Issue No.

60 July/August 2012

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

Gala Day - 2012

May Queen Joy Silverwood with Attendants India Daly and Katie Deacock
(Photo courtesy Kathryn Hinsliff-Smith)

Between the Showers! Gala Pictures courtesy of Mark Pugh Photography

Eastwood Marching Band

VoB Lions versus Guests Tug-of-War

Maypole Dancers

Gala fun for the village

Bottesford Gala made a welcome return on May Bank Holiday with around 2,000 people joining in the fun. After months of careful planning by the Gala Committee, and with the notable assistance of the Vale of Belvoir Lions Club in preparing the Village Hall field, not even the typical Bank Holiday weather could dampen peoples spirits with main arena events such as maypole dancing and a tug-ofwar competition being well supported. Other highlights of the day included a number of dance shows from local groups, including Lisa Murrays School of Dance, Ann Gibbonss Dance School, and Caroline McManus Irish School of Dance - plus the ever popular family dog show.

Family Dog Show results: Reserve Best in Show and Best Veteran: Gwen, 15 years old, owned by
Sheena Berridge.

The Best in Show Dog and Prettiest Girl: Dizzy, owned by Mick Gilbert.
The crowds were treated to the Eastwood Marching Band who led the May Queen parade to open the event. The Lions, busy on the barbeque all day, also found time to retain their unbeaten record in the tug-of-war until the children at the event were invited to take them on and duly won an easy victory! Visitors were well catered for with stalls inside and out, a bar, a barbecue and other attractions such as Punch and Judy, inflatables, a mini train and pony rides. The event was a resounding success, made possible by the contribution of the Gala Committee, a small number of volunteers from across the village who work extremely hard behind the scenes so the day passes off without a hitch. Despite advertising for more people to get involved numbers on the Committee are still low, so they have taken the difficult decision to run the Gala every second year. Therefore we can look forward to another fantastic Gala day in two years time, no doubt bigger and better than ever!

Exhibition Success -A Moment In Time

Ted and Kathleen Rayson presented their exhibition 60 years in photography in the Fuller Rooms at the beginning of May. Jim Vickrage of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance performed the official opening of this well supported venture. Images of 1951 Festival of Britain up to the present day featured in the displays, including many photos of Bottesford people, places and events. In the competitions framed prints were won by P Sutton and Basil Knight, and Name the bear was won by Samantha Atkinson. In addition many prizes were won on the air ambulance tombola stall. Ted and Kathleen want to thank all the helpers, especially Pauline Taylor who supplied all the scrumptious goodies on the refreshment tables. Equipment was kindly loaned by Bottesford Church, Bingham Heritage Group, and John E Wright Ltd of Nottingham. Friends of Chernobyl Children and the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance will receive donations from the proceeds of the exhibition. New Perspectives put on an excellent show in the village hall in April. The performers were remarkable and the show used fascinating technological effects. The apiarist from Belton House had a stall in the hall to both sell honey and to talk about the delights of keeping bees.
Photo - Norman Robinson

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The show was organized by volunteers and the Village Hall committee would like to say a big thank you to all who helped on the night. It is hoped to have more shows in the autumn and winter - watch out for news in Village Voice.

Ken Greasley Memorial Seat

A new bench has been put on the corner of Rectory Lane with kind permission of the Clay Pigeon Company from where Ken ran his building company and developed all the units there today. The picture shows his wife Mrs. Eunice Greasley and long time friend Mr. Bill Sutton who was best man at their wedding.

The Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of The Vale of Belvoir has had a busy few months, and in early May it celebrated its birthday 22 years since it was first formed. The Club continues to operate its Community Fund and so far this year has made donations to eight different local individuals and organisations. This fund is open to local people to apply to for support and more information can be found on the Clubs website www.valeofbelvoirrotary.org.uk

Village Appraisal 2002 and Neighbourhood Plan 2012

The Bottesford village appraisal report ( www.scribd.com/doc/94436300/VillageAppraisal ) was published in 2002 after two years of hard work by a team of local volunteers. The appraisal looked at key areas of village life using questionnaires that were delivered to every door. If you would like to help the council produce its Neighbourhood Plan for the Future of Bottesford, please contact B. Taylor on bottesfordpc@tiscali.co.uk or on 843611. For more information go to www.planningportal.gov.uk/inyourarea/ neighbourhood .

Lions Presentation Evening in April

The Vale of Belvoir Lions has been working hard in the community over the last 12 months, raising money for charity. They currently have 26 dedicated members who together, plan and host a variety of events throughout the year. To find out more about their work visit http://www.voblions.org.uk Pictured here at the recent presentation to local charities: (left - right) Chris Gatfield (Dove Cottage), Carl Ebrey (L.I.V.E.S), Lion President John Ronan, Brian Hanbury (Grantham Food Bank), Carolin Rossin (Rainbows Childrens Hospice), Andy Elliott (Cystic Fibrosis), Maggie Falconer (When You Wish Upon A Star).

Thirty Years Ago:

Dirty Washing at the Parish Council Meeting! In February 1982 the Grantham Journal reported on a situation that had vexed Bottesford householders for several months, when housewives aired their dirty washing at a meeting of Bottesford Parish Council. To reinforce the Councils fight for an improved water supply to the area, stained sheets and towels came out of bags. WJ Roberts (Parish Council chairman) added that the water did not go too well in his whisky either. Severn Trent Water Authority officials saw that iron and manganese in the water supply brought the washing up a sparkling brown. No mines for the Vale of Belvoir After a three-month enquiry at Stoke Rochford, Michael Heseltine, Secretary of State for the Environment turned down NCB plans to sink a mine in the Vale of Belvoir in 1982. A coal mine in the Vale was first proposed in 1976 and the plans provoked enormous opposition from villages throughout the Vale.

Music in St. Marys

The glorious sound of Hatfield Colliery Band filled St Mary's Church for a fundraising concert on 19th May. Although a technical hitch with the sat-nav meant the band's bus arrived at the church with just minutes to spare, the musicians quickly settled into their programme! The music included a real mix of styles everything from Twelfth Street Rag to the Londonderry Air - and included solos and duets. The concert, organised by the Friends of St Mary's, attracted about 150 Ted Rayson people, and was a great social and financial success. Friends is a charity whose purpose includes the preservation, beautification and upkeep of the church and churchyard. Annual membership, for a modest fee, entitles members to a discount on the cost of events organised by Friends. If you would like to be a member, please contact the secretary, Malcolm Owen, on 843113.

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The 2012 Olympics

Do you have any connection to the 2012 Olympics? If any residents of Bottesford, Muston, Easthorpe or Normanton are competing in events or have tickets, or were involved in the building of any of the venues or the running of the games, please let Village Voice know. One person volunteering at the Olympic Park said, I am so excited to be part of this once in a lifetime event, even though it means I will be getting up at 4am to start my shifts and another resident told us, I have synchronised swimming tickets and am really looking forward to seeing some world class performances. Send your stories to vv@bottesford.org.uk

Helicopter parks up for the night

Residents of Normanton were treated to an unusual overnight visitor recently. Belvoir Castle had arranged a weekend of helicopter pleasure flights and the pilot and ground crew were booked into Richard Hopkinss B+B in Normanton. After a days flying, they headed towards Normanton to check-in at the B+B and residents were treated to the helicopter making a low pass over the village before a perfect landing in the field opposite. Anyone travelling through the village would have spotted a parked-up helicopter rather than the usual cars and tractors. It beats driving!

Bottesford Senior Section Guides Fundraising Events

Casino Night & Auction of Promises
On 6th July with help from the Vale of Belvoir Lions, there will be a Casino Night and Auction of Promises at Belvoir High School. Tickets will be 7, including food. Look out for posters with full details. Anyone who can offer 'Promises' to auction please contact Teresa Patchett on 07815 712110.

Village Garage/Yard Sale Trail

On the 18th August from 1pm to 4pm there will be a Table Top sale in the Scout Hut and a Garage/Yard Sale trail. Any Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston and Normanton residents who would like to hold a sale in their Garage/Yard can pay 3 to register and will be included in a trail map. For more details, to register a sale, or if you wish to donate items which the Guides can sell, contact Teresa on 07815 712110. All events are to raise funds to take a group of Senior Guides and leaders to Uganda in 2013 to help build a Scout/Guide centre and undertake community work.

SPOTLIGHT ON.
The Suttons - Four Generations of Cricketers
Bill Sutton (senior) was a playing member of Bottesford Cricket Club after his war service in WW1. No details of his playing career exist, only that he was a bowler. In 1946, aged 18, Bill Sutton (Junior) started playing for the Club as wicket keeper. In that position, he played for the 2nd XI and eventually the 1st XI. After a long career behind the stumps, Bill eventually became umpire for Bottesfords 2nd XI. As Bottesfords official representative on the panel of South Notts Gunn & Moore League, he visited many Nottinghamshire clubs as a neutral umpire. Bill was awarded Honorary Life membership of the Cricket Club and became Clubman of the Year in 2004. Godfrey Sutton, Bills son, started playing for Bottesfords 2nd XI at the age of 17 and now plays for the 1st XI alongside his son Glenn. In addition, Godfrey coached Under-11s Kwik Cricket and encouraged young players. Glenn was 15 when he first played for the Club and now plays for the 1st XI as an all-rounder. Glenns best bowling performance was 7 wickets for 8 runs in 11 balls and he achieved his maiden century in 2008. Initially, cricket clubs had their own Kit Bag containing pads, bats, balls, wicketkeeping gloves, batting gloves, etc. Cricketers would wear whites and bring a pair of boots. Now players have their own personal Kit Bag containing the relevant gear to play present-day cricket. HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED!
Back row Bill Sutton (umpire) and 3rd left Godfrey Sutton. Front row far right, Glenn Sutton. Photo courtesy of Mr and Mrs W Sutton

Primary School Sponsored Skipping Event for the British Heart Foundation
The primary school recently held a British Heart Foundation Jump Off event. The day was a great success and raised a f a n t a s t i c 1492.50!

Look out for the Community Centre Autumn Programme.

Whats On in July...
Bottesford Methodist Friendship Group. The Chapel schoolroom, Devon Lane. Judith Wells, The Day in the Life of a Lay Thur 5 2.30pm Reader. Refreshments served and all are welcome. Further details from Glenys Bradshaw 01949 842893. th Fri 6 7 pm for 7.30 Casino Night & Auction of Promises in the Scout Hut on Albert Street in aid of funding Guides Camping, with help from VoB Lions. (No bingo in Aug) Tickets 7 incl food. U3A Summer Tea Party. VC Hall. Tues 10th 2pm 1st & 3rd Wednesday Lite-Bite Lunch Group is held at the Methodist school room from of each month 12noon to 1pm. Everyone is welcome. Health Walk, meet in Walford Cl. Walk along Viking Way near th Weds 11 12.45pm Woolsthorpe. Contact: Sue Dunsmore 843280 Parish Council meeting. Fuller Rooms. Residents are welcome as observers and for 15 minutes at the start may address the council Mon 16th 7.15pm with concerns or questions. W.I. 'Trekking Kilimanjaro & Everest Base Camp'. Speaker th Tues 17 7.30pm Mrs C Kirk. VC Hall VoB Ramblers, Calverton, 5 miles. Leisurely walk, plus a bit of hisWeds 18th 7pm tory.Contact Jan 0115 9825600 Methodist Friendship Group, Church Schoolroom. Speaker, John Thurs 19th 2.30pm Ronan - 'The work of the Belvoir Lions'. Everyone welcome. Refreshments. Details Glenys Bradshaw, 842893. W.I. Walk to be arranged. Tues 24th
th

And in August..
VoB Ramblers. Car Colston, Notts. 3 mile stroll to Screveton across fields. Contact Jan 0115 9825600 Methodist Friendship Group, Church Schoolroom. Sugar Craft will Thurs 2nd 2.30pm be demonstrated by Barbara Carney. Refreshments served. For more details: Glenys Bradshaw, 842893. Dove Cottage, BBQ and Open Gardens. Fri 3rd 6.30 9.00pm Tickets 8, accompanied children free. Tickets from shop or phone 860303 Health Walk (meet in Walford Close). River Witham. All welcome. Weds 8th 12.45pm Parish Council meeting. Fuller Rooms. Residents are welcome as observers and for 15 minutes at the start may address the council Mon 13th 7.15pm with concerns or questions. Methodist Friendship Group. Chapel schoolroom, 'Pick 'n' Mix' Speaker Revd Tony Pick. All welcome, refreshments served. ConThurs 16th 2.30pm tact Glenys Bradshaw 842893. th VoB Ramblers. Dovedale. 12 miles. Rivers Manifold & Hamps. Sat 18 10am Weds 1st Evening Sat 18th 1pm 4pm Sun 19th Meet 9am, 11am dep. Tues 21st Thurs 30 2.30pm
th

Scout Hut Albert St. Table Top Sale. Also Village Garage/Yard Sale. Details, Teresa Patchett 07815 712110. Bikers' 11th Air Ambulance Charity Run to Skegness FC. All bikes, trikes, etc welcome, 5 entry. Start Red Lion. Info ring Alby 07762242309 or John Bartlett 01780 762531. W.I. Outing Methodist Friendship Group. Contact Glenys Bradshaw 842893.

Important: To publicise your event in the Whats On column for September or October, please ring 844823 or email t.taffs@btinternet.com by 25th July.

Summer Reading Challenge 2012 Story Lab

Children aged 4 12 years can go for bronze, silver and gold in an imaginative adventure at your local Library this Summer, linking with the Olympics, for the national 2012 Summer Reading Challenge, called Story Lab. http://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ from 7th July until 8th September. Sign up for FREE to read books throughout the summer and collect stickers. All children who read six books to complete the challenge will receive a certificate and medal just like a real Olympian! All those taking part in Story Lab are entitled to free admission to Snibston and Bosworth Battlefield (one child per paying adult). For more information about Story Lab call in at your local Library, or contact Melton Library on 0116 305 3646 or visit the website www.leics.gov.uk/storylab for more details.

The Parish Council now has a Facebook page, so like them and you will keep up to date with all newsfeeds. Would you like to make a positive difference to our community? If so, they are looking to co-opt two new Councillors onto the Parish Council. If you are interested, please contact Barbara Taylor on bottesfordpc@tiscali.co.uk or telephone 01949 843611. To sign up to the Councils newsletter go to http://bottesford.leicestershireparishcouncils.org/

Parish Council Notes

Bottesford and District W.I.

Following the successful Fashion Show last year, the W.I. will be holding another on Tuesday 25th September in the Bottesford Village Hall. Doors open at 7pm. for a 7.30pm. start. Tickets, which are now on sale, either from Margaret on 842257 or 07891778732, or Sophie Kitson Hair Studio on Queen Street, are 5 each, including wine or fruit punch. Proceeds to Bottesford and District W.I.

Proposed Bus Time Changes

On 17th May there was a meeting in Harby Village Hall for anyone wanting to know more about the proposed changes to bus times and routes for the 23, 24 and 25 services, soon to be known as the 42 and 43. The Hall was full to overflowing with people who were very worried about not being able to get to work on time, and not being able to get back home at night. If you have any views, comments or worries about the proposed changes to the bus routes and times contact Public Transport Policy (Room 700), Leicestershire County Council, Have your Say, FREEPOST NAT18685, Leicester, LE3 8XT, or call 0116 305 0002 by the 9th July, 2012 or email: publictransportpolicy@leics.gov.uk

Christian Aid House-to-House Collection 2012

Thank you to all the generous people in Bottesford and Normanton who emptied their purses and wallets and piggy banks for this important charity. 2,000 was raised (30% more than in 2011), which will go directly to projects run by Christian Aid Partners in the developing world. Unfortunately, because of shortage of collectors, we were unable to cover every area of the village. So.. next May, if you would like to join us, contact M. Owen on 843113.

It Will Never Happen To Us...

We had the unfortunate experience of being burgled on May Day Bank holiday evening. We came home after a couple of hours out, to see the outline of someone in our lounge - he had a torch and that was what we saw flickering. He had forced his way in through a downstairs window, and gone out through the conservatory window when we opened the front door. Whilst every room in the house had been disturbed, we were fortunate that the only thing taken was cash. He had even been in the tea caddy and biscuit barrel! We now realise how complacent we had become - we hadn't closed curtains, put lights on (it was light when we left); security lights were off, alarm not set; but seemingly we are not alone - everyone I have spoken to since has admitted to being lax with their security at times. The shock was indescribable - realising someone was in our house, followed by the feeling of violation and disbelief about what had happened. Dont let it happen to you. Re-assuringly, Leicestershire Police have been very supportive throughout.

A Bottesford Resident

Police Office Opening Hours

The Wednesday opening hours of the police office at the High School, are changing from 6 - 8 pm to 4 - 6 pm.

New Neighbourhood Watch Area Coordinator

Pam Beacon is taking up the position of Area Co-ordinator for Bottesford East (Grantham Road to the east of the bridge over the river Devon, Fleming Avenue, Vaughan Avenue, Easthorpe View, Castle Close and Walkers Close). She can be contacted on 843472. If anyone would like to cover Easthorpe, please contact: JohnS@BottesfordParishNHW.org.uk

Darts Pairs Winners

Helen Baker and Janet Kyle are the winners of the Nottinghamshire Federation of Womens Institutes Darts Pairs competition. This is the third time they have won this trophy for Bottesford, which is competed for by W.I. pairs from all over the County. In addition, members of Bottesford W.I. compete for a local shield where all twelve of the darts team members play against each other at the end of the season, and this was won by Glenys Claricoats, for the second year running.

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Skatepark May Have To Close

As you know, the Skatepark is very popular with all ages of children, but after seven years the Management Team is now down to only two volunteers who reluctantly, but due to other commitments, will no longer be able to give enough time to keep the Skatepark running. They do not want to see the Skatepark close but without commitment from more volunteers they dont see how they can influence the Parish Council to come up with more funding and help with the necessary maintenance of the Park to keep it safe to use. It doesnt matter if you are a Mum or Dad, or an older user, and it is not a huge commitment on your time. If they could get four or five people together for a few hours a month that would be great, and assistance will be provided to get you up and running. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to see this great amenity continuing then please contact Russ on: bottesfordsk8park@tiscali.co.uk

Rower Claims Double Gold for Britain

16 year old Callum Jones, a former pupil at Belvoir High School, has recently returned from Germany where he represented Great Britain in the Munich International Junior Regatta. Rowing on the 1972 Olympic course, Callum took part in four races and was in a winning boat three times. The highlights were winning the gold medal in the coxless fours in the morning and then winning gold again in a pairs event in the afternoon. Callum has a busy summer ahead of him with several regattas and the National Schools Championships, followed by a series of trials to retain his seat in the GB squad for the World Championships. Well done Callum! Village Voice Contacts
Advertising: Anne Ablewhite on 842259 Editorial: Dilys Shepherd on 843505 or Susan Meech on 843402 Deadline for September/October Edition (Issue 61): 20th July. E-mail: vv@bottesford.org.uk or 12 The Paddocks, Bottesford, NG13 0BD To view in colour see our website: www.villagevoice.bottesford.org.uk 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.