Archive material Summaries for Evington Echo Issues 1through to 110

Archive material  Summaries for Evington Echo Issues 1through to 110
These archives are summaries of issues 1 through to 110.
These archives are summaries of issues 1 through to 110.

Archive Material: Evington Echo

(Issues 1-10, June 1981 – September 1982)

The following is a very selected collection of items from past issues of the Echo. It is the personal view of Mike Stevens, one of our editorial team.

Issue 1 – June 1981

The very first issue consisted of 12 pages and was the only Echo that was printed on the now ubiquitous A4 paper. Subsequent issues have all been on foolscap. Click on the links to read about ‘A New Arrival’ and about The Evington Echo.

  • Issue 1 had only 10 adverts (compared to about 60 in the issue of December 2007 for example). There was an advert for Leicester Polytechnic, now De Montfort University.

Issue 2 – September 1981

A very early emergence in the press of Green Issues in the first sign of re-cycling. A bottle bank was opened near Waitrose

In addition there was an article about organic gardening, another topic that became fashionable in later years.

Where are they now? Two schoolgirls, then aged 9 (now 35 ish) won a Distinction Certificate from the British Theatre Dance Association. The girls were Rosemary Brooks and Amy Mee.

Issue 3 – October 1981

There was a first advertisement from the local store Bennetts; who continue supporting the Echo to the present day. Also another from Willdays who print the Echo and always have done.

Issue 4 – December 1981

The front cover wishes Christmas greetings.  An article complains about the deterioration of land at Piggy’s Hollow.  There is notice of plans for a betting shop in Evington.  There are history and heritage articles, one ab a Stoughton Grange that was owned, along with most of Evington by the Powys Keck family and another article about what Evington was like in 1913 by Mrs. Yates who was then 91 years old.

Issue 5 – Jan 1982

A sign of the times, in the miscellaneous sales section: “Winkle Picker Shoes, Size 3 1/2 French Navy, Almost New, £5.50”

  • This issue also had a Travel Feature with adverts and articles from several travel agents. Air fares quoted included Majorca for £85 and Tenerife for £130 – which were expensive then in real terms compared with fares from low-cost airlines today.

 

Issue 6 – February 1982  The Evington W.I. celebrated their golden jubilee and all the members had special hair dos and wore tiaras for the occasion.  An article by archaeologist Peter Liddle discusses Bronze Age, Roman and Saxon remains in our area.  Miss Jean Farquhar was making her own photographic record of the area.

Issue 7 – April 1982

This issue welcomes a new post office family to Evington.  They are Bob and Rosemary Keeber.  The post office was in High Street, near the old cottages there.  There is an article about the work of Tom Bradley M.P. and also an article about the White House, Evington.

Judgemeadow school had won a competition and the prize was the latest BBC minicomputer. The school already had one computer and was planning to add a third.

  • Judgemeadow also announced that they were starting Adult education classes and were asking for tutors in the following subjects: Bicycle maintenance, Beer brewing at home, Juggling, Discovering Evington, Knitting machines, Rambling and Aquarium keeping.

Issue 8 May 1982

The Echo invited all readers who would be willing to help with future editions to a 1st Birthday celebration.  There was a biography of John Hunting an international referee.  Good advice on beating the burglar and concern about some proposed building threat near Evington Golf Club.

Issue 9 – June 1982

  • Babies: The announcement of the birth of a Royal Baby, Prince Andrew was accompanied with a baby associated with the Echo. The then co-editor, Angela Plowman gave birth to a baby boy, Joel Edward and a photograph of the one-day-old was printed in the Echo. Angela noted that the baby is getting used to the noise of a typewriter as she works on the paper.

We wonder where Joel Edward Plowman is now?

Issue 10 – September 1982

Nothing changes: the Echo had lost the services of the Advertisement Manager, Pat Brooks who had decided to return to full-time employment. The Echo was urgently asking for a team of 4-5 people to help with this absolutely vital aspect of the paper. Advertising is by far the main source of income for the paper.

 

(Issues 11 -20, Oct/Nov 1982 – December 1983)

The following is a very selected collection of items from past issues of the Echo. It is the personal view of Mike Stevens, one of our editorial team.

Issue 11 & 12 and December 1982

Considerable space was given in many Echo issues around this time to the ‘East Leicester Plan’. This was a complex series of proposals, which included additional housing, improve traffic flow and provide community facilities. Meetings were held at which strong objections were voiced.

Library news: Evington Library moved into the computer age with a computerized book issuing system.

Issue 13 – January 1983

  • LOOS news. It was suggested that a public toilet be provided in the village centre, but where? Near the library, behind the Main Street shops, or behind Evington Park. Was that the end of the matter?

Garden Gossip was a regular column and still is under Garden News. A plea to be adventurous was made in this issue by Priscilla Shears (an appropriate name for a gardener). She suggested growing such relative exotica as purple podded peas, vegetable spaghetti, okra, Florence fennel, celtuce, a substitute for lettuce, and Roma tomatoes.

  • Echo Dream Holiday Competition. The paper awarded a prize for a school pupil who submitted an idea for a dream holiday. Steven Boulter, aged 14, was the winner. His plan was to visit Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. He also would also have a servant with him “to unpack my cases” We hope Steven ultimately achieved his ambition, but fear that the £5 prize that he Echo awarded, would not go far. We wonder where Steven is now?

The Echo wine correspondent used the name “Pinot Noir” as a nom-de-plume. In this issue he recommended an appellation controlée Côtes de Ventoux, priced between £2.50 and £3.00

  • Stoughton Grange was the subject of a series of articles by Jean Farquhar.

The Echo reported that OAP (as it was known then) travel passes had been extended to include bus journeys at all times of the day. It advised that “Senior Citizens need no longer scramble to catch a bus before the witching hour of 4.30pm to qualify for the 5p fare. City Transport said that due to the recession, buses are under less pressure and it is hoped the new concession will ease overcrowding during the 3 – 4pm period when children are travelling home from school.”   That was before the School Run, obviously. BUT the Echo made an error by announcing the change before it came into force and subsequently some people had tried to use their passes, only to be told they were not valid. The Echo printed a sincere apology in its next issue.

Issue 14 – March 1983

Mr Peter Cramp of Kingsway Road was the subject of an article in the ‘Friends and Neighbours’ column. Headed ‘Peter Crump – Suzuki Piano Teacher’. It outlined a method of teaching piano to 4 to 5 year-olds, with a parent as a secondary teacher to continue tuition in the home. He did admit that he had two children, neither of whom played the piano; they were considered to be too old when he discovered the Suzuki method.

  • A photograph clearly showed the construction of the filter right traffic lane for vehicles turning from Stoughton drive into Evington Lane.

A well-known local Estate Agent, Spencers advertised a detatched bungalow in Newhaven Road for £32,500.

  • The Echo began a series on financial affairs, beginning with ‘Income Tax Know-How’ penned by an adviser wanting to be known as ‘Abacus’. I hope he later used a more up-to-date method of calculating.

Cookery Nook was a popular column. In this issue, the anonymous author gave a recipe for Vanilla Ice Cream and Iced Peach Pie.

  • It was reported that the General Hospital has a new School. It caters for the needs of all children who are patients.

The War Memorial had a restoration, including the planting of rose trees and laying of turf. It was pointed out that the Memorial does not stand in its original position; it was first erected on the Village Green, where the swings now stand.

Issue 15 – April 1983

Readers were informed how to use the Pelican Crossing recently installed near the Cedars on Main Street. Area Traffic Control told the Echo that the average time for pedestrians to cross was 7 seconds, plus 9 seconds when the flashing green man was allowing crossing completion.

The City of Leicester School presented a play by Constance Cox, based on a short story by Oscar Wilde. It was reported that six months hard work under the guidance of Mr. D.J. Sarson, Miss I.J. Norledge and Mr. A.R. Baxter went into the performances. A picture in the Echo showed Vivienne Knopp, Arthur Fryatt, Gareth Davies and Kate Billingham in a scene from the play. Did any of these budding thespians go on to greater fame?

Rosemary Brooks, then aged 11, won 11 medals, 6 of them ‘firsts’ in the British Theatre Dance Association Competition, She was a pupil of Ann Oliver. The Echo reported ‘she looks set to win many more trophies throughout her dancing years. Are her competitive dancing days over?

A ‘Brides & Bells’ feature included the marriage of Ruth Hadfield to Ian Tomalin. She was the daughter of Margaret Tomalin, who was the Echo’s artwork manager. Ruth chose traditional white lace for her wedding gown in an attractive Edwardian style. Instead of a bouquet, she carried a white parasol tied with a small cascade of flowers, whilst her veil was a froth of white tulle around a straw boater hat.

More Environmental issues. A sign of the times; a short item announced that a ‘specialist in paper reclamation’ would pay £7 per ton for old newspapers. The papers could be collected and an appeal was made for ‘someone or several people in the Evington area who had an empty garage or shed which they could make available as a collection point’. Was this a precursor to the collection scheme now operated by Biffa on behalf of the Council?

Issue 16 – May 1983:  The Goodwood and Evington Tenants’ Association were looking for a space for OAPs and Mums and Toddlers to meet.  St. Philip’s Air Scouts organised a mile of pennies.  A biography about Tony Haines a model aircraft building and quick action by City Engineers Dept. to fill in potholes along Downing Drive.  Two young boys, Chris Gent and Anthony Pettman are enjoying judo at Evington Boys Club.

Issue 17 – June 1983:

There is an article mentioning the poor provisions for sport at Evington Park House and a request for a Sports pavilion.

Six senior pupils from City of Leicester School were awarded a VIP visit to the Rolls Royce aero engine site in Derby. The pupils were Catherine Gallagher, Sarah Harrison, Ben Grimley, John Holmes, Lee Thacker and Julian Webster, accompanied by their Careers Master, Mr.J.P.Russell. They came away with the idea that Rolls Royce was facing the future with confidence.

Eric Snow’s interests included the history of Leicestershire cricket. He lived on Spencefield Lane and was one of 3 famous brothers, Lord Charles, Philip and Eric himself. In the Echo he predicted that David Gower was the most talented Leicestershire player.

A house on Spencefield Lane was struck by lightning. A photograph showed the roof covered by tarpaulins.

Issue 18 – September 1983

The “East Leicester Plan” had been a major discussion topic for many months. The Echo took pleasure in announcing that it had helped in the successful efforts to delete a proposal to develop the “green” area of Goodwood Road.

There was debate about the siting of a much needed Sports and Leisure Centre. The sites mentioned included Evington Park and Judgemeadow Community College.

A new group, calling itself the Judgemeadow Thursday Group was announced. One of the organisers was named as Helen Pettman, at the time of writing, the Current Editor of the Echo. The other organiser was Edna Smith, a past Headteacher at Linden Primary School, who still lives in Evington and has written many articles for the Echo.

The announcement of the amalgamation of the City of Leicester School with Spencefield School was finally ratified by the Leicestershire Schools’ Committee towards the end of August.

Issue 19 – October / November 1983

It was announced that the Leicestershire Cooperative Society would shortly be filing an application for planning permission to build a new Superstore. The site was part of the Coles Nursery and would cover 60,000 square feet.

Issue 20 – December 1983

It was reported that the Recreation and Arts Committee of the City Council had taken a preliminary decision to provide an indoor sports centre on Downing Drive, despite residents’ objections.

 

The review of Issues 21 – 30 is missing

Archive Material: Evington Echo (Issues 31 to 40)

Issue 31: April 1985

  • A comment was made that traffic congestion was becoming a problem outside Whitehall School, in the early morning and between 3.30 and 3.45. The first signs of the now overwhelming ‘school run’. Mrs B. Penfold had enquired about the possibility of a footpath on the golf course side of Evington Lane. The City Engineer’s Department said that provision had been made in a list for 1986/7 but it had low priority.
  • George Lyons, the retired Head Gardener at Evington Park was the subject of the ‘Friends and Neighbours’ column.

Issue 32: May 1985

  • A plaque to commemorate the years that the author E Phillips Oppenheim lived in Evington was unveiled. The ceremony took place outside ‘The Cedars’.
  • The Echo thanked it’s reader who completed a questionnaire which gave much valued views on the newspaper. The editors were pleased to note that although the ECHO cannot compete with daily papers, many thought that it can serve a need for local issues. The ECHO was rated higher than other free publications that drop through letterboxes.
  • There was an advertisement in the Miscellany column for the sale of ’20 rolls of Vinyl Wallpaper’ and ‘5 litres pf gloss paint’. Obviously someone had changed their mind about decorating!
  • Congratulations were given Ian Meadows of St. Denys’ Road, who won through to the final of BBC TV’s ‘Mastermind’. The broadcast, due in May was eagerly awaited.
  • Evington artist David Eaton, won a prestigious award from the Royal Institute of Painters, He was also elected a fellow of the Instritute.
  • The City of Leicester school produced the play ‘Tea House of the August Moon’. It included the appearance of a real GOAT, which somehow fell into the school pond and was hastily dried off for her appearance.

Issue 33: June 1985

  • A ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of VE day took place at the War memorial on the Green. World War II veterans present included Alan Clayson, Stanley Tipton, Roy Bodicoat, P Bull, Len Chawner, RJ Shears and Bill Moore.
  • Paul Russell the European Surfing champion was the subject of the ‘Friends and Neighbours’ column. Paul surfed in many countries, and competed in three world championships. Incidentally, Paul’s father is the Leicester City footballer, Eddie Russell.
  • Evington Valley Infant School celebrated it’s 50th anniversary with an open afternoon, attended by 50 parents.
  • Kenneth Wayne said farewell after 11 years as vicar of St. Phillip’s Church.
  • Arbor House is a significant part of Evington life and a comprehensive article was featured in this issue.
  • Several residents of Blundell Road were the subject of a ‘Down your Way’ column.

Issue 34: September 1985

  • This issues listed not one but 4 Editors: Ann Blandamer, Chris Bonser, Peggy Odom and Joy Sharpe.
  • A photograph on the front cover showed a footabller heading the ball and asked who he was. It was Eddie Russell of Leicester City, who lived in Evington. Also in the photo was Ron Jackson, who was a teacher in Leicester for many years.
  • A double-page spread covered Bowling in Evington, with several photographs of the players, particularly of the ladies.
  • Former City of Leicester School pupils were awarded degrees from various universities. They were: Michael Harrold, Philip Heaps, Philip Makepeace, Prashant Patel, and Jeremy Rogers.
  • ECHO people were delighted to hear that the newspaper was read avidly in Kansan City, Missouri, USA. It is passes around members of the local flower club after Florence Olendorff (nee Cherry) receives it from her niece Jeanette Koleczko of Rectory Gardens.

Issue 35: October / November 1985

  • CRISIS AT THE ECHO was the bold front page message. Several key members of the ECHO team were being lost and replacements were urgently required. The following were needed: a treasurer, an advertising manager, a distribution manager, 3 area distributors and an artwork assistant.
  • Alistair Dibbs contributed what was described as a ‘beautifully written letter’ saying that a tawny owl was spotted at dusk in his garden on 5th September. Alistair, one of the younger readers was 7 years old when he penned the letter.
  • The Evington Wildlife group met and used bat detectors to search for these animals in Kingsway Spinney. Pipistrelles were successfully detected.
  • Several organisations held their meetings in Evington. Those mentioned in this issue were the ‘Feel Good Foundation’, the ‘Leicestershire Bobbin Lace Guild’, and the ‘Jemkim Canine Obedience Club.
  • August 29th saw the opening of the amalgamated City of Leicester and Spencefield schools. Apart from opening a day late due to a burst water main, there were no other major setbacks. Mr K.B. Lewis is the headmaster. The two buildings were to be known as the Gill and the Wyvern. A new telecom system had been installed so that all departments can contact each other. In addition, a group of 5th formers ran a courier service taking mail and other information to and fro between the buildings.

Issue 36: December 1985

  • The ECHO is saved. Two dozen helpers have been added to the ECHO team. It was a wonderful response to the call for help requested in the previous issue.
  • A new arrival on the streets ‘Fox Cubs’ small buses used by Midland Fox. The red and yellow vehicles are used on 2 routes that serve Evington.
  • A tree-planting programme was announced by the Recreation and Arts Department. It was planned to plant trees on Evington Drive, Evington Lane, Mayflower Road and in the Arboretum.
  • Two planning applications were made to develop the Evington Cinema site. One was for a public house and the other for 6 shops. (Neither of these materialised.)
  • A previous Editor of the ECHO, Betty Best, described a trip she took at New Zealand, Christmas Down-Under.
  • More clubs and societies which held meetings in Evington were featured including, the Aikidokan (Martial Arts) Club, the Wholefood Club, the Evington Railway Circle, the National Childbirth Trust and the Flower Club.
  • Cars were being parked around the junctions near the library and a call was made for double yellow lines.

Issue 37: January 1986

  • A Neighbourhood watch scheme was initiated by Doreen Morton, covering the areas of Linden Drive, Hawthorn Drive and part of Evington Lane. It was proposed that people in other areas might do the same.
  • The Leicester Education Authority had decided that the amalgamated City of Leicester and Spencefield schools would henceforth be known as ‘The City of Leicester School’
  • The Leicestershire hospice, LOROS was opened in September 1985 and was the subject of an article in this issue.

A problem was spotted by this reviewer, There were 2 different issues of the ECHO both dated February 1986 and both headed ‘Issue 38’ Bad marks to the proof readers!

Issue 38: February 1986

  • American Football had an increasingly popular following and the Leicester Panther’s Football team had a local resident, Adrian Atkinson as one of it’s players.

Issue 39: March 1986 (dated February 1986 and labelled Issue 38) see comment above.

  • Due to the new transport Act, City Bus was awaiting privatisation. This raised concerns that routes and concessionary fares would be at risk. Mr Bob Hind, Leicester’s Director of Transport told the ECHO that changes may occur but the reduced fare (5p) for Senior Citizens would continue.
  • The ECHO team visited the Leicester Mercury to see how a professional paper was put together.
  • St Paul’s School raised money for sister Dominique, a nun working in what was then called the ‘Third World’. The school had a ‘Sponsored Silence’ by pupils. Many staff wished it could have continued longer!
  • The City of Leicester presented the play ‘Hotel Paradiso’ for 4 nights. The teachers involved were Mr. Baxter, Mr. Sarson and Mr. Atkins. Thespian pupils included Matthew Davis, Sara Hurst, Justine Sterland, Darren Haines, Andrew Sacchi and Simon Donoghue. Jonathan Straw also acted and somehow broke 3 bones in his back! but was reported as ‘now recovering’.
  • Another slightly unusual object was advertised for sale in the Miscellany column, a ‘Canadian Mink Hat – £20’

Issue 40: May 1986

  • Residents had complained of a smell from the Co-op farm. The manager of the farm pointed out that ‘silage spreading’ had been carried out in the same manner for many years.
  • A team from the ECHO visited Lancaster Road fire station, which was then the largest of 28 such stations in the county.
  • Whitehall school’s football team won the prestigious county primary school’s competition, the Rice Bowl. The team consisted of Stewart Esterbrook, Scott Lapidge, (who each scored 2 goals) Adam Lee, Gary Jesson, Jamie March, Philip Russell, Gerard Johns, Jonathan Woodhead, Andrew Robson, Simon Wall and Nigel Povoas. Substitutes were Andrew Niblock, Michael O’Leary and Jonathan Parker.
  • Pupils from Mayflower School toured Leicester Market as part of a project. One aspect was the recording of the market trader’s cries, their method of advertising the food or other goods that they had for sale.
  • Chris Bettles recorded his experiences of training for and participating in the London Marathon. He took 3 hours 53 minutes, which included 6 minutes needed to reach the start line!

 

Issue 41: June 1986

* The front cover of the ECHO and the centre pages gave prominence to the opening of the LOROS hospice by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Many Evington people had contributed to the success of LOROS.

* The Co-op had submitted a further plan for a development on the Coles Nursery site, this time for a Garden Centre only. Residents thought that this could be the ‘thin end of a wedge’ for future development.Evington Artists David and Shirley Easton each had two works on show at the Royal Academy Summer exhibition.

* Two schools had visits overseas. The City of Leicester School went to Gonfreville l’Orcher near Le Havre and Judgemeadow’s orchestra visited the Krefeld area of Germany. (Judgemeadow is continuing to visit and host staff and pupils from Krefeld and many good friendships have been made.)

Issue 42: September 1986

Enquiries had been made to use the former Evington Cinemas as a community centre, including a snooker club.

* A letter complained about the poor state of the slabbed concrete Spencefield Lane. (Nothing has changed in that respect).

* Two brothers were featured: Robert Pollard had won at the Coalville Music Festival for piano playing, one of 3 competitions he has won in the past year. His brother Philip won the Leicestershire Junior Tennis Championship, singles and doubles.

Issue 43: October 1986

* Olympic swimmer Sarah Hardcastle opened the final leg of the Round Britain race in aid of asthma sufferers at Evington Pool.

Issue 44: November 1986

* The front cover of the ECHO was dominated by details of a petition to have Spencefield Lane resurfaced, to have a 30mph speed limit and a have a Ring Road built. ‘AS SOON AS POSSIBLE’.

* It was reported that the wide grass verge on the Golf Course side of Evington Lane was to be planted with ‘Six and a half thousand’ trees.

* A major article described the work and comprehensive facilities available from the Royal Leicestershire & Wycliffe Society for the Blind.

Issue 45: January 1987

* After representation from ECHO readers and others, it was agreed that ‘only’ 4,000 trees would be planted on the wide verge on the golf course side of Evington Lane.

* Athlete Nick McCaffrey of Headland Road, held 3 county championship titles. Amazingly, 2 other athletes, John Boggins who also used to live in Headland Road and Phil Makepeace of Wakerley Road have all been Junior County Cross-Country Champions, all living within 800 yards of each other.

 Issue 46: February 1987

 

* The front cover asked ‘What has happened to our lovely village?’ and showed several photographs of heavy lorries passing through Evington.

* On another page, a traffic survey revealed that in 1986, an average of 487 heavy goods vehicles used Spencefield Lane over a 12 hour period. A plan was suggested for a relief / distributor road to be built.\

* The middle page ‘spread’ was a feature about ‘Age Concern’ Interestingly, then, as now, Age Concern, Leicester is housed in the ‘old’ City of Leicester Boys School building on Humberstone Gate.

 

Issue 47: April 1987

* A photograph of the newly completed car park at the arboretum was shown on the front cover of this issue of the ECHO.

 

Issue 48: May 1987

* An appeal against a proposed Co-op Superstore was a subject on the front cover. The suggested site was to be adjacent to Downing Drive and Uppingham Road.

 

* Vegetarians were ‘catered for’ in the Cookery column, with recipes for Lentil Roast Rissoles and Banana and Walnut slices.

 

* The City of Leicester School produced the play ‘When we are Married’ by JB Priestley. The cast included Jonathan Straw, Simon Donaghue, Antony Robson, Nicola Perkins, Sara Hurst and Justine Sterland.

 

Issue 49: June 1987

* An appeal to restore the bells of St Denys was started. £3,000 had already be raised towards to total of £13,000 required.

 

Issue 50: September 1987

* The ECHO celebrated it’s 50th issue. A list of 80 people who currently help with the production of the paper was included.

* It was reported that the route for the Eastern Distributor Road had been approved by the County Council’s Transportation committee. It links the A46, via Hungarton Boulevard, Colchester Road to the A47.

* Irene Pollard CBE was the subject of a main feature in this issue. She had been a County Councillor for many years and also High Bailiff and Lord Mayor.

* Jock Murray told of his adventures in Thailand in this and other issues.

 

Archive Material: Evington Echo (Issues 51 to 60)

The following is a very selected collection of items from past issues of the Echo. It is the personal view of Mike Stevens, one of our Echo team.

 Issue 51: October 1987

A family of foxes were featured and pictured. A vixen had bred a family of cubs for 3 years under a shed, 12 feet from an unidentified house in Evington. (In recent years, in the 2000’s the urban fox has become a familiar sight).

 

The circulation of the ECHO was 4850. (In 2008, the print run is 5,300 and in 2014 it is 5,900).

 

A well-known local figure, Stanley Tipton MBE, was the subject of a deserved, detailed article. Mr Tipton was connected with the Leicester Royal Infirmary officially for 49 years, although he remained connected with the hospital for many years after that in his role as curator of the LRI museum. He was also a Governor of both Linden and Judgemeadow schools, as well as many other voluntary duties. (Sadly Mr Tipton died in 1990)

 

Pictures from the Stoughton airshow included the Red Arrows and a flypast by Concorde.

Jock Murray reminisced about a journey on the Sind Express from Karachi to Simla in pre-war India.

 

Former pupils of the City of Leicester School who obtained degrees were included in this issue. They were: Susan Bunce, Gareth Davies, Lawrence Farmer, Philip Goward, Janet Haines, Simon Hammond, Gregory Haracz, Neil Harrington, John Holmes, Katalin Holland, Gail O’Brien, Susan Pears, Emma Stephens and Julian Webster. (Where are they now?)

 

Issue 52: December 1987

 

Christmas Dinner with a difference. Instead of the traditional fare, Jane Essex, suggested the following: Scallop Shells with Mushrooms and Cheese sauce, Marinated Sirloin with Red wine with Fluffy Almond potatoes, Sprouts in onion butter and glazed carrots. To finish, Fruit Pavlova. (I note the scallop shells recipe did not include scallops, only the shells!)

 

Issue 53: January 1988

This issue contained a summary of the weather in 1987 compiled by Jonathan Wilshire. It was the wettest year since 1980 and the dullest since 1981, though temperatures were average. A photograph showed 1-2 feet of snow in Evington Main Street.

 

Issue 54: March 1988

 

Evington Chapel was built 150 years ago. A detailed history was included in this issue.

 

Issue 55: April 1988

 

Pearl Lee, a familiar face in Evington library, retired after 19 years service. She began when the present library opened in December 1969. In those days the library opened every day until 8.00pm and all day on Saturday.

 

Issue 56: May 1988

 

Photographs of the Arboretum on Shady lane were shown in this issue. Compared with today, the area was sparsely populated with trees.

 

Jean Harris, the organiser of the Evington Ladies Charity Group was featured in the “Friend & Neighbours” column. Although working at the Co-op on Downing Drive, most of her spare time was taken up with fund-raising which has resulted in equipment being purchased and presented to several local hospitals.

The Leicester Astronomical Society held their meetings at Judgemeadow Community College. They had a presentation entitled “Ancient Methods of Measuring Time” by Alan Mills of Leicester University. (The Society hold their meetings nowadays at the National Space Centre)

 

Issue 57: June 1988

 

The house which occupied the corner of Evington Lane and Hawthorn Drive, was shown “Before and After” … demolition! Planning permission had been sought to re-develop the site and erect a four-storey block containing ten flats. However, during the panning process, the house was demolished. Apparently an owner may demolish a property without permission if it does not come within a conservation area. Permission does have to be sought for the construction of the new dwelling.

 

Issue 58: September 1988

Much debate was centred around a proposal to demolish the house and barn which was 77 Church Road. This brought into question the preservation of the area as a village.

 

Debbie Jarvis, who lived in Thurnview Road until 1984 was chosen to represent the UK in the dinghy sailing at the Seoul Olympics.

 

Issue 59: October 1988

 

The debate about the preservation of Evington “as we know it” was the front page of this ECHO. The editors had a petition to make Evington a Conservation area. (This was achieved in 1989).

This issue had a “Grouser’s Column”, which complained that electric plugs had to be purchased and fitted to expensive appliances. (Nowadays, probably for Health & Safety Reasons, fitted plugs are fairly standard)

Jonathan Wilshire compiled the buildings which were listed in the Leicester City Council Planning Department’s records of April 1988. The buildings were: St Deny’s Church, the Baptist Chapel, Nos. 3 to 7 High Street and Evington Hall. The Cedars is listed as being “of local interest” but no statutory panning protection is afforded.

 

The City of Leicester School had 1,264 pupils, 226 of whom were in the sixth form.

 Issue 60: December 1988

 

The “Friend & Neighbour” featured was Dorothy Cooke, the well-known International Flower Arranger. Dorothy had travelled the World giving flower arranging talks, had written several books on the subject and was a regular contributor to the “Leicester Mercury”.

Archive Material: Evington Echo (Issues 61 to 70)

 

The following is a very selected collection of items from past issues of the Echo. It is the personal view of Mike Stevens, one of our Echo team.

 

Issue 61: January 1989

 

The proposed Evington Conservation Area was a main feature in this issue. The proposal had been recommended for approval by the full Council Planning Committee. The ECHO had organised a petition which had well over 600 signatures and it was felt that this had a strong bearing on the decision. The area includes the Arboretum, the Church, the Common, Main Street and Evington Park.

An anonymous resident of Ethel Road suggested, that due to heavy traffic use, Shady Lane should be closed and used only as a bridle path. Cars, Busses and Lorries would be banned.

 

Plans for the development of the Evington Cinema site for flats for the elderly have been passed.

 

Issue 62: March 1989

 

It was announced that Stoughton Farm Park would be officially opened by the Duke of Gloucester. A detailed description of the parks were included in this issue.

 

There was yet another complaint about the concrete surface of Spencefield Lane. Some remedial work had been promised but it only amounted to “patchwork” (As this archive is written, May 2008, little improvement has been seen).

 Issue 63: April 1989

The subject of the “Friends and Neighbours” column was Kenneth Baddiley OBE. He had been the District General Manager of the Leicester Health Authority until September 1987. After retirement, Mr Baddily assisted the Sue Ryder Foundation and the Leicester Charity Organisation Society.

The death was announced of Jock Murray who wrote a number of articles for the ECHO. He had a varied life, travelling widely and had been Secretary of the Leicestershire Golf club.

 Issue 64: May 1989

The ECHO organised a “Clean Sweep Week” in an attempt to rid Evington of the large amounts of litter, particularly drinks cans, crisp packets and sweet papers. Schools had been contacted to help and Mayflower, Linden and Whitehall had their own campaigns.

 

A preview of the Leicestershire County Cricket season noted that David Gower would miss many games as he was captain of England.

The Brookfield Bowling Club was featured in a double-page article in this issue.

 

Bob & Jessie retired as landlord of the Dove public house, prior to it’s refurbishment.

 

Issue 65: June 1989

 

A feature in a previous issue of the ECHO prompted 2 letters from Mr. R.A. Rennison & Mr. W.G. Carter about the Evington Cinema’s history. Mr Carter reminisced that he was baptised in the ‘Tin Church” which stood on the site before the Cinema was built.

The Activities of many Clubs and Societies are detailed in the ECHO. As an example, in this issue, the following were included: Whitehall Townswomens’ Guild, Old Evington WI, Evington Hill Ladies Club, Evington Flower Club and the Evington Wine Appreciation Society.

 

Three business were featured as they were “under new management” They were “Le Gourmet”, “Farm & Garden” and “Graham Goode Car Accessories”

 Issue 66: September 1989

This issue (and the subsequent one No. 67) had a comprehensive history of the Evington Cinema by Stanley Goddard.

The site was purchased in 1916 for £567 by William Jennings a Leicester Boot manufacturer. In the plans, what we would know as the projection room was labelled the “Lantern & Winding Rooms”. The was also a “Crush Hall” a waiting room at the rear of the balcony.

One man, George Scarborough had what was described as ‘ a passionate belief in the cinema’s success’ and it became the family’s business until it’s closure. He also acquired 9 more cinemas in Leicestershire, Westleigh, Roxy, Knighton, Carlton, Fosse, Aylestone, Syston, Savoy, Plaza and Regal.

 Issue 67: October 1989

Stanley Goddard concluded his story of the Evington Cinema, appropriately entitled ‘The End.’ The last films were shown on April 28th 1979. They were “Kentucky Fried Movie” and “ Adventures of a Private Eye” (not very awe-inspiring titles!)

The ‘Friends & Neighbours’ column featured Fred Draper who had been Assistant Registrar at South Fields College and the Secretary of the Evington branch of the Royal British Legion for 25 years.

Mr W.N. Shannon had laboriously counted all the vehicles that had travelled along Spencefield Lane between 4.30am and 4.30pm. The totals were: Cars 1,949, Trucks and HGVs 254. How many are there today? Ten times that number? Would someone like to count?

Ernest Gilbert contributed a history of the Leicester General Hospital. The distinctive chimney, which could be seen from Old John brings back old memories.

 

It was announced that the Co-op was to explore organic farming. The land to be used is that which is currently proposed for the Pennbury Eco-town.

 

Issue 68: December 1989

Confirmation that Evington was to be designated a Conservation Area was announced.

 

Mr W.N. Shannon who had compiled the data of traffic on Spencefield Lane, added to the information by measuring the speed, noise and danger of vehicles. The speed was calculated for most vehicles to be between 40 and 50 mph.

 

Shops in ‘the Village’ were featured. They were: Bennett’s, Fabio’s (hairdresser), the Post Office, the Cedars, Evington Motor Cycles, Farm & Garden Shop, Graham Goode, Evington Cellars, Forbuoys Newsagents, Peter Ladkin, Evington Dry Cleaners and Launderers, Le Gourmet, Shirley Smith and Lindens Hairdressers. (Not a fast-food shop amongst them, apart from the upmarket café / delicatessen Le Gourmet).

The death was announced of Irene Pollard OBE, a former Lord Mayor of Leicester and an Evington Resident.

 Issue 69: January 1990

Evington Library was 20 years old. The land at the corner of Evington Lane and the Common and previously the site of Ms Smalley’s cottage had been purchased in 1967 for the sum of £2,150. The library opened with a stock of 13,789 books. On the opening day, people queued to join the library. These borrowers were not only Evington residents but came from surrounding areas of the county.

 Issue 70: March 1990

The ECHO decided to buy a seat for the village green. Permission was asked of the City Council, who agreed it would be a welcome addition to the facilities on the green. A representative of the Council informed the ECHO that there would be no charge for installing the seat and in addition, it would be coated with ant-graffiti paint. The ‘Saga of the Seat’ is a lengthy one; briefly, it was forgotten, not ordered and lost and charges would be incurred. The Saga had not finished when this issue of the ECHO went to press …. To be continued…

School trips were in vogue; the City of Leicester had a skiing holiday in the French Alps, Judgemeadow went to Stratford-on-Avon to see the play ‘As You Like It’ and St.Pauls’ were organising a visit to Lourdes.

There was a one-page insert in this issue giving details of the proposed new development ‘Stretton Magna’ The proposals included 2,400 new homes, offices for 10,000 staff a hotel and two golf courses. A ‘Campaign Against Stretton Magna’ had been formed and members were sought to oppose the plans.

Photographs of past and present library staff were in this issue. The staff were: past – Val Rhodes, Joan Guest, Marie Rimmington, Pearl Lee and Joan Tams. Present staff were – Gill Mouncer, Ingrid Percy, Valerie Clarke, Barbara Spong, Anne Sharpe, Glennis Bennet, Diana Khan & Yvonne

 

Archive Material: Evington Echo (Issues 71 to 80)

 Issue 71

  • Peter Kimberlin, an Evington resident was Leicester’s Lord Mayor elect and a comprehensive biography was in this issue. (Sadly Peter Kimberlin died only 5 years later in 1995)

 

  • The planning application for development of land between Evington Lane, the public footpath and the golf course was published.

 

  • The BBC “Blue Peter” programme was filmed at Linden School. Six hours of filming ended up as four minutes of television, which was broadcast on March 22 nd 1990. “Everyone was filmed” and “we learned a lot about how a television programme was made” were two of the comments.

 Issue 72

  • Where are they now? Sharon Eales, James Gorrod, Karen Bell, Andrew Moore, Adrian Sleath, Richard Berry, Azim Jasat, Simon Moore and Nikki Bridges featured in the City of Leicester School plays. They were “The Wall” written and performed by members of the third year and the Tom Stoppard play “The Real Inspector Howard”

 

  • Sarah Read and Kate Swift shared their thoughts and experiences of living and going to school in Rouen, France for ten weeks.

 

Issue 73: June 1990

 

  • The Echo front page had a photograph of the then current Lady Captain, Louise Bruning, driving off dressed in Centenary dress. Would ladies have been allowed to be members then?

 

Issue 74: September 1990

Neville Maggs of Evington was preparing to run in the New York Marathon. After taking up the marathon at the age of 46, he had already completed the Stratford-on-Avon and London races. He had a target of £20,000 to be raised for the NSPCC.

Shopping in Downing Drive and Welland Vale Road was the centre-page feature. The businesses included were : Just Jo, Glentons the Chemist, V & R Pinkney, Superbooze, May House and Hollywood Nites.

 

Issue 75: October 1990

Shopping was again a main feature of issue 75. This time premises in Evington Road were the focus. Heath & Mawby fishmongers were pictured and other businesses were: Evington’s wines, Paul David hairdressing, Doreen Dalby florists, Pearl Chemists, Country Table, Shoe Tree Bar, Downey’s, Johnson’s, Nancy Clayton, John Smith chemists, Himan & Co locksmiths and Sound and Vision.

 

Issue 76: December 1990

This was the Christmas issue and included details of the many services in Evington, together with information how this festival is celebrated around the world.

 

Issue 77: January 1991

 

  • A photograph of the pupils of Evington School, circa 1920 graced the front page. The photo was supplied by Alma Goodman.

 

  • The debate about the proposed development “Stretton Magna” was discussed. It was reminiscent of the current (2008) proposal for the eco-town, Pennbury.

 

  • Two photographs of the Evington Cinema, before and after it’s conversion to a residential building were published.

 

Issue 78: February 1991

 

  • It was announced that Betty Best, the founder editor of the Evington Echo had sadly died. This followed the death of another founder, Jack Vann. It is 10 years since the idea of the Echo was first mooted and as the secretary in1991, Angela Plowman wrote “the Echo still survives, a marvellous tribute to a spirited lady”.

 

  • The retirement of Bill Mann, a teacher at the City of Leicester School for 30 years was featured.

 

  • There was an article and photographs of the history of ‘Thatching at Evington”.

 

Issue 79: April 1991

 

  • Local artist Frank Cramphorn announced that he had “retired” after 30 years of teaching painting and drawing, mainly to adult students. He taught mostly at Crown Hills Community College and was the founder president of the Crown Hills Art Society.

 

Issue 80: May 1991

New owners of the ‘Lively Lady” soon to be known as “Lesters” had applied for an entertainment licence. It would allow the pub to be open until midnight. The Echo expressed the view that the change of name was a shame, as Lively Lady honoured Sir Alec Rose.

 

  • The first part of the history and development of Francis Street and Allandale Road was published in this issue. The Craddock family were the pioneers in the 1770s, initially purchasing land in Knighton, Their name lives on in with the popular public house in Knighton.

 

 

Archive Material: Evington Echo (Issues 81 to 90)

 

Issue 81: June 1991

A packed meeting of Evington residents at Judgemeadow School , rejected a plan by County Hall for the Eastern Distributor Road . This plan would have threatened residents of Goodwood Road and Spencefield Lane with “massive increases of heavy traffic” according to the Echo.

The public house ‘Lesters’ (unoccupied as at the time of writing, Jan 2009) was licensed to open until midnight on Thursdays Fridays and Saturdays.

Coincidentally, a letter in this issue of the Echo complained about noise from ‘Lesters’.

A small group of fourth formers from the City of Leicester School, reached the finals of TV-am’s, ‘Growing up Green’ competition. Their project involved renovating the School’s old bicycle shed site. They dug a pond, refurbished benches, planted trees and shrubs. J. Coles & Sons generously donated plants to the project.

 

Issue 82: September 1991

The Echo received a letter from Keith Vaz MP, in which he said that he was impressed by the coverage in the Echo of the history of the Eastern Distributor Road . It said the coverage was “second to none” and he found the information “was helpful in putting the whole topic into perspective”.

The story of the development of Francis St and Allendale Road , which had begun in issue 81 of the Echo, was continued.

A meeting of Echo distributors was featured and a photograph of the event was published. Former editors, Angela Plowman and Anne Blandamer attended, as did Margaret Tomalin, the former graphics expert. Robert Raven who was instrumental in starting the Echo and former distribution manager Noel Bown and his wife were also there.

 

Issue 83: October 1991

The subject of the Eastern District Distributor road rumbled on. The City Council Labour party was reported to have performed a U-turn and were calling for it to be routed along Spencefield Lane.(To be continued)

We were reminded of the days before the collection of recycled waste by the photograph of the bottle bank area near Waitrose. It was shown to be massively overflowing. One other reminder of the past were the large number of 4 and 8 pint size beer can, which were popular at that time.

A request for a traffic warden to monitor the crossing of school children at the Tavistock Drive , Wakerley Road junction was reported. The council had agreed to install a pelican crossing at a future date. (This was built some years later),

The Golden Weddings of Mr & Mrs Cyril E Green and of Jack and Joan Birch were celebrated.

 

Issue 84: December 1991

A reader (who had best remain nameless) sent a letter to the Echo regarding the plan to install a Pelican (traffic light controlled) crossing at the junction of Tavistock Drive and Wakerley Road . The reader wrote that he was ‘alarmed’ at the plan, one reason being that he could “imagine late night revellers setting it going just for the fun of hearing it pinging”

The same reader also complained about “delivery lorries (which) regularly park in the most inconvenient places … for other motorists” I wonder where the reader suggests that delivery lorries should park?

The Echo reported that there is a house in Evington called “Avintoe” and this was the name for Evington, as listed in the Doomsday Book. (Does this house still survive? And if so, where is it?)

The City of Leicester School, raised £1,700 to buy a Guide Dog. A photograph showed the following pupils who were involved: Alun Seright, Rupesh Joshi, Rakhee Tailor, Kiranjit Moore, Tom Joannu, Joanne Keen, Sanjay Mistry, Paresh Joshi, Vinesh Chauhan, Matthew Palfreyman, and Peter Farmer. Where are they now?

 

Issue 85: January 1992

 

A photograph graphically illustrated the large amount of material placed near to the (full) bottle bank at Waitrose. This was before such material was collected at houses.

 

Issue 86: March 1992

 

“Evington in Bloom” was the major theme of this issue. A small group met and decided to enter the “ East Midlands in Bloom” competition. To encourage participation, businesses and private individuals would be encouraged to enter. There would be prizes for back and front gardens, best hanging baskets and windows boxes.

 

Issue 87: April 1992

 

A planning application to build a “place of worship” at No 1 Evington Drive had been submitted. (This is now the Masjid Umar mosque which was completed in the year 2000)

A significant anniversary was the 21 years that J & A Bennett, the shop that seems to sell almost all hardware and gardening equipment. A history of the shop revealed that it was first sited next door when Steven Bennett was a baby. After his education, he took over the running of the shop. Bennett’s provides a comprehensive service to this day. Bennett’s have advertised in every issue of the Echo, apart from the first one.

Old Evington WI celebrated their 60th anniversary.

 

Issue 88: May 1992

 

Leicester Lions Club raised £2,000 for the purchase of equipment for the Renal Unit at Leicester General Hospital . Dr John Fehally demonstrated the equipment at the Unit on April 29th.

 

Issue 89: June 1992

 

Photographs on the front cover showed the “Leicester Mercury” Historic Vehicle Parade, passing through Evington. Vehicles included an ambulance, a breakdown truck and a turntable / fire engine. There were even spectators watching seated in fold-up picnic chairs!

The Waste Recycling Officer from the City council wrote to the Echo about the state of the bottle bank near Waitrose car park. He pointed out that in his experience, providing a larger container, provoked the deposition of larger items, eg furniture and televisions. He also said that some of the waste was from shop premises, whereas the facility was for domestic bottles.

It was reported that the Evington Hall Convent School will cease to exist as a Catholic teaching school at the end of the summer term. The building was to be leased to the Leicester Grammar School .

 

Issue 90: July 1992

 

The Echo and in particular Roger Jones, was thanked for it’s participation and help in the organisation of “Evington in Bloom 1992”. It was considered to be a great success. Photographs on the front page of this issue showed the results of several people’s efforts. The issue also included the results in the various categories.

A coincidence? Three Evington students graduated from the same University after starting their Junior School days together at Linden Primary School . Joanne Crofts, Tim Farrow and Jonathan Morton, they studied for their “O” and “A” levels at the City of Leicester School, achieving the same grades at “A” level! All three then went to the University of Manchester ‘s Institute of Science and Technology to study for degrees in Management. At the time this issue was published, Joanne was training as a Chartered Accountant, Tim was in Bank Management and Jonathan was continuing his studies at Birmingham University . Where are they now?

Archive Material: Evington Echo (Issues 91 to 100)

 

The following is a selection of items from past issues of the Echo. It is the personal view of Mike Stevens, one of our Echo team.

Issue 91: October 1992

Flowers were the main subject of this issue. The “Fanfare for Europe Festival” in St. Denys Church was illustrated by arrangements representing several countries. Evington was awarded the “Best Urban Community award under the heading “Evington in Bloom”. In addition a suggestion was made that an Evington Garden Club be formed.

Congratulations were given to ex- Linden pupil Wendy Bottrill, who gained a Batchelor of Veterinary Science degree, Herbert Orton who had letters, poems and first-hand accounts of the First World War accepted by the Imperial War Museum and to Andrew Marsh who successfully auditioned for a part in the Leicester Pantomime at the de Montfort Hall.

 

Issue 92: December 1992

 

  • It was announced that Angela Plowman, who had been connected with the Echo from birth and had been one of it’s first editors, had been forced to give up her position of secretary. Angela was thanked for her sterling efforts over the years.

 

  • The new Echo secretary is Eileen Wilkowski.

 

 Issue 93: January 1993

 

  • Jonathan Wilshere gave a comprehensive, month-by-month review of the year’s weather. He summarised the year thus: 1992 was a year of average temperatures and sunshine, but the wettest year since 1979 with nearly 30 inches of rainfall. Of this, almost 13 inches fell in the three months of July, August and September. Only 9 inches of rain fell in the first six months of the year. (has the climate changed?)

 

Issue 94: March 1993

 

  • Litter in Evington was a significant problem, some emanating from Judgemeadow School . One lady picked up 52 crisp packets in one morning on Newhaven Road . Mr Green, the Judgemeadow Headmaster, said he thought that parental control (or the lack of it) was to blame. He said that some parents objected to compulsory clearing of the litter.

 

  • Three City of Leicester pupils represented the Leicester and District Secondary Schools Football Association team which reached the quarter final of the ESFA / Inter Association Trophy. The three were David Hollis, Brendan Davies and Emile Heskey .

 

 

Issue 95: April 1993

 

  • The Evington Garden Club was reported as being “very well and healthy and provides a focal point for over 70 members”

 

  • The Evington Hill Ladies Club celebrated it’s fourth birthday, with a performance of the Melody Sound choir.

 

Issue 96: May 1993

 

  • Geoff Curwen asked for support in his cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, in aid of the Anthony Nolan bone marrow trust. The trust was the subject of an extensive feature in this issue.

 

  • Whitehall Junior School produced a newspaper to rival the Echo. Indeed they were in advance of the echo, in that they used computer technology to produce theirs.

 

 

Issue 97: June 1993

 

  • The front cover was a photograph of six puppies who were destined to be future Guide Dogs. They were the latest litter of Frances (nicknamed Frankie) a Labrador bitch belonging to Connie Burns, Frankie has given birth to 32 pups all told, most of which have become guide dogs for blind people. (A feature on Connie Burns was included in issue 98 of the Echo).

 

  • It was the 40th anniversary of the coronation of Elizabeth the second and many reminiscences of that day were related in this issue.

 

  • It was announced that Katrina Robertson had graduated as a Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s Medical School and her sister Tanya is studying at the same Medical School . Another sister is attending City of Leicester School and has ambitions to be a Veterinary Surgeon. (We wonder where they all are now).

 

 

Issue 98: September 1993

 

  • Results of a survey of 1400 households in Evington were published. 97% of households were satisfied with refuse collection, 85% with street cleaning, 61% with pavement maintenance, 72% with road maintenance and 55% with the dog mess situation. Road safety stood out as the issue causing most dissatisfaction with 55% of households. A detailed breakdown of the survey was included in this issue.

 

  • Short histories of three Evington premises were given in this issue: The Dove and Cedars Public Houses and St. Philips Church.

 

 

Issue 99: October 1993

 

  • A continuation of the history of St. Philip’s church was included. There was a photograph of the “Anchor Bible Class” of 1923.

 

  • Florence Tilley, a member of the Evington WI for many years celebrated her 100 th birthday,

 

  • Mark Bools of the City of Leicester School, took the lead role of Oliver in the de Montfort Hall production,

 

 

Issue 100: December 1993

 

  • Himans the Locksmiths closed their shop on Evington Road for the last time after 23 years. The business was being transferred to Queen’s Road.

 

  • In a “Grouser’s Column” there was a complaint that British Rail “could charge 75p for a cup of tea and get away with it” (Times do change)

 

  • This 100th issue contained many pictures of Old Evington.

 

Archive Material: Evington Echo (Issues 101 to 110)

Issue 101: January 1994

 

A photograph of the “old’ library was on the front page. “Old” because it was about to close for 6 months to be extended and refurbished.

The Mayflower Junior School Cricket team were pictured. One of the players is named as “Paul Hayward”, but he looks like Paul Haywood who went on the play for Leicestershire and remains very much associated with the county Club . Does anyone know if it is indeed Paul Haywood?

Before the advent of the internet, the Echo was read in many places via a hand-to-hand system. In this edition, the following process is described …. The Civic Editor passes it to a friend. It then goes to her daughter-in-law who gives it to a Mrs Norma Brook. It then goes via an address in Oadby to Mrs Brook’s sister-in-law who lives in Totnes, Devon . Then, amazingly, to Ruth Williams née Newport formerly of Norwood Road , in Australia . Then to Joan Capey, formerly of Roundhill Road , also in Australia & finally, sometimes to Barbara Hall, formerly Norwood Road , in America . Although this a a sterling effort, nowadays the Echo can be read via the internet www.evingtonecho.co.uk

Terry Wogan visited Mayflower School to broadcast for BBC Radio 2 in aid of Children in Need.

In addition to the new library another amenity was provided in the form of a Cash Machine (ATM) at the (then premises of) Alliance and Leicester Building Society.

The history of Cole nurseries was featured in this edition.

 

Issue 102: February 1994

 

A painting by celebrated local artist Shirley Easton graced the front page. It showed a garden scene and the then editors commented “if only we could have printed this in colour” (As of 2008, they could have done so, but of course such facilities were not as available then).

 

Issue 103: April 1994

As a part of their GCSE Sociology Course, conducted a debate on whether smoking should be banned. It was conducted along the lines of debates in the House of Commons, with pupils taking the roles of Prime Minister, leader of the opposition, Speaker etc.

The Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Duncan Lucas, performed the a “sod cutting ceremony” at the site of the new Evington Valley Infant’s School. It was planned that the school would be completed in 1995 and be a 270-place school for 5 to eleven year olds. In addition, a 30-place nursery will also be built on the site.

A new 6 th bell was hauled into place in the tower of St. Denys church

 

Issue 104: May 1994

National Spring Clean week was marked at Linden School by a “Litter Pick”. (Actually, it was reported that the school do this every week).

John Collier asked for assistance with his hobby “Aviation History in Leicestershire” particularly photographs and press cuttings relating to thi subject. Mr Collier was interested in finding more about squadron Leader N.V.B. Whitehouse, an RAF Pilot who was killed during the 2 nd World War and is buried in St. Denys churchyard.

The Echo printed a letter from Careen Wild who expressed her sorrow at the closure of the Shell petrol station on Downing Drive . The station had been in her family for 37 years.

The 50 th anniversary of D-Day was a major was widely featured in this edition.

Emile Heskey (Year 11) was selected to play for England Under 16 in the European Championship finals in Dublin .

The proposal to allow cycling in Evington Park produced healthy debate with many letters being sent to the Echo, both for and against the idea.

 

Issue 105: June 1994

In the previous issue (104) there was a photograph of a hot air balloon flying over Evington. As a follow-up, A. Stopford sent another picture to the Echo showing how near to his house the balloon had come.

Two senior members of staff at Judgemeadow School have announced their retirement, A Green the Principal and Mrs J Palmer the Office Manager

 

Issue 106: September 1994

 

John Atkins and Tony Baxter have retired from the City of Leicester School. For many years they directed and produced the School Play and latterly, musicals.

 

Issue 107: October 1994

There was much debate concerning methods to prevent vehicles speeding on Evington Lane between the Wakerley Road junction and the library. Mike Pepper, the Head of Traffic section at the City Council accepted that traffic does well in excess of the speed limit on that stretch of road.

Proposals were made for speed bumps which were highly unpopular to the provision of 30mph speed signs (although these would be ‘against” regulation), see above.

The very last meeting of the Evington Royal British Legion took place. There was the ‘Laying-up of the Standard”, a Wreath Laying and a service of Remembrance.

The 40 th birthday celebrations of Whitehall Primary School were reported.

 

Issue 108: December 1994

In celebration of Christmas, the front page had photographs of the following: St. Joseph ‘s, Mayflower Methodist, St. Margaret’s, St. Denys, St. Philip’s, the church of God , Goodwood Evangelical, Evington Chapel and Wycliffe Church .

Several residents were “horrified” that the Council had responded to a “complaint” and began to drastically prune the Cherry Trees in Cordery Road . After protestation to the workmen, they ceased their operation and the Council retracted their decision to prune the trees.

The library re-opened and the Echo reported that “although from the outside it didn’t look any bigger, once inside, the spaciousness is apparent and there are more light areas”

 

Issue 109: January 1995

Bad news and Good news – Evington Park . It was noticed that the large beech tree in Evington Park was not looking healthy and was shrinking. It was decided that the tree was dangerous and it was felled. Good News the tree has been replaced. (What does the new tree look like as I write now? Feb 2009)

As reported in earlier issues, Neville Maggs completed the Athen’s marathon and raised £1,816 of which £285 was from collecting tins in Evington. Neville had significant injury problems prior to the race but completed it in 4 hours 16 minutes. His next race is the London Marathon.

 

Issue 110: March 1995

 

Local dentist Pamela Baker-Clare retired after 32 years practising in her surgery on Evington Lane . Pamela kept “open house” to marke her retirement and was delighted to receive 200 visitors, friends and patients, past and present.

Ron Hardy, a Leicester City Guide was making a study of road / street names in Evington and was eager to know why the three RAF associated roads Biggin Hill, Cranwell and Fairford to be so named. Did the Echo receive answers?

 

  • The first part of the history and development of Francis Street and Allandale Road was published in this issue. The Craddock family were the pioneers in the 1770s, initially purchasing land in Knighton, Their name lives on in with the popular public house in Knighton.

 

 

 

 

 

Evington Echo

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