Mountsorrel Post (84) September 2023

THE JOE Humphries Memorial Trust Christmas Fair will this year be held on Sunday November 5, from 11am –3.30pm, at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre.

Award for Laila

THE GRAHAM Lloyd Award for Young People recognises the outstanding achievements and successes of young people.

It is awarded annually to one young person, and this year, at Mountsorrel Revival, Laila Dobb, 17, was presented with the award by youth worker Anthony Marvin.

He said: “Laila is truly outstanding, she does so much for other people.

She likes to raise money for the homeless charity ‘Crisis’ at Christmas time. Last year, she set up a campaign called ‘Laila’s Two Pound Musical Crisis Challenge’, where she invited everyone she knew to donate just £2, and in return, she would sing songs from the shows to say thank you. She also took requests from people.

“She managed to do the outstanding

At this popular event, you can find locally sourced artisan products while Continued

Pic: Laila Dobb receives the award from Anthony Marvin

Mountsorrel celebrates with festival fun

MOUNTSORREL REVIVAL 2023 put a smile on the faces of the thousands of visitors who enjoyed this special community event, run entirely by volunteers.

Mountsorrel Community Team organised the festival. A spokesperson said: “Thank you to everyone who came - you were all fantastic! The sponsors, stall holders, entertainers, community groups, our fabulous volunteers, but most of all, the visitors who just came and had fun. We’ve all had the best day.

“It really is the most amazing community event, seeing all parts of our Mountsorrel

community come together for our ‘Festival of Fun’. Mountsorrel at its best.”

Posting on Facebook, festival goer Michelle Hought wrote: “A huge thank you to Mountsorrel Community Team for yet another amazing Revival. As a family it's our favourite event of the year, the one we look forward to the most. There was so much to see and do, from one end of the village to the other, and each year it gets better and better. You really are great people that do great things for our village, and we are truly grateful.”

Fair continued from page 1

helping The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust to save young lives.

“Start your Christmas shopping early with some beautiful gifts, food and wine and unique, beautifully crafted products all under one roof without pushing around shopping centres! You’re sure to find that special individual gift from the wonderful choice on offer,” said a Trust spokesperson.

For further information about the work of JHMT, go to jhmt.org.uk

Award continued from page 1

job of smashing the total she had in mind, managing to raise an amazing £1,123 for the charity.

“Laila is exceptional! She challenges diversity and is clear proof that if you want to do something good for people less fortunate than yourself, NOTHING will stop you. She is also proof that nothing good goes unnoticed, there are always people who notice the good you do in the world, and they make sure you get noticed for the amazing things you do.”

Graham Lloyd was one of the original founders of the Mountsorrel Community Team and, for many years, the Mountsorrel Youth Officer based at the Sorrel Youth Café.

THE NEW Soar Valley Dementia Group will now meet on Tuesday September 26, from 11-12.30 at Rothley Community Library.

This group will be run by people with dementia, for people with dementia.

Carers and others will be welcome, but the focus is on peer support for people with dementia, which can be enabling and empowering, and helpful for everyone affected. The group will make decisions what about they want to do, and some people may become involved in raising awareness about dementia locally.

The group now has the support of the Social Prescribing Team at the NHS, and several volunteers have offered to help.

There will be a small stall at the library during the Scarecrow Festival, on September 23/24, to talk about dementia and about the group. This is part of Reimagining Dementia’s international launch of ‘Taking it to the Streets’, a campaign which aims to change the ways we think about dementia, and begin to talk more openly about it.

For more information, email soarvalleydementiagroup@gmail.com.

From Soar Valley Dementia Group

Village heritage group news

MOUNTSORREL REVIVAL saw over 350 visitors to the village Museum (upstairs at the Library) to see the Mountsorrel Bucket and our current exhibition, “Blast From the Past”.

The exhibition looks at the history of quarrying in and around the village over the centuries. We are particularly grateful to the County Council Museum Service officers, who facilitated the loan of the bucket to us for the event.

We got a mix of reactions to the bucket at Revival, some were blank puzzlement, but others included, “I’ve heard about this since I was at school, and this is the first time I’ve seen it”.

It was found during blasting on Broad Hill in 1892 when a possible well shaft was discovered containing the bucket and other artefacts, much of which were Roman. The bucket is Romano-British, dating from about 200-300AD, but its design, featuring the bull’s heads in particular, dates back at least a further 1000 years to the Bronze Age.

When found, it was unique in Britain but since then, bits of others have been found, mostly in SE England and one complete one, the Aylesbury Bucket. Most are usually found in high-status Iron Age cremation graves, but there is no evidence that has survived for one on Broad Hill, although there was a Roman Sepulchre found nearby.

It used to be on display at the Jewry Wall Museum in Leicester until that closed for rebuilding and is now, due to its fragile nature, normally held securely by the County Museum Service. In support of our current exhibition, the Museum Service has also loaned us, on a longer-term basis, other archaeological material found with the bucket, together with a selection of quarrying tools.

Blast from the Past continues on display at the Museum on Thursday and Friday afternoons (2 – 4:30pm) and Saturday mornings (10am – 12:30pm), and details of our monthly Winter Talks, together with our Fortnightly Photo feature, can be found on our Facebook page at

Pic: The Mountsorrel Bucket

https://www.facebook.com/mountsorrelar chive/

From Mountsorrel Heritage Group

need

Parish Council notes

MOUNTSORREL PARISH Council’s annual parish council meeting was held on Monday May 15.

The outgoing chair, Cllr Kate Walker, thanked members for their support during her time as chair and wished her successor well.

Cllr Megan Pirt was elected as chair of Mountsorrel Parish Council for the year 2023/2024. Cllr James Kendrick Was elected vice chair.

The chair presented commendation awards to George Overton, Andy Crossley and Nick Cannon.

The council reaffirmed its eligibility to use the Power of General Competence.

The council agreed to make some changes to its committee structure. The Finance & General Purposes committee will be removed from the committee structure, and its terms of reference transferred to the full council.

The full council will meet 11 times a year, monthly, except for August.

A human resources committee of five members will be created, to meet as and when required. It will deal with staff terms and conditions of service, pen-

sions, and staff-related policies and appointments.

Following a meeting of the Mountsorrel Quarry Liaison Committee, it was reported that dust levels had been exceeded on five occasions in the last period, and members felt that current dust levels were much worse. Questions were raised about the monitoring and how independent it was.

It was agreed to write to the trustees of the Mountsorrel Education Fund and ask them if they can extend the age group who can receive help to include people up to 25.

It was agreed to set up a working party to consider issues arising from the operation of the Mountsorrel quarry and the expected planning application to extend it.

It was agreed to award the contract of £125,000 for the new play area at Halstead Road to HAGS. Sport & Play Consulting Ltd will be appointed to project manage the delivery at a cost of £5000.

The planning and policy committee met on May 16.

The April crime figures were presented:

1 vehicle crime (number plates stolen)

3 thefts

1 burglary

2 criminal damage

1 antisocial behaviour

Councillors agreed to contact the police regarding the antisocial behaviour at Chestnut Court and request them to take further action.

Councillors agreed to contact the Canal & Rivers trust to express concern about the visible condition of the Sileby

Road humpback bridge – it detracts from the look of the village and could shake public confidence due to the apparent poor condition. It was reported that an engineer from the trust had inspected the bridge and found the structure to be safe.

A meeting of the Projects & Amenities committee was held on May 22.

It was reported that the food bank had worked very well at Mountsorrel Library for the past three weeks when it had been temporarily relocated from the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre. Operators of the food bank, the Bridge, would now like the food bank to be based at Mountsorrel Library for the foreseeable future.

The council considered the Christmas lights scheme for 2023/24. It was agreed to accept a quotation of £6990 for the provision of Christmas lights and to introduce a firework display to the event by working with Celestial Fireworks with a budget of £800.

It was agreed to spend £200 on a British Legion ‘Tommy’ statue.

Members considered a request from the Leicestershire and Rutland Family & Youth Services to turn the Pinfold into a community garden. It was agreed to approve the request, subject to the front wall being looked at, and a structural report being commissioned to ensure its safety, as it has not been used for some time. It was agreed to allocate £500 from the £5000 earmarked reserve for youth work to support the community garden.

It was reported that the Dog Control Officer at Charnwood Borough Council had advised that it was not possible to introduce a Public Space Protection Order at the Loughborough Road playing field without any evidence of incidents having taken place.

The Parish Council has an earmarked reserve of £20,000 for village enhancements. It was resolved to approve a proposal to refurbish the noticeboard outside the parish rooms at a cost of £591 and to update the signage requirements at all play areas at a cost of £441.

All noticeboards around the village are in need of repair, and it was agreed that a quote to replace all of them is obtained.

Other suggestions made by councillors for village enhancements included:

Continued on page 7

Pic: Cllr Megan Pirt, Chair of Mountsorrel Parish Council

Noticeboard

all details printed free

Charnwood Orchestra

is kicking off its 50th Anniversary Season with a fabulous concert showcasing the Orchestra"Dreams and Serenades".

Saturday 21st October 20237:30pm

Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8HP

Mendelssohn: Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Dvo ák: Wind Serenade Op.44

Dvo ák: Two Waltzes for Strings

Op.54

Beethoven Symphony No.2

Where can I get a ticket get a ticket for this?

www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

email: tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org. uk

Taylor’s Florist, 17 High Street, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8PY

At the door, cash payments only Price? £14.00, (£12.00 concessions), £5 -18s and under or NUS members

Coffee Morning & Sale

at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7PR to be held on

Saturday 21st October 2023

10am to 12 noon

stalls to include Cakes, Handicrafts, Books, Bric A Brac, Greetings Cards, Gifts, Plants, Tombola Raffle

Everyone Welcome

Continued from page 6

Exploring the idea for local schools to design a Mountsorrel feature for inclusion on the noticeboards

Additional noticeboards

Bench repair and replacement Courtyard and door at the parish rooms entrance

Repainting of Loughborough Road play area gates

A meeting of the Planning & Policy Committee was held on June 5.

The crime figures for May were presented:

1 vehicle crime

2 thefts

1 burglary

2 criminal damage

1 antisocial behaviour

The annual Parish Council meeting was held on June 12.

It was agreed to accept the invitation from Mountsorrel’s twin town of Montsoreau for the chair of the Council, Megan Pirt, to visit in an official capacity representing Mountsorrel Parish Council. The chair will pay her own expenses.

Following the elections in May, there were two vacancies on the council. There were three candidates for co-option. It was agreed to co-opt Nicole Carr and Nilesh Mistry.

£1 Entrance, to Include Coffee/Tea &

Biscuits

All monies to be used in research in Leicester University and University Hospitals

Charnwood Arts Society

Meets 7.30pm, Church Rooms

Quorn.

Autumn Meetings:

Thur 12th Oct: Conserving Books of the National Trust

How old books of various construction and age are cared for.

Thur 9th Nov: They Make no Noise. The Art of the Conductor How the conductor determines the direction of an orchestra.

Thur 14th Dec: The Curious History of Christmas Food

How it's changed with illustrations from medieval manuscripts to 19th century prints

Friday Night Films in Thurcaston

“A Man called Otto” (Oct 13, 124 mins)

door, if there are any left, or buy in advance from: Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

Have you any time to help support

Rothley village Community Library?

We are still looking for additional volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare each week or fortnight please think about your local library. The Library runs entirely on voluntary help from a friendly and committed team. We are looking to increase the numbers of people we have to help during opening hours.

Currently volunteer do so on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Training at a time and date to suit you.

Contact us via the email below if you are interested in volunteering or want more information info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.

Cedar Care Circle

Hi everyone. I hope you're all well. The summer has been a little wet to say the least, here's hoping for a balmy September! Our next meetings will be on September 11 & 25. Venue is Brunchies Café, Hallam Fields Road, Birstall from 1pm.

feel, ask questions, between us we try to help. Lisa and the girls are so lovely looking after us. We are very fortunate to be able to get together in a social setting with all the amenities that the cafe provides. If you'd like to chat first call me on 07905760556, my name is Barbara.

Loughborough Concert Band presents The Band Sounds Out

at All Saints’ Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston

Sat September 23

6.30pm for 7pm

This year’s theme is music from films and television -something for everyone!

Tickets £10 (under 16s free)includes a glass of wine (or soft drink) and light refreshments at the interval

Please order your tickets from Jane Westby 0116 235 2226 mowestby@virginmedia.com

Birstall Flower Club

Wed Sept 27, 2023

Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm

Demonstrator: Lynne Sharpe

Title: My Floral Gems

Visitors £5

Queries to: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437

Tom Hanks is one of our favourite actors. In our humorous October film, which was nominated for two Academy Awards, Tom Hanks plays a cantankerous widower. Otto is continually disapproving of his neighbours’ ways, until a new family sees beyond his grumpiness. Will this unexpected friendship turn Otto’s life around?

“The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” (Nov 10, 108 mins)

Our inspirational UK film for November stars two outstanding actors: Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. When Harold finds out that his former colleague, Queenie, is in a hospice, he sets out to walk the length of the country to see her. Along the way, he revisits memories of his strained relationship with his son and the frustrations of his wife. This is a gorgeous film.

“Matilda the Musical” will be our Christmas film on December 8. 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 your tickets at the

If you care for someone who has been diagnosed with dementia you will probably be feeling overwhelmed and possibly isolated. 24/7 caring takes its toll. Come along and chat with us. We all understand how frustrated and angry the situation can make you feel. Enjoy a break, discuss how you

IN APRIL this year, Mountsorrel Library started a new chapter in its story when its management was taken over by the Parish Council.

The library is now run by local volunteers, and there are always plenty of opportunities for new ones.

Anne Currie, the Volunteer Coordinator, said: “The library is still part of the Leicestershire Libraries network, with no reduction in the services available. In fact, we’re able to do even more. Having a team of brilliant local volunteers means we can offer more clubs and activities, tailored to the community we’re all part of. We’ve already started a Lego Club, a storytime session, and a sewing and knitting group, and we’ve got plans for much more.

“We welcome new volunteers with open arms! My job is to make sure our volunteers are fully trained and supported and helped to find their own niche. It could be everyday library tasks like issuing books and tidying shelves, or something specific like helping with an activity or creating a display. We have

volunteers across all ages and stages of life. Some do regular hours each week, and others book themselves in as and when they’re able.

“Everyone in the community is welcome here - to borrow books, use our computer facilities, print or photocopy, find out about community events, or simply pop in to sit down and read. Libraries are welcoming places where you can spend time without having to spend money. That’s not always easy to find these days. We’re situated on The Green, right at the heart of the village, and our aim is to become a focal point for all kinds of community activities as well as providing a great library service.”

Here's what some volunteers have to say about their time in the library:

“Volunteering at Mountsorrel Library allows you to meet members of the public, both young and old, in a relaxed and friendly environment. You can have a cup of tea and a chat with seasoned volunteers, and they are always there to offer helpful advice and show you the ropes. I have particularly enjoyed being involved in the new Story Time for younger members.”

“As a volunteer, I enjoy meeting people, talking about books, encouraging children to read and keeping up to date with the latest books.”

“I’ve always loved reading, and hope by volunteering at the library I can enable readers of all ages to have a neverending supply of books to borrow!”

In addition to access to the full range of books across the Leicestershire Libraries network, Mountsorrel Library offers:

Free computer access

Printing and photocopying

Local information

Health, welfare and adult education resources

Book sale

Clubs and activities

Room hire

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering, you can phone or visit the library during opening hours or email library@mountsorrelparishcouncil.gov.uk

Opening hours: Mon 2-5pm, Tues 10am-1pm & 2-5pm, Thu 2-5pm, Fri 12-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Tel: 0116 3055892

Facebook: facebook.com/mountsorrellibrary

Community support group thriving

LEICESTERSHIRE & Rutland

Youth and Family Services have continued to provide support to the community of Mountsorrel through the various projects they provide throughout the village.

Due to the health issues Anthony Marvin (Youth & Community Officer) is facing, the decision was made to focus on Mountsorrel solely. This decision has brought about a grouping of projects under one name ‘Mountsorrel Community Support Group’.

Anthony said: “I feel that focusing our services on one area, this being Mountsorrel, allows us to provide a high standard of provision for the people of Mountsorrel and will allow us to grow our provision within the village”.

Mountsorrel Community Support

Project Includes:

Mug & Mingle

Phoenix YPP after-school group

Youth Hub

Sorrel Young Carers

Moving Minds

Reach Out

Mountsorrel Community Garden

Radio 1860

Community Outreach

Anthony reports: Our provision for young people is growing from strength to strength, with us now having our two open access groups open on a weekly basis.

Phoenix YPP

Phoenix YPP is an after-school group for 8–11-year-olds, it’s free of charge and has a wide range of activities

and lots more.

The young people can attend Youth Hub for free, and we have a tuck shop

for young people to take part in.

Phoenix YPP currently has 32 young people registered with us, and the numbers grow from week to week.

Along with all the fun and games, there is support available for homework and school projects.

Youth Hub

Youth Hub is a place for young people 11-16 to hang out in a fun, chilled and safe environment. It runs every Friday at 6.30pm, and there are loads of activities for the young people to do, including pool, Xbox, darts, soft archery, soft axe throwing, football, music, DJing,

offering food and drink at low cost to the young people.

Over the summer, we ran our summer programme which offered longer sessions to the young people, along with FREE meals, to help ease some of the pressures parents have over the holidays. We provided 185 fresh and healthy meals to young people, and after feedback, were told by parents that this was a huge help to them over this time.

projects going on in the village, some already underway and some in the early stages of planning.

Radio 1860

One project we have started is Radio 1860, an internet-based community radio station that will have shows produced and hosted by young people and members of the community.

We are in the early days of the station, but we already have some excellent shows to listen to. You can listen in at www.radio1860.co.uk, you can also download our web and android app from the site also. We are hoping to build our listener number so that we can apply for funding which will allow us to grow the project and get the equipment to teach people how to present shows and produce content.

If you would like to get involved with Radio 1860, then please send an email to station@radio1860.co.uk

If you would like to know anything about any of

care for children aged 2 years to 5 years

Opening times: Monday 9am - 1.30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 2.30pm Term time only

most sessions.

The members recently made a banner that was carried at Revival in the parade by me and my son Cade, a very proud moment indeed.

We have many

Pic: The Mug & Mingle meeting

Mountsorrel Poppy appeal 2023

DESPITE THE passing of the years, the work of the Royal British Legion is as relevant and vital today as it was in the aftermath of the First World War.

That conflict saw the foundation of the charity to provide life-long support to serving and ex-serving members of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants through hardships, injuries and bereavements.

The work is funded through the annual Poppy Appeal, to which this village has always been a very generous supporter. In late October, the Mountsorrel Branch Royal British Legion will once more be leaving Poppy collection boxes around the village, and we will also be

collecting in person at Dobbies Garden Centre on October 29, Christ Church Craft Fair on November 4 and at Waitrose Supermarket on November 4 & 5.

Every poppy sold helps the Royal British Legion to make a difference to the lives of people in our Armed Forces community - so please wear your poppy with pride and dig deep, knowing that you are supporting our Armed Forces community.

Mountsorrel Remembrance Services 2023:

Armistice Day Service

Saturday November 11, 2023

At 11am on Saturday November 11, there will be a Field of Remembrance Service at the Peace Garden (junction of Market Place and Sileby Road).

Remembrance Sunday

November 12, 2023

The village parade to remember and honour the fallen in all conflicts will take place on Sunday November 12, leaving the Green at 2.30pm for the Remembrance Service at St Peter’s church, Market Place, at 3pm. As a civic event, the Parade is organised by the Parish Council and fully supported by the Mountsorrel Branch, Royal British Legion.

From Mountsorrel Branch, Royal British Legion

Cash for students: apply now

ARE YOU under 25 years of age, living in Mountsorrel and need help with funding your education?

The Mountsorrel Educational Fund may be able to help you.

It is a charity that can award grants, at the absolute discretion of its trustees, from the funds it has available to assist young people in pursuing their education.

A spokesperson said: “Last year we awarded grants of £163,974 to the local

school, students and those in Higher Education and Training. The trustees will be meeting in November to consider applications from young people who are planning to continue their education at College and University.”

Applications are also welcome for Educational Trips, Music Tuition and other educational purposes.

To apply you need to be:

• Under the age of 25

• A pupil or former pupil of Christ

Centre appeals for volunteers

THE MOUNTSORREL & Rothley

Heritage Centre is always on the lookout for willing volunteers.

A centre spokesperson said: “Maybe you have green fingers and could help out maintaining and developing the gardens, lend a hand in the Nunckley Garden Nursery, or assist around our nature trails. Do you have DIY skills that could be put to use on the railway or the lift bridge? Or maybe you have a few hours to spare to help out around the site, chatting to visitors or helping to run the Garden Railway.

“In particular, we are looking to recruit volunteers who would like to learn how to look after steam locomotives, learn to drive diesel locos and help with our shunting demonstrations and upcoming narrow gauge passenger train rides.

Volunteers must be available for a minimum of two weekend days each month.”

The narrow gauge railway opened in July, taking passengers around the quarry bottom. The spokesperson said: “We are desperately short of volunteers to drive the train and act as a guard. If you would like to train as a driver or guard, PLEASE get in touch. Our Garden Railway has similar problems, so if you don’t fancy helping out with a full-sized engine, you could always scale down to help on the garden railway.”

More details about volunteering are on the centre's website, or you can email volunteer.2020@heritage-centre.co.uk

Pic: The quarry bottom narrow gauge railway at the Mountsorrel & Rothley Heritage Centre needs volunteers to operate it

Church and Saint Peters Church of England School or

• have been (or whose parents have been) resident in the Electoral Parish of Mountsorrel for at least 12 calendar months.

Application forms can be downloaded from the website: http://mountsorreleducationalfund.org

The absolute deadline for submission of completed application forms is 5pm on Friday, October 15, 2023.

IMAGINARIUM.

WHAT on earth is that I hear you ask? It’s just your imagination…

Do you remember listening as a child to the tales told by older members of the family, or sitting with visiting friends at home and hearing stories that captivated your attention and imagination? Has the art of storytelling been lost?

While some people enjoy writing, others might like to express memories and imagination in other ways.

With the working title ‘Imaginarium’, acquired from Walt Disney, I enjoyed many fascinating conversations with interesting people at the U3A ‘Open Day’ in April, and a new group was added to the variety of groups already offered. We all have a story in us, and with the help of a few props at the first meeting, I was delighted for them to be shared irrespective of being true or false, as our imagination is a wonderful asset.

Storytelling is something many of us did with, and as, children. Often when we reach adulthood, this ability remains but is dormant. Members of ‘Imaginarium’ experimented with stimulating the imagination using words and pictures to set off flights of fancy.

Another meeting introduced a Victorian parlour game called ‘Myriorama’ which helped to move a story along. Given free rein, our imagination can take us to some wonderful places providing lots of scope for development. Stretching the imagination and storytelling can be approached in many different ways, and as a new group we’re experimenting with a few of these to see which works best at getting the 'little grey cells' working. Using words, items and picture prompts, we develop stories from a few facts, which take us to a new place where the current version is all that matters. Starting with questions like, what do these characters tell you? Where are they from, and what are their stories? Look at any image or object and allow your imagination to create a story around it. What does it say to you? What ideas come into your head when you look at it?

Members volunteered to bring along three things:

1. A ‘story starter’ statement that we all will build on.

2. A portable item that has a story behind it for the rest of us to delve into and come up with our own interpretation.

3. A work-related story from our own experience.

Come to a meeting of ‘Imaginarium’ and tell us. Help to shape how storytelling and using your imagination can be fun!

Interested? Before becoming a Member of ‘Syston and District U3A’ you can enjoy a ‘Taster session’ of this group and one other from the diverse choice of groups on offer, or come along to our monthly meeting instead.

For more information on joining, and to contact any Group Leader, simply visit our website at www.systonu3a.org.uk

Syston and District U3A

Objections growing to country park plans

MORE THAN 2000 people have signed a petition objection to plans for a 77-acre business site on land next to Watermead Country Park that developers say would create 918 jobs and generate millions of pounds for the local economy.

Developer Wanlip Holdings Ltd says the development, between Birstall and Thurmaston, will provide 70,600m2 of employment space, including offices, service yards and parking, on almost 77 acres.

The site lies to the east of John Mer-

rick’s Lake and would be accessed by the roundabout near the Hope & Anchor pub.

Those objecting are highlighting the loss of habitat and wildlife, and increased pollution.

One enthusiastic visitor to the country park is Brendon Brockway, and he sent us his reaction to the plans:

As a regular user of Watermead Country Park and a keen photographer, I can often be found taking pictures of the local flora and fauna. The parks plant and wildlife are gifts that continue to amaze me.

I have a few favourite places that I always return to, some are in plain sight, and a few are off the beaten track. One spot that’s just perfect for just stretching out and watching the world go by is near the old bird hide. Here I’ve watched kingfishers dive for bounty, cormorants nesting and feeding their young and little egrets performing acrobatics.

John Merrick’s Lake

In the same spot, I had recently spotted Muntjac deer crossing the waters and I’d returned to see if I could get a few shots.

Things were on the quiet side and the light was fading, so I decided to pack up. I had just seen some coots panicking and scattering across the water when I suddenly realised why. As I stood up, there was a sudden movement in the water and from around the corner, I heard a whoosh and then I saw it. For a split second, I thought “what’s that” and then I realised it was an otter. This welcome visitor glided past me. Camera

in hand, I was panicking as the lens was too big and the otter was too close, I could hear myself say “damn” as this was an opportunity missed but guess what, the otter gods were on my side, it had turned around and as it drew level with me dived and then resurfaced about 25 to 30 feet away where it rested its head on the water.

I couldn’t tell if the otter was looking at me with contempt or in disbelief that someone had dared to disturb it while it was hunting. Then suddenly it

noise and dust. It is likely that once they were up and running, the operation of the facilities will be around the clock 24/7. The result of this will affect the

in Leicestershire.

You can nominate Watermead at: Best Day Out (goleicestershire.com)

Otters are listed as a rare and most threatened species and there is legislation that has been designed specifically to protect them.

Let’s not let the developers drive our otters away.

Julie Palmer, a Birstall Borough Cllr, said: “You may be aware of the proposed development to build warehouses that encroach on Watermead Park land. The park is an oasis of calm in an otherwise highly developed area and it can do without further pressure from building work and increased traffic.

“I and many others are extremely concerned that it will disrupt the tranquil nature of Watermead and drive away some of the rare species of animal life found here. Please join our campaign to save Watermead’s character by signing the petition and following the links and advice suggested by Brendon.”

lifted its head, hissed, turned, and dived and was gone.

I walked home feeling honoured that I had encountered nature in its fullest sense, a truly wild animal in a habitat that supports it.

Since my encounter, I’ve caught sight of an otter on another four occasions, once for a split-second while in the same spot, twice in the River Soar and once by the car park at the top of King Lear’s Lake.

Prior to this, I’d heard a couple of people say that otters had been seen up by King Lear’s Lake, but I’d never seen one and, to be honest, I’d thought it would never happen.

But why does this matter?

I learned recently that there has been a proposal to develop land adjacent to Watermead that would see, if granted, the development of 70,600 square metres of warehouses for storage and distribution. The warehouses will be built right up to the canal alongside John Merrick’s Lake, finishing parallel with the car park at King Lear’s Lake.

If approved, the development of the site will involve the disruption and destruction of surrounding land and lakes, heavy construction traffic and ensuing

balance and tranquil nature of the park which is likely to be transformed forever.

Not only does Watermead support so much wildlife, it also provides a release for so many people; it was a valuable lifeline during the pandemic and continues to contribute to the health and wellbeing of so many. Its importance must never be underestimated.

But what can you do?

If you haven’t already done so, you can do one or more of the following:

Sign the petition at:

Say no to warehouses around Watermead Country Park! | 38 Degrees

Get in touch with Charnwood Borough Councils Planning Department and let them know that you’re not happy.

Get in touch with your local Ward Councillor and say NO TO DEVELOPMENT.

Get in touch with your local Member of Parliament (Edward Argar MP).

And lastly, there’s currently a competition being run by Go Leicestershire, who are asking the public to name their favourite local attraction in Leicestershire as part of the Leicestershire Promotions Tourism and Hospitality Awards. Let’s make Watermead the best day out

To the north of the A46, a new wetland is proposed by the developer to mitigate the loss of open water habitat on the site. The developer says: “This will not only secure a new area of wetland with associated structural planting measures, it will also secure the extension of the wetland habitats associated with this part of the Soar Valley, but also reinforce the landscape setting to the north of the A46 and provide accessible greenspace connected to the Grand Union Canal corridor.”

The planning application details can be read on the planning pages of Charnwood Borough Council, where you can submit comments. The reference is P/23/0668/2.

Pics: Brendon’s photos taken in the park show an otter, Muntjac deer, a heron and an owl

BRENDON BROCKWAY

Pic: Map shows location of planned development

CITIZENS ADVICE Charnwood urges people who are on State Pensions and have a low income to check and see whether they are entitled to Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is for people who have reached state pension age to boost their income based on how much money they have coming in. It tops up their weekly income to the amount the government says they need to live on:-

£201.05 if you’re single

£306.85 if you have a partner

Pension Credit is not taxable and can be paid to homeowners, tenants and people in other circumstances, such as living with family or friends. When someone receives Pension Credit, they also get help with other things like housing benefits, council tax, NHS costs, support for mortgage interest costs and more.

It is administered by the Pension Service, part of the DWP.

Anyone who has reached the State Pension age can apply. If they have a partner they must also be of state pension age. If you live with a partner you’ll need to give the Pension Service the same information about them. You’ll also need to provide information about anyone else living with you, such as details about any benefits they’re receiving. You won’t need to give details about their income.

If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit.

If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.

Savings Credit is a small top-up for people who have a modest amount of income or savings. It’s only available if you reached the State Pension age before 6 April 2016.

How to claim:

By telephone - Pension Credit claim line

Telephone: 0800 99 1234

Textphone: 0800 169 0133

When you call, they will ask you questions about your income and savings or those of the person on whose behalf you are calling. Make sure you have the following:

National Insurance number

Bank, building society or Post Office card account details

Details of how much money is coming in each week, such as from a pension

Details of any savings and investments

Housing costs, such as rent or mortgage repayments

Benefit payments – information about any received

Other ways to claim:

Online on the gov.uk website

Request for a form to be sent to your home

Ask the Pension Service for a home visit

Detailed information about Pension Credit and eligibility can be found on the Citizens Advice website –www.citizensadvice.org.uk

If you are unsure about whether you qualify for Pension Credit, just need more information or need help with the application process, ring our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605 and ask to speak to one of our advisers. Alternatively, you can call the National Advice line on 0800 144 8848 Textphone 18001 0800 144 8884.

80-YEAR-OLD Ruth Buckingham from Mountview care home in Rothley was taken back to her days as a primary school teacher when children from Charnwood Preschool in Mountsorrel came to spend time with the home’s residents.

Coming together in the care home’s in-house café, the residents and school children decorated gingerbread men and enjoyed some homemade refreshments together.

Ruth said: ‘I was a teacher for ten years at a school in Kirkby Muxloe, where I lived at the time. I remember the children would get so excited to see me and run up to tell me things.

“It was lovely to see such excitement and joy on the children’s faces today, and we’re really looking forward to having a summer Teddy Bear’s Picnic with them.”

One teacher from the preschool said: “Mountview were so welcoming, and it was a great way for our children to make new links with the community.

The staff and residents really made the experience special for the children –they have been talking about it all week!”

Encouraging intergenerational relationships, residents at Mountview care home are taking part in an ‘Adopt a Granny for Lunch’ initiative, where children in the community can enjoy a homemade lunch and fun activities with residents in the home’s lounge.

Stacie Weaver, the Home Manager at Mountview, said: “Our residents love to see the children in the community visiting the home, it always puts huge smiles

on everyone’s faces.”

If you would like a child to take part in Mountview’s ‘Adopt a Granny for Lunch’ initiative, call 0116 303 3303 or email mountview@idealcarehomes.co.uk.

Pic: Ruth Buckingham with a visitor from Charnwood Preschool