Village Voice The newsletter of the villages of Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston & Normanton May 2005 Issue No. 17

39 Years of fun! Bottesford Playgroup has existed for 39 years and, during that time, hundreds of children have passed through its doors. For the last 17 years it has occupied its own purpose-built building in Belvoir High School grounds, a beautiful setting with good facilities, just made for children to have fun while they learn. Bottesford Playgroup is a charity and is run by a committee of parents whose fund- raising efforts in the last few years, from tabletop sales to Casino Evenings, have added exciting and valuable resources to the building. Funds raised have added a sensory garden, an all weather play area and a sun awning for when there is sunshine! It runs morning and afternoon sessions with the provision for all-day care during term times. Each session has qualified staff and is run by group supervisors Kim Doleman and Lucinda Tongue. Playgroup received an excellent report following their recent OFSTED inspection. You are welcome to visit Playgroup at any time, or call 844489 Mon-Fri 9-4 for more information.

Still Rambling On……..

That’s the Vale of Belvoir Ramblers, celebrating their 10th Anniversary this year. It was in July 1995 that the Nottinghamshire Ramblers’ Association suggested starting a group in Bottesford. Ten people attended the first meeting; by the AGM in November numbers had swelled to 54. The Area Ramblers organised the first 6 months and then the group

was left to its own devices - with great success! Committee members came and went but the group went from strength to strength and, today, there are 104 keen ramblers. They meet every Sunday throughout the year, except during July and August, when it is on alternate Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The walks try to cater for all abilities ranging from less than 6 miles to more than 10. An open-air theatre visit or place of interest is often arranged as a reward at the end of the trek! Eileen Gibbs not only organises the walks, but also a Christmas event, summer barbecue and long weekend each year, together with a summer coach trip. To mark the 10th Anniversary they are holding a Treasure Hunt in Bottesford on 2nd July for past and present members. If you are interested in joining or just want to have a go contact Eileen on 875769 for details.

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Art Exhibition

St Peter’s Church, Redmile is hosting an exhibition of 2D and 3D art over

the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

The six professional artists taking part in the exhibition all trained at Loughborough University and now practise in the Loughborough/Charnwood area. Entry is free, there is disabled access and home made refreshments are available all weekend. The exhibition is open: Saturday 28th May 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Sunday 29th May 10.00 am – 4.00 pm & Monday 30th May 10.00 am -4.00 pm

The May Day Gala Amongst those local groups boosting their own fundraising this year at the May Day Gala on Monday, 2nd May will be Bottesford Scouts, Friends of Chernobyl's Children, Vale of Belvoir Lions, the Skateboard Park Group and the Village Hall Committee. The Gala will be opened at 11.30am by the Mayor of Melton, David Wright, who will crown the May Queen, and at 11.45am, fire off the Fun Run. The Beer Tent and Barbecue will then be open, with live music provided by local band Replay and others. Come along and lend your support at this fun filled day for the whole family.

Where are you reading this?

We have recently heard from a Toronto correspondent eagerly awaiting the next issue of Village Voice! We have also heard that copies have travelled as far as British Columbia. Let us know where else the Village Voice has been read….

BINGHAM TAPE SCHEME

Have you a relative, friend or neighbour who is either blind, visually impaired, elderly or housebound in the Bottesford area, who would like to receive, free of charge, monthly tapes of news and items of local interest? If you have, please call Pat Honey on 01949 844240.

The VC Hall Are you interested in helping to run Bottesford's new Village Hall? If so, why not put your name forward as a potential Trustee. Application forms can be obtained from VC Hall Secretary, Sue Neale on 844464.

Ode to the Bins

Rubbish is our strategy the council has declared, For the future we all must be prepared. Follow the instructions, alternate weeks for brown or black, Put rubbish in the black bin never in a sack. Now for the brown bin, garden waste goes in here And, as if by magic, compost will appear. We still have the boxes, blue and green you’ll find, It’s easy this new system, unless you’re colour blind!

For details of Bottesford Environmental and Conservation Volunteers’ meetings and activities, call 844026 For details of the Roman Catholic Church, Grantham, telephone 01476 563935

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SIMPLE AS - ACHIEVEMENT BOTTESFORD TO CHINA

The first seeds of the adventure were planted 2 years ago, and on 15th May, Nancy Forster is bound for Beijing to walk along The Great Wall of China. Having paid her travel expenses of £1000, she needed to raise a further £2000 resulting in much fund-raising including Table Top Sale, Quiz Nights and a Valentines Dance. Nancy, 46, a practice nurse at the surgery in Bottesford, wishes to thank her family, friends, the people of Bottesford and local businesses who have encouraged and supported her - an extra special thanks go to Mick and Helen Hackett. She will soon meet 65 other people determined to complete the trek and is confident of success - she has confided that she is 'dreading the lack of loos on the way' and the thought of 'cold fried egg sandwiches!' There will be temperatures up to 35°, high humidity and severe terrain. So far Nancy has raised a staggering £4300 in support of Cancer Research UK©. If you wish to sponsor her, details and information are on www.bmycharity.com/nancy or call her on 844083 or e-mail nancy@forster.f2s.com. Best of Luck Nancy, from us all.

A link with Belarus Claire Shepherd, a Young Leader with Bottesford’s Rainbows is travelling to Minsk this summer to help support the Belarussian Guiding movement as a representative of both our village and the South Lincolnshire Guides. Belarus was badly affected by the effects of the Chernobyl disaster and this disadvantaged country greatly values the support of our Guides. Claire has worked with Rainbows for 4 years and also helps at Bottesford Primary School each Wednesday afternoon. In order to go on this trip Claire has to raise £650 and hopes to achieve this amount through Bingo evenings, cake sales, and quiz sheets. Please look out for these fund raising efforts to help her on her way.

Thank you Many people with a road ditch or stream passing their homes will be familiar with those letters from ‘the authorities’ reminding them of the need to keep them clear but how many have ever been thanked for their efforts? In recognition that such details are an important part of the precautions against flooding, Bottesford Action Group would like to take this opportunity to thank the two residents of Easthorpe who co-operated with clearing their length of ditch, and the third who shared the cost incurred. No doubt there are others elsewhere in the parish who have ensured that drainage is not obstructed, and we would also like to express our appreciation to them.

Would you like to do more Music for FUN?

Why not try the Grantham Occasional Orchestral Workshop, a professionally lead group sponsored by SoundLincs and South Kesteven District Council. We meet for 3 hours on a Saturday morning once a month, for the sole purpose of making music for fun. The GOOW meets at Grantham Guidhall and all we ask is that you bring your instrument, music stand, £5 and an enthusiasm for music making. For more information contact www.soundlincs.org or Mary Timms 01526 322515

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Diana and Michael Honeybone return to Local History Society

The March Meeting saw members welcome Drs Diana and Michael Honeybone - founder members and joint presidents of the society - to speak on ‘Changing Bottes-ford’. They combined their tal-ents and infectious enthusiasm to talk about Bottesford and using maps and photographs, told of changes from early Roman times. Michael’s life-long interest in his-tory influenced his professional life, teaching and lecturing in schools and universities. He re-searched and published books on Bottesford and The Vale of Bel-voir, both available from the li-brary. Diana’s most entertaining talks for the Society have told how Bottesford people celebrated high days and holidays, using old photographs and cuttings from local papers. Mi-chael is planning a book showing a new aspect on the Belvoir witches. Since moving to Norwich a year ago they have been exploring the city, the history of the county and enjoying the Centre of East Anglia Studies at the University. They recommend Norwich to anyone interested in history especially with the forthcoming Nelson

The Bird Boxes In February members of Bottesford Environment and Conservation Group visited the bird boxes in the churchyard as part of a cleaning and maintenance programme. The boxes were designed to be suitable for a wide range of possible tenants, and the group weren’t disappointed! The seven boxes had been up for 13 months and covered birds from Blue Tits to Tawny Owls. All boxes had been used, but two had been squatted in by grey squirrels. When checking one box, designed for kestrels, an indignant occupier leapt out - Bottesford’s flying squirrel! The bird’s nest inside had been covered with the twiggy materials used by the squatter. We would be interested to hear from anyone seeing birds using any of these boxes, a reliable eye witness report is invaluable. Please contact BECV on 844026 - and why not join us?

Goodbye to Katie I am sure that I can speak for everyone who knows Katie Claricoates, that she will be sadly missed from Bottesford Community Centre where she has worked for the

past 13 years. She began her teaching career in the infants’ department at Buswells Lodge in Leicester. From there she switched to Adult Basic Education and taught literacy and numeracy. A move brought her to this area and, together with Shanti Patman, the pair began the New Horizons project. In 1992 the first classes were held in Barkestone-le-Vale village hall. She tells me that the 6 staff and 2 learners sometimes outnumbered the pupils! Their teamwork and enthusiasm meant they needed more space and September 1997 saw the installation of the Community Centre portakabin. In 1996 Katie became Community Teacher and took on the Community

programme. What a team they have proved to be! From those humble beginnings enrolment numbers are in the region of 1200 with 35-40 tutors, 8 crèche workers and 4 admin staff. I, along with many others, will remember Katie for her smile and sheer enthusiasm. Her encouragement has encompassed all those around her, both staff and learners. Our Community Centre is a tribute to the teamwork and commitment of Katie and Shanti. Katie is moving to a new post as Quality and Equality Officer for Leicestershire Adult Learning. Goodbye Katie and Good Luck!

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

Concerned about parking in Bottesford?

Have you had a near miss in Queen Street? Waited 5 minutes to drive down the High Street? Worry about your children crossing the road on the way to school? County Councillor Byron Rhodes is looking for suggestions as to how we can improve parking and get more people to use the car park. Mr Rhodes has already met with the County Councils Highways Manager and some residents to discuss parking in the Chapel St area. Any suggestions? Contact him on 860029, email: brhodes@leics.gov.uk or The Yews, 35 Watson's Lane, Harby, Leicestershire, LE14 4DD.

The Viking Squares The Viking Squares are an American Square Dancing Club who meet from 8 – 10pm every Tuesday evening in Allington Village Hall. If you have a yen to learn to Square Dance – or perhaps need to get some exercise in an enjoyable way – then why not join this friendly club? They have social events throughout the year including skittle evenings, country walks and an annual barbecue. The group is 21 this year and would welcome new people to help them celebrate. Call Pat Honey for more information on 844240.

Bonds down under

Well believe it or not it is almost two years since we left Bottesford for The Land of the Long White Cloud or, as most people know it - New Zealand. We have settled into a market garden town about 40 minutes south of Auckland, as green and pleasant as Bottesford but with vast areas of rolling hills and National Parks. The advantage for us living where we do is that both coastlines are within 30 minutes drive. The kids have become adept at surfing and snow boarding, although naturally not at the same time!! Stephanie and Andrew have settled extremely well into their new High School. Mandy is her usual self, busy organising the Bond family and helping to keep the local church fund-raising activities ticking over – she was recently given the key to St. Andrews, something which normally takes years!! As for me, I'm extremely busy working for the Royal New Zealand Police. Having spent a rapid 10 weeks training in New Zealand law and learning to speak Maori and Polynesian, I initially worked on an incident car on a district about the size of South Notts. Nowadays I am at the ever-expanding Auckland International Airport, providing an armed response for the area. Bottesford was our special home for 20 years. To those that helped to make it special, we send our love and best wishes — Mark Bond.

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What’s On in May...What’s On in May...What’s On in May...What’s On in May...

Important: To publicise your event in the ‘What’s On’ column for July & Au-gust, please ring 844823 or email d.taffs@btinternet.com by 28th May.

Monday 2 May May Day Gala. VC Hall 11.30am to 5.30pm. Fun Run, live music, beer tent, BBQ, stalls, quad bikes, bouncy castle, fun slides.

Weds 4th 7.30pm Village Voice committee meeting. Community Centre, all welcome.

Sat 7th 9.30 – 11am

Home Made Cake Stall at 23 Albert St. Fund raising for Claire Shepherd (see page 3)

Sat 7th No Parish Council Surgery this month

Sat 7th 7.30pm Quiz Night at Belvoir High School. Tickets on the door or from school. Entry £5 includes Ploughman’s. Bring own drink. Cash prize.

Mon 9th 7.15pm Parish Council meeting. Fuller Rooms. Residents are welcome as observers. 15 minutes public participation period.

Tue 10th 2 pm U3A ‘Planting A Shady Garden’, Shirley Palmer. VC Hall.

Thurs 12th 7.30pm Local History Society, Harlaxton Manor. Mrs Ashley

Tues 17th 7.30pm W.I. Resolutions. Speaker- Mrs Lyn Ostolski. VC Hall.

Sun 22nd Scarecrow Festival. VC Hall and village trail.

Thurs 26th Local History Society Evening visit to Harlaxton Manor

Sat 28th 2pm-5pm Sun 29th 10am-4pm Mon 30th 10am-4pm

St Peter’s Church, Redmile. An exhibition of 2D and 3D art. Six professional artists from Leicestershire participating. Entry free, refreshments available.

Sun 29th 9.30am Vale of Belvoir Ramblers. Belvoir Ridges – 15miles. Start Hose Church. Contact Janet 01949 850030

And in June... And in June... And in June... And in June... Weds 1st 7.30pm Village Voice committee meeting. Community Centre, all

welcome.

Sat 4th 10.30 - 11.30am

Parish Council Surgery. Fuller Room

Thurs 9th Local History Society. Visit to the Black Country Museum.

Mon 13th 7.15pm Parish Council meeting. Fuller Rooms, Bottesford. Residents are welcome as observers. 15 minutes public participation period

Tue 14th 2.00pm U3A ‘The Humour Around Us'. Speaker Colin Bower

Sat 18th 1pm onwards

Screening of Laurel & Hardy films at The Bull Inn. Small admission charge to cover costs.

Sun 19th 3pm St Mary Immaculate, Catholic Church, Grantham. First Communion for 21 children aged 7/8

Tues 21st 7.30pm W.I. ‘Landlady with a Difference’, Speaker Mrs Margaret Rastel. VC Hall.

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Letters

GET A MOVE ON! Parking is at a premium outside the High Street paper shop so everyone should make sure that they move straight off when they come out of the shop, and not sit in their car reading the headlines. Please make space for others.

Parish Council Notes 14TH MARCH, 2005.

• Bus Shelters are still being considered. • The Normanton Lane Industrial Estate, Muston Gap and the airfield have all

been broken into. • The March Litter Pick was a great success. 17 people helped to collect 15

sacks of litter. • An area of land close to Bottesford has been visited by experts who think it

of special scientific interest and needs protecting. Members of the Parish Council are to form a joint working party with BECV to assess the situation.

14th February 2005

• The Police stated there were 3 local policemen. • Since the last meeting 16 crimes had been reported.

At the last Parish Council meeting it was stated that temporary traffic lights were going to be put up on the junction of Belvoir Rd with the bypass to help control the extra traffic expected when the Game Fair is at Belvoir Castle during July. I think they should be put there permanently. This would slow the traffic down and make it easier for people to get out onto the bypass, especially slower moving lorries and tractors. (name and address witheld)

ST MARY’S CHURCH, BOTTESFORD—a robbery

There was a robbery at St Mary’s on 18th February at 1.45pm. Two youths were filmed on CCTV as they stole music equipment and the Induction Loop System, installed to help the hard of hearing. They took goods to the value of £400 and also tried, unsuccessfully, to break into the wall safe. The youths were subsequently arrested in Nottingham mid-March, as they committed yet another crime, and identified as the ones who committed the crime in Bottesford.

The Scout Hut land

We have to report that despite the valiant efforts of the Scout and Guide groups in the village – and particularly those of Bernie Carey our local Scout Commissioner – the legal battle to retain the land at the side of the Scout Hut has been lost. The ownership of this grass area, which has been used since the 1950s by young people involved in Scouts and Guides for outdoor games and camping, now reverts to a Christian group in Grantham. During the legal proceedings plans to refurbish the Scout hut were put on hold but now need to be addressed with some urgency and they desperately need to raise substantial funds. If you can help by proposing the Scouts/Guides as beneficiaries for any corporate or personal fund-raising events, or are able to make a personal or corporate donation, put on an event, include them in another fund-raising event or offer help in any other way please contact Tony Slipper on 844136.

Horses calling cards The majority of dog owners now realise they need to act responsibly and clear up after their dogs and could face a fine of up to £1000 if they fail to do so – but what about the mess local horses leave on the roads and pavements? Should riders be expected to clear it up? Let the Village Voice know what you think.

Village Voice

Contact information

Editorial: Dilys Shepherd on 843505 or Susan Meech on 843402 Advertising: Anne Ablewhite on 842259

Deadline for July Issue: Sat 21st May

E mail: villagevoice@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 which may arise or consequences from them. Views expressed in the Village Voice do not necessarily reflect those of the committee.

Sports News New young football players needed

The Club is starting to plan for the new 2005/2006 season and we are going to need some new players especially at under 11 and under 14. Anyone wishing to join should contact Sean Austin on 844006.

Football manager and coach vacancies in Bottesford

Also help is required running a couple of teams, so any adult interested in manag-ing/coaching or helping to run one of the junior or youth teams should also contact Sean.

Sign up for girls football Bottesford football club is hoping to run a girls’ team from next season so any interested girls please get in touch with Sean.

Under 12s in the Cup Final The under 12s team reached the Cup Final and played against Cranwell on 14th April. Despite playing well, they lost 2-4 but throughout the season they played some really good football and their place in the final was well deserved.

130,000 visitors expected at Belvoir Castle Game Fair in July The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) Game Fair, is set to take place at Belvoir Castle for the first time on Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th July. Attracting around 130,000 visitors from throughout the UK and abroad, this enormous event will cover 450 acres of Belvoir Estate with over 900 exhibitors, numerous shows, 3 car parks and a 1600 pitch caravan park. Belvoir Castle will, in fact, appear to be overlooking a temporary town. Marishelle Gibson from the CLA said ‘The Game Fair always creates a sense of festivity and excitement wherever it is held. The event has been in the planning for over a year with priorities focused on the impact on local residents, traffic, hotels and other related businesses. By the time the show opens there will not be a bed and breakfast, farm cottage or hotel with rooms available. Local pubs and restaurants will also enjoy a busy weekend as well as a number of other local businesses – petrol stations, shops etc’. ‘The greatest concern to local residents is always the traffic. The A1 and the A52 will be important routes into Belvoir Castle, but Game Fair traffic will be directed so that it avoids Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston and Normanton’. Further information can be found on The Game Fair website – www.gamefair.co.uk

THANKS FOR THE DELIVERIES

Everyone who helps with the Village Voice is sorry to loose two of the original people who worked hard to get it off the ground. We are talking about Jason and Lyndsey. Their hard work in the early years was very much appreciated and, although they had to cut back to fit in their own work, they still found time to help with the deliveries. They have now finished with delivering as they are having a ‘delivery’ of their own very shortly and we wish them all well with their growing family.

Condolences

Village Voice would like to express our condolences to the family of Ray Jackson, who helped as one of our deliverers. Ray died suddenly on 5th March.