Leicester's £4 million Richard III visitor centre to open on July 26

June 5, 2014, 8:52 am

≫ Next: Madeleine McCann search: Parents Kate and Gerry plead for an end to rumours and speculation as search continues

≪ Previous: Weather: Flood warning ahead of weekend storms

$

0

0

Leicester's new £4 million Richard III visitor centre will open to the public on Saturday, July 26. Tickets for the attraction, which will offer access to the former monarch's original burial site, go on sale from today. Builders are in the process of converting a Victorian former school into the centre. It is next to the site - under a council car park - where the king's remains were discovered. The centre, in the former Alderman Newton School in Peacock Lane, is also close to Leicester Cathedral, which was last month confirmed as the final resting place for the royal bones following a lengthy legal battle. Leicester City Council, which is funding the project, expects more than 100,000 people will visit in the first year. Officials estimate those visitors will bring £4.5 million into the local economy. Director of the visitor centre Iain Gordon said: "We are looking forward to welcoming people from Leicester, and from all over the world, to learn more about the dramatic story of the king's life, his brutal death at Bosworth Battlefield and the compelling story of his rediscovery." He added: "There are many different accounts of King Richard's life. "In creating the exhibition we have tried to distil and interpret that information in a way that will inform and enthrall everyone who walks through our door, and will hopefully inspire them to find out more about King Richard lll and the medieval city and county he knew." The centre, called Dynasty, Death and Discovery, will tell the king's story in three parts, through displays, interactive audio-visual elements, and exhibits. It will focus on the Wars Of The Roses, detailing Richard's rise to the throne as the last Plantagenet king of England. The story of Richard's death in 1485 at Bosworth Field, at the hands of Henry Tudor's rebel army will also be told. The story of Richard's discovery by the University of Leicester's archaeologists and the science behind identifying him will complete the attraction. There will also be the chance to visit the site of King Richard's burial, and visitors will also be able to see a full-size, 3D replica skeleton created by Loughborough University. City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It seems hard to believe that we are just a few weeks away from opening the centre, less than two years since King Richard's remains were discovered. "I am delighted that we are able to announce the opening date very soon after the High Court confirmed that Leicester Cathedral can proceed with its plans to reinter King Richard in the cathedral next spring. "A huge amount of work has gone into transforming this historic building into what will be a world-class visitor attraction, and Leicester is ready to welcome visitors from home and abroad to enjoy it." The museum will not be run by the council but by a trust. It has been revealed that Keith Beaumont has stepped down as chairman for health reasons. Former Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Martin Traynor has taken over. Ticket prices start at £4.75, for children aged three to 15 years. Adult tickets cost £7.95, with family tickets, for two adults and two children, costing £21.50. Concessionary rate tickets are available at £7. For more information on the centre or to get tickets, visit: www.kingrichardiiivisitorcentre.com

---

Madeleine McCann search: Parents Kate and Gerry plead for an end to rumours and speculation as search continues

June 5, 2014, 8:56 am

≫ Next: Police appeal for witnesses after two men are injured in fight in Hinckley

≪ Previous: Leicester's £4 million Richard III visitor centre to open on July 26

$

0

0

Madeleine McCann's parents have called an end to speculation and rumour-mongering around the search in Portugal for their daughter. Kate and Gerry McCann spoke today as British and Portuguese police officers continued to search an area of land near the holiday complex where Madeleine disappeared in May 2007. The couple, of Rothley, said: "We would like to ask people to refrain from spreading rumours and speculation based on inaccurate press reporting. "We are kept updated on the on-going work in Portugal and are encouraged by the progress. "Thank you for continuing to stand by us and supporting our efforts to get Madeleine home." The brief message was posted on the Facebook page of the Find Madeleine campaign. It did not specify whether the couple was troubled by British or foreign reporting of the search, which entered its fourth day today, observed by a large media contingent. Madeleine disappeared from the family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, in the Algarve, on May 3, 2007. Today, police searched drains close to the resort. A team British and Portuguese officers were seen lifting three manhole covers and lowering a camera attached to a long pole down them. One of the men also lowered a tape measure into the drains, which were just inside the cordon set up around the large area of scrubland. The search of the area for clues is likely to go into a second week after British police applied to the judiciary to spend an extra seven days there. It is not clear whether they will work over the weekend and nothing is expected to be carried out on Tuesday as it is a public holiday. The team searching the drains then moved away out of sight of the dozens of TV crews and press watching from the other side of the cordon. Earlier, a number of media reports said, the Metropolitan Police officer who is leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, looked on as a group of his officers used pickaxes and spades to clear leaves and grass from the same area. The area being searched, which is a few minutes' walk from the Ocean Club resort apartment where Madeleine and her family were staying, saw officers focusing their investigations on a hole which had been previously covered by undergrowth. But it is understood nothing of significance was found there, with bones found identified as those of animals.

Police appeal for witnesses after two men are injured in fight in Hinckley

June 5, 2014, 9:21 am

≫ Next: Raiders steal cash, alcohol and clubs from Seagrave Golf Club

≪ Previous: Madeleine McCann search: Parents Kate and Gerry plead for an end to rumours and speculation as search continues

$

0

0

Police have appealed for witnesses to a street fight in which two men were injured. The pair suffered minor injuries in the confrontation, which happened in Tame Way, Hinckley at 10am on Tuesday, May 27. Two men, aged 22 and 24, have been arrested in connection with the incident. They have been released on police bail while officers conduct inquiries. Pc Adam Gamble said: "From inquiries we've conducted so far we believe a member of public may have witnessed the incident and we would like them to contact us." Contact Pc Gamble on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Raiders steal cash, alcohol and clubs from Seagrave Golf Club

June 5, 2014, 9:29 am

≫ Next: Nurses accused of failing to care properly for boy at Leicester Royal Infirmary 'could face manslaughter charges'

≪ Previous: Police appeal for witnesses after two men are injured in fight in Hinckley

$

0

0

Intruders stole cash, alcohol and equipment from a golf club. Burglars smashed a hole in the wall of the shop at Park Hill Golf Club in Seagrave, near Loughborough. Once inside they took cash, alcohol and a number of sets of clubs. The club, in Park Hill Lane, was targeted between 10pm on Monday, May 26 and 6am the next day. Pc Vicki Morris said today: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area around the golf club. "If you have any information about the incident or the stolen items we would like to speak to you. "Any calls received will be treated in confidence." Contact Pc Morris on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Nurses accused of failing to care properly for boy at Leicester Royal Infirmary 'could face manslaughter charges'

June 5, 2014, 9:45 am

≫ Next: Firefighters tackle blaze in Old Dalby, near Melton

≪ Previous: Raiders steal cash, alcohol and clubs from Seagrave Golf Club

$

0

0

Two nurses accused of failing to carry out routine assessments on a boy in their care at Leicester Royal Infirmary could face manslaughter charges over his death, a hearing was told today. Teresa Taylor and Isabel Amaro allegedly failed to take proper care of six-year-old Jack Adcock when he was admitted to the hospital with severe vomiting. Jack's condition developed into pneumonia, he went into shock and he died later that day from a massive heart attack. An inquest into his death heard that the nurses made errors which were compounded by the mistakes of Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba, who interrupted the ward team's efforts to resuscitate Jack after he stopped breathing. A Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) hearing into the conduct of Ms Taylor and Ms Amaro was adjourned when Janice Burgess, for the NMC, said the nurses could face manslaughter charges. "An adjournment would allow the police investigation to conclude prior to the substantive hearing," she said. "By continuing with the substantive hearing today, there is a risk of an inconsistent outcome between the regulatory proceedings and the criminal investigation." Amaro, an agency nurse, is accused by the NMC of failing to carry out routine observations on Jack, of Glen Parva, on the day of the incident, February 18, 2011. She is also accused of not escalating concerns about his condition to doctors, and not helping him properly when he vomited in his oxygen mask. She is further charged with failing to keep proper records including a paediatric priority score chart, a children's services prescription chart and a daily fluid balance chart. Taylor is accused by the NMC of failing to escalate concerns about Jack's condition adequately, and failing to ensure that Ms Amaro provided adequate care to him. An inquest held last July into Jack's death was adjourned for legal reasons on the fifth day of the hearing after an expert witness told the court he believed Jack would have survived had he been treated properly. Before it was adjourned, the inquest had heard that Dr Bawa-Garba had interrupted the ward team's efforts to resuscitate Jack because she had confused him with another child who had a 'do not resuscitate' order, and did not check his identity before telling the team to stop. After Dr Bawa-Garba realised her mistake, staff spent more than an hour attempting to revive Jack, who had Down's Syndrome, but their efforts were in vain. Dr Bawa-Garba said she had worked a 12-hour shift without a break, and that she had just come back from a 13-month maternity break and her skills needed refreshing, the inquest was told. Following Jack's death there was an internal investigation at the hospital and a criminal investigation. The police initially concluded there was not enough evidence to prosecute the two nurses for manslaughter by gross negligence. But the case was referred back to the Crown Prosecution Service after expert witness Dr Gale Pearson stated at the inquest he believed the incompetence of the medical practitioners contributed to Jack's death. Both Ms Taylor and Ms Amaro are now subject to an ongoing criminal investigation. NMC panel chairman Jane Kivlin accepted that the hearing risked an inconsistent outcome with any future court case if it were to continue before criminal investigations had concluded. She said: "It would be in the public interest and in the interests of justice and fairness to adjourn these proceedings." Jack's parents, Nicky, 40, and Vic, 48, are due to give evidence at the NMC hearing when it resumes on a date to be fixed.

Firefighters tackle blaze in Old Dalby, near Melton

June 5, 2014, 12:45 pm

≫ Next: Live: Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

≪ Previous: Nurses accused of failing to care properly for boy at Leicester Royal Infirmary 'could face manslaughter charges'

$

0

0

Firefighters were called to tackle a blaze in Old Dalby which is believed to have been started deliberately. Crews were called from Melton Fire Station at 7.09pm tonight to a large trailer and van fire in Gibson's Lane. One foam jet was used to put out the blaze and no-one was injured. The fire was extinguished by 8.27pm.

Live: Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

June 5, 2014, 11:23 pm

≫ Next: Firefighters free horse stuck in mud at Quorn marina

≪ Previous: Firefighters tackle blaze in Old Dalby, near Melton

$

0

0

7.25am: No problems reported on roads in the city or county.For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - CLICK HERE.LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - CLICK HERE.NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - CLICK HERE. FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: CLICK HERE.WEATHER: See the latest five-day weather report for Leicester and LeicestershireCONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Firefighters free horse stuck in mud at Quorn marina

June 5, 2014, 11:32 pm

≫ Next: Fire crews pull car from canal in Glen Parva

≪ Previous: Live: Traffic and travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire

$

0

0

Firefighters were called to rescue a horse trapped in mud at a Leicestershire marina last night. The animal was ankle deep in the mud when firefighters arrived at Pillings lock Marina, in Flesh Hovel Lane, Quorn, near Loughborough. Two crews from Loughborough fire station and the technical rescue team from Leicester's southern fire station were involved in the rescue shortly after 10pm.The horse was released around two hours later.

---

Fire crews pull car from canal in Glen Parva

June 5, 2014, 11:40 pm

≫ Next: D-Day 70th anniversary: More than a friendship – how tragedy links families

≪ Previous: Firefighters free horse stuck in mud at Quorn marina

$

0

0

Fire crews were called out after a car was discovered in the canal in Glen Parva yesterday. Four crews, from Leicester's southern station, used cutting tools and a winch to lift the vehicle out of the canal in Sonning Way shortly after midday.

D-Day 70th anniversary: More than a friendship – how tragedy links families

June 5, 2014, 11:45 pm

≫ Next: Fire crews tackle two arson attacks on vehicles in Beaumont Leys and Aylestone, Leicester

≪ Previous: Fire crews pull car from canal in Glen Parva

$

0

0

Lance Corporal Cyril Pope, of the 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, was killed with 12 comrades on a farm in Normandy 70 on August 23, 1944. He was 24.

Cyril had landed with his unit on D-Day, June 6, and they fought to push the occupying German forces south.

Fierce fighting took place on a farm in Ouilley le Viscomte, near Caen. There, as Cyril and 12 comrades rested, a mortar shell landed among them, killing all 13.

The family who lived on the farm had been throwing bottles of water to the soldiers and were devastated.

Comrades buried the soldiers in an orchard on the farm before moving on to engage the retreating enemy.

The Vasse family, who owned the farm, were determined the soldiers' sacrifice would not be in vain or go unnoticed.

Matriarch Madame Vasse and her daughter, Solange, wrote to the mothers or wives of every one of the 13 men. Only one – Barbara, Cyril's wife of eight months – responded.

It was to be the start of a friendship which continues to this day.

Barbara, of Sileby, had met Cyril, from Mountsorrel, when she was 15 and he was 18 and a territorial in the Army.

Barbara's sister, Hazel, 85, of Sileby, said: "They had courted from their school days and married when Barbara was 20.

"She got the telegram saying he had been killed on her 21st birthday. I was 16. I was heartbroken. I loved this man like a brother.

"Our father wasn't too keen on them going out, but he grew to love Cyril. He had two girls and this was the son that came along.

"He enlisted straight away in 1939 because he was a territorial. He fought against the Germans in Norway when he was 18 and saw a lot of active service.

"He came home on leave a few days before the D-Day landings took place. Barbara went to see him off on the train and she said he had tears in his eyes when he went.

"We think he knew where he was going, but obviously he couldn't talk about it.

"He told her in a letter before the invasion one of their officers had gone outside a tent and shot himself.

"She had a letter saying a young soldier he knew, who had been feeding ammunition into his machine gun, had been killed and that he got down on his knees and thanked God it wasn't him. A few days later, he was killed."

The telegram informing Barbara of her husband's death arrived with her birthday cards.

Hazel said: "Mme Vasse wrote to all the wives and mothers of those buried on their farm. She wrote in French and Barbara had it translated by a schoolteacher in the village.

"In 1946, she went, with Cyril's parents, to see his grave on the farm. My father didn't want her to go because of all the mines still in the sea, but she was determined.

"She was devastated. It was only a mound of soil with a white cross.

"The bodies were moved to the village cemetery before being moved again to the St Desir War Cemetery, at Lisieux."

As the years went by, Mme Vasse's granddaughter Brigitte Esquenet, encouraged by her mum, Solange Robert, learned English so she could respond to Barbara's letters.

Hazel said: "After the war, times were still very hard in France and Britain.

"Barbara made us collect our coupons to buy underwear for the children in France.

"When Mme Vasse died, her daughter Solange carried it on and then she encouraged her daughter, Britgitte, to learn English. Unfortunately, Solange died recently.

"Brigitte says her mother chose her career for her because she went on to become an English teacher and is writing a book about the story of Cyril's death and the link between the two families.

"All the French family came here in 1992 and we've been there at least six times.

"Throughout the 70 years since Cyril's death we have sent Christmas presents.

"It's more than a friendship – they always sign from 'your French family'.

"When I told them we didn't have any children they said 'you have – in France'. Solange's children and grandchildren have been to see us."

Mme Esquenet, 53, said: "It was terrible.

"The family had to go to the attic when the Germans took over the house and stay there for about six months.

"When the British troops arrived it was fantastic, they were so happy.

"My mother told me the story of the soldiers who were killed. She was terribly shocked.

"She and Barbara wrote to each other and my mother had the letters translated into French by a school teacher.

"As I learned English, I began to translate the letters.

"The families have written to each other five times a year for 70 years and exchanged Christmas presents as well as visits.

"I wanted to write something about it because I don't want the story to be lost.

Barbara, remarried about 14 years after Cyril was killed. She died in 2001.

• For more stories and picture galleries have a look at our D-Day page.• For more stories and picture galleries have a look at our World War Two page.

Fire crews tackle two arson attacks on vehicles in Beaumont Leys and Aylestone, Leicester

June 5, 2014, 11:51 pm

≫ Next: D-Day 70th anniversary: War veterans gather for commemoration

≪ Previous: D-Day 70th anniversary: More than a friendship – how tragedy links families

$

0

0

Fire crews dealt with two arson attacks on vehicles in the city last night. In the first incident, in Starsbourg Drive, Beaumont Leys, dealt with by a crew from Leicester's western fire station, a moped was destroyed in a blaze shortly before 9pm. And shortly after 11.30pm a crew from Leicester's southern fire station were called to Marsden Lane, in Aylestone, where a car was destroyed by fire.

D-Day 70th anniversary: War veterans gather for commemoration

June 5, 2014, 11:54 pm

≫ Next: Ghost-hunter sworn at by spirit at 'haunted' Oadby and Wigston Borough Council's offices

≪ Previous: Fire crews tackle two arson attacks on vehicles in Beaumont Leys and Aylestone, Leicester

$

0

0

Hundreds of British D-Day veterans were in Normandy today for a series of events marking the 70th anniversary of the greatest military invasion in history.

A huge security operation swung into operation as 17 heads of state, including the Queen, arrived in northern France.

More than 650 ex-servicemen are thought to have travelled to commemorate the invasion.

Yesterday, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall met former troops of the Glider Pilot Regiment at Pegasus Bridge, the first assault of the D-Day invasion.

Led by Major John Howard, the regiment captured the bridges after a 15-minute skirmish.

Charles, the colonel-in-chief of the Parachute Regiment, then watched a commemorative parachute drop by British, American, French and Canadian troops.

Scottish D-Day veteran Jock Hutton, 89, was due to take part in a tandem jump with one of the Red Devils during the drop at Ranville.

Mr Hutton, who was raised in an orphanage in Bridge of Weir, is one of the last D-Day veterans from his regiment – 13th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment.

World leaders, including Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin, were due to arrive in Normandy today.

An international ceremony was to be held be at Sword Beach, the easternmost of the five landing areas.

• For more stories and picture galleries have a look at our D-Day page.• For more stories and picture galleries have a look at our World War Two page.

Ghost-hunter sworn at by spirit at 'haunted' Oadby and Wigston Borough Council's offices

June 6, 2014, 12:48 am

≫ Next: Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs to start against New Zealand

≪ Previous: D-Day 70th anniversary: War veterans gather for commemoration

$

0

0

A ghost-hunter says he was sworn at by a foul-mouthed phantom while investigating spooky goings-on at a council headquarters. Paranormal investigator Don Philips has been seen by Channel 4 viewers attempting to talk to spirits at Oadby and Wigston Borough Council's offices, in Station Road, Wigston. The nocturnal efforts of Evington man Don, who runs his own team of "ghostbusters", called GSI Paranormal UK, were featured on TV show Man vs Weird on Monday night. Don, 48, is seen telling viewers he has received a message from beyond the grave and it contains a very strong swear word and a threat to kill him. Speaking after the show, Don said: "The use of this language, which is not uncommon from spirits who are not happy at being disturbed, suggest it is a modern spirit." He set up cameras at the offices after councillors and council workers told of hearing voices and seeing apparitions – including one known as the Grey Lady. Councillor Bill Boulter, who also appeared on the TV show, said: "The offices were featured in the investigation because of the things people have heard and seen over the years." Coun Boulter, who conducts walks and talks about the history of Wigston, said Bushloe House, where the authority is based, was built by Leicester architect Stephen Fry in 1850 for his own use, but he never lived here. He said it was initially rented to a Rev Berry, and in 1866 was bought by Hiram Abiff Owston and his bride, Elizabeth Walley Varley, of Stanningley Hall, Yorkshire. "There is a story that one of the children of the servants died after falling down a staircase at the house," said Coun Boulter. "I have heard a child crying near a staircase and I have heard children's voices, too." The ghost-busting session took place from 10pm until 2am. Viewers did not see conclusive proof there were any spirits at the house. However, Don is seen reeling after he says he has been "blasted into last week" by a spirit presence. Coun Boulter said: "I think there is something that can't be explained by our knowledge." Don said his own team had filmed the session at the house, as well as the TV crew, and had picked up more sound and voices than the television team. He said: "There are definitely spirits there. I was picking up the spirit of a woman, but I don't know if it was the Grey Lady, whoever she is.

"I would like to go back, because on that night it was rainy and cloudy and the bad atmosphere affects the effective communications of the spirits." Ann Court, director of services at Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, said she had been contacted by Don about filming at the house with a TV crew. "All he wanted was to see if he could make contact with any spirits," she said. "There have been some reports of staff hearing and seeing things but no-one has suggested they ever feel threatened or upset by them. I do not believe in ghosts myself." For more about Don, go to: www.gsi-paranormal.com

Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs to start against New Zealand

June 6, 2014, 2:11 am

≫ Next: Roll of honour: The Leicestershire men killed on D-Day

≪ Previous: Ghost-hunter sworn at by spirit at 'haunted' Oadby and Wigston Borough Council's offices

$

0

0

Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs will start at scrum-half in tomorrow's first Test against New Zealand. Youngs replaces Harlequins' Danny Care, who has not recovered from a shoulder injury, for the clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park. Lee Dickson, of Northampton Saints, comes on to the bench. "It's a shame for Danny, as I know he has worked hard to be fit for the game," said Youngs. "But it's great to be starting against New Zealand at Eden Park and I know, with four scrum-halves in the squad, there is a massive amount of competition for me to perform for the team and be at the top of my game." England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "Danny is getting there but we won't take any risks and we need every player to be 100 per cent. "Ben Youngs is one of our most experienced players - he has played against the All Blacks three times and is raring to go. Lee has known all week that he could be featuring so we managed his preparation accordingly."

Roll of honour: The Leicestershire men killed on D-Day

June 6, 2014, 2:29 am

≫ Next: D-Day 70th anniversary: 'It was like hell' Eric Buckley's story from the beaches

≪ Previous: Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs to start against New Zealand

$

0

0

Cyril Taylor didn't even make it off the boat; the 19-year-old Marine was dead before his landing craft had scraped on to the bomb-blasted, bloody beaches of Normandy on D-Day. He died from shock, his family believed. A letter of condolence from their commanding officer would later explain he'd simply slumped down, as if he'd somehow fallen asleep amid the pandemonium of the biggest invasion ever staged. Cyril's name is one of 12 men killed on June 6, 1944 in the Leicestershire Roll of Honour which was produced in 2005 in a ground-breaking collaboration between the Leicester Mercury and the Commonwealth War Grave Commission. Their bodies lie in graveyards across Normandy, in the Netherlands too, and back home in England. The list of names which follows is not a definitive portrait of Leicestershire's sacrifice on that historic day, and that's due to the way records were compiled in the war. When a soldier, sailor or airman died, the Commission were informed of his name, rank, unit and service number, and given a next-of-kin address. They sent out a final verification form, asking for any further details, before the name was added to their records. Not all the forms were returned. Sometimes they'd been sent to an old address. Some casualties had no families to answer. And some didn't want to add the extra information. So if your Leicestershire brother, father or grandfather should be on the list that follows but isn't, it doesn't mean his name is not commemorated by the Commission. It's just the database has no record of his Leicestershire roots. ARMSTRONG, Private, ALROY JOHN, 9th Bn. Parachute Regiment, A.A.C. 06/06/1944, Son of John and Bronwyn Armstrong, of Leicester. RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, FranceBIRCH, Trooper, LESLIE CLAUDE, 2nd County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons), Royal Armoured Corps, 06/06/1944, Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Birch; husband of Gladys Birch, of Leicester. RYES WAR CEMETERY, BAZENVILLE, FranceCLAY, Signalman, HARRY, 3rd Div. Sigs. Royal Corps of Signals, 06/06/1944, Son of Alice Clay; husband of Eva Clay, of Hinckley, Leicestershire. HERMANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, FranceHAYTO, Sapper, GEORGE ARTHUR, 1018 Port Operating Coy. Royal Engineers, 06/06/1944, Son of John William and Florence Pretoria Hayto, of Leicester. DOVER (ST. JAMES'S) CEMETERY, United KingdomHUNTER, Marine, CALEY LOVELL, No. 41 R.M. Commando. Royal Marines, 06/06/1944, Son of Henry Lovell Hunter and Gladys Hunter, of Whetstone, Leicestershire. BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY, FranceILIFFE, Serjeant, JOHN ADRIAN, 8th Bn. Parachute Regiment, A.A.C. 06/06/1944, Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kirkman Iliffe; husband of Lilian Iliffe, of Leicester. TROARN COMMUNAL CEMETERY, FranceJOHNSON, Sapper, JOHN ALBERT LEWIS, 91 Field Coy. Royal Engineers, 06/06/1944, Son of John Thomas Johnson and Sarah Ann Johnson, of South Wigston, Leicestershire. HERMANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, FranceNUGENT, Private, PERCY, 1st Bn. Dorsetshire Regiment, 06/06/1944, Son of Ernest and Elise Nugent, of Leicester; husband of Eunice Ellen Nugent, of Leicester. BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY, FranceREYNOLDS, Leading Seaman, RONALD JAMES, H.M.L.C.A. 815. Royal Navy, 06/06/1944, Son of Thomas and Rosa Reynolds, of Aylestone, Leicester; husband of Gertrude Lilian Reynolds, of Herne Hill, London. BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY, FranceSTANDLEY-SMITH, Sergeant, PHILIP, 615 Sqdn. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 06/06/1944, Son of Thomas Francis and Elizabeth Winifred Standley-Smith, of Leicester; husband of Sylvia Eugenia Standley-Smith, of Braunstone, Leicester. JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY, NetherlandsTAYLOR, Marine, EDGAR CYRIL, H.M.L.C.S.(M) 103. Royal Marines, 06/06/1944, Son of William Henry and Florence Taylor, of Leicester. BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY, FranceVINES, Private, FREDERICK VALENTINE, 2nd Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment, 06/06/1944, Son of Herbert and Louise Vines, of Leicester; husband of Ethel Vines, of Leicester. HERMANVILLE WAR CEMETERY, France• 'I got home from school to hear my brother had been killed'. Read the moving story of Cyril Taylor's death and the devastating impact it had on his family, here.Click here for our D-Day channel.

---

D-Day 70th anniversary: 'It was like hell' Eric Buckley's story from the beaches

June 6, 2014, 2:38 am

≫ Next: Leicester City welcomed into the Premier League

≪ Previous: Roll of honour: The Leicestershire men killed on D-Day

$

0

0

D-Day was "like hell" for Eric Buckley, 89, of Thurmaston, who served with the Royal Navy.

Aged 17, he lied about his age to join up. "I felt it was something I had to do as we had to win the war," he said.

"I knew in 12 months I would get call up papers for the Army, but my brother ended up in a prisoner of war camp after joining the Army and I didn't want to follow in his footsteps."

As an engineer on a motor torpedo boat (MTB), Eric's role was to help the landing craft if they got stuck.

He said: "D-Day was like hell. When we were approaching Sword Beach the Germans started shelling us.

"Nearby boats were being blown up and the back of our ship got hit.

"When a naval officer ordered us to leave the boat and come on to the beach,I saw two marines in front who had been cut to pieces."

Two of his friends – one just 18 – were killed on a nearby vessel.

Eric and his comrades stayed on Sword Beach for six weeks, listening to the shelling and thinking "it's our turn next".

Today, he was due to attend a Royal British Legion and Normandy Veterans Association service of remembrance at Bayeux Cathedral, followed by an event at Bayeux Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Cemetery.

After leaving the Navy at the end of the war, Eric – a widower with three grown-up children – joined the Royal British Legion. He has been a member since.

He sells poppies every year and raised more than £8,500 for the Legion in 2013.

Eric is featured in the D-Day Dozen Commemorative Medal Collection, a percentage of the sales from which will go to the Royal British Legion.

http://theddaydozen.co.uk

• For more stories and picture galleries have a look at our D-Day page.• For more stories and picture galleries have a look at our World War Two page.

Leicester City welcomed into the Premier League

June 6, 2014, 4:03 am

≫ Next: Police search for 'suspicious' men who spoke to a nine-year-old boy

≪ Previous: D-Day 70th anniversary: 'It was like hell' Eric Buckley's story from the beaches

$

0

0

Leicester City have officially been welcomed to the Premier League.

City and fellow promoted clubs Burnley and QPR were formally confirmed at the Premier League AGM yesterday (Thursday).

City were handed shares in the Premier League which were vacated by the relegated teams Norwich, Cardiff and Fulham.

The Premier League is a private company wholly owned by its 20 member clubs, who each are a shareholder, with the FA holding a ‘golden share’ with the ability to vote on certain issues.

Peter McCormick, the acting Premier League chairman, formally welcomed the new clubs to the League and the clubs were awarded their framed share certificates.

City will be handed a huge financial boost by promotion. Commercial revenue increased by 21 per cent at Premier League clubs in the 2012-13 season and topped £2.5billion for the first time, according to the Annual Review of Football Finance by financial analysts Deloitte.

Police search for 'suspicious' men who spoke to a nine-year-old boy

June 6, 2014, 4:42 am

≫ Next: Two drivers hurt after crash in Epinal Way, Loughborough

≪ Previous: Leicester City welcomed into the Premier League

$

0

0

Police want to trace two men who approached and spoke to a nine-year-boy as he cycled to school. Officers are treating the incident, which happened in Litelmede, off Uppingham Road, Leicester as suspicious. The boy has told police the two men were in a black BMW car and pulled over alongside him as he rode to school. The men spoke to the child briefly before he rode away. The incident happened between 8.20am and 8.35am on Wednesday, May 21. Detective Constable Gary Dickinson said today: "The vehicle was last seen turning left on to the Martival towards Uppingham Road. "If you recognise this vehicle or you have any suspicions about the identity of the occupants of the vehicle please get in touch. "If you were approached in similar circumstances or if you witnessed the incident please get in touch." Contact Det Con Dickinson on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Two drivers hurt after crash in Epinal Way, Loughborough

June 6, 2014, 4:58 am

≫ Next: Firefighters free casualty trapped after two-vehicle collision in Braunstone Avenue, Leicester

≪ Previous: Police search for 'suspicious' men who spoke to a nine-year-old boy

$

0

0

Police have appealed for witnesses to a crash which left two drivers in hospital. The collision happened in Epinal Way, Loughborough and involved two vehicles, a blue Vauxhall Astra van and a red Vauxhall Calibra. Both drivers were taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham and were later discharged after treatment. The crash happened shortly after 6am on Tuesday, May 20. Pc Steve Quartermain said today: "The van was travelling along Epinal Way towards Leicester and the Calibra was travelling in the opposite direction when the collision occurred. "If you witnessed it or saw either vehicle beforehand please contact us." Contact Pc Quartermain on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Firefighters free casualty trapped after two-vehicle collision in Braunstone Avenue, Leicester

June 6, 2014, 5:21 am

≫ Next: Leicester City fanzone: Over the moon now Kasper is staying at 'home'

≪ Previous: Two drivers hurt after crash in Epinal Way, Loughborough

$

0

0

One person was cut free by firefighters after a collision between two vehicles in Leicester this morning. Two crews from the city's western fire station went to the incident at the junction of Braunstone Avenue and Upperton Rise in the West End shortly before 9am. The casualty was left with East Midlands Ambulance Service who were also at the scene.