Issue No.

75
January/February 2015

Village Voice
The newsletter of Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston & Normanton

Village Voice photo competition 2014

Thanks to everyone who entered our second annual photo competition. The judge, professional
photographer Mark Pugh, said that the the quality of all entries was very high. Each photograph has been
marked out of five for Interpretation of the Theme, Composition and Technique.
The results are:
First Place: Swooping into first
place was Gordon Cook's photo
montage of lots of 'detail' around the
village. Mark said that Gordon's
interpretation of the theme was
excellent, and I think I've been able
to identify most of the locations in
his image! Congratulations, Gordon.
Second Place: Untitled (Tree, Pylon
and Belvoir Castle) by Katy Francis.
This photograph scored highly
because it combined the old (Belvoir
Castle and ancient tree), the new (an
electricity pylon), it had a local
element to it, and Katy's composition
was spot-on. Well done, Katy.
Third Place: So many fallen leaves (Trenches
on the Somme) by Phil Harding. Mark said Phil
has captured a very atmospheric and thoughtprovoking image of WWI trenches.

2450 homes proposed for Normanton and 600 for Bottesford in the Local Plan
Melton Borough Council is developing the Local Plan which will be used to determine where houses (and
other developments) could be built. The Council has released the 'Issues and Options consultation paper' and
this can be seen at http://www.meltonplan.co.uk/ Paper copies are available to view in Bottesford library
Residents have until 12th January to submit their responses via the web site, or by getting in touch with
Councilors' or the Council planning department on 01664 502 321.

The Neighbourhood Plan

The Steering Group has moved things on quickly since we last featured in
the Sept/Oct edition of VV. We have given every organisation the
opportunity via questionnaires and a Stakeholder Forum meeting at the
VC hall, to give us their insight into what's easy about running their group
and what could make it better.
Developers and landowners were included in this consultation and will
report back to the group shortly.
If you would like to know more about the Plan contact Bob Bayman on
bobbayman@googlemail.com or phone 07799 131981
The Muffled Peel
On 1st November at St Mary's Church bell ringers marked the centenary
of the muffled peal that was originally rung to commemorate the first
WW1 casualties.
Muffling involves strapping a leather cap to one side of the bell clapper
to produce a distinctive contrast in the loudness and softness of sound.
Nearly one hundred people attended this commemorative event organised as part of the Bottesford Parish WW1 Centenary Project.
There was a brisk demand for refreshments on offer within the church
and belfry tours provided the opportunity to try ringing. Over 20 tried
their hand and were invited to attend the regular Wednesday evening
practices. Six people took up that offer, the hope being that this will help
to sustain the long tradition of ringing in the Bottesford Tower.

2nd Bottesford Guides take part in the WW1 Project

Village life, particularly for girls in 1914, was the theme during the
summer and the Guides were prepared for wartime activities.
During this Autumn the girls washed and chopped vegetables for a soup
cooked on an open fire the taste test received mixed reviews - as did
those for the Trench cake made some weeks later! The girls have
made no cook chutney, learned to knit and have started to make a rag
rug from old t-shirts and sweat shirts. Activities have included first aid
and rolling bandages, sending and taking messages, code breaking and
using a silent code.
On Remembrance Sunday a copy of Saint Johns Gospel was given to the
congregation at St Marys church commemorating soldiers receiving a
copy in 1914. The Guides have likewise received a copy.
During World War 1 the Guides raised money nationwide to help with
the purchase of an ambulance. This year the 2nd Bottesford Guides are
fund-raising to support the Air Ambulance.
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Methodist fundraiser for Macmillan nurses

Despite the torrential downpour
earlier that morning, the Methodist
schoolroom was full of people on
12th November enjoying coffee
and cakes. Over 320 was raised
from the stalls, raffle and
refreshments.
The photo shows the ladies who
volunteered to make the event
such a success.
A vintage tea party at the Baptist chapel raised money for local
charity WE R HERE
(www.werhere.co.uk) and Dove
Cottage. An excellent range of cakes
were available for sale as well as Fair
Trade goods, books and vintage
jewellery.
Whilst enjoying tea and cakes
visitors were entertained by Celeste
Drouin-Davis on the violin. If you
would like Celeste to perform at your
charity function contact her mother
Donna on 07590909770.
Thank you for the generosity of Co-op Shoppers
Using the trolley normally kept in St Marys church* volunteers from
Churches Together in Bottesford braved the elements to stand outside
Bottesford Co-op to make a harvest
collection of food for the Grantham
Food Bank. Shoppers were invited
to add a few items to their shopping
and drop them into the trolley as
they left. The generosity of
shoppers was amazing; together
with a donation from the Co-op,
over 10 trolley-loads of food were
donated during the two days in
October.
It is a sobering thought that the
demand on food banks continues to
increase but good to know that
Bottesford folk can respond so
generously to help local people in
food poverty. Thank you.
*The food collection in the church is
ongoing so please continue to
support this if you can. Food put into the trolley in church continues to
be delivered regularly to the Food Bank.
Photo: Irene Mason, Glenda Gibson and Sue Dunsmore braving the rain.
The Royal British Legion collection around our four villages this year
raised a fantastic sum of over 3,200. Thank you for donating and to the
collectors and businesses around the village for their time and effort in
this worthwhile cause.
3

PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE

The Old School Project
After more than 18 months of hard work by a small team of
volunteers from the Parish Council and the Heritage Group, a Stage 1
application has now been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Thank you to everyone for the overwhelmingly positive response we
received. You told us that the most important things are:
Put the Old School back at the heart of the community
Enable people to learn about their local heritage
Provide a community space
Help to secure the future of the Library
Ensure that the buildings are in good repair for the future
If successful at this stage, we then receive development funding to
help undertake the work required for a Stage 2 application. If we
secure this funding the project aims to restore the heritage features
of the building, integrate new technology and create a sustainable
community hub. The total project will hopefully bring over 800,000
of investment into the parish so fingers crossed for a successful
outcome in March!
The interpretation boards for outside the church and next to the
main public notice board are progressing well. The boards will detail
the history in and around St Mary's church with the board going
opposite the SPAR providing a much needed map of the village.

Bottesford Youth Council was nominated for the Melton Times community award 2014 in October.
They scooped highly commended in the young champion category and were
winners in the best arts,
sports and community
project category.
The presentation was
made at a gala award
ceremony with a chocolate
indulgence reception.
The photos show youth
council members enjoying
the chocolate at the
reception and later with
their haul of certificates
and trophies.
Library Update
The Old school room was full on 26th November to hear a number of speakers talking about the future of
Bottesford library. There was a strong feeling that the library should continue to provide a valuable service to
the Parish. The library will only remain open if it is run by a community group and a number of people
agreed to form a committee to explore how it can be run and financed. We aim to set up a web site and/or
Facebook page as well as provide regular updates for Village Voice to keep everyone informed.
If you want to join us or to know more about the community library email Susan Meech:
susanbmeech@gmail.co.uk or ring 843402.
4

SPOTLIGHT ON.The Vale of Belvoir Lions Club

In the run-up to Christmas, the Vale of Belvoir Lions Club was very
busy with the Bottesford Bonfire and Fireworks event, helping Santa
with his sleigh ride and the Boxing Day Duck Race. Many of us
have greatly enjoyed these events.
The Vale of Belvoir Lions Club was founded in 1979 and members
give their time to serve our community and fundraise for local,
national and international charities. Over the last 12 months they
raised over 25,000, which has been used to support local causes
such as Bottesford Youth Club, Pre-school, Friends of the Primary
School, and Bottesford FC. Whether community service or fund
raising, everything they do is down to the club members, and
friends and family, giving their time generously.
Did you know:
Any adult of any age can join.
There's no minimum amount of
time you need to be prepared to
give. Club members all have very
busy lives and what time they can
give is appreciated.
Although proud of its successes,
some club members move on and
the club is looking to grow and
strengthen its membership. They
would love more people to get
involved.
Lions is a great chance to give
something back, make friendships
and be part of something at the
heart of our community. For more
information call Warren on 07711984147, Matt on 07540935478, go
to www.voblions.org or talk to any of the Lions.
Normanton Community Group
This new community group, chaired by Bob Bayman with Karen Alfonso
as Secretary, Jim Mason as Treasurer and Alistair Raper handling
communications, was formed recently.
The group came together following an incident in September when a
parked car was hit at a speed in excess of 50mph. They have agreed a
plan, doubled the efforts on Community Speed Watch and secured some
funding from the Parish Council to help create a proper "threshold" to
the village.
In addition Britta Bayman has
designed some creative 'binstickers' to emphasise the
30mph speed limit.
The
stickers, costing 5 for two, are
already in use and residents say
they have had an immediate
effect. They are available to
any individual across the Parish
who feels there is a speeding problem close to where they live. Any
profits will go towards the running of the group. Contact Britta on
chocobrit@hotmail.com if you want to purchase a set or email
normantoncommunitygroup@gmail.com for any further information.
5

TEL: 01949 845181

Whats On in January...
Sun 4th 10.30am

St Mary's Church. Epiphany Family Service

th

Thurs 8 7.30pm

Local History Society. 'The Mystery of Edmund Roos'

Neil Fortey. Fuller Rooms.

Tues 13th 1.30pm

U3A AGM, followed at 2pm by 'Sharing Interests'. VC Hall

VoB Ramblers from Bottesford, 7 miles. Loop to Muston
and back via Beacon Hill. Day walk. Contact 01949
836042.
East Midland Orchid Society, VC Hall. Flora in Corsica,
speaker John Pierre Ferrari. Non-members welcome.
Plants for sale. Hon Sec Mrs Kim Pask 01636 701311

Sun 18th 10am

Sun 18th 2.30pm

Sun 18th 6.30pm

St Mary's Church. Sunday Praise (informal band led service)

Mon 19th 7.15pm

Parish Council meeting. The Old School. Residents are

welcome as observers. Date subject to change; check
with notice board.

Tues 20th 7.30pm

W.I. Members' Night. VC Hall. Contact Marian Orr 843629

Sun 25 10am

VoB Ramblers West Leake, Notts, 6 miles. Gentle climb

up to West Leake Hills. Good tracks and views. Morning
walk.

Weds 28th
2pm - 3pm

Police Team Beat Surgery. Zaros Coffee Shop, Queen

Street. Come along and have a chat to your Local Police
Beat Team about what matters in your Community.

th

And in February..
Sun 1st 10am

VoB Ramblers. Southwell, Notts. 10.5 miles. Day walk. SE

to the Trent at Fiskerton and back around racecourse.

Sun 1st 10.30am

St Mary's Church. Candlemas Family Service.

Tues 10th 2pm

Parish Council meeting. The Old School. Residents are

welcome as observers. Date subject to change; check
with notice board.
U3A 'Palace Theatre Newark' Speaker Geoffrey
Foulds. VC Hall

Thurs 12th 7.30pm

Local History Society. 'Reading Between the Lines: Stories

from Parish Registers' Valerie Henstock. Fuller Rooms.

Sun 15th 2.30pm

East Midland Orchid Society VC Hall. Orchids of the USA'

- Philip Seaton. Non-members welcome.

Sun 15th 6.30pm

St Mary's Church. Sunday Praise service led by Christian

Motorcyclists Association.

Tues 17th 7pm

W.I. Annual Meeting. VC Hall.

Weds 18th 10am

VoB Ramblers. Harby, Leics. 6 miles. Morning walk.

Pleasant villages and along canal, optional pub lunch.

Weds 18th 7.30pm

St Mary's Church. Ash Wednesday Service

Weds 25th 2pm 3pm

Police Team Beat Surgery. Zaros Coffee Shop, Queen

Street. Come along and have a chat to your Local Police
Beat Team about what matters in your Community.

Mon 9th 7.15pm

Bible Study Group

This group will be discussing the Book of Job at Bottesford Methodist
Church on Wednesday afternoons, 2-3pm, from January 7th to February
11th. Rev. Ian Mason will lead the sessions. Everyone is welcome.
Important: To publicise your event in the Whats On column for March or April, please
email t.taffs@btinternet.com, or ring 844823, by 20 th January.

What's new at the Village Hall ....

Creation Station (crafty bits for toddlers - Friday pm)
More French and Italian classes
Yoga (Monday pm)
'Insanity' fitness classes (Monday evening)
BT Wifi
For detail of whats on visit www.vchall.org.uk, check our noticeboards,
or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Some Tuesday evenings are
available for ad hoc meetings or events. Contact Mim on 07775 753866.
20 years ago in the Grantham Journal
In 1994, Noel Carolan won a Garden News Award that honoured those
who have made outstanding contributions to their gardening clubs or
societies countrywide. Ten years later he was nominated for the
Grantham Journal New Year Honours List. He received a medal and
citation stating his commitment to the Gardens Association.
'Something fishy' at Bottesford VC Hall 14 Mar 2015 at 19:30
Actor-playwright Ginny Davis (www.ginnydavis.com) returns with
another installment in the Ruth Rich saga. Never far from the flood of
chaos created by family and friends, mother of teenagers, Ruth Rich,
relates a hilarious and satirical tale of the unexpected. Ginny has earned
her reputation for delivering witty reflections on family life.
Tickets (8) are available from the SPAR, Zaros, and Gill on 842868
and perry_gill@hotmail.com
New book - Angels and Dragons Faces at St Marys church,
Bottesford.
This book takes us on a photographic tour of the art in the church and
tells some of their stories. Angels and Dragons has been created by
Bottesford Community Heritage Project, who will donate profits to the
Friends of St Marys. Thanks to John, the churchwardens and Laura from
the Parish office for their patience, help and encouragement. The book,
by local authors Neil Fortey and Robert Sparham, is on sale at the church
bookstall, Bottesford Library and the SPAR.
Belvoir High School has recently hosted a round of the Rotary Young
Chef of the Year. Nine eager and talented competitors had just 2 hours
to prepare, cook and serve a healthy two course meal. Lucy Towle was
the winner with Bryony Marshall of Bottesford a worthy runner up.
The Good Neighbour Scheme recently completed its 300th job. The
GNS also held a second successful film afternoon run in
conjunction with the Parish Council. It is hoped to run
these free events monthly. Look out for posters for the
next event on Wednesday 20th January at 2pm in the Old
School. If you would like to use the scheme or volunteer
to help please contact us on 07849 311740.
Dog Wardens
The Parish Council has tried to get people to pick up after their animals
but still some people look the other way. If you are interested in being
trained as a Dog Warden or want to learn more please contact: Anne on
842259 or Lynn on lyndyhorse@yahoo.co.uk
Ghosts and Ghouls Appear in Normanton On Halloween evening,
several very excited children donned their Halloween outfits and ventured
out into the dark. The annual Halloween trick or treat party, quite a tradition in the village, was a great success. Thank you to everyone, especially
Katherine, James, Sam and Jack for hosting the tea-party.
7

Neil Smith & Dad

Plumbing & Heating

Bottesford Girls Football

Bottesford FC is hoping to expand its thriving girls football section and
is urging junior girls from the area to join them.
This season the girls under 10 age group has joined the Leicester City
and County Girls league and the club is now looking to create a group of
girls from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 to take part in weekly training on
Sunday mornings 10am - 11am. Interested? Text or call Matt Burton on
07540 935478 or Steve Ryan on 07809 493835
Guides Reunion
On a wet and dark night in November things were stirring in the Scout
and Guide Centre. Grown-up Guides, with present and past leaders,
were having a trip down memory lane. The defining phrase was can
you remember when
It is never too late to join Girl Guiding as an adult, you dont have to
have been a Guide. All the Bottesford units give fantastic opportunities
and occasional help with a particular activity, some admin, a bit of PR or
a leadership role is always appreciated.
There are also some vacancies for our girls and young women in
Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section.
Visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested to find out more or contact the
District Commissioner Adelle Glossop on 01476 870548 or talk to any
leader.
Pre-school
One of the favourite books at
Pre-school is You Choose by
Nick Sharratt.
With constant use by the
children it had become the
worse for wear, so with money
donated by Village Voice they
have bought a new copy, along
with a copy of Nick Sharratts
new book Just Imagine.
Goodbye Dilys
Dilys Shepherd, who has been with VV since we started 12 years ago,
has resigned from the committee although she will continue to help
with editing. Dilys has contributed a great deal to the continuing success
of this newsletter and we want to thank her for all her dedication and
hard work.
Village Voice Contacts
Advertising: Email vvadverts@hotmail.com or phone 842141
Editorial: Susan Meech on 843402
Deadline for March/April Edition (Issue 76): 20th January.
E-mail: vv@bottesford.org.uk
Facebook: Village Voice, Bottesford
Website: www.villagevoice.bottesford.org.uk includes our Extras page.
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.

For all domestic & light

commercial work
07976219989 01949 842145
www.neilsmithplumbing.co.uk
Gas safe registered