SEPTEMBER 2015 No. 52www.birstallpost.co.uk

Y O U R F R E E C O M M U N I T Y N E W S P A P E RMOUNTSORREL POST

AFTER EIGHT years of hardwork and over 80,000 hoursof volunteer time, the offi-cial opening date of theMountsorrel railway and thenew station on Bond Lanehas been announced.

The volunteer run Mountsorrel Rail-way Project (MRP) will be welcomingvisitors on the weekend of October24/25 to ride for the first time on publicpassenger trains.

The Great Central Railway will beoperating the trains and using the week-end to assess the level of public interestin the line, which is expected to startoperating regularly in 2016.

Steve Cramp from the MRP said: “Tothink back eight years ago to the enor-mity of the challenge that lay ahead ofus, it really does make you realise justhow remarkable it is to have achievedwhat we have. This really was a majorrestoration which for the most part hasbeen tackledby handwithout ma-chinery inthe sameway that itwould havebeen done inVictoriantimes.

“Over the

past eight years some 300 volunteersmainly from Mountsorrel and the sur-rounding villages have got involved withthe physical work and it just goes toshow what is possible when the commu-nity works together. The outstanding

memory for mepersonally ishow wonderfulit has been tosee so manypeople fromdifferent back-grounds, abili-ties and ageranges workingside by sidetogether.

“Of course, this isn’t the end of theline, we still have much work to do tocomplete the community heritage centre,which is being built on Swithland Lane.We need volunteer help with that soplease get in touch if you would like toget involved.”

The official opening will take place at11.30am on Saturday October 24 byLord Faulkner, President of the HeritageRailway Association, at Bond Lane,Mountsorrel.

Four trains are scheduled for the 24th

and six on the 25th, from Mountsorrel toSwithland sidings where it will halt andreturn. Tickets can be booked from the

Railway to open in October

Pic: (top) volunteers working on the line & (inset) Onefamily customer Tony Johnson & volunteerMalcolm Law with plans at the MRP

Continued on page 2

MOUNTSORREL COUNCILLORJohn Capleton has been ap-pointed Mayor ofCharnwood.

NewMayor

Pic: Mayor John Capleton

He will be supported by Meg Jenkinsonas his Mayoress. Cllr Capleton’s chosencharities for the year are Twenty Twentyand the Sorrel Youth Care.

The new deputy Mayor is Birstall coun-cillor David Gaskell.

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The MRP have recently received a£5000 funding boost from the OneFami-ly Foundation to recreate three of the100 stonemason huts that once stood atthe nearby Mountsorrel quarry. They willbe located on the site of the new MRPHeritage Centre being built on SwithlandLane.

Historically each hut had a stonema-son that would work the stone to createroad kerbs, cobbles, gravestones and

other granite products.Once the attraction iscompleted, demonstrationswill illustrate how thiswork was done, providingan educational resourcewhich recreates and ex-plains the region’s geologyand history. Enhancing thewhole visitor experience,the stonemason huts willfurther highlight the im-portance of the quarry toMountsorrel’s economicdevelopment.

Parish Council notesA FULL meeting of Mountsorrel ParishCouncil was held on April 13.

It was reported that 21 parishionershad attended the annual parish meetingon March 19.

The clerk reported that Lafarge hadbeen contacted to see if they wouldprovide defibrillators for the village butto date no response had been received.

Cllr Stan Coats reported that the out-line business plan for Mountsorrel Com-munity library had been forwarded tothe County Council. Cllr Mick Lemonreported that Mountsorrel and Braun-stone were being treated as special casesand will be discussed again by the Coun-ty Council in June, for a decision on theway forward in September.

It was agreed to award £5000 of thegrant promised to Sorrel Youth Café,and to ask the café for copies of itsaccounts up to March 31, 2015.

This was the last meeting to be at-tended by Cllr Stan Coats, as he is re-signing, and he was thanked for all hiswork for the council by Chairman BrianAllard.

Mountsorrel Parish Council held itsAnnual Meeting on May 18.

Cllr Brian Allard was elected Chair-man for the ensuing year and Cllr PaulHarris, Vice Chairman.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel ParishCouncil was held on May 18.

A member of the public spoke aboutthe allotments and a petition the allot-ment holders had signed concerning aproposed move to another location.Chairman Brian Allard advised that thematter would be discussed by the Recre-ation and Amenities committee and theircomments would be taken into consider-ation.

Mr T Duffin, Mr D Shardlow and MrG Pirt were all co-opted onto the parishcouncil, to fill vacancies.

It was reported that Lafarge would

look into providing defibrillators for thevillage, and that Charnwood surgery arewilling to have one installed on the out-side of their building, and to provide theelectricity for it.

It was reported that the business planfor Mountsorrel library is likely to beturned down, but that further discussionwill take place and a decision will bemade around October. The library willremain open until that time.

It was agreed to ask for a meetingwith Charnwood Borough Council todiscuss why £78,318 of section 106money associated with the Black Hawkdevelopment had been allocated to edu-cation, and not to other projects in thevillage which the Parish Council hadidentified.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel ParishCouncil was held on June 8,.

Sgt Ludlam reported there had beena significant decrease in crime inMountsorrel in the last month.

It was agreed that the clerk ascertainthe owner of the bridge near to theWaterside public house, and to contactthem as the bridge is in need of repair.

It was reported that Lafarge hadagreed to donate £3000 towards twodefibrillators for the village. One will belocated at Charnwood Surgery. The loca-tion of the second has yet to be deter-mined.

It was agreed to set up a workingparty to meet when necessary to discussthe Memorial Hall, the library, the newHalstead Road sports development andCharnwood Central Park, and to reportback to full council.

Continued from page 1

Pics: (top) the drawing shows the Heritage Centre (top of pic) & the stonemasons’hut; (above) stonemasons standing outside a hut and (left) the Heritage Centre un-der construction

The December issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POSTwill be published on Dec 5.

The copy deadline is Nov 20.

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THE SORREL Youth Café hasnow been open for fiveyears and is looking at newways it can develop what itoffers to the young peopleof the village.

Two new volunteer workers havebeen carrying out a survey, asking resi-dents for their thoughts about localservices and future needs.

Tomek Glinski and Violet Kapitonhave also been talking to young people.

Café Youth Officer Graham Lloyd said:“Tom and Violet will be using the infor-mation from both surveys to produce acommunity report. They have alreadyidentified lots of new ideas for projectsand trips.”

Tom from Poland, and Violet, fromthe Ukraine, are from the EuropeanVolunteer Service. Violet said: “I havelots of ideas that have worked back inthe Ukraine and it would be great to trythem out here. I am looking forward toworking with young people and hearingabout their views of the world.”

One of the ideas that is gaining realinterest is a coast to coast cycle adven-ture. The details have yet to be finalised,but it will both help raise funds for thecafé and be a great experience. Grahamsaid: “We are looking to find a group ofyoung people who are interested inworking with us on this exciting project.We have started to meet on a Tuesdayevening to plan the trip. Anyone who isinterested in cycling and is over 14should come along. Violet and Tom willbe organising the trip. It’s great to havethem on board.”

John Doyle, Chair of the Youth Cafétrustees, said: “Underpinning our coreyouth work is the weekday communitycafé ‘My Café’, which celebrated its anni-versary on August 10. Whilst many willhave sampled the excellent wares andservice provided by Jo and her volun-

teers they may not have registered thewider work that’s going on.”

• the community café has to dateprovided 1200 hours of communityaccess and service

• it has provided key catering supportto the Fun & Families Thursday after-noon session

• 14 young people havereceived Food Hygienetraining

• 5 adults with learningdisabilities have gainedwork & social experience

• a dedicated group ofvolunteers have been re-cruited to support thecommunity café operation

• it has supported thedevelopment of Jake’sShakes run by a 15 yearold young user and pro-vides an out of schooleducation platform

• it provides access and support toseven separate daytime groups includinga craft group and the Friday morningSing and Story for preschool children

• it acts as a bridging point betweenyoung people and adults

John said: “We are all really pleasedto have been chosen as one of the May-or of Charnwood, Cllr John Capleton’stwo charities for his year of office andwelcomed both the Mayor and his Con-sort at the Café on July 9 to launch hischarity year.

“Our fundraising efforts continue andwe are now selling tickets for our Sum-mer Draw, which is drawn in late au-tumn to coincide with national YouthWork week. The star prize at present isa Big Blast Experience donated by La-Farge Tarmac. Tickets can be obtainedin the SyCafe”.

If you are interested in finding outmore about the Café, the Coast to Coastcycle adventure or the consultationprocess please give Graham a call on07775 616001 or emailglloyd@sycafe.org

The café is also looking for securestorage for its bike project. ContactGraham if you can help.

THE FOLLOWING courses areoffered by the Workers’ Edu-cational Association, Birstall& Rothley Branch.Exploring & Interpreting Layers &Textures In Art

Textures and layers can provideendless inspiration and imaginativeimagery to explore. Sometimes asbackgrounds, surface or the artworkitself. This can often influence a view-er’s response to a work. In any workof art, texture can very often draw usin so we spend more time with thework. Using a range of materials andtechniques, including printmaking.You will explore surface implicationand illusions referring to a variety of2-D techniques. Developing yourknowledge, skills and own creativestyles in a friendly, relaxed atmos-phere. No prior knowledge required,all abilities welcome.

Tutor: Anna Michalska-Tomajer.Fee £84.70 or Free if you are in re-ceipt of an income related benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR

Date: Monday 1–3pm, 11 meetingsfrom 21st September 2015

NOTE: Early postal enrolment es-sential to ensure a place.

“Well Turned Out”: FashionableDress For Men & Women 1600-1914

From padded hose to spats, andhoops to crinolines-that pervasivedictator, fashion, has run the gamutfrom great elegance to the really ridic-ulous. A range of sources for bothmen’s and women’s clothing from1600-1914 will be illustrated anddiscussed.

Tutor: Judith Hodgkinson Fee£52.00 or Free if you are in receipt ofan income related benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR

Date: Tuesday 10–11.30am, 9meetings from 22nd September 2015

Art For Changing TimesExplore some of the varied re-

sponses to the rapid changes of the20th century as expressed in the workof a range of artists beginning withThe Sydney Moderns of Australia andtheir paintings of the inter-war period.No experience necessary-just a livelyopen-minded interest in art!

Tutor Janis Baker Fee £53.90 orFree if you are in receipt of an incomerelated benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR

Date: Wednesday 7.15–9.15pm, 7meetings from 30th September 2015

Contact: Marion Vincent 01162375156 or send your enrolments toBrenda Sutherland, WEA Treasurer, 4North Street, Rothley, Leicester LE77NN

Please make cheques payable toWEA Birstall & Rothley Branch. Enrolon line for all courses athttps://enrolonlinewea.org.uk/online

Visit our website!www.birstallandrothleywea.org.uk

WEAcourses

Youth café planning for the future

Pic: volunteer workers Violet Kapiton and Tomek Glinski & (inset) the Sorrel Youth Café

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4

Sunday August 9 proved to be warmand sunny and a large crowd gatheredto watch the colourful spectacle of astreet parade that started at The Greenand made its way to Stonehurst Farm.

Led by an American police car, theparade featured tribal drummers, hotrods, classic cars, a church wedding,burlesque dancers, Civil War soldiers,local artisans and traders and the soapbox racers.

“The buzz in the village was fantastic”said principal organiser Ian Shonk. “Thehighlight for me was the street parade.I’ve not organised one before so itwas stressful but so worth it onthe day” he added.

Over 60 stalls filled everyavailable forecourt and greenspace, all hand picked togive a mix of traders andfood outlets. Many of themsold out completely beforethe day finished at 5pm.

Local band ‘Lockdown’rocked the street, using theButtermarket as a stage. Else-where musicians and tribaldrummers had the crowds swingingto the beat. Dancing ranged from bur-lesque performances by Chicas Locas toswing and ballroom in the MemorialHall. The Fun Run started from the Lei-sure Centre and the Mayor of Charn-

wood visited in official regalia to judgethe Dog Show.

Visitors, many of whom were dressedin vintage costume for the day, had thechance to take a river trip or try archeryon the festival field.

The soapbox racing on the cricketclub car park entertained the crowdswith the variety of teams and costumes –and the spectacular crash when theSwiss racer lost both front wheels simul-taneously as it crossed the finish line!Trophies were awarded to Big boys Toys(fastest time), Honda (Best engineer-

ing) and Kia (Spirit of the event).The Sorrel Youth Caféplayed its part by openingits door and serving fresh-ly made ploughmanlunches, teas, coffeesand refreshments. Youngpeople from the Café’scatering project ComeDine with Us, staffedtheir own stalls servinghot pork rolls, vegetarian

rolls and specialist milk-shakes. Specialist ice creams

were also available.Youth Officer Graham Lloyd said:

“The Café team have worked so hardthis year so we are pleased that theweather was kind and that the communi-ty came out to celebrate. Looking up atthe crowds gathered on the Green for

the start of the parademake it all worthwhile.There was a great sense ofcommunity spirit.

All the funding raised onthe day will be reinvestedinto youth work for thevillage and to keep devel-oping the Café.

Graham added: “A bigthanks has to go to IanShonk for his inspirationand hard work. Despite afew setbacks, Ian pulled thewhole thing together and itwas great on the day. Tosupport him next year weare looking to establish asmall working group so wewould love to hear fromanyone interested.

Comments on facebookincluded: “We had such afab day, thank you!” Rebec-ca Handley; “It was a fan-tastic success. Thank you

SEP 2015MOUNTSORREL POST

THERE WAS a real sense of community spirit as hundredsof people came together to enjoy the amazing day thatwas the Mountsorrel Revival.

so much Ian and your teamfor all your hard work” SueRoberts; “It was great tosee so many people happyand enjoying the day with-out any problems, welldone Ian and team, thankyou” Gaz Henson.

Ian said: “We are sograteful to Stonehurst Farmand the Waterside Inn forloaning us their land freefor the day, the spacemeant we could invite manymore attractions and visi-tors into Mountsorrel tojoin in the fun. The team ofvolunteers worked tirelessly– starting at 6.30 in themorning to prepare thevillage for the Revival –some of them were stillclearing up at 10pm andstill smiling!”

Ian says the event willreturn next year.

Mountsorrel Revival celebration a big hit

Pic: the dog show on The Green

Pic: Christine Jarvis served tea and cake

OrganiserIan Shonk

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More pics over the page

6 SEP 2015MOUNTSORREL POST

Pic: Nicole Hughes (right)& Pierce Blair

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7SEP 2015MOUNTSORREL POST

BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING Club meetmonthly at the Rothley Centre onMountsorrel Lane.

The club was formed in 1978 when 12 peopleattended with the annual membership fee set at £1.The club’s aim was to encourage people to enjoywildlife, with birds being the main focus at a localvenue and affordable cost. Illustrated talks during thewinter months and outdoor visits in the spring andsummer make up the programme.

The club’s winter programme starts on October13 looking at Cossington Meadows and how the landwas changed from quarry workings to nature reserve.Details of this and the November meeting are on the

Notice Board page.The club charges £8 membership

which includes entry to talks and walks.Visitors are welcome £2 and childrenfree. Free on-site parking.

Further details from Marion Vincent0116 2375156

Pic: Mayor John Capletonselects his winner inthe dog show

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8

I’ll not forget the old steam fairWith traction engines everywhereThe flywheels madly spinning round;The throbbing beat felt through the

groundThe tall brass funnels belching smokeThat wrapped around us like a cloak,The slip, slap, slap of leather drivesThe young girls screaming for their

livesThe blaring music from the rides,The barkers’ calls and kids on slides,The crowds too dense to move aboutAnd all our talking done in shoutThe eardrum - splitting noise and

yellsNo-one counted decibels!Cinders dumped in muddy ruts;Tatty prizes, coconuts:Wooden swingboats, stalls and shows,Shooting duckes in moving rows,Roll-a-penny, pitch and toss,

Toffee apples, candy flossThen we ventured back next day.The whole shebang had cleared away,No trace or remnant could we find,But there was one thing left behindA litter-strewn, deserted site,Like ghosts, they’d vanished overnightThey’d all moved on to who knows

whereI’ll not forget the old steam fairFrom Peggy Clarke

other choirsCompeted by BBC Radio Leicester Pre-senters Dave Andrews & Monica Win-fieldTickets from £10 tel: 0116 233 3111Call De Montfort Hall Box Office, openMon-Sat: 10am to 6pmIn aid of: LOROS, Rainbows, HopeAgainst Cancer

Open Church Weekendat St Leonards Church, SwithlandSeptember 19/20Tea and cakes will be served each dayfrom 2-4pm

Birstall Running ClubMeet Monday & Friday nights, 6.20 for6.30pm runBirstall School Lane playing fields –showers & toilets availableWednesday night beginners group atBirstall Legion 7pmSpeed work sessions also available onWednesdays for those wanting to im-proveContact Deryk on d-woods1@sky.comor Bob 07927 346640

Mountsorrel Railway& StationOpening WeekendSat & Sun October 24 and 25Be one of the first to ever discover thenew addition to the Great Central’srailwayTake a return, guided trip on thebrand new, one mile branch lineTrains will top & tail with two steamlocosGuest locomotive – to be announcedShuttle trains will run from 12pm onSaturday & 10am on Sunday until3.30pmRefreshments availableHave a guided tour of the new Herit-age Centre site, opening early 2016Only chance to ride the branch line in2015Fares £5 adult, £3 child (advancebooking or cash only on the day)Advance booking is advisablewww.gcrailway.co.uk01509 632323

Sat 26 Sept 2015, 7.30pmEnglish Martyrs School, Anstey Lane,Leicester

Chamber SerenadeConductor: John AndrewsElgar Serenade for StringsDvo  ák Wind SerenadeBernstein Dance Suite for Brass Quin-tetHaydn Symphony 104 ('London')An intimate treat for lovers of chambermusic and small ensemble playing;this concert is a great way to hear mu-sic in its purest form. Whether you area fan of string, woodwind or brass

music - or all of the above – there issomething for you.As a thank you to its loyal supporters,the orchestra would like to offer thisperformance for free to those Patrons,Friends and subscribers to the 94thConcert Season who book tickets inadvance.Tickets £10, Students and 25 & under£2 from the Leicester Symphony TicketSecretary.

Birstall & District Art Society

21st AnnualExhibitionOct 31, Nov 1- Nov 2 at the VillageHall, Birstall Road, Leicester, LE4 4DH.Open 9.30am-5.00pm Sat & Sun,9.30am-3.00pm Mon. Free admis-sion, wheelchair access, refreshments,free parking to the rear of the villagehall.Visit: www.badas.co.uk

The Rothley Heritage Trust Presents

Elgar & The Great WarBy Barry CollettSaturday 14th November 2015 10.30-16.30The Old School Rooms, School St.RothleyCourse Fee £7 (includes morning andafternoon refreshments)Early Enrolment by Post EssentialCheques payable to The Rothley Herit-age Trust and sent to Brenda Suther-land, 4 North St., Rothley, LeicesterLE7 7NN. Please include name(s), ad-dress, ‘phone number and e-mail (ifapplicable) so that details of the daycan be sent to you.Further information from Marion Vin-cent 0116 2375156vincent.mbe82@yahoo.co.ukThe Rothley Heritage Trust is a Regis-tered Charity No. 1145397

Table Top SaleBirstall Methodist ChurchWanlip Lane, Birstall.Saturday 28th November 201510.00am - 2.00pm (Christmas Festival Weekend)Tables available @ £10 eachContact 0116 2671181

Soar Valley ArtistsAnnual Exhibitionthe Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane,Rothley, LE7 7PRSaturday & Sunday, 10th and 11th Oc-tober 2015, 10am to 5 pm.As usual there will be paintings in avariety of styles and media, most ofwhich will be for sale, and refresh-ments will be available, includinghome - made cakes.Entry is free and all are welcome tocome and browse, be inspired (hope-fully!), and then relax with a cuppa!

SEP 2015MOUNTSORREL POST

YOUR SAY...

The Mountsorrel Post welcomes yourviews and opinions on any subject. Let-ters, which must include your name andaddress, (though not necessarily forpublication) can be posted to: TheMountsorrel Post, Unit 109, Greenacres,The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, orhanded in at Mountsorrel library oremail:editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Steam Fair

Mountsorrel Memorial Hall Commit-tee and Mountsorrel Heritage Group

plan a display to celebrate the 50th anni-versary of the opening, on June 26,1965, of the Memorial Hall and weneed your help!

Have you any photos or documentsrelating to the hall and all the villageactivities that have taken place there inthe last 50 years that you can share withus? or could you write the story of yourmemories for us?

Please contact me on 0116 2375623johncdoyle@talktalk.netJohn Doyle

Charnwood Orchestra

Annual ConcertSat Sep 26, 7.30pmHoly Trinity Church, Barrow Upon SoarWagner : Siegfried IdyllMozart : Violin Concerto 5Arvo Pärt : FratresHaydn : Symphony 100, The Military

One Voice for CareDe Montfort HallSaturday October 10 at 7.30pmMilitary Wives Choir & Fron Welsh MaleVoice ChoirAlso appearing: Edgars Cuzinskis withthe Leicester City Male Voice Choir and

Noticeboardall details printed free

Memorial Hall

Please phone to make an appointment.You will need to give some financial details

but these are kept confidential.

Do you need financial help?Have you lived in

Mountsorrel for 6+ months?

MOUNTSORREL UNITED CHARITIESRelief in Need Fund

Registered charity number 217615Our website will be back soon

Call or text Rachel on 0793 1129 360Email mountsorrelunitedcharities@outlook.com

The Mountsorrel Relief in Need Fund couldhelp by giving you a grant towards items for yourhome, your health, your garden or other needs.

9Lace up your walking boots and joinLOROS for a

‘Walk on theWildside’Sunday 27th September!The popular countryside walk is backfor 2015 and this year, has an excitingnew start location at Bradgate Park’sHunts Hill car park!There are three scenic trails to choosefrom: a 4.5 mile trail, an 11 mile trailor the Tiny Trail (suitable for littleones, pushchairs and wheelchair us-ers), all leading you through thebeautiful Bradgate Park and Charn-wood Forest.Food will be available along with live-ly warm-up sessions, an activity areafor the children and much more! Eve-ryone participating will receive agoody bag and certificate on the day.Register online at loros.co.uk/wow orcall (0116) 231 8431 for your FREEfundraising pack!

Film PresentationsThurcaston and Cropston ParishCouncil

“The Imitation Game”

Oct 16th (114 mins)October’s film is set in Bletchley Parkduring the Second World War whenAlan Turing, played by Benedict Cum-berbatch, amazingly breaks the Enig-ma Code. This film is a "must" for ourcinema goers.Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Coun-cil will be showing these films atThurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at7.30pm.There will be refreshmentsand a lucky prize draw. Advance tick-ets may be purchased via the parishoffice –0116 236 7626 or at the door.

New Cedars Academy,BirstallYear 6 Open Day and Family Fun Day9am to 3pm on Saturday 26 Septem-ber 2015The Open Day is an opportunity forparents, carers and pupils thinkingabout their choice of secondary schoolto learn more about the new academy.Visitors will be able to see the class-rooms and other facilities, and meetthe staff. The Cedars Academy alsoplans to offer guided ‘hard-hat’ toursaround the new buildings as they willbe close to completion. The entranceis on Wanlip Lane.The Family Fun Day will celebrate theopening of this new school (formedfrom the merger of Stonehill andLongslade).Between 9am and 3pm, there will befree entertainment, a variety of gamesand stalls and food. Most of the activi-ties will be free.There will be an opening ceremony at12 noon attended by the Mayor ofCharnwood, Councillor John Capleton.

A Musical CoffeeMorningAt St. James Parish Church,

Church Hill, Birstall,on Saturday, Sept.26th10am till Noon.Music by the 663 Ensemble & FriendsDonations to the Altzhheimers Society•

The MountsorrelHeritage Groupis a Heritage Lottery Funded groupcommitted to creating an archive ofboth photographic and audio recordsof our historic village. We meet on thesecond Tuesday of each month at7.30pm in Mountsorrel Library andeither have guest speakers on a varie-ty of subjects relevant to the villageand its immediate environs or visits toother locations during the summermonths. We hold regular exhibitionsthroughout the year either independ-ently or as part of other fund raisingcharity events. Our forthcoming eventsare as follows:-Sept 8th 2015 - 70years of Fishing onthe River Soar - A talk by Roy BennettOct 13th 2015 - Bits & Bobs - Unusualobjects from the past! - Bob NeillNov 10th 2015 - A History of Mount-sorrel Pubs - An illustrated talk byKeith FosterNov 17th 2015 - Annual General Meet-ingDec 1st 2015 - Skittle EveningJan 12th 2016 - Edmund Stacey - Atalk about St Peters Church (in St Pe-ters Church)Feb 9th 2016 - Law and Order - A talkby Maggie HuntMarch 8th 2016 - Ernie Miller - LocalHistory TalkApril 12th 2016 - Peter Liddle - LocalHistory TalkMountsorrel Heritage Group is pleasedto say a big Thank You! to all villagersand everyone who has supported us atcharity events throughout the year,not forgetting those who have eitherdonated funds or precious objects toenhance the Mountsorrel Archive Col-lection.Everyone is welcome - Come along toour meetings - Yearly Membership is£5

The appeal benefits service people andtheir families from all the campaignsfrom the 1st World War to today. Thelong term legacy of support that isneeded for our service personnel andtheir families as a result of operationsin Afghanistan alone is stark. Therewe suffered 454 dead and over 2000wounded in action some of whom willneed medical and other support for therest of their lives. The Royal BritishLegion, with your support, and in co-operation with partner charities includ-ing, Help for Heroes and individual Serv-ice and Regimental charities is leadingthe way in delivering that support.

Nationally the Poppy Appeal raisedover £34 million last year but we spendat least £1.7 million every week of theyear on our longstanding welfare supportinitiatives which include:

• Running our Care Homes and BreakCentres

• Providing a Benefits and Money Ad-vice service which has helped over11,000 individuals to date;

• Making direct Grants totalling £24million awarded to 42 organisations;

• Making individual grants totalling£18 million to over 22,000 beneficiaries.

Mountsorrel has always been tremen-dously supportive of the work of the Le-gion and in last year’s Poppy appealtogether we raised over £4660 that hasgone towards our continuing and everdeveloping welfare work. This year’sappeal is launched on October 24 with anOfficial Poppy Appeal launch with a coffee(and tea!) and cake morning at the Sor-rel Youth Cafe on The Green, and of

course we willbe selling Pop-pies at locations

across the villagefrom the same day.

If you would like tohelp the Appeal pleasecontact

johncdoyle@talktalk.netFrom John Doyle

SEP 2015MOUNTSORREL POST

THE POPPY, the only thing which grew following the devastation onthe Western Front in Flanders and Picardy, has been the emblem ofremembrance and The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal since 1921when poppies were sold to raise money for the ex-Service community.

Support the 2015Poppy appeal

P/15/1726/2: 70 Hawcliffe Road – erec-tion of two storey extension to side andrear and single storey extensions to front& rear of dwellingP/15/1587/2: 41 Halstead Road – erec-tion of single storey rear extension todwelling to replace existing conservatoryand utility roomP/15/1594/2: 48 Hawcliffe Road – erec-tion of single storey extension to rear ofdwellingP/15/1531/2: 88 Church Hill Road – en-largement of window opening to formdoor to front elevationP/15/1302/2: The Grapes, 15 LeicesterRoad – various external alterations to in-clude relocation of front door, alterationto existing door, relocation of window andreplacement of render to gable elevations(Listed Building consent)P/15/1395/2: Neal Harby Transport, Gran-ite Way – replacement of two storeybuilding for office accommodationP/15/1377/2: 4 Grange Lane – single sto-rey extension to side of dwellingP/15/1311/2: Land between 72 & 74Boundary Road – site for the erection oftwo semi-detached dwellingsP/15/1330/2: 70 Hawcliffe Rd – erectionof two storey extension to side & rear andsingle storey extensions to front & rear ofdwellingP/15/1101/2: Soar Valley Nurseries, 263Loughborough Road – erection of 10dwellingsP/15/1181/2: 12 Martin Ave – erection ofa two storey extension to rear and a brickskin to external walls of side, front & rearof dwellingP/15/1230/2: The Poplars Nursing Home,Watling Street – replacement of timberstructure passage to 1st floor with brickstructureP/15/1090/2: 17 Cloud Lea – conversionof garage into habitable space

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10

A TEENAGE entrepreneurfrom Mountsorrel is look-ing for investors to backhis idea for a new videogame controller.

Robert Saunt (15) of KingfisherDrive has designed it so that gamesonly need one controller on multiplegames consoles.

Earlier this year Robert, a pupil atLoughborough Grammar School, wasrunner up in the intermediate engi-neering and technologycategory of the Na-tional Sci-ence andEngineeringcompetitionwith hisdesign.

This sum-mer he was aregional finalistin the International Google ScienceFair, one of only for from the UK, butdid not make it into the final 20.

Robert’s innovative design has aninterchangeable transmitter: users

simply swap cardsdepending onwhich console

they want to play with. It also has aloudspeaker to play music streamedfrom your mobile device.

“There has been a tremendousresponse to the controller from con-

sumers, asking when they can buy it”said Robert.

“I’m hoping to get a prototypemade by a company in Florida, a spe-cialist firm that has worked with NASAand HP. Then I’ll look for investorsand hopefully get it mass produced”he added.

THE CEDARS Academy, a new 11 to 18school in Birstall, is holding a Year 6 OpenDay on Saturday 26 September in conjunc-tion with a Family Fun Day to celebrate theopening of this new school.

The Open Day is an opportunity for parents,carers and pupils thinking about their choice ofsecondary school to learn more about the newacademy. Visitors will be able to see the class-rooms and other facilities, and meet the staff. TheCedars Academy also plans to offer guided ‘hard-hat’ tours around the new buildings as they willbe close to completion. The entrance is on Wan-lip Lane.

The Cedars Academy has arisen from themerger of The Stonehill High School and Longs-lade Community College. It is part of the Lion-heart Academies Trust, which is led byBeauchamp College, an outstanding school andconsistently one of the best performing schools inthe county and one of the highest achieving na-tionwide.

Students and teaching staff recently celebratedrecord A Level results at Longslade CommunityCollege, for the last time before the school re-opens as The Cedars Academy. Pupils startingYear 7 in 2016 must apply for their secondaryschool place before 31 October 2015.

The Family Fun Day will celebrate the openingof this new school. Between 9am and 3pm, therewill be free entertainment, a variety of games andstalls and food. Most of the activities will be free.

SEP 2015MOUNTSORREL POST

OUR PICS show some of the many stalls at this year’s Mountsorrel Fete, acharity fundraising event held on The Green on June 13.

Annual charity feteA FOOD BANK has given out over 400 food parcels since itopened in September 2014.

Food banksupporting people

The Soar Valley Community FoodProject is based in Rothley BaptistChurch, Woodgate, in the centre of Roth-ley and provides food to those in need inMountsorrel, Rothley and other SoarValley villages. It also directs people toother assistance that might be available.

Project co-ordinator Tim Jackson said:“We do this in a relaxed manner over adrink and biscuit. We are able to supportpeople to a better future by helping themin the short term to put food on the tableand to assist them find a way forward outof the crisis.”

Examples of what the project has beenable to help with over the last year in-clude:

• Chasing the council to complete vitalrepairs to a rental house that had beenoutstanding for over a year

• Getting a young family’s gas recon-nected to ensure heating in the depths ofwinter

• Supporting a family having majorissues with neighbours

• Going to court with a family to helpthem avoid being evicted from theirhouse

• Being able to provide food to indi-viduals and families who have not eatenfor several days

In addition, the linked Soar ValleyCommunity Money Advice Centre canoffer advice on debt, benefit entitlement,cost-saving ideas and budgeting.

Tim Jackson said: “It has been fantas-tic to be able to help so many peopleover the past 10 months on their journey.Life can be a challenge for all of us attimes and we feel privileged to supportpeople when the need gets too great. We

have an amazing team who work closelytogether to support all those who visit us.

“We are tremendously grateful to thelocal supermarkets and their customerswho have donated food. When you shopplease look out for the donation bins anddonate non-perishable food. Also if youare connected with a school please con-sider making us the beneficiary of yourharvest festival collection next term”

The Soar Valley Community FoodProject, which is jointly run by RothleyParish Church and Rothley BaptistChurch, is based at the Baptist Church,Woodgate, Rothley and is open Mondaymornings from 11am to 1pm. It is opento anyone who needs help.

“Please pop in for a coffee and see us,call/text 07743 765958 or emailsoarvalleycfp@gmail.org and start thejourney to a better future” said Tim.

If you would like to donate food, mon-ey or time drop in or call 07743 765958.

PHOTOS: CLIVE RASIN

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School pupil seeks investors

Pic: Robert Saunt with his video game controller

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11

THE FALLEN in all conflictswill be remembered atMountsorrel’s Remembranceevents in November.

2015 has seen some significant Great

War anniversaries, notably the 100th

anniversaries of the Battle of FrezenbergRidge, which saw tremendous losses bythe Leicestershire Yeomanry, and thestorming of the Hohenzollern Redoubt

involving men from both 4th and 5th

Battalions of the Leicestershire Regiment.In both these battles Mountsorrel

men lost their lives in the service of ourcountry. Nearer in time, the SecondWorld War, in which again Mountsorrel

men werelost, has beenremembered

for the 75th

Anniversary ofthe Battle ofBritain and

the 70th anni-versaries of both VE and VJ day. The

year is also the 65th Anniversary of thestart of the Korean War in which menfrom the village served.

The village parade to mark thoseanniversaries and remember and honourthe fallen in all conflicts will take placeon Sunday November 8 leaving theGreen at 2.30pm for the RemembranceService at St Peter’s church, MarketPlace, at 3pm.

On November 11 at 11am there willbe a short service at the Peace Gardenon the corner of Sileby Lane

A spokeswoman said: “Back then thespeakers were varied, to cover all tastes,not unlike todays meetings. The SocialStudies group met in each other’shomes, or an outing, visiting places ofinterest. So really nothing has changed.

“We have had various venues, ChurchHouse at the bottom of the Green, longbefore it became a library, ChristchurchSchool rooms, and of course The ParishRooms to name but a few.”

The Guild are preparing for theirAnniversary Celebrations, and meet onthe first & third Thursdays in the monthin the Parish Rooms at 7.30pm.

Visitors and new members are alwayswelcome. Why not drop in and jointhem.Pic: The Mountsorrel Townswomen’sGuild: dressed up for a day at the races.

SEP 2015MOUNTSORREL POST

THE MOUNTSORREL Townswomen’s Guild are celebratingtheir 70th anniversary this September.

YOUNG PEOPLE seekingfinancial assistance tohelp continue their edu-cation can apply to a vil-lage charity.

The Mountsorrel Educational Fundis administered by a Body of Trusteeswho, at their absolute discretion, canaward grants from the funds availableto the Charity to assist young peoplein pursuing their education.

The Chairman of the Trustees, MrBrian Allard, said: “Grants amountingto £70,907 were awarded by theTrustees in 2014 to local schoolpupils, students and those in HigherEducation and Training. The Trusteeswill be considering at their meetingin November applications from per-sons who are planning to extendtheir education at college and univer-sity.”

Applications can be made frompersons under the age of 25, who arepupils or former pupils of ChristChurch and Saint Peters Church ofEngland School, or who have been orwhose parents have been resident inthe electoral parish of Mountsorrelfor at least 12 calendar months.

The forms of application are asfollows:

Application Form 1 –University/Higher Education

Application Form 2 – ALevel/CollegeEquivalent/Apprenticeships

Application Form 3 – EducationalVisits (Primary to A Level)

Application Form 4 – Music Tui-tion (Primary onwards)

Application Form 5 – Other Appli-cations

All of the above forms can beobtained by sending a stamped ad-dressed envelope detailing whichApplication Form is required, to theClerk to the Trustees, Mr P R Blake-more, KDB Accountants and Consult-ants Ltd, 21 Hollytree Close, Hoton,Loughborough, Leicestershire LE125SE

The deadline for submission ofcompleted application forms is Octo-ber 16, 2015.

Small ads are 25p for the first 16words. 17-32 words: 50p. Enclosingpayment, post your ad to us or handit in (inside an envelope) at Mount-sorrel library.Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p aword. You are liable for the trade/businessrate if you are offering a service for whichyou are asking for payment, or if you are ad-vertising new goods for sale. All text will beprinted bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50words. Phone numbers count as one word.

Small Ads

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy.Plans drawn and submitted. Exten-sions, conversions, new build. DavidIves B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 01162674395/07974807111www.amlidesign.co.uk

TELECOMS COMPANY Vodafonesays it has rolled out 4G servic-es in Mountsorrel.

A spokesman said: “The arrival of Vo-dafone 4G in Mountsorrel means all cus-tomers with compatible devices andbundles will be able to connect to theinternet more quickly, more reliably and inmore places than ever before.”

Vodafone has now extended its 4G cov-erage to 593 larger cities, towns and dis-tricts as well as thousands of smallercommunities across the UK. Vodafone plansto provide coverage using 2G, 3G or 4Gservices to 98% of the UK population.

The rollout of 4G services is part ofapproximately £2billion Vodafone isspending on its network and services inthe UK across 2014 and 2015. This in-cludes network improvements across its 3Gnetwork aimed at both indoor and outdoorcoverage and the nationwide provision ofHD (High Definition) Voice technology onits 3G network. The Vodafone Rural OpenSure Signal programme is also aiming tobring 3G coverage for the first time to 100remote communities across the UK.

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Funeral ServicesH Towell

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12 SEP 2015MOUNTSORREL POST