the playleader -

and a matching small copy is there to help individual children follow it in a differ-

ent way.

Playgroup wishes to thank everyone in the village who has supported them over

the last 40 years. Long may they continue!

Two generations of playgroup users show the books provided by Village Voice

PRIVATE TUITION By experienced teacher and examiner

ENGLISH LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE

KS3, G.C.S.E & ‘A’ LEVEL

ENGLISH, MATHS & SCIENCE

KS1 & KS2

J.A.WILLIAMS B.A.,P.G.C.E.

01949 839413

What’s On in May...What’s On in May...What’s On in May...What’s On in May...

And in June... And in June... And in June... And in June...

Mon 1st 10.30-5pm Vale of Belvoir Arts Society – Methodist Chapel

11.30am May Day Gala, VC Hall.

11.45 start. Fun Run

Thurs 4th 2pm-4pm

(also 1st June)

Bottesford Library, How to Publicise via the Internet and

Internet Taster Session. Tel 842696

Sat 6th 10.30-11am Parish Council Surgery. Fuller Room

Sat 6th 7.30pm Friends of the Primary School – ‘Curling in the VC Hall’.

£7.50 incl Hot Food. Licensed bar.

Sun 7th 10am Belvoir Bowls Club Open Day. All welcome. Flat shoes

please.

Sun 7th 10.30am Vale of Belvoir Ramblers – South Rutland 01476 574987

Mon 8th 7.15pm Parish Council meeting. Fuller Rooms.

15 minutes public participation period.

Tues 9th 2pm U3A ‘Homeopathy – An Aid to Wellbeing in the Third

Age’ – Sue Miles.

Thurs 11th 7.30pm Local History Soc. “Corby Glen”. Fuller Room

Fri 12th 10/10.30am Bottesford Library, Wriggly Readers (also 9th June)

Sat 13th 7.30-

12.30am

Bottesford FC. Back to School Disco VC Hall –

Fancy Dress, Raffle, Bar. Tickets £7.50. Call Mr Mellor

845399. Tables can be booked for groups of 8-10.

Tues 16th 7.30pm W.I. - Resolutions - VC Hall.

Sun 21st 12 – 4pm 4th Annual Scarecrow Event & Vale Olympics! Bottes-

ford Primary School

Sun 21st 10.30am Vale of Belvoir Ramblers – North Notts. Tel 876146

Sun 21st 2-6pm Open Garden Day. The Homestead, Normanton.

Sun 28th 10am Vale of Belvoir Ramblers – Kedelston. Tel 876146

Sat 3rd 10.30-11am Parish Council Surgery. Fuller Room

Thurs 8th 9am Local History Soc Summer Outing – Warwick Castle

Sun 11th 10am Vale of Belvoir Ramblers, Bleaklow Tel 836042

Mon 12th 7.15pm Parish Council meeting. Fuller Rooms, Bottesford.

15 minutes public participation period

Tues 13th 2pm U3A ‘The Golden Age of Radio’ - Trevor Lee

Sun 18th 10.30am Vale of Belvoir Ramblers, Flintham Woods

01636 677701

Tues 20th 7.30pm WI ‘Hands-On Ceramics’ Janice Griffin

Sun 25th 8am Vale of Belvoir Ramblers, Charnwood. Tel 875769

Sun 25th Brownies 60th Birthday Party, Belvoir Castle.Contact

Adelle Glossop 01476 870548

Tues 27th 7.30pm VC Hall Management Committee AGM

For details of events, please use the phone number provided

Important: To publicise your event in the ‘What’s On’ column for July &

August please ring 844823 or email d.taffs@btinternet.com by 31st May.

SOAL GLASS & WINDOWS

Quality PVCU Doors, Windows & Conservatories

All your Glass and Glazing requirements Sealed Unit Manufacturer

Plate Glass Specialist

3 Church Street , off Market Place

Bingham

Tel 01949 831037 OR 07887 655453 Emergency number

Letters Dear Village voice,

I am writing to express my concern over the number of dog owners who are failing

to clear up after their animals. I own a dog and I always ensure that I pick up its

mess, no matter where it happens. I also have two young children who often walk

the dog with me. They do not always walk on the path and many dog owners

seem to think it is OK to leave it if it is on the grass. I often have to de-dog my

children’s shoes. Please pick it up! You can get free bags from the library, and

there are lots of bins! Keep the areas clean so every one can enjoy the walks, not

just dogs!

Name and address supplied.

Parish Council Notes

13th February

Police reported 14 crimes in the last 30 days over the 4 villages, including 5 4x4’s.

There had also been a number of crimes in Orston Lane.

There are now 4 Community Safety Officers in Melton District.

The problem of trail bike riders using footpaths & bridleways was highlighted

New tap boxes have been fitted on the allotments

The Post Office hopes that 3 new recruits will improve the delivery service.

The Council are considering entering Bottesford in the best kept village competition

and Muston for the best kept hamlet. 13th March

Parish Council annual general meeting.

The Council are looking to update their web site with minutes & agendas.

Bus shelters – still waiting for information about underground wires, pipes etc

The Neighbourhood watch scheme would welcome donations towards the cost of

printing their newsletter

The police reported 2 crimes in 30 days.

Flood working group – a study is being undertaken with particular attention being

given to the pipes under the road by the church.

Postal Deliveries — a few questions answered? We all know of the changes to the postal deliveries and are, perhaps, wondering if

they are for the better. Village Voice has spoken to both Bingham and Grantham

sorting offices to get the facts and what the future holds. Why have we had late

and, sometimes, incorrect deliveries? Normally we have six posties at Bottesford

but, since Christmas, three have been on sick leave so we have had to rely on

temporary staff and/or cover from Bingham. Four more postmen have been re-

cruited at Bingham so this should give more flexibility. Reliability of the delivery

vans has been improved. If you have any problems please ‘phone Gary Bright on

837924 at Bingham sorting office. If you can’t contact Gary his boss is Phil Brigh-

ton on 01476 565411. There is also a customer services number – 0845 7740740 New opening hours at Bottesford Library From Monday 24 April opening hours on weekdays have been amended to allow

the library to open on Saturday afternoons, as well as Friday and Saturday morn-

ings. This is the second stage of changes resulting from widespread consultation in

2004, which showed that the public preferred libraries to be open more on Satur-

days.

The new opening hours from 24th April will be:

MONDAY 2.00-5.00

TUESDAY 5.00-7.30

WEDNESDAY closed

THURSDAY 2.00-5.00

FRIDAY 9.00-12.00 5.00-7.30

SATURDAY 9.30-1.00 2.00-5.00

Village Voice Contact information

Editorial: Dilys Shepherd on 843505 or Susan Meech on 843402 Advertising: Anne Ablewhite on 842259

Deadline for July Issue: Sunday 21st May

E mail: villagevoice@bottesford.org.uk Or: 12 The Paddocks, Bottesford

Whilst every care is taken in the printing of notices and advertisements, the committee accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or consequences which may arise from them. Views expressed in the Village Voice do not necessarily reflect those of the committee.

Sports News Bottesford Junior Badminton Club Bottesford Junior Badminton Club is fast approaching its fourth season and is going from strength to strength. With a membership of 28 spread over two age groups (8-12 yrs play-ing Saturdays 10.30-12.00p.m. and 13-16yrs on Mondays 7.30p.m.- 10.00p.m.) its popu-larity has been both rewarding and pleasing for coach Mike Bennett. The club participates in home and away friendly matches with Grantham and Bingham and also has two club in-house tournaments each year. Mike has established a close link with the Grantham Junior Development squad, which feeds directly into the Lincolnshire County system. Mike’s son Luke Bennett has benefited from this system and was successful at the County trials last summer. He has trained throughout the season with the under 13s squad and is looking to the future to, hopefully, establish a 1st team place. The Junior Club runs through until the end of May and then recommences in Sep-tember. Mike is always on the look out for any adult helpers who could, perhaps, give some of their time to help him move the club further forward with junior league matches and outreach tournaments. If this appeals, or you would like your child to join this friendly club, do not hesitate to contact him on 01949 843041.

Sean Lamont Well did you guess the identity of the boy on the

front page? For those of you who didn’t, let us intro-

duce Sean Lamont. Those who followed the RBS 6

Nations rugby competition this year will have recalled

seeing Sean representing Scotland and, perhaps,

even scoring two tries and being awarded man of the

match against France. So where did it all begin?

moved south of the border to live in Bottes-

ford when he was eleven years old. Attend-

ing Belvoir High School, he was encouraged

to play rugby by his English father who was

both a player and coach. He began playing

for Melton Mowbray RFC under 12s, where he

was picked to play for Leicestershire County

Colts.

Sean played for Rotherham before signing for

Glasgow where he became the top try scorer

and player of the year. He has now moved to

Northampton where his team is recognised as

one of the top ten sides in the premiership.

He still has close ties with Melton RFC and he

frequently visits the village to see his parents

Jeff and Jean who still live here.

Born in Perth,

Scotland, Sean