Busy Beals
Pic: Jo & Simon Beal with their son Samuel
THE BEALS from Rothley are preparing for
a busy couple of months as the whole family gets ready to undertake
a variety of activities to raise money for children's cancer
charity CLIC Sargent.
Mum Jo will be hitting the kitchen to organise a coffee and cakes
afternoon while Dad Simon will be marshalling the Experian Robin
Hood Festival of Running, all to raise money for CLIC Sargent
- a cause close to the family's heart.
When Jo and her husband Simon lost their three year old son Ben
to a rare form of cancer in 2006, they were unsure of how life
would go on. During the past two years, the family has dedicated
a lot of time to raising money for CLIC Sargent, which gave them
help and support when the unthinkable happened.
Jo said: "My husband Simon and I feel that the support CLIC
Sargent provides for the whole family is really vital and it's
why we have been trying to raise money for the charity. Fundraising
also help so take your mind off things and creates a diversion,
another channel for your energy. And it gives you a sense of
purpose. Last year I organised a cake sale for Yummy Mummy week
and am doing the same this year. As a parent it's so important
to feel like you are doing something to help."
Jo's coffee and cakes afternoon is taking place on September
20, at their home in Rothley, as part of CLIC Sargent's National
Yummy Mummy Week (Sep 20-28), which encourages mums to get together
and organise fun fundraising events to help children and young
people with cancer, and their families. Starting at around 2pm,
the event is expected to draw a host of people from across the
region.
Jo and her parents and Simon and his dad, Martin Beals and friends,
will all be marshalling for CLIC Sargent, one of the four official
charities at this year's Experian Robin Hood Festival of Running,
which is taking place in Nottingham on September 14. Simon and
Jo both ran in the Cooper Parry Corporate Relay, which is part
of the Festival, the summer after Ben passed away.
Simon said: "Taking part in the event, whilst very emotional,
gave us a real sense of achievement. To run with so many other
people supporting their respective charities and raising much
needed funds was an amazing experience. Whilst I only undertook
one leg of the team challenge, I have huge admiration for those
undertaking the full event. I hope that one day I can be on the
other side of the rope but this I am happy to assist CLIC Sargent
in marshalling the event. The funds raised by the event will
go to helping many families cope with the news everyone dreads,
that a young member of their family has been struck down by this
terrible disease."
Earlier this year the Beals celebrated the birth of their son
Samuel, who is now seven months old.
If you are interested in attending Jo's Yummy Mummy event or
marshalling the Experian Robin Hood Festival of Running or stuffing
runners' goody bags the week before please contact Dee Richardson
on 0113 2307902
Car park's future
THE FUTURE of the public car park next
to the Royal Oak on Cross Green is in doubt.
Everards own most of the car park, which has been leased to Charnwood
Borough Council who maintain it as a public car park. Charnwood
own a small area at the rear with approximately eight spaces
on it but have no formal right of way.
The lease expired in 2005 and was then 'rolled over' without
any formal agreement. It allows for public parking until 6pm
when use of the car park reverts to the Royal Oak for its customers.
In a statement issued to the Rothley Post, a Charnwood Borough
Council spokesman said: "The initial response from the brewery
indicated this was an acceptable arrangement and a new lease
would be agreed. Unfortunately, this stance changed earlier this
year and Everards decided they wished to retain the car park
for their own use. At the time no clear reason was given for
this and the Borough Council requested a meeting to discuss the
reasons and possibly negotiate a solution to retain the lease.
At a recent meeting with Everards and the landlord of the Royal
Oak Public House, the reasons for Everards wishing to withdraw
from the car park lease were discussed and the Borough Council
aired concerns regarding the loss of public use of this car park.
"The Borough Council feels that the discussions were quite
positive and the brewery indicated there was some room for negotiation
and would reconsider their position. The Council is currently
considering revised proposals submitted by Everards. The Council
is well aware of how important this car park is to the village
and has always been keen to maintain the current agreements and
is actively working to retain the lease."
A spokesman for Everards said: "Leicestershire County Council
recently imposed restrictions limiting parking in Rothley village
centre to one hour resulting in local workers, businesses and
those needing to park for longer all using the Royal Oak car
park. This is having a detrimental effect on the potential viability
of the pub. When Charnwood Borough Council failed to protect
its position with regard to renewal of its lease Everards Brewery
Ltd indicated that it wanted to take back and exercise control
over the car park for the benefit of the Royal Oak.
"Discussions are ongoing with the Borough Council to establish
whether a compromise solution can be agreed for the future benefit
of both pub goers and the general public."
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council
was held on July 21.
It was reported that there had been a breach of planning control
at 17 The Ridgeway with the removal of a hedge and construction
of a driveway. Charnwood's Enforcement Office is investigating.
The council has provided £31.50 in compensation to an individual
who damaged their trousers following the collapse of a chair
in the Village Hall.
In view of the recent vandalism near to the Youth Centre on the
Fowke Street playing field it was agreed to write a letter to
the acting chair of the centre expressing concern and seeking
some contribution towards repairing the damage caused.
A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on August 18.
Anthony Gimpel from Charnwood Borough Council's Conservation
and Design department attended to explain how Conservation Areas
work. He explained that any new area within Rothley could not
be introduced before 2012 unless the Parish Council could provide
evidence the area in question was at risk. He said that controls
within a Conservation Area can only apply to what can be seen
from the street.
The council are concerned at the possible loss of dwellings on
the Ridgeway should developers demolish and rebuild. It was agreed
to request that a Conservation Area apply to the Ridgeway, Brownhills
Crescent and the top of Swithland Lane. The process will involve
full public consultation.
A proposal to erect a parking sign outside the Rothley centre
to encourage shoppers and business owners to park on the Centre's
car park was carried. The proposal will be considered by the
Rothley Centre Management Trust.
It was agreed that Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club be asked to reinstate
their sign advising the availability of a public court and the
times it is available for free use by members of the public.
It was agreed to spend £9613 on this year's Christmas lights.
This will involve new LED lights on the Cross Green trees which
will be left up all year, and 11 artificial five foot Christmas
trees with 200 LED lights each on Woodgate.
It was agreed to fund up to £100 for new flower bulbs for
Cross Green.
New loco's visit to GCR
A BRAND new main line steam locomotive
which has taken 20 years to build is heading to the Great Central
Railway in Leicestershire for 'running in'.
The GCR is delighted to announce the imminent arrival of Al Class
no. 60163 'Tornado' for a two month stay.
"This is a terrific honour for the GCR", said railway
president Bill Ford. "Tornado has been the talk of the enthusiast
community for years, but now it's finally ready to run, the whole
world is taking notice. After testing it will pull its first
trains right here in Leicestershire. We're expecting to be very
busy indeed!"
The engine has been built by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, an
independent group of railway enthusiasts based in Darlington.
The A1 Class of Pacific locomotives was designed by Arthur H
Peppercorn for the London and North Eastern Railway and built
in 1948/49. They were the last of the East Coast Main Line's
series of thoroughbred express passenger steam locomotives. Examples
of many other Darlington and Doncaster built locomotives have
been saved for preservation, but not the Peppercorn A1s which
were scrapped. It has cost £3 million to build.
The engine is expected to arrive in mid August and spend two
months at the Great Central. The first month will be taken up
with testing. The engine will run by itself and then with empty
carriages. In late September Tornado will pull its first passenger
trains, initially for the thousands of people who have helped
sponsor the build. Then the trains will be open for everyone,
for three weekends until the middle of October.
Mark Allatt, Chairman of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust said:
"The GCR offers us all the right facilities for testing
our new locomotive. Naturally being in the middle of the country
we hope as many people as possible will share in the chance to
see Britain's first brand new main line steam engine since 1960.
After our stay at the GCR we're heading off for service on the
national network, though we still need to raise £66,000
to finish the job."
Bingo in Rothley
NEW PLAYERS are assured of a friendly welcome
at the bingo held at the Rothley Centre and organised by the
Royal British Legion.
Bingo is played on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm.
Rothley's John Shepherd reports that the game once had a dedicated
following in the village. "The Royal British Legion played
on three Wednesdays a month and the Scouts, Bowls Club, Babington
Court and the Congregational Club also had sessions. It was called
prize bingo with groceries as prizes. Sadly the old players have
either faded away or are too ill or infirm to play."
Village gardens opened
THE THURCASTON and Cropston Open Gardens
weekend took place over the last weekend in June, and in addition
to the wide range of gardens that were open to visitors the Richard
Hill School Fair took place on the Saturday afternoon.
The weekend was organised by the Richard Hill School PTA and
the combined activities raised just over £3000 for the
school.
As well as the fundraising aspect the weekend engendered a real
community feeling as a couple of hundred Open Garden visitors
could be spotted wondering around the two villages equipped with
a map and description of the gardens. Several garden owners kindly
provided teas and refreshments, and cream teas were also available
at the school.
Saturday afternoon visitors were blessed with lovely weather
but unfortunately many were caught out by torrential downpours
on the Sunday afternoon.
Bradgate Cubs washed cars throughout the Saturday and raised
£132 towards camping equipment for the group. Cub Leader
Steve Baker said: "A big thank you to the Open Gardens committee
for the publicity they gave us, to parents and cubs, to the Football
Club for letting us use their facilities, and all the customers
who came along and supported us with their donations in return
for a clean car!"
Eleanor Lloyd-Jones, Chair of the Richard Hill PTA, said: "We
would like to thank everyone who helped out and supported the
Open Gardens weekend, and in particular the garden owners who
were kind enough to open their gardens and welcome all their
visitors. This is the second time we have run this event and
as it has once again proved to be very popular we're hoping to
run it again in 2009, Anyone who wants to find out more or to
be involved next time can contact the Richard Hill PTA on 0116
2362503
Tennis taster
ASDA IN Thurmaston became centre court
for an afternoon when they teamed up with GSM Leisure, tennis
coaching providers for local clubs at Rothley and Queniborough.
A mini tennis court was set up in the trolley park in front of
the store and shoppers were offered a free taster session, as
well as the chance to enter a prize draw to win free memberships
to the two clubs and free tennis coaching.
The event was a great success, with lots of people picking up
a racket for the first time on the same afternoon that British
junior Lara Robson won the Junior Open Crown at Wimbledon.
If you are interested in playing tennis contact Tom Lewis on
07899 994503 or email tom@gsmleisure.co.uk for details of future
promotions and information regarding your local tennis club.
Winners of the draws can be found in the store or at www.gsmleisure.co.uk/ASDA
winners
Youth project
AS PART of its commitment to improving
the activities available at the Youth Club, Rothley Youth Project
(RYP) are currently working with the Youth Service to provide
access to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
RYP have already been able to place three young people as volunteers
over the summer period at the Great Central Railway. The volunteers
have been working with the Railway Vehicle Preservation Society
located at Rothley, on the restoration of the old carriages.
One in particular, a travelling post office vehicle, was made
ready and ran in the Great Central Gala Day on July 27.
Spokeswoman Lesley Peasant said: "The lads have been able
to try their hand at a variety of skills over the 12 weeks and
we would like to thank Mike at the Society for giving his time
and experience. The work has been part of their Duke of Edinburgh
'help in the community'. We are looking to develop similar links
with a variety of organisations in the area, so that we can provide
our members with a wide choice of opportunities for community
interaction.
"Other requirements to the Award apart from the favoured
overnight expedition, are to learn a new skill and undertake
a sport or physical activity. We would be pleased to hear from
anyone with a little available time and a skill to offer in supporting
our young people."
Alice is the latest RYP recruit. An accomplished young jazz singer,
she will be looking for enthusiastic young people to work with
her in the run up to Christmas. Alice hopes to put together a
traditional Carol Concert but with a modern sound.
Lesley said: "We are always trying to stimulate new ideas
and new recruits and hope to be able to offer a taster session
in Scuba Diving with the BSAC Club at Syston, in the autumn.
Any young person who would like further information on the Duke
of Edinburgh or any of the activities, please contact me on 0116
3321114.
New estate refused
PLANS FOR a 149 home estate in Rothley
have been refused by planners.
Landowners Rothley Temple Estates and developers Charles Church
wanted to build on the old allotment site, west of Loughborough
Road and south of Hallfields Lane. The plans had the support
of Rothley Parish Council and had been displayed at a public
exhibition in November 2007, attended by around 100 residents.
Charnwood Borough Council refused the planning application, saying
the development was located in the countryside outside the existing
settlement, which could only be permitted in "exceptional
circumstances".
The Council also thought that the proposed method of surface
water drainage was unsatisfactory.
Rothley Temple Estates are expected to appeal the decision.
Girls finish run
EIGHT WOMEN from Bradley's on Woodgate
joined hundreds of others from across the county in the 5km Race
For Life at Castle Donington.
Pic: The Bradley's runners (l-r)
Frankie Jones, Kirsty
Seward, Dawn Cope, Katie Smithson, Teresa Cope, Gemma
Clarke, Chloe Goodwin and Michelle Woodgett
They raised £1400 for Cancer Research, and were running
in memory of Bradley's owner David Matthews, who died in January.
Runner Dawn Cope said: "It was a great day, everyone was
so cheery. At the end of the run we felt tired but happy and
pleased with how much we raised. Many thanks to all the customers,
friends and family who supported us."
Club's charity match
ROTHLEY PARK Cricket club hosted an array
of sporting stars, all taking part in the club's annual charity
match this July.
Pic: Paul Watkins of William Davis
Ltd is joined by Austin
Healey, Matt Hampson and Martin Johnson to officially
open the new scorebox
Pic: Matt Hampson with some of
the players
A full strength Leicester Tigers XI captained by Sam Vesty lost
by one run to the Matt Hampson XI in a closely contested game
watched by a large crowd in ideal summer weather.
Pic: Harry Ellis about to be bowled out by
Dusty Hare
The Matt Hampson XI captained by Austin Healey won the toss and
elected to bat first making 183-5 off their 20 overs. Tim Stimpson
opening the batting shared a first wicket partnership of 60 before
being run out for 40. Dusty Hare contributed a useful 24 and
Aaron Mauger 48 before retiring hurt. Also retiring on 16 was
Martin Johnson having just run out Austin Healey also for 16
runs.
In reply the Tigers XI made heavy work of reaching the target
and failed by 1 run to win the game. Marco Wentzel (44) and Steve
Booth (25) the only players to really get going against some
accurate bowling from Martin Johnson, Dusty Hare and new signing
Toby Flood.
The day raised over £2000 for the Matt Hampson Trust and
the development of cricket at Rothley Park Cricket Club.
After the match, Martin Johnson officially opened the new scorebox
at the ground and presented a cheque to Matt Hampson. The scorebox
was constructed using materials provided by local builders William
Davis Ltd, who are refurbishing the Grange on Fowke Street.
History Society news
ROTHLEY HISTORY Society's speaker in June
was Helen Crowfoot on Victorian walled gardens.
In particular she told us about the 18th century walled garden
at Calke Abbey, our nearest National Trust property, who have
spent many years, with the help of enthusiastic volunteers, in
restoring the walled garden back to its 'almost' original condition.
The walled garden at Calke was laid out on traditional lines,
with the walls facing the four points of the compass, to suit
fruit trees requiring different aspects.
The fruit trees along the south-facing wall provided exotic fruit
to be grown for the Harpur Crewes and their guests - pineapple,
peaches, and apricots, to show just how wealthy a family they
were. The walled garden comprised a small flower garden, a physic
garden where herbs were grown for medical usage, and a large
kitchen garden for growing vegetables. Many of these products
are still grown at Calke Abbey for use in the restaurant, and
sometimes, if you are lucky, for sale.
The head gardener, the man responsible for this wonderful selection
of fruits, flowers and vegetables, was one of the most highly
paid of the staff and they were often persuaded away from one
employer to another highly paid position. The young boys who
were employed lived in a building called 'The Bothy' built onto
one of the walls and where creature comforts were at a minimum.
Should a sudden frost arrive it was they who had to get out of
bed and look after the plants and trees. But the young garden
apprentice could progress and in time move up to become a much
sought after gardener. The bothy still contains many of its traditional
fittings. Of particular interest is a seed cabinet with its many
small labelled drawers.
What a delightful talk this was and I feel sure that many of
us visiting Calke Abbey in the future will appreciate much more
than on a previous visit. I, as a Calke Abbey volunteer for some
15 years, will most certainly make a special effort to go up
to the Walled Garden and see things with a different and enlightened
eye.
In July we had our outing to London. I have been organising outings
for the past twelve years and think that this was possibly the
one I shall remember most vividly.
Our first destination was Temple Church, originally consecrated
in 1185 and built in the Round, which harks back to the site
in Jerusalem, the circular city thought to be the centre of the
Christian world, where the very first church of the Knights was
built. We were welcomed by The Master, a most entertaining and
knowledgeable man, who told us the history of Temple Church and
the Knights Templar, whose home it was for its first 400 years.
It reverted to the Crown, then King James I granted the Church
and all its land to Middle and Inner Temples, two of the four
Inns of Court, who were and still are, responsible for its upkeep.
What an interesting and fascinating building it is, going through
the Norman doorway into the Round Church with the first-ever
cut Purbeck marble columns. There within lie the effigies of
eight Knights, ready to spring back into action on their return
to life. Looking up to the busts and the incredible grotesques;
and then into the body of the Church - the beautiful stained
glass windows, the magnificent organ, we were surrounded by history
and our heritage.
Then on to Clerkenwell and St. John's Gate, the 1504 gatehouse
to the magnificent 10 acre Priory of the Knights Hospitallers,
which dominated Clerkenwell until its dissolution by Henry VIII
in 1540.
During the first Crusade the Knights Hospitallers were committed
to caring for the health of the pilgrims, this also meant defending
them with force. In 1099 a hospice was set up close to the Church
of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and run by the monks who became
known as the Brothers of the Hospital of St. John. They are now,
of course, known as St. John's Ambulance Brigade, still carrying
on the work of many centuries.
We were escorted round the Gate by another very knowledgeable
guide who told us the history and showed us collections of Maltese
silver, paintings, maps and many more items recalling the traditions
of the Priory and its Hospitallers. We even went up and down
the beautiful original wooden spiral staircase.
Then into the Knights Hospitaller's Church, again built in the
Round, but this time we descended into the remarkable 12th century
Norman crypt with the shrouded effigy of William Weston, Prior
at the time of the Dissolution, its stone ledges running round
the walls, the arrow slit windows high in the walls and again
beautiful stained glass window, lit from behind.
This, our last destination, very strongly impressed many of our
members with its serenity, ambience and the feeling of history
all around us. What a wonderful outing this was, and so much
enjoyed by all who took part.
For our next meeting on Wednesday September 17 we are looking
forward to welcoming Drusilla Armitage who will be talking to
us about 'Heraldry In Rothley'
For our October meeting on Wednesday 15 we have Mike Preston
who is coming to talk to us about 'The History Of Auster Aircraft'.
Do come along to The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.
The Centre is open from 7pm and our meeting starts at 7.30pm.
From Rothley History Society
THURCASTON AND Cropston Local History Society was blessed
with pleasant summer weather on the evening of Tuesday June 10,
when 22 society members gathered for our visit to Swithland Hall.
This visit was made after prior arrangement and with the kind
permission of the owners, Mr and Mrs Page. On arrival at the
main entrance to the Hall, we were greeted by our host, Mr Page,
who began by giving us a brief overview of the style and development
of the Hall, much of which was designed by the 19th C architect,
Sir James Pennethorne. One of many other works attributed to
him is the ballroom at Buckingham Palace.
We then progressed into the Hall and were joined by Mrs Page
in the dining room, where she and her husband gave a slide presentation
of all the available information they have about the Hall`s history
and the Earls of Lanesborough, and their families, who owned
it previously. Mr Page emphasised that there are some discrepancies
about some dates of significant events and they would welcome
any information that local residents may have about the Hall.
Clearly, in the past, the Lanesboroughs were a prosperous family
owning much of the land in Swithland, Thurcaston, Cropston and
reaching to Mountsorrel, where money was made in the quarrying
industry. Farming was another source of income and the family
owned land and property in Northern Ireland and London, namely
Lanesborough House, Knightsbridge (which is now the Lanesborough
Hotel).
Sadly, as with many country estates, the 20th century brought
many social changes which led to the decline of the Hall`s fortunes.
Despite selling off land and properties to "make ends meet",
the last Lord Lanesborough eventually had to leave Swithland
Hall when its upkeep became beyond his means. The slides we saw
showing the dereliction that befell the Hall after it was abandoned
were indeed a sorry sight.
On viewing the Hall in 1979, Mrs Page did not initially share
her husband`s optimism that the building could be salvaged! Nevertheless,
there then began a five year project of renovation and restoration
which must have taken considerable determination, perseverance
and stamina, not forgetting all the skilled workmen needed to
effect an authentic transformation.
Since moving into the Hall in 1984, Mr & Mrs Page have continued
its ongoing development, above all sympathetically establishing
it as a much loved family home.
Finally we enjoyed a guided tour of the Hall and it was a great
tribute to Mr Page`s vision and determination that we were able
to see what had been achieved in rescuing such a beautiful building
and its delightful gardens, with uninterrupted views towards
Bradgate Park.
This very pleasant visit ended with some welcome light refreshments.
St Swithin`s Day, July 15, proved to be a suitable choice this
year, as for a change, no rain clouds gathered to spoil an evening
walk through Bradgate Park to the ruins of the house. 20 people,
including guests, joined Park Ranger, Pam, who gave us a guided
tour around the ruins. Bradgate House, the home for generations
of the Grey Family, was the first unfortified English country
house of its kind, and building began in the late 1400`s, taking
approximately 12 years to complete. All building materials were
sourced locally, including the Swithland slate for the roof,
and the beautiful red bricks were all hand - made. What remains
of the house and its outbuildings is all in a somewhat precarious
state, but it is possible to envisage how it might have been
in its former glory, particularly the sweeping driveway to the
grand entrance and the site where the ballroom once was. Likewise,
the shells of the dairy, brewhouse, kitchen and the many other
structures associated with a grand country house remain in outline.
The chapel is the only building still intact, being the burial
site for many of the Grey family, and also containing a beautiful
alabaster monument. The ruined sentinel that was the tower, where
Lady Jane Grey spent much of her time in prayer, or studying
with her tutor John Aylmer, is a poignant reminder of her short
life and tragic execution at the age 16 years. Her sorry end
was brought about by her parents`, and more particularly her
father's, involvement in political plots to keep England Protestant
after the death of the young King Edward VI and to prevent his
elder half sister, Mary, succeeding him and restoring England
to Catholicism. Although history records Jane as the "nine
day queen", she was merely a pawn in the power struggles
of the era and was coerced into complying with the wishes and
desires of power- hungry and manipulative schemers.
Beyond the ruins are the remnants of the tiltyard for jousting,
which was constructed in anticipation of a visit by King Henry
VIII (who was renowned for his sporting prowess) but ultimately
never did come to Bradgate. The walled kitchen garden is sadly
overgrown, but two ancient trees, a mulberry and a walnut, somehow
continue to thrive there. The stables for the house were sited
near where Old John stands today and it is still possible to
see the route taken when horse- racing used to take place around
the perimeter of the Park. The fortunes of Bradgate House fluctuated
over the years, with the family often spending time at their
other homes, in preference to Bradgate, so that by the 18C the
house was frequently unoccupied. Its fate was finally sealed
by a devastating fire that occurred during that century and so
was abandoned to the elements.
Former residents of Bradgate village, who were displaced when
Cropston Reservoir was constructed, relocated to establish the
village of Newtown Linford and some of the bricks from Bradgate
House were plundered to use in building their new homes.
It is a tribute to those early builders and craftsmen that so
much of the basic structure of Bradgate House remains, but one
wonders how much longer it will withstand the onslaught of not
only the weather, but also 21st century pollution.
Our September meeting is on Tuesday 16th when Graham Nutt will
talk about "The Magic Attic"- a newspaper archive,
but please note the change of venue to the Harrison Rooms adjoining
All Saints` Church, Thurcaston. Time 7.30pm
From Jennifer Kennington
Village crime
A MAN has been arrested for breaking into
a pub on North Street.
Police were alerted after a call from a member of the public.
Two men have been arrested for breaking into cars in Rothley
and Mountsorrel, and another arrest has been made for criminal
damage in Rothley.
Vandals have sawn a park bench in two and sawn down a 40 ft tree
on the Fowke Street playing field.
There have been a few burglaries in the area where keys have
been stolen from the house and the owner's car stolen from the
driveway.
The Police have conducted several speed checks at locations around
Rothley, Thurcaston and Cropston. 58 tickets have been issued.
Thurcaston Crime Report 2008
Burglary 3, burglary other 2, theft from vehicle 3, damage 3,
theft of vehicle 1, theft 2
Cropston Crime Report 2008
Theft 2, theft from vehicle 5, burglary other 2, burglary 3,
damage 1, drug offences 4
Rothley Crime Report, June, July & Aug 2008
Burglary 3 (The Ridings, Pott Acre, Church Street), burglary
other 8, damage 16, theft from vehicle 10, theft 7
Speed humps near Grange
SPEED HUMPS will be installed on Fowke
Street and Homefield Lane in October.
The County Council say the works should take no more than two
weeks to complete. The humps are a part of the planning conditions
for the development of the Grange.
The scheme comprises four sets of speed cushions: on Fowke Street
near the junction with School Street; on Fowke Street near to
the vehicle access of the Grange; on Fowke Street next to the
access to the playing field and on Homefield Lane midway between
the bridge and Grangefields Drive.
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Wartime entertainers
A PACKED audience danced the night away
top the sounds of Glenn Miller at a 1940s night organised by
the Soar Valley Bowls Club.
Pic: David Lynch, Jane Lynch, Pat
Lakin and Richard Lakin
Pic: David Lynch, Julie Axon, Jane
Lynch David Burns,
Jenny Dewick and Margaret Burns
Pic: Dee Quemby's dancers
The atmosphere of wartime Britain was re-created, with many in
period outfits and Dee Quemby's dancers performing to wartime
favourites.
Spokesman David Lynch said: "I'd like to thank all those
who attended and made the night such a great success".
Cash for homes
CHARNWOOD HAS received a £414,000
grant from the Government as a reward for facilitating the delivery
of new homes in the Borough.
Cllr Hilary Fryer, Charnwood's Cabinet member for Planning and
Development, welcomed the announcement which puts the Council
in the top 25% of performers in the country. She said: "This
is terrific news. This award ranks us 79th among the 400 authorities
in the country placing us well within the top 25% of performers.
It is testament to a great deal of hard work in identifying suitable
sites for new homes and supporting the house builders in delivering
new apartments and houses where they are needed, including elements
of 'affordable housing' for those who cannot aspire to home ownership."
The grant rewards local authorities for their performance in
plan making, ensuring an adequate supply of land for new housing,
and facilitating the delivery of new homes on the ground over
the period April 2007 to March 2008.
The criteria for the award of the grant have been recast this
year to give greater emphasis to the delivery of new homes. Under
the previous Planning Delivery Grant regime, the Council has
secured around £1.4million in performance-related grant
awards over the past five years.
Charnwood says the money has been ploughed back into service
improvements, delivering faster handling of planning applications,
internet access to enable customers to view and monitor the progress
of applications on line and access a wide range of planning information
on the Council's website: www.charnwood.gov.uk. The additional
resources have also been used to fund a programme to equip Town
and Parish Councils throughout the Borough with laptop computers
and digital projection equipment to aid their engagement in the
planning process - an innovative scheme which is attracting widespread
interest among authorities across the country, says the Council.
David Hankin, Charnwood's Director of Development, said: "We
are immensely pleased with the award and by the improvements
in the outcomes of the service which it represents.
"We will be looking to invest the grant wisely to build
upon the successes achieved to date in order to extend the benefits
to our customers and stakeholders and improve our services to
secure the best possible rewards over the projected four year
life span of the new grant regime."
Planning
Rear of 53 Station Rd, Cropston - erection of new bungalow
at rear
Cedar House Residential Care Home, 249 Station Rd, Cropston -
erection of single storey extension to rear and detached store
to side of care home
21 Ridley Close, Cropston - retention of single storey side extension
to from granny annexe and single storey extension to other side
of dwelling
160 Station Rd, Cropston - erection of single storey extension
to rear and side of dwelling
18 Cross Green Rothley - retention of display of 2 non-illuminated
signs
41 Garland, Rothley - insertion of two dormer windows to front
of dwelling
96 Swithland Lane, Rothley - extensions and alterations to rear
of dwelling and raising the roof with the inclusion of garage
extension to the side
15 Town Green Street, Rothley - part demolition of existing single
storey rear extension and construction of replacement to form
extended kitchen/dining, WC & utility
8 Grangefields Drive, Rothley - felling of one ash tree
Roundabout junction of A46 & Loughborough Rd, Rothley - display
of 4 sponsorship signs
12 Breech Hedge, Rothley - erection of conservatory to side and
rear of dwelling
3 Swithland Lane, Rothley - formation of mono-pitched roof at
first floor to front of dwelling
3 Swithland Lane, Rothley - erection of two-storey extension
to front, single storey extensions to sides and detached garage
and 1.5 metre high fencing and gates to front of dwelling
36 Old Farm House, North Street - work to one holly tree
WI news
THE JULY meeting of Thurcaston and Cropston
WI was entitled 'My Leg Has Fallen Off'.
What's this? We asked. A talk on antiques? Not a bit of it.
Mr David Bolton, having lost a leg in an accident, has a beautifully
designed 'wooden' leg called Arthur. (Arfaleg, geddit!) He spoke
of his extraordinary voyage on the Lord Nelson, a Tall Ship funded
by the Jubilee Sailing Trust, which is specially adapted to accommodate
disabled people.
His voyage was from Southampton to Zeebruge returning to the
Port of London and his description of life aboard was fascinating,
touching and hilarious. It was the stay in Zeebruge which was
the high point as the Lord Nelson took part in the Tall Ships
Race. David, desperate to watch the Tall Ships sail out in formation,
got permission to climb the rigging. In negotiating the futtock
Arthur fell off and David was left hanging upside down in the
rigging until Arthur could be retrieved and reunited with his
owner, to the cheers of the onlookers on the jetty!
May I recommend David's talk to other organisations. He paid
tribute to the permanent crew and the organisers of the Jubilee
Sailing Trust which makes such adventures possible and of enormous
significance to the participants. His fee goes to the Trust.
In August Jill Willis gave a talk entitled 'Herbs for Health'.
Jill is a qualified in Nutritional Therapy and also holds a qualification
in herbal medicine. She explained that herbal medicine has its
origins in the ancient treatments used by the indigenous populations
of Africa, America and Australia. It was Nicholas Culpepper who
popularised these remedies in the country in the 17th century.
Jill then went into detail about different types of herbs and
how they help our systems and their healing effects. Useful herbs
include garlic, dandelion, root ginger, camomile, lavender and
elderflower. She concluded her talk by answering questions put
to her by the audience.
This interesting and informative talk was enjoyed by everyone.
From Lisa Diggle
Racer attracts sponsor
ONE OF the country's top kart racers is
thirteen year old George Line from Thurcaston who has recently
secured a sponsorship deal with UK Gas Services of Groby.
Pic: George Line
Managing Director Gerry Wright said: "It's good to give
local young talent help and encouragement. We know how hard George
has had to work to achieve his success so far. Hopefully our
contribution will help George achieve his ambition of becoming
British champion."
Bond Street Saab in Leicester are also helping George with his
racing programme of 42 meeting in 2008.
Imp's cabin gift
DEVELOPERS WILLIAM Davis have provided
a steel container to replace Rothley Imp's changing room which
was destroyed by vandals.
The Loughborough firm, who are developing the Grange, also removed
the destroyed cabin and dealt with live exposed electricity wires
at the site.
Monday club's meetings
SYLVIA COLE gave an enthralling talk to
the Monday Club, Cropston & Thurcaston about her life in
the Falkland Islands as Director of Education.
For more than three years she was in charge of all the schools
both large in Fort Stanley down to a small school containing
only four pupils.
Her slides gave us an insight into the furnishings and equipment
of the schools and a very high standard of education was achieved,
giving the best opportunity to pupils to follow their future
career paths.
Pupils in Further Education and choosing to go to England were
paid for by the Government of the Falklands. They did not face
large amounts of debt at the end of their education and no grant
was taken from England. The Falklands acquire most of their finance
from the fishing industry, in particular squid. Pupils studying
in England faced anything up to eight years living away from
home, with probably only two visits home a year.
At the end of the talk, we all felt we had a better appreciation
of the beauty of the Islands and an enviable way of life, which
took away the traumatic memories of a War torn area.
As this was the first meeting at 'the Hall' for three months,
having enjoyed other activities such as our trip to Twycross
Zoo and our Strawberry Cream Tea at 'The Griffin Inn' in Swithland,
it was the first opportunity for the membership to pay tribute
to our friend Rita Frith. We heard of her passing away in May
and several of us were able to attend her funeral which was held
at the Cropston Chapel on May 27.
Previously, Rita had been a long time member of Cropston Afternoon
Women's Institute and had served as its President for six years.
After the C.A.W.I disbanded, it was replaced by the newly formed
The Monday Club and Rita became one of the Club's founder members.
She made a positive contribution to our activities - always willing
to help with a variety of tasks and acting as spokesperson on
behalf of the members. She made an excellent auctioneer when
selling off the produce at the annual Harvest meeting and her
monthly rendition of readings, poetry and jokes were guaranteed
to be thought-provoking as well as entertaining and humorous.
In fact, only a month before her passing away, after long-term
treatment for breast cancer, Rita was at our April meeting, organising
the refreshments and brightening our day with a selection of
jokes and readings with the theme "Laughter is the best
Medicine"!
It was her indomitable spirit and single-minded determination,
as well as the love and support of her husband Shell, that had
seen her through the ups and downs of the years of her illness.
Rita will be immensely missed by us all and we extend our sincere
sympathy to Shell.
At our August Meeting, Muriel Adams transported the membership
through a very amusing 'look back' on her working life covering
various clerical positions and culminating in years of being
a Registrar.
Muriel gave us an insight into the lack of understanding of what
Registration means to some people and the importance of accuracy
of handwriting and entering details of Births, Deaths and Marriages
on the part of the Registrar, as any mistakes made involved complicated
measures to rectify the details. However, there were many humorous
incidents dealing with large families and extended families.
The difficulties of dealing with the sadness of bereaved families
were compensated by the happy events of Births and Marriages.
However, dealing with the details of up to fifteen marriages
in one day, did require considerable stamina!
As this was the last talk Muriel was to give after 7 years, and
fund raising for Rainbows, it was a happy coincidence that it
had been planned by the Committee, as part of the programme for
that Meeting, to have some delicious cakes in the form of Meringues,
Strawberry Cream Tarts and Chocolate Muffins. Muriel was delighted
to end her era on such a happy note.
Our September meeting will be our Harvest Bring and Buy, in aid
of this year's Charity the Renal units for both the General and
Loughborough Hospitals. Admission is free. We shall gratefully
receive any garden produce, tinned items, jams etc. Books also
find a good sale to another home and any nearly new items, of
toys etc., would be most welcome. Non-members would be welcome
to come along - there will be some entertainment in the form
of poems, quizzes etc and as always a light hearted atmosphere
with time to chat with refreshments.
From Ann Farndon
Round of golf
A 17 hour round of golf has raised £2500
for the Rainbows Children's Hospice.
Rothley Park's head professional Danny Spillane completed 101
holes at his home course, teeing off at 4.30am and not finishing
until 9.45pm that evening, walking 20 miles during the day.
Spillane was partnered by a number of Rothley Park members throughout
the day, including previous captain Phil Askew, women's captain
Debbie Borley, women's president Barbara Hillcock, men's president
Bob Young and current club captain, John Stockill.
Dance school 100 per cent
THE PILBEAM Academy of Dance maintained
its 100 per cent success rate in exams this July, when dancers
were performing in front of examiner Miss Karen Yates FDDA.
Formed 18 years ago, the Academy has maintained its record in
all exam and medal sessions.
In July, examinees were awarded six top awards of Special Commend
and 27 Commends.
The next term will start on Monday September 1, when the school
will then be rehearsing their routines, leading up to their show
in November.
Babington Road
I was wondering if readers could give me any information on
a June or Cherry Cross (maiden name) that used to live opposite
my aunt and uncle's place at 18 Babington Road in Rothley,. I
spent a lot of time there when I was young as my cousin Alan
and I were very close. I actually dated Cherry and June, not
at the same time and not for long but we had some good times
back about 1966-67. It would be good to know if they are alive
and well.
Larry K Smith, North Carolina, USA, larry.smith@timco.aero
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