Professional Documents
Culture Documents
42
Village Voice
July-Aug 2009 The newsletter of Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston & Normanton
© Ted Rayson
Winners in the 13 to 17 years category, left to right: Emily Smith, Emily Griffith, Ellie
Ktenas, Bryony Hoare, Roanna Doleman. They have all won a place in the Rosie
May Academy which is sponsored by the Rosie May Memorial Fund and gives local
talented young people the unique opportunity of attending monthly master classes
taught by professional choreographers and performers from London’s West End.
Both Emily Griffiths & Roanna Doleman live in Bottesford and went to the High School.
Bill Roberts 1916-
2009
William Joseph Roberts (Bill) was
born on a farm in Sutton-cum-
Granby. He went first to Granby
school, but was educated at Bottes-
ford Primary School from the age of
ten until he left at 14.
Bill was apprenticed, first to a Lan-
gar joiner, wheelwright, and funeral
director, and then with a major
joinery firm in Nottingham. He cy-
cled the 15 miles there and back
every day for five years and was
late only once – showing the deter-
mination that was to serve him all
his life.
He did well, and after five years
started his own business in one of
his father’s farm buildings. The bi-
cycle was replaced by a motorbike and sidecar, converted to carry tools and
timber.
In the late 1930s he took on his first employees, a skilled joiner plus an ap-
prentice. By 1940, Bill had a van, and moved the business to Bottesford. This
was the beginning - at its peak, W.J. Roberts employed 550 people.
The firm built Belvoir High School, Grantham Crematorium, numerous petrol
stations, council houses, individual homes, and carried out work for the large
estates.
Bill himself was a skilled welder, wheelwright and blacksmith, renowned for his
physical strength. Standing 6ft 2ins tall, he was easily able to swing his favour-
ite hooping hammer for five minutes - all 21lbs of it.
Bill conducted his first funeral just before he left Sutton – building a scaffolding
tower to remove the 24-stone deceased man through a bedroom window. Just
over ten years ago, one of his last funerals was that of the Duke of Rutland. He
was proud of his funeral business, which is now managed by his daughter-in-
law Marion.
Bill and his wife, Joan, who died two years ago, had three sons – Kenneth,
Barry and Keith – six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
He served on Bottesford Parish Council for 41 years, many as chairman, and
was a founder member of the Belvoir Lions, hosting their village bonfire for
many years. He worshipped at the village Methodist Church, close to his home.
He died peacefully at home on Easter Day, having attended morning service,
and enjoyed lunch with his family.
Belvoir High
School has no fur-
ther need of its
‘mobiles’, so they
depart from
Bottesford…..
Photo
© David Middleton
Looking for something to entertain the children
this summer? Look no further!
1. Bottesford – The Jitty. Adam McGlone, Youth Development Worker for the
Vale of Belvoir, has a host of activities planned for the summer months including
ice skating, Tamworth Snowdome, a Babysitting course, Drayton Manor, and a
trip to Butlins. Their website has all the latest details and activity consent forms
www.thejitty.com/bottesfordyouthclub.html
2. The Earlesfield Youth Centre, Grantham offers opportunities for golf,
graffiti art, a climbing wall, 10 pin bowling, First Aid and Food Hygiene certificates
Ian Brookes – and more. These activities are open to those living outside Grantham and all
activities are free. Contact Cherry Sheppard to request an application form or fur-
BELVOIR CARPETS
ther information, on 01476 578866 or email: cherry.sheppard@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Bottesford
3. Quest Seekers – join the adventure at Bottesford Library!
Supplier and Fitter of all flooring
Quest Seekers is a fun and exciting reading challenge for children aged 4 – 12
years. From 4th July children pick up a free Quest Seekers membership card and
Telephone 01949 842770 fold-out poster. Quest Seekers will be challenged to find a golden book. To com-
Mobile 07976 433096 plete the challenge children will read books and collect stickers throughout the
summer and be rewarded with a certificate. Children under four can join in their
own version of Quest Seekers by visiting their local library and collecting stickers
for a special Bookcrawl Quest Seekers certificate.
For more information call in at the library or go to www.leics.gov.uk/questseekers
Memory Lane..
(Courtesy of The Grantham Journal)
Victorian Gala event in 1969.
Joy Simpson with village children.
Perhaps you know their names.
Lara House
Lara House has told Village Voice that its “OFSTED inspection in April went well,
with the nursery graded as ‘Good’ against all aspects. This reflects the commit-
ment of the management and staff at Lara House to provide high quality childcare
for the local community”. A copy of the report is on the OFSTED website, or you
can call the nursery on 843433.
there are currently vacancies for new members. For forthcoming events,
please look at the outside chalk boards or
The Society was started by Joy Simpson, Gerry Bean, W.H. Ogilvy and oth- contact us on 01949 843031
ers in the early 70s and was chaired by Ron White until his death in 2004.
Everyone is free to view or buy paintings when they are displayed for the
Annual Exhibition at the Methodist Chapel in May, and in November at the
Fuller Room.
For further information contact the Chairman Eddie Lilley on 861409 or
edlill@hotmail.co.uk.
Back Row: Michael Fowler, Cob George, Wendy Bartop, Nancy McIvor,
John Rea, Beryl Smith, Eddie Lilley (Chairman), Brian Widdowson.
Front Row: Jill Bagnal, Margaret Hayward, Julia Fowler, Christine Ephgrave.
And in August...
Thurs 6th 2.30pm Women's Fellowship. Afternoon at a member's home - ring
Glenys Bradshaw (Sec) 01949 842893 for details.
Fri 7th 10 to Wriggly Readers at Bottesford Library.
10.30am Babes to young children; songs, rhymes, stories.
Fri 7th 6.30 – Dove Cottage, BBQ and Open Gardens - buy your tickets in
9.00pm advance nearer the event - phone 860303
Mon 10th 7.15pm Parish Council meeting. Fuller Rooms. Residents welcome as
observers and for 15 minutes at the start may address the
council with concerns or questions.
Tues 11th U3A Summer Outing
th
Weds 12 6pm VoB Ramblers. Granby. 5 miles stroll ending at pub. Call Jan
(0115 9825600)
Tues 18th 7.30pm WI Outing (to be arranged)
Thurs 20th 2.30pm Bottesford Methodist Church, Devon Lane. Women's
Fellowship - Games Afternoon
Sun 23rd 2.00 - The Homestead, Normanton. Heliotrope Open Day for
5pm our National Collection. Admission by donation to
Plant Heritage. Tea and biscuits.
Weds 26th 1.30pm Dove Cottage. Sale of underwear, bedwear, clothing
Letters
Dear readers,
Through the Village Voice I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to the lovely
people of Bottesford, and especially to Roy and Hazel Rogers, for all the kindness
they showed me after my recent unfortunate accident. I was one of the bikers
who congregated in the village prior to the Charity Easter Egg Run. Regrettably
for me, I stumbled getting off my bike which resulted in a torn ligament in my left
thigh and a suspected hairline fracture of my femur!
It’s good to know that there are some kind and generous people left in the world!
Many thanks…. Jo (hopalong), and Dave Hammond.
Dear readers,
Many thanks to all those who donated during Christian Aid Week in May. A total
of £1121.58 was raised.
Helen Dixon SOAL GLASS & WINDOWS
Now they want bigger turbines Quality PVCU Doors,
Windows & Conservatories
Developer Ridgewind has chosen to increase the size of the proposed wind tur- All your Glass and Glazing requirements
Sealed Unit Manufacturer
bines from 70m to 82m(269ft), giving an increase in blade sweep area of over Plate Glass Specialist
35%. This will increase the overall height to blade tip from 95m to 100m (328ft). 3 Church Street , off Market Place
Further information is on www.blot-online.org Bingham
If readers are unhappy about any aspect of the proposed changes they should Tel 01949 831037
send their comments to Mrs K McMahon at the planning department of Melton OR 07887 655453 Emergency number
Congratulations to Lee Fazackerley and Jason McAteer who, in their first season
as managers of the Bottesford Senior Reserves, took the team to first place in the
Grantham and District Division One league. The team also won the Benevolent
Cup and the Junior Cup. What a fantastic result – 3 trophies in one season.
The club wishes to congratulate and thank all players and managers for their
efforts. A special mention goes to long serving managers Paul Skerritt, Dave
Sewell and Simon Harrison who are all taking a break next season and whose
hard work and commitment over the past few years is appreciated.
The Football Club is always looking for extra help and new players and if you are
interested in joining the club in either capacity you will be made very welcome.
Please contact Bud Hart 843391 or Dan Gribby 843858.
And finally - back to the Fun Run
Village Voice
Contact information
Advertising:
Anne Ablewhite on 842259
Editorial:
Dilys Shepherd on 843505 or
Susan Meech on 843402
Deadline for Issue 43: 26th July
www.villagevoice.bottesford.org.uk
E mail: vv@bottesford.org.uk
Or: 12 The Paddocks, Bottesford