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Pic: (l-r) Eric Bristow, David Ryan and Ady
Ballard
FORMER WORLD champion Eric Bristow was
the guest at a charity darts event at the King William IV.
Eric took on 19 local players, each over a single leg of 801
and won them all except the first. "I think he was a bit
surprised by that!" says landlord Ady Ballard.
There were quite a few close games and it went really well, everyone
enjoyed themselves" he added.
The event raised around £500 for Rainbows.
Church House plans
PLANS FOR Mountsorrel's new library and
learning centre will be amended after Charnwood's planning committee
expressed concern about its design.
They objected to the lift, sited in an external wall which had
a blank facade and did not match the rest of the external aspect
of the building, Church House on the Green. The lift will now
be internalised.
The extended Church House will have a library on the ground floor
with an exhibition/teaching space on the first floor.
The existing library will be demolished and approval has been
given for six dwellings on that site, five 3 storey dwellings
at the front and one detached dwelling at the rear. There will
be two parking spaces for each dwelling. The sale of the current
library will help finance the new Church House development, which
will be open before the existing library is closed.
It is hoped that work on Church House will start in May 2006
and is expected to last nine months. Since the first proposals
were announced in June 2005, plans for the external design of
the new building have changed and include:
o replacement of original design's extensive glazing with smaller
and more traditional windows within a deep recess incorporating
stone surrounds and brick cills
o a large arched traditional window is centrally placed in the
rear elevation facing the Green
o the lower storey of the extension will be constructed in granite
with a brick upper storey
o the original wooden door at the front will be repaired
Chairman breached code
THE CHAIRMAN of Mountsorrel Parish Council
has been censured and will be required to attend training after
Charnwood's Standard Panel ruled he had breached the Code of
Conduct.
The Standards Panel made their decision at a hearing on February
3 where they heard evidence from Cllr Allard and Ms Natalie Birtle
from the Standards Board for England, who had investigated a
complaint made about Cllr Allard in November 2004.
The complainant was Mr Ron Simpson, the County Secretary of the
Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Parish and Local Councils.
Mr Simpson alleged that Cllr Allard had been directly involved
in the Parish Council employing his wife to assist with council
work and did not declare personal or prejudicial interests in
relation to decisions to employ his wife, or leave the council
chamber during consideration of these issues.
The complaint was made to the Standards Board for England, a
body set up by statute following the introduction of the Local
Government Act 2000, which required councils to adopt a Code
of Conduct. The Board investigates complaints about breaches
of the Code and can impose sanctions, the most serious of which
is a three month suspension.
The Standards Board appointed an Ethical Standards Officer to
investigate Mr Simpson's complaint which involved interviewing
the parties involved and witnesses, and producing a report which
was not completed until November 2005.
After considering the evidence, which included 453 pages of written
material, the Standards Panel of Charnwood Borough Council determined
that: Cllr Allard failed to comply with the Code of Conduct of
Mountsorrel Parish Council by improperly securing an advantage
for another person, bringing the Council into disrepute, failing
to disclose a prejudicial interest and failing to withdraw from
a meeting when a matter in which he had a prejudicial interest
was discussed.
Chairman of the Panel, Cllr Peter Lewis, said: "By improperly
employing his wife, the Council has been brought into disrepute."
He added that Cllr Allard had failed to declare a personal and
prejudicial interest and withdraw from the room at Parish Council
meetings in 2004 on June 28, July 12, August 9, September 13
and October 11.
In the course of the hearing, Cllr Allard said that it was the
practice at Mountsorrel Parish Council to declare a personal
interest but not to declare a prejudicial interest and withdraw
from the meeting, in relation to the accounts for payment when
payments were being made to relatives or friends. He said that
he had declared a personal interest in these matters, as far
as he was aware, and that the Council had never discussed the
employment of Mrs Allard.
Cllr Allard said that following the retirement of the Parish
Clerk Joy Broughton on April 30, 2004 there was a considerable
backlog of matters to be dealt with and that subsequent staff
illnesses meant there was a considerable build up of work. He
said: "I didn't think of the Code, my main concern was the
work of the Council."
In the evidence that was presented to the Panel, copies of which
were presented to the press and public at the hearing, Cllr Allard
complained about the length of time it had taken the Standards
Board to process the complaint: Nov 2004 to February 2006. The
Standards Board aims to complete 90% of cases within six months.
The length of the investigation had caused him considerable distress
he said.
Cllr Allard also complained about false statements, a lack of
thoroughness on the part of the Standards Board, their failure
to communicate with him for five months or address his complaints
satisfactorily and for releasing a press statement about the
complaint. He has made a formal complaint about the conduct of
the Standards Board and said at the hearing he had consulted
a solicitor about bringing the matter before the Parliamentary
Ombudsman.
A complaint by Mr Simpson that Cllr Allard had attempted to prevent
him bringing the matter of the employment of Mrs Allard to the
attention of Mountsorrel Parish Council was not considered at
the hearing, because the Standards Board had not found evidence
to substantiate the complaint.
The Standards panel imposed a sanction upon Cllr Allard: he was
censured and shall be "required to attend training on the
Members Code of Conduct and the respective role of members and
officers and required to participate in a conciliation process
with the Clerk to the Parish Council with the assistance of an
independent professional."
The Standards Panel also made recommendations to Mountsorrel
Parish Council with a view to promoting high standards of conduct
among members. The Council was advised to review, with the support
of professional advice, its constitution and delegation procedures
to clarify the relative roles of members and officers and to
provide training for all councillors on the Members Code of Conduct
and the respective roles of members and officers.
The Panel felt that the operations of Mountsorrel Parish Council
did not reflect best practice and that there was a general lack
of understanding of the requirements of the Members Code of Conduct.
Women’s Institute in Mountsorrel
DID YOU see the film 'Calendar Girls' and
wonder what the WI is all about?
Jane Elson from the WI is exploring the possibility of starting
a WI group in Mountsorrel. She said: "This is a chance for
women of all ages, size and shape to get together and meet other
women with similar interests. The WI is a group that is non-party
political and non-sectarian and therefore suitable for all members
of the community to join."
She added: "We have booked The Bower Rooms for three meetings,
all commence at 7.30pm. You are not committing yourself, come
to any or all of the meetings to find out more. There is no entrance
charge and we look forward to meeting you."
March 23, Social chat with tea/coffee and biscuits; April 20,
'A weekend away and nothing to wear' a fashion show; May 18,
'Doodles' - have you ever wondered what yours or someone else's
'Doodles' mean, now is your chance to find out.
If you are interested but unable to come to any of the above
and would like more information, please telephone Jane on 01530
222015 or email j@jaelson.fsnet.co.uk
Epic mountain adventure
A MOUNTSORREL man came agonisingly close
to the summit of one of the world's highest mountains on a climb
to raise funds for a new school in an earthquake hit region of
India.
Mark Perkins (45) was climbing Aconcagua in the Argentine Andes,
22,830 ft and the highest point in the Western and Southern hemispheres,
in aid of the Rushey Mead Foundation.
A climber with experience in the Alps and the Himalayas, Mark's
three week climb was led by the first woman to conquer Everest
without oxygen, Lydia Bradey.
Pic: Mark Perkins
After crossing crevasses and ice fields and with other members
of his group turning back with attitude sickness, Mark got to
within 160 metres of the summit before he too was advised to
stop due to the effects of oxygen deprivation.
He said: "Absolutely physically exhausted and bitterly disappointed
I agreed to return. A decision, that upon reflection was in my
own medical interests but also in the interests of the remaining
team's summit bid - five out of the original 14 made it to the
summit."
The effect of high altitude slow the body so much, the team had
allocated 10-12 hours to climb the last 1000 ft to the summit.
Although disappointed to have come so close, Mark a PE and Sports
Strategy Manager with Leicester City Council, said: "I know
it sounds like a cliché, but it was a life changing experience.
17 days in the mountains with spectacular scenery, the priorities
of daily life change from worrying about work, bills and mortgages
to worrying about ensuring we've had four litres of water each
day. The scenery there should only be experienced and not read
about. Anyone with any sense of adventure should make every attempt
to visit the high altitude desert, it is truly a marvellous place
to be."
Mark's climb is expected to raise several thousand pounds and
was for the Rushey Mead foundation which is aiming to build a
school in the earthquake affected area of Gujurat, India.
Major industrial site on A6
AN INDUSTRIAL site equal in size to the
Longslade/Stonehill campus is proposed for land north of Birstall.
The 20 hectare site is part of Charnwood Borough Council's latest
development plan called Charnwood 2021: The Charnwood Local Development
Framework (LDF).
The LDF is the successor to the Local Plan, which contained the
Hallamfields proposals. That plan saw the formation of an action
group, Birstall Against Development, which campaigned unsuccessfully
against the proposals with the support of Birstall Parish Council
and thousands of local people.
The LDF will have a new approach to the old system of Structure
and Local Plans, which it replaces. It will attempt to generate
a planning strategy incrementally, with community involvement
at every stage.
David Hankin, Director of Development at Charnwood Borough Council,
speaking at a meeting of Birstall Parish Council, said: "We
are currently at an early stage of the LDF, the first consultations
began in June 2004 and at the moment we have identified directions
of growth. The preferred options in South Charnwood are land
north of Birstall and land to the east of Thurcaston and north
of Hamilton."
Mr Hankin said the site north of Birstall would be 20 hectares
of employment land and that this may grow in size beyond 2021.
17 hectares of employment land and 485 dwellings are proposed
for east Thurmaston.
He said he could not specify exactly the location, but defined
'north of Birstall' as north of the A46 and south of Rothley.
Mr Hankin said that Birstall was suitable for development because
it was adjacent to an existing urban area - Leicester.
Employment land is best sited next to residential areas and 20
hectares will balance with the Hallamfields development, he said.
He added: "Businesses need quality sites to compete in a
global market and many of our brownfield sites are unsuitable
Victorian buildings, in the middle of densely populated residential
areas. Birstall has good transport links for freight and buses."
The proposals received an angry response from Birstall Parish
Councillors. Cllr Roger Wilson said: "I am disgusted that
you are looking for 20 hectares of land for ugly warehouses that
will employ about eight people. We are still in the dark about
the impact Hallamfields will have on traffic, how much worse
will this make it?"
Concern was also expressed about Birstall and Rothley losing
their separation and the whole A6 route from Birstall to Loughborough
becoming a string of unbroken development.
Mr Hankin said: "Distances between developments will shorten
but we will ensure they don't coalesce into a single urban belt."
Speaking to the Birstall Post, chairman of Birstall Parish Council,
Stuart Jones, said: "It's soul destroying. We fought a very
good battle last time but ended up with an even larger allocation
of houses on Hallamfields. I think we've learned the lesson that
we're fighting a losing battle. Is there any point fighting when
it's not really Charnwood we're up against, it's national government
and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister."
Birstall Charnwood Borough Councillor Helena Edwards
said: "It is of vital importance that local people make
their
views known at this stage of the Local Development Framework
proposals. These principles, about which geographical
areas should receive new developments, will virtually decide
future planning applications for individual sites. I am extremely
disappointed that plans yet again focus on Birstall,
and fear the land north of the A46 is now doomed to be used
by developers, merging the Soar valley villages into one long
sprawl. The problem is that such decisions have been moved
away from local people and their councillors, and moved to
national and regional government bodies and Quangos. Local
councils have to work to their larger scale priorities. Those
do not take enough account of the need to protect the identity
of suburban villages like ours which will be moved one
step nearer absorption by the City."
You can find out more about the proposals at a mobile exhibition
organised by Charnwood Borough Council on Wednesday March 1 from
10am-6pm on Sibson Road near Barclays Bank. There will also be
an evening presentation in the Village Hall, School Lane, on
Wednesday March 8.
A formal consultation period begins on February 17 and ends on
March 30.
More details can be found at www.charnwood.gov.uk
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Memorial Hall plans
ARCHITECTS ARE preparing plans for a new
Memorial Hall on the site of the old building, which will be
demolished if the scheme goes ahead.
The existing building is 40 years old, in a poor state and is
no longer considered fit for the purpose. It is owned by a charitable
trust.
Plans at this stage are to replace the hall with two 2 storey
buildings, one of which will be used as a youth facility.
Once a scheme has been prepared by architects, costings will
be obtained and funding partners and grants investigated.
Youth work
CALLING ALL young people in Mountsorrel!
The Mountsorrel Detached Project provides a wide range of activities
for young people aged 11-19.
It is run by Leicestershire County Council's Youth Service and
is staffed by trained Youth Workers who are friendly, non-judgmental
and offer support, information and advice.
"The youth workers come out even when it's freezing, we
have even had BBQs in the winter! They're dead easy to talk to
too, and give you information about carers and loads of other
stuff you need to know" (female aged 15)
Youth workers are out on the streets of Mountsorrel on Tuesday
and Thursday evenings 7-9pm during school term time.
Recent projects have included a healthy eating project where
young people made fruit kebabs, smoking information sessions
with the NHS smoking cessation resources, an arts project making
hand made cards and many, many others.
The Youth Workers from Mountsorrel would love to meet new young
people, either look out for your youth workers in Mountsorrel
or call Louise Himan, Youth Development Worker, on 0116 2673145
for more information on how to get involved.
Cricket clinic
A CRICKET coaching clinic inside the warmth
of Mountsorrel's Soar Valley Centre helped around 20 children
improve their cricketing skills.
Pic: (l-r) Darren Maddy, Andy Corbett and
Jake Beaumont (9) from Rothley
Organised by Andy Corbett of Birstall Village Cricket club, young
people aged nine to 17 were put through their paces by coaches
from the Cricket Coaching Academy.
Also helping out was former England player, the Leicestershire
cricketer Darren Maddy, who received a cheque for £50 from
the club - a donation for his benefit year: 2006. He said: This
is a very kind donation, I'm very grateful for the support of
local clubs and teams around the county."
A professional player for 15 years, Darren (31) made his England
Test debut in 1999 and won two county championships with Leicestershire
in 1996 and 1998.
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Police report
DECEMBER WAS a very busy period with a
large amount of damage caused in the village. Over double the
amount that has been caused in previous months.
On a more positive note, eight persons have been identified,
six arrested for a number of damage and theft offences, one has
received a Police Reprimand and will be issued with an Anti Social
Behaviour contract.
Two others are on Police Bail and are likely to be charged to
court, pending a decision from CPS. Others are in line for Police
Reprimands and Cautions
At least six youths have now received formal written warnings
re their Anti Social Behaviour and are fully aware that if their
behaviour continues an ASBO will be put in place against them.
This appears to have had the desired effect so far, as the amount
of damage in the village since these arrests has dropped dramatically,
however Chris and myself will be continuing our patrols to ensure
that those committing the damage are identified and dealt with
accordingly.
I received a report from the Assistant Parish Clerk, and a member
of the PTA at the local primary school about the parking problem
at peak times ie at start of school and at the end of the school
day.
We have paid some attention to the area at these times, and will
continue to do so when possible. Tickets for obstruction have
been issued, and letters sent out to all parents/carers at the
school reminding them not to park illegally and advised about
the hazard that they cause when doing so.
We have also liaised with the headteacher with a view to implementing
a travel plan for the children, looking at them parking in the
Memorial Hall car park and walking up to school with their parents/carers.
This is a suggestion at present and further discussion with the
headteacher is planned.
There has been an increase in the number of shed breaks in the
area so I would like to remind you to keep your shed secure and
ensure that all property is well marked. Garden equipment and
fishing tackle are prime targets for thieves, particularly at
this time of year.
We do have shed alarms available (free of charge for all those
over 60 yrs). Please contact either Chris or myself with your
details.
On the whole January has been a quiet month regarding antisocial
behaviour. However this is still one of my major concerns as
it is the one thing that affects most of you in the village.
We have been encouraged by the number of people that call in
with information regarding this, and please still continue to
do so. Descriptions, including clothing are most useful. It is
only a minority of the local youth participating in this behaviour
and with your help we can have an impact on it, so please contact
us with what you know or have heard.
Recent Crime Jan-Feb 2006
Assault
Total of six assaults, five of which were domestic violence related
Burglary dwelling
1. Between January 7 and 16 unoccupied house on Rothley Rd entered
& damage caused, nothing stolen. Believed to be local youths.
Enquires are ongoing.
2. January 10, entry gained to a house on Leicester Rd and post
taken, enquiries are ongoing.
3. Overnight January 4/5 a detached garage on Rockhill Drive
was entered, £1,300 of property taken.
Theft from Motor Vehicle
1. Overnight on January 4/5, five vehicles on Loughborough Rd,
Halstead Rd & Linden Grove were broken into and property
taken. Enquiries are ongoing. As previously mentioned power tools
were taken.
Theft of Motor Vehicle
1. January 3, vehicle stolen from garage forecourt on Leicester
Rd. This was later recovered
2. January 12, Leicester Rd, vehicle stolen overnight
3. January 21, vehicle left locked and secure at layby on A6
after breaking down. On owner's return vehicle had been stolen.
Theft
1. 2 wheelie bins have been stolen 1. Watling Street. 2. The
Green. Believed to be
local youths as one was recovered after being set on fire near
Castle Hill.
2. January 23, Leicester Rd, a male refused to pay a £15
taxi fare
Damage to Motor Vehicle
1. Overnight on January 7/8, two vehicles on Rothley Rd &
Halstead Rd had their wing mirrors broken off. No witnesses and
no suspects. There has been an increase of this problem at this
location and also on Boundary Rd. Both Chris and myself have
increased our patrols in these areas. Any information that you
may have would be appreciated.
2. January 25, vehicle parked on driveway at front of house was
rolled onto its side by three youths. They were seen to drive
off in a white Fiesta (no registration). No witnesses or suspects
at this stage.
Criminal Damage
1. January 8, between 3-8am persons unknown have thrown a brick
through a ground floor window at a house on Loughborough Rd
2. January 16, Window smashed on Elm Close, suspects have been
identified and enquiries are ongoing.
3. January 16, over a period of time a number of bricks have
been removed from a wall at the rear of the Memorial Hall
4. January 10, window smashed at a restaurant on Leicester Rd.
Believed by local youths. Enquiries ongoing.
5. January 25, Rothley Rd, a garden wall has been damaged by
way of the coping stones being pushed off.
6. January 28, Christ Church, Rothley Road, window has been smashed
by unknown person/persons throwing stones
Drugs
January 1, a quantity of what is believed to be class A drugs
were seized from an address during a search.
January 16, a small quantity of cannabis was seized from a person
in the street who then received a caution.
From PC 1892 Del Gillespie, CSO 6505 Chris Fielden
016 2222222
Voicemail: use our collar numbers either 1892 or 6505 for Chris
www.leics.police.uk. Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Weightcare club in Mountsorrel
A LOCALLY based slimming company with over
50 clubs around the Midlands is coming to Mountsorrel.
Slimming consultant Tracy Brewill is opening a Weightcare Club
in Mountsorrel at Mountsorrel Parish Room, Leicester Road on
Tuesday March 14 at 7pm.
Pic: Tracy Brewill
Tracy has been a slimming consultant for 15 years and has inspired
hundreds of slimmers to reach their target weight. Each year
Weightcare holds a Slimmer of the Year competition to celebrate
their most successful slimmers across the region, and Tracy has
had great recognition with her slimmers consistently reaching
the top 10.
Tracy said: "Weightcare clubs provide a friendly, social
atmosphere for you all to enjoy. Local ladies and men come along
to be motivated and inspired to lose weight. There is a choice
of slimming plans based around everyday foods that the whole
family can enjoy.
"I believe that the most important thing is to be able to
manage losing weight around your lifestyle and find a long term
solution. Come and join this new Weightcare club and be inspired
to look and feel better in 2006."
Budgens April community event
BUDGENS IS holding its Community Events
day on Saturday April 8.
The store will be fundraising for cancer charity CLIC
with a cake stall, tombola, book stall, raffle and Easter bonnet
parade.
Pic: Budgens new owner Andrew Fear
The Soar Valley Rotary club will be attending with their stroke
awareness scheme giving visitors the chance to have their blood
pressure taken be qualified professionals. A visit by the Fire
Brigade is also planned.
The day will also be an opportunity to welcome Mr Andrew Fear,
the store's new owner since February.
Van ads
A LOCAL company is offering a mobile advertising
service.
Customers pay to have their advertising message on the sides
of a van which can tour the area, stopping in busy areas for
maximum impact.
For details visit www.vanads.info or call 0116 2301302
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council
was held on December 12.
The Council agreed to contact the Police with their concerns
about the amount of vandalism and antisocial behaviour in the
village compared to last month.
It was agreed to request the County Council cut back overhanging
branches on Walton Way.
The Council agreed to donate £250 to the British Legion.
Cllr Steve Haywood reported on the efforts the Parish Council
is making to secure youth facilities in the village. Letters
had been sent to the various halls in the village asking if they
could provide a room one night a week. The Council is also investigating
obtaining a portacabin for young people. One suggestion for siting
it is beside the Memorial Hall.
It was reported that the Council has been asked if it could make
a contribution towards the new Memorial Hall. It was agreed to
defer a decision until January.
It was agreed that the following items be included in the 2006/07
precept: £1,000 to mark the occasion of those villagers
reaching their 80th birthday, as the Queen will be 80 in 2006;
£20,000 for the Memorial Hall; £10,000 for youth
facilities.
It was reported that Charnwood Borough Council is concerned at
cricket balls landing in people's gardens on Little Lane. Lafarge
say they are monitoring the 1860 and removing any loose material
which could prove a danger to people walking underneath it.
It was reported that the money from the £50 fixed penalty
notices issued by the dog warden goes to Charnwood. [Seven notices
have been issued in the 12 months, Feb 05 - Feb 06]
Chairman Brian Allard thanked the assistant clerk Julie Walker
and Jane Bambury for all their work. Vice Chairman Paul Harris
thanked Cllr Allard for everything he has done for the Council,
especially during the last few months.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on January
9.
The Council considered plans and quotes from four companies for
new play equipment on the Loughborough Road playing field. It
was agreed to accept the quote from Kompan for £33,535
after a FLAG grant has been applied for. Section 106 money from
the Black Hawk development may also be available.
Cllrs Hilary Dyer and Steve Haywood reported on their trip to
look at a secondhand portacabin for a youth facility. It was
agreed to investigate prices for new portacabins. Cllr Haywood
reported that the Memorial Hall had agreed to let out a room
for young people for 1.5 hours a week at £8 per hour. A
room at the Soar Valley Leisure centre costs £19 per hour.
It was agreed the Council pays room hire charges until Easter
2006.
Cllr Chris Taylor has not attended a meeting for more than six
months and it was agreed that Charnwood be notified and the relevant
procedure followed for appointing a new councillor.
The Council agreed a precept for the year 2006/07 of £162,848
which represents a 3% increase on 2005/06.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on February
13.
A resident expressed his concerns about the Loughborough Town
Centre bus proposals.
Cllr Mick Lemon suggested that the Soar Valley Leisure Centre
be contacted and invited to organise a range of activities for
young people over the summer.
Cllr Fred Newitt expressed his dissatisfaction that Charnwood
have not taken the Parish Council's advice regarding new street
names.
It was reported that the Memorial Hall project needs proper plans
and costings to move forward. The trust who own the building
have £450,000 for a new building. The plan is to have two
buildings, one a new hall and one dedicated for use by young
people.
The trust are looking for funding from the Parish Council, Charnwood
and the County for what is expected to be a two year project.
Cllr Harold Newman reported on a meeting he had with shopkeepers
and the police about antisocial behaviour near the chip shop.
The Council agreed to seek advice about confidential business
and when it can or cannot be disclosed.
Cllr Fred Newitt said that the Standard's Panel's recommendation
that the Parish Council undertake training was "outrageous
and totally unacceptable, we have not been given the opportunity
to defend ourselves." The Standards Panel's recommendation
was part of its determination after considering a complaint about
the Chairman, Cllr Brian Allard.
The Council agreed to invite Charnwood's Monitoring Officer Karen
Sullivan to attend a meeting and advise the Council on training.
Easter Services
SERVICES FOR Holy Week and Easter 2006
at Christ Church and St Peters
Sunday April 9 Palm Sunday
St Peter's: 9.15am, Holy Communion
Christ Church: 11am, Holy Communion
Thursday April 13, Maundy Thursday
Christ Church: Holy Communion & Bring and Share
Supper (please ring 0116 2302235 for further details)
Friday April 14, Good Friday
St Peters: 2pm, The Final Hour
Sunday April 16, Easter Day
St Peter's: 9.15am Holy Communion
Christ Church: 11am, Family Communion
On Sunday April 9, Christ Church and St Peter's will be joining
with the Baptists and Methodists for a Palm Sunday procession
through the village. We will begin with a bring and share lunch
at the Methodist Church at 12.15 approx, following which we will
process to St Peter's via Christ Church and the Baptist Church.
At St Peter's we will hold a short service and finish with a
cuppa. All are welcome to join us.
Eric Petrossian is performing his one man play 'Kingdom Come
- the Life of Christ' at Christ Church on Saturday June 10 at
7.30pm. Eric played Jesus in the City Centre on Good Friday 2005.
In this play he combines all four gospels and using the NIV translation
word for words, he brings the gospels to life and plays over
30 different characters.
Admission is by free ticket available from Christ Church (0116
2302235)
Don't miss out. Do join us.
From Rev Kerry Emmett
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Race night
MEMBERS OF the Soar Valley Bowls Club enjoyed
a race night held at the Rothley Centre on January 28.
The bowls season starts in April and the club is offering the
first year of membership free to all new members, men or women.
For more details contact Martin Cropper on 0116 2303975.
Oral history
THE MOUNTSORREL Heritage Group has begun
its oral history project.
Interviewers have completed interviews with six villagers who
have recounted their memories of social and family life in the
village over two and sometimes three generations.
Ken Wiblin explains: "The Heritage Group is anxious to record
villagers' memories in an effort to accumulate information on
family, social and industrial matters with a view to eventually
transcribing them and making them readily available by placing
them on the Leicestershire villages website.
"The Group would very much welcome villagers or anyone with
memories of bygone Mountsorrel getting in touch. The interviews
are relaxed and friendly and carried out by members of the Heritage
Group.
People may also have noticed that work on the Froggy Pond and
verge in The Navins next to Christchurch has started. The Heritage
group is aiming to restore this small area by grassing and sowing
native British wild flowers and shrubs. Ken said: "We are
grateful to Lafarge who are undertaking the work and it is hoped
that the area will, in the long term, provide a haven for amphibians,
butterflies and other insects as well as being an area of natural
beauty."
The Heritage Group meets monthly and welcomes anyone with an
interest in the village be it historical, architectural, or the
parish's flora and fauna. For information please contact Ken
Wiblin on 0116 2106582.
Thomas provides helping hand
RESPONDING TO an advert in a local newspaper
does not usually change your life.
But that what Amanda Rennocks says happened after she saw chiropractor
Thomas Jeppesen advert in the Mountsorrel Post, and visited his
practice 'Health on Hand'.
Pic: Amanda Rennocks with chiropractor Thomas
Jeppesen
"I slipped a disc when I was 16 and have had back problems
since then" says Amanda (44) of Barnard Way, Mountsorrel.
I had my baby five years ago and it left me with pleurisy, I
had back, neck and shoulder problems, headaches and pain breathing.
I saw a physiotherapist but I was still in pain, I had trouble
sleeping and was beginning to think I would never get better.
I saw Thomas's advert and ringing up was a last resort."
Thomas identified part of the problem was a stuck rib and began
treating Amanda three times a week for two weeks, and then less
frequently. Amanda said: "After four of five weeks I started
to feel better. Now I can breathe without pain, it's truly incredible
I can hardly believe it. My headaches have improved and I feel
well within myself. In November I had a long fight to Thailand
and when I got off the plane there was no pain. I would really
recommend it to anyone."
Chiropractor Thomas Jeppesen said: "Amanda needed a fairly
simple treatment, she needed work on her posture and I gave her
advice about exercises she needed to do at home. It really is
a great reward when I can make such a difference to a patient."
Health on Hand Chiropractic Clinic is at 193 Loughborough Road,
Leicester tel: 0116 2101619
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Easter films
ROTHLEY BAPTIST Church will be screening
five films during Easter week, dramatisations from the Bible.
Screened on consecutive days at 2.30pm the first film, 'Abraham',
will be shown on Tuesday April 11, followed by 'Joseph', 'Moses',
'David' and 'Jesus'.
The films feature international stars including Richard Harris,
Ben Kingsley, Barbara Hershey and Gary Oldman.
Entrance is free. For more details contact Mark Chandler on 2301733.
Council tax rises
CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council's component of
the Council Tax will rise by 3.5% this year.
Cllr Ian Sharpe, Lead member of Finance said: "With firm
financial management we had been on target to follow our 0% example
last year with a very modest rise of 2.5% as agreed in our Medium
Term Plan. Unfortunately when the county withdrew their matched
funding from concessionary fares we were left holding the baby.
Cutting front line services to the elderly and disabled is not
part of our policy however firmly we manage our finances. For
this reason we've had to add another 1%, or 87p a year for a
band D Council Tax payer".
The 1% increase will mean that the concessionary bus fare arrangement
allowing half price travel from within Charnwood to Leicester
will continue.
Other District Council Tax precepts in Leicestershire are all
higher than Charnwood.
For Loughborough residents, Council tax will fall by 20%. Leader
Cllr Max Hunt said: "This amounts to a cut of about £10
for a typical band D Council Tax payer in Loughborough, which
is good news. Whilst I'm pleased to announce this, I'm not convinced
that we've got such a firm hand on finances for the Loughborough
Special rate yet, equivalent to a Parish precept. The Loughborough
rate went up last year, so I am looking for more stability here.
I've therefore asked officials to report back on more stable
ways of managing the levy in future."
Charnwood, Loughborough and Parish taxes are only about 10% of
the total bill. Rises for the County, Police and Fire elements
of the bill are likely to amount to between 4.5% and 5%, bringing
the overall bill for most residents up by over 4%. The Deputy
Prime Minister has indicated that he will cap any authority going
over 5%.
Free back advice
VENTURING OUT into the garden this spring may result in back
pain - to help you avoid this, a chiropractor is offering a free
advice session at this clinic
Thomas Jeppesen of Health on Hand, 193 Loughborough Road, Leicester
will be talking on 'Back Pain and Gardening : Avoiding and remedying'
at 7.15pm on Wednesday March 29 and 2pm on Saturday April 1.
Thomas said: "It is very important to look after your back,
especially when undertaking a form of exercise that you are not
used to."
Thomas's Top 10 Tips are
o gently stretch your muscles and ligaments for a few minutes
before and after gardening; but don't bend down and touch your
toes - this can cause damage
o wear light but warm clothes and make sure your back is covered
at all times
o kneel on one leg rather than bending your back repeatedly
o use long handled tools to prune tall plants
o use only a small spade/fork for digging and keep your back
gently hollowed
o do not always work to one side, vary your position
o don't do the same task for long periods, vary your tasks
o keep your back straight when carrying
o when finished have a hot bath or shower
o do not sit for too long in your favourite armchair afterwards.
Stand up and regularly walk around
If you have been suffering call Thomas on 0116 2101619. Use the
same number to reserve your space at one of the free advice sessions.
New Rothley Centre planned
PLANS FOR a new Rothley Centre next to
the library will be presented to the public at the Annual Parish
Meeting on May 12.
The £1.2 million project would see the construction of
a single storey building with five rooms available for community
use, as well as a Parish Council office and parking spaces for
around 70-80 cars.
Rothley Parish Council are leading the project and sent out 1600
questionnaires to householders last year, asking for residents'
views. 110 responses were received.
Charnwood Borough Council has promised £400,000 and the
sale of the Village Hall and adjacent cottage would raise £300,000.
A further £500,000 of lottery money has been identified.
The existing Rothley Centre is owned by Charnwood and is likely
to be developed as a residential site.
The Parish Council hope to have the architect's plans available
for the Annual Parish Meeting on May 12 and could then submit
a planning application. The earliest construction work could
start would be February 2007.
The County Council have indicated they would like to relocate
the library in the new building but do not have the budget available
to commit funds at this stage.
Access to the new centre would be from the existing library access
point.
Chairman of Rothley Parish Council Percy Hartshorn said: "Refurbishing
the existing centre is not viable, the new building will be more
efficient and will be an improvement for all users and hirers."
Bands
LOCAL BANDS are being invited to perform
at Birstall's seventh annual gala in July.
Held over the weekend July 1 and 2, the event is staged on the
School Lane playing fields.
The Saturday is a number of short sets by local bands on an outdoor
stage and the organisers would like local bands to contact them
if they are interested in a slot.
Contact Simon Castleman on 07789 201223
Cyclist injured
A CYCLIST was knocked from his bike and
suffered serious injuries after a collision with a vehicle on
Rothley Road.
The 74 year old man was taken to the Queens Medical Centre after
the accident at 12.25pm on Sunday February 5.
The accident involved a blue Renault Clio and happened near the
junction of Rockhill Drive.
Club’s winning season
MOUNTSORREL AMATEURS Football Club have
turned their fortunes around after disappointing results last
season.
With a new manager, Nick Clayton, the side are top of the Leicestershire
District League Division 2, having played 15 and won 14 and are
top goal scorers with 59. Last season the side played 29 and
won 3.
"We have eight new players in the first team, a whole new
committee and this season has been a fresh start" said Nick.
"We all muck in together and get the job done."
The first team have also reached the semifinals of the League
Cup. Nick said: "I'm very happy that we've got this far,
we've already beaten premier league opposition on the way. We're
here to win the League, the Cup will be a bonus."
The club's second team play in the Reserve Premier League and
are currently fifth.
With 40 players now registered, Nick says he is getting one or
two calls a week from people looking to join the club, whose
main sponsor is The Lindens on Halstead Road.
Nick welcomes enquiries from players aged 16-20, contact him
on 0774 5546850. Volunteer helpers are also needed at the club.
Mountsorrel Amateurs train at the Soar Valley Leisure Centre
on Thursday nights 8-9pm.
Your Say...
When planning permission was applied for, to build on the
land at the back of number 90 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel
four or five years ago, I read that permission was granted for
eight premises, with provisional permission for a further 48
on the building of a satisfactory roundabout and two way access
to the site. On my last visit to the area I was able to see what
can only be described as a token roundabout, totally unusable
by traffic, and a road giving access to the site, restricted
by a couple of pillars which I would defy anyone to drive through
at the same time as another vehicle coming in the opposite direction
without causing damage to both vehicles.
Am I watching another example of the planning laws being ridden
over roughshod, if so what action can be taken to correct the
situation, as before long there will be an accident there as
sure as the sun will come up tomorrow morning.
Mick Edwards
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