MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
DECEMBER 2023
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No. 85 The March issue of the
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will be published on Feb 24. The copy deadline is Feb 9.
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NORTHERN EXTENSION î
SOUTH EASTERLY EXTENSION ì
Mountsorrel Pics: (below) Mountsorrel quarry; (above) map shows areas of extension
Campaigners fighting quarry plans AN ACTION group has been campaigning to stop the expansion of Mountsorrel quarry, and hundreds of people have been objecting to the plans. The Stop Mountsorrel Quarry Expansion Group is objecting to plans by Tarmac to expand its area of operation closer to the villages of Mountsorrel and Quorn and to extend its operations for 18 more years. Tarmac runs the quarry, considered nationally significant for supplying cru-
cial building materials to UK construction projects. Campaigners are concerned about the quarry expansion’s impact on health, wildlife and the environment, Celebrating 30 years 1993-2023 and well-being. Mountsorrel residents have long been concerned about the impact of dust on the village. Dust pollution is a type of air pollution caused by fine particulate matter (PM) that is suspended in the air. The 3 Cross Green, Rothley. Tel: 0116 2375347 Est: 1993 two main types measured are PM 10, less than 10 micrometres, and PM 2.5, KILN D less than 2.5 micrometres. PM 2.5 is RIED LOGS small enough to potentially get into the bloodstream. These particles are harm-
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Visit to Mountsorrel’s twin town in France
Pics: (l-r) Yann Semier-Collery (Vice President in charge of culture & heritage at Conseil Departmental de Maine & Loire); Laetitia Saint-Paul (Member of Parliament for Maine Loire); Marie-Caroline Chadruc (Director of Chateau de Montsoreau); Councillor Megan Pirt (Chair of Mountsorrel Parish Council); Philippe Meaille (President of Chateau de Montsoreau Museum of Contemporary Art); Graham Pirt. Below: the Château de Montsoreau
Coventry. We were treated to a personal guided visit around the works before
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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joining our hosts for dinner in a delightful village restaurant. The following day a visit was made to the very dramatic location of the Abbey of Fontevrault to visit the tombs of King Henry II, King Richard I (the Lionheart) and Eleanor of Aquitaine. In the evening, we were treated to a trip on the Loire in a traditional sailboat. During the voyage, meetings took place with a range of representatives from the area. These included Leatita St Paul (MP for the Loire Valley), Bruno Marmirol (Director of Val de Loire Unesco Mission, and Yann Semer, Vice President of the Maine and Loire Council. All parties are keen to take advantage of the twinning arrangement. The following day brought an opportunity to explore the beautiful village of Montsoreau. This was rounded off with a special day for the village, and particularly the Chateau. A group of traditional shallow, flat-bottomed Loire sailboats arrived as part of a week-long journey down the Loire. Almost 100 of the sailors and crews were treated to a banquet in the courtyard of the Chateau. In 2024, the courtyard of the Chateau is expected to be the venue for the Olympic torch when it makes its way to Paris – a historic achievement. This is such a beautiful area of France where residents of Mountsorrel would be made welcome. We look forward to returning the welcome that was made to this inaugural visit, to guests from Montsoreau. * We’re all familiar with the signs outside cities, towns and villages in many European municipalities that announce their name and their twin. Twinning associations are widespread and many places have forged lasting links with their twin abroad. But what does it mean to be a twin town? The history of French twin towns Jumelage, as it’s known in French, dates back over a century and has its roots in Keighley in West Yorkshire. Soldiers from the Yorkshire town inspired the twin partnership as a gesture of solidarity after the devastation suffered in Poix-du-Nord during the First World War. But twinning arrangements between
Continued on page 3
DEC 2023
Continued from page 1 ful, and it is not clear what represents safe levels of exposure. Prolonged dust inhalation is associated with conditions like asthma, silicosis and general ill health. The campaign group has collected dozens of comments from residents reporting the impact of dust on their health. One comment submitted by a resident states: “I have always been a fit, healthy person who has never previously had any breathing ailments. Since moving to Mountsorrel 10 years ago, I have developed a constant tickly cough. I do not smoke. I work locally outdoors. My cough was unbearable in February this year when there was more dust than ever. I now have to use an inhaler. My GP says it is ‘due to where I live’!” The campaign group is concerned about the quarry’s impact on the natural environment. The group’s website states: “Most of Buddon Wood, and all of Cocklow Wood, have already been lost to Mountsorrel quarry. The proposals are set to further destroy areas of mediaeval parkland, lowland acid grassland, and ancient acid woodland that are home to a range of important species, like Sessile Oak, English bluebells, and pignut that link us to a wilder past. It will destroy Centenary Wood, which was partly planted by schoolchildren in 1994, as previous mitigation for habitat lost to quarrying. Once lost, the species and habitats are extremely hard or impossible to replace, even over decades, and the track record of the quarry doing this so far is poor.” A spokesperson from Tarmac said: “To continue providing a consistent, highquality supply of products to some of the most critical infrastructure in the UK, we need to secure the future of the quarry, which can only be done by expanding it in the coming years. We have submitted a planning application for a Northern and Southeast extension to Mountsorrel quarry. The application has now been validated by the Leicestershire County Council. “The application is accompanied by an environmental impact assessment which carefully considers the potential effects of the development, including biodiversity and ecology, and proposes mitigation measures where required. Tarmac is committed to being a good neighbour and to working alongside local communities. We have hosted meetings for local residents to discuss our proposals and hear views from the local community.” Hundreds of people have objected to the plans - comments on the application were invited up to November 17, 2023. Details of the application can be viewed on the planning pages of Leicestershire County Council. The planning application number is 2023/EIA/0096/LCC. Details and public comments can also be viewed on the planning pages of Charnwood Borough Council. The plan2 ning reference is P/23/1864/2.
Montsoreau aimed to promote the twinning link, which was established in 2019 but put on hold by Covid. Megan said: “I couldn’t have received a warmer welcome, and all parties are keen to harness the opportunities twinning could bring. I took with me a welcome letter from the Heritage Group and some books about our village.” The easy connections via rail and Eurostar meant for a relatively simple journey via Paris to the valley of the Loire where the Chateau de Montsoreau and the village are located. Megan reports: The visit was very well received as our small party was accommodated in one of the rooms of the Chateau. During the three-day visit, we visited the extremely picturesque village on the banks of the Loire, and other neighbouring villages. The Chateau is the home of a Gallery of Contemporary Art, specialising in the controversial theory of Art and Language, originally conceived in the 1960s in
MOUNTSORREL POST
MOUNTSORREL’S PARISH Council chair, Megan Pirt, visited the village’s twin town in France this September. The three-day, self-funded visit to
Continued from page 2 towns began in earnest after the Second World War, particularly between France, Germany and the UK. The Europe-wide desire for reconciliation led to the forging of bonds between municipalities and local authorities, and as a result, twinning was officially born. Mountsorrel's Parish Council jointly announced with the Chateau de Montsoreau in 2019 that it would be 'twinning' after the French Museum of Contemporary Art approached the council. But the impact of Covid meant that the immediate response to the twinning was put on hold. In May, Megan Pirt, the newly appointed Chair of Mountsorrel Parish Council, contacted the Chateau. This resulted in an introductory self-funded visit by Megan in September. This twinning initiative will see the French castle and museum, and Mountsorrel village, continue to promote their cultural ties.
Car parts dumped, fly-tipper fined FOLLOWING THIS fly-tip on Bond Lane in Mountsorrel being investigated, a fine of £400 has been issued to an individual by Charnwood Borough Council. On September 4, 2023, at a meeting of the full council, Birstall borough councillor Shona Rattray asked the question: As a Councillor I have previously been asked by residents why the fine is only £400 and have explained that we could not charge any higher than this amount. This fine has been £400 for quite a while, and I understand this has been the maximum we could charge. To help equip councils with everything they need to strengthen their arm, the government laid a statutory instru-
ment increasing the upper limits for various fixed penalty notices (FPNs) on Monday 10 July 2023, increasing the limit councils could charge for fly-tipping from £400 to £1000. These changes came into force 21 days after the laying of the Statutory Instrument, on 31st July 2023. Can you confirm if we have increased our fixed penalty fine up to £1000 to ensure we are charging the maximum possible fine for fly tipping in our bor-
So why is Mountsorrel twinned with the Chateau de Montsoreau?
Junior team’s new kit MOUNTSORREL JUNIORS under 11s Lions football team are hoping to score in their new kit, thanks to a £824.44 donation from Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry. As a small non-profit organisation, Mountsorrel Juniors Football Club relies on donations to fund new kit and equipment, as well as help from dedicated volunteers. With the funds provided by Tarmac, the club replaced the uniform worn by the under 11s team (primary school year 6) with a brand-new orange kit, which will help them stand out in the Foxes Sunday League. Jon Brewis, Mountsorrel Juniors Under 11s Lions coach, said: “We are really grateful to Tarmac for agreeing to sponsor the team. The players love their new kit. Volunteer football clubs rely on donations of this kind to continue to provide football in a fun and safe environment. We really appreciate the support.” Rob Lees, senior area operations manager at Tarmac, said: “We’re proud we could help the Mountsorrel Junior
Lions Under 11s squad through this donation to fund their new kit. We’re always looking for ways we can help groups in the area like Mountsorrel Juniors as part of our role in the local community. “We’re wishing the Under 11s Lions the best of luck in their upcoming matches in the Foxes Sunday League, and hope their new kit is a winning combination.” Pic: the team in their new kit
ough? If we have not, can you confirm if we as a council plan to increase our fine to the upper limit of £1000 for fly tipping? We need to be charging the maximum fine to ensure it can never be cheaper to dump waste than to legally dispose of it. The leader of the council’s response was: The Government laid a statutory instrument to enable councils to increase the maximum fine levels for fly-tipping, householders waste duty of care and littering offences which comes into force 21 days after it has been laid (31st July 2023). The Lead Member is consulting with the Enviro Crime Manager and Head of Regulatory and Community Safety to review the new levels of fines for these offences. To support this, Charnwood is a member of Mallard Consultancy which has representatives from across the UK who are consulting on levels of fines, in addition to discussions with councils across Leicester and Leicestershire to ensure there is a consistent approach. The next step is to review the findings from the consultation, make decisions on proposed fine levels and then follow the democratic process with a view to being able to make any amendments in readiness for the new financial year (2024).
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DEC 2023
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DEC 2023
Tarmac fined after death of man at quarry TARMAC AGGREGATES LTD has been fined £1,275,000 after a 26-year-old man was crushed to death during maintenance work at Mountsorrel Quarry. Luke Branston, from Leicester, died in the early hours of 21 June 2017 after becoming trapped between a conveyor and a feed hopper. The case has taken a long time to conclude partly because Tarmac had initially pleaded not guilty. Luke’s family, who loved going stock car racing with him every weekend, say they are devastated by his passing. The contractor, working on behalf of Branston Site Services Limited, was part of a nightshift maintenance team that was repairing a feed hopper at the Loughborough quarry, operated by Tarmac Aggregates Limited. He had been stood on a conveyor that was located under the feed hopper and had not been effectively isolated – through cutting the power – before the repair work started. The conveyor was then inadvertently switched on, trapping Luke against the feed hopper, fatally crushing the 26year-old. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into this incident found
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Pics: (above) Luke and his girlfriend Sarah; (below) The feed hopper and conveyor at Mountsorrel Quarry; Luke at a stock car race
Tarmac Aggregates Limited had failed to ensure the feed hopper was properly isolated before the repair work commenced. The test button on the conveyor electrical panel was not connected to the test circuit and was therefore inoperative. This issue appears to have existed for many years before the incident, meaning Tarmac Aggregates Limited failed to ensure critical defects were recorded and rectified in a timely manner. The company should have also provided a visual and audible pre-start alarm for the conveyor, say the HSE. Michael Branston, Luke’s brother, said: “I’m definitely not the same person that I was before this incident, I used to be fun and highly motivated, but now I look at
things a lot differently and approach things with more caution. “I always think the worst all the time in situations and I find myself visualising what would happen if I lost a loved one. “Luke wasn’t just my brother, he was my best friend, there with me every step of the way, so the loss was massive for me.” Sharon Branston, Luke’s mum, said: “I feel this has made us an emotional family, having guilty feelings for being happy. We are still here and he is not. Six years on, I still have hard days and cry over silly things. I still have Luke’s ashes at home as I can’t bear the thought of leaving him. “Every day I think about Luke and wish he was here still, but I only have memories and photos, that’s all we have left.” Kevin Branston, Luke’s dad, said: “We had to sell Luke’s house to help with money pressure. The loss of Luke’s house hurt a lot, it was as if I was losing a memory. “Luke was the youngest child of my four children. Luke is like a missing link in my life – at work and more as we loved going stock car racing as a family every weekend. Luke’s racing took him all over the country. Every bit of spare time he had was spent in the workshop fixing his cars with his brother Micky. I go into the workshop now and find myself just sitting there getting upset looking at his race car, thinking why him? “Sometimes I feel guilty for still being here when Luke’s not. I miss him all the time.” Tarmac Aggregates Limited, of Trinity Park, Bickenhill Lane, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £1,275,000 and ordered to pay £200,000 in costs at Leicester Crown Court on 27 September 2023. HSE inspector Adrian Jurg said: “This is a devastating tragedy that claimed the life of a young man. Luke’s family have made clear the impact his passing has had on their lives and our thoughts remain with them. “When a company like Tarmac profit from the hard work of contractors like Luke then the very least they owe him and his family is a duty to ensure he gets home safe at the end of his shift. “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.” In a statement, a spokesperson for Tarmac said: “We acknowledge the impact of the tragic incident which occurred at Mountsorrel Quarry in 2017 and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Luke Branston. The safety of everyone at our sites is of the highest importance to Tarmac and is the primary focus at our operations every day. “We have fully co-operated with the Health and Safety Executive throughout the investigation and have implemented a number of actions to prevent reoccurrence.” 5
Mountsorrel marks Remembrance THANK YOU to all who supported this year’s Poppy Appeal in the village, together with everyone who attended the Field of Remembrance Service in the Peace Garden on Armistice Day and, of course, the village Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at St Peter’s. The Branch particularly want to thank all the Mountsorrel Community Team volunteers who managed the road closures that are required for the Parade to take place as without them volunteering their time, the Parade could not happen. We must also thank the Parish Council officers who, as this is a civic event, deal with all the be-
Pics: the parade through the village on Remembrance Sunday; crosses left in the Peace Garden
A MEETING of the Memorial Centre committee was held on June 19. It was reported that the initial recruitment for the role of Memorial Centre Community Interest Company Chair had not resulted in any applications and it was resolved to extend the recruitment timescale to mid-September 2023. Councillors discussed the free parking at the memorial centre. Parking spaces are being used by non-visitors to the centre, which has resulted in building users not being able to find a parking space. It was agreed to conduct a survey to gather evidence of current usage of the car park. The public address system, surplus to requirements, has been sold for £2500. The council agreed to spend £2432 on a replacement coffee machine for the centre. A meeting of the Planning & Policy Committee was held on July 3. Crime report for June 2023: Criminal damage (4) Burglary (1) Theft (2) Vehicle crime (2) Antisocial behaviour (1). Councillors considered a report to be sent to County Council highways, requesting double yellow lines on the northbound carriageway of The Green, and also along Crown Lane. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on July 10. Representatives from the Save Mountsorrel Woods campaign explained what they had done with the previous grant of £500 from the council and why they were requesting a further £750. Councillors received a feasibility study for a 3G area as part of the Halstead 6
Road scheme. It was agreed to make some minor changes to the Halstead Road play area to include a footpath to the car park, and joining up the play surfaces within the area, at a cost of £13,053. Councillors considered the parking issues at the Memorial Centre. It was agreed that the matter be deferred for the board of the Memorial Centre Community Interest Company to decide when it was fully established. Councillors considered a request from the Save Mountsorrel Woods campaign for a grant of £750. It was agreed not to make the award. It was agreed to enter into a new three-year contract with BT for the supply of phones and broadband, with a saving of approximately £643 in the first year, and £1557 in years two and three. It was agreed to award all the staff at the Memorial Centre a pay increase of 5%, this to be covered in part by freezing the vacant operations post until further notice. A meeting of the Planning & Policy Committee was held on August 7. It was reported that PC Joe Culverwell would be leaving the Mountsorrel beat, due to his promotion. PCSO Abdullah presented to the crime report for July 2023: Vehicle crime (2) Theft (2) Burglary (1) Criminal damage (3) Antisocial behaviour (3) A meeting of the Projects & Amenities committee was held on August 21. A member of the public expressed their support for the Halstead Road project considering it a great asset to the village and wider community, and queried when public consultation would start. It was reported that the parish council
From John Doyle, Mountsorrel Branch, Royal British Legion
been undertaken for the council regarding the Halstead Road project. It was agreed to re-commission Total Turf Solutions to undertake the tendering and project management for the establishment of the cricket ground at Halstead Road and to approve all associated expenditure for this. A meeting of the Memorial Centre committee was held on September 25. The memorial centre manager reported that capacity for shows was running at approximately 94%. Room hire for 2023/24 is well over target. Community group bookings are up 8% compared with the same period last year. It was reported that there had not been any applications for the role of Memorial Centre Community Interest Company Chair. It was agreed to submit an application to the Cabinet office seeking permission to name the Memorial Centre garden after Queen Elizabeth II. It was agreed to obtain three quotations for replacing existing halogen lights, for theatre productions, with LED replacements.
DEC 2023
Parish Council notes
would submit a planning application for the Halstead Road project in the autumn. It was reported that work on site is likely to start in the financial year 2024/25. It was agreed to replace four village noticeboards at a cost of £5165. All the boards will have lockable metal frames with magnetic displays, in Mountsorrel green colour. It was agreed not to refurbish the noticeboard outside the parish rooms, but to replace it with a new noticeboard in black, at a cost of £1000. It was agreed to spend an additional £24,998 on the Halstead Road play area, to replace the rocks with benches and to explore whether the potential for flooding might be dealt with by digging out the area. It was noted that the total cost of the Halstead Road play area was £166,788. £51,686 of this money will come from section 106 developer contributions. It was agreed to organise a Christmas shop window competition. It was agreed to accept Charnwood Borough Council’s offer to train the dog warden so that they are empowered to issue fixed penalty notices, and it was agreed to purchase a body-worn video camera for the dog warden at a maximum cost of £150. It was reported that the new CCTV cameras have now been installed at the parish rooms, the War Memorial playing fields, Halstead Road playing field and the library, with the latter two due to shortly become operational. A meeting of the planning and policy committee was held on September 4. Crime report for August 2023: Burglary (2) Criminal damage (3) Theft (3) Vehicle crime (3) Antisocial behaviour (1). A meeting of the full council was held on September 11. Jack Hesketh, from Strategic Leisure, presented two feasibility studies that have
ber 9 saw the retirement of our longserving Branch Chairman, Keith Hassall, who has a long history with both the Legion and this village. Stepping up as our new Chairman is Steve Haywood, who is following in his father’s footsteps as many years ago he also was Branch Chairman. The Branch continue to meet on a monthly basis at the Mountsorrel Working Men’s Club, and when meeting dates for 2024 are confirmed, they will appear on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mountsor Do remember that you do not have to have served in the Armed Forces to join the Legion, you simply need to support the Legion’s aims of providing long-term support to Armed Forces Veterans and their families in need. See The Royal British Legion | Armed Forces Charity for details.
MOUNTSORREL POST
hind the scenes paperwork. Our AGM on Novem-
Fitness sessions in Mountsorrel Ian Roe GROUP FITNESS training sessions are taking place five times a week in Mountsorrel, on the Memorial playing fields next to the leisure centre.
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They are led by Mountsorrel’s Hayley Phillips, who has worked in the fitness industry for over 19 years. She said: “Group fitness sessions can really help with motivation. Lots of people struggle to find the motivation to exercise regularly, especially in the winter when it’s cold, wet and dark. Exercising in a group could be all the motivation you need to commit to your fitness.”
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Pics: Group fitness sessions (above & left) and (inset) Hayley Phillips
She added: “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 or not even start it, but exercising with others could encourage you to push on through & keep going. “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 and gents of varying fitness levels who come along to train, have fun, switch off, free their mind and burn some calories.” Contact Hayley for more information on 07715 642079. www.facebook.com/hayleyphillipsfitne ss/
Council declares climate emergency A CLIMATE emergency has been declared by Charnwood Borough Council. The motion was unanimously passed at a council meeting on Monday November 6 and it commits the Council to working with partners and communities to reduce carbon emissions and help limit global warming. The motion was proposed by Cllr Louise Jones, the Council’s lead member for climate action, net zero, property and assets. Cllr Jones thanked councillors for supporting the motion and said: “The Council delivers impactful services for our local communities, but sometimes we need to consider our role in tackling bigger issues. Climate change is one of those issues. “The declaration of a climate emergency commits the Council to doing all it can to reduce not only emissions related to its operations but also working with partners, local communities, and busi-
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2023
Apology IN THE September Mountsorrel Post, we published the incorrect deadline for applications to the Mountsorrel Educational Fund. The deadline published was Friday October 15 and the correct deadline was in fact Friday October 13. I apologise for the error, and to any applicants who will now have their applications delayed until spring 2024. The Editor
nesses to encourage them to limit their impact on the environment as well. “In Iceland, there’s a monument on the site of a glacier lost to man-made climate change which acknowledges that we know there’s a problem, and we know what needs to be done, but only future generations will know if we did it. Well, we know what needs to be done. "Time is running out, and we all need to act now.” The motion commits the council to declaring a climate emergency and using that declaration to continue to build on its current climate change strategy. The Council will also accelerate work with partners across the county and region to develop and implement best practice methods that can deliver carbon reductions and help limit global warming. The motion also commits the council to providing leadership to residents, communities and businesses to support and enable the borough’s transition to net zero. The motion comes soon after the Council adopted its Climate Change Strategy 2023-30, which sets out how the Council will work in partnership with communities, residents, organisations, and businesses to reduce emissions and help look after the environment. It also references the Council’s existing efforts to reduce its own carbon footprint. The Council has already taken steps to reduce its impact on the environment. Since 2018, the Council has reduced net carbon emissions related to its operations by over 30 tonnes. It has also planted 14,000 trees at Hathern, introduced more electric vehicles to its fleet and is
using more renewable electricity. It is currently installing electric vehicle charging points in Sileby and Anstey car parks and has worked with other councils to help homeowners save money on solar panels.
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Blast from the past exhibition at museum OUR BLAST from the Past exhibition, looking at the history of quarrying in and around the village over the centuries, continues on display at the Museum, upstairs at Mountsorrel Library, Thursday and Friday afternoons (2pm – 4:30pm) and Saturday mornings (10am – 12:30pm). Did you know that besides seeing the exhibition, you can also access the archive in the Museum where we have a
large collection of material covering all aspects of the village’s history, its buildings and people. A lot is available using the large touch screen computer, but there is also a large collection of hardcopy books, pamphlets, maps, and photographs, together with copies of some of our earlier exhibitions. All of it is freely available for both members and the general public to use. Currently, we have out on the reading table the materials we produced, together with other
Mountsorrel lights switch on event THE ANNUAL Mountsorrel Christmas Lights switch-on event is on Sunday December 3.
reference material, to support our “Blast from the Past” exhibition. We can look out specific material (house photos? school or college coursework?) for visitors, but as this can take a little while, please email first to mountsorrelheritagegroup2022@gmail.c om, and we can then have material ready for when you visit. We do have some information on individuals and transcriptions of some censuses, but for detailed family history research remember that access to the online Find My Past and Ancestry databases is freely available downstairs through the village Library. For copies of material from the archive, we do request a small donation towards funds as printer ink etc is not cheap. We are currently planning our monthly talks for 2024, and details will appear on our Facebook page where you can also see our Fortnightly Photo feature,
together with links to items on our website. See Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mountsorrelar chive/ and the website at http://mountsorrelarchive.org/ From Mountsorrel Heritage Group
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DEC 2023
Mountsorrel Memorial Centre is hosting this free event, which will feature a Christmas gift fayre from 12pm, lots of entertainment, and food stalls. You'll be able to visit Santa in his winter wonderland, and the lights will be switched on at 5pm, followed by a firework display.
Pics: Mountsorrel quarry in the 1880's and (left) the Blast from the Past exhibition
life into something wonderful. One evening, he finds new energy and sets about creating a legacy for the next generation. “”Allelujah!” will be shown on March 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 door, if there are any left, or buy in advance from: Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619
Noticeboard all details printed free Mountsorrel & Rothley Community Heritage Centre Join us for a festive afternoon of
Carol Singing on December 2, underneath the Heritage Centre’s new covered outside seating area! Singing will get under way at 2pm, followed by an interval and the lighting of the beacon, which used to stand on Castle Hill. The afternoon will then round off with more festive singing! Visitors are very much encouraged to join in! PSFA
Christmas Fete at Mountsorrel Primary School Fri Dec 8, 3.30 – 5.30pm Our Christmas Fete is is a real pre-Christmas celebration, with games, crafts, carol singing, festive food, stalls and not forgetting our very own Santa! New for this year, if we can get it sorted in time, will be mulled wine, twinkly lights and falling snow!
Christmas Fayre & Mountsorrel Christmas lights switch on Sunday, December 3 Free entry Fair: 12 pm to 6 pm. Entertainment and food stalls Lights on at 5 pm Visit Santa in his Winter Wonderland! Fireworks Mountsorrel Memorial Centre, Leicester Road, Mountsorrel Friday Night Films in Thurcaston “Matilda the Musical” December 8, 117 mins In December, we shall show a musical version of the literary classic, based on Roald Dahl’s award win-
ning, best-selling book. Matilda is a brilliantly intellectual young girl, who escapes into a fantastical world in the nearby library. At school, her caring teacher recognises Matilda’s genius and encourages her. However, she has to endure ghastly parents, played by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough and a monstrous headmistress, played by Emma Thompson. We see Matilda as a spirited heroine who can harness special powers. This UK film is a must-see, leading up to Christmas. “Chevalier” Jan 12, 107 mins Our film for the new year is an unusual period drama, telling the true story of composer, Joseph Bologne’s extraordinary life, rising through French society to become Chevalier de Saint-Georges. As well as an accomplished fencer and virtuoso violinist, Joseph was Colonel of Europe’s first Black regiment. He also fell madly in love with Marie Antoinette! “Living” Feb 9, 102 mins In our February British film, set in 1953, the multi award-winning actor, Bill Nighy, gives the performance of his career. He plays a veteran civil servant, stuck in an oppressive office routine. Mr Williams’ life is empty and meaningless until a shattering medical diagnosis forces him to turn his
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2023
Shops and businesses lit up for Christmas SHOPS AND businesses in Mountsorrel are being invited to decorate their windows with a Christmas display. Mountsorrel Parish Council have organised a competition to find the village’s best Christmas window display in 2023. Entry is free and open to all Mountsorrel shops and businesses. Megan Pirt, chair of Mountsorrel Parish Council, said: “Our shops and businesses are such an important and
integral part of any village and should be recognised. I am looking forward to seeing Mountsorrel lit up this Christmas!” Judging will take place during the week of December 18, and the council will award a trophy to the winner, plus certificates of commendation to the runners-up. If you would like to enter the competition, please email your address and contact name to deputy@mountsorrelparishcouncil.gov.uk before December 15.
Mountsorrel Baptist Church Sat 9th December at 11am The annual
"Carols on the Green" an open air Carol service on the Green, Mountsorrel with the Leicestershire Brass band. We will also be having a candlelit Carol service on Christmas Eve at 10.30am, with coffee and mince pies after the service
Christmas Tree & Nativity Festival Christ Church, Mountsorrel Opening Times Friday 8th Dec: 10am – 6pm Saturday 9th Dec: 10am – 6pm Sunday 10th Dec: 1pm – 3:30pm This year our Christmas Tree Festival will look a little different to previous years with some exciting new additions alongside our traditional Christmas trees. This year we are also inviting individuals to create a nativity scene within a household object. What better way to start the Christmas festivities than wandering around the beautifully decorated trees and admiring the creativity of the nativity scenes? There will of course be the opportunity to enjoy a drink and a tasty treat, with a warm Christmas punch added to the menu; as well as a small gift shop should you need a final stocking filler. If that isn’t enough, there will be a service amongst the trees on the Sunday morning at 11am
Santa’s sleigh tour WREAKE VALLEY Rotary Club are planning once again to bring Santa and his sleigh to various parts of Birstall and Mountsorrel in the lead up to Christmas. The club commence their tours of the streets around 5pm, or a little before. The initial programme is: Mountsorrel Sun Dec 10: Walton Way area. Sat Dec 16: Speedwell Road, Kingfisher Road.
Pick Your Own
Peter Fox from Wreake Valley Rotary said: “We have had generous support from the public over many years, and we are looking forward to seeing you all once again and to raise significant sums of money to help mainly local charities and good causes.”
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Rothley store celebrates 30th anniversary A HARDWARE store that prides itself on providing friendly service, expert advice and low prices is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Corts in Rothley is owned and run by Jim and Sharon Cort. The shop, on Cross Green, is open seven days a week and has grown considerably over the past 30 years. It opened on November 20, 1993, in the building that had previously housed Barclays Bank, which had closed a year earlier. Jim said: "When we started in 1993, we had less than 2000 products, which
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the core values upon which we have built the shop, which are great products, friendly service and good value on your doorstep.” Jim said: “We have seen many changes over these 30 years. When we started, mobile phones, Sunday trading and the internet were all virtually unheard of, but together with social media are now an integral part of our business. So please like us on Facebook! We have never rested on our laurels, and are constantly updating and trying to improve. Where we really win over the large DIY superstores is that as well as being cheaper on over 90% of products, with our excellent product knowledge we make sure that the customer gets the right product for the job.” Sharon said: “We both feel very lucky to have enjoyed all aspects of running the business over the past 30 years. “It is a privilege and a pleasure to run a village shop that is at the heart of this lovely community. I am proud to serve the people in the village that I grew up in, having worked in my parents' newsa-
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gents from the age of 13, and still continue to see the people from that time.” Jim said: “We have encountered many threats to the business over the years, including recessions, the banking crisis, online shopping and a global pandemic to name but a few, but because we stuck to our core values of excellent service and good value, we have thrived, and continue to thrive. Sharon and I would like to say a massive thank you to all the great staff that have helped us over the years, and not least to our many wonderful loyal customers who have made our dream possible.” On Saturday November 18, customers were invited to raise a glass to celebrate the anniversary.
Open spaces blooming LOUGHBOROUGH HAS struck gold once again at the East Midlands in Bloom awards. The town was awarded the highest recognition at the awards ceremony which was held in Spalding on Wednesday September 20. It is the twelfth time since 2011 that Loughborough has now received gold for its glorious open spaces. Quorn in Bloom were also awarded gold for their “wonderfully kept open spaces”.
DEC 2023
GAS-SERVWELL
Pic: (l-r) Ben Walshe, Jim Cort, Mark Johnson, Sharon Cort & Adrian Corbett
MOUNTSORREL POST
for dry cleaning, laundry, clothing alterations, shoe repairs and sharpening. For the first five years, it was just Jim and Sharon working seven days a week, with help from both sets of parents. They have employed many people from the local community over the past 25 years, with current staff including manager Mark Johnson, who has been with them for 22 years, together with supervisors Ben Walshe and Adrian Corbett. Sharon said: "We pride ourselves on our large loyal customer base. We have many of the same customers today that shopped with us 30 years ago, and the children that came in Pic: the old Barclays bank building, which became Corts in 1993 with their parents then now shop has now increased to well over 12,000. with us for their own homes, which We have grown the business mainly by makes us feel very old! listening to what customers want. If for “It is also very encouraging to see new any reason we have not got an item, we customers shopping with us, attracted by can normally always order it. We pride ourselves on customers coming into the shop and saying ‘I knew you would have it’, and people see it as a challenge to try and ask for something they don't think we will stock, but they are normally always beaten!" As well as being a traditional hardware shop that stocks most things for the home and garden, Corts also offers services
First homes at Broadnook are approved PLANS FOR the first parcel of 107 homes at the Broadnook Garden Suburb were approved by Charnwood Borough Council last month.
ROTHLEY
The 1950 home development lies between Birstall and Rothley and occupies 204 ha. 15 ha have been allocated for employment land, and 16% of the homes (312 in total) will be affordable. Davidson’s Homes proposal includes the provision of 107 dwellings consisting of a mix of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-bed properties up to 2.5 storeys in height. Of the proposed 107 units, 37 (34.58%) would be affordable units, a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom properties. The planning officers’ report recommended the application be granted, but stated: “The clustering of affordable
Location of first 107 homes
A46 BIRSTALL
housing along the eastern boundary of the parcel, including interspersed discount housing, is not supported. “It is also acknowledged that the parcel will provide 35% affordable housing
Park & Ride
Pics: (above) the 1950 home Broadnook Garden Suburb; Broadnook street scenes
(above the 16.37% required by the hybrid permission [for the entire site]) and would provide a significant amount of affordable housing at an early stage of the [development] during a time of housing need, such that the harm is limited.” Members of Charnwood’s planning commit-
tee remarked that the development had merit in that the houses would be of good quality with commendable features such as insulation, and solar panels with ev charging points on every home, and would be well served by public transport and cycle paths. It would also have community buildings, shops and employment opportunities. Questions were asked about when the primary school would be delivered, given local schools were oversubscribed and parents would have to drive children to school, increasing traffic volume.
Comment was made about the provision of a GP surgery and that Birstall's surgeries were already overwhelmed. One of the community centre spaces is to be a health centre and talks are ongoing with the NHS. Questions were asked about affordable housing - the percentage for this parcel is 35% but for all of Broadnook it will be 16%. This was considered quite low by the committee. Councillors were told there would be opportunities to increase the numbers at 650 houses built, and 1200 houses built. The Broadnook scheme has been put forward by the Palmer-Tomkinson trust, the Cooper family, Barwood homes, and Davidson’s homes. The development will be run by a community trust as a garden suburb, like the one in Bournville, Birmingham. elderly, disabled and isolated residents increases begin to bite. With the current The trust will manage the entire site of Syston and neighbouring communities panel of drivers working at full stretch, including the sports facilities, green to sustain a measure of independence many deserving cases are having to be spaces and community buildings. The and their community and family ties. turned away. scheme includes: Trustee Colin Grimes said: “This vital “Now that the summer months have • A 630-capacity primary school service is almost totally dependent on a finished, if you are looking for ways to • A 175 Unit retirement village with a team of volunteer drivers who can either fill the time otherwise spent on outside 70-bed care home use their own cars, in return for a gener- hobbies and interests, why not consider • Parkland and allotments ous mileage allowance, or one of the volunteering your services to help over • Sports facilities including pictures, Centre’s own specially adapted vehicles.” the winter months when demand is as tennis courts and the bowling green In a typical month (July 2023), the high, if not higher, than the summer? • A village centre with shops, cafés, current panel of 20 drivers gave 902 Any number of hours you can offer - on restaurants, supermarkets and a commuhours of volunteer commitment, clockany irregular pattern of availability - will nity hall ing up 6089 be warmly welcomed. Any necessary • a site of four plots for show people miles completsupport and training will be given. VolunThe developers will be required to ed involving teers already involved speak of the deep pay £30.5 million to mitigate the impact 830 separate sense of satisfaction and fulfilment their of the development as part of a section journeys. involvement gives.” 106 agreement. Coil said: The Centre is based at 18 School This includes “Demand for the Street where Manager, Andy Shelton, will £8.3 million for a new primary service is grow- be happy to welcome you. He can be school ing as a result contacted by phone: 0116 2607 888 or £6.8 million for the Cedars Academy of the withdraw- email: info@syston-vc.org. The Centre’s for 378 extra school places al of rural bus web site: www.syston-vc.org (currently £1.1 million for healthcare (to create services and the undergoing a re-design) also provides additional capacity at Greengate Medical effects of the additional background information. Centre and Birstall Medical Centre) cost of living
Volunteer drivers needed FOR THE first time in its 40 year history, the Syston and District Volunteer Centre is having to turn away urgent requests for help because of a shortage of volunteer drivers.
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2023
There is a waiting list of over 40 local residents in urgent need of transport, which is growing on a daily basis. Through its Social Car service, subsidised by County and Borough grant support, the Centre is able to help the
11
Junior parkrun now one year old
Changes to benefits
WATERMEAD COUNTRY Park junior parkrun has now been going for one year.
CITIZENS ADVICE Charnwood warns that changes to benefits are coming soon to the Charnwood area. If you are receiving one or more ‘legacy benefits’ you will need to move (migrate) to Universal Credit.
Junior parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for children aged 4 to 14 year olds, held weekly. It takes place every Sunday at 9am at
Pics: Parkrun marshalls at Watermead Country Park; cakes to celebrate the first anniversary
Watermead Country Park, Wanlip Road, Syston, Leicestershire, LE7 1PD. It’s free to join, but participants must register before they first come along. The aim is to have fun so everyone is welcome, whatever your pace! Join the fun on Sunday mornings at 9am, simply register for a barcode at www.parkrun.org.uk/regist er
Legacy benefits are: Income Support Housing Benefits (in most cases) Income related ESA Income based JSA Working Tax Credits/Child Tax Credits The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) require that all claimants be moved to Universal Credit by the end of 2024. They will be sending out letters to everyone affected. The letter from DWP serves as a Migration Notice which means that after a certain period of time your legacy benefits will stop and you will need to apply for Universal Credit. The letter will tell you when your deadline is. This should be three months in advance, ie. Migration Notice date to Deadline = 3 months. You will NOT be automatically transferred onto Universal Credit so it is important to make a claim before the deadline. There are 3 ways to move to Universal Credit: 1. Natural Migration – through a change of circumstances 2. Voluntary Migration – by choice 3. Managed Migration – moved by DWP So, your old ‘legacy’ benefits will stop after the Deadline date. If you claim Universal Credit before the deadline date the DWP might pay you extra to stop you
being worse off. This is called Transitional Protection. If you do nothing your benefits will stop and you will receive nothing. There are some differences between legacy benefits and Universal Credit and these are:You will usually get one payment per month on Universal Credit and manage the claim online. It will take five weeks to get the first payment but can take longer than this. If your payment includes your rent you will most probably have to pay your landlord yourself. You can work and get Universal Credit although your payment will decrease the more you earn and increase if your earnings go down. If you are in any doubt about your situation, or have questions regarding Migration, contact the free Citizens Advice Help to Claim line on 0800 144 8 444. More information can be found on the Citizens Advice website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/uni versal-credit/claiming/helptoclaim Or you can speak to one of our Advisers. Our Local Enquiry Line is 01509 649605 and is open Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9.30am-3pm. The National Advice Line is open Mondays-Fridays 9am-5pm on Freephone 0800 144 8848. Our website is www.charnwoodcab.org.uk & online advice can be found on www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Mountsorrel “small but perfectly formed” Village post office
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moving THE POST Office is planning on moving Mountsorrel Post Office. The current postmaster has resigned – the new operator will be The Paper Shop, 79 Leicester Road, next door to the existing premises. A period of local public consultation ends on November 30. The change is expected to come into effect in December 2023 or January 2024. The branch would offer a similar range of Post Office products and services over longer opening hours. The Post Office say all staff employed to work in the new branch would be trained to the highest standards with ongoing training on products and services, as well as operational and servicerelated matters. Currently, there is a step at the entrance to the proposed premises, but works would be carried out at the proposed premises to make the access level and provide improved access.
The proposed opening hours at the new location are: Mon – Thu 07:00 - 20:00 Fri - Sat 07:00 - 20:30 Sun 08:00 - 14:00 To view the consultation, go to www.postofficeviews.co.uk and search for ‘Mountsorrel’
MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings Leicester LE4 3BR Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising
0116 4422067 editor@birstallpost.co.uk www.birstallpost.co.uk
DEC 2023
The Muddy Stilettos Best Places to Live Series identifies 260 villages, towns and cities in 28 counties across the country, rated for their attractions, shops, facilities and culture. Mountsorrel has entered the top 10 list for Leicestershire and Rutland for the first time.
The guide states: “The small but perfectly formed village is nestled between the River Soar and the rocky crags of Charnwood Forest. There are waterside pubs, gorgeous greenery, historical walking trails, a busy farm shop and a number of characterful listed buildings, and it’s also becoming a little bit of a foodie destination.” Oakham, Uppingham, and Melton Mowbray also feature in the top 10 list.
MOUNTSORREL POST
A LIFESTYLE website has picked Mountsorrel as one of the top 10 places to live in Leicestershire and Rutland.