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Rothley Post Nov/Dec 2002 (37)

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Maxi Waste development

MAXI WASTE Ltd will be allowed to use land on Anstey Lane for industrial premises after a Government Inspector overturned Charnwood’s decision to refuse planning permission.
Maxi Waste says that the site will have nothing to do with the waste business and will be let for small scale industrial use.

The Maxi Waste site
Their original plans for the site were for a waste recycling plant but the strength of local opposition resulted in that application being refused in March 2001.
This second application for light industrial use was considered by Charnwood in February and planning officers recommended it be approved. Councillors voted to refuse the permission, but Maxi Waste have appealed successfully
Chairman of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council Audrey Flower said: “We are very disappointed that the application has gone through as the site is in a very picturesque area and will generate increased traffic on a country lane without a footway.”
Daily traffic flow from the site is expected to be four cars, four light vans and four lorries.
The planning application resulted in 40 individual letters of objection as well as two petitions from residents of Anstey, Cropston and Thurcaston with a total of 870 signatures. In summary the objections were:
Anstey Lane is a quiet country lane unsuitable for general industrial traffic
Any increase in vehicular movements through any neighbouring villages would be detrimental to highway safety
The open character of the Green Wedge must be maintained in order to keep its natural beauty and to encourage wildlife
There are adequate vacant and more suitable industrial sites elsewhere in the country for such developments
To change the use of the site would be detrimental to the environment as the site has been unused for such a length of time that it has become a haven for wildlife. We should preserve areas like this, not re-develop them.
The access to the site is off a narrow country lane with no pavements and is adjacent to a bend in the road, a narrow bridge and the entrance to Castle Hill Country Park. These were some of the reasons why the application for a gypsy site at a nearby site was rejected
If permitted the proposal would set a precedent for further such development at this site
There is a riding school nearby and horses are brought from the fields on the opposite side of the road on a daily basis. Any increase in traffic movements along Anstey Lane would be to the detriment and safety of both horses and riders
The planning permission granted limits the site to small-scale industrial use, such as vehicle repair, and not a larger use such as a factory or warehouse.
Stephen Dorrell, MP for Charnwood, has written to the Director of Planning at Charnwood Borough Council following the Inspector’s decision to grant planning permission. In his letter he said: “This decision will be received with real disappointment by many local residents. The key argument against this development was concern that it represented the “thin end of the wedge”. Many residents are concerned that the Inspector’s decision will lead to a process of “creeping development” as incremental changes to the company’s use of the site leads to a progressively larger and more damaging environmental impact.”
He added: “This concern is aggravated by the fact that the villages of Thurcaston, Cropston and Anstey are close together and the site is located in the middle of the small area of green wedge which divides them. Even though the Inspector has ruled that the site cannot properly be regarded as green wedge land, many residents will continue to see it that way and be very sensitive to any use of the site which undermines that view.
“Even though the Inspector reached a different decision, it is clear from his report that he recognises the force of the residents’ concerns. His report emphasises the limited nature of the consent which he has granted, and I believe it is now essential that Charnwood Council should make it clear both to Maxi Waste and to the three affected parish councils that it takes seriously the limitations imposed by the Inspector, and intends to ensure that they are enforced.”

Annual show

Roger Clarke presents the Ken & Betty Clarke trophy to Lorraine Haddon

A very enjoyable day was spent at Capel Manor College in Enfield, Middlesex for Thurcaston & Cropston Horticultural Society’s Annual outing.
Lots of individual gardens to walk around and look at the various designs, an abundance of seats on which to sit and eat one’s picnic and view the surroundings. Lifelike effigies of a trio of unicorns made of twigs, a holly maze to test your sense of direction, a lake in which numerous goldfish and carp swim. A venue worth visiting, and into the bargain we had good weather.
Saturday September 7 dawned bright and sunny, despite the weather forecast and we had a lovely day for our Annual Show. There were fewer entries in this year’s Show, but the standard was very good, and the hall looked lovely when it was all set out. We had a good turnout and everyone who attended seemed to have enjoyed the afternoon. There was a new trophy this year and the prize winners were as follows: Sedgwick Cup - G Jones; Orton Cup - G Jones; WI Cup - J Edwards; Swithland Strawberries Cup - 3 way tie between G Jones, A Lacey & J Shenton; Mildred Adnett Cup - G Jones; Ken & Betty Clark Trophy - L Haddon; Pat Jones Bowl - A Lacey; Committee Trophy - A Lacey; Delia Brock Novice Trophy - J Edwards; Irene Orton Bowl - G Jones. Unfortunately, this year again there were no entries for the Junior Trophy.
Pam Mason said: “Many thanks to Ann for her hard work organising the Show, and to the wonderful team of helpers who helped the whole event run smoothly. Finally, if you came along and looked around thinking ‘I could have done that’, next year why not have a go! Don’t forget, we do need your support, without it there would be no Show.”
At our November 13th meeting there will be a talk on Garden Design, which should prove interesting to all.
From Pam Mason

Car crime crazy

TIRED OF repeated incidents of car crime on the Cross Green car park, angry residents of North Street, Rothley, are pressing for CCTV to be installed on the site.
Emma Walters and Joanna Smith live on North Street. Emma said: “The situation had worsened with a car literally being broken into or stolen from the car park next to the Royal Oak on a more or less daily basis”.
She added: “I’ve had my car broken into twice, my sister’s once and my new neighbour’s once, but for the people before them it was about eight times. It is a very upsetting experience especially when there is nothing in the car for them to take.”

The car park on Cross Green

Local Crime Prevention Officer PC Ashley Russell has recommended CCTV and improved lighting to cut car crime on the car park.
Rothley Parish Council has been pressing for CCTV to be extended to Rothley and local councillors have visited Syston’s CCTV control room to see how the Charnwood Borough Council funded project works.
Cllr Jack Moore said: “It would be marvellous if CCTV could be extended to Rothley. Car crime is a terrible problem in the village and is not always reported and I know of a number of people who have left the village because of it.”
He added: “The Cross Green car park is not well lit and it’s easy for criminals to lurk behind cars. Syston has offered us a CCTV link to their control room and I think if we press harder we can bring cameras to the village.”
Emma and Joanna are drawing up a letter to Charnwood asking that CCTV in Rothley be made a priority and will be contacting North Street residents asking them to sign it and support their campaign. Individual letters to Charnwood are also being encouraged.
The Cross Green car park is owned by Charnwood Borough Council and has a variety of users: shoppers, employee parking, pub goers and residents’ parking. The majority of crime occurs at night.

Elsie’s 100th birthday

ROTHLEY’S ELSIE Dodgeon celebrated her 100th birthday in September.
Originally from Blackburn, Elsie started work in the Lancashire cotton mills but by 1938 many of the mills had closed and with her family she moved to Mountsorrel in search of work. She moved to Rothley in 1956.
A resident of the Cedar House retirement home, Elsie celebrated her birthday with a party for family and friends. She particularly enjoyed receiving a birthday card from the Queen.

Rural stress

THE GROWING problem of rural stress has resulted in a new project that aims to address the issue.
The Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland) has been planning a Rural Stress Initiative for the two counties.
The project is being implemented in response to the many factors which are increasingly affecting those in rural areas: the lack of healthcare provision; irregular public transport; physical and social isolation and not least, the problems facing the agricultural community.
There will be a confidential helpline to signpost callers to the most appropriate service or agency in their area. If a caller needs further advice or just someone to talk to, a volunteer would offer to visit to provide additional support.
If you feel you could help the project as a volunteer or you are involved with a group that offers support, help or social events at a local level, or would just like more information, please contact: Deborah Cowley, Rural Stress Support Team, Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland), 133 Loughborough Road, Leicester LE4 5LQ Tel: 0116 2668573, FAX: 0116 2660153, E-mail:deb_jt2000@yahoo.co.uk

Rothley card

ROTHLEY PICTURE gallery and print shop, Moorland House on Woodgate, has commissioned local artist, John Kennedy, to paint a festive scene of Church Street, in Rothley.
A limited edition of 100 mounted or framed prints of the scene are now available at Moorland House, prices starting from £18 for a mounted print.
The card has also been published as The Village Christmas Card, and will be available singularly @ 75p each, or in packs of 5 @ £3.50 and 10 @ £6.99.
Every Christmas Card purchase from Moorland House will be entered into a Prize Draw for the No.1 signed and mounted print of John Kennedy’s Church Street, Rothley painting, depicted on the Christmas card. The draw will take place at the end of Late Night Shopping, on Thursday December 5.
Pic: John Kennedy’s Rothley Christmas card

Speeding biker jailed

A MOTORCYCLIST who evaded Police in a high speed chase through Rothley has received a 15 month jail sentence.
Lee Faulkner (24) of Deanside Drive, Loughborough reached speeds of up to 125 mph on the A6 between Loughborough and Leicester, before driving through Rothley and along Mountsorrel Lane at 90 mph.
At one point he mounted the pavement and went the wrong way up a slip road. In court, Police described him as being “continually on the edge of losing control”.
The chase ended when Faulkner collided with a fence at the end of a cul-de-sac and fled the scene on foot. Sniffer dogs and the Police helicopter were used to continue the pursuit and an arrest followed.
At Leicester Crown Court Faulkner was jailed for 15 months and ordered to serve an additional three months of his unexpired licence for a previous matter of perverting the cause of justice. He was also banned from driving for five years.

Red Lion refurbished

AROUND 25 new jobs are to be created following refurbishment of a Leicestershire pub.
The Red Lion, in Loughborough Road, Rothley, has undergone a £135,000 revamp by its owner, the Spirit Group.
The overhaul will see the restaurant adopt the group’s Two 4 One brand.

Bike designs win award

A GROUP of young people who customise motorbikes have won an award for their imaginative designs.
Paula Jackson of Benskins Oval has been working with the Youthbike Project for two years. She said: “The young people have been entering their designs in the National Youth Bike Festival held at Tattershall Country Park and this year they were rewarded with the Organisers’ Choice Award.”
The whole festival was filmed and later televised on Grenada’s ‘Men and Motors’ programme earlier this year.
The group has received help and donations from Halfords on Abbey Lane, Jessops, Leicester Plating, Earls Performance, EBC Brakes and Lifting Gear Supplies of Leicester.
Paula said: “I’d like to thank Tom Copson, Chris Burns, Jason Hunt, Courtney Knight, and Mickey, Jamie & Danny Yendall for their efforts in achieving this year’s award.”
If anyone has any parts or motorcycles/mopeds or services which could be of some help with the forthcoming year’s project or would like to join the group, please contact Paula Jackson on Leicester 2341844.

WI news

A VERY entertaining afternoon was spent at the August meeting of the Cropston Afternoon WI when the speaker Mrs Mary Davies told us all about the business she has of making, selling and hiring out ladies’ hats for all occasions.
She said that these days not many hats are made of natural straw as they would be too heavy to wear. The material now used is called sinamay and is a banana by-product. Mrs Davies had brought along a selection of models of different styles and colours, also a number of scarves and handbags. A number of the ladies volunteered to try a hat on and they all looked very elegant in their chosen creation.
Mr David Hames, a ranger in Bradgate Park, was the speaker for the meeting held on September 9. After a brief talk about the Park in general the afternoon took on the form of a question and answer session when Mr Hames told us about his duties as a ranger, about the herd of deer and how they are managed and culled, and about many incidents some serious and some amusing which had occurred during the time he had worked on the Park.
The annual general meeting is on November 11 and the Christmas meeting on December 9.
From Mrs Diane Whiles

AT THE September meeting of Rothley WI the business part was hurried through so members and four visitors were able to enjoy the programme.
Mr Martin Withers, who is an old friend of our WI gave us the most marvellous slides of penguins in the Falkland Islands, up through the Americas with their fabulous parks to polar bears in Alaska, with birds mixed in with the animals. Everyone enjoyed it immensely
At the October meeting Mr B Phipps from Goscote Nurseries gave a talk on ‘Colourful Shrubs’. It was a super talk with all kinds of shrubs for large or small gardens, how to look after them and how they grow in height etc. Mr Phipps was extremely funny and made the programme very easy to understand. Several plants were sold.
The November meeting is the AGM on November 6. The December meeting on December 4 is the Christmas Party, run by the members with a fish & chip supper.
From Mrs Elisabeth E Chittenden

AT THE September meeting of the Thurcaston & Cropston WI Pam Lenthal gave an informative talk on aloe vera plants. There are 400 varieties but only four have healing properties and we learnt of the various illnesses that can benefit from them.
She stressed that aloe vera, which is manufactured in the States doesn’t cure but alleviates the symptoms of a large number of diseases and is growing in popularity in the UK.
At our October meeting we were enthralled by the slides of Mr Kightley. The subject matter was ‘The Birds of Leicestershire’. Over 100 birds were shown in total (and not a nodding head in sight). The photography was first class - what was disturbing though was the decrease in the numbers of some species, namely the barn owl and the common sparrow.
From J W Partner & Margaret Hoskins

Cross Green postponed

ROTHLEY’S CROSS Green enhancement scheme and Woodgate changes have been postponed until February 2003.
Originally scheduled to start in November 2002, the project has been put back so as not to disrupt Christmas trade in the village.

Free home security

HAVE YOU had that door chain fitted yet? Have you been meaning to get a smoke alarm but there is no-one to fix it on the ceiling.

If you are over 60 and living in the Charnwood Borough then there is a service available to you called the Handy Van Scheme.
If you need a door chain, mortice locks, window locks, door viewers or a smoke alarm these can be supplied and fitted completely free of charge.
On Monday morning, November 25, Marion Vincent, Rothley & Swithland NHW Area Co-ordinator, will be in the Rothley Post Office explaining how the scheme works and taking names and addresses of residents who want these safety features fixing. Marion said: “If you have a friend or relative who lives in the Charnwood area and would benefit from this service then please bring their details. I just need name, address, telephone number and products required and I will deal with the paperwork. The scheme is co-ordinated by Help the Aged but the funding for our area comes from a Trust set up with finance from the late Helen Jean Cope.” She added: “I’d like to thank David Lynch for allowing the Rothley and Swithland Neighbourhood Watch to use his Post Office to help the community.”

Late night Christmas shopping in Rothley

MAKE CHRISTMAS shopping a real pleasure this year by leaving the hustle of the city behind and discovering a local treasure trove of lovely shops and Christmas fayre.
After last year’s great success, Rothley shopkeepers are once again keeping their doors open for a late shopping extravaganza on Thursday December 5.
The aim of the event is to promote the delights of Rothley to people who don’t normally visit the village to do their shopping.
The late night shopping event will appeal to all the family. As well as the varied range of shops there will also be great family entertainment, including fairground attractions and barrel organs. Bell ringers will be performing throughout the evening.
The Christmas lights will be switched on by a local personality, to be announced closer to the time. The switch-on will take place at 6pm. The events are due to finish around 8.30pm.
A scarecrow competition will be running from the Thursday morning and £100 is up for grabs for the best scarecrow. The scarecrows will be displayed on Woodgate on the day.
And of course Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Santa Claus and his sleigh. Santa’s Magical Grotto will also be in the village for the children to visit.
There will also be a multitude of other festive activities, including various hot food stalls, raffles and a village crossword and much much more. Look out for more details.
The Rothley shopkeepers look forward to welcoming you on Thursday December 5.
Rothley boasts some fabulous shops with great gift ideas that are out of the ordinary. Stroll inside Latimer designs and discover an array of lovely presents for the home and for someone special in your life. From picture frames, silk flowers, trinket boxes and beautiful embroidered cushions there is always something to tempt the eye.
Libbys Lingerie has a great selection of fine underwear for that special woman in your life, including Lejaby, Barbara and Parah. And why not top up your tan for the festive season too. Vertical tanning is available at great rates with the latest Philips Tubes from December.
The festive season is awash with parties and special nights out. To find that ‘must have’ Christmas outfit call into Zebra’s. Debra always offers a warm welcome and plenty of kind advice and guidance to make sure you get the outfit that will make you dazzle. Top brands and labels are always available, as too are outfits that are sophisticated and stylish.
And for the ultimate Christmas card drop into Moorland House. Moorland House have especially commissioned a lovely snow scene of Church Street in Rothley by local artist John Kennedy. The cards are available either individually or in packs of five and ten. Moorland House is also home to a wonderful gallery of local scenes from local artists, both original and prints are available. The paintings make ideal Christmas presents for family and friends who live locally or further afield.
The Halifax is offering a free bottle of sparkling wine with every Visa, personal loan or current account opened in November and December.
With such a wide range of gift ideas and special offers, it will be a shame to miss all the treats and treasures that Rothley shops have to offer you and your family this Christmas time.

Parish Council notes

A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on August 19.
Cllr Jack Moore reported that the planning permission for the Soar Valley centre had expired and the Borough Council had to reapply.
It was reported that an application for £5000 of lottery money for Town Green Street play equipment had been declined on the grounds that the proposal did not adequately “extend access and participation, increase skill and creativity or improve the quality of life.” It was agreed to approach alternative providers of funding.
It was agreed to explore ways of improving disabled access along the footpath between the tennis courts and the Fowke Street playing field.
It was agreed to accept a quote from Cobol Ltd for the repainting of the Rothley Centre.
A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on September 16.
It was reported that Rothley’s Beat Officer, PC Alan Parker was resigning from the police force.
An inspection by Charnwood of play equipment in the village had revealed that a new nut was required on the old Fowke Street swings and two new cradle seats on Mountsorrel Lane swings at a cost of £305.
It was agreed that costings be obtained for the refurbishment of the Rothley Centre Flat for residential letting. The flat has been vacant for a year. Costings will also be obtained for the replacement of the Rothley Centre tables.
It was reported that Charnwood would not permit the removal of any trees from Cross Green and would seek Tree Preservation Orders if necessary. Charnwood have agreed to provide £10,000 for the Cross Green enhancement. The total cost is expected to be £49,000.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council was held on August 15.
It was reported that a bus shelter for Leicester Road, Cropston had been ordered. Delivery was approximately 3 months from order.
A site meeting has been held at Thurcaston & Cropston cemetery to consider a number of issues. The Council agreed to replace the kerbs on the turning circle, cut back some yew trees and deal with a problem with rabbits.
The Council agreed to fit a new thermostat for the heating of the Memorial Hall.
It was agreed that a Golden Weeping Willow be planted on the Jubilee Park, as well as spring flowering bulbs. It was noted that the cost of insuring any new play equipment would be in the region of £580 plus the cost of an annual inspection of £659. It was agreed not to provide dog waste bins on the park.
A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on September 19. It was unanimously agreed that the Jubilee Park play equipment be situated 70 metres from the boundary with Latimer Road gardens and 10 metres in from the boundary adjacent to the ditch. The football pitch will be 40 metres in length.
The Parish Council will assume responsibility for the play area and equipment only after an independent inspection, paid for by the Council, has been carried out. It was noted that work was scheduled to start on November 11. The park will be closed for 10 weeks for the work to be carried out.

Planning

Mr Kent - erection of wooden fence panels with local granite stone pillars on top of existing granite wall. Total height 2m. 25 Howe Lane, Rothley
Bryant Homes Ltd - erection of six 2 bed flats, one l bedroom flat & 23 bed houses & garages (3 storey properties). Land to East of the Red Lion Pub.
Mr & Mrs D Ward - erection of single storey extension with tiled roof to front of detached dwelling for porch and garage extension. 55 Latimer Rd. Cropston
Mr Salt - erection of conservatory to rear of detached dwelling. 20 Cropston Rd, Cropston
Mr & Mrs Maddox - erection of conservatory to rear of detached dwelling. 91 Station Rd. Cropston
Mr & Mrs Mackic - erection of double garage to rear of semi detached dwelling, 6 Station Rd. Cropston
Mr T Taylor - erection of concrete sectional detached garage to side of detached dwelling. 10 Rectory Lane, Thurcaston.
Mr T Harper - erection of single storey extension to side of semi detached dwelling, 4 Chapel Close, Thurcaston
Mr P W Moore - erection of 2 storey extension and canopy to front of semi detached dwelling & 2 storey and single storey extension to side. 2 Ridley Close, Cropston.
Mr & Mrs Palin - erection of conservatory to rear of detached dwelling. 57 Latimer Rd. Cropston
Mr & Mrs D Spendlove - erection of 1st floor extension to side of semi detached dwelling. 31 Wellsic Lane, Rothley
Mr M Von Kanel - erection of 1st floor extension to rear of detached bungalow for loft conversion and erection of detached double garage to side. 77 Woodgate, Rothley
Mr & Mrs Fisher - 2 storey extensions to front & rear, erection of detached garage & boundary wall fence (2m high max). 104 Swithland Lane, Rothley.
Mr S Ellis - erection of 1.8mtr high entrance gates and garden store to rear of house. 2 Station Rd. Cropston
Mr V M Aspinall - retention of 2 storey extension to front of detached dwelling. Revised scheme to install clear glass in lieu of opaque glass. 129 The Ridings, Rothley
Tony Morris & Sons - erection of 5 dwellings. 11 Leicester Rd. Thurcaston
Mr McGovern - erection of a manage [sic] (20m x 40m) & surrounding fence. Land rear of 97-111 Leicester Rd. Thurcaston
Mr & Mrs Wakerly - erection of conservatory to rear of detached dwelling. 21 Causeway Lane, Cropston.
Mr & Mrs Edmonds - alteration to vehicular access, demolition of existing garden wall and erection of replacement 1.9 mtr high retaining wall & 1.8 mtr high gates to side of house. 36 North Street, Rothley
Mr J Lamble - creation of vehicular access. 34 Swithland Lane, Rothley.
Mr & Mrs Brennan - erection of single storey extension to side of detached dwelling. 247 Swithland Lane.
Mr & Mrs E Hall - erection of single storey extension to side and rear of semi detached dwelling. 47 Leicester Rd. Thurcaston

Rothley winners

THE FOUR Rink Greenwood County Cup competition, played on neutral greens, was recently won by the Rothley Men’s Bowling Club who finished 54 shots up overall.
The winning skips were Paul Dewick, Don Welch, John Law and Steve Rodwell.
A dinner dance at which the cup will be presented, will be held in The Great Hall of the Walkers’ Stadium on Friday, October 4.
Further details of this event and the Bowling Club in general can be obtained from David Lynch at the village post office.

NHW news

ROTHLEY’S BEAT Officer PC Alan Parker left the Police force at the end of September.
His successor has not yet been appointed but the Rothley beat continues to be covered by officers from the Quorn Local Policing Unit.
Below is his last newsletter article:
Perhaps these will be famous last words, but so far the youths of the village - usually a real handful in the summer holidays - have been exemplary this year. Hats off to them!
I do get people whinging about the youths playing football or using skateboards on the street, but in my view this is perfectly acceptable and causes no harm.
I think that the youths of the village are pretty good really, and the detached youth project that operates needs as much support as we can give them.
As always, the problems in Rothley relate to thefts from cars. I have constantly spoken about the need to keep cars secure and take all possessions out of them, but nobody listens. Ten reported breaks into cars probably hide the real figures, and this is simply making the insurance companies and the criminals rich.
There are a number of criminals travelling around the villages in the Loughborough area, one of which is a smart white Renault 19 partial reg. J55........Keep your eyes peeled for this car, and the occupants - often two women, who are very keen on other people’s garden furniture, young trees or anything else for that matter.
Finally, a goodbye to all of you. I am leaving the police. Many thanks to all of you who have given me support and friendship over the last 18 months. I know that you will extend the same to my successor whoever that may be.
Alan Parker PC1736
Voicemail 0116 2485675
Leicestershire Constabulary 01162 222 222
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Rothley Crime Figures
August/September 2002
Theft of Motor
1. Rothley Post Office, a Royal Mail van worth approx £10,000 plus contents stolen. Aug 16
Theft from Motor
1. Tax Disc stolen from a Volvo on North St. July 30
2. Briefcase stolen and suits worth approx £1000 stolen from a Nissan Sunny on Cross Green. July 30
3. Tools worth £500 stolen from a Transit Van on the Rise. Aug 5
4. CD player worth £350 stolen from a Ford Fiesta at the Rothley Court Hotel. Aug 10
5. CD player worth £200 stolen from a Vauxhall Nova at the Rothley Court Hotel. Aug 10
6. Camcorder worth £500 stolen from a Vauxhall Vectra
7. Attempted theft from a Peugeot 205 at Rothley Court Hotel. Aug 10
8. CD player worth £200 stolen from a Mazda MX5 on Town Green St. Aug 26
9. Locks attacked on a Toyota Sprinter at The Red Lion. Aug 26
Damage to Motor
1. Roof slashed on a Mazda causing £800 worth of damage. Aug 25.
Theft
1. Jewellery worth £2000 stolen from Rothley Court Hotel
Assault
1. Domestic dispute on the A6. July 31
2. Domestic violence on Hallfields Lane. Aug 10
Criminal damage
1. Concrete thrown at a house door on Mountsorrel Lane. Aug 5
Burglary Other Than Dwelling
1. A strimmer stolen from a shed on Kinchley Lane. July 27
2. Horse Tack worth £900 stolen from a stables on Mountsorrel Lane. Aug 5
3. Gaming machine worth £500 stolen from The Red Lion. Aug 17
4. Attempted break in at a shed on Thurcaston Lane. Aug 30

Tim’s mountain trek

A ROTHLEY resident and businessman needs your help.
On January 24 Tim Hughes will be trying to reach the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro, which stands at 19,340 ft and in doing so raise £3,500 for the Anthony Nolan Trust, formerly The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.
Just 3 degrees south of the equator, this permanently snow capped dormant volcano standing at 19.340 ft, is Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest freestanding mountain. Tim said: “I know this is going to be a physically and mentally challenging trek, but I am sure it will be worthwhile.”
The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust was established by Shirley Nolan 30 years ago, in an attempt to save the life of her son Anthony who was suffering from an immune deficiency disease. Sadly he died five years later aged seven without finding a matching donor.
The trust now manages one of the world’s largest registers of blood stem cell donors and every year thousands of young people with bone marrow diseases such as leukaemia reach a stage when only a transplant can save their lives.
To tissue type a new potential donor and then maintaining their entry on the register costs approximately £50.
If you would like to sponsor Tim you can by either visiting his office, The Alliance & Leicester Agency in Rothley, or by contacting him on 0116 2374149. Sponsorships/donations need to be made before the event takes place so contact Tim now if you wish to help.

Free trees offered

FARMERS, LANDOWNERS, Parish Councils and community groups wishing to plant trees this winter may be able to get help from the Stepping Stones Countryside Management Project.
The free trees are available through a scheme, based at Leicestershire County Council, in partnership with the International Tree Foundation (ITF).
Applicants must undertake to maintain the trees for a minimum ten years. Advice and guidance in successful establishment and management of young trees will be provided.
Those eligible for the scheme can apply for up to 100 (around 1 metre high) young trees and shrubs, chosen from a list of native species. Trees are available for a variety of suitable planting schemes including playing fields, allotments, hedgerows and field corners on private and public land. The Project cannot however give free trees for planting in private gardens. The site of the planting must be accessible within reasonable hours or visible from a public highway.
The Stepping Stones Countryside Management Project is a partnership that aims to improve access for all, enhance the environment, improve people’s awareness and encourage community participation in the countryside around Leicester. Stepping Stones Free Tree Scheme is a partnership initiative with the International Tree Foundation (Leicestershire & Rutland branch).
Numbers of free trees are limited so get your applications in as soon as possible. For a Free Trees application form, telephone Andy Jackson on 0116 265 7221 or write to Sustainable Development, Community Services Department, Leicestershire County Council, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RJ. The closing date for applications is December 20, 2002. For further information on the International Tree Foundation please request the (ITF) information leaflet with the Free Tree pack.

Census figures

THE POPULATION of England and Wales on Census day 2001 was 52,041,916 Registrar General for England and Wales, Len Cook, revealed in a report laid in Parliament on September 30.
The report contains population by age and sex nationally and for local authority areas. The population of England was 49,138,831 of which the population of the East Midlands region was 4,172,200.
This shows that in the past 20 years the population of England rose by 2,318,000 from 46,820,800 in 1981 (5 per cent) and the population of the East Midlands region rose by 319,400 from 3,852,800 in 1981 (8.3 per cent).
There were substantial population rises for authorities within the region with only Leicester, Nottingham and Mansfield showing losses.
The fastest growing county is Northamptonshire that gained 97,200 (18.3 per cent) from 532,500 in 1981 to 629,700 in 2001.
The biggest fall in population occurred in Nottingham which has lost 11,200 (-4 per cent) from 278,200 in 1981 to 267,000 in 2001.
By comparison the South East region gained 755,100 (10.4 per cent) and the South West region gained 547,100 (12.5 per cent). There were population losses in the North West (-3.0 per cent) and North East Regions (-4.6 per cent).
The authority that has lost proportionately most population across England and Wales is Manchester where there has been a decline of 15.1 per cent since 1981. By contrast the fastest growing authority area in England and Wales in the period is Milton Keynes which went up by 64.4 per cent.
Other important UK findings include:
there are fewer men than women at all ages over 21
for the first time, people 60 and over (21 per cent) form a larger part of the population than children under 16 (20 per cent)
there has been a big increase in the number of people aged 85 and over - now over 1.1 million (1.9 per cent of the population)
In the past the ratio of men to women showed males outnumbering females at ages up to the late forties after which females became the majority. However, in the last 20 years this cross-over point has become earlier so that by 2001 from all age groups from 22 and upwards women are now in the majority in the UK.
In the past 50 years the population of the UK has aged considerable. While the proportion aged under 16 has decreased from 24 per cent to 20 per cent, the population aged over 60 has increased from 16 per cent to 21 per cent. The ageing of the population reflects longer life expectancy because of improvements to living standards and health care.
In particular, the ageing population can be seen from the increase in people aged 85 and over. In 1951 there were 0.2 million (0.4 per cent of the population), while Census 2001 shows that this has grown more than fivefold to over 1.1 million (1.9 per cent of the population).
Census day was on April 29, 2001, All census population numbers refer to that day.

Opinion polls over the last 20 years or more show a significant majority of people are in favour of the death penalty. They also show that most of us prefer to use Imperial weights and measures in our daily lives. We can’t have what we want because the European Union says we can’t.
We are better off out.
Jamie Bye

We have been through so much and learned so much over this summer. As many of you know, over the last weekend of July I was diagnosed, out of the blue, with leukaemia. In those first few days I experienced a kind of stripping away of all the assumptions that have been built into my life over the years - the kind of husband I would be to Sarah, what kind of Dad I will be to Hannah and Sam, what kind of vicar, what sort of church, assumptions about health and fitness - even whether I would see another Christmas. It is at such moments that you discover whether what you have learned, trusted and taught for years is actually real. Though the circumstances have not been of our choosing we have been greatly blessed by God. When everything else is stripped away, Jesus Christ is still alive and present with us, his word is unchanged and his promises stand firm, and he has already answered so many prayers. As we move into a new autumn I would want to encourage you, that far from denying the Christian faith, our experience this summer has brought home powerfully the reality of it, both personally and especially also in the way it has been lived out by the Christian community in Rothley. If any have doubts over the integrity of church in Rothley, you should see how they have loved, cared and prayed for us as a family this summer. It has been a humbling privilege to be on the receiving end.
As we now move from autumn into winter we do so recognising each new day to be a gift from the Lord and presenting a new opportunity to open our lives to him and serve him in it - confident that, “The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1-2)
Rob Gladstone, Vicar of Rothley

The Concert of Light Music performed by the 663 Ensemble & Friends at St James Church on Saturday September 21 attracted a large audience. After expenses cheques for £242.50 have been sent to the Sargent Cancer Care for Children & St James Day Care Centre for the Elderly. Many thanks to all who supported the event.
Cynthia Coltman

Walnut trees

DO YOU have a walnut tree in your garden? If so, Horticultural Research International in East Malling would very much like to hear from you.
In the past, England was covered with walnut trees but in the 18th century the buccaneers brought mahogany to our shores and the walnut went into a big decline. Existing trees are being identified county by county so that a picture can build up of where we have walnuts, especially those of a good age. Older trees that have a girth of 4 ft or more make excellent parent trees from which graft wood can be taken for breeding saplings for future walnut forests.
A 25 acre site near to Ashby de la Zouch is being planted with 14,000 saplings. It takes at least 50 years to get a walnut tree to the size the furniture trade needs.
There are 17 species of walnut and we are most likely to have the Common, also known as the English or Persian, which produces delicious wet fruits or the American Black whose fruits we do not eat. The Latin name of the Common Walnut is Juglans Regia, which means ‘royal nut of Jupiter’. I have found three trees so far in the village, the largest having a girth of 8ft 6ins. If you would like to help please measure the tree’s circumference at chest height and estimate the height and send with details of the location to Karen Russell, Horticultural Research International, East Malling, Maidstone, Kent ME19 6BJ. Please could you let me have a copy of the information or just let me know if you have a tree and if I can record it? I look forward to hearing from you.
From Marion Vincent natural History Heritage Warden for Rothley
48 Templar Way, Rothley LE7 7RB Tel: 0116 2303405

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