Wartime Rothley
HUNDREDS OF costumed re-enactors mingled
with the thousands of visitors who enjoyed the Great Central
Railway's World War II weekend in June.
"Where else could you meet Winston Churchill, General Montgomery
and General Eisenhower and overhear them planning the D-Day landings,
watch a Spitfire flypast and then dance to a 16 piece swing band?"
said Lynn Hill from the GCR.
"It's the closest possible experience to time travel without
a Tardis!" she added.
This year's event was the biggest ever and featured a DUKW amphibious
vehicle and a working demonstration of an Enigma code machine.
Bradley’s women run
WORKERS AT a Rothley shop are hoping to
raise more than £1000 for Cancer Research by completing
the Race for Life.
Eight women from Bradley's on Woodgate will be taking part in
the three mile charity run at Castle Donington on July 2.
Runner Dawn Cope said: "We have been meeting two nights
a week for training and are all really looking forward to it."
Joining Dawn will be co-workers Chloe Goodwin, Michelle Woodgett,
Teresa Cope, Srankie Jones, Aimee Baird, Gemma Clarke and Katie
Smithson. The group range in age from 15 to 50.
They have decided to run in memory of the store's owner David
Matthews, who died in January and had always supported cancer
charities.
Store Manager Joff Woodgett said: "David was a larger than
life character, one of the old school who would do anything for
the community."
He added: "The girls have all been doing very well in training
and the support from the village has been overwhelming. It's
nice to see a village business appreciated in this way."
Customers have already pledged £500 in sponsorship and
the group hope to double this by the day of the run.
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council
was held on April 21
PC Steve Rhodes reported that he had interviewed 15 local young
people after the vandalism of the Rothley Imps Cabins. He reported
that speed checks on Westfield Lane had resulted in 11 tickets
and seven advice notices. Speed checks on Swithland Lane had
no results.
The Parish Council voted in favour of the Temple Grange development
on the old allotment site, Hallfields Lane, but with 'serious
reservations' about the impact of increased traffic at the Red
Lion junction and the safety of the site's vehicle access point
on the old A6. It was agreed to arrange a public meeting to allow
the public to voice any concerns on May 16.
It was reported that the fire brigade and the Police attended
when the skateboard ramp near Fowke Street was set on fire on
April 13.
It was reported that two assistant youth workers had been appointed
by Rothley Youth Project.
Rothley Parish Council's Annual Meeting was held on May 16.
The meeting was preceded by a presentation by Steve Lewis-Roberts
from Charnwood Borough Council to explain the planning process
and how to object to the proposal to build 149 houses on former
allotment land, Hallfields Lane. Around 80 people attended.
Seven members of the public attended the Annual Meeting that
followed.
Parish Clerk Robin Dent reported that work on The Grange is progressing
well and on a recent site visit, parish councillors were impressed
by the standard of work being undertaken.
Police Inspector Cathy Yallop reported that when comparing the
Rothley crime figures for the 12 month period commencing April
1, 2007 to the 12 months from April 1, 2006:
o Burglary dwelling reduced by 51% from 51 to 25
o Burglary other than dwelling increased by 27% from 43 to 55
o Theft of motor vehicles reduced by 38% from 21 to 12
o Theft from motor vehicles reduced by 25% from 89 to 66
o Criminal Damage reduced by 9% from 87 to 79
o Violent Crime reduced by 13% from 58 to 50
o Total crime reduced by 12% from 466 to 408
Antisocial behaviour data indicates a relatively low level between
April 2007 and December 2007 but then a noticeable increase from
January 2008 to March 2008.
To address the problem the Police had:
o Targeted patrols to School Street, Fowke Street areas. Five
persons have been identified and interviewed for criminal damage.
o Surveillance equipment deployed to detect offences of damage
o Sent 15 antisocial behaviour warning letters
o visited the homes of 12 persons with parents present
o visited the Youth Club to talk to young people about antisocial
behaviour
Five incidents of criminal damage have been detected. 20 fixed
penalty tickets were issued in Rothley and surrounding villages
for speeding.
Reports were received from Rothley school's headteacher Fiona
Parr, County and Borough Councillors and Rothley Youth Project.
Problems discussed in Any Other Business included car parking
in Rothley and the ineffectiveness of Charnwood's litter picking.
A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on May 19.
Percy Hartshorn was elected chairman of the council for the ensuing
year, Brian Popple vice chairman.
The council has agreed the sale of 2 Fowke Street to the long
term tenant for £100,000
It was reported that litter bins on the Fowke Street playing
field had been set on fire.
The Harry Hames Cottage charity have committed up to £150,000
towards the new Rothley Centre.
A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on June 16.
It was reported that a motorist who regularly drives the wrong
way along Woodgate has been reported to the Police along with
photographic evidence.
It was reported that the County Council are considering painting
white chevrons on the GCR bridge at the top of Westfield Lane
to prevent vehicles colliding with the bridge. They also intend
to repaint the SLOW sign on the road surface. The Parish Council
want the county to investigate erecting a solar powered warning
signal.
It was agreed to invite Conservation Officer Martin Tincknell
from Charnwood to a meeting to discuss the possibility of creating
a Conservation Area that would include The Ridgeway. Councillors
expressed concern that the character of that area was at risk.
It was reported that the Edith Murphy Foundation had donated
£10,000 towards the new Rothley Centre.
Comment was made that no-one had ever been seen sitting on the
Crayfish bench next to Bunney's Field and it was agreed to investigate
the cost of raising the height of the bench and treating the
wood with a preservative.
The Parish Council has erected hanging baskets in the centre
of the village, on the Millennium signs, on two parish noticeboards
and near the Crayfish bench.
Overhanging branches on the Ridings near the junction with Westfield
Lane will be reported to the County Council.
A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston
Parish Council was held on April 17.
It was reported that parishioners were complaining about children
playing in the shrubs at the junction of Rectory Lane and Leicester
Road, Thurcaston.
It was agreed to report the amount of rubbish on Swithland Lane.
Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council held its Annual meeting
on May 22.
Cllr Richard Younie was elected as chairman for the ensuing year
and Cllr Green as vice-chairman.
Himalayan expedition
A ROTHLEY man was part of a mountaineering
expedition attempting to climb Makalu in the Himalayas, the fifth
highest mountain in the world.
Pic: Climber Rupert Capleton
Flight Lieutenant Rupert Capleton, 32, was part of a Joint Services
expedition that faced a gruelling two month trek up the mountain.
Rupert, who was born in Rothley and lived on Swithland Lane until
he went to University, was part of a team attempting the South
East Ridge. They had to turn back due to illness, just short
of the summit.
Rupert has climbed in the UK, New Zealand, South America and
the Alps but this was his first visit to the Himalayas.
Eiry’s winning year
A DESIGN Agency is offering Midlands furniture
makers the change to become East Midlands Designer of the Year.
Launched last year, its first winner was Eiry Rock from Thurcaston.
She is still enjoying the success the competition has brought
her after winning top spot for her space saving children's table
and chair. Having recently returned from exhibiting at the most
established furniture show in Europe she is now preparing for
the UK's most well respected contemporary interior design show
- 100% Design, where she will exhibit her winning product on
the Design Factory stand.
Eiry said: "It's been an incredible year. The support and
funding I have received from Design Factory has allowed me not
only to exhibit at a world renowned furniture show, Salone Satellite
in Milan, but also set up my own website and make my portfolio
available to an international online audience. Just 12 months
ago I was receiving my prize at 100% and now I'm preparing to
exhibit at 100% Design. It all happens so quickly."
Find out more at www.designfactory.org.uk.
School’s new intake
CHILDREN AT Rothley school have been enjoying
rearing chickens.
Pic: handling chicks at Rothley
school
In April 'Living Eggs' delivered 10 eggs for the whole school
to watch hatching and growing. They talked to the children during
their assembly and left the eggs with the school for two weeks
to care for. They were provided with an incubator and brooder.
The incubator has been watched over carefully with constant checks
on temperature and humidity. There has been great excitement
watching eggs rocking and the shells cracking. Children have
been busy logging their observations on a 'chick update' sheet.
Mrs Burgess' and Mrs Tranter's classes watched the eggs and kept
a diary during the first week and Mr Shaw's class logged which
order the eggs hatched out. Each class has undertaken follow
up work and discussions linked to this project have been taking
place.
After the chicks hatched, to great excitement, the children had
the opportunity to handle the chicks and be involved in the daily
care routines of feeding and cleaning.
The school would like to thank the PFA for funding this learning
experience.
Park drug arrests
IN THE past six months, police have stopped,
searched and dealt with 23 people for drugs offences in car parks
around Swithland, Rothley, Newtown Linford and Cropston.
They will now stage Operation Ancillary, a summer crackdown on
rural car park crime such as drug-dealing and antisocial behaviour,
including car cruisers who gather to show off modified vehicles.
Officers from Charnwood police said they had made it a top priority
to stamp out drug crime and abuse at beauty spots, following
complaints.
Police have access to the radio systems used by park rangers
so they can be quickly alerted to problems.
Patrols are to be stepped up and the force's mobile police station
will be set up in drugs hotspots.
Rothley’s new tea room
FORMER BLUE Peter presenter Simon Groom
opened the new tea room at the Great Central Railway's Rothley
station in June.
Pic: (l-r) Sandra Baines,
GCR support; Simon Groom;
Linda Poole, Tea Room
manager
Visitors to the GCR now have a place to unwind, relax and enjoy
some refreshments. At the award winning, and haunted, Rothley
station, a derelict Victorian store shed has been fully restored
and converted into a quality tea room.
In addition, a new viewing area has been created at Rothley allowing
passengers to get right up close to historic steam engines as
they run past. The new 'grandstand' and tea room are fully accessible
to wheelchair users. There is also a landscaped garden railway
as an additional attraction.
"We've finished the job at the end of May and the new tea
room has already proved popular" said GCR president Bill
Ford. "The building itself isn't listed, but as it falls
inside the boundary of the station, which is, we've taken great
care to make sure the restoration is up to the highest standard.
Best of all, it has full wheeled access, proper toilet and baby
change facilities not to mention great food It's a great leap
forward for what we can offer our visitors."
The tea room has been called "Ellis's" after the building
it's in. It was built in 1899, when the Great Central Railway
was opened. Local firm Joseph Ellis and Sons Ltd used it to store
corn and coal, ready to be collected by wagons and sent around
the country by train. The building fell out of use well before
the GCR was preserved but has now been fully restored and carefully
converted.
The £70,000 project has taken six months, with the money
raised by The David Clarke Railway Trust, the Great Central Railway's
supporting charity.
"We're keen to improve our facilities right along the line"
concluded Bill. "We won the gold award for East Midland
visitor experience in 2007 but you can't afford to stand still.
We hope people who live in the area will make Ellis's a new drop-in
point.
You don't have to buy a ticket to ride our train to visit - and
after all, how many tea rooms come with a great view of steam
engines, large and small, thrown in for the price of a coffee?!"
Ellis's tea room is open six days a week, Saturday to Thursday,
from 10am to 4.30pm. It serves hot and cold drinks, homemade
cakes, sandwiches, light lunches and ice creams. It also hosts
party bookings. You can contact the tea room direct on ellis@gcrailway.co.uk
or 01509 632343
Rothley Imps are league winners
ROTHLEY'S LOCAL U12 football team has just
completed a successful season.
Rothley Imps were competing in Division 5 when they
won having lost only two games all season. They have played 20
games, winning 17 and drawing one, scoring 107 goals with only
22 conceded.
Team Manager Andy Gale said: "While we like the boys to
be competitive on the field, our primary objective in coaching
them is to develop them individually as footballers, and encourage
an attractive short passing game, and the progress made by all
the players this season has been excellent, with some great football
being played.
"The boys were competing against very good clubs with much
bigger catchment areas such as Braunstone, Birstall and Groby
and for the a village the size of Rothley to produce a team capable
of winning a league is an outstanding achievement.
"I would not single any individual out for praise, the success
of the boys this season has been very much a team effort."
The club is now looking to build for next season and boys who
will be aged 12 on August 31, 2008 can contact team manager Andy
Gale on 0116 2303999 for details.
Housebound library service
LEICESTERSHIRE LIBRARIES are looking for
new clients for its home library service.
The service is aimed at people who are housebound because of
age, disability or illness and can no longer access library services
through the village library of the mobile library.
The Home Library Service is run using volunteers who visit clients
in their own homes every month to deliver books, audio books
or CDs. The main service is free, but clients can also receive
DVDs for a small annual subscription.
If you think you would like to receive the service, or know of
someone in Rothley or Mountsorrel who would benefit, please contact
Bharti Acharya at Birstall Library on 0116 3058751.
Golf club’s award
ROTHLEY PARK Golf Club has received a prestigious
award for its work with junior members.
Pic: (l-r) Garry Baines (Rothley
Park Golf Club -
Committee Member responsible for Juniors), Katie
Tebbet (RPGC Assistant Professional and Junior
Coach) and Kelly Hanwell (EGU/EWGA Regional
Development Officer)
Presented by the English Golf Union, the Junior Golf Mark award
recognises excellence in junior golf and Rothley is only the
third club in the county to receive the award.
RPGC Junior Representative Garry Baines said: "It is recognition
by a professional independent body, the English Golf Union, that
Rothley Park Golf Club is taking Junior Golf and its young members
seriously. The club and its members have given a lot of time
and effort into making sure that all aspects of our approach
to the players of tomorrow is safe and encouraging. As a parent
myself, I would like to think if my children joined a golf club
that the club is responsible in its attitude to my child. I believe
Rothley Park Golf Club has now proven that, and have evidence
based systems in place to support it."
The club's assistant professional Katie Tebbet, who has been
involved in the Junior Golf Mark, said: This award means a great
deal because it helps demonstrate that we are a club that works
hard to ensure that everyone who comes to Rothley Park can enjoy
the game in a safe, friendly environment, and that we believe
in equal opportunities for golfers regardless of age, gender,
ability or race."
Rothley Park Golf Club has a very lively junior section and is
always keen for more Junior girls and boys to join the club,
Mums and Dads who would like to know more about joining the club
and getting involved in coaching sessions during the summer holidays
can contact the club on 0116 2302809
Reducing car crime
ROTHLEY'S MARION Vincent has been presented
with a 'Making a Difference' award and a cheque for £100
for her work with the Police to reduce car crime.
Pic: (l-r) PBO Steve Rhodes, Marion
Vincent and
Assistant Chief Constable Mike Goodwin
Marion, NHW co-ordinator for Rothley and Swithland, was one of
five NHW volunteers to receive an award at a ceremony held at
Police Headquarters in Enderby.
She said: "It was identified from the monthly crime figures
that a lot of police time was being used to investigate vehicle
crime and setting up Neighbourhood Watch Schemes would help to
eliminate the problem and ease the upset caused to residents
in Kiln Garth, Whatton Oaks and adjoining roads".
With the help of PBO Steve Rhodes, the Beat Officer for Rothley
and Swithland, and PCSO Susan Hall, Marion set up the schemes
and vehicle crime drastically reduced. The cash award will help
to fund more projects within the village, says Marion.
Youth club’s first year
ROTHLEY YOUTH Club on the Fowke Street
playing has now been open for over a year.
Spokeswoman Lesley Peasant said: "Many of the young people
originally involved with the fundraising have now moved on, but
there has been no shortage of new teenagers and their friends
knocking on our doors. We now have approximately 15 regular users
on both Tuesday and Thursday nights."
Tuesday nights have been sporadically manned by volunteers but
there are now two new trainee Youth Workers to cover the session
for the next 12 months. Their salaries have been paid for through
the Youth Opportunity Funding grant and employed by Leicestershire
County Council Youth Service.
Lesley added: "Having been on various training workshops
with the Youth Service over the past 18 months I am better equipped
to understand the role of a youth worker and appreciate the importance
of their work.
"Each session is planned to delivery some form of extra-curriculum
based education, from drugs awareness to civil rights with targeted
outcomes. This is vital work because some of our members struggle
with the normal structure and disciplines that school establishments
bring and can often drop out of the formal learning provision.
"We realise that there have been various incidents within
the village during the last year, from littering to serious vandalism
and we do try to work closely with the local police. Both PC
Steve Rhodes and Alex Foster, the new Community Support Officer,
have recently been to talk to a full house of young people at
the club, about rights, wrongs and the legal process.
The Rothley Project committee would like to expand their support
network with the village and are inviting local businesses, residents
and any other interested parties to attend an open forum on Wednesday
July 9 to commence at 7.30pm. The venue is to be advised, please
see local publicity.
o Dance sessions for young people are planned for the week July
28 - August 2 from 11am - 2pm. Those interested must register
on 2302234 by July 14.
Norman poppy supremo
ROTHLEY'S POPPY Appeal organiser for the
last 46 years, Norman Latham, has helped raise more than £100,000
for the Royal British Legion's charity.
Below, Norman Pratt has provided a profile of 'Nobby' Latham,
Rothley's Poppy Appeal Supremo.
Born in Sileby, Leicestershire in 1925, Norman Latham was called
up into the Royal Navy in 1944 and sailed aboard HMS Cavalier,
which was involved in the Baltic convoy expeditions supplying
the Soviet Union with war materials. Norman proudly wears his
Russian Commemorative Medal in recognition of his service and
his main memory of those trips was "It was bloody cold".
In 1947 he returned to Leicester and there he met Mary, his wife
to be. Mary was involved with the Rothley Branch of the Royal
British Legion and Norman became a member in 1948. The couple
moved from Sileby to Rothley in 1953 and in 1958 Norman took
on the responsibility of Branch Membership Secretary, holding
that position for a number of years.
In 1961 the then Branch Poppy Appeal Organiser, Ron Hardy, emigrated
to Canada and Norman, together with his colleague Allan Cutler,
took over that role, but in 1962 Allan and family emigrated to
New Zealand and Norman became the BPAO in his own right. Norman
confessed he found the task of covering his territory on his
49cc moped, in order to serve and motivate his 32 poppy collectors,
was hard work and time consuming but in 1966 he bought himself
a car and this aspect became easier.
With growing confidence Norman set about building his network
and today, 46 years later, he has 44 collectors and 36 static
points that he serves within his territory which covers the North
Leicestershire villages of Rothley, Thurcaston and Cropston.
In 1961 the annual collected total was £143.11s.6d. This
has grown over the years and in 2007 the total achieved was £7,002.42.
In the 46 years that Norman has been Rothley Branch Poppy Supremo
he and over 180 individuals have amassed a total for the fund
of £103,693.58.
On three occasions Norman has put on Poppy Appeal Presentations
and invitees have included the then Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire,
Sir John Brooks KCVO JP, the present Lord Lieutenant Lady Gretton
JP and Lady Martin JP. Norman is profuse with his praise and
admiration of all of the individuals who, over the years, have
assisted him in this most worthwhile and important appeal and
we, in the Rothley Branch, are very proud of our 'Nobby' Latham
and his services to the Legion's cause.
From Norman Pratt, Member Rothley Branch, Royal British Legion
Monday Club
THE MONDAY Club Anstey, Cropston &
Thurcaston visited Twycross Zoo in May.
For many of us it was some 30 years since we last visited the
Zoo with our children and we were astonished as to the amount
of progress that had been made on the collection and housing
of so many endangered species of animals. It was obvious from
the cleanliness of the spacious and interesting furnished cages
and beautiful appearance of the animals' coats, that a great
deal of loving care was devoted to achieving the protection and
preservation of many endangered species. I watched a female attendant
sitting in a cage with a Capuchin money and a tin of children's
Bubble Blow Liquid, encouraging him to play and dash about trying
to catch the bubbles. In the tropical jungle we entered a very
humid atmosphere and witnessed monkeys and bats free to live
in a near-natural habitat. There were lizards, birds and even
a Boa constrictor (safely housed behind glass!) and we even experienced
a realistic tropical storm - complete with heavy rain, thunder
and lightening. Apparently this was not just for effect but practically
maintained the humidity and tropical conditions necessary for
the whole forest presentation.
The whole day was pleasantly spent wending our way round the
varied attractions too numerous to list, stopping only to take
advantage of the thoughtfully placed seating, not to mention
the very welcome odd food refreshment and multiple cups of tea
and coffee!
Our next meeting on Monday June 9, took place at The Griffin
Inn in Swithland, where we enjoyed a delicious strawberry cream
tea, attended by both members and visitors. We were blessed with
sensational weather and apart from the fortunate few who were
protected by massive sun shades, the rest of us decided to remain
inside the restaurant, where we sat before beautifully laid tables
sporting tastefully presented glasses of fresh strawberries accompanied
by huge bowls of cram, together with strawberry jam piled onto
home made fruit scones. Needless to say the welcome cups of tea
served, put the final touch to a culinary feast!
For our next meeting on July 14 we have invited Mrs Sylvia Cole
to speak about her life as a headmistress of a school on the
Falkland Islands. Do come along and join us, as this presents
as being a very interesting and informative talk.
For further information about the venue and time etc please contact
me, Ann Farndon on 0116 2363467.
WI news
FOR ONE reason or another owning a pet
is not everybody's cup of tea but for the members of Rothley
WI on Wednesday June 4 the attention and interest was definitely
held captive by an excellent and professional presentation on
'The Work and the History of the People's Dispensary for Sick
Animals'.
It was brought to us by Sarah Guy, a member of the PDSA, who
travelled up from Reading, Berks. Sarah began with the mission
statement for the PDSA - to care for the pets of needy people
by providing free veterinary services to their sick and injured
animals and promoting responsible pet ownership. All members
of the charity strive to relieve suffering and preserve a good
quality of life for all animals in their care.
These treatments for illness or injury can be carried out in
any of 43 hospitals across the UK or in one of the 350 dedicated
PetAid practices at clinics staffed by many hundreds of volunteers.
The treatments may range from minor to major surgical procedures,
investigations and subsequent therapy, vaccinations and neutering;
whatever it is deemed required for the improvement and return
to good health of that animal.
These services are available to pet owners who are receiving
Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. Owners are required to live within
the same post code area of the practice or clinic they bring
their animals to and are also asked to contribute towards the
treatment as much as they can safely manage.
So where and when did it all begin. One Maria Elizabeth Dickin
in November 1917 set up a service with a notice on the door of
a small Whitechapel London building reading 'Bring your sick
animals, do not let them suffer. All animals treated. All treatments
free.' Thus the PDSA grew from those humble beginnings. It was
during World War II that the PDSA Dickin Medal was awarded to
animals and birds and is now recognised as the animals 'Victoria
Cross'. Up to date this has been awarded to 32 pigeons, 26 dogs,
3 horses and l cat. In recognition of the bravery of some animals
who have been instrumental in saving human lives, the PDSA Gold
Medal was introduced in 2002 and has now become the animals 'George
Cross'. Before her death in 1951 at the age of 81 years, Maria
was awarded the OBE and CBE in recognition of her work. Her passion
and dedication to the caring of animals remains the philosophy
today and this wonderful service carries on, relying on donations
and the fundraising efforts of the hardworking volunteers for
there is no funding available from the Government or the National
Lottery. Anyone interested in booking a speaker or finding out
more about their work or fundraising will find the information
at www.pdsa.org.uk. Or can call 01952 290999.
Rothley WI members can certainly recommend a visit from the team
of presenters. At our meeting a 'White Elephant' stall was arranged
for the tea interval. All monies raised from the sale was presented
to our story teller, Sarah Guy, at the close of meeting.
The next meeting of Rothley WI will be on July 2, from 2-4.30pm
at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. Our guest speaker
for July will bring us an interesting play on words, David Siddons'
presentation is entitled Wonderful Words. Visitors are always
very welcome, why not just pop in and enjoy a cup of tea and
a chat. Looking forward to seeing you.
From Maureen Bulmer
THURCASTON & Cropston WI's annual Birthday Party was held
at the June meeting and as usual the members provided a splendid
buffet which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
This was then followed by a Beetle Drive. A most enjoyable evening
indeed.
On Wednesday June 4 a group of us visited Highgrove House and
had a guided tour around its famous gardens. Its beauty exceeded
our high expectations.
Our next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday July 3 at
The Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston when Mr D Bolton will
give a talk entitled 'Help my leg has fallen off!'
From Mrs A Geary
Village litter problem
FOLLOWING THE appeal in the Rothley Post
for volunteers to keep their roads tidy, two people have come
forward to look after Town Green and the lower end of Mountsorrel
Lane.
Pic: the litter collected by volunteers
on April 17
Brenda Sutherland and Marion Vincent did a litter pick on April
17 along Westfield Lane, The Ridgeway and lower part of The Ridings.
Four sacks of rubbish were collected. Marion said: "This
included 73 tins, 24 glass bottles, lots of plastic containers
from milk to ready meal dishes, crisp packets by the score, endless
miscellaneous items from wheel hubs to hose pipe and not forgetting
four bags of dog faeces. If anyone is missing a large piece of
coco matting in good condition please contact me. This must have
been thrown into the verge on Westfield Lane only a short time
before the litter pick, as it was bone dry."
Marion and two volunteers to also spent a week clearing leaves
from a corner of the car park next to the Royal Oak. They filled
80 bags and have created room for two extra car parking spaces.
If you have a litter problem on your road please contact Brenda
or Marion. Large items of litter can be reported direct to Charnwood
Borough Council on 01509 634563, via the Charnwood Borough Council
website or please contact Marion who will do it for you.
Brenda Sutherland 0116 2302766 brenda.sutherland@ntlworld.com
Marion Vincent 0116 2303405 vincent.vangogh48@virgin.net
Long walk
A ROTHLEY couple will be walking alongside
Hadrian's Wall this month.
Mike and Helen Playdon will be raising money for Christian Aid
by walking a 25 mile route in two days. They will start at Lanercost
Priory and finish at Broccolitia Roman Fort.
Helen, the local Christian Aid Committee chairperson, said: "We
want to use our time in retirement to work for a just world and
hope to raise £2000 from the walk".
You can made a donation at www.justgiving.com,/helenplaydon
History Society news
THURCASTON & Cropston Local History Society's May meeting
was a talk 'Feeding the English Country House' by Wendy Freer.
She gave an overview of how country estates were able to maintain
a supply of fresh produce all year round. Before and during the
19th century estates were self sufficient, but of necessity,
very labour intensive, hence the incredible large workforce required
to run them. Self sufficiency was achieved with the following
amenities:
Home Farm
Up to Elizabethan times, an integral part of the house, but then
became completely separate. Consisted of stables, storerooms,
hoggery, poultry house, watercornmill, dairy, brewhouse, malthouse
and dovecote. The farm produced cereals and meat, so for the
latter there would be a slaughterhouse. Until farmers developed
the skill of 'overwintering' their animals and modern methods
of meat preservation were developed, apart from a number of breeding
stock, most farm animals were slaughtered in the autumn and the
meat preserved by salting and smoking for consumption during
the winter months.
Poultry Yard
Birds kept for consumption would include chickens, ducks, geese,
turkeys, capons, bustards and even peacocks.
Rabbit Warren
Rabbits were introduced to the British Isles in the 18th century
and rapidly proliferated. Gamekeepers would have responsibility
of control of numbers on each estate.
Deer Parks
Deer introduced by the Normans, providing hunting sport for the
landed gentry as well as food for the table. Wild boar were treated
similarly.
Dovecotes
Kept by the Romans (a dovecote dating from 1326 still exists
at Garway, Herefordshire). Only the gentry were allowed to keep
doves/pigeons and they were prized for their meat, feathers,
eggs and even their dung which was used in the laundry. Dovecotes
had some beautiful and unusual designs and varied in size from
housing 400 up to 1600 birds. Their use died out when farmers
were able to overwinter their cattle.
Fishponds
Estate streams would be dammed to create ponds as habitats for
freshwater fish eg roach, tench, perch, trout, carp, pike and
dace. Recorded recipes describe various methods of reducing the
sometimes 'muddy' flavour of these fish. Elaborate 'fish houses'
were often built, for ladies of the household to enjoy fishing
as a pastime but in seclusion. It would not have been dignified
for them to sit by the side of a pond to fish and be at risk
of spoiling their complexions in the sun and fresh air! Fish
houses were also used for holding banquets.
Kitchen Garden
Range of fruit and vegetables produced all round, regardless
of location, climate etc. A walled garden would protect fruits
like peaches and there would be glass frames/greenhouses for
pineapples, cucumbers, melons and mushrooms. A 'forcing house'
would be used for the likes of asparagus and rhubarb, and there
would be a separate fruit storehouse.
Dairy
Dairymaids would ensure cleanliness of this area by scouring
worktops etc with salt. Earthenware containers always used to
avoid contamination. Dairies often associated with superstition
eg sour cream an indication that your household had been cursed.
The dairy was also considered suitable for the lady of the house
to undertake some of the lighter duties, such as preparing junkets
and jellies.
Other Food Processing Buildings included a bakery, brewery, larder
(for food storage), salting room (pickling and preserving), a
separate fish larder, a game larder (always well away from the
house because of the smell) and an ice house, which would be
near to the easiest supply source. An ice safe would be available
in the house itself.
Main Kitchen and Associated Rooms for Food Preparation.
Separate areas for preparing meat, vegetables, fish etc. Vast
kitchen ranges for cooking with small and large ovens. Methods
- roasting, boiling, braising, steaming.
The aftermath of the First World War largely saw the demise of
the English country houses and estates as they had been. Some
feel into decline and were demolished, but many of them eventually
came into the hands of organisations like the National Trust
to preserve them for the future, although some remain in private
ownership.
Our meeting in July will be on Tuesday 15th. Please assemble
at the ruins of Bradgate House in the centre of Bradgate Park
in time for the conducted tour to commence at 7.30pm. Please
wear suitable clothing and footwear.
From Jennifer Kennington
ROTHLEY HISTORY Society's April speaker was
Chevalier Eran N Bauer KCTJ, the Preceptor - East of England,
of The Grand Priory Knights Templar England and Wales on the
Knights Templar in Rothley.
What an absolutely fascinating lecture it was, and thoroughly
enjoyed by everyone. Although many of us knew a fair amount about
the Knights Templar, and had read, and/or seen the film, The
Da Vinci Code, I feel sure that we all learned something new.
We were given a different perspective on Templar history. I know
that it made me consider things I had not before.
Eran took us through the history of the Knights, as documented
by the present Knights Templars, from the 11th century (the Norman
Conquest) and into the present day wherein the Knights Templar
follow the inception of helping their fellow man.
We are following this talk with an outing to London on Thursday
July 3 when we shall be visiting the Temple Church, home of the
Knights Templar, where we shall be taken round by The Master,
Rev Robin Griffith-Jones. I have been several times to the Temple
Church, in fact I was there only a few weeks ago. Every time
I go, I find something different and interesting to discover.
Following this, we shall have lunch at one of the many cafes/restaurants
near St John's Gate, home of the Knights Hospitallers, which
is where we shall have our second tour, which is only available
to group visits. There will be time afterwards to go round their
most interesting museum. Places may still be available. You can
contact Ann Harmer at the Rothley Centre or ring her on 0116
2302820.
At our May meeting we had a most interesting screening of photographs
of Rothley's architectural features. This proved a great talking
point of places we recognised, and some we were not quite sure
about, but there was always someone who could enlighten us.
We have no meeting in July or August, but look forward to our
September 17 meeting on Wednesday when our speaker will be Drusilla
Armitage who will be telling us about 'Heraldry in Rothley'.
Our monthly meetings take place at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel
Lane, Rothley on the third Wednesday of each month (with the
exception of July and August). The hall is open from 7pm and
our meetings start at 7.30pm
From Rothley History Society
Table tennis at pub
TABLE TENNIS has taken off at a Cropston
pub and a recent tournament raised more than £100 for LOROS.
Pic: landlady Sandra Strong presents
a cheque to
Adrain Walker from LOROS
The skittle alley at the Bradgate Arms was under used and the
landlady Sandra Strong decided to set up a table tennis table
in there.
Husband Mike said: "After a short period of time we managed
to get up quite a bit of interest among the 30 and 40 somethings
who use the pub who all tell us that at some point in their past
they had been good at the game ranging in venues from youth clubs
to prison."
32 players took part in the tournament and all the money raised
went to LOROS.
Planning
942 Loughborough Rd, Rothley - erection of a double garage
to front of dwelling
131 The Ridings, Rothley - erection of a single storey extension
to side and rear of dwelling including a conservatory
20 Woodgate, Rothley - use of premises for restaurant to allow
Sunday opening from 12noon to 10.30pm
21 Cossington Lane, Rothley- demolition of house and buildings
and erection of 12 dwellings without compliance with condition
10 on P/O7/3310/2 requiring provision of cycleway along Cossington
Lane
10 Ridley Close, Cropston - erection of a lean-to porch to front
of dwelling
91 Leicester Road, Thurcaston - erection of a single storey rear
extension
29 Waterfield Road, Cropston - erection of a single storey side
extension
33 Leicester Road, Thurcaston - erection of dormer extensions
to front and rear of dwelling
Rothley summer fete
ROTHLEY SCHOOL has raised more than £6000
for various charities over the last 12 months.
Pic: (right) Sumo wrestler Heather
Youmans (10) grapples wit her opponent
Children, parents and staff have participated in the events including
cake stalls, jumble sales and non-uniform days.
Chairman of the Governors is the Vicar of Rothley Rob Gladstone.
He said: "We are a church school with a strong Christian
ethos and supporting charities is a working out of that ethos,
and encourages the children to look beyond themselves."
Pic: James Lovalt & Spencer
Freeman
were selling hanging baskets
Pic: Matthew Howse (7) tries tennis
laid on by Rothley Ivanhoe tennis club
Charities supported were : Macmillan Nurses £292, LOROS
£950, Breast Cancer £278, RNLI £33, LEPRA £1000,
NCH £408, British Heart Foundation £2720, Great Ormond
Street £191, Carpenters Arms £100, Ward 28 Children's
Hospital £160.
Park & ride
BIRSTALL'S PARK and ride site could be
completed early as part of the County Council's bid to tackle
congestion.
Developer's Jelson are required to provide a 535 space park and
ride site opposite Hallam Fields upon occupation of the 401st
dwelling, which is not expected until 2014.
A County Council spokesman said: "Tackling congestion is
one of the six key objectives in the County Council's Local Transport
Plan, and the Leicester park and ride project including the site
at Birstall, is one of several measures that would meet this
objective within the Plan period.
"To help bring the scheme forward, the County Council has
allocated additional funding this year. Together with funding
support from the developer and subject to detailed planning approval,
the site could then become operational as early as spring 2010.
The County also want to increase the number of car parking spaces
to 1,000. The spokesman said: "Outline planning permission
allows for up to 1,000 spaces. This is equivalent to the capacity
of the Enderby park and ride site, and when operating together
at the same capacity, these sites would be able to provide a
more efficient service."
To mitigate the impact of extra traffic generated by the housing
development, the developer has agreed to provide highway improvements
along the A6 Loughborough Road including at the junction with
Greengate Lane. A south bound bus lane will be provided on the
Loughborough Road approaching the junction and improvements will
be made to the junction layout and the control of the traffic
signals.
Thieves take rabbits
THIEVES HAVE stolen three baby rabbits
from the pets corner at Brooklea Nursery, Rothley.
Only weeks old, the animals had not yet been weaned off their
mother's milk and are likely do die if not fed properly.
The marmalade and brown rabbits, known as lion-heads because
of the mane on their heads, are locked in an enclosure at night
and nursery owner Jo Proud thinks they must have been stolen
by a visitor during the day.
She now plans to improve security by installing lids on the hutches.
Pool’s sponsored swim
THE SWIMMING pool at Longslade is holding
a sponsored swim which will run from Sunday July 6 to Saturday
July 12.
The aim of the event is to raise money for some refurbishments
and also the possibility of subsidising public swim sessions.
The organisers hope that all users of the pool from children
attending swimming lessons, aquafit and swimfit users, swimming
clubs that use the pool, members of the public who want to take
part and staff from the pool will get involved.
All of the sponsored swims will be done during normal lessons
or swim times apart from Saturday July 12 when the pool will
be open from 1.30pm for people who want to do longer distance
swims. Distance Badges and Certificates will be available.
Sponsor forms are available from the pool and Longslade College
office. A spokesman for the pool staff said: "I would like
to take this opportunity to thank all pool users for their continued
support."
For more details please contact the pool on 2673461
Film screenings
THURCASTON AND CROPSTON Parish Council
will be showing their next film in September.
The next screening is 'Keeping Mum' which will be shown at Thurcaston
Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £4, Concessions
£3.50. Price includes refreshments.
'Keeping Mum' will be shown on Friday September 12 and last 103
minutes.
This British comedy stars Rowan Atkinson as a busy vicar writing
the perfect sermon but he has no idea about the problems within
his household: his rebellious daughter, his bullied son, his
neighbour's dog and his sex-starved wife. The only problem that
he's aware of is the algae in his pond.
Everything changes when Maggie Smith as the housekeeper comes
on the scene. Three women discuss local attempted murders over
a cup of tea and Rowan Atkinson is hilariously oblivious, of
course, to everything that matters.
Advanced tickets can be purchased via the parish office on 0116
236 7626 or at the door.
New centre funding
TWO THIRDS of the funding for the new Rothley
Centre has been secured.
Rothley Parish Council have already secured planning permission
for the new building, next to Rothley library, and need to find
a further £400,000 before work can start.
Parish Council Chairman Percy Hartshorn said: "I'm optimistic
that we will get the funding settled within the next 12 months."
Thurcaston church summer fete
THURCASTON CHURCH held its summer fete
on Saturday June 14.
Our top picture shows Linda Malone, Pamela Curtis & Benita
Gettings serving tea, and centre, the interior ofthe new extension.
NHW news & crime report
LOCAL POLICE have set their neighbourhood
policing priorities for the next six months.
o Improve road safety in the villages working with partner agencies
to combat offences of speeding.
o To work with young people and partner agencies to reduce the
impact of antisocial behaviour in the area of School Street and
Fowke Street Rothley.
o to reduce antisocial vehicle use and illegal drug use on the
Bradgate car parks and in Rothley.
Crime Report: Rothley, April & May
Burglary 2, burglary other 3, damage 8, theft 5, theft from vehicle
3
Crime Report: Thurcaston, Jan 1 - Jun 18
Theft from vehicle 2, damage 3, burglary 2, burglary other 1,
theft of vehicle 1, theft 2, assault 1
Crime Report: Cropston, Jan 1-Jun 18
Theft 2, theft from vehicle 5, burglary 1, burglary other 2,
damage 1, drug offices 3
Rothley PC Steve Rhodes said: "Although the incidents of
damage and antisocial behaviour have decreased, over the past
few weeks there have been several incidents of items being set
on fire, mainly on Fowke Street and off Mountsorrel Lane. Various
bins have been targeted and the football cabin was again damaged
and set on fire.
"Please report any suspicious incidents and if you have
any information on who is responsible, please let me know."
Crime in Rothley during May and June has been relatively low,
says Steve, with criminal damage and antisocial behaviour sporadic.
A young person has been charged with committing a burglary on
Leicester Road, Thurcaston.
Neighbourhood Policing consults the public about what police
priorities should be in Rothley, Thurcaston and Cropston. PC
Steve Rhodes said: "Please tell us the issues we should
focus on and provide details of things that are causing you concern,
including when and where the problem occurs." You can email
comments via the website www.leics.police.uk
Contact PC Rhodes on 222 2222, voicemail 0544
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