Village news
If you would like to contribute to Village News, write to Andy Rush, Editor, Loughborough Echo, Princes’ Court, Royal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5XR or email: andy.rush@trinitymirror.com
BASKET-MAKERS BLUE
PLAQUE. The progressive and successful East Leake Local History Society have erected what was their fourth Blue Plaque in the village, the latest being to further commemorate the Basketmakers of the village from earlier times. The latest of the plaques has been placed on property adjacent to the village fish and chip shop
An enthusiastic crowd applauded when the fourth Blue Plaque was unveiled and which commemorates the enormously successful Beehive Basketworks in the village, which ran for over 200 years under the management of the prolific Mills family.
The first basketworks in the area was begun in 1797 in West Leake by a member of the Mills family, and last year a first Blue Plaque was unveiled at the surviving house, called, of course, “The Basket”.
But the family soon moved to East Leake where there were many more opportunities to expand the business in what is now the village fish bar. Here, and in the Central Basketworks workshop over the road, the Mills employed up to 100 people and exported their goods to Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Birmingham by the Great Central Railway. Even the in- and out-trays in the House of Commons were supplied from these workshops. Trade declined after World War II though and basketry was replaced by new, colourful plastic materials – to the detriment of our environment.
The project was initiated two years ago by Mrs Elaine Georgiou, nee Mills, who spent a lively childhood around the workshop and offices of her father and grandfather’s company. Two children from a local primary school were invited to unveil the plaque - Grace and Ella are the Heads of Mills House at Lantern Lane School.
The event was organised by the East Leake Local History Society, but the plaque itself had been generously paid for by East Leake Parish Council. It was installed on the side of the new fish bar, with the support of owners Costas Mezelides and his brother Philip Stephenson. They went to the same school as Ella and Grace, and are keen to strengthen their ties with their village.
The Society’s chairman, Mike Saunders, gave an amusing speech suggesting that, like the Luton Hatters and the Northampton Cobblers, the local football team could be named after the industry – “The Baskets” perhaps?
Parish Council Chairman Conrad Oatey spoke of the impact the Mills family had made on village history. While the local farming and hosiery trades were in decline from the late Victorian period, the arrival of basketmaking replaced lost work opportunities and kept the village expanding into modern times.
MUSIC TRIP TO LIVERPOOL. Students from East Leake Academy who study music as well as those who are considering taking music went on a coach trip to Liverpool. The trip was offered trip to all year groups, although it was primarily aimed at upper KS3 and KS5.
Staff member Jonathan Burrows said as arguably the birthplace of pop music, Liverpool was selected due to its rich and expansive cultural heritage that continues to inspire people of all ages.
He said they visited The British Music Experience at the Cunard Building. “We also looked at the many statues and landmarks that are situated at the Albert Dock and of course no visit would be complete without seeing The Cavern Club. History students visited the Beatles Story.
“Students were able to learn about the significant impact Liverpool has had on British and global music and culture during the last 70 years” added Mr Burrows.
PLANNING DECISIONS. A plan to demolish an existing conservatory at 18 Station Road at East Leake and replace it with a single-story side extension has been approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council. They have also approved an application for a single storey rear extension at 66 Oldershaw Road and a two-storey side extension and a front porch at 10 Hawley Close where they have also approved the demolition of a single detached garage.
At Manor Farm on Castle Hill they have approved the demolition of an existing maintenance shed and a new build café, shop and ancillary accommodation. There will also be an extension to the existing car park there.
BEE-EATER NESTS. The saga involving the appearance of bee-eater birds at East Leake Quarry continues, with the latest news being that it appears the effort to breed by the initial seven birds that were seen on the site might be failing.
In a statement just before the weekend by the RSPB they said they were ‘gutted’ following observations indicating that two of the three nests that had been established by the birds were now seemingly abandoned, with the third only being tended by a single adult and also not expected to be successful.
The nests that were established in ‘tunnels’ excavated in gravel piles on the site had been ‘guarded’ on a 24 – 7 basis by wardens of the RSPB to ensure they were safe from possible intruders, including humans.
It is estimated that 10,000 bird-watchers from all parts of the country have visited East Leake to see the colourful birds who had not been seen in this part of the country for 70 years.
CHILDREN’S SOCIETY EVENT. The annual East Leake Children’s Society Box Opening and BBQ held at 25 Twentylands Drive was again a successful social event. Lunch, dessert, and a drink was served for £5.
HORTICULTURAL SHOW FUTURE. No one has come forward to offer to secure the future of East Leake Horticultural Show, usually held each September, and it seems unless the position changes it will become an event of the past.
Chairman of the event for the last few years, Hilary Morrissey, says it could be that the 2016 event turns out to be the last one “I have resigned from the Village Hall committee as well as the Village Show. I thought 10 years was a long enough stint.”
The last show was disappointing for the Committee in more than one way, says Hilary.
“The numbers of exhibitors, exhibits and visitors from the community were all down, which followed the trend of the last few years,” she told the Echo.
“This obviously results in a drop in the amount of money raised and the Committee reluctantly feel that the Village Show in its present format is not what the community wants.”
The former chairman of the Village Show Committee added: “We have tried over the last ten years to change the format and the categories, introducing photography, changing the categories for cookery and art and introducing many more categories for juniors to enter but this has not increased interest and participation.”
Towards the end of this last year and at the last meeting of the committee, the chairman said she was resigning from the Village Hall and Village Show committees.
“At present, there is no one willing to take on the role of organising the show and therefore it certainly won’t be happening this year,” says Hilary.
“In truth, the show needs a total revamp and if there is anyone in the community who has any bright ideas or indeed wishes to reform a committee to organise things, then please contact the Parish Office,” she added.
There are numerous villages in the area smaller than East Leake where successful shows are staged each year while at Sutton Bonington one of the biggest similar shows to East Leake takes place each September, and which attracts in the region of 600 – 700 entries, several hundred more than East Leake.
The village show at East Leake is not alone in having difficulty in finding helpers and other villages have similar problems.
ST MARY’S FUND-RAISING. A successful fund raising barbecue for the St. Mary’s Church, East Leake
Mothers’ Union branch supporting the ‘Christian care for families’ appeal by the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham took place at the Costock home of Gill and John Young.
The ambition by the appeal is to raise £125,000 to help more families, parents and church groups worldwide turn their hopes and prayers into reality.
At the end there was a raffle and the opportunity to give a donation in return for tea and cake and friendly fellowship, and a wander in the garden. .
SKATE PARK OUT OF ACTION AGAIN. East Leake’s skate park is out of action again, following damage to it by scooter riders.
The parish council have asked would-be users to stay off the park until the repairs have been carried out. They say they are sorry to disappoint those skaters who normally use the facility in the correct way.
The skate park on the Gotham Road sports field has been subject to many instances of damage and has had to be closed several times in the past because of damage.
PLANS FOR 195 HOMES REFUSED. Local Planning Authority Rushcliffe Borough Council have refused an outline planning application by Gladman Developments Ltd of Cheshire for the erection of up to 195 dwellings on land off Lantern Lane with public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system and vehicular access point from Lantern Lane.
The Borough said the proposal would comprise residential development of a greenfield site· outside of the built up part of the settlement.
“The site is not allocated for development in the development plan and, although East Leake is identified as a key settlement for growth in Policy 3 of the Rushcliffe Core Strategy, the development would exceed the minimum target of houses to be provided in and around East Leake by over 150 per cent when considered cumulatively with schemes already granted planning permission.”
The Borough said that the level of housing delivery for East Leake would be contrary to the Council’s housing distribution strategy set out in Policy 3 and would lead to the unplanned expansion of development significantly beyond the established built edge of the village with resultant adverse impact on its rural setting and adverse impact on access to services.
Rushcliffe said it had not been demonstrated that a suitable access to serve the new development could be provided or that the traffic generated by the proposed development would not result in an unacceptable increase in danger to the users of the highway due to the use of the access. The proposal would therefore b contrary to the provisions of Policy GP2 of the Rushcliffe Borough Non-Statutory Replacement Local Plan, which states that planning permission for changes of use and new development will be granted provided that, a suitable means of access can be provided to the development without detriment to the amenity of adjacent properties or highway safety, the provision of parking is in accordance with the guidance in the county council’s parking provisions for new developments and the design of the proposal accords with guidance produced by the Highway Authority.
The Planners said it had not been adequately demonstrated that the proposal would not impact on any protected species and/or their habitats or that adequate mitigation measures against the harm of the development on any protected species and/or their habitats could be implemented. The proposal would be contrary to the Rushcliffe Borough Non Statutory Replacement Local Plan, which states that planning permission will not be granted unless the application includes measures to mitigate the impact of the development on habitats; to reduce disturbance; and to provide adequate alternative habitats to sustain to current levels of population.
East Leake Parish Council objected strongly to the application and amongst their comments was one that the proposed development threatens the wildlife corridor and certainly does nothing to enhance it.
ACADEMY AWARDS. The annual awards evening for East Leake Academy was again a huge success celebrating its students from Years 7 through to 10.
Said Principal Mrs Kathy Hardy: “We are so immensely proud of their achievement and commitment to their studies and extra-curricular activities”
The House Cup was won by Kestrel House for the third year in succession. The Head of House Mr McKenzie, Zoe Howick, Vice Captain and Curtis Lovett, House Captain, were there to receive the prestigious Award.
Special guest speaker was Professor Kevin Sinclair, Developmental Biology, University of Nottingham who delivered a very inspirational speech.
WEST LEAKE ROAD APPLICATION. Parish councillors at East Leake at their meeting on Tuesday next week, August 15, will look at a planning application submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council involving the property at 23 West Leake Road and calling for permission to demolish/ remove existing conservatory and rear utility room and existing front and rear dormers). First floor front, rear and side extensions, including raising of roof height. ROYAL WALL HANGING. A very special wall hanging has been produced for Diseworth Heritage Centre to commemorate the 90th birthday of HM Queen’s Elizabeth II.
The finished product is as a result of a great deal skills and of hard work by a group of very talented volunteers who have creatively achieved the final result of a beautiful wall hanging.
The volunteers produced nine pieces of embroidered artwork which depict aspects of Diseworth as well as commemorating the Royal Birthday. This has been put together by Chris Watkins, our consultant, aided by Sharon Bishop from the East Leake Embroidery Group. The work which has created a great deal of outside interest, will be unveiled on Monday 14th August at 7pm at the Heritage Centre.
ORANGERY REFUSED. Rushcliffe Borough Council has confirmed that the planning permission for an orangery at St Anne’s Manor in Sutton Bonington was refused – and then because a re-submitted application showed the proposed development was a smaller scale than the original application, was approved.
An orangery was included on the application plans for 16/02642/ful, but the Borough Council requested that the Orangery be removed from the application.
The parish council were told the Orangery was then revised in size and scale and was granted under ‘permitted development’ and therefore, no application for planning permission was required.
The application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the cinema and gymnasium is still with the Rushcliffe Borough Council legal team. The parish council said it hoped to obtain more information on Certificate of Lawfulness and Permitted Development to be obtained. PARKING AND SPEED LIMIT REQUEST
Sutton Bonington Parish Council has put out two reminders involving road safety.
They are asking motorists to please remember that it is against the law to park on grass verges which are adjacent to double yellow lines, and at the same time are urging drivers to respect the 20mph speed limit in force around the premises of the village school, as well as the parking restrictions outside the school.
The council are aware there have been a number of complaints made about problems caused by inconsiderate parking outside the school and are therefore making their plea on this.
GARDEN FETE PROFIT. Net profit of this year’s Garden Fete for Sutton Bonington St Michael’s and St Anne’s church has been finalised at £2,393, dispelling any fears that the decision to change the date of the event from a Saturday to a Sunday might be detrimental.
The weather was kind for the event held by kind permission of Claire and Edward Elton at Sutton Bonington Hall gardens.
The profit was over £300 up on 2016.
“The Church Fete was a lovely community event and very successful financially,” said churchwarden Beth Clarke, adding “Several people said that they preferred the Fete on a Sunday as families were less busy, but I know that was a problem for some people because there are no buses on a Sunday, which prevented them from coming. Something to think about for next year.” HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PLANS. Rushcliffe Borough Council should be in a position within weeks to comment further on whether Sutton Bonington could be in line for more housing development.
Earlier this year resident in the village were asked by the parish council to give their views on what, if any, new housing development should go ahead in the village.
A questionnaire was circulated which said the parish council wanted to know the views of residents about any future housing in the village. .
Initially it was thought the Borough Council could be looking to an increase in the number of homes in Sutton Bonington by as many as 150 and said they could consider a site between Charnwood Fields and the A6006 for any such development.
Earlier a good number of village residents took the opportunity to question Borough Council planning officers about the possible plans for more housing to be developed there when they staged a five hour consultation exercise there in the village hall.
The Borough Council said they were looking to find sites for 900 more homes they need to cater for in their area and Sutton Bonington could provide some of the land that would be required.
Overall the Borough are having to find sites for 13,000 homes in the period up to 2028 and while they have allocations for the major areas within their boundaries -- such as East Leake, Ruddington, Bingham -- they are short of being able to totally match their required figures using them alone.
Sutton Bonington is one of five new areas the Borough began to look looking at for additional housing provision, the others being Cropwell Bishop, East Bridgford, Gotham and Tollerton.
A spokesman for the Borough says all the five villages concerned could meet the requirements they need to have for development, including having a school and a shop.
Mr Richard Mapletoft from the Borough Planning Policy section, says they had prepared for the second part of their Local Plan (Local Plan Part 2) which includes further policies and proposals for housing, Green Belt, employment, retail, open spaces, nature conservation and some other matters.
Mr Mapletoft confirmed the main reason for their Borough-wide latest consultation was because extra land may potentially be needed for housing development within Rushcliffe. “This could include identifying sites for new homes at a wider range of towns and villages than was previously being considered,” a comment explaining why Sutton Bonington could find itself in the midst of proposals for additional housing.
The report issued by the Borough for their consultation exercise said if the Local Plan Part 2 did allocate land at Sutton Bonington for housing development the total amount identified would be dependent on a range of factors including the capacity of local facilities, including schools and doctors’ surgery and infrastructure to sustain new homes, the potential physical impact pf development on locations around the village, including how the Green Belt would be affected and how quickly particular sites would be able to deliver new homes.
The report said it would become clearer as potential development proposals became more certain what new or improved services and facilities were required to support new housing.
The Borough spokesman said there is one site in Sutton Bonington that has been put forward by a landowner as being potentially suitable for housing development and if identified as being suitable should therefore contribute to resolving the current shortfall in the amount of land that is available for housing development over the next few years.
Rushcliffe Borough Council have stated that they have received a significant number of consultation comments to the Local Plan and these are currently being processed and considered.
It is anticipated that Rushcliffe will be in a position to feedback a summary of comments and to consult again on more detailed proposals by September at the latest.
WHIST. Peter Goadby continued his high scoring run as he recorded a score of 185 at the Whist Drive held on 31st July, and easily won by eight tricks, twenty three players attending.
Other winners were; Joan Ball 177, Dorothy Winfield 172, David Gee 170, Mike Grout 169 and Bill Kyle 166.
Highest Half winners were Brenda Stainsby 86 and Pat Perry 95, Colin Stinchcombe claimed the Consolation prize which was a packet of pork pies.
Raffle prizes were won by Colin Stinchcombe, Brenda Stainsby, Chris Goadby and Tony Howse.
The “13 Kitty” had one near miss during the evening and now moves onto £11. It is there to be won at our next Whist Drive which will be held on Monday, 1August 14, starting at 7.30pm as usual.
REVIVAL THIS SUNDAY. The excitement is building as the great Mountsorrel Revival is back for its fourth successive year.
Organised by the Mountsorrel Community Team, the ‘Old Style Village Fete’ with its modern twists, will again take over the village of Mountsorrel on Sunday, August 13 between 11am to 4.30pm.
This year the variety of stalls, activities and attractions has been expanded again to ensure that there is something for everyone.
The chair of MCT Debbie MacRae told the Echo: “We have included all the old favourites such as the SoapBox racing, have-a-goarchery and the street parade, but this year there is so much more. We have particularly listened to feedback and added more things for the children and one of our new features is an open music stage that will situated at the Buttermarket.
This year’s Revival kicks off with its street parade at 12 noon, led by the fun run. For 2017 it will start from the Honda garage on Leicester Road and finish on the village green with the fancy dress competition. There will be some limited road closures while this takes place. More generally stalls have been moved to ensure public safety.
Debbie added: “As a group we are very conscious that we cannot close the village to all traffic, so this year we have moved many of the stalls and attractions off the main road and made full use of the playing fields. This will improve safety and give people more room to move freely.”
Revival this year is proud to announce that the winners of the London 2017 Red Bull Soapbox Race will take centre stage at the soapbox track on Little Lane. Screened on television earlier this year, people will have the opportunity to stop by, see the kart and meet the local team.
With live music, attractions, entertainment and a variety of places to eat and rest, Revival 2017 looks set be a fun day out for all the family.
The MCT are already planning the 2018 Revival, if you wish to take part or can spare some time as a volunteer with the MCT, please visit the website: the-mct.co.uk for more information.
HOLY COMMUNION. As part of the “Mountsorrel Revival” all are warmly invited on the morning of Sunday, August 13, ( The Ninth Sunday after Trinity) to the Parish Church of St Peter (Market Place) Mountsorrel for a celebration of Holy Communion at 10am.
The celebrant will be the Parish Priest and any offers to help with the refreshments etc for the rest of the day would be greatly appreciated. COMMUNITY LIBRARY. The Summer Reading Challenge continues until the 2nd September, so there’s lots of time left.
If your children or grandchildren haven’t already joined come and register at the library, collect your folder and stinky stickers and choose your first three books.
There is a Craft Session on Friday 11th August from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, join us for a creative animal-themed session – free. Make an animal bag, animal box or animal bunting. Refreshments too !
Tonight ( Wednesday, August 9) EmabarrasSING, our singing group for people who can’t, will be warbling away in the library at 7pm. Just £2 for a hugely sociable evening.
1st of September at the library, it will be the Macmillan Coffee Morning with a difference – it’s in the afternoon ! From 2pm. This is your opportunity to eat cake and feel good about yourself !
If you can put the plate down for a few minutes you’ll find lots to entertain all ages including a Produce Stall and a Bric-a-Brac Stall. Oh, and a Cake Stall…… Bingo too, so it’s rumoured. Do come along and make your contribution to this very worthy cause.
And don’t forget the 7th October…. ZULU DANCERS. A group of young Zulu dancers and singers - Zulu Tradition from Durban, in KwaZulu Natal are to show their traditions and skills in a concert at Gotham St Lawrence Parish Church.
During the event the vibrant company reaches back to the past to preserve ancient skills, while looking forward to contemporary Africa to deliver a heady mix of African harmonies and high-energy athletic dance.
Their stage shows are exciting, enthralling and highly entertaining and now Gotham has an opportunity to be transported to South Africa for an evening.
The event takes place on Saturday September 23 at 7:30pm, when the incredible group will perform at the parish church as part of a weekend of celebrations for their link with a group of churches in KwaZulu.
Tickets are on sale at £12, with under-16s going free, and are available now from Val Hopkins who can be contacted on 0115 983 0930 or by email at valatthrumpton@btinternet. com
There are only 120 tickets available so early bookings is essential.
Zulu Tradition have performed at venues and events all over Britain including Buckingham Palace, the British Museum for Mandela Day, The South African High Commission for the British Red Cross, and the famous Sidmouth International Festival,
Individually the Zulus are hugely talented, right across the spectrum of traditional entertainment, though each has their own particular strengths in drumming, dance, song, drama, choreography or musical arrangement.
Despite their extensive work at outdoor events during the warmer weather, the performers of ZULU Tradition are no stangers to the big concert stage. They have taken their Zulu culture to many audiences. Individually and collectively they have graced many stages from London to Moscow as significant parts of larger productions as well as a company in their own right.
The aim of the group is to go from KwaZulu Natal to the world’s stage, rekindling the spark of Zulu culture and heritage through traditional drama, song and dance. To have them in Gotham is a major event for the parish church.