Scouting centenary
BRADGATE CUBS planted a tree to commemorate
the centenary of the scouting movement.
Pic: Cub James Holt and Beaver Edward Partis
help Scout Leader Steve Baker and Charnwood District Cub Leader
Andrew Caunt plant the tree.
The 77th Leicester Bradgate Cubs and Beaver group meets at the
Richard Hill School, Thurcaston and they planted a pulverulenta
in the school grounds.
Headteacher Mrs Coleen Shepherd said: "The tree is a beautiful
enhancement to our grounds and every time we look at it, it will
remind us of the great work the scouts do."
New houses planned
ROTHLEY RESIDENTS are being invited to
give their views on proposals to build 150 dwellings on an old
allotment site.
Landowners Rothley Temple Estates Ltd are preparing proposals
for residential development on land to the west of Loughborough
Road.
A spokesman said: "The Estate has recently provided new
allotments and the development is proposed for the old allotment
land, which is now overgrown and unsightly."
The proposed scheme features:
o a high quality residential environment that enhances the character
and appearance of Rothley
o a design and layout based on the theme of 'traditional village
streets' with new buildings and landscaping that make use of
high quality material
o a large amount of public open space including a new avenue,
two children's play spaces and a parkland walk incorporating
a pond area
o the planting of a significant number of new trees within the
development and improvements to the parkland to the south of
the village
o improved pedestrian and cycle links to the village centre and
the surrounding area
The Estate is seeking your views on the scheme and invites you
to attend an exhibition that will be held on Monday November
26 from 3-8pm at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.
Plans and drawings will be available for inspection and representatives
of the Estate will be on hand to answer any questions, and to
discuss your comments and suggestions.
Film night
THE NEXT film to be shown at Thurcaston's
Memorial Hall on Anstey Lane is Amazing Grace on November 30,
starting at 7.30pm.
Pics: the audience enjoing interval
refreshments during
a film screening at Thurcaston Memorial Hall
The film shows how William Wilberforce was responsible for a
bill being passed through Parliament in 1807, which abolished
the slave trade in the British Empire forever. As an ambitious
and popular MP, William was persuaded by his friends to take
on the dangerous issue of the British slave trade which led him
to become highly unpopular in the House of Commons.
Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office - 0116
236 7626 or at the door, £4 or £3.50 concessions.
Price includes refreshments.
Special show
THANKS TO everyone who supported Thurcaston
& Cropston Horticultural Society's Annual Show whether by
exhibiting or visiting, it was a huge success and a well deserved
reward for the organiser David Hadden, supported by Lorraine
and the Show committee.
The weather was kind to us, the sun shining through the windows
added to the brightness of the array of flowers, vegetables,
bakery, wine, jams etc and the tombola added to the fun, as did
the auction at the end of the show.
Councillor David Snartt presented the awards as follows:
Sedgwick Cup - Mr G Jones; Orton Cup - Mrs M Kirk; Women's Institute
Cup - Mrs J Sharpe; Swithland Strawberries Cup - Mrs J Sharpe;
Mildred Adnett Cup - Mr R Emmett; Ken & Betty Clark Trophy
- Mrs L Haddon; Pat Jones Bowl - Mrs M Kirk; Committee Trophy
- Mrs J Sharpe; Delia Brock Novice Trophy - Mr I Leach; Junior
Trophy - Master R Dew; Irene Orton Bowl - Mrs R McRobie; Delia
Brock Photographer of the Year Trophy - Mr R Emmett; The Society
Trophy shared by Mrs J Sharpe - Mrs A Frisby - Mrs A Gamble -
Mr K Aryis.
Our August meeting was an invitation to visit the Chairman's
garden for a wine and nibbles evening. The weather was ideal,
a real summer's evening and the garden looked resplendent with
the very tall hollyhocks, green lawn, a variety of shrubs, flowers
and fruit trees, plus the tinkling of the fountain. Two quizzes
tested one's brain power, lawn bowls for the skilled (and unskilled),
a raffle, one of the prizes being a miniature slate alpine garden
made by the chairman. A large very reasonably priced plant stall,
and to complete the very enjoyable evening, mouthwatering nibbles.
Than k you Paul and Pauline, ably assisted by Karl and Shirley
for a very sociable evening.
From Pam Mason
Birstall Tesco store
TESCO HAS confirmed that it does intend
to open a store in Birstall.
In reply to a question from the Rothley Post a Tesco spokeswoman
said: "Tesco is progressing its proposed Express store for
Birstall and continues to work closely with the appropriate local
authorities who represent the community. In our experience, Tesco
Express stores give customers another reason to stay in their
local communities and many other traders benefit from the increased
footfall that Tesco brings.
"Preparing a proposed store can take time and we cannot
comment on precise details at this stage. We look forward to
updating residents in due course and hope to contribute to the
vibrancy of the high street in the future."
The store will be at 139 Sibson Road, next to Birstall Dental
Practice
Chairman of Birstall Parish Council Stuart Jones said: "The
store is in the wrong position, it will cause parking problems
and traffic congestion. The Parish Council has objected to the
plans at every stage of the planning process and when we found
out about the alcohol licence we stepped in and objected to that.
There are more than enough outlets for alcohol in the village
already."
He added: "I do feel that a Tesco will have a negative impact
on the shops on Sibson Road."
Cleaner retires
A STREET cleaner, described as a "good
friend to the village", has retired from tidying Rothley's
streets.
Pic: John Rudkin is presented with
a gift by Chairman of
Rothley Parish Council, Percy Hartshorn
John Rudkin (65), who lives in Rothley, was presented with gifts
and a thank you card by residents and the Chairman of Rothley
Parish Council Percy Hartshorn.
Shirley Monks said: "The card has been signed by all the
shopkeepers. John is a good block and if you ask him, he'll always
try to help out."
Percy Hartshorn said: "He's done a super job and kept the
village really clean."
Besides Rothley, John also worked for Charnwood's cleaning contractors
Veolia in Quorn, Barkby, Barkby Thorpe, Beeby, South Croxton,
Syston, Newtown Linford and Thurmaston. He said: "I've got
to know a lot of people in Rothley and everyone says good morning.
Veolia is a good firm to work for and I've made lots of friends
there."
|
Community cash
COMMUNITY GROUPS looking for a cash boost
to fund major projects can now find it even easier to apply for
money from Charnwood Borough Council.
Charnwood Grants has been set up by the Authority to give organisations,
groups and, in some cases, individuals straightforward advice
on how to make a claim for financial support. As well as offering
new funding opportunities, Charnwood Grants brings together a
number of existing schemes, including community facility and
development, arts, historic buildings, sports and leisure plus
social enterprise under the same banner.
Cllr Richard Shepherd, the Leader of Charnwood Borough Council,
said: "The Community Grant scheme is designed to help those
who would like to apply for funding find the application process
as easy as possible. At Charnwood Borough Council we are always
seeking to improve the ways in which we work with residents."
Steve Phipps, Charnwood's Director of Partnerships and Customer
Services, said: "The Council has given a wide range of community
and group projects support through the various grant schemes
available. These projects have resulted in residents benefiting
from better facilities, access to services, improved community
and much more. If you or your organisation has a project or an
idea that needs support to grow, then Charnwood Grants could
be the ideal opportunity."
All Saints' Church Thurcaston successfully applied for £5000
towards a much needed on site community room. It will be used
to stage Sunday school, while pre-school groups and other community
organisations will also be able to meet there.
Jeff Kennington, the Deputy Church Warden at All Saints' Church,
said: "Application forms to undertake such projects can
be a daunting job but with the help of the Charnwood Grants website,
and one or two very helpful and encouraging telephone calls,
the form was soon completed and in the post. For us it was a
seamless and straightforward process and we feel the Community
Grant has helped as a catalyst in obtaining further grants. Thank
you Charnwood!"
Talented fencer Rachel Hamson, who has won six medals this year
in the nationwide Leon Paul Junior Series Under 15 competition
- including three golds in a row- has benefited from a grant
from Charnwood Sports Council, which will now be part of the
Charnwood Grants scheme.
Rosalind Hamson, mum of the 13-year-old, said: "The Talent
Support grant from Charnwood Sports Council which Rachel receives
is helping to ensure she can attend these competitions and can
have the best coaching and equipment possible to enhance her
success."
Charnwood Grants can also offer support to projects with large
targets by offering guidance and advice on other opportunities
that may be available.
To find out more information about Charnwood Grants, call the
Grants Administration Team on 01509 634 556 or log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk/community/charnwoodgrants.html
Stonehill’s new head
ALAN MONKS is the new headteacher at Stonehill
High School, Birstall.
Appointed in May, Alan (46) started work at the beginning of
the autumn term.
"What has struck me about Stonehill is what a fantastic
group of students we have here, and staff who do care and want
to make a difference" said Alan.
Alan's teaching career began in 1984 in south Yorkshire, after
a degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry followed by his teacher
training. He comes to Stonehill from a post as a deputy head
of a Nottingham City Comprehensive School for 11-16 year old.
He said: "I want Stonehill to be somewhere that people want
to get out of bed in the morning and be excited by coming to
- that's how I feel about it.
"My real enthusiasm is the power of teachers planning together
and being creative, coming up with learning experiences that
children can enjoy and be inspired by. It's putting the interest
and enthusiasm back into teaching."
The immediate challenge for the school, says Alan, is preparing
for the introduction of the new national curriculum in 2008.
"This is huge opportunity, the first time in years that
we will be back in control of what we teach and how we teach.
It is a good time to be a headteacher" he said.
Stonehill, which has recently achieved Healthy School Status,
has 720 children aged 11-14 on the school roll. The majority
of students come from Birstall, Rothley, Thurcaston and Cropston,
with around 30 per cent from Leicester city.
Designer wins prize
A THURCASTON designer impressed judges
with an innovative space-saving table and chair and scooped the
first prize worth £5,000 in the first East Midland Designer
of the Year Competition.
Pic: winner Eiry Rock with judge
Chris Lamerton
Launched this summer by the East Midlands leading design agency,
Design Factory, the competition asked talented designers from
across the region for their ideas for an innovative and practical
item of storage furniture.
The winner, Eiry Rock, who graduated from Loughborough University
this summer, with a BA in 3D Design (Furniture) took the top
spot with her simple but effective design. As well as a £2,500
marketing grant, Eiry's winning table and chair will take centre
stage in Design Factory's stand at 100% Design, the UK's most
prestigious interior design show, next September.
Pic: the winning design by Eiry Rock
Eiry (22) said: "I feel completely overwhelmed to have won
this competition. It's a fantastic opportunity and one which
I hope will benefit my design career greatly. I now hope to develop
my concept through material exploration and by addressing the
products function and marketability."
The design Eiry came up with for the competition was a box and
chair, made from ash and MDF, which can be used as seating for
both an adult and child or can be a seat and a table for a child.
Judge, Lee Garland, of Concept for Living magazine, described
Eiry's design as a revelation which made him sit up in his chair.
He said: "It was in a league of its own in terms of conceptual
design. The shadow it casts into the space left by the chair,
the confident monotone of the piece. It was a revelation. It
didn't store much more than the chair it had cut out from itself
- but there's no denying it's the best looking table that stores
a chair I'd every seen! I'm not an expert in marketability of
furniture - but I want one. It's a piece of art."
Design Factory is not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting
the development and success of selected designer/makers and manufacturers
in the East Midlands. Funded by the East Midlands Development
Agency and through the European Regional Development Fund Objective
2. For more information visit www.designfactory.org.uk
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council
was held on August 20.
It was reported that a local resident had objected to the proposed
reversal of the one way on Howe Lane. The Parish Council and
the Police are supporting the reversal.
The Council agreed to review the need for the Parish Dog Warden
in view of the Borough Council's new Street Wardens that started
in July.
A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on September
17.
Police Inspector Cathy Yallop attended the meeting. It was reported
that for the period commencing April 1 to date, crime was down
27.3% compared to the same period in 2006. There have been nine
arrests for burglary. The Police are providing 24 hour coverage
of the McCann family.
It was reported that there will not be a decision from the Big
Lottery Fund regarding a grant for the new Rothley Centre until
the end of the year.
It was reported that the Rothley Youth Centre was now offering
extra sessions for younger children.
The council agreed to replace two street lights in Brownhill
Crescent at a cost of £1150. The cost of the Christmas
lights 2007 will be £6287.
A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on October
15.
It was reported that 100 vehicles had been stopped by the Police
in September for speeding.
The refurbishment of the skateboard ramps on Fowke Street has
been completed at a cost of £7000. The ramps now have a
steel surface finished with a rubberised paint, with steel barriers.
A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council
was held on August 16.
A parishioner complained about speeding vehicles on Thurcaston
Lane/Mill Road. The clerk was requested to report this matter
to the Police. It was noted that the 30mph sign is partially
obscured by vegetations.
Five parish councillors volunteered for training in the operation
of hand held speed cameras and the clerk was requested to obtain
details.
Councillors reported on untidy parts of the village, overgrown
hedges and trees.
It was agreed to the transfer of ownership of the cemetery from
Charnwood Borough Council to Thurcaston & Cropston Parish
Council. The transfer will cost approximately £1,144.
A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was
held on September 20.
County Councillor Peter Osborne reported that should the Parish
Council wish to renovate the penfold a grant may be available
from the County Council. He said that Woodhouse had restored
their penfold.
It was agreed to contact the Borough Council's planning enforcement
officer about the possible use of a garage on Station Road as
a dwelling.
It was reported that a bus had been delayed for 15 minutes by
parking congestion at school times on Anstey Lane. It was agreed
to report the problem to the Police.
Youth project’s successful year
ROTHLEY YOUTH Project will soon be celebrating
the first anniversary of the arrival of their portacabins.
Although the doors only opened earlier this Easter the young
people take every opportunity to make good use of the Club.
The Club can only open with adult supervision and the committee
are working closely with the County Youth Service with a view
to providing qualified staffing to enable the Club to open its
doors regularly on a Tuesday evening. This has been funded by
the Youth Opportunity Fund for 12 months.
The group has also been successful in securing fun ding from
the John Salmon Fund. This aims to provide young people with
opportunities to get involved in activities that will encourage
them to develop their life skills.
The current project is a Christmas Dance Show which the young
people have planned and created themselves and hope to hold later
in December.
There will also be a fundraising coffee morning on Saturday November
24, from 10am to 12.30pm at the Rothley Community Centre, with
various stalls including Santa's Grotto, tombola, bric-a-brac,
fairtrade goods, homemade cakes and much more.
Please contact Lesley Peasant on 0116 2302234 if you would like
a stall or to make a donation.
Guides’ great year
GIRL GUIDES in Thurcaston and Cropston
are looking back on an eventful year.
In autumn 2006, the Guides had a stall at Anstey Gala, staged
their own X factor competition and ended the term with a Christmas
Graduation Ball.
Spring 2007 was occupied with rehearsals and the performance
of 'Alice in Wonderland'. Guides completed the Performing Arts
Badge by taking part in the show, designing the programme, doing
make up and props. Many parents commented it was the best show
to date.
Two Guide teams completed the Charnwood Hike, guides took part
in the County Show, performed at a musical evening in the Church,
went orienteering and filled the school hall with line dancing
for American Independence Day.
The 1st Cropston Guides and Thurcaston and Cropston Rangers meet
on Wednesdays 7.15-8.30pm at Richard Hill School, Anstey Lane.
For details contact Chris Miranda 2364293 or cbm189@aol.com.
Chris would also like to hear from adults who would like to help
out on Wednesday nights.
WI news
ROTHLEY WI'S August meeting was a Cream Tea with quizzes and
questionnaires. Our President Pauline had prepared a picture
quiz which really got the grey matter working and there was a
game of Countdown to be explored. After which it was time for
our tea of deliciously fresh homemade scones and jam.
September and our meeting on the 5th saw a new increase in our
membership, a number of visitors from other WIs as well as guests
from community groups in and around Rothley. The guest speaker
was none other than Ian Rogerson who not only brought his selection
of cheeses but a welcome bundle of his inimitable humour! Ian
has been working with cheese for many years and has inevitable
accrued an immense knowledge of types of cheese and how to care
for them. Sharing his wealth of knowledge we learned of the many
different types, their origins, flavours and when best (and in
some cases - how) to eat them. All expertly imbued with his relentless
quirky and anecdotal humour. After a lot of questions Ian invited
members to very generously taste all or any of the varieties
of cheese he had on display. It was a rewarding, informative
and very happy afternoon.
'When you're Smiling' - the well known song written by American
songwriters Shay, Fisher and Goodwin and played in the 30s by
Louis Armstrong was the opening tune for Rothley WI members to
sing along to at the October meeting.
None other than Joyce Godfrey with an infectious smile encouraged
all her audience to join in at the beginning of a very interesting
presentation about 'Both Sides of the Shop Counter'. Whilst evoking
memories of childhood shopping experiences for some, Joyce also
gave us a view of how it was for a junior sales assistant from
'the other side of the counter' as well as the customers' views.
Joyce's performances and her in depth knowledge of the retail
trade from the early 40s onward proved an interesting background
for a further look at her life in various stores, including the
Co-Op, meeting the cash carrying overhead tubes and having to
remember her mother's dividend number, also her experiences working
an in expensive fur coat store. We heard about her particular
interest in ballroom dancing and her years spent working in a
local chemist.
Accompanied by a background of soft music Joyce Godfrey captured
the essence of yesteryear and brought it alive again with her
inimitable style and a great sense of humour. She brought her
presentation to a close by once more getting her enchanted audience
to sing along and agree with her that …. 'When you're smiling,
the whole world smiles with you!'
THE GUEST speaker for the September meeting of Thurcaston &
Cropston WI was Wendy Martin who gave a talk with the intriguing
title of 'Milk, Muck and Mangoes'.
The audience was very curious to know what her talk was about
and soon discovered that it concerned a Christian charity founded
in 1988 called 'Send a Cow'.
The charity helps groups of people such as widows, the disabled
and orphan families who are struggling to survive, to become
self sufficient by learning to care for livestock and grow their
own food. The Bishop of Uganda was one of the charity's earliest
supporters and subsequently 25 cows in calf were sent to Uganda
from this country. The charity already had vets and agricultural
support workers there, and they set about training the first
people whop were to receive the cattle.
Potential recipients must grow Napier grass (a rich source of
food for cows) and have a year's supply ready before they can
be given a cow. The animal has to be kept in a properly constructed
pen and health, hygiene and milk marketing are all part of the
basic training. The new owners have to sign an agreement stating
that if a female calf is born, it will be given to another family,
when it is big enough. Cow's milk is vitally important to the
families nutritionally, and any spare milk is later sold. The
cow's manure is composted and used for growing food and the urine
is mixed with chillies, garlic and wood ash to be used as fertiliser.
Nothing is wasted. The cost of buying a cow is high (£750)
but this also includes the cost of the training and support given
to the people who are selected.
Over the years the charity has expanded into different parts
of Africa and now operates in Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Lesotho,
Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya. It now also supplies donkeys, sheep,
goats, chickens, rabbits, bees and even fish! These are sent
to suitable areas where they will flourish.
We were told some very sad stories about people, who had then
received an animal and were heartened to hear how this had turned
their lives around and given them independence and hope. A major
outcome of this success is that people can now afford to send
their young children to school, so everyone is benefiting.
This was a highly informative and much appreciated talk.
The speaker for the October meeting was Mr Robert Jackson who
gave a talk accompanied with slides entitled 'Into the West'.
His interest in the state of Wyoming began when he started to
trace his family tree. He found out that his family originated
from Lancashire and had worked either in the cotton mills or
the mines.
The American Civil War caused great hardship to the Lancashire
mill workers and owners. As supplies of cotton from America dried
up, mills had to close and workers lost their jobs and faced
starvation. During the struggle however, the Lancashire cotton
workers gave their support to the Union and its attempt to abolish
slavery in the south. At the end of the Civil War, America recruited
people from Lancashire to work in their mines, as a recognition
of their support. Members of Mr Jackson's family went over to
America and finally settled in Wyoming.
Mr Jackson and his family have recently visited his newly found
cousins in Wyoming. We saw slides of this visit and were told
that the state is the size of the British Isles but only has
a population of just over half a million. This is real 'Western'
country with vast expanses of prairie, where cowboys herd bison.
Past famous inhabitants of the state include Buffalo Bill, Annie
Oakley and Butch Cassidy. The famous Pony Express went through
the state of Wyoming carrying gold; the stagecoaches actually
went from Missouri down to California.
Wyoming was granted State Territory in 1869 and finally became
the 44th State of America on July 10, 1890. It can boast having
the first woman JP and the first woman Governor in the US. The
State is also home to the famous Yellowstone Park and the Black
Hills of Dakota create a magnificent view at the boundaries of
Dakota and Wyoming.
This was a highly informative talk which not only gave the history
of the state but also showed its beauty.
History Society news
FIONA URE, Rothley History Society's speaker for September,
unfortunately had to go into hospital so she had to cancel her
appearance at 'almost' the last moment. Instead we managed to
get the services of Melanie Wilson, who with her daughters, gave
a wonderful performance of introducing us to Anglo-Saxon clothes.
Bryony, Melanie's eldest daughter did the narration whilst dressing
Saffia as a man and Franzie as a woman. Everyone found the subject
and its unique presentation most interesting and enjoyable. This
'almost' impromptu talk was followed by a great variety of questions.
Our grateful thanks go to Melanie, Bryony, Saffia and Franzie
- you all put on a great show.
For our October meeting we were delighted to welcome Bob Trubshaw,
the well-known Leicestershire author and lecturer. Bob's talk
was entitled: "'Demons in the Darkness? Medieval carvings
in Leicestershire and Rutland', a subject about which Bob knows
a great deal. We had a very well supported meeting and were happy
to welcome three new members. Everyone found the slides of carvings
around our county and that of Rutland quite fascinating, instructive
and entertaining. A thought - evidently all the carvings were
originally brightly painted but the Victorians got out their
scrubbing brushes and cleaned them back to the bare stone. What
a shame! The mind really boggles as to what they had been like
in their original colourful state. What a pity we can no longer
see them as they were.
In November, on the 21st, we have our AGM followed by what we
call a Members Evening. This does not mean that it is restricted
to members - all are welcome. We never quite know what we are
going to do, but it is always something different and interesting.
I think I know but I am not telling, so do come along and join
in the fun.
On December 12 we have the ever popular Gareth King and find
out what he has got in mind for us in the run-up to Christmas?
We have called it 'Spooky Tales', which could well cover anything
- so don't be scared but come along and find out!
Starting the New Year, on January 16, we take 'A Journey Through
History on the Festiniog Railway', it makes one start to think
about holidays, doesn't it?
February 20 - we are looking forward to hearing about 'The Slate
Industry in Leicestershire'. Living so close to some of the major
slate quarries in the county will make the subject extra special
to us in the Charnwood area, where we have not only slate, but
oak and granite.
Next March, on the 19th, we will be welcoming Jane May from the
New Walk Museum. She will be telling us about 'The History of
Ceramics', a vast subject but we shall be gently introduced to
much of the fascinating and, to a neighbouring county, Staffordshire,
a very important industry.
To follow up on the subject of ceramics on Wednesday April 9,
we have organised an outing to the Potteries. Do look in the
next Rothley Post issue when you can find out more details.
We are receiving a good interest in our website, we have even
received a message from a gentleman now living in Canada but
who originally lived in Rothley.
So, don't forget we now have our own website: www.Rothleyhistory.co.uk
and www.yahoogroups.com Of course you are most welcome to come
along to any of our meetings, which cover a wide variety of subjects.
Our meetings, which start at 7.30pm are held on the third Wednesday
of the month at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.
From Rothley History Society
WE WERE very fortunate to have glorious weather for our afternoon
visit to Bosworth Battlefield on Sunday August 12.
Our guide, Debbie, ensured that the 16 people (including visitors)
who attended had an entertaining and most informative tour. Over
500 years since the Battle of Bosworth took place, many myths
and legends have grown up about the course of the battle itself
and the main participants ie King Richard III and Henry Tudor
(Earl of Richmond) and their respective supporters, and in recent
years new theories have been propounded as to the actual site
of the battle.
The battlefield site today is a beautiful place, but it is easy
to imagine it as the backdrop to the bloodshed and carnage of
that momentous day.
Bosworth Battlefield Visitors Centre and Country Park is currently
undergoing a £2,000,000 four-phase project to include displays
depicting medieval life and warfare, a battle room retelling
the events of August 22, 1485, the lives of Richard III and Henry
VII and many other historic features relating to the battle.
Also, there is an ongoing three year archaeological survey being
undertaken into the battle location and character of the landscape
at that time.
The Old School Room at Thurcaston was full to capacity on Tuesday
September 18 to hear society member Brenda Hooper talk about
the Luddites. As usual Brenda's talk had been meticulously researched
to show how and why the Luddite movement evolved. Historically,
handknitting and weaving can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians,
and the work 'spinster' derives from the practice of young, unmarried
ladies being assigned to spin the knitting yarn. However, as
is so often seen today, people are always striving to develop
more efficient and cost effective methods of production, and
so it was, in 1600 that a young man from Nottingham named William
Lee designed and developed a loom or frame on which stockings,
waistcoats, etc could be made much more speedily than by previous
methods. Faced with opposition in England he established a company
in Rouen, France where his frames were used to make silk and
wool stockings. Purportedly, after William's death, his brother
James, who had accompanied him to France, returned with his workforce
to Nottingham in 1620, and so began the widespread development
and use of knitting frames in this country.
The first frame to reach Leicestershire came to Hinckley in 1640,
purchased by William Iliffe for £60. The first recorded
framework knitter (FWK) in our parish is William Glover of Cropston
in 1758. The early FWKs prospered, often combining this trade
with seasonal agricultural work. Many settled in the East Midlands
(Notts, Derbys, and Leics) to avoid the restrictions of regulations
set up in London to control their trade. Also, in all three counties,
there was a plentiful supply of wool needed for their work. The
work was conducted in the home with all family members involved
and each family would also have a strip of land in common fields
to grow their own vegetables. This existence was not to last,
influenced by a number of factors, namely the Enclosure Acts
when strip farming was abolished (Thurcaston and Cropston were
enclosed in 1799) and villages could not longer be self sufficient
and the Industrial Revolution and building of purpose-built factories
which affected the earnings of the FWKs.
Few FWKs owned their own frame so had to hire one from a hosier
on whom they were also dependent for supplies of yarn, which
led to unfair pricing and double-dealing, to the FRKs' detriment.
Trade with America suffered during the War of Independence (1773
to 83) - consequently wages fell but food prices remained high.
There were other issues such as poor harvests and reduced demands
for hosiery due to changes in fashion which added to the difficulties.
By the late 18th century Luddism erupted as the lid came off
the simmering cauldron of discontent when the FWKs began to retaliate
against the threats to their livelihoods. In 1773 when a new
frame able to knit 12 pairs of stockings at once was exhibited
at the Corn Exchange in Leicester, it was smashed to pieces by
rioters. In December 1785, another incident in Leicester when
the homes of a Mr Coltman and a Mr Whetstone (they were business
partners in manufacturing worsted cloth) were trashed by rioters,
led eventually to them transferring their business to Bromsgrove.
Another riot in 1789, again in Leicester, led to the death of
the Mayor when he was pelted with stones by an angry mob. The
movement quickly gained momentum with similar incidents in other
Shire counties. The army was called in to control the rioters
and protect the local populations. Riots and protests continued
into the 19th century. In June 1816, 55 machines and the stock
of finished lace were destroyed at the factory of Heathcoat and
Boden in Loughborough. Subsequently, the partners split the business,
with Heathcoat and his workers transferring to Tiverton in Devon
and Borden setting up factories in Derby and Barnstaple. Support
for the rioters came from other quarters such as Lord Byron who
wrote a poem highlighting their plight. Despite this, frame/machine
breaking became a capital offence with the passing of the 'Frame-breaking
Act' in Parliament after its proposal by Spencer Perceval in
February 1812. Rioters who were caught and tried were either
imprisoned, hanged or transported to Australia.
So, what is known of Ned Ludd who gave his name to the Luddites?
Very little is the short answer. In the 'Overseer of the Poor'
records for Anstey (June 13, 1757) he was given a sixpenny shirt
at public expense and there are further references to his needy
situation. He was apprenticed to John Geary, a framework knitter.
On the death of his mother in 1763 he took lodgings with a man
named Lewin, then in 1765 Lewin was paid sixpence for removing
Ned's goods and l/6d for going with Dr Glover and 1/- was paid
to the Constable.
There are no recorded explanations but could Ned have been involved
in attacking his master's frames? Ned's burial on August 31,
1776 was funded by the parish at a cost of 19/- and his mortal
remains must lie somewhere in St Mary's churchyard, Anstey. Recently
Ned Ludd Close near the village centre has been named in his
memory.
The movement had virtually ended by 1820 with only a negative
outcome. The FWK's aggressive actions were the result of years
of pleading with their employers, local gentry, the House of
Commons and the Prince Regent for fair wages for their work.
Influenced by the events of the French Revolution, the authorities
looked to save their own necks, so the poor and hungry vented
their anger mostly on inanimate machines usually after warning
letters had been affixed to factory doors. After all their sufferings
and with no improvements to their daily lives Luddites would
have to reconsider their options.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday November 20 which will be the
AGM followed by an historical story telling event by Gareth King,
7.30pm at the Old School Thurcaston.
From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society
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Planning
The Thatch, 2 Station Road, Cropston - internal alterations
including new internal walls
Cropston Reservoir, Visitor Centre, Bradgate Road, Cropston -
installation of handrail and 3 air conditioning units
Yoel House, 245 Station Road, Cropston - 2 storey side extension
The Ellis Building, Rothley Station Yard, Rothley - conversion
of store building to café
95 Station Road, Cropston - alterations and extensions to dwelling
60 Leicester Road, Thurcaston - erection of single and 2 storey
extension to rear of dwelling
201 Leicester Road, Thurcaston - extension to side of garage
80 Leicester Road, Thurcaston - erection of single storey extension
to rear of bungalow
Rothley Church of England Primary School, Mountsorrel lane, Rothley
- erection of boundary fencing
28 Templar Way, Rothley - replacement conservatory & pitched
roof to garage
19 Swithland Lane, Rothley - retention of hot tub and enclosure
in rear garden
36 Woodfield Road, Rothley - erection of detached double garage
with storage area over to rear of dwelling fronting Macaulay
Road
65 Swithland Lane, Rothley - internal alterations, replacement
windows and installation of satellite dish on rear elevation
49 Woodgate, Rothley - single storey extension to side of detached
dwelling
33 Swithland Lane, Rothley - erection of a single storey extension
to rear of dwelling
56 The Ridgeway, Rothley - erection of replacement dwelling and
garage following demolition of dwelling
96 Swithland Lane, Rothley - erection of extensions & alterations
to include raising roof and extension to rear and detached double
garage to side of dwelling
Rothley Library, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley - retention of modular
building
16 The Rise, Rothley - erection of single storey extension to
front, side and rear of dwelling
Broughton’s top marks
BROUGHTONS INTERIORS is celebrating after
its Luxury Coffee Lounge was awarded the top 3 star rating in
a recent Environmental Health Inspection by Charnwood Borough
Council.
Known as the 'Scores on the Doors', Charnwood Borough Council
has developed this scheme in response to requests from members
of the public for information about food safety standards in
food businesses. It is designed to allow the public access to
the scoring given to food premises in the Charnwood area by the
Food Safety team and to enable everyone to make an informed choice
about where they want to eat. The star ratings for premises are
published on the Food Scores Website which can be accessed at
www.foodscores.co.uk or via the Charnwood Borough Council website
www.charnwood.gov.uk and by following Useful Links.
Broughtons' owner Dee Patterson said: "You can visit Broughtons
Interiors in Anstey fully confident that your food is not only
being prepared freshly as you order, it is also being prepared
in clean and hygienic premises which are fully compliant with
the regulations. Congratulations to Wayne, the Manager and Chef,
and all the team for an outstanding achievement!
Prize winner Iona
A WACKY spectacle frame idea has won a national
design competition for a schoolgirl from Quorn.
Pic: prize winner Iona Moxon with optician
Jonathan Pilbeam
Eight year old Iona Moxon entered her design from an activity
pack that Pilbeam Opticians in Mountsorrel presents to children
following an eye test. The competition is supported by a national
optical supplier.
Iona's Mum, Amanda, said that Iona couldn't stop jumping up and
down with excitement when she knew she had won!
Iona's design was an exotic pair of glasses complete with pink
feathers. Iona won a large Crayola art box, nearly as tall as
her, suggesting that a lot more artwork will be on the way from
the Moxon household.
After presenting the prize to Iona, Jonathan Pilbeam, Managing
Director of Pilbeam opticians, said: "The competition was
a great way of encouraging parents to being their children in
for eye examinations and to reinforce the idea that glasses can
be a lot of fun."
NHW news
AFTER CONSULTATION with the public our
three priorities for the next six months are
o to continue to improve road safety in the villages, working
with partner agencies to combat offences of speeding
o to work closely with primary schools and youth groups to raise
awareness of stranger danger and safety issues
o to deal with the issues of antisocial vehicle use on the beauty
spot car parks and in Rothley village
During November and December PCSO Sue Hall and I will be visiting
schools in Rothley, Thurcaston and Newtown Linford to talk to
all the classes about a range of subjects including stranger
danger and personal safety.
Crime Report
Rothley Aug & Sep 07: Theft 4 (2 of lead flashing), theft
from vehicle 1, damage 5, burglary 3, burglary other 4
Thurcaston Aug & Sep 07: Burglary 1, theft of vehicle 1
Cropston Aug & Sep 07: Damage 3, theft 1. burglary 1
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