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Mountsorrel Post June 2004 (8) cont.

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Punishing mountain trek

Pic: Pictured beside their support vehicle are Peter Willaims (right) Mark Seaton and David Barnett

PETER WILLIAMS from Top Gear on Leicester Road was one of a team of four who completed the Vauxhall Four Peaks challenge in July.
Four of the highest mountains in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland were scaled in under 48 hours by the team of charity fundraisers: Peter Williams (49), Mark Seaton (45), David Barnett (45) and Michael Wells (50)
A total of 50 teams from across the UK took part in the event to raise funds for Wooden Spoon, the charity of British and Irish Rugby Union, which supports dozens of good causes across the country.
The journey was a total of 1500 miles driving and around 25 miles of climbing up and down mountains Ben Nevis, Helvellyn, Snowdon and Carantonhill.
Peter Williams said: “It was so munch harder than we anticipated, the climbing and the travelling, it was a huge pressure and we caught sleep where we could, in the car or on the ferry.”
All four mountains were covered in cloud, and the team crossed a snowfield on Ben Nevis and walked through torrential wind and rain on Snowdon.
Peter said: “The high point was definitely finishing - it was a tremendous sense of achievement.”
The team drove in a Vauxhall Zafira, supplied by their main vehicle sponsor 24/7 Staff, and raised a total of £6500.

Ideas gathered at youth event

Pic: The Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood, Mike & Marj Jones with Joanna Clarke from Mountsorrel Detached Youth Project and Jade Waldrum (11), Zoe Hill (10) and Kirstie Waldrum (11)

THE YOUNG People’s Event held at the Memorial Hall on Saturday June 26 was, despite the adverse weather conditions, an unmitigated success, say the organisers.
People of all ages from the village attended to view the many displays, enjoy the refreshments and activities and most importantly of all, to see a glimpse of, and help shape, the possible future of Mountsorrel. A wide variety of organisations were present to advertise their services and to give information aimed primarily at young people, ranging from health to crime and educational issues. The Mountsorrel Detached Youth Project, co-organisers of the event, were very prominent, demonstrating the full extent and impact of their work in the village over the years and their plans for the future.
Co-organiser Julian Harrison, the Social Inclusion officer at the Rural Community Council, said: “On display were ideas for a possible Youth Centre for the village and attendees were asked for their views on whether they felt it was needed, what its purpose might be as well as what could be incorporated into such a building in the way of facilities and equipment etc. Three was an overwhelmingly positive response to the notion of such a Centre, with some interesting ideas put forward.”
The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Mike Jones and his wife opened the event, and after speaking to many in attendance, the Mayor expressed his full support for the aims behind the afternoon and for the involvement of young people and the provision of further youth provision. He also paid tribute to the financial backing received from the Charnwood Community Cohesion Pathfinder Project.
The task for those involved in the organisation of the event is now to review the ideas generated and the information gathered at the event and seek to move forward the aim of obtaining further youth provision in the village. A report is currently being compiled by Julian Harrison.
Anyone requiring further information or wishing to put forward ideas and comments can contact Julian Harrison at the Rural Community Council on 0116 2689710 or by email on jharrison@ruralcc.org.uk.
The following organisations were represented at the event:
Charnwood Arts, Charnwood Borough Council (Soar Valley Leisure Centre), Charnwood Community Cohesion Pathfinder Project, Charnwood Health Forum Teenage Pregnancy Sub-Group, Charnwood & North West Leicestershire Primary Care Trust, Community Champions, Connexions Leicestershire, Leicestershire Constabulary, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Rural Partnership, Leicestershire Youth & Community Education Service, Local Network Fund, Mountsorrel Detached Youth Project, Mountsorrel Girl Guides, Mountsorrel Parish Council, Mountsorrel Parish Plan Steering Group, Mountsorrel Scouts, Mountsorrel War Memorials Trust, Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland)

Conservation volunteers

YOU CAN find out how to get involved in the British Trust for Conservation Volunteer (BTCV), and Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust’s (LRWT) environmental project at Cossington Meadows with a free guided walk on September 18 at 10am.
On the walk you will hear about the site’s history, the work that LRWT have done to develop the important wetland area and what you can do to help improve it. This work is funded by the Countryside Agency through the Aggregate’s Levy Sustainability Fund.
The walk is an introduction to how you can get involved in BTCV’s local environmental project. Through the project you can learn invaluable skills, meet new people and keep healthy. You will have to opportunity to try everything from reed planting to woodland regeneration.
BTCV Project Officer Alex Hewins says “by volunteering at Cossington Meadows people can get a real insight into how a nature reserve works and what can be done to improve it.”
To book a place, please contact Claire or Alex at BTCV Leicestershire and Rutland on 01530 277855, or email us at Leicestershire@btcv.org.uk.

Garden open for Rainbows

DAVE AND Pat Radley (pictured above) opened their garden on Howcliffe Road in July to raise money for Rainbows.
Visitors to their large garden enjoyed refreshments and a variety of stalls. A total of £450 was raised.

New Parish clerk

Pic: Mountsorrel Parish Council's new clerk Jane I'Anson

MOUNTSORREL PARISH Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Jane I’Anson as the new Parish Clerk
Jane commenced work on July 5 and has a variety of experience of Parish Council work, having served for six years as an elected member of a Parish Council in Essex as well as having experience deputising for the Clerk at Castle Donington.
Jane’s background is in Law and she is a qualified solicitor having worked mainly in civil litigation. She initially graduated as a biochemist and has worked in a variety of large companies and organisations. In her spare time she enjoys choral singing and is a member of the St Barnabas Cathedral Choir in Nottingham. She is looking forward to taking an active part in village life and dealing with the many and varied issues brought to the Parish Council.
The Parish Council can be contacted by e-mail to mountsorrel.pc@co-net.com or by telephone on 0116 2303809.

WEA courses

THE BIRSTALL and Rothley branch of the WEA are running two courses at Longslade Community College in the Autumn term, starting week commencing September 20.
Leicestershire in the Middle Ages is a 10 week course on a Monday evening. Leicestershire has always been at the heart of historical events, playing a central role in the nation’s development. Richard Whitmore will examine the conditions and times of both ordinary people and the famous, such as Richard III, who lived in Leicestershire during the medieval period. There may be a chance for fieldwork during this course.
The Autumn & Winter Night Sky. Lift off for a guided tour of the universe, starting at the earth, moon and planets, calling at the sun, stars and galaxies with Ann Bonnell of the Leicester Astronomical Society. The course will be of interest to beginners and those with some knowledge. This is a six week course to be held on a Thursday evening.
Two courses will be held at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. On Tuesday mornings the subject is Communications along the Soar Valley. The River Soar has been a natural route for hundreds of years. Bob Payne will explore the history of transport and communications along the valley, focusing on the development of turnpike, navigation and railway in the 18th & 19th centuries, along with the social and economic effects of these changes on the local community.
Lastly, on Wednesday evenings our popular tutor Janis Baker will be back with a course entitled ‘Mavericks’. This course takes a look at some moments in art history when like minded artists came together to rebel against established contemporary thinking to create original and powerful paintings. We will focus on specific groups of artists, for example the Camden Town Group Glasgow Boys. No expert knowledge is required - just a lively and open minded interest in art!
To obtain further information on these courses, fees and for details on how to enrol, pick up a brochure or leaflet at your local library, log on to our website at www.birstallandrothleywea.org.uk or tel 0116 2675086

Physical and mental challenge in ACF

12 TO 18 year olds who are looking for a real challenge, both physically and mentally, are being invited to join Mountsorrel detachment ‘C’ Company, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Army Cadet Force (ACF).
Anyone, male or female, who thinks that they have got what it takes, is invited to come along for a chat to see what the group get up to. Mountsorrel detachment parades Monday evenings 7-9pm at the Memorial Hall, Leicester Road, Mountsorrel.

Pic: Cadet Colour Sergeant Coleman demonstrating how to get over the 18ft scramble net on the assault course - a lot more difficult than it looks!

Pic: Cadets from Mountsorrel detachment practising section attacks

Training includes fieldcraft, survival skills, skill at arms, navigation and first aid during the week, with training weekends happening about once every three months and an annual camp that lasts for up to two weeks.
Established in 1860, there are over 40,000 cadets, including 10,000 girls, at 1,700 detachments throughout the UK. The ACF is one of the UK’s top organisations for young people. Contrary to popular belief, the ACF isn’t part of the Army: there’s no pressure to ‘sign-up’. It’s a youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence.
Everyone who passes an initial period of recruit training is issued a uniform free of charge. All you have to do is supply your own boots.
Lt Andy Hubbard said: “More information can be seen by visiting the national website www.armycadets.com, by phoning ‘C’ Company Headquarters on 0116 2512857, or better still by coming along and seeing what we do from 7pm on a Monday night at the Memorial Hall, Mountsorrel.”

Unbroken service recognised

Pic: Brian Allard with his gold pocket watch

CHAIRMAN OF Mountsorrel Parish Council Mr Brian Allard has been presented with a gold pocket watch by his fellow parish councillors.
The gift was to recognise his service to the community and the Parish Council by serving as a Parish Councillor for 40 years.

Pool’s aquatic mosaic

THE SWIMMING pool at Charnwood’s Soar Valley Leisure Centre has one wall decorated by a mosaic commissioned by the Borough Council.

Pics: Samples of work from the mosaic

The mosaic runs along one of the internal walls of the swimming pool and will be viewed by swimmers and gym users. It is based on the Soar Valley River life and marine life with colours and shapes that hopefully will capture the users imagination and be educational.
Artist Peter Massey ran a one day workshop attended by local schools. The workshops took place on Wednesday July 7, 2004 at Mountsorrel Baptist Church. Three schools took part, St Bartholomew’s of Quorn, Rawlins Community College of Quorn and Highgate in Sileby. The children took part in designing, drawing, sticking and producing small mosaic panels.

Bond Lane development

SOME RESIDENTS of Bond Lane are objecting to proposals to erect 16 dwellings on the former Swithland Motors Garage site on Bond Lane.
A planning application for five dwellings and the erection of 11 terraced houses has been submitted to Charnwood Borough Council.
10 Bond Lane residents are concerned that the three storey buildings will dominate the street scene and will over shadow nearby properties. They say windows will overlook their houses, the design of the buildings is not in character with the area, inadequate parking provision is provided, and the development will result in additional noise.
The objectors are not opposed to any development and say a less dense scheme of one or two storey buildings would be more appropriate.
Mountsorrel Parish Council have commented on the application: that there is insufficient car parking provided and that it is important that the design of the buildings and the materials used should complement the location, which is in a Conservation Area.
Darryl Watson from Charnwood Borough Council’s Planning Department told the Mountsorrel Post that the planning application had not yet been considered but would go to a planning committee, as it would be considered as “major development”. He said this would be in late September, early October.

Mural a winner

YOUNG PEOPLE in Mountsorrel who painted the Boundary Road mural were recognised at AstraZeneca’s Arts in the Community Awards 2004.
The rural was co-ordinated by Mountsorrel Detached Youth project with help from Charnwood Arts, and the group was one of eight others in the Borough to receive £250.
The annual awards are part of a larger ongoing local arts scheme funded primarily by AstraZeneca and co-ordinated by Charnwood Arts. The purpose is to support arts events and opportunities which otherwise may not get off the ground because of a lack of funding.
The winners were presented with their awards from the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood at a special presentation evening in June.

Legion’s service

THE MOUNTSORREL branch of the Royal British Legion would like to announce that this year we are holding our remembrance service at the new Soar Valley Leisure Centre on Sunday November 14 at 3pm as this will also include the dedication of the building which stands on memorial ground.
The parade will leave the green at 2.20pm and travel along Leicester Road, down Speedwell Road and Kingfisher Road to the centre. All the Soar Valley British Legion branches will be invited to attend this special occasion and we would welcome anyone who would like to come along.
From Peggy Clarke

Lottery

MORE THAN £13 million of lottery money has been spent on wildlife projects in the East Midlands over the last 10 years.
The Heritage Lottery Fund have awarded the money to nearly 70 wildlife causes throughout the region, including £1.3 million on conserving habitats and £11.2 million on biodiversity activity projects.
The Heritage Lottery Fund have awarded 14,000 grants worth £2.8 billion across the UK in the last 10 years.

Professor Freshwater

THE LOSS of Professor Don Freshwater on August 2, 2004 has left a mark on both his family and friends.
Professor Freshwater had served as a Parish Councillor in Mountsorrel since 1999 and had been a member of the Memorial Hall Committee and a Trustee of the Mountsorrel United Charities. Professor Freshwater also took on the role of Chairman of her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 2002 in the village.
The Parish Council at their meeting on August 9 observed a minute’s silence in his memory.
The Chairman of the Parish Council Brian Allard made reference at the meeting to the notable contribution that he had made to the various works and projects of the Parish Council, his contribution and help to the wider community and all his achievements in the field of education.
The Chairman said that he was a colourful personality and was a well respected member.
The Parish Council extends to Eleanor and to the family their deepest sympathy on the loss which they have sustained.

Sundial is one of the largest

ONE OF the three largest sundials in the county has been erected in Barrow upon Soar.
The gnomon - the stainless steel needle which casts a shadow - stands nearly 23 feet above the ground and is circled by 16 Mountsorrel granite blocks weighing up to two tonnes each. The dial measures 34 feet in diameter.
The £16,000 timepiece was conceived in 1998 at Barrow’s millennium project, and has been completed with funding from a variety of sources, including Parish and County Council grants.

Children enjoy summer scheme

AROUND 1000 children enjoyed a summer playscheme, organised for the first time in Mountsorrel by Kiwi Sports.
Children aged 4-14 enjoyed a 5 week programme of organised play, learning teamwork and ball skills that aimed to encourage an interest in playing sport.

Organiser Bill Masefield said: “It’s our first playscheme in Mountsorrel and it’s been a success and it’s something I hope to do next year The kids have shown an interest in sport and some have taken the ball skills we’ve taught them and joined sports clubs. And we’ve got them away from the TV!”
Mr Masefield thanked Mountsorrel Parish Council for donating the hire of their facilities.
Pics: (Top) Fraser Conway (4) lines up a shot watched by Bill Masefield, Curtis Bradbury (9), Kyle Bradbury (10), Scott Pearce (10), Aaron Foster (7), Hannah Teagle (6) and James Teagle (8). The children playing a sleeping game.

Parish Council Notes

A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on June 14.
Mountsorrel’s beat officer PC Gavin Grey reported that he had been a police officer for over 10 years, the majority of which had been spent in Highfields. He has been Mountsorrel’s new officer since April 13. He said that over the last two months, new people had joined the NHW scheme and this continues to grow. The majority of crime has been criminal damage, damage to motor vehicles and youth related crime, and a plan has been drawn up to action this. PC Grey reported that 124 incidents have been reported this year and 18 crimes have been reported since April 2004.
Cllr Paul Harris commented that he felt the problem with youth crime is due to alcohol, and asked that this be monitored carefully. PC Grey reported on Pub Watch and said this would be reactivated in the near future. Cllr Stan Coats said youths were regularly drinking alcohol on Halstead Road and PC Grey confirmed that ‘hot spots’ are monitored on a regular basis. Cllr Don Freshwater commented on speeding traffic on Rothley Road.
Borough Cllr Chris Taylor reported that a lady on Cross Lane has sold some land for housing and would like the street to be named Larcot Gardens. The council agreed to support this request.
It was reported that a survey into the parking situation in Watling Street will be carried out with the support of the Parish Council.
Councillors discussed the Mountsorrel Village website. It was agreed to keep the existing site and move some pages to Leicester Parish Councils and Leicestershire Village sites.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on July 12. The Chairman reported that the new clerk, Ms J I’Anson was now in post.
Cllr Mick Lemon commented that cars were parking on the roundabout at the Loughborough Road end of the village and were causing an obstruction. It was agreed to report the problem to the County Council.
It was reported that Cllr Chris Taylor had asked Charnwood’s cabinet when the planned work to PRC homes on Church Hill Road would be started and completed, and when would the empty houses be filled. The response was that tenders for the work were being negotiated, and that empty homes will be used to accommodate homeless families. One property will be kept vacant for use by residents when work to their home is being undertaken.
It was agreed that the Council informs the County Council that it is unhappy with the bus service changes and recommend that more buses into Leicester in the morning rush hour be provided, and more return services during the afternoon and early evening.
The County Council are conducting a consultation into library opening hours and the Council agreed to recommend that Mountsorrel library be open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
it was reported that some time after September 1, a site meeting will be held on the Green to consider bus shelters.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on August 9. Chairman Brian Allard reported with deep regret on the death of Cllr Don Freshwater, and the Council observed a minute’s silence in his memory.
A resident of Church Hill Road was present and commented that the situation with the Borough Council was “totally unacceptable”. He said in the last 18 months the road had gone rapidly down hill and was now “an utter disgrace”. Charnwood has lied to residents, he said, and were “walking all over them”. There are 15-20 boarded up houses, questionable tenants, and the road has been destroyed, he said.
Cllr Richard Shepherd said that the tenders for the work needed had been well over budget and the specification had been dropped. There will no longer be any external cladding. Work should start in October and be completed in December. It was agreed to write to Charnwood’s Chief Executive with the Parish Council’s concerns and to pass on the remarks of residents.
The Parish Council agreed to spend £1300 on installing a broadband internet connection in the Council Offices, and on training.

Family fun

FREE ACTIVITIES for parents and children are on offer at Longslade College’s launch of their new Family Club.
Longslade’s Lyn McDermott said: “Following the great success of our Wind and Water event for Family Learning Week 2003, we are following it up this year with another, even bigger event”.
On Saturday October 16 Longslade are opening up the Adult Learning Centre for the launch of their new Family Club. Lyn said: “The aim is to start Family Club off with a big bang. Activities will include crafts, cookery, computers, sport, storytelling, felt making, the great egg race, treasure hunt, bouncy castle and more. Drinks and biscuits will be provided but you will need to bring a packed lunch as this is an all day session. More information will be coming out nearer the time, so keep your eyes peeled for the posters and make a note in your diary to keep October 16 free for some serious fun.”
After this event Family Club will meet monthly on Saturday mornings and aims to give parents, children and the wider family the chance to work and learn together whilst having a lot of fun on the way. Details of dates and times for these sessions will be available in the Family Club Newsletter, available soon.

Council receives conservation award

Pic: Cllr Brain Allard receives the award from Brenda Brayshaw

THE THIRD Michael Brayshaw Biodiversity Conservation Award has gone to Mountsorrel Parish Council for its work at Mountsorrel Marshes and Castle Hill, both Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation.
The award was set up in 2002 to commemorate the late Honorary Alderman Michael Brayshaw, a member of Charnwood Borough Council for 20 years, who chaired Charnwood Wildlife Committee for 13 years.
The award was presented by Brenda Brayshaw, Michael’s widow, on behalf of Charnwood Borough Council, at a parish council meeting.
On receiving the award, Chairman of Mountsorrel Parish Council Brian Allard paid tribute to former Parish Clerk Joy Broughton for her work over the years towards receiving this award, and added it was an honour to receive it.

Planning

Mr A Ward - loft conversion. 78 Linkfield Rd
Leicester Mercury Group - application to display a sign. The Papershop, 79 Leicester Rd
Mr A Lees - erection of single storey detached garage and store to front of dwelling. 6 Mere Close
Mr K Landers - extensions to front & rear of detached bungalow. 22a Halstead Rd
J Hepworth - erection of a covered way to side of detached house. 34 Halstead Rd
Black Hawk Ltd - erection of 2 dwellings. Plots 7&8 Waterside (rear of 90 Loughborough Rd)
Mr & Mrs Inkley - partial removal of internal walls, formation of new doorways, installation of new & replacement windows and french doors, installation of skylights & the restoration of roof over gym and store with Swithland slate (listed building consent) 12 West Cross Lane
Mrs J Hepworth - erection of covered way to side of detached house. 34 Halstead Rd
Minirest Motors Ltd, t/a Alba Autos - extension to front of car showroom. 177 Leicester Rd.
Mr F T & Mrs A W Gage - erection to side of detached bungalow for double carport. 19 Watling St.
Mr & Mrs Pickering - extension to side of detached garage. 9 Carrisbrooke Rd.
Mr S Sharpe - change of use from storage (Class B8) to residential (Class C3) with erection of single storey extension to side. Land at 21a Loughborough Rd
Mr & Mrs Nevitt - erection of first floor extension to side of dwelling over garage and erection of conservatory to rear & porch and first floor extension to front. 125 Rothley Rd.
Mr & Mrs Inkley - erection of 1.8 metre high close board fending. 12 West Cross Lane
Mr D Davies - erection of a single storey extension & conservatory to side and annex and garage to rear of detached dwelling. 6 York Close
Mr L Merry - lounge extension to rear of detached house. 12 Long Furlong
Mr & Mrs T W Wisehall - erection of single storey extension to front & replacement detached garage to rear of dwelling. 99 Balmoral Rd
M Unwin - change of use to shop (A1) and snack bar (A3) at ground floor with offices (B1) to first and second floor. 88-91 Loughborough Rd
Mr & Mrs Lee - erection of first floor extension over garage and single storey extension to side, conservatory to rear of detached house. 2 Plough Close
Mr M Humby - erection of a first floor extension over study to front of detached house. 23 West Cross Lane
N H Skips - change of use of land for lorry compound, skip storage and builders merchants, siting of 2 portacabins with access. Granite Way
Mr N Hetterley - change of use of shop (Class A1 to estate agency office (Class A2). 46 Market Place
A C Dunnill - change of use from shop (A1) to Coffee House with sale of hot food (A3). 14 Cromwell Rd
Mr & Mrs Draper - single storey link extension to side and formation of pitched roof over ground floor extension to rear. 18 Fairmead
Mr P Graveling - retention of single storey extension to rear of detached house. 96 Cross Lane

Bus changes

BUS SERVICE changes announced by the County Council in the summer have been revised after Parish Councils and local residents presented their views.
In a statement issued to the Mountsorrel Post the County Council said the new services would start on November 1 and said: The County Council is pleased that it has been able to respond positively to most of the concerns expressed by local people, and is now inviting tenders for the services from local bus operators. Publicity for all three services will be distributed in October.”
Details of the services are:
The 70B from Harrowgate Drive which will continue to operate every hour
The 99, which will provide a 2-hourly off-peak service plus one work journey from Mountsorrel Green and Walton Way to Leicester and will continue to serve both the Fielding Road and Allington Drive areas of Birstall.
The 123 route from Leicester to Loughborough via Swithland, which will run on an hourly basis providing both peak and off-peak arrivals in both directions. Thurcaston will continue to be served by the route, thus maintaining the village’s links with Cropston and Anstey.
All three services will operate Monday to Saturday

Optician completes course

WITH THE opening of the Soar Valley Leisure Centre, excellent sporting facilities are now available to the surrounding communities.
Many sports participants were probably not competing at this year’s Olympic Games, but in company with top athletes, your performance may be enhanced by a visit to your optician.
Jonathan Pilbeam, Principal Optometrist at Pilbeam Opticians in Mountsorrel, has recently successfully completed a course specialising in sport and the eye and has been awarded the Certificate in Sports Vision. He explained the two major concerns of the Sports Vision Optometrist - protection and enhancement.
“As more people enjoy sport and continue long into retirement, serious eye injuries, from balls, sticks, rackets, elbows and fingers are increasing at an alarming rate. Each sport needs individual consideration when it comes to choosing eye protectors. Modern safety eyewear is up to 9 times stronger that ordinary spectacles and is particularly appropriate to sports such as squash and badminton. Also available are swimming goggles to your spectacle prescription that protect your eyes from the water while enabling you to see the other side of the pool!”
He added: “Sunlight can be a particular problem with outside sports where long term exposure to ultra-violet radiation can lead to cataract formation and retinal damage. Sports like golf, yachting, fishing, skiing and cycling are at particular risk and special tints and filters, which can either be applied to prescription spectacles or available as sports sunglasses, are now available to maintain healthy vision.
“Many people who enjoy sports have embraced the advantages of contact lens wear. Contact lenses do not steam up, are not affected by rain, give better peripheral vision and can make it easier to judge distances, and many modern designs incorporate ultra-violet protection. The risk of a spectacle frame falling off or causing facial damage is eliminated, although contact lenses should be worn under protectors if that is a particular requirement of the sport.”
Jonathan concludes: “Seeing clearly improves sporting performance and makes it easier to avoid injury. Sport should be a pleasure and a celebration of life - your optometrist really can help you to enjoy it.

Garden competition

JUDGING FOR Mountsorrel’s best front garden competition 2004, organised by the Parish Council, is in progress.
There are separate sections for the:
best kept large front garden
best kept small front garden
best hanging baskets, window boxes or containers where no front garden
best business garden
The initial judging has been completed by Parish Councillors using a set of criteria such as general layout, cultivation, standard of trees, lawn and flowers, climbers, rock garden, roses, hanging baskets and paths, and special features. The finalists have been chosen and the winners will be announced shortly.

Summer fete

MOUNTSORREL DAY Centre on Marsh Road held a Summer Fete in July.
The centre is run by Leicestershire County Council’s Social Services and provides for adults with learning difficulties. Around 150 people, all from Charnwood, regularly attend and are offered educational and leisure opportunities as well as voluntary work and help with life skills.
Pic: Pictured on a stall covered with items from the centre’s garden project are Deputy Manager Steve Brownlow (centre), Timothy Smithson, Stephen Measures, Steve Brownlow, Diane Baxter and Craig Bennett

Brown wheelie for garden waste

WOULDN’T YOU like to spend more time enjoying your garden and less time travelling to tips to dispose of all that bulky garden waste?
Charnwood Borough Council has introduced a new scheme to help you do this. For just 50p per week, or £26 per year, you will be able to lease a brown wheelie bin and dispose of as much garden waste as it will hold every fortnight. Simply put the brown wheelie bin on the edge of your property on recycling week and it will be emptied and replaced.
Cllr Jill Vincent, Lead Member for Recycling said: “Already we have seen a very positive response to our Garden Waste Service and in the past week along over 300 residents have already signed up to the scheme.”
If you order your bin before September 30, 2004 you can take advantage of our Introductory Offer of ‘Buy Now and get 18 months for the price of 12’. Just call 01509 634 563 or join online at www.charnwood.gov.uk.

Plan approved

CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has approved a planning application by Rosemound Developments to build at Rothley Lodge Farm, between Mountsorrel and Rothley.
Paper products firm LPC and other companies at the business park are expected to employ about 1000 people.

Design awards

MOUNTSORREL AND Rothley have been recognised in Charnwood’s Annual Design Awards scheme.
The Borough Council has run the scheme since 1983, and the awards recognise the best contributions to environmental design within the borough, with the aim of increasing interest in the built environment and to encourage better standards of design.

The winner of the New Build category was the New House, Sileby Road, Mountsorrel (pictured above).
Highly Commended in the Conservation category was the Parish Rooms, Leicester Road, Mountsorrel, which also received a commendation in the Landscape category. The winner was 57 Main Street, Newtown Linford.
Cross Green, Rothley was Highly Commended in the Landscape category. The winner was the new housing on Chaveney Walk, Quorn.
The Design Statement for the Hallam Fields development at Birstall won a Special Commendation in the Publications category.
The 2004 Awards were made to schemes completed since 2000 and entries were nominated by owners, clients, architects, contractors and the public. Category winners receive a plaque.

Sewing circle’s gift

BRADGATE SEWING Circle have been finding out about the Rainbows children’s hospice and donating items to support the work of the charity. Member Pat Gourlay writes:
“Although as a group we mostly work for our own needs, nevertheless from time to time we find we have a surplus of either ready made goods or spare fabric to make into useful articles, and these we turn into charitable benefits.
One of the organisations which we have chosen to help this year is the Rainbows children’s hospice in Loughborough, about which we knew very little except that it was a worthwhile cause. We therefore arranged for a speaker from Rainbows to come to one of our meetings and tell us all about them.
This was how one Tuesday morning Kate Sinclair, one of their fundraising staff, joined our meeting to explain to us all about Rainbows and the work they do for children and young people with life limiting medical conditions within the area covering counties from Derby to Lincolnshire and as far south as Northampton.
If we had needed encouragement to support their work, this talk would certainly have given it to us, especially after discovering that children’s hospices are not government funded and Rainbows relies almost entirely on monies raised via charitable sources.
After thanking Ms Sinclair for her visit we were able to give her a donation of £50 plus some quilts (two of which are seen in the picture with three of our members) and other handmade items for sale in their shop. Subsequently, four members have visited Rainbows for a very thought provoking conducted tour of their wonderful purpose built centre. During our visit they mentioned that we could help them further by providing some purpose-made toy bags so these are now on our production line, and another stock of our fabric is therefore put to good use!

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