Village VoiceThe newsletter of the villages of Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston & Normanton March 2008 Issue No. 34

Heritage Badges for Bottesford Scouts and Cubs

Members of Bottesford Scouts and Cubs received their Local Knowledge Badges from Melton’s Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr. Mike and Marj Jones, at the re-launch of Bottesford Library. Pictured are scouts Ian Roberts, Jack Hill and Fraser Fentem, cubs Ryan Buckley, Ephraim Morton, Joshua Clout, James Peace, Toby Mellor, Ben Pacey, George Skerritt, Oliver Wong, Ewan Simpson, Joshua Ashworth, Joshua Hough, Lyle Barradell with Scout Leader Phil Thacker. Also achieving this badge were Alex Todd and Ben Marriott. For more information on Bottesford scouts and cubs, contact Viv Money on 842713. Amazing, enchanting musical theatre in Bottesford Village Hall on Sunday 27th April! Part gig, part jukebox, part theatre – Cartoon de Salvo’s ‘Hard Hearted Hannah’ will be performed in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Sunday 27th April. This includes a unique blend of music, songs and stories - each performance is inspired by

songs chosen by the audience, so no two shows are the same. Cartoon de Salvo (www.cartoondesalvo.com) is a profes-sional theatre company based in Bognor Regis. They have performed at the Glastonbury Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as numerous venues across the UK. Their production ‘Sunflower Plot’ was performed on an allotment in Newark in 2005. A member of the Vale of Belvoir theatre group said, “It was one of the most exciting performances I have seen in years”. At a recent performance in Nottinghamshire com-ments included, “Fantastic”. “It doesn’t get any better than Cartoon de Salvo”. “The audience laughed and laughed … very imaginative, super set, super theatre”. Tickets will be available in advance from Susan Meech on 843402 or from the Malthouse Deli on Queen Street, £6 in-cluding concessions. Financial assistance for the performance has been provided by The Arts Council East Midlands, Leicestershire County Council and Melton Borough Council.

Many Thanks to Carol. The Village Voice has been produced for over 5 years, and Carol Hulse has been a hard work-ing member of the committee from Day 1 - helping with everything including writing articles, contacting advertisers, pre-senting certificates and prizes to our schools. Carol is leaving our committee but will continue to help us with deliveries. Our thanks to Carol for all her hard work – we shall miss you!

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Primary School News The School Choir is taking part in the Vale Choral Project, led by Sophie Pascal, and performing Roald Dahl's version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on the 28th February at Belvoir High School. The Basketball Team were joint winners with Stathern at the Vale Basketball Competition recently. As part of the school's continued commitment to promote healthy eating, healthy snacks are now a regular feature at the tuck shop, thanks to the Year 4 children and parent helpers. The Healthy Tuck Shop, which is open at morning playtime, sells a wide range of tasty and healthy snacks such as fresh and dried fruit, bread sticks, rice cakes and fromage frais. Free 'tasters' are also on offer to encourage children to try new and unusual foods. As well as encouraging a healthy diet, the successful project has improved the numeracy skills of the children running it, as they deal with selling the tuck to their eager customers. Going to the Lake District with the Youth Service Last November, I got asked by a youth worker of Bottesford Youth Club if I would like to go to the Lake District on a 5-day trip. It would not cost me anything as Mel-ton have a young group of councillors who are named CYCle (the council for young people), who get £4000 a year for the young people around all areas of Melton. I went on the 17th December 2007 and there were 14 of us in total. I knew 2 others but everyone else was completely new to me. We stayed at Brathay Hall, which was opposite to Lake Windermere, in Ambleside. Throughout the week we took part in problem solving challenges, orienteering, low ropes, high ropes, abseiling, whaling (rowing), canoeing, climbing up mountains, and much more. To top it all, my group was fun and very supportive and the whole week was the most amazing experience I have ever had!!! None of us wanted to leave. This trip made me so pleased I am part of Bottesford Youth Club. Polly Redfern Opening nights for Bottesford Youth Club Tuesday 7-9pm Senior Club 14-19yrs Wednesday 7-9pm Arts Club 11-15yrs Friday 7-9pm Girls Club 11-19yrs Saturday 10.30am-12.30 Brunch Club 11-15yrs We are currently looking for paid and voluntary staff to help support the work we do on these sessions. If anyone is interested please contact Adam on 844531 Volunteers for music nights for young people If you would like to help out with regular music nights at the Village Hall please ring Jane Davey on 842453. Plans have been unveiled for a new look Belvoir High School On 15th January parents, pupils and local residents were invited to see and give comments on the plans for the £5.9 million scheme that will result in the refurbish-ment of the school and a new extension. The building work will start in July 2008 and be open for teaching in September 2009. The proposals include substantial refurbishment of the existing building as well as a new two storey building with a central atrium housing a suite of ‘state-of-the-art’ Science laboratories, a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) Centre, a new library and eight classrooms which will accommodate English and Humanities. From 2009, Belvoir High School will be changing its age range from 10 – 14 to 11 – 16 and will accommodate up to 600 pupils. For further information contact the school or Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 6274.

May Bank Holiday Last year saw the relaunch of the wonderful Bottes-ford Gala Day. The Gala Committee headed by the Vale of Belvoir Lions Club and representatives from Bottesford Primary School, Playgroup, Football Club, Village hall, St Mary’s Parochial Church Coun-cil, Friends of Chernobyl’s Children and others drew up a list of essential equipment to make this event bigger and better than before and to improving health, safety and security. Thanks to the Lottery Grants for Local Groups - Awards for All - a total of £4570 has been secured to-wards the purchase of vital equipment. Planning for this year is well underway. During the weekend there will be the an-nual Arts Society Art Show at the Methodist Church and events at St. Mary's, with Sunday featuring the FOCC fun run and historical enactments. Monday will see the finale to the weekend with the 30th Gala Day. The weekend gives local groups the opportunity for fund raising and to demon-strate the rich cultural heritage of Bottesford. Help and support of any kind is al-ways welcomed by the Committee so that we can make this an event of which the Village can be proud. If you would like to help run this event or wish to know more then contact the or-ganisers by following the Gala links at www.bottesford.org.uk. Or calling Kathryn Hinsliff-Smith on 842333 Mayor opens newly-refurbished Bottesford Library Pictured with librarians (left to right) Viv Money, Mary Marshall and Pam McCartan were the Mayor, Councillor Mike Jones and Mayoress, his wife Marj, County Coun-cillor Byron Rhodes and Councillor Ernie White.

The Lions roaring successes Our dedicated Lions have worked extremely hard over the last couple of months to raise over £6,000. We have seen fireworks, Santa, men dancing with flowers in their hats and others wading in the river behind a flotilla of yellow ducks. All these tasks encouraged us to make generous donations – and the Lions organisation is very appreciative. How does this money get spent? There are various worthy recipients, including British Red Cross, Fire and Rescue Benevolent Fund, Warm Homes in Belarus, Water Aid, Campaign Sight First II, Dove Cottage and of course the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children.

Photo Ted Rayson

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Family history searches – can you help? Do you have any knowledge on these former residents of Bottesford? Anthony Bagshaw is seeking information about his ancestor Leonard Bockin, a railway por-ter who lived at 10 Belvoir Rd in 1901 and is commemorated on the war memorial at Mansfield Woodhouse. Lynn Slater would like information about her ancestor William Laurence Bainbridge, who lived in Bottesford around 1920 and worked on the railway. Does anyone re-member the Bainbridges? Please contact Neil Fortey on 843320 if you can help. Wicked practise and sorcerye... Michael Honeybone is the author of two fascinating books about Bottesford which are available in the reference section of our library. Michael’s 3rd book will focus on the 1619 Bottesford witchcraft case. More information on this forthcoming publication is available on the Bottesford Living History website www.bottesfordhistory.org.uk Scarecrows are moving to June!

The Friends of Bottesford Primary School annual fund raising event will be held over the weekend of 14th and 15th June 2008. The theme for this year is ‘Fathers’; that could be Father Christmas, Father Time, Father Ted, Father Stuart or even your Dad. The main event at the primary school will be held on Fa-thers Day 15th June. So please start thinking about your scarecrow and help us to make this year’s event a success. Further details can be obtained from the primary school. Phone 842224.

Bottesford Community Centre... ...is offering a range of workshops on Sat 1st March: Beading - Make a Beaded Cuff Bracelet First Aid - Appointed Persons French - Survive Your Summer Tour De France Mandarin Chinese - Culture, Customs and Language for Visitors Spanish IT Workshops Bottesford Community Centre has a crèche which is open to babies and toddlers of students attending classes, as well as children of parents or carers who may need an hour or two to themselves! Recently they have welcomed a new member of staff, Paula Wiseman, who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm in caring for the under 5s. For more information on either the crèche or the workshops, call 844199. Melton Borough Council Planning Strategy to 2026 The ‘Melton Local Development Framework Core Strategy (preferred options) de-velopment plan document’ was published in January. Copies are available for in-spection at Bottesford library or at www.melton.gov.uk. The document sets out the Council’s proposals for a number of areas including housing; traffic; the economy; Melton town centre; improving the countryside; and climate change. Bottesford is a ‘Rural centre (category 1 village) and will have 22 affordable dwellings subject to local housing needs survey; and employment land to meet local needs’. The document proposes options and highlights those that the Council prefers. If you would like more information, or wish to comment on the options, email:ldf@melton.gov.uk or ring 01664 502395

Paula and Scarlett

Muston Meadows – internationally important wildlife site Simon Cooter from Natural England gave a fascinating talk on ‘Muston Meadows’ in the Fuller room at the end of January. Muston meadows is a neutral grassland wildlife site which includes a number of rare species of plants and animals. The meadows are especially well known for the green winged orchids which bloom in great profusion in May. In 2006 a record 21,000 plants were counted in the meadow. In 2003 the site was extended and now includes two circular walks. It is also used as a demonstration site to encourage other farmers to create meadows of this type. The site is managed by the farmer and Simon is looking for some volunteers to help with on-going maintenance. Interested? Please get in touch with him on 01205 723614, or email: eastmidlands@naturalengland.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON… Nick Silverwood and Sam Cliff Nick (left) and Sam have both played cricket, at various lev-els, since they were six years old. Both boys are 21 this year, and both followed their fa-thers into cricket. At the age of 15 both joined Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) Colts and continued to play cricket at Bottesford. In 2002, at the LCCC Presentation night at County Hall Nick was awarded player of the sea-son and Sam most improved player of the season. In 2005 they both played in the successful Bottesford team that was cap-tained by Anthony Ablewhite. The team was promoted to Division 1A Gunn and Moore South Notts Cricket League, which is the highest standard that the club has ever achieved. In 2007 the boys moved in different directions with Sam moving to play for Loughborough Town. He has since accepted a position as a professional at LCCC and starts his training at the end of February with a possible coaching trip to South Africa. Nick spent his summer with Gedling Colliery XI in the Nottinghamshire Pre-mier League. He is a student at Nottingham Trent University and continues to play for Bottesford’s Sunday 1st XI. Both lads are really enjoying playing at the highest standard available to them, and in later years look forward to coaching and helping other young people be successful in the game. To any young people thinking of taking up cricket they say, “you need to be patient, work hard but most importantly just enjoy the sport”.

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What’s On in March...

And in April...

For details of the Catholic Church, Grantham, telephone 01476 563935

To publicise your event in the ‘What’s On’ column for May & June, please ring 844823 or email d.taffs@btinternet.com by 23rd March.

Sat 1st 7pm The Rick Shaw Show for Billy's Appeal (Clic Sargent Chil-dren's Cancer Charity) Bowls Club. Tickets £5 incl refresh-ments. Contact Sue Fisher on 842656.

Sun 2nd 1– 5pm National Gardens Scheme Open Day. The Homestead, Normanton. Refreshments, plants for sale. Entry £1.50 (Children free).

Mon 3rd 1.45pm Caterpillar music sessions for 0-4 year olds. Baptist Church, Queen Street (every Monday). 0870 1998732

Sat 8th 12 noon for 1.30pm start.

Dove Cottage, Auction. Come to bid for a bargain. Refreshments. Phone 860303 to arrange donation of items.

Sun 9th 11am Bottesford Egg Run - Red Lion to Meres Centre Grantham – all motorcyclists welcome - John Bartlett 01780762531

Mon 10th 7.15pm Annual Parish Meeting and Parish Council meeting. Fuller Rooms. Residents may question the council and make comments prior to the Parish Council meeting.

Tues 11th 2pm U3A “Nine Lives of a Spitfire Pilot” - Ray Smith, followed by “Let's Circle”

Thurs 13th 7.30pm

Local History Society. Fuller Rooms. “A Cluster of Clerics” – Michael & Diana Honeybone.

Sun 16th 2.30pm East Midlands Orchid Society, VC Hall. Members' Meeting - Potting demonstration. Contact: Mike Armstrong 842668.

Tues 18th 7.30pm

W.I. “Complementary Therapies” – Margaret Catherall. VC Hall.

Tues 8th 2pm U3A 'Curios' – Henry Brown. VC Hall

Thurs 10th 7.30pm

Local History Society. Fuller Rooms. “George Crabbe – Poet, and once Rector of Muston Church” - Kate Pugh

Sun 13th 1.00pm Friends of Chernobyl's Children Sponsored Walk, Muston. For route, look out for poster. All welcome, even if not

Mon 14th 7.15pm Parish Council meeting. Old School, Muston. Residents are welcome as observers and for first 15 minutes may address the council re concerns/questions.

Tues 15th 7.30pm

W.I. 'A Monthly Menu of Myths' – Margaret Harrison. VC Hall.

Sun 20th 2.30pm East Midland Orchid Society. VC Hall. 'Paphiopedilum' - Ted Croot. Contact 842668

Weds 23rd 1.30 - 3pm

Dove Cottage. Clothes & Cards Sale. Quality clothing, well known brands. Phoenix cards etc. Admission £2 includes refreshments.

Sat 26th A Friends of Chernobyl's Children Race Night at the Village Hall – by The Lions – see notices nearer the time for de-

Sun 27th 7.30pm Cartoon - de Salvo’s ‘Hard Hearted Hannah’ at VC Hall. Tickets £6 with concessions - Susan Meech 843402 or Malt

Sat 19th 7.00pm Auction of promises, in aid of St Mary’s Church, at the VC Hall. TV auctioneer. Tickets £4 (includes refreshments) available from mid-March. Contact Malcolm and Mary Owen 843113.

I was sat here in the study on a balmy summer’s evening in Auckland reading the Bottesford Today site and catching up on a few Village Voices when I spotted the case a few months ago of the "Italian Coat Seller" in the village - I had to smile as our team arrested a team of three males down here in New Zealand last month. They too were lost and needing money, they too were selling fake leather jackets! What a small world. It just goes to show wherever there's a victim a criminal's not far behind! It also made me realise that this is our fourth Christmas in the sun, and after all this time we still can't get used to it. Call me mad but there's something very spe-cial about almost being frozen to death coming out of St Mary’s Church after the Christmas Eve carols! Mark Bond

Bottesford & District Garden Association welcomes new members. Compost, lawn care items, seeds and garden sundries are available and can be weighed in the amounts you require. There is no need to struggle with traffic in and around Grantham. This convenient shop is on your doorstep! All the profits from shop sales are all invested in the organization of the annual show. The volun-teers who run the shop have many years of horticultural experience and are able to give advice and answer queries. Membership is just £1 per year. If you would like to join, speak to a committee member at the Garden Association Shop or contact Heather Clint, Secretary on 843480 or Heatherclint@aol.com. The Shop is open on Sunday 10 - 11.30am and on Wednesday from 6.30 - 7.30pm (starting in April).

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Letters

11 December 2007 Peter Finch has been co-opted onto the council The police reported seven crimes in November, including a handbag being stolen out of a car 21st January The County Council is not in a position to fund the insurance on the skateboard Park. The Lions will be given a donation by Melton Borough Council towards the May Day Celebrations. The Borough Council is hoping to reintroduce house improvement grants. The Council is after a Poop Warden – any offers – telephone Barbara Taylor on 843611. The Parish Council needs a new assistant clerk If you have a few hours a week to spare and would like this part time job please get in touch with Barbara Taylor on 843611.

P arish Council N otes

Shop

Petrol Stn

Grantham Road

Shop

Petrol Stn

Grantham Road

Girls’ Footie at Bottesford Football Club Bottesford FC set up a girls’ training programme over 18 months ago. They are now playing competitive matches across the county and last season one of their players had a trial for Leicester City FC.

They are always looking for new players and welcome girls from 8-12 years old. The team trains on Sunday mornings at Belvoir High School sports field from 10.00 -11.30am. For more information, contact Dan Gribby on 07770 853545. Bottesford Bowling Club... ...has an excellent green and facilities. New Bowling Members are very welcome. For more information contact the Secretary, Bernard Hawes on 843206

Running ‘Flat’ out Bottesford’s Tina Fisher, along with John Sayer, will be running this year’s London Marathon to raise money for a ‘Home from Home’ for local children re-ceiving cancer treatment at Queens Medical Centre. All the funds raised will help pay for accommodation for up to 6 families whose children are undergoing treatment. The accommodation will be managed by the childrens’ cancer charity Clic Sargent, who will be

on hand to offer support and ad-vice. The accom-modation will allow children who re-ceive their treatment during the day in hospi-tal, to go ‘home’ in the evening to be with their parents and siblings. Tina is a nanny to a family whose youngest child, Billy, was treated at QMC. She could see first hand how difficult it is for the whole family when they are separated, with one parent sleeping next to their child on the hospital ward. Please help by sponsoring Tina and John in this marathon effort. You can contact Tina on 842656.

Sports News

Village Voice Contact information Advertising: Anne Ablewhite on 842259 Editorial: Dilys Shepherd on 843505 or Susan Meech on 843402 Deadline for May Issue: 23 March www.villagevoice.bottesford.org.uk E mail: vv@bottesford.org.uk Or: 12 The Paddocks, Bottesford Whilst every care is taken in the printing of notices and advertisements, the committee accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or consequences which may arise from them. Views expressed in the Village Voice do not necessarily reflect those of the committee.

Tina and Billy