Issue No.

46
Village Voice
The newsletter of Bottesford, Easthorpe, Muston & Normanton
March - April 2010

Bottesford C of E Primary School gets thumbs-up from Ofsted

As a result of a recent inspection on 26th/27th January 2010, Ofsted judged Bottesford Church of England
Primary School to be a GOOD school that provides a good quality of education and where the
OUTSTANDING spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is a particular strength.

Bottesford CE Primary Headteacher, Louise McGrory

Ofsted acknowledged that ‘pupils of all abilities and from all backgrounds, including those with additional needs, make
good overall progress.’ They recognised that ‘pupils are well prepared for the future as pupils have good attendance,
generally have high level of basic skills and good levels of confidence.’ Pastoral care is a particular strength and they
state that the school promotes community cohesion very well with some very strong elements. Mixed age provision and
teaching was also highlighted as particularly effective.
The school is very pleased with the outcomes which recognised and celebrated what they do well and confirmed areas
for further improvement. The headteacher Louise McGrory says the outcome of the report is a direct result of all mem-
bers of the school community working closely together: staff, children, governors and parents, and she would like to
thank everyone for their commitment and support.

Local residents make the most of the

January snow on our beautiful Beacon Hill
We have all had a bitterly cold winter and, unusually, a white Christ-
mas. Although this was an inconvenience to most of us at some
point, there was also an opportunity to take advantage of the big
freeze and have some fun for many members of our community!
Thanks go to Melton Borough Council and the Post Office for main-
taining an efficient refuse collection and postal service, and to the
Parish Council for keeping important pavements clear.
Spring is just around the corner!
 Folk music coming to the VC Hall
Internationally famous guitarist Reg Meuross will be performing, with Bethany
Porter, in the Village Hall on Saturday 17th April 7.30pm. Reg is a gifted song-
writer and singer, Bethany is a singer who also plays cello and ukulele.
The hall will be arranged ‘cabaret style’, so feel free to bring your own nibbles
and wine or purchase a bottle from the bar. Glasses will be provided. Tables will
be allocated on a 'first come first served' basis, so if you want to make sure you
can sit with your friends - come early.
Tickets £8 from the Deli and Spar shop, as well as Sue Middleton on 842215.

L R Mees Ltd “ Not forgetting…..”

Call us for all your electrical needs
Service sales and electrical Volunteers of the Bottesford Heritage Project are delighted with all the local sup-
Engineers port for this book which is on sale at Bottesford Library and the Spar Shop.
Established 37 years Meanwhile, the project’s website www.bottesfordhistory.org.uk continues to
flourish and has so far received 56,000 visitors from 103 countries, and currently
5 Market Street 3 Shopping Centre
Bingham, Notts Cotgrave, Notts averages 100 visits per day !
01949 838597 0115 9892312
Would you like to share your memories of V.E. or V.J. day
in Bottesford?
The Second World War ended 65 years ago. The Heritage project would like to
find out how Bottesford marked the event so please get in touch with Neil Fortey
on 843320 or Sue Middleton on 842215.

News from Friends of Bottesford C of E Primary School

The start of the new academic year saw the AGM for Friends and with an enthu-
siastic bunch of 12 volunteer parents they began the job of meeting the School’s
‘Wish List’. The list is compiled by pupils, teachers and support staff for items
which can enhance the learning environment but are not met by schools funds.
The next major event will be the Scarecrow Festival over the weekend of 12th
and 13th June. The pupils are currently deciding the theme for this year and,
will be posting it on their website www.bottesford.leics.sch.uk
The new ongoing fundraiser is via www.easyfundraising.com which enables do-
nations from leading high street shops to be made to Friends. By simply logging
on, donations are made on every purchase you make. This is a simple way to
continue to support the primary school even if your child no longer attends.

Annual Gala (3rd May) includes new attractions

The May Day Gala volunteer committee has been strengthened this year with
representation from the Parish Council and the Lions President. New attractions
have also been added including an 8.5 metre climbing wall and a human Ham-
ster Wheel. Updates will be posted on http://www.gala.bottesford.org.uk/ . If
you have ideas or can offer your support please contact the committee.
The Gala will be started by the May Queen procession from Winterbeck Ind. Es-
tate at 10.30 (note the time change) travelling along the High Street and the
gala will be officially opened at 11am.

Other events on Bank Holiday weekend …

…. include events at St. Mary’s church; the Art Society Show at the Methodist
Chapel; Friends and Football Club Family Disco; and the Rosie May Dance Com-
petition at the High School.

BLOT—Belvoir Locals Oppose Turbines

The BLOTTERY Draw raised £4,600 from the draw in late 2009. Winners of the
first 3 prizes were 1st, Ian of Bottesford; 2nd, Graham of Bottesford; 3rd, John of
Normanton. The full list can be seen at www.blot-online.org/.
As Village Voice goes to press the Public Enquiry is underway at the VC hall. It
has been well attended by local residents. Both BLOT and Melton Borough Coun-
cil are against the siting of turbines close to our villages, and their evidence aims
to persuade Her Majesty’s Inspector to reject the planning application by Ridge-
Wind. We await the results!
Football coaching success story

Emma Seymour, a pupil at Nottingham’s Becket School, has recently success-

fully completed the Football Association Level 1 Coaching award. The course
took place at Dayncourt School in Radcliffe-on-Trent over several evenings and
weekends in the autumn. To pass the course Emma had to plan and lead a va-
riety of coaching sessions and keep a log book of everything she did, including
learning about first aid and child protection laws.
Emma’s motivation for gaining this qualification was to develop her work with
the Under 7s group that she trains at Belvoir High School on Saturday mornings.
The sessions last from 9.45 till 11.00 and are open to all children under 7 who
want to learn to play football and have some fun. If your child would like to
have a go, just turn up at the school and talk to Emma.
Congratulations Emma!

Fair Mobility is a charity providing mobility to the disabled at major events and
attractions throughout the East Midlands. Based in Bottesford it is run by Ann &
Barry Voce who founded and registered Fair Mobility as a charity over 10 years
ago.
They provide a choice of three and four-wheeled electric scooters, powerchairs
and manual wheelchairs for hire, giving people the opportunity to explore out-
side events in comfort and they ask for a daily hire donation towards running
costs.
Fair Mobility helps over 2,500 people each year and wants to have a presence at
more events. You can pre-book a scooter for an event by ringing 01949 845189
or sending an e-mail to info@fair-mobility.org.uk. ID is required initially.

More information is available on

www.fair-mobility.org.uk.
As a Registered Charity they are depend-
ant on donations, and also appreciative
of volunteer help in the running of this
operation, including office work and ve-
hicle maintenance. If you have a little
free time, please get in touch for more
information.

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

 Marathon support for Billy’s House
Two years ago Tina Fisher ran the Lon-
don Marathon with a friend in aid of
Billy's Appeal which supports a house to
accommodate families that have chil-
dren undergoing chemo treatment. The
house needs £70,000 for upkeep and
maintenance so she needs your help to
raise some money please (as much or
as little, it all helps). You can donate
Ian Brookes online to clic-sargent billy's house at
BELVOIR CARPETS uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TinaFisher or
Bottesford contact Sue Fisher on 01949 842656.
Supplier and Fitter of all flooring
Charity began ‘at home’ in 2009
Telephone 01949 842770 Over the last few months there have been a lot of charity events and it is re-
Mobile 07976 433096 markable to find that, even though a lot of people are struggling with the credit
crunch, donations have gone up from the previous year. Events included the
Friends of Chernobyl’s Children’s Tombola, school fund raising, the British Legion
NEED A MAN THAT Poppy Day appeal which well exceeded last year; and the Lions Duck Race.
Well done everyone – all this with Christmas on top. It is great to know people
CAN ? are still willing to help others less fortunate than themselves and it is good to
Call CHRIS find villagers pulling together.
07814 802963 or 01949 843358
House & Property Maintenance & Repairs
Vale of Belvoir Lions Club
Inside & Out, Tiling - Wall / Floor, Slabbing Throughout 2009, the Vale of Belvoir Lions Club continued its activities with the
Patios, Fencing, Joinery, Guttering emphasis on Fund Raising for worthwhile charities and appeals and providing a
ETC! ETC! ETC! strong sense of Community Service. These endeavours would not have been
possible without the active support of enthusiastic friends and family for which
the club is ever grateful. They are also grateful for your support for events like
the Bonfire, Quiz nights, Duck Race and Christmas collections. Further events
already planned for this year include the May Day Gala and another ‘Open gar-
dens’.
In 2009 they have made donations to Dove Cottage Hospice, Rainbows Chil-
dren’s Hospice, the Skateboard park, Belvoir High School and others. The club is
currently working hard with the Bottesford Parish Council to provide much
needed defibrillators for public access.
Anyone interested in obtaining further information about Lions or wishing to get
involved locally should call Phil Salathiel on 843034.

Bike Run
The Bottesford Lincs &
Notts Air Ambulance
Runs in 2009 raised a
grand sum of £1,430.
Thanks to all who took
part in this charity run,
the Red Lion and the
villagers of Bottesford
who give support to
all our motorcycle char-
ity events.
The Egg Run 2010 will
take place on 28th
Alby White being presented with certificate, and John Bartlett (3rd
March. left) organiser of the Bottesford Toy and Egg Runs."
No Parking Please!
People parking illegally on the High Street double yellow lines cause problems for
school buses manoeuvring in and out of Barkestone Lane, which makes life dan-
gerous for pedestrians.
When shopping please be considerate to fellow residents, and remember we
have a car park on Walford Close, close to both the High Street and Queen
Street shops. Be warned – illegal parking will result in a fine.
 SPOTLIGHT ON..St Mary’s Churchwardens

Derek Collett (pictured left) & Malcolm Owen (right) are the churchwar-
dens of St Mary’s Church. Churchwardens are elected by parishioners of
any faith or none, not just by church members, at an annual meeting of
parishioners. Elected annually, for continuity purposes they are expected
to serve for up to six years and fulfil a range of legal and church duties.
Churchwardens are the officers of the Bishop, co-operating with the Rec-
tor of the Parish, and charged with ‘using best endeavours by example
and precept to encourage parishioners in the practice of true religion and
to promote unity and peace among them’. They hold the title to all mov-
able items in the church and have a duty to maintain the church building
and churchyard; no mean task with the ancient Grade 1 Listed building of
St Mary, Bottesford! At church services, the churchwardens are responsi-
ble for the taking and recording of collections, the provision of bread and
wine for communion and the seating of the congregation.
In periods of inter-regnum between Rectors (as at present in Bottesford),
the Churchwardens chair the church council, are closely involved in the
appointment process for a new Rector and have additional duties to en-
sure that regular services are conducted and the church is available for
Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. So this is a busy and onerous time for
the churchwardens, when the dedication and support of the Administra-
tor, retired clergy, members of the PCC and all who serve in so many
ways is absolutely necessary for the work of the church to continue in
Bottesford, Normanton and Easthorpe.

Highgrove Garden
Bottesford WI recently visited the beautiful gar-
dens at Highgrove in Gloucestershire, home of the
Prince of Wales.
If you would be interested in joining a local group
to visit Highgrove, and it can take up to two years
to get a place, please ring Anne on 842259 or e-
mail anneablewhite@hotmail.com

Open Gardens
After the very successful ‘Open Gardens’ event in
2008, the Vale of Belvoir Lions are planning another event over the weekend 3rd
Advertise in The Village Voice
and 4th July this summer. Would you be prepared to ‘volunteer’ to open your
Delivered to 1490 homes in the
garden to like-minded ‘green-fingered’ amateurs, who enjoy the outdoors and
parish, 6 times per year.
appreciate the love, pride and labour evident in other people’s gardens? Your
6 cm wide x 2 cm high £42
garden can be large, small, formal or quirky. All monies raised will be used to
6 cm wide x 4 cm high £84
support the charitable organisations assisted by the Lions.
6 cm wide x 6 cm high £126
Please contact either Dermot Daly on 842491 or Phil Salathiel on 843034 for
6 cm wide x 8 cm high £168
more information.
What’s On in March...
Weds 3rd Bottesford Whist Drive at Fuller Rooms. Entrance £1.50 in-
7.30pm and cludes refreshments. Everyone welcome. For information
every week contact Ray Smart 843340 or Noel Carolan 842621.
Fri 5th 10am to Wriggly Readers at Bottesford Library. Babies to young chil-
10.30am dren; songs, rhymes, stories.
Sun 7th !0am VoB Ramblers. Whatton to Orston via Aslockton, 5 miles.
Meet at Whatton Village Hall. Cakes and Tea in hall in aid of
NSPCC £3. Contact Sheila 851098
Sun 7th - 1pm National Gardens Open Day, The Homestead, Normanton.
to 5pm Refreshments, plants for sale. Entry £2. (Children free).
Sun 7th 1pm – TABLE TOP SALE In Aid of GIFTS Hospice, VC HALL. Variety
4pm of stalls. Refreshments. Admission 50p (children free)
Mon 8th 7.15pm Annual Parish Meeting and Parish Council meeting. Fuller
Rooms. Residents may question the council/make com-
ments prior to the Parish Council meeting.
Tues 9th 2pm U3A. The 'Bizarre' World of Clarice Cliff, G Burrows. VC Hall.
Weds 10th Health Walk to Orston (Start 1pm, takes 45/60 mins). Meet
12.45pm at Welby Practice, Walford Close. All welcome. Leader - Sue
Thurs 11th Local History Society. Fuller Rooms. 'Made in the Vale of
7.30pm Belvoir' – Michael & Diana Honeybone.
Sat 13th 1.30pm Auction – Dove Cottage. Goods accepted Mon – Fri, 9am –
4pm. Viewing Saturday 12pm. Refreshments.
Sun 14th Mothering Sunday - Family Service and Guiding Centenary
10.30am Celebration, St Mary's
Tue 16th 7.30pm W.I. 'Gemstone Jewellery' – Adele Tasker MBE. VC Hall.
Sun 21st 2.30pm East Midlands Orchid Society, VC Hall. Members' Meeting -
Details will be given later. Contact: Mike Armstrong 842668.
Sun 21st 8.00pm C & J Sound Social Dances. Ballroom/Latin/Sequence. VC
Hall. Adm. £4 Refreshments available/bring your own. Sup-
porting 'HELP THE HEROES'. Contact Colin 01664 850133
Sat 27th 7.30pm Lions Quiz Night, VC Hall. Teams of 6, proceeds to Haiti
Appeal. More details soon on local posters.
Sun 28th 11am Bottesford Egg Run - Red Lion to Meres Centre Grantham –
all motorcyclists welcome. For more information contact
John Bartlett 01780762531/07790583082
And in April...
Thur 1st 7.30pm Churches Together Service, St Mary's
nd
Fri 2 10.30am Walk of Witness starting at the Baptist Church and
ending at the Methodist Church with:
11.15am Good Friday Service (followed by coffee and hot
cross buns)
12.00am Stations of the Cross, St Mary's Church.
Thurs 8th 7.30pm Local History Society. Fuller Rooms. 'The Fanes of Fulbeck'
– Mike Siverns.
Mon 12th 7.15pm Parish Council meeting. Old School, Muston. See 8th
March .
Tues 13th 2pm U3A. The Workhouse, Southwell (National Trust). Colin
Deeley, at the VC Hall
Weds 14th Health Walk:Dove Cottage to Harby - 60 mins. Refresh-
12.45pm ments at café. Welby Practice, Walford Close. All welcome.
Sun 18th 2.30pm East Mid. Orchid Society, VC Hall. “Cypripediums” - Jeff
Hutchings.
Tues 20th W.I. 'Natural Arthritis Care' – Sue McFarlane. VC Hall.
7.30pm
Sun 25th 10.30am St George's Day Parade, St Mary's
Village Notes
The start of the Gardening Year
Do you need a handy and convenient supplier of compost, lawn care items,
seeds and conveniently sized and weighed garden supplies? Do you have ques-
tions to ask? When, what and how to plant; how to encourage plant growth and
how to deal with pests and diseases?
The gardeners at the Bottesford Gardens Association shop can help, both with
products and problems. The shop is now open on Sundays (10 – 11.30am) and
on Wednesdays from 6.30 – 7.30pm (starting in April). All profits go towards
the organisation of the Annual Horticultural Show which will be held on
Saturday September 11th. Membership of the Gardens Association is STILL
only £1 per year. For more information call Vic Martin (Secretary) on 842683 or
speak to one of the ‘wise gardeners’ at the shop.

Police News
During January a man claiming to be a police officer stopped a woman motorist
in Bottesford Lane, Orston after flashing his lights at her to pull over. The
woman pulled over and the man got out of his car and walked up to her vehicle.
He claimed he was a police officer but could not produce any identification, so
the woman drove off.
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said: “If police want to stop a vehicle they
will always use blue lights, even if they are in an unmarked car, and officers
should always produce their warrant card as a form of identification.”
A new Police Inspector takes over at Melton Mowbray
Inspector John Gray has taken over as Commander of Melton Local Policing
Unit. Inspector Gray, who lives in the Melton area, started his police career
with Leicestershire Constabulary in 1990 after graduating from Leicester Univer-
sity. He has served with both the Leicestershire and Norfolk Constabulary. SOAL GLASS & WINDOWS
Anyone who would like to get in touch with Inspector Gray can email him Quality PVCU Doors,
through the Leicestershire Constabulary website www.leics.police.uk/ or call him Windows & Conservatories
All your Glass and Glazing requirements
on Leicester (0116) 222 2222. Sealed Unit Manufacturer
Plate Glass Specialist
The Vale of Belvoir Marriage Preparation Course 3 Church Street , off Market Place
The Marriage Preparation Course is a series of five sessions designed to help Bingham
engaged couples (or those contemplating marriage) develop strong foundations Tel 01949 831037
for a healthy marriage that will last a lifetime. There is no group discussion and OR 07887 655453 Emergency number
this is a relaxed and encouraging course. Please see harbycf.org.uk/courses for
more information.
The course will run on Saturday evenings from 27th February 2010 to 27th
March 2010. Please contact Rachel on 07868 237050 for further details.

Belvoir First Aid

Belvoir First Aid (BFA) the Vale event medical charity, has acquired a ‘Howie’
ATV (all terrain vehicle) for use at
events where off road capability is
essential, such as horse rides, cross
country runs and over fields. This is
the first time a ‘Howie’ has been
used for medical purposes in this
country.
To accompany the Howie, BFA have
also equipped a mountain bike as a
fast response vehicle as well,
equipped with first aid and able to
carry a defibrillator. The mountain
bike, along with the ‘Howie’ and the
existing BFA 4x4 ambulance, en-
ables BFA to offer a full range of services to support rural events. They covered
over 70 events in the Vale last year, a record! They give their thanks to those
who supported them in 2009, and are still looking for sponsors to aid their fu-
ture work in the Vale.
For more information go to www.belvoirfirstaid.org.uk
 Sports News
Bottesford Junior Badminton Club
The club which now has over 40 members throughout the various age
groups, held its bi-annual club tournament just before Christmas.
The tournament winners and runners up were as follows:-
U11 winner Jack Wilkins, runner-up Ben Pacey Neil Smith & Dad
U13 winner Peter Mumford, runner-up Peter Madgwick Plumbing & Heating
U17 winner Chris Tonge, runner-up Nick Goff
Congratulations to all the winners and well done to all the runners-up who, in all For all domestic & light
finals, produced some thrilling Badminton to entertain us all. Commercial work
07976219989 — 01949 842145
www.neilsmithplumbing.co.uk
Gas safe registered

Pictured are finalists Peter Madgwick and Peter Mumford who met in the final
last June, with Peter Madgwick being the victor. On this occasion Peter Mumford
had the bit between his teeth and having es-
Village Voice tablished an early 6 point lead, found Peter
Contact information Madgwick closing the gap fast before the
Advertising: game got into the last couple of points. With
Anne Ablewhite on 842259 an exciting finish and only one point between
Editorial: them Peter Mumford claimed victory.
Dilys Shepherd on 843505 or
This was a great finale to a hard term of train-
Susan Meech on 843402
ing and was very pleasing from a coaching
Deadline for Issue 47: 20th March point of view. They look like becoming a
www.villagevoice.bottesford.org.uk
E mail: vv@bottesford.org.uk
strong pairing for future matches in the
Or: 12 The Paddocks, Bottesford league.
New members are welcome to contact
Whilst every care is taken in the printing of Mike Bennett on 843041 if they wish to
notices and advertisements, the committee know more about the coaching times for
accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies
each age group.
or consequences which may arise from them.
Views expressed in the Village Voice do not Important: To publicise your event in the ‘What’s On’
necessarily reflect those of the committee. column for May & June, please ring 844823 or email
d.taffs@btinternet.com by 30th March.