Issue No.

42
Village Voice
July-Aug 2009 The newsletter of Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston & Normanton

The smiles that warmed the

day...

Ebony Holt, May Queen Emma Whewell, ©Ted

Rayson
& Alice Redfern with
Lion President Richard Taylor

Callum Jones being presented

with the Fun Run Winner’s Trophy
by Anne Ablewhite, representing
Friends of Chernobyl’s Children.

...just the time for a nice cup of tea!

 The May Day Gala
Despite poor weather, over 2,000 people thoroughly enjoyed the activities and
events, including decorated bicycles, the family fun dog show, Quad bikes, and a
candyfloss stall.
The Gala committee provided a great community event, from which local charities
and organisations could benefit. The Vale of Belvoir Lions, community volunteers
and local organisations give their grateful thanks to everyone who helped make the
day a success.
What’s planned for the 2010 Gala? The committee, who meet seven times a year,
L R Mees Ltd is keen for representatives from local charities and organisations to join them. This
Call us for all your electrical needs will ensure that this much loved village tradition continues to go from strength to
Service sales and electrical
strength! Contact Kathryn Hinsliff-Smith on 842333 to find out more.
Engineers
Established 37 years
Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (FOCC)
5 Market Street 3 Shopping Centre
Bingham, Notts Cotgrave, Notts
After the FOCC Fun Run on 3rd May, refreshments were handed out by the Host
01949 838597 0115 9892312 Families. Yvonne Geach was also on hand to give a massage to tired and weary
legs. A big “Thank you” to the marshals for giving their time to keep the runners
safe on the roads. At the Gala on the following day, FOCC sold cakes, plants, books
- and warm mulled wine to keep the chill out! All the Host Families helped out and
were thrilled to have raised nearly £500.00 over the week-end.
Runners, please note. There are three uncollected medals: Louise Allen, Dusty Dexter,
and Tala Dean. Phone Anne on 842259 to arrange collection.
After some last minute
glitches with Belarus and
UK paperwork, our Cher-
nobyl children arrived in
early June for a four-week
stay. Here they are at the
primary school with their
translator, enjoying their
new phrase books donated
by Village Voice.

© Ted Rayson

Dance for Rosie May 2009

Over 100 competitors aged from five to 17 from all over the county entered the
event, giving spectacular performances. A staggering £3,500 was raised for the
Rosie May Home for Tsunami Orphans in Sri Lanka, £1,000 more than last year!
Mary Storrie said "We were overwhelmed with the support and compassion on the
day. Five years on, this
was a significant anniver-
sary for us and we would
like to thank everyone in-
volved. The judges from
the West End found it ex-
tremely difficult to decide
on the winners as they
said the standard was so
very high.
They were very impressed
with the local talent."

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

Dove Cottage Café

Out and about in the Vale over the
summer? Don’t forget the newly
opened café at Dove Cottage which,
along with the charity shop, is open
daily throughout the summer between
11 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. (tearoom only
on Sundays). For more information
visit their website
www.dovecottage.copperstream.co.uk

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.

Baby it’s cold outside

The Baby Pack Project in Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa urgently needs help to
provide new-born to 3 month old babies with essential items such as spare good
quality babygros, cardigans, cloth nappies, nappy pins, plastic pants, baby socks,
hats and blankets, small towels, and soap. Items can be left at Sophie Kitson Hair
Studio at 10 Queen Street, or contact Debi Maskell Graham on 07967 549 487 or
debi@bigtoeslittletoes.org
For more information see www.bigtoeslittletoes.com
 SPOTLIGHT ON…

the Rutland Arms

Roger & Jenny give you a warm welcome
to the Rutland Arms

The Society is open to artists

Vale of Belvoir Art Society wishing to improve their ability
and exhibit their work for sale. It runs an annual programme which includes
regular practice using a variety of media, demonstrations, paint-alongs, and
“critics” nights for help and advice. Meetings are held in the Methodist
Happy hour, Golden years & the Meal deals
Chapel School Room, Devon Lane, Bottesford, on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm. In
the summer, members meet to draw and paint in local villages, always with Small conference facilities
a sense of fun, usually finishing in a local pub. The group is very friendly and All functions catered for

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.

When 13 year old

Callum Jones – Callum Jones won
all round athlete this year’s Fun Run
he may have been
and sportsman one of the youngest
winners but he certainly was not the least ex-
perienced! He has missed only one Bottesford
Fun Run in the last eleven years. His first ap-
pearance was in 1999 as a three-year old, with
his mum and dad, Sally and Mark (Pictured right).
Callum attends Belvoir High School and has rep-
resented the East Midlands at gymnastics; won
the schools area sports 800 metres twice; and
run for Leicestershire in the English School’s
Cross Country. As well as taking part in a junior
triathlon, he also goes snowboarding, ice skating,
trampolining and go-karting.
Callum's main interest is rowing. Within six weeks of trying the sport he was
British Champion at indoor rowing, later adding English and Welsh titles. Last
July he set a new World Record for 2 km indoor rowing for under-13 years, a
record which still stands. A member of Nottingham Rowing Club, Callum trains
4 or 5 times each week at Holme Pierrepont or on the River Trent. Rowing in
single, double, or coxed quad sculls, he has a number of notable victories
including two recently at National level.
What’s On in July...
VoB Ramblers Bottesford 3 miles evening stroll, contact Jan
Weds 1st 7pm
(0115 9825600)
Fri 3rd 10 to Wriggly Readers at Bottesford Library.
10.30am Babes to young children; songs, rhymes, stories.
Methodist Church (Schoolroom), Devon Lane. Women's
Thurs 9th 2.30pm
Fellowship. Speaker Rev. Lesley Taylor.
Cranmer Company of Singers & Chamber Orchestra,
th at Bingham Parish Church, in aid of the Gaza Crisis Appeal.
Sat 11 7.30pm
Tickets at £8.00, (£5.00 children/IS or JSA).
Phone 850364 (after 6.00pm) or 851030
Open Gardens at Croxton Kerrial: A dozen village gardens
Sun 12th 1pm to open in aid of Beating Bowel Cancer. There will be plant and
5pm produce stalls, & teas and coffees in the Vicarage Gardens.
Entry £4.00. Children under 16 free.
Parish Council meeting. Fuller Rooms. Residents welcome as
Mon 13th 7.15pm observers and for 15 minutes at the start may address the
council with concerns or questions.
Tues 21st 7.30pm W.I. Animal Artist – Ian Risely. VC Hall
Methodist Church (Schoolroom), Women's Fellowship.
Thurs 23rd
Speaker - Valerie Henstock (Historian),
2.30pm
'Burtons of Smithy Row.'

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

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

To publicise your event in the ‘What’s On’ column for September & October,
please ring 844823 or email d.taffs@btinternet.com by 30th July.
is running a First Aid at Work evening class in July at the
Belvoir First Aid Plough Inn, Stathern. Spaces are limited so make con-
tact without delay. The course is on Mondays 06, 13, 20, & 27 July and 03 August.
Free to members, a small fee is payable by non-members towards costs. The
charity is a member of the Association of First Aiders, and is Registered Charity num-
ber 1122209. For more details contact Martin Fagan, 860167, or check
www.belvoirfirstaid.org.uk. For course applications email clinical@belvoirfirstaid.org.uk
 More
May
Day
Gala
Pictures

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

Borough Council, or email kmcmahon@melton.gov.uk.

Keep fit and
have fun with
Karate
Bottesford Karate Club has
been in existence for over
10 years and club members
meet at the Bottesford VC
Hall every Friday evening
from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.
Traditional Japanese Ka-
rate, following a style
called Wado Ryu, is the
method taught at the club Steve Jessop receiving his 1st dan, with Graeme (3rd
and the environment is dan) on the left, and Billy Powell (4th dan), right.
friendly and welcoming.
Anyone considering starting is invited to go and watch a training session or join
in. The first lesson is free. Contact Graeme Waldren on 01476 577169.
Friends of Chernobyl Children
Sponsored Walk, Muston, 13th September. Starting and finishing at the Café. If
you would like a sponsorship form, contact a Host Family, or Anne on 842259.
Family Barn Dance, 19th September.
At the VC Hall, no baby sitter to pay, just fun for all the family. More details soon.
 Sports News
Billy Binch is Still Fighting On
Village Voice is following the career of local boxer Billy Binch, who trains at the
Bingham Boxing Club. Billy is now hoping for selection for the 2012 Olympics and
he trains every day in addition to working as an apprentice plumber.
Billy has already won 14 bouts and only lost 6. In 2002 he reached the quarter
finals of the Class C Cadets National Championship and in 2007 he became the
Senior Novice Champion in the Midland Counties.
In 2009 he entered the Senior ABA Championships where he beat T. Staples by
unanimous points. A third unanimous points decision was gained in Telford
where Billy boxed against E. Esscuman.

Triple Success for Local Team

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

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.
©Ted Rayson