Mountsorrel Post (81) Dec 2022

MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER 2022

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 81

Magical panto this Christmas THE CAST of Jack and the Beanstalk greeted visitors to a panto-themed fun day at Mountsorrel Memorial Centre.

Backstage tours, crafts, games and face painting were on offer at the free event, held on Sunday, October 23.

The Mayes Dance and Gymnastics Academy led some dance workshops, and visitors met cast members in full costume from this year’s panto, which will be held at the centre from Friday, December 16 to Sunday, December 18.

A centre spokesperson said: “Join Talegate Theatre this Christmas for a giant pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk!

Follow our hero, Jack and Daft mum, Dame Trott, as they climb the Beanstalk, defeat the giant and save their best friend, Daisy the Cow. This year’s production is set to be our funniest and most spectacular pantomime yet. Packed with songs, slapstick, silliness, audience participation and all the fairytale magic of traditional pantomime. Book your tickets and join the fee fi fo fun!”

Doors open: One hour pre-performance Showtimes: 12:30 pm/4:30 pm/6:30 pm Tickets: £48/£15/£12

Pic: welcoming visitors: the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk outside Mountsorrel Memorial Centre

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Alpine House Surgery 86 Rothley Rd, Mountsorrel, Loughborough LE12 7JU Tel: 0116 216 9947

The good news!

Dr Rana has been part of the team on a locum basis for some time but will now be a permanent fixture.

We also welcome Alex, our ANP/Paramedic, Alex

Contacting us: We do offer routine appointments so if you do not require an “on the day” appointment do consider calling later in the day and asking for the next routine appointment. Don’t forget, the GP is not always the most appropriate person for your needs but the more information you can give, the better our reception team can help you.

Pharmacists Our pharmacists can help with medication reviews and many medication queries. Our Paramedic team are highly skilled health professionals and can help with a wide range of problems. Both teams can prescribe independently and have direct access to a GP for support.

Nursing Team Our nursing team are on hand to help you with your long-term conditions,

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has a dual role as both an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and is a trained Paramedic. Alex joins us a duty clinician and will be triaging and seeing our clinically urgent cases on a daily basis.

We are also in the process of recruiting reception staff and have recently welcomed Carla. Carla will be working on reception and has experience in a similar role.

We are hoping to secure another receptionist and a further advert has been placed this week.

along with vaccinations, cervical smear testing and minor illness, both of our nurses are independent prescribers.

Our HCA and phlebotomy team undertake all our blood testing and can help with simple wound care, stitch and clip removal, routine ear care, flu vaccination, ECGs and BP monitoring.

Face to Face We continue to see patients face to face; our latest data show that our GPs are seeing more than 50% of patients face to face. We also carry out home visits for our most clinically vulnerable patients where appropriate.

We would like to reassure all our patients we are doing all we can to improve the service and we thank you for your continued patience.

MOUNTSORREL POST

We have recruited and welcome a new GP, Dr Anna Clayton and we welcome Dr Rana as a GP Partner at the practice with additional sessions.

As you may be aware, recently, Alpine House reception team has been depleted and this has had a huge impact on the team and the ability to answer the phones in a timely manner. There is currently unprecedented demand on the service and with lower than required staff levels we know our preferred standard of customer service at our point of entry is being impacted.

However, despite the pressures currently facing primary care, and our practice, we have secured new staff and are endeavouring to improve further by recruiting more staff and asking existing staff to work overtime or stay past their shift time, we acknowledge that this problem will not be fixed overnight, and we ask that you bear with us whilst we try to resolve the staffing issues.

Whilst we understand and are addressing the current frustrations of accessing healthcare, we have noticed an increase amongst a small cohort of patients who have resorted to being abusive to our staff. This is upsetting for staff, and other patients who witness this behaviour, and we would ask that patients always treat all of our team members with kindness, courtesy and respect. We do have a zerotolerance policy in place to allow us to manage patients who are abusive, and your registration with us may be at risk if you are abusive in any way to any of our team. If patient behaviour is deemed, in any way, violent or threatening, then an immediate removal from the practice list will be instigated.

We are fortunate that this is a minority of people, and we recognise and thank all our patients for your loyalty, kindness and understanding.

All of the team at Alpine House would like to take this opportunity to wish our patients a Happy Christmas and New Year and we look forward to continuing to support you.

Laura Newbold Practice Manager

DEC 2022

Frontline We have welcomed a new GP news

Quarry extension plan concerns A PROPOSAL by Tarmac to extend Mountsorrel Quarry has resulted in some expressions of concern.

Tarmac has submitted a scoping opinion request to Leicestershire County Council that sets out its plans, which will see the expansion of the quarry workings, but within the site’s existing boundary.

Tarmac wants to extend both the north and southeast edges of the existing extraction zone.

The proposal would result in the loss of Mountsorrel Common and Centenary Woods, trees planted by local school children in 1994 to celebrate 100 years of Mountsorrel Parish Council.

Concerns have been expressed about the impact on air quality, dust suppression, vibration from blasting, noise and the loss of wildlife habitat.

Tarmac says that a new, larger common land area would be created, which would include a woodland area.

NORTHERN EXTENSION î

SOUTH EASTERLY EXTENSION ì

Pics: (left) Mountsorrel quarry; (above) map shows areas of extension

this stage that a full public consultation will be carried out, allowing local residents to comment.

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2022

The proposal would extend the working life of the quarry by 18 years to 2058, if approved.

A planning application from Tarmac is expected in January 2023, and it is at

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cil’s expectations, and a refund had recently been obtained.

It was agreed to participate in a ‘hedgehog highway’ project, to promote the vehicle and steals a purse and phone. the conservation of hedgehogs.

A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Eight thefts were reported, one burIt was agreed that the Christmas 2021 Parish Council was held on June glary and three reports of criminal damlighting displays be repeated this year.

13. age. There was one report of antisocial The budget is £5000.

It was reported that there was an behaviour – youth gathering on electric It was agreed to accept a quotation underspend of £127,000 at March 31, dirt bikes on the Halstead Road playing for the provision of a new council web2022, and it was resolved to create three field. One suspect has been identified. site. new earmarked reserves: £25,000 for The committee expressed thanks to A meeting of the planning and policy new and replacement equipment at the the police for the increased police prescommittee was held on August 1.

Mountsorrel Memorial Centre; £20,000 ence before and during the horse fair.

Crimes reported from July 1 – 25 for new litter bins, grit bins, replaceA meeting of the finance and general were one theft of a motor vehicle, one ment benches; £20,000 for additional purpose committee was held on July 11. theft, one burglary, six criminal damage, feasibility work on the Halstead Road It was reported that the income tarand two antisocial behaviour. scheme. £62,000 will be added to the gets for the Mountsorrel Memorial CenA meeting of the finance and general general reserve. tre had been considerably exceeded in purposes committee was held on August It was reported that the parish manag- every area.

15. er has submitted an expression of interIt was agreed to hold council advice An application for a grant of £10,000 est to the UK Prosperity Fund/Future surgeries for the general public, once a has been made, towards the start-up Charnwood investment plan for month from September, for a six-month cost for CCTV around the village, to be £250,000 towards the Halstead Road trial period. It was agreed that all staff linked to the CCTV monitoring provided scheme. and councillors are issued with identity

by Charnwood Borough Council.

A meeting of Mountsorrel Memorial badges.

It was reported that the café at the Centre committee was held on June 27.

It was agreed to develop a grant aid Mountsorrel Memorial Centre was headIt was reported that there had been policy to award grants to community ing towards an estimated annual surplus excellent feedback about events held to groups. of £6600. mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

A meeting of the projects and ameniA meeting of the planning and policy Councillors received an update on the ties committee was held on July 25. committee was held on September 5. progress of the formation of the MountIt was agreed to order 10 signs at a The crime report for August 2022: sorrel Memorial Centre community inter- cost of £250, for use at the Loughborvehicle crime 2, theft 5, burglary 2, est company, which once set up, will ough Road playing field and other areas. criminal damage 4, antisocial behaviour manage the Memorial Centre.

The signs are promoted by Keep Britain 1.

A meeting of the planning and policy Tidy and have a ‘We’re Watching You’ A meeting of the finance and general committee was held on July 4. design, to deter dog owners from not purposes committee was held on OctoThe crime figures for June 2022 reclearing up after their dogs. ber 10. corded three vehicle crimes: a saxoQuotations will be obtained for spring It was agreed to donate £500 to the phone stolen from a vehicle, one theft of and summer planting displays for Mountsorrel Royal British Legion Poppy a motor vehicle, a driver distracted in a 2023/24. It was acknowledged that the Appeal. car park, and a second person enters existing contract fell way below the counIt was agreed to invest £250,000 in a

Surgery extension PLANS TO extend the Alpine House Surgery at 86 Rothley Road, Mountsorrel, have been approved.

An additional four consulting rooms will be provided, with a relocation of internal spaces to suit. Solar panels will be installed on the existing and new roof surfaces.

Details of the application can be seen on the planning pages of the Charnwood Borough Council website.

The planning reference is P/22/0949/2.

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2022

Parish Council notes

higher interest-bearing fund, the CCLA Public Sector Deposit Fund.

It was reported that the parish council is still waiting for a legal document from Charnwood Borough Council, which is delaying the Halstead Road project. Work is underway with Charnwood Borough Council to secure the £250,000 contribution from the Future Prosperity Fund.

Several play companies have carried out site visits to the Halstead Road playing field, and there are options to refurbish the existing equipment and create a new area for younger children at the bottom of the field, nearer to Halstead Road. The next stage is to write a detailed specification, consult locally, and go out to tender.

Remembrance in Mountsorrel REMEMBRANCE IN Mountsorrel was marked this year on Armistice Day with the short Field of Remembrance Service at the Peace Garden and on Remembrance Sunday by the return of the long-held traditional parade from the Green to St Peters Church for the Remembrance Day Service.

The Armistice Day service at the Peace Garden was attended by pupils from Christ Church & St Peter’s Primary School, who laid wreaths on behalf of village families and the school, and Poppy Crosses on behalf of the Mountsorrel

Pics: The Remembrance Parade through the village; (right) wreaths and crosses in the Peace Garden

Branch Royal British Legion.

The Remembrance Sunday Parade and Church Service were well attended, with village Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, Cubs and Boys Brigade on parade, alongside veterans and dignitaries led by the Leicestershire Co-op Band.

TERRY ALLEN

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2022

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The parade was organised by Mountsorrel Parish Council and the essential road closures for the safe passage of the parade were marshalled by volunteers from Mountsorrel Community Team.

“Mountsorrel Branch, Royal British Legion wish to thank, on behalf of all taking part, both the Parish Council staff for their organisation and the MCT Volunteers for making the parade possible,” said spokesman John Doyle.

The March issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Feb 25.

The copy deadline is Feb 10 .

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Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Tea Dances St James, Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road Leicester LE4 4DH Christmas Dance Friday December16th 2022 3.30pm - 5.30pm £5 each Tea / coffee, cakes & Mince Pies available Please wear Red if possible All welcomed Further information contact: Jackie 0116 2248278 / 07908607405 Email: jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk Charnwood Group of The Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 7.30pm Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall

The "Eyes" have it!

Dave Robinson will introduce us to the amazing world of vision, de-

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Christmas Trees from 2ft-12ft Oven Ready, Farm Fresh Turkeys & Cockerels Order now to avoid disappointment

fensive colouration and eye-mimicry in the animal kingdom.

Admission is £2.50 for LRWT members, £3 for visitors, children free

BID Leicester and created by Metro Boulot Dodo. This 20 minute special Christmas edition projection has a distinctly festive twist!

See the range of rotating seasonal murals from 4.30pm – 10.30pm daily.

Cedar Care Circle Hi everyone. Our meetings for December are Monday the 12th and Monday 19th, at Brunchies Cafe Hallam Fields Road Birstall, 1pm.

We are a very friendly informal group. Offering support and friendship to carers and cared for who are living with dementia. We understand how isolating caring 24/7 can be. I hope that you come and see us. Contact me, Barbara, on 07905760556 if you'd like to chat

Rothley and Birstall Birdwatchers Meet at 7.30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR (free car parking available) Tues Jan 10th " Birds of Leicestershire with sound recordings" by Carl Baggott Membership £15pa. Talks free to members but if you just want to come and listen, come as a visitor for just £3

Warm Space Scheme Leicestershire & Rutland Youth and Family Services are pleased to be able to offer a Warm Space to those in need over the colder months.

We have space for you to come and relax, bring a book, your laptop, take part in one of the

Friday 11 November – Monday 2 January 23 Jubilee Square activities on offer or just sit and chat with others All beverages and biscuits on offer free of charge including our range of cuppa soups.

If you need information, guidance, or support someone will be available at each session.

We run twice weekly on a Wednesday and Saturday from 11am to 2pm and we are located at The Parish Rooms Little Lane/Leicester Road Mountsorre LE12 78H For more information, please contact LRYFS on 0116 442 2979 or 07979 031 673 Saturday 3 December – Saturday 24 December

Green Dragon Square Paint to Pixel Christmas Edition Free Event See Leicester’s Green Dragon Square in a whole new light, as it is transformed into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour.

A spectacular moving projection of 3D animated murals will transform the space into an illuminated wonderland, as it is projected into the square in this impressive, large-scale artwork presented by

Christmas Wheel of Light Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Leicester’s Christmas lights from the 110-ft Ferris wheel.

Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth on site. A ride is approximately 8 to 10 minutes.

There are 24 covered gondolas, each seating 6 people. Wheelchair access is available to one of the gondolas – assistance will be provided for anyone using this gondola.

Prices: Standard £7 Small child (under 1.4m) £5 Family (2 adults + 2 Children or 1 adult + 3 children) £20 Times: Mon – Thurs: 11am – 9pm Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm Sun: 11am – 9pm Thursday 1 December – Monday 2 January 23 Jubilee Square

Jubilee Square Ice Rink 2022 will see the return of the 680 square-metre real ice rink to Jubilee Square. With its clear roof, skaters can show off their best moves, come rain or shine, under the Christmas wheel of light.

Skate hire and a 45-minute ses-

Oven Ready Game available in season All your Christmas Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts including home grown potatoes (Red Mozart, White Marfona) & Sprout Sticks

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Festive Wreaths • Holly • Mistletoe Plus all our usuals including:

Domestic Appliance Spares & Repairs

Free Range Eggs • Local Honey Preserves • Marmalade • Chutneys

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DIY Liveries FIREWOOD: bulk loads delivered Good Quality Dry Logs, Hard & Soft Wood, Smokeless Fuel, Kindling And lots more!

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Washers • Dryers • Dishwashers Fridges • Cookers

GAS & ELECTRIC David Preston - 0775 262 3885

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Clear Ear Services Phone 07936 899 855 Mobile ear syringing service (we come to you!)

Professional, Friendly, Experienced & Qualified Nurses, Fiona and Vanessa

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we can deliver bulk loads of these items, call or visit for further details

MOUNTSORREL POST

Manure, Woodchip Mulch

(Dec 9, 127 mins) Holidaying aboard a glamorous Egyptian river steamer, Hercule Poirot, played by Sir Kenneth Branagh, is caught up in a terrifying search for a murderer. With stars Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French, there are many unexpected additional twists to the original Agatha Christie mystery.

Ian Roe LANDSCAPES & DRIVEWAYS 07847 003554 0116 2303222 www.ianroe.co.uk

Charnwood Orchestra

New Year celebration Vienna and Beyond January 14 2023, 7:30pm Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8JU The concert will be a mix of Viennese Waltz's and Polkas mixed with classical favourites, including amongst others; Sibelius Finlandia, Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte Smetana Dance of the Comedians from ‘The Bartered Bride’ Blue Danube Thunder and Lightning Polka Radetzky March Tickets: The Orchestra website tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

Taylor’s Florist, 17 High Street, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8PY At the door, cash payments only £14 (£12 concessions) £5 -18s and under or NUS member www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

“Fisherman’s Friends - One and All ” (Jan 13, 111mins) Inspired by the real life Fisherman’s Friends from Port Isaac in Cornwall, this comedy melodrama has romance and expectation. Can these singing fishermen overcome fame and grief to find harmony again? The cinematography is spectacular in this uplifting and heart-warming story.

“The Railway Children Return ” will be shown on February 10, 2023.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw and refreshments during the interval.

You can pay for tickets at the door, if there are any left or pay in advance from: Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619 * The March issue of the

Friday Night Films In Thurcaston Death on the Nile- 2022 Version”

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Feb 25.

The copy deadline is Feb 10 .

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2022

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Job vacancy Part time sales assistant required Must be available Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays 8:30 am – 5:30 pm Would ideally suit a student looking for a permanent part-time position.

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Get together to exercise well, says personal trainer “GROUP FITNESS sessions can really help with motivation,” says fitness instructor and personal trainer Hayley Phillips from Mountsorrel.

Lots of people struggle to find the motivation to exercise regularly; however exercising in a group could be all the motivation you need to commit to your fitness, says Hayley.

“Group fitness sessions can drive you to work harder & get a better workout. When you’re exercising on your own, it can be so easy to take it easy and finish your session early, but exercising with others could encourage you to push on through & keep going.”

She added: “One of the biggest benefits of joining a group fitness session is the social aspect.

When you see people regularly, you start to get friendly with those people, chatting and making new friends.

“My fabulous little community are on the same fitness journey, this can help to support and guide you and keep you motivated. I have an amazing group of ladies & gents of varying fitness levels who come along to train, have fun, switch off and burn some calories.”

Message Hayley or call for more information on 07715 642079 https://www.fa cebook.com/hayle yphillipsfitness/

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sion on the ice will cost just £5 at super off-peak times. Off-peak tickets will cost £10 for adults and £8.50 for children/concessions. Standard price tickets will cost £12 for adults and £9.50 for children/concessions.

Open from 10am* – 10pm (last session starts at 9pm). On Christmas Eve the last skate session will be at 6pm and ends at 7pm. *On 1, 2, 5, 9, 12 and 16 December the rink will open at 11am

Pic: Hayley Phillips

9.00am - 9.45am

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Crowds attend unveiling of War Memorial THESE PHOTOGRAPHS from Mountsorrel Heritage Group show the unveiling and dedication of Castle Hill War Memorial on August 15, 1926.

The crowd during the service can be seen, the veterans’ wreath laying party and the Memorial at the end of the service.

In 1914 the four men forming the wreath laying party were all members of F Company 5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, the village’s Territorial unit, based at the Drill Hall on Leicester Rd. Subsequently, they all served in France and Belgium. They are (l-r), Ernie Woolstan, who was discharged after being gassed during the assault on the Hohenzollern Redoubt in 1915 but subsequently joined the Royal Navy serving on trawlers used as inshore minesweepers; Roland Goodman, awarded the Military Medal as a Sergeant at

Pic: 1926: the four men laying wreaths at the dedication of the Castle Hill War Memorial are (l-r) Ernie Woolstan, Roland Goodman, Fred Darby and William Hallam

Gommecourt in 1916 where he was severely injured, losing a leg and part of

Pick Your Own

an arm; Fred Darby, who was awarded the Military Medal serving with the Sea-

forth Highlanders at Cambrai in 1917, where he was wounded and William Hallam, awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for “conspicuous bravery” at the Hohenzollern Redoubt in 1915, where he held back an enemy assault while his comrades physically blocked the trench to prevent any further advance. Ernie Woolstan had worked in the boot and shoe trade, while the others were all quarrymen, work to which they all returned after the war.

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We understand that people experience times which can be tough. If you need help, if you are in financial need or physical hardship, please contact us.

Find out more at mountsorrelcsf.org.uk Contact us: 07931 129360 info@mountsorrelcsf.org.uk Follow us: Charity number: 217615

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Working name of the Mountsorrel Relief in Need Charity

MOUNTSORREL POST

Brooklea Nursery

DEC 2022

& Holly Wreaths

Help and advice about debt and money IF YOU owe money and you're struggling to pay, Citizens Advice Charnwood can help you find the right help.

But firstly, you should speak to the organisations you owe money to – they might let you pay smaller amounts or take a break from payments.

Don’t ignore bills or letters about money you owe. Speak to one of our Money Advice team on 01509 221218 or leave your details on the ansaphone so someone can call you back.

Check what benefits you can get You might be able to claim benefits or increase your current benefits if you’re: of working age and on a low income sick or disabled of state pension age and on a low income a carer responsible for children

Most benefits can be paid early. This is known as a 'short term benefit advance'.

A small amount will be taken off future payments to pay it back - usually for 12 weeks.

You can also ask for an advance payment of Universal Credit to help you while you’re waiting for your first payment.

However, you CAN’T get a benefit paid early for: Housing Benefit; Attendance Allowance; Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Personal Independence Payment (PIP); Child Benefit; Guardian's Allowance; Working or Child Tax credits Your local council might help you pay for things like: your energy and water bills food essential items - for example, clothes or an oven This help is known as 'welfare assistance' or the ‘Household Support Fund’.

Each council runs their own

scheme. You’ll need to check if you can get support and what type of support you can get. Our Advisers can help you with this.

account – with potential plans to allow customers to switch it to gas accounts Traditional prepayment meter - voucher sent (via text, email or post) to be used on electricity (and potentially gas Energy Bills Support Scheme subject to supplier) when you are topping up as normal. You should make Under this scheme the government sure supplier has up to date contact info. will give every household in Great BritIf you have separate suppliers for gas ain £400 off their electricity bill. You and electricity, the discount will come don’t need to do anything to get the money and you won’t have to pay it back. via the electricity supplier and only its rules will count. You should get the You’ll get the £400 in 6 instalments discount even if you switch suppliers. starting from October 2022 You should have three months to redeem £66 in October and November each voucher – and if you lose them or £67 in December, January, February they expire, they can only be reissued up and March until 31 March 2023.

How the payments will be applied: The government will also send you If you pay by: extra one-off payments if you get certain monthly direct debit the payment will benefits - for example: either be credited automatically to your Universal Credit, PIP or Attendance bank account or your Direct Debit will Allowance, if you are over State Pension be reduced automatically. age and get Winter Fuel Payments standard credit it will be credited You can get as many of these extra automatically to the energy account payments as you're eligible for. You Smart prepayment meter it will be credited automatically to the electricity Continued on page 10

Grandparents’ day at Mountview RESIDENTS AT Mountview care home in Rothley channelled their inner children in October, celebrating National Grandparents Day with their families.

In honour of National Grandparents Day, the care staff at Mountview organised a party for their residents, inviting their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to spend the day together.

A Leicestershire-based Mr Tumble tribute act from Party Time with James performed for four generations of families with party songs to get everyone up and dancing.

92-year-old Edna Colton, who spent the day with her grandchildren, said: “You are never too old to do The Hokey Cokey! We loved the party - there’s always something happening here at Mountview, it’s just brilliant.”

The daughter-in-law of another resident said her family had ‘an absolutely amazing day’, and thought it was ‘brilliant’ to be part of something involving all generations.

After all the fun and dancing, the residents and their families enjoyed some light refreshments freshly made by the care home’s kitchen team.

Stacie Weaver, the Home Manager at Mountview, said, Advertise in the

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Ancient Rothley artefacts

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djk03@hotmail.co.uk BIRSTALL PARISH COUNCIL

WEEKEND CARETAKER/CLEANER

4 HOURS PER WEEK design is reminiscent of geometrical motifs found on contemporary Grooved Ware pottery and earlier megalithic tombs. Such figurative abstract Neolithic art is rare but occurs on artefacts such as the Folkton chalk drums from Yorkshire and the Knowth ceremonial flint mace head from the Boyne valley in Ireland. # “The people who visited the Soar valley and deposited these finds were clearly plugged into the cultural and social networks of the time existing across Britain and Ireland,” said a spokesperson from the County Council’s museum collections.

Other features

BIRSTALL PARISH COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT 27.5 HOURS PER WEEK Salary Scale 5/SCP 12: £22,571 Per annum, [£16,776 pro-rated] Birstall Parish Council is a busy and expanding Parish Council and are looking for someone to undertake general administration duties.

The hours of work are 9am—2:30pm, Monday to Friday The successful applicant must be customer focused, enthusiastic and must be PC literate.

The Job Description, Person Specification and an Application form is available to download from the Parish Councils website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk or by contacting the office on 0116 267 6191 or by emailing: admin@birstallpc.org.uk The closing date for applications is:

3pm – Tuesday, 3 January 2023

found at the site, dating back to 2,900 BC, were a large, shallow pit possibly the remains of a sunken hut, which shows signs of communal feasting. The area was filled with smashed pottery, hundreds of pieces of worked flint including arrowheads, knives and scrapers and charred remains of barley.

Another pit contained broken and burnt objects such as decorated pottery, roe deer bones, deliberately polished stone axes and a curious ‘fertility symbol.’

The display is permanent, and entry is free. For more information, including opening times, visit the Charnwood Museum website.

Salary Scale 3/SCP 5: £19,650 Per annum, Pro-rated [£11.22 per hour]

Birstall Parish Council is seeking a weekend cleaner/caretaker for the Hallam Fields Hall.

The hours of work are varied and flexible to give cover during absences to other caretakers but are mainly on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Job Description, Person Specification and an Application form is available to download from the Parish Councils website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk or by contacting the office on 0116 267 6191 or by emailing: admin@birstallpc.org.uk The closing date for applications is:

3pm – Tuesday, 3 January 2023

Santa’s sleigh tour WREAKE VALLEY Rotary Club is delighted to inform you all that Santa and his Sleigh will be out and about in December in various parts of Birstall and Mountsorrel.

Our programme (subject to change if bad weather intervenes) is as follows. We have two contingency dates set aside in the event that the weather disrupts our chosen dates, and we would hope to make this known on local village social platforms, where possible.

Starting times are usually from around 4.30pm - 5pm at weekends and 5pm - 5.30pm weekdays (times can vary a little), and we are normally finished by 7.30pm latest.

Sat 10th Decc - BIRSTALL Stonehill Avenue, Collingwood Avenue and roads in that area.

Sun 11th Dec. - MOUNTSORREL Walton Way area Mon 12th Dec. - MOUNTSORREL Speedwell Road area Wed 14th Dec. - BIRSTALL Dalby Avenue and roads in that area. area Thurs 16th Dec. BIRSTALL Kingsgate and roads in that area Sat 17th Dec. BIRSTALL The Cedars elderly people's care home and Hallam Fields area afterwards.

Sun 18th Dec. - BIRSTALL Walnut Avenue and roads in that area, Ambergate, Sandgate, Lingate, Saltersgate, Broadgate and Castlegate

DEC 2022

Continued from page 9 won't have to pay tax on them and they won't count as income when calculating your benefits.

Getting help with pets If you’re using a food bank, you might be able to ask for some things, like pet food. Check with your local food bank if they’re able to help.

You can also check if there’s a pet food bank in your area. Ask your local vet or pet shop, or search online for 'pet food bank' and your local town.

You might be able to find free pet food collection points at your local supermarket, pet store or animal charity.

Get help with vet care You might be eligible for free or reduced vet care from Blue Cross if you: get certain means-tested benefits and live close to one of their hospitals or clinics Check if you can get free or reduced vet care on the Blue Cross website (https://www.bluecross.org.uk/veterina ry) You also might be able to get free or reduced vet care from charities such as: RSPCA and PDSA. (www.respca.org.uk) (www.pdsa.org.uk) Finally, if you don’t have enough to live on, you might be able to get help from the government or your local council to afford essentials like bills and food.

Our Advisers can help you with this, To speak to one of our Advisers ring our local enquiry line on 01509 649605 (open Monday & Thursday 9.30am-3pm & Tuesday 9.30-12.00) or the National Advice line on Freephone 0800 144 8848 (open MondayFriday 9am-5pm) If you have debts ring our Money Advice team on 01509 221218 and leave your details so we can call you back.

More information can be found on our website www.charnwoodcab.org.uk

07470 204060

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MOUNTSORREL POST

The selection of finds displayed reveals a spectacular later Neolithic material culture from the time when Stonehenge was first being built.

Leicestershire County Council Museums recently received the archaeological archive from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services excavations at Rothley Lodge Farm.

The rarest object to be found was the Rothley ‘Face’ plaque, which is a unique example of Neolithic abstract art.

The Rothley ‘Face’ Plaque is incomplete having been broken in antiquity, but enough survives to suggest that the original design would have been symmetrical and may be described as a stylised face set within a rectangular frame. The

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Council All welcome at social space house contractor MUG AND Mingle is a communitea (pardon the pun) social group providing a safe space to anyone who wishes to access it.

A NEW contractor has been appointed to deliver improvements to council homes in Charnwood.

J Tomlinson, a property maintenance firm, has been awarded a two-year contract by Charnwood Borough Council to deliver planned improvements to council-owned homes across the borough.

The contract will include full and partial kitchen, bathroom and toilet replacements as part of the Council’s programme of improvements to its housing stock. It will also involve works such as internal and external structural alterations alongside refurbishments to empty properties.

The new contract came into place this month following a rigorous tendering process.

Cllr James Poland, the Council’s lead member for public housing, said: “I welcome this new contract and continued investment into our properties.

These improvements to amenities such as bathrooms and kitchens will provide a better standard of living for our tenants.

“I’m looking forward to seeing J Tomlinson delivering the works to a high standard, as well as demonstrating care for our tenants.”

The Council manages around 5,500 residential homes across the borough.

The two-year contract has the potential to be extended for an additional two years and has an estimated value of around £9 million.

J Tomlinson was established in the 1950s by the Tomlinson family in Nottinghamshire. The business has expanded over the years, and they now work throughout the Midlands and the North of England.

Merry Christmas To all our readers & advertisers from us all at the

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Mug & Mingle is a place for people of all ages and backgrounds to go and enjoy a hot beverage, chat, take part in activities and if needed get advice and support with any issues they may have.

It was established around eight months ago as we were starting to get back to some normality following Covid.

Organiser Anthony Marvin said: “It was there to help relieve some of the issues people were having around isolation, loneliness and anxiety of mixing with others again.

Since then, it has grown so much with people attending from across Mountsorrel and from neighbouring villages to access the support on offer, or just simply enjoy a lovely cuppa in the company of others.”

He added: “The sessions

are a place for people to come and relax, either on their own or join in with others which is normally the case while enjoying one of the beverages on offer, some biscuits and one of the various activities.”

Mug and Mingle has recently become a warm space in response to the cost of living crisis, which has had a huge impact on many people. A warm space

Christmas attractions LEICESTER’S Christmas Lights Switch On celebration took place on Thursday November 17, but before then the city council’s lighting team had a mammoth task ahead of them.

From October 18, the team began putting up the decorations that cross the city’s main shopping streets and installing the 16,000 energy-efficient lamps that will light up Leicester throughout the festive period.

The centrepiece of the festive decorations – a mighty 46ft Christmas tree from Kielder Forest in Northumberland – arrived during the first week of November, when it took pride of place next to

the Clock Tower.

A new Christmas grotto has been built in Town Hall Square, ready for Santa’s annual visit to the city. Santa in The Square will be free to visit and opens from Saturday December 3, until Friday December 23.

The traditional nativity scene will also return to Town Hall Square in time for the big switch-on.

This year, the city council has spent around £15,000 replacing worn-out decorations and giving a new look to the existing garlands that span Granby Street.

In Green Dragon Square at Leicester Market, illuminated garlands will be strung between the square’s lamp columns, and the trees will be lit with pea lights.

The massive 35m-high Wheel of Light will return to illuminate Jubilee Square – as well as offering people the chance to see Leicester’s Christmas lights from a new perspective – from Friday November 11. The popular ice rink attraction is also due to make its return to Jubilee Square from Thursday December 1.

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is somewhere that people can go to escape the cost of having to put their heating on, therefore saving money on their energy bills. At mug and mingle, Anthony has provided not only a warm space but a space where people can access, WiFi, beverages, activities, support and information and establish new positive friendships all in a safe and friendly environment and, most importantly, for FREE. People who attend can take in a number of activities such as dominos, scrabble, cards, crochet, crafts and much more. There are no age restrictions or mobility restrictions, as the space has disabled access and toilets.

Anthony said: “The cost of living crisis is impacting everyone, and I want to do what I can to help. Making mug and mingle a warm space was the first step. I have followed this by extending the opening hours so we now close at 2pm, providing cuppa soups so that those who attend can have something nutritious, free WiFi so that people can access the internet while with us and we provide free sanitary products for those who need them, as I believe period poverty should not be something to be worried about. My goal would be to open up on a more regular basis, so that more people could access Mug and Mingle and get the much-needed support.

“I couldn’t run Mug and Mingle without the amazing support of local volunteers Lisa and Nobby Clarke, my son Cade and of course Mountsorrel Parish Council who rent the Parish Rooms to us.”

Mug and Mingle runs every Wednesday and Saturday from 11am to 2pm at The Parish Rooms, Little Lane, Mountsorrel.

For information or enquiries, contact admin@lryfs.co.uk.

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News from Mountsorrel Heritage Group Planning OUR NOW regular routine of having the Museum (upstairs in the Library, for those who don’t know!) is about to be broken for a few weeks as we are in the midst of preparing a new exhibition for the summer of 2023.

This will examine the development of quarrying in and around the village over the centuries and look at the effects it has had on our community. This requires us to re-plan the use of the museum space and design the planned displays to fit. In order to ease that process, we will close the Museum on December 2, to deconstruct and store The Green Exhibition. When we re-open in late January (provisionally Thursday 27th but to be confirmed), we will have an interim exhibition looking at the Barrow-

on-Soar Union Workhouse that once well attended since we restarted it, and stood on Union Lane (now Linkfield Rd) has featured talks covering such varied featuring the model of the building, topics as, Wildlife in a Mountsorrel Gartogether with associated information den, the Zeppelin Raid on Loughborough, panels that we currently have in store. and A Virtual walk around Quorn We are aiming to open the quarrying Churchyard, amongst others. Details of exhibition on June 1, 2023, and continupcoming talks are in our Monthly Newsue with it through 2024. letter and posted on our Facebook page.

Fortnightly Photos We are currently arranging our 2023 programme.

Alongside our website, http://mountsorrelarchive.org/ our “Fort- New members nightly Photo” postings on Facebook New members are always welcome, https://www.facebook.com/mountsorrelar and you can contact us either at the chive/ continue to be popular, with folk Museum when open, via the website and adding snippets of information which all Facebook pages or at go into the Archive. mountsorrelheritagegroup2022@gmail.c Monthly talks om From Mountsorrel Heritage Group The Monthly Talk series held at Mountsorrel Memorial Centre has been

Charity supports new project THE MOUNTSORREL-based Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy charity, Alex’s Wish, has given £40,000 towards a project to develop a new wheelchair.

In 2017, in partnership with Whizz-Kidz, the national charity Duchenne UK won a £1 million grant to develop a new wheelchair, which is now at the working prototype stage. Alex’s Wish helps to co-fund ground-breaking medical research, clinical trials and innovative technologies

technology in almost every area of life, the design and functionality of wheelchairs have changed little in 15 years.

“Getting up a kerb, seeing what is behind you, even having somewhere to

put your phone – things the rest of us barely notice in our lives – are major tasks for young wheelchair users. The DREAM Wheelchair project is designed to bring wheelchairs into the 21st century, transforming young lives.”

Alex’s Wish supporters saw the prototype in action at their Annual Supporters' lunch in October.

Pics: the new wheelchair

P/22/2072/2: 46 Castle Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7EU Proposed front extension porch to the existing dwelling to contain small shower room provision. Rear extension and new roof over side bay falling under householder permitted development rights P/22/1999/2: 201 Loughborough Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7AR. Erection of a single storey extension to rear of dwelling.

P/22/1947/2: Quarry Hill Grange Residential Home Watling Street Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7BD. Proposed conversion of care home to 9 flats, including two storey rear extension, and associated works (including demolition of existing two storey rear extension) P/22/1959/2: 101 Cross Lane Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7BX Erection of single and two storey side extension. Erection of 2.0m high fence to front and side boundaries.

P/22/1652/2: 79 The Green Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7AE Installation of automation facility for existing gates to front of house P/22/1912/2: 31 Watling Street Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7BD Erection of two storey front, side and rear extension, two storey side extension and single storey rear extension. Erection of canopy over front door. Installation of solar panels to roof slope. External alterations with render. Alterations to driveway.

P/22/1861/2: 85 Cross Lane Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7BX Certificate of lawfulness (proposed) for erection of mobile home for use as ancillary residential accommodation.

P/22/1732/2: 139 Mountsorrel Lane Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7PU. Proposed single storey rear extension P/22/1659/2: Mountsorrel Quarry Wood Lane Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 8GE LCC CM Application. EIA Scoping Opinion Request Proposed Lateral Extensions To The Existing Quarry, Consolidation And Regularisation Of Existing Operations And Associated Ancillary Development (2022/EIASco/0114/LCC) P/22/1633/2: 8 The Homestead Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7HS. Crown reduce cotoneaster by 35%

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alongside Duchenne UK as their Charity Partner to improve the lives of children and young adults living with Duchenne.

Led by Duchenne UK, the next stage of the project is to develop a business plan for the DREAM Wheelchair to explore all the options on how we can bring the chair to market at an affordable price, which will ultimately improve the quality of life for wheelchair users.

Emma Hallam, CEO of Alex’s Wish and mum to 16-year-old Alex, who lives with Duchenne, said: “For children and young people like Alex, using a wheelchair makes all the difference to their independence. Despite huge advances in