Birstall Post Nov 2009 (316)

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

NOVEMBER 2009

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 316

Cash machine scam

Ashton Green plans PLANS FOR a major development of 3500 homes west of Birstall are “progressing” say Leicester City Council.

They have organised two consultation events later this month about the plans.

Ashton Green, an urban extension to the north of Beaumont Leys, opposite the junction

CRIMINALS HAVE tampered with a Birstall cash machine in a bid to steal money from customers’ accounts.

of Greengate Lane and Thurcaston Road, has been planned for 10 years or more.

The proposals, described by the City Council as a flagship of sustainable development in terms of design, materials, waste management and transport, will include 3500 homes, schools, community facilities and employment opportunities.

A Leicester City Council spokesman said: “Leicester has a need for new homes, over 20,000 within 20 years. Ashton Green has been a strategic housing allocation for many years and it will play a major role in delivering this challenging target for housing growth.

There is a renewed commitment to make Ashton Green a reality through a new vision and emerging ‘masterplan’ with the aim of becoming the region’s leading example of sustainable development.”

The City Council have organised two public consultation events about the plans: • Beaumont Shopping Centre, 10am to 5pm Friday November 6 and 10am to 5pm Saturday November 7 • Beaumont Leys Library, 2-8pm Tuesday November 10 and 2-8pm Thursday November 12 The Birstall Post asked Leicester City Council why these consultation events were being held now and what progress had been made Continued on page 2

Girls’ masked ball A MASKED ball organised by Girlguiding Birstall helped raised £335 for the Guide’s Birstall HQ. Girls aged 5-16 from Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers attended the event at the Birstall Co-operative Social Club. The winner of the best mask competition was Grace Barnicle.

Girlguiding Birstall want to extend their Johnson Road HQ and provide a new kitchen, new toilets, storage areas, a new Ranger room and better access for the disabled. They have so far raised £30,000 of a £100,000 target.

Around 120 girls belong to Girlguiding Birstall – for more details contact Brown Owl, Marie Upton 2671043 Pic: guests at Girlguiding Birstall’s masked ball

They also blocked other cash machines (ATMs) in the village, to force users to use the machine they had interfered with.

Police say two ATMs in Birstall have been targeted – one was Barclays. The fraud was detected in late September.

Police say they have made four arrests in connection with allegations of bank fraud at Barclays Bank, Syston.

There are two methods criminals use for ATM fraud. The Lebanese Loop’ is the simplest method and involves criminals inserting a thin piece of plastic or tape inside the card slot. When the victim inserts their card, the loop is long enough for the card to be drawn into the machine and

Continued on page 2

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the birstall post NOV 2009

Ashton Green continued from page 1

Parish Council notes

in respect of the plans for Ashton Green, but the information was not received before our deadline. The City Council said an announcement would be made soon and a new website launched, which will include more details on Ashton Green.

Cash machine continued from page 1 read. The victim then enters their PIN as normal, but the ATM cannot eject the card as a lip folded at the end of the loop prevents it from doing so.

The card is retained and the victim thinks the machine has malfunctioned. The criminal will have either watched the PIN being entered over the victim’s shoulder or will now step forward and suggest the victim re-enters their PIN while he watches. When this fails and the victim has left, the criminal retrieves the loop and the trapped card and uses it to withdraw cash from the victim’s account.

The second method involves attaching a ‘skimming’ device, an electronic machine that fits over the card slot that reads the card details and records PINs. This method does not require the card to be retained. The details are then copied to a blank card and used to withdraw cash.

Police advice to protect yourself from ATM fraud is: • do not use a machine where people are standing around it suspiciously • do not use a machine that appears unusual or out of the ordinary • shield the key pad with your hand when you enter your PIN • do not accept advice from ‘helpful’ strangers when using an ATM

United U16s BIRSTALL UNITED under 16s v Hinckley United 18/10/09 Birstall started the game very sharp, winning all the tackles and the headers. Many more balls which were played through Hinckley’s defence gave them problems, with Jacob Horne hitting a few good shots that drifted over the bar. In the second half, Hinckley were the more dominant team for the first 15 minutes, but good goalkeeping from Michael Burnes kept Birstall in the match. Eventually, a corner from James Hulme allowed Jack Wright to score a bullet header from six yards out, but Birstall only managed to hold on to their lead for five minutes before a tackle on the edge of the box led to a free kick for Hinckley, which was blasted into the top corner. The game ended 1:1 From James Hulme

Pub celebrates win A BIRSTALL pub has won an award for its outstanding food and drink service just one year after being taken over by new owners.

The White Horse, in White Horse Lane, outshone 300 other Trust Inns pubs to be made southern UK regional winner in the pub giant’s Best Food & Drink Experience category of its annual Awards for Excellence.

The award was the result of a visit by one of the ‘mystery shoppers’ employed by Trust Inns to survey its 600 pubs throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The White Horse’s owners are James and Charlotte Foy and Jenny and Ady Doyle, who took the business over in October 2008. In their first year’s trading, sales have increased by more than 65%, which owner James Foy puts down to the relaxed atmosphere, fresh local produce used in the cooking, excellent customer service and fine selection of beers and wine.

“The whole team is passionate about ensuring that every single person who walks through the door feels totally welcome and at home” said James. “We even welcome dogs in the bar area. But we were amazed when we found out we’d won this award. What a fantastic way to celebrate our first anniversary! It never crossed our minds that we’d achieve this sort of recognition only one year into the job. And we had no idea that we’d been visited by a mystery guest until the

Christmas

letter arrived from Trust Inns telling us we’d won.”

The White Horse scored 95% in the survey conducted by the Trust Inns employee on Saturday August 1. It received maximum 100% scores both for the state of its toilets and for overall customer satisfaction.

“It doesn’t get much better than that” said James. “We’re absolutely thrilled.”

The mystery guest judged The White Horse on every aspect of the business, from the pub sign, décor and speed of bar service to the quality of food, mannerisms of the waiting staff and cleanliness of the toilets.

In addition to a certificate and crystal trophy, the owners will receive £1,000 in prize money from Trust Inns and an invitation to a corporate event next summer.

The White Horse has also marked its first anniversary with the launch of a new website www.thewhitehorsebirstall.co.uk Pic: (l-r) Paul Clements (manager), Jenny Doyle (owner), James Foy (owner), Charlotte Foy (owner), Ady Doyle (owner) – celebrating the news that they have won a Trust Inns Award for Excellence – Best Food & Drink Experience category

Saving

Book December and save 10% early bird discount Open 7 days a week all through December (available for bookings taken in November only)

Colour

Celebration

Still taking bookings to save between 25% to 50% during our colour celebration right up to the 30th of November

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on October 14.

Neil Greenhalgh, Head of Environmental Services at Charnwood Borough Council, spoke to councillors about street cleaning in the Borough.

The Borough Council, as the Litter Authority, has a legal duty to keep the Borough clean under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

This includes street cleaning, litter collection, removal of detritus, fly-posting, graffiti and fly-tipping on public land maintained by the Council.

The Environmental Services Contract with Serco was launched on 1st August 2009, and covers refuse and recycling collections and street cleaning, including fly-tipping.

The streets in Charnwood are cleaned on an output-based contract, which works to maintain standards, rather than cleaning to a set frequency. The contract coves all council maintained land, adopted streets, footpaths etc which have all been identified and mapped. These areas have been categorised into four zones, which indicate the level of usage of each area, and are maintained to a minimum standard. If they fall below this standard, there are set response times within which they should be returned to the standard.

Extensive monitoring of the cleanliness of the Borough is carried out by the borough Council, and Serco, the Contractor, to ensure that standards are maintained.

There are almost 1,000 litter and dog bins around the Borough which are maintained and emptied by the Borough Council, through the Contract with Serco.

The Council collects all fly-tipping on Borough Council maintained land. Once reported, it will be investigated and photographed, and then passed for removal. Rubbish will be removed within 24 hours of being passed for

removal following investigation.

To report problems email cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk or phone 01509 634 563.

Comment was made about the problems of dog mess on Orchard Road and litter on Front Street.

A member of the public commented that he was regularly reporting graffiti to the Borough Council but that the response was “hit and miss”. If the graffiti was on property not owned by the Council it was less likely to be cleaned.

He added that cars were regularly breaking the speed limit on Greengate Lane and suggested that the council consider supporting the Community Speedwatch initiative.

The Clerk reported that British Telecom have indicated they will not remove the phone box on the corner of Wanlip Lane and Windmill Avenue because it is well used. Some residents would like it removed as it is a meeting point for drug dealers.

The council agreed to spend £3391 a year on legal support from Ellis Whittam PLC, for both employment and health and safety law.

All existing policies will be reviewed and re-written as part of the deal and regular updates and training is provided. The company will act as the ‘competent person’ if it is necessary to deal with the Health and Safety Inspectorate after an accident.

Councillors discussed the problem of dog fouling on the School Lane playing field. Cllr Mary Houghton said she was very concerned about the problem, which seems to be getting worse. She said we are encouraging children to play in a dog’s lavatory and that the council’s responsibility was to provide a play area for children, not for dogs.

Dog owners take no notice of threats to introduce byelaws banning dogs, she said.

Cllr Sheila Alcock suggested prominent signs be erected in the park stating that unless the situation improves, a dog ban would be introduced.

Cllr David Gaskell said that unless any dog ban byelaw was enforced, it would have little effect.

Cllr Pat Cleere said he would welcome a dog ban but in practice it would not work, the selfish dog owners would continue to let their dogs foul and the responsible owners would suffer.

Continued on page 3

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2009

Continued from page 2 It was agreed to investigate employing a dog warden in a bid to get a successful prosecution with the subsequent publicity acting as a deterrent.

It was reported that fast-food litter was appearing on the A6 pavement near Hallam Fields, dropped by people using the service area outlets.

It was reported that some residents have been complaining about ash from fires started

by Parish Council staff who are burning felled trees on Meadow Lane.

It was suggested that the council make efforts to identify any vulnerable person in Birstall who is suffering from persistent antisocial behaviour, following the high profile suicide of a mother and daughter in Barwell.

It was reported that one such individual, on Wanlip Lane, was being supported by the Police.

The council agreed to obtain quotations for fencing between the School Lane playing fields and Loughborough Road.

It was reported that three sites for a proposed skate park were under consideration and that the indicative cost of £55,000 was likely to be achieved with existing funds and grants. It was agreed that Meadow Lane would not be attractive to younger children or their parents, that use of the car park near the Bowls Club on the School Lane playing field would result in objections and a reduction in parking spaces and that the sunken area might be better kept for a multi-use games area if future funding allowed.

A suggestion was made that there was sufficient space on the Birstall Road side of the new pavilion or near the children’s play area.

The council agreed the allotment rents for 2011. The 2010 figure is given in brackets : Full £23 (£22), Half £12 (£11), Full, pensioner £12 (£11), Half, pensioner £6 (£5.50)

Future chefs PUPILS AT Stonehill School are once again taking part in the Future Chefs cookery competition.

In October students from year 8 and 9 took part in the school heats, preparing a meal for two people for less than £4.

Judging the efforts were Stonehill’s Food Technology teacher Jocelyn Brown and chair of the governors, Andrew Dent.

Jocelyn explains: “We are looking for nutritional balance, appearance, flavour and presentation as well as how the pupils worked throughout the hour they had to prepare the meal. The competition has proved very popular in the past, with a good mixture of boys and girls taking part.”

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‘Good’ school praised LONGSLADE HAS been judged to be a ‘good’ school following an inspection by Ofsted in September.

Co-principal Dr Mike Griffiths said: “Just over four years ago we were in special measures, two years ago we were satisfactory with a number of good features and now we are a good school with a good capacity to get even better. At the feedback session after the visit, Inspectors said we should be extremely pleased by the development of the college.”

Ofsted can award four grades: Outstanding, good, satisfactory and inadequate. Those features of a school that are graded as ‘good’ are defined by Ofsted as “very positive features of a school. A school that is good is serving its pupils well.”

In all the key areas evaluated by the Inspectors, Longslade was graded as ‘good’.

These are: • How effective is the school?

• What is the school’s capacity for sustained improvement?

• Outcomes for students – achievement, progress, safety, skills for work, contribution to the community • Provision – the teaching, curriculum, guidance and support • Leadership and management • The Sixth Form

Increase your income MANY PEOPLE in the East Midlands who are entitled to a cash increase in their income are missing out simply because they assume they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit (WTC), says HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC have set up on online calculator enabling anyone who thinks they might be eligible for WTC to quickly find out for sure whether they are likely to be entitled – and by how much.

The average amount of WTC unclaimed is £1,600 a year so some people will qualify for significantly more.

Working Tax Credit is payable to people who are in work and on a low income, and you don’t have to have children to qualify. In 2007/08, £720 million was paid out to claimants of WTC without children.

Anyone with queries about tax credits can check online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxccredits or, to make a claim, call the Helpline on 0845 302 1415.

The report found that: • “Most students enjoy being at Longslade and staff are proud to be part of its community” • “The vast majority of students behave well in and outside lessons” • “Three times as many students take part in extra curricular sport and fitness activities than at the time of the last inspection [2007]” • “Mainly good and some outstanding teaching exists alongside a smaller amount of satisfactory and occasionally inadequate teaching. This variability leads to different rates of achievement across subjects. Inspiring and exceptional teaching enables students to make outstanding progress.”

• “Arrangements with partner high schools for students entering year 10 are outstanding.”

• “The college goes to great lengths to ensure vulnerable students are able to settle and achieve well.

• “The quality of learning for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their progress was graded as ‘outstanding’.

• In the sixth form teaching is ‘good’ and the choice of studies available to students is extensive, including advanced level, applied courses and BTEC studies.

The Inspectors identified three areas for improvement: improving attendance of some students, using assessment and grade data more effectively and improving still further the learning continuity with high schools.

Longslade College is a secondary school.

Nationally, the overall effectiveness of secondary schools inspected by Ofsted between September 2007 and July 2008 were: Outstanding 17%, Good 40%, Satisfactory 34% and Inadequate 9% Longslade’s full Ofsted report can be viewed at www.ofsted.gov.uk. Longslade’s unique reference number is 120261

Playgroup ‘fabulous’ BIRSTALL’S PLAYGROUP for children with special needs has been boosted by a fundraising event organised by a grateful parent.

Debra Green has been taking her little boy to the playgroup for over a year now. She said: “The support I have received both for myself and Jacob has been invaluable. Some of the children who attend are extremely disabled and the one-to-one support they receive is fabulous. Also the support for mums both from the carers and other mums is invaluable. There is no other play group of this type in the whole of Leicestershire and it relies solely on charitable donations for its survival.”

Debra decided it would be a great idea to raise some money to say thank you for the support it has provided to her and her family and with help from her colleagues from University Hospital’s NHS Trust’s Information Management and Technology Department, organised a quiz night and raffle in July. A cheque for £1020 was handed over to Deborah Hoggar, playgroup leader and her team.

Deborah said: “The playgroup was started over 40 years ago by a mother who had a child with Downs Syndrome and felt traditional play groups did not offer the kind of support that children with special needs or specific disabilities require. It is still held in the same church hall and the demand for the service has never diminished. We were thrilled to receive this support from Debra.”

The December issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Dec 5.

The copy deadline is Nov 20.

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the birstall post NOV 2009

Brick thrown at bus New play area a hit FORMER LEICESTER player Steve Walsh was the special guest at a Birstall nursery school’s summer fete.

Steve visited Birstall Rainbow Nursery on Wanlip Lane to open the new outdoor play area which has been partly funded by a council grant from Leicestershire County Council.

Nursery Manager Paula Wright said: “The new play area is amazing, the children love it and it will be in use throughout the year with our giant undercover walk-in sandpit, the nature area and climbing wall up to the castle in the sky, the dig pit, stone area and growing beds. It’s great to see them having such a wonderful time.”

She added: “The owners have also revamped the front of the nursery which is spectacular and we have had many lovely comments from both parents and passers by.

“The fete was great with lots to see and do and a big thank you to the fire brigade for attending – the children and parents love to have a go!”

Pic: (l-r) Steve Walsh, Tony Slipper (owner), Kellie Butler (Deputy), Sue Slipper (owner)

A BRICK thrown at the window of a National Express coach as it passed through Birstall smashed a window, forcing the driver to stop.

The incident happened at about 8.11pm on Tuesday September 15 when a National Express coach was travelling along the A6 Loughborough Road in the direction of Loughborough.

As the coach passed the junction with Bentley Road a brick was thrown at the nearside window causing it to smash. A tub of margarine was also thrown at the front of the bus.

The driver safely stopped the bus and nobody was injured.

Passengers saw a group of three youths, believed to be involved in the incident in the area at the time. They are described as about 14 years old and one of them had long hair.

PC Kevin Gray, who is investigating the incident said: “Did you see a group of three youths matching this description in the Bentley Road area that Tuesday evening? If so, please contact me.

“We’re appealing for anyone who may have information about this incident or remembers any suspicious activity in the area between these times to get in touch.”

Anybody with any information is asked to contact PC 1124 Kevin Gray on Leicester 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 1124. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

NHW news & crime report Beware When Using ATMs! Birstall has recently come under attack by criminals who have compromised ATM machines outside building societies and banks.

There was a deliberate attempt to force members of the public to use the one machine which was apparently working. However the criminals had to set this machine up so they could obtain card details of users via a camera.

When using ATMs be alert to your surroundings and always cover the keyboard with you hand so that your pin number is protected.

Remember to ‘Let There Be Light’ As winter approaches and the dark evenings descend it is a good idea to make sure that your houses are lit with external and internal timed lights. You can use low energy light bulbs coupled with timer switches to vary the times.

This deters would be burglars who will avoid these properties and also provides a welcome to home coming family members.

Be Seen, Be Safe Cyclists • ensure lights are in good working order to front and rear of cycle • wear fluorescent or lighter clothing which is widely available in eye catching designs • parents should be particularly alert to their children’s safety when riding cycles Remember all cyclists can get their machines postcoded free of charge at the Saturday Neighbourhood Advice Shop every third Saturday in the month. Next date will be November 21, between 10-12noon at 10 Sibson Road, opposite Birstall Garden Centre Halloween

Where ‘ No Thanks’ Trick or Treat posters are displayed please respect those people’s wishes and don’t call at the properties From Birstall & Wanlip, Neighbourhood Watch, Ed Marshall, Chairman Crime Report : Birstall 14.9.09 to 14.10.09 Assault and harassment 9, burglary 5, burglary other 3, damage 6, damage to motor vehicle 11, drugs 2, fraud 2, theft 10, theft of cycle 1, theft from motor vehicle 4, theft of motor vehicle 1, theft stores 4 There were 17 fewer recorded crimes this month compared to last. Sibson Road car park is receiving extra police attention.

PC Richard Carruthers 2139

Bumper weekend MORE THAN 4000 visitors attended the GCR’s steam railway October gala weekend.

Takings for the event were £71,000. Eight locomotives were in steam at one point including guest engines Black Prince and Oliver Cromwell.

Great Central Railway president Bill Ford said: “It’s great news. A real boost for us and for the area too. Lots of our visitors came from across the country and stayed for more than a day. The line up of engines, which we dubbed ‘the heavy metal show’ clearly captured imaginations. We’ve already started making plans to put on a great show this time next year.”

Bill added: “The tributes we’ve had from people who visited the gala are a reflection on the staff and volunteers who worked so hard to stage it. There was a lot of interest in the ongoing projects around the railway with many people taking a bus tour to the rapidly developing Mountsorrel branch.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2009

Vampire strikes back FOR THOSE of you who have been to HATS previous pantos at Highcliffe School, there is no need to tell you when it is on.

But, for those who have missed out in previous years, and those who haven’t and are very forgetful, it’s on stage during the last week in November. Or, to be exact, November 26, 27 & 28. We think it’s just about the first panto of the season: let us know if you know of one that’s staged earlier. This year we are presenting Dracula – the Vampire Strikes Back, by Thomas Ribbets and Tim Saward.

Not a tradition subject for a panto but there is plenty of fun and frolics as our heroes and heroines try to stop Dracula getting his hands on the treasure. But first they must discover the identity of the London Blood

Doors are open half an hour before curtain up. Tickets for the panto are available now and you can reserve yours by phoning the box office on 0116 2128757. Prices are £5 (£4 concessions). As usual there will be a reduction for group bookings.

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Once again we would love to see more people from Birstall and the surrounding area coming so see our shows or actually joining our happy band of thespians.

So, if you have a couple of hours or more to spare each week, why not get in touch by phoning HATS secretary on the above number or just turn up at Greengate Hall on any Wednesday after 7pm.

From Rod Atkins, HATS.

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Chairman tours school PUPILS AT Riverside Primary school welcomed Roger Wilson, Chairman of the County Council when he visited the school last month.

Cllr Wilson spoke to pupils at a school assembly, met the school council and was

Iron bar assault A 22 YEAR old man has been charged with a number of offences following an incident in Birstall.

The incident happened on Wednesday September 16, shortly after 12noon in Sibson Road, when a man was assaulted with an iron bar prior to a road traffic collision.

A man attended Loughborough local policing unit on Friday September 18 to speak with officers and was subsequently arrested.

The 22 year old man has been charged with affray, actual bodily harm, aggravated taking of a motor vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, driving without a driving licence, driving without insurance, failing to stop at an accident and failing to report an accident.

He was due to appear at Leicester Magistrates Court on Friday, October 30.

Civic service BIRSTALL METHODIST Church hosted the Leicestershire County Council civic service.

It was led by the minister, the Rev Rachel Parkinson and the Bishop of Leicester the Rt Rev Tim Stevens. Villagers and dignitaries from all parts of Leicestershire attended including the acting chief constable, the Lord Lieutenant and the chairman of the County Council, Cllr Roger Wilson, who lives in Birstall and is a long-standing member and lay reader at the Methodist Church.

The second lesson was read by the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton. The Bishop of Leicester gave the sermon and the offering was shared between Birstall Methodist Church and the Launde Abbey Appeal.

Planning applications 87 Harrowgate Drive – single storey side extension 42 Worcester Ave – erection of detached single garage 66 Sibson Road – erection of a roof extension, single storey extension to rear of dwelling and extension to garage

given a tour by Chairman of the Governors David Bark and headteacher Andy Hayman.

“This school is absolutely terrific and has improved so much since my last visit, as Mayor, five years ago” he said.

“There’s a happy and efficient atmosphere and it’s a school Birstall can really be proud of” he added.

Andy Hayman said: “The timing of Roger’s visit is ideal, as we’ve just got the school council up and running which is about democracy and citizenship – the pupils have now met an elected councillor and can see how it operates in the real world.”

Pic: (l-r) David Bark, Roger Wilson, Sheila Wilson and Andy Hayman with the Riverside school council

BIRSTALL PLUMBING Tel: 0116 267 2266

Pic: Doreen & Rod Atkins ready for some biting. Photo by L Meachem

Fiend! It sounds a bit horrific but don’t worry, it’s all in the best possible taste. With the usual mixture of music, dancing, comedy, knockabout and a sprinkling of horror we hope it will be a great time for kids from 3 to 93!

So make sure you don’t miss out on the fun and frolics. Book your tickets now for November 26, 27 & 28. Evening performances are at 7.15pm and there will be an additional matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm.

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Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester. LE4 4GH Following our recent successful taster evening we are delighted to offer further sessions as part of our Supporting Parents programme.

Surviving with Teenagers

Charity fundraiser A LADIES evening organised by the Charnwood branch of Cancer Research has raised £790 for the charity.

The event, held in the Village Hall, Woodhouse Eaves, featured various free treatments for visitors including reflexology, aromatherapy, hand, head and shoulder massage.

There was also advice about the various uses of aloe vera, nail care, hand care and beauty problems.

To encourage everyone to start early with their Christmas shopping there were stalls selling jewellery, stationery, designer clothes, Christmas wrapping paper, home made pickles, jams and Virgin Vie cosmetics.

Jan Gaskell, Chair of the Charnwood branch of Cancer Research, said: “Buying Christmas gifts in the warmth of the village hall while eating a slice of home-made cake proved to be an ideal shopping experience.”

She added: “This year we would like to thank husbands Doug and David who set out all the tables and chairs and provided the ‘muscle’ and then left returning at 10pm to help pack everything away.

Many thanks to all our supThe porters, both old and new December who helped us to raise a magnificent total of £790. issue of Without your support we THE BIRSTALL POST could not have achieved this will be published truly wonderful result.” on Dec 5.

Pic: Mary Allen(right) and Kath Grundy (centre)from The copy Birstall choosing items deadline from the large collection is Nov 20. of jewellery on sale

Wednesday 11 November (Max. People 12)

Surviving Post 16 (The Sixth Form)

Workshop 1

2.00 – 4.30pm

Room 4A ADLC

Tuesday 10 November 7.00 – 9.00 pm

Workshop 2

6.30 – 9.00pm

Room 46 LKC

Session 1 - Life in Post-16

Listening, Communicating, Strengthening Relationships.

Help! The teenagers have taken over the computer Monday 16 November (Max. People 12) 6.30 – 8.30 pm Hints and tips for parents on home computing.

Computers available for your use.

Parents will have the opportunity to learn more about: The LeCAP application process. (For courses and apprenticeships.)

What support students receive in Post-16 from Academic Tutoring to Learning Mentoring Understand the Transition process from year 11 – 12 Understand what opportunities students have in Post-16

Surviving Key Stage 4

Session 2 - Explaining the UCAS process

Wednesday 25th November 7.00 – 9.00pm Luther King Centre

Parents will have the opportunity to learn more about:

Session 1 Peer Pressure Session 2 Drinking/Alcohol Abuse General information for parents on these topics

** Please note some sessions have a maximum group size.

------------------To book a place on any of these sessions or for further details please contact:

What does UCAS stand for?

What do students need to do to apply to university?

What is the role of the teachers, tutors and Post-16 within the application process?

How can parents support?

Supporting parents

Lyndsay King- Extended Services Tel: 0116 267 0807 / 267 7107 Email: lyndsayking@longslade.leics.sch.uk

Longslade Community College

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the birstall post NOV 2009

YOUR SAY...

Thanks May I take this opportunity to thank the residents of Blenheim Road and Lambourne Road, Birstall for their most generous donations to the LOROS house-to-house envelope collection during September. You raised a very impressive £78 – well done, and thank you to everyone.

Katherin Dunne

Thanks

The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Thanks I would like to say a very big thank you to all friends and neighbours for the lovely flowers, cards and cakes received after my recent operation.

Bless you all.

Joan Bowler

Thanks The family of the late Eric Moore would like to thank friends and neighbours for all their support and kind donations on behalf of the British Lung foundation which amounted to £450 Mrs A Davis

I’d like to say a big thank you to everybody who supported me in my fundraising for Childreach International, with whom I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. I made it to the summit on Sunday September 13 having raised £3,000 for the charity.

I couldn’t have raised this amount without the support of friends from around Birstall and of the White House, so thank you so much.

Having visited the schools and training centres being run by the charity in Tanzania I can assure you the money is being put to the most incredible use to give the children a future.

Chris Kilby

Student gate By now I should have bored your readers silly with my protestations about the inept re-design of the A6. However, as a past governor of a local school, I am concerned for the safety of pedestrians using that road, so I must take up the pen.

The efforts to block the unofficial hole in the wire fence in the north-east corner of Stonehill school playing fields repeatedly fail – yet a simple gate, which I suggested would allow students access to a pedestrian crossing at the Hallam Fields Road junction, has been constructed but only for the use of Transco.

For students’ use, a gate must connect, apparently, to a length of dual carriageway, leading to the school car park.

Taking into account the behaviour of some motorists, any delay must be deplored. In two days this week I saw firstly a north-bound motorist do a U-turn at the Hallam Fields road, despite the signs banning it; and secondly a young man in a black car who drove at speed down the closed bus lane: ploughed through the cones at the Bentley Road junction: turned his car through the pedestrian space between the two new islands, then turned into Bentley Road against the traffic lights, which were red to south-bound traffic.

If motorists can behave thus, what chance to school students stand?

Dr D McNeil

Report it We heard it several times on the Watch phone in the last month: ”I didn’t want to bother the Police with it” or “Nothing happens anyway, so why bother?”

It’s simple. If you don’t report it, then – as far as the Police are concerned – it didn’t happen. And the criminals get away with it.

Some people have said that it’s actually selfish to not report a crime because you’re depriving other people in our area of the right level of Police resources.

So if you are the victim of a crime – no matter how minor you might think it is – then always report it to the Police on 222 2222.

You may not get an immediate response.

But this doesn’t mean that nothing is happening and it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t report the incident.

Often, the Watch gets feedback on reports from the Police and we try to make sure that gets through to members.

If the Police have an accurate picture of the level of antisocial behaviour, suspicious behaviour and ‘petty’ crimes as well as more serious crimes, then they will give our area more attention.

And more Police attention means less attention from the criminals, vandals and troublemakers.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

The Hut Many thanks to those readers of the Post who responded to my pleas for information on ‘the Hut’ in Cliffe Road.

Not only did they correct my mistaken belief that Miss Henson taught there (which, of course, she did from her own home next door!) but they furnished me with details of the person who did use the building, the renowned pianist Maud Randle (for whom the Leicester composer Benjamin Burrows wrote at least two pieces of music) and ‘The Hut’ itself..

Sadly no photo had been forthcoming so far, and so maybe I could ask again for anyone who might have a photo of what sounds to me like a fairly unique building for this part of the world! Also any further information on Maud Randle would be very much welcomed.

I can be contacted on 0116 2676427 or email rmp6@leicester.ac.uk.

Many thanks.

Robert Pugsley, 54 Cliffe Road

Stop start I heartily agree with the comments made

by Pravin Parmar in issue no.315 of the Birstall Post regarding the ‘Improvements at the A6/Greengate Lane/Sibson Road junction. The design seems to employ the system used all over Leicester which would appear to be: if there is any danger of the traffic actually flowing stop it quickly and for as long as possible.

The powers that be do not seem to realise that to proclaim to be an ‘Environment City’ requires more than just putting up fancy signs on the main roads into the city. Many of my customers who do not live locally dread coming to ‘Traffic Light City’ which is a commonly used and more accurate description.

Research and common sense (remember that?) tell us that to get the maximum pollution from a car, drive it for short distances and stop it frequently. There is nothing more soul destroying than watching the next set of traffic light turning to red as one is leaving the previous set and then to sit waiting for the non-existent traffic to cross the junction before the same cycle is repeated again. Should you somehow manage to negotiate a couple or three sets of lights without stopping rest assured the next three sets will be even slower to make up for it. It is almost as if this is being done on purpose to make motoring so annoying that we will all give up and use public transport. Or do the local authorities maybe have shares in the traffic light manufacturers?

Ed G Trzoska

Found I have in my possession a spent bullet (I think) on a gold chain, picked up on The Crossways. I think it must be of value to who-

ever lost it. Please contact me on 2674995 if it is yours, and I will be pleased to give it back to its owner.

L Walton

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Methodist Church Saturday November 28 from 10am to 2pm

Table Top Sale (held in conjunction with Christmas Festival) Tables @ £10 each Contact Margaret – 0116 2671181 ••• St James the Great Church Hill, Birstall Sunday November 1 at 3pm

All Souls Service We will be holding a short service of hymns, readings, prayers and reflection for those who have lost a loved one recently or in the past Open to everyone in the parish You will be very welcome Refreshments after the service •••

Barn Dance Saturday November 14 Birstall Village Hall, 7.30-10.30pm Tickets £5.50 Bring your own food and drink Proceeds go to the Samaritans Purse ‘Shoebox’ Appeal Tel: Hazel 2674008, Daphne 2675721 •••

Charity Bridge Drive Organised by Loughborough Lions At the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Wednesday November 11 at 1.30pm with afternoon tea provided Only £6 per person To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or Ann 01509 232422 ••• Leicestershire Parents Group of Diabetes UK Presents

60s, 70s & 80s Disco Saturday November 14 At Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall From 7-11.30pm Trafficator disco, licensed bar, pop quiz, raffle Tickets £6 Tel: Ian 0116 2301150 – 07946127572 ••• Sunday November 22 at 7.30pm A welcome return of the

Ibstock Brick Brass Band At St James’ Church Pay on the door Monies to the band and a donation to the church •••

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2009 Yes folks it’s Panto time again Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society presents

Dracula the Vampire Strikes Back

by Thomas Ribbits and Tim Saward At Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Birstall Thursday & Friday Nov 26 & 27 at 7.15pm, Saturday Nov 28, 2.30pm & 7.15pm Tickets Adult £5, Concessions £4, discounts for group bookings available from either email: hatsbirstall&hotmail.co.uk, tel: 0116 2128757 or 0775784719 Comedy in a Jugular Vein Don’t delay book today!

•••

Abbeyfield Autumn Fair Church Hill, Birstall Tuesday 10 November, from 10am to 12noon 20p admission Tea & coffee, biscuits, cake also a home baked stall, tombola, treasure trail, book stall and gift stall All proceeds are to go to the residents outing and entertainment fund ••• Loughborough Farmers Market Devonshire Square, Loughborough Between 9am and 3pm Next market November 4 ••• Birstall Methodist Church

Christmas Festival Friday 27th/Sat 28th November ‘Golden Fanfare’ Trees, displays, arrangements Friday 10am-7pm/Saturday 10am-2pm Admission to the church £1 (accompanied children free)

Outdoor Christmas Market Friday 3-7pm

Table Top Sale Saturday 10am-2pm Tables @£10 each, contact 2671181 Refreshments served throughout the event Light lunches Fri/Sat 12-2pm ••• Age Concern

Christmas Toy & Tombola Bazaar At the Age Concern Furniture Shop, Birstall Friday/Saturday, November 27 & 28 Lots of toys and gifts for Christmas 9am-5pm tel: 0116 2672098 Please come and support us and have fun too!

•••

Free meat raffle, Bingo and not forgetting ‘Open the Box’ Every Tues night Bingo starting at 9.30pm Quiz nights Sunday Nov 8 & 29 starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday Nov 15 Rock & Roll nights Wed Nov 4 & 18 Food available every Sat 12-2pm ••• Bradgate Sewing Circle

Coffee Morning and Sale The Rothley Centre Saturday November 14, 10am to 11.30am Stalls will include homemade cakes & provisions, books including children’s books, Christmas gift stall, cards, gifts for children to buy, tombola, raffle with great prizes and much more Admission and coffee 50p This year the charities we are hoping to support are Mablethorpe Children’s Holiday Home and the Macmillan Nurses •••

Birstall Flower Club Invites you to a demonstration by Ann Horsley entitled ‘In Anticipation’ on Wednesday November 25 at 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall, School Lane, Birstall Tickets £6 (inc refreshments) Available from 0116 2674206, 0116 2128460 ••• Rothley Bowling Club

Autumn Fayre and Coffee Morning

Craft Fair Saturday November 22 From 11am to 3.30pm Various stalls selling food, drink, local produce, gifts etc Artists exhibiting include: Ingrid Jarvis of Aura Art Glass www.auraartglass.com who makes beautiful lampwork beads and jewellery Alex Williamson www.alexwilliamson.com who specialises in distinctive contemporary jewellery, and Anne Harrison www.anneharrison.co.uk who produces stunning embroidered landscapes

•••

Members Notice Birstall Royal British Legion Sat Nov 7, John McCartney (M/V) Wed Nov 11, 40s Night Singalong (F/V) Sat Nov 14, Fior (F/V) Sat Nov 21, Sam Bailey (F/V) Sat Nov 28, Karen West (F/V) Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment

Annual Christmas Fair On Saturday November 28 From 4-6.30pm Lots to see and do, games to play, stalls to browse, look for that special Christmas gift Relax to the sound of Marwood brass See Santa in his grotto We look forward to welcoming everyone For more details www.bishopellis.leics.sch.uk

•••

Support for victims of Domestic Abuse

NHW Advice Surgery

Saturday December 5 10am to 12.30pm at St James the Great Church, Church Hill, Birstall ••• Birstall St James Church Social Group Invite you to a

Quiz Afternoon and Cream Tea On Sunday November 22 at 3pm Birstall Village Hall, School Lane Cost £3 •••

November 8.

10.45 for 11am Conducted by the Rev Pam Haynes All are welcome Further information tel: Dorothy 0116 2672018 ••• The ladies of Birstall Bags would like to invite you to a

Christmas Fair

Coffee Morning Saturday November 28, 10am to 12noon tombola, cakes, books, jigsaws, bric-a-brac All welcome ••• Bishop Ellis Primary School, Barkby Thorpe Lane, Thurmaston

Coffee Morning/Bring and Buy and Music

needs adult swimmers to join them on Fridays from 12.30 to 1.30pm £2 first visit contact Birstall Pool on 2673461 or Lesley on 2671625 ••• Charnwood Conservative Association

Saturday November 28 from 1.30-4pm At Richard Hill School, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston Santa’s grotto, Christmas craft stalls, games, teas, home-made cakes, face painting, chocolate fountain and lots more!

All welcome Further details please ring 0116 235 7980 or contact richardhillpta@aol.com ••• Belgrave Hall Museum

••• Birstall Royal British Legion Women’s Section

Loughborough Women’s Aid (LWA) We help all victims, male and female and their families.

Support can be an informal chat, in depth help or refuge accommodation.

Call LWA on 01509 55 25 49 www.lwa.org.uk •••

Belgrave Cemetery Remembrance Sunday Service

Saturday December 5, 10am to 12noon at The Rothley Centre Admission 50p Raffle, tombola, produce stalls, cakes, gifts, games and books Rt Hon S Dorrell MP will be attending ••• Richard Hill School

This British film starring Hollywood legend, Burt Reynolds, was selected for a Royal Film Performance last year. A leading Hollywood star is attracted to Britain to play the title role of King Lear at ‘Stratford’ believing he will be appearing at Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Instead he finds he has signed on with the ‘Stratford Players’ in the Suffolk village of Stratford St John.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4, concessions £3.50. Price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office 0116 236 7626 or at the door.

At the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Saturday November 21, from 10am to 12noon Raffle, tombola, cakes, home made produce, crafts, books, bric-a-brac etc Admission 50p inc tea/coffee All welcome •••

Friends of Birstall Swimming Pool

Christmas Fair

‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ Friday December 11 (97 mins)

Gift Night at the Earl of Stamford on Friday November 13 All proceeds go towards cancer related illnesses Tickets £3 each to include a free glass of wine or soft drink A variety of stalls to browse around including: handbags, scarves, jewellery, body shop, hand made cards and home made preserves Tickets available from Emma 07837028451 or Rachael 07989822173 Please come along and enjoy a relaxing evening with us and start your Christmas shopping!

For more information please visit our website www.birstallbags.co.uk Thank you for your support Emma, Rachael, Jo, Helen. Liz, Lesley •••

Syston Band’s Christmas Concert Saturday December 12 At the Syston Methodist Church, High Street, Syston Doors open at 7, concert starts at 7.30 Tickets cost £5 (including complimentary mince pies) and accompanied children are free To book tickets or for more information call 0116 2675823 ••• Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council Film Presentations ‘The Young Victoria’, Friday November 13 (104 mins) This charming British Costume Drama chronicles Victoria’s rise to power, focusing on the early turbulent years of her reign. Prior to her coronation, Victoria was at the mercy of her scheming mother and advisors. However, her first cousin, Albert, defies protocol to outwit the schemers. The young Victoria soon learns to be assertive in politics and determined in her legendary romance. Emily Blunt gives a stunning performance as Victoria.

Meet your beat officers Free postcoding of bikes Saturday November 21, 10am to 12noon 10 Sibson Road, Old Council Office

D. Upton Garden Services All aspects of garden work undertaken

Driveways • Patios Blockpaving • Gravelling Turfing • Fencing Slabbing • Mowing Hedgetrimming etc

0116 2696982 Mob: 0781 2335825

••• A good time was had by Birstall residents at the cinema presentation organised by Birstall Parish Council in the village hall of the Walt Disney film ‘Race to Witch Mountain (PG)

The next cinema event will be on Wednesday November 18 at 7pm presenting:

Public Enemies (15)

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Johnny Depp stars as charismatic 1930s bank robber John Dillinger, whose exploits thrilled the American public during the Depression. Despite his folk hero status, Dillinger was declared Public Enemy No.1 and became the prime target of a fledgling FBI, headed by Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale). This engrossing and stunningly acted film contrasts Dillinger’s criminal career and romance with girlfriend Billie (Marion Cotillard) 139 mins

8

the birstall post NOV 2009

Business award A BIRSTALL businessman had been named as the East Midlands Young Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors (IODs)

Steve Walker (31) of Steve Walker Associates received his award at the IOD’s annual business leaders dinner, held at Trent Bridge, cricket ground, Nottingham.

Steve’s business, based at Cliffe House on Church Hill, is a management and training consultancy. He also runs a business providing NVQ training.

He said: “It’s an honour to win this prestigious award against great competition. to be identified as the region’s leading entrepeneur is a great accolade.”

Pic: Steve Walker (right) with Ron Lynch, IOD’s East Midlands Regional Director, and Mike Carr, EMDA’s Executive Director of Business Services and Shahid Sheikhn, IOD Leicestershire Chairman.

Gift ideas

A FULL size jukebox that plays CDs or mp3 files is available now at Broughton Interiors, Anstey.

The classic style jukebox has seven colour LED tube lighting, a remote control player and has a USB connection for attaching your mp3 player.

Broughtons also have a range of reproduction telephones from the 1920s to the 1970s including the wooden candlestick design and the 70s trim phone

News from Parish churches

Cubs in space TO CELEBRATE the 40th anniversary of man landing on the moon, Cubs and Beavers from Birstall spent a day at the National Space Centre, Leicester.

They explored the numerous halls including learning about weather systems. Here they had a chance to record their own weather Pic: Cubs in the rocket tower report against a green background which superimposed them over the weather map. One slight problem was that they wore their green Cubs’ tops making them invisible on screen apart from seeing their hands and faces.

They also learnt about the planets, solar system and star constellations.

As they climbed the tower housing the rockets there were more tasks to perform on rocket propulsion and life support, before finally getting a chance to relive the ‘one small step’ moPic: Beavers walking on the moon ment made famous by Neil Armstrong, who as a boy was a ranger, America’s equivalent of scouts.

As they returned to Earth (the ground floor) there were more hands-on tasks to carry out such as using remote mining diggers, driving ‘Mars Rovers’ as well as trying out the Micro G Manoeuvre Module.

In recognition of the effort put into the 'out of this world experience’ they all earned the Cub Scout Astronomy badge.

WITH THE return of the darker nights and with the annual Remembrance Day service on Sunday November 8 at St James, autumn seems well upon us and Christmas is just around the corner!

The various religious festivals of light taking place in Leicester in the autumn months, should not make us forget that Advent, the prelude to Christmas, is also a season of light in the Christian church. The first Advent candle is lit at services on Advent Sunday November 29 in St. James and Wanlip churches – and the children can start to open their Advent calendars! At 6pm in St James that evening there is also a special ‘Churches Together’ Advent Service in which candles and music play a large part. All are welcome.

To cheer a dark November day, why not come along to a Quiz afternoon with cream tea, taking place in the Village Hall on Sunday November 22 at 3pm, and later return to St James for the Ibstock Brass Band concert in the evening at 7.30pm?

A fortnight later on Saturday December 5 there will be a Coffee Morning, with Bring and Buy and raffle, at St. James church between 10am and 12.30pm, to which all are invited (proceeds for Church funds). During the morning there will be music, played by some of Cynthia Coltman’s pupils.

From Beryl McHugh

From Ged Sessions

PETE INGHAM Plastering & Property Maintenance

Professional Services Include All Types of Plastering

Garden Work Fencing Slabbing Block Paving Patios

Free Estimate ( 267 4194 and Personal Attention Guaranteed Workmanship TOTAL COMMITMENT TO QUALITY 51 Walker Rd, Birstall

Fundraising group FUNDRAISING BY the Ladies of the Birstall Methodist Women’s Group continues to support local good causes.

Coffee mornings, a Christmas table, Jill’s quizzes, Barbara’s fete, raffles and other events helped to raise £2600 which was divided equally between Birstall Girl Guides and the county Air Ambulance.

Pic: pictured with their cheques are Ivan Ball from the county’s Air Ambulance service and Marie Upton from Birstall Guides

Advertise in

The birstall post 53 x 70mm £26 • 53 x 142mm £44 109 x 70mm £44 • 109 x 142mm £78 1) Decide what size you want. 2) Send us a sketch of your ad. 3) We design, publish & send you the bill CALL for an advertising rate card, or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk PRICES EXCLUDE VAT

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2009

AGE CONCERN The Elderly are Happiest!

Research has found that people in general are mentally healthier in their twilight years despite the problems associated with old age and approaching death. Instead of concentrating on a rosy view of the past or on a bleak future, pensioners generally have learnt to live in the moment and have adopted a ‘life is too short’ attitude to negative feelings. The problems of old age may be greater because of ill health and gradual age-related decline but research has found that elderly people are better able to deal with them because of experience. Older people do not seem to dwell in the past as some popular stereotypes claim but they do not think as much about the future as younger people do. Much of the benefit to mental health comes from living in the present eg stopping to ‘smell the roses’ and noticing what is good about life. Unlike a lot of younger people, the elderly are better at controlling anger and stress levels, regulating their emotions and avoiding conflict with others. Research has found that, except for people with dementia-related diseases, mental health generally improved with age.

Thinking of Paying your Builder in Cash? Think Again If any elderly people (or people of any age) are thinking of having extensive building work carried out eg creating a granny annexe or having a shower cubicle installed or a bathroom or kitchen refurbished they need to think carefully about agreeing to pay a builder in cash. The Government is closing in on builders who do not declare earnings for VAT purposes and may target customers it thinks has colluded. This could be anyone who has paid a builder, plumber, electrical or carpenter in cash and not insisted on proper paperwork detailing billing for VAT. Where HMRC finds that something has not been declared – particularly VAT – they are investigating builders and asking customers to corroborate their accounts. Customers are being told that if they do not provide the required information within a set time, there is a £300 penalty plus £60 per day thereafter. If the customer’s account does not tally with that of the builder, HMRC will demand to see paperwork, such as quotes and invoices, which some people paying in cash may not have.

The National Audit Office’s report of last year estimated that in 2005 two million people working in what is known as the ‘hidden economy’ were

INFO

responsible for a loss of £1.5 billion in all taxes.

Thus HMRC is now looking hard at the construction industry’s grey market.

If you do find yourself the subject of an enquiry into your builder’s accounts it is essential that you appear as co-operative as possible. You must demonstrate that you did not know your builder intended to avoid VAT. This does not mean you cannot pay cash for building work in order to get a discount – you should just ensure that your invoice contains a section showing how much VAT you are paying and keep a copy of it. If you are having extensive work done – such as a granny annexe etc then you can be fairly certain that your builder ought to be registered for VAT, so you should insist on the necessary details being shown on an invoice.

Help with Heating Costs – A Warmer Home for Winter When it comes to high fuel costs, many pensioners are feeling the pinch and the cold. If you are not heating your home well enough because you’re worried about your next bill, you could be putting yourself at risk of cold-related illnesses like pneumonia. Find out how you might give yourself a warmer home this winter.

What is a Winter Fuel Payment?

The Government will again be making Winter Fuel Payments to most people aged 60 or over for winter 2009/10. A Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help people aged 60 and over with the costs of keeping warm this winter.

If you are aged 60 to 79 and you are entitled to receive a Winter Fuel Payment, this year you will get either £125 or £250 depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week (Sep 21-27, 2009). If you are aged 80 or over and you are entitled to a Winter Fuel payment, this year you will get either £200, £275 or £400 depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week, self funders in care homes should also enquire. You do not pay tax on Winter Fuel Payments.

The Pension Service will make automatic payments over a number of weeks from early Novem-

ber 2009 until Christmas 2009. If you have not received your automatic payment by Christmas 2009 you should call the office that pays your benefit or call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline 0845 915 15 15.

If you need to make a claim for a payment for winter 2009/10, you should return your claim form on or before March 30, 2010.

In line with changes to State Pension age for women, the qualifying age for Winter Fuel Payments will rise gradually between 2010 and 2020, from 60 to 65. This means that from winter 2010/11 onwards both men and women will need to have reached women’s State Pension age by the end of the September qualifying week.

Cold Weather Payment Extra payments are made when the weather is very cold in your area. You can get an additional amount a week when the average temperature has been or is expected to be 0°C or below for seven consecutive days.

Can I claim it?

You need to be aged 60 or over and claiming Pension Credit, it will be paid to you automatically.

Winter Fuel Payments should be received automatically. Winter Fuel Payments should be received automatically; however, if you’re a man aged 60-64 you will need to make a claim because you are not of pension age yet. Check if you are entitled and ask about your payment, or to make a claim, phone the Winter Fuel Helpline on 08459 15 15 15

by March 30, 2010.

Warm Front Grant Warm Front is a government funded scheme which offers grants to make your home warmer and more energy efficient. It includes a package of insulation and heating improvements, up to the value of £3,500 (or £6,000 for oil fired central heating).

Can I apply?

You must own or privately rent your home.

You must be receiving one or more of these benefits: Pension Credit, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance of Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

The Warm Front Programme is run by the Eaga Group. To apply for a grant, phone 0800 316 6011 or visit the Warmfront website.

Help from Energy Suppliers If you have a low income, your energy supplier may help to improve the energy efficiency of your home by offering you products like insulation free of charge. They may also provide help with free or discounted cavity walls and/or loft insulation. If you spend more than 10% of your income on bills you might also be eligible for a Social Tariff. Every energy supplier is different so it pays to check their eligibility criteria. For help from energy suppliers, contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre of the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99. Age Concern and Help the Aged can help you. Call us today: Age Concern National Information Line: 0800 00 99 66. Help the Aged SeniorLine: 0808 800 6565 Aged 65 or Over?

Or know someone who is? Information and advice is available in various formats and is provided by many agencies, but sometimes it can be difficult to access the services you need.

The Information & Advice team at Age Concern Leicester Shire and Rutland is committed to improving accessibility to relevant information and advice throughout Leicestershire, for people aged 65 and over.

To have your say on what information is provided in Leicestershire and how you would like to access it, please give us a call. We’d love to hear from you! By working together we can improve communication, information and advice across Leicestershire.

Please contact: Lian Frost, Information & Advice Project, Age Concern Leicestershire Shire & Rutland, Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA. Tel: 0116 2992279. Email: lian.frost@ageconcernleics.com Useful Websites www.bt.com: free online directory enquiry www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk: useful site from the Financial Services Authority www.comparethemarket.com: works with a range of business partners and insurance providers to provide price comparisons for the best deals for insurance prices www.national.co.uk: for rail advice www.identity-theft.org.uk: for tips and advice www.getsafeonline.org: free pubic service to both consumers and businesses to use the internet safely and to protect themselves from identity theft www.ripofftipoff.net: advice on avoiding common trading scams nhsdirect.nhs.uk: health advice www.which.co.uk: an independent organisation that campaigns to protect consumer rights www.VisitBritain.com: Britain’s national tourism agency www.kelkoo.co.uk: one-stop online shopping comparison site helping shoppers find, research and buy products online

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www.pricerunner.co.uk¨price comparison site www.shopsafe.co.uk: UK online shopping directory which checks the security, delivery, range of goods and prices of 3,000 listed secure UK online shops as well as voucher codes, special offers, bargains and gift ideas www.citizensadvice.org.uk. and www.adviceguide.org.uk: Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) national network of free advice centres ww.veterans-uk.info + FREE Veterans Helpline 0800 169 2277 – Veterans Welfare Service warmfront.co.uk – 0800 3l6 2805 – help with heating costs www.lloydspharmacy.com/fatagecalculator: website for calculating bodyfat www.waspinator.co.uk: need a deterrent to wasps, try this web site www.trcrc.com = The Really Caring 60+ Recruitment Company http:www.billmonitor.com/: Ofcom accredited Billmonitor, a price comparison service for cheaper mobile phone deals VAT Exemption for Disabled People VAT law provides certain reliefs for people who are “chronically sick or disabled”. “Chronic” is taken to mean lasting a long time and therefore excludes injuries of a temporary nature. However, a long term condition does not, of itself determine whether someone is chronically sick or disabled.

For example, not all those suffering from long term back problems will be chronically sick or disabled; some will and some will not, depending on the severity of the problem. “Disabled” is also taken to refer to a long term condition and includes mental disabilities. Relief under this provision is not restricted to those who are registered as disabled persons. For further details and information Notice 701/7 VAT ‘reliefs for disabled people’ contact HM Revenue and Customs on 0845 302 02 03 (8am8pm Mon-Fri) or www.hmrc.gov.uk. More information and copies of Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people and Notice 701/59 motor vehicles for disabled people are available on this site or google National Advice Service.

Jex Woods

Bowls club season THE OUTDOOR season finished last month at Birstall Bowling Club with Margaret Freeman and Roy Nutting holding their respective Presidents Days.

Another successful season saw the club win the Ladies County Fours title, the County Greenwood Cup, four Parks trophies, the Ladies Friday Triples League and promotion to the first division of the Men’s Leicester League. A ladies fours team also reached the last 16 in the country at the National Finals.

The club finals took place in September and the winners for the year are below: Ladies Winners:

Championship: Pa Walker, Runner Up: Velma Allen Handicap: Val Ross, Runner Up: Sue Andrews Maiden: Anne Boden, Runner Up: Val Ross Pairs: Anne Boden & Pa Walker, Runners Up: Barbara Mullins & Velma Allen Two Wood Pairs: Velma Allen & Diane Hurst, Runners Up: Dorothy Lightfoot & Jan Everitt Fielding & Everitt Cups: Carol Eaton & Pam Ratcliffe Due to illness, the ladies Three Wood and Two Wood finals will be played next season.

Maiden: John Eaton, Runner Up: Nev Cass Three Wood: Tony Boswell, Runner Up: Stuart Har-

top Two Wood: Andy Wye, Runner Up: Richard Smith Pairs: Bill Alexander & John Lee, Runners Up: Ken Smith & Dave Clarke Club Night Cup: Colin Potter Mixed competition winners:

Club Open: Jan Everitt, Runner Up: Andy Wye Saunders Cup: Diane & John Hurst, Runners Up: Pam Ratcliffe & Dave Clarke Adnett Cup: Pa & John Walker, Runners Up: Pam Ratcliffe & Dave Amey More information is on the club website www.birstallbowling.co.uk

Men’s winners:

Championship: Tom Cowles, Runner Up: Dave Clarke Handicap: John Hurst, Runner Up: Jan Hunt Pic: the winning Greenwood Cup team.

AC

RN

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UPVC Cleaning Service Bring all your UPVC back to new

I specialise in conservatory cleaning I have a roof access system which enables me to get up close to all parts of the roof

Ring Steve on

0116 2673277

10

the birstall post NOV 2009

New curate STEPHEN CROFTS was recently ordained in Leicester Cathedral and will be working as Curate in the parish, in the churches of St James the Great, Birstall and Our Lady and St Nicholas, Wanlip.

He says: “It has been just three months since we first arrived in the parish of Birstall and Wanlip, and my family and I have felt truly welcomed into the community. So much so that it almost feels as though we have always lived here. It certainly wasn’t long before the new curate was being dressed up to be part of the children’s summer holiday club dramas – I’m sure it all helps! We’ve been deeply touched by everyone’s welcome, thank you to all who have made settling into the village such a comfortable thing”.

Methodist Church news Coffee Shop The Tuesday to Friday morning coffee shop, which has helpers from all three churches in Birstall has been able to declare a surplus of £3800, and has decided to donate this to the following charities etc Marakissa Clinic Gambia £1000 LOROS £1000 St.James' & St Theresa's £400 each for a charity of their choice The Macular Disease Society £400 Alzheimer’s Soc. Side by Side £400 Birstall Guides Building Fund £200 Memorial Service On the evening of Remembrance Sunday November 8, our Minister Rev Rachel Parkinson will hold a special service of remembrance, for friends & relatives who have died. This 6pm service is open to anyone who would find it helpful.

The 10.30 morning service, led by Rev Ian Mason and assisted by Joan Rumball, will include the two minute silence for those who have died in conflict and war.

Toys on the Table

The date for our Toy Service this year will be November 29. Toys again will be going to the Charnwood Toys on the Table Appeal.

Hogwarts Party Our Sunday Club are holding a Hogwarts Party on October 31 for their members and friends.

Hogwarts is the name of the school in the Harry Potter books. The idea is that it allows the youngsters in the Sunday Club to participate in the ‘fun’ side of Halloweeen traditions, such as dressing up, whilst staying in the clearly fictional and very moral world of Harry Potter.

Christmas Festival Taking place on Friday afternoon and evening November 27 and Saturday morning November 28 will follow a theme of ‘A Golden Fanfare’ and the church will be decorated with this theme in mind. For exact times see the notice board page in this edition of the Birstall Post.

In addition to the decorations in the church there are other attractions. On Friday there will be an outdoor Christmas Market , and on Saturday morning a Table Top Sale. The coffee shop will be open throughout, and will be serving light lunches on both Friday and Saturday.

Web Site improved Do look at the improved web-site (www.birstallmethodistchurch.org.uk). The layout and navigation have a more updated appearance.

It is regularly updated and well worth exploring.

It carries many pictures too.

MON 2 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Wonderful Words. David Siddons MON 9 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP The cultural significance of Coleorton Hall. Ms Gabriella Maffioli TUES 10 BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING CLUB ‘Tails’ of India. Steve Woodward. 7.30pm Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley THURS 12 BIRSTALL & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY. Gypsies in Leicester. 16th-19th Centuries. David Smith MON 16 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Christmas Table. New project speaker MON 23 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Feeding the English Country House. Dr Wendy Freer WED 25 BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB Open meeting. National Demonstrator Ann Horsley. In Anticipation.

MON 30 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP The History of Shopping. Mrs Wendy Eccles

REGULAR MEETINGS NIFTY FIFTIES Tues 11.40am to 12.40pm Sileby Parish Community Centre. An exercise class designed for the active 50+ age group. Fun, sociable & very good for you. Fully qualified instructor Kate 2412646 AEROBICS & BODY CONDITIONING (RSA Qual.Instructor) Co-op Sports & Social Club Tues 6.30pm Step/Total Body Conditioning; Thurs 6.30pm Aerobics/bums & tums. Tel:Sue 077 396 36650 or try personal training in the privacy of your own home ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WHIST DRIVE Every Thur: 2.30pm Legion Club, Front St. ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION Meet 3rd Thursday each month, Legion Club, Front Street 8pm.

New members welcome. Tel:2674817 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION BRANCH MEETING Members meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.

Legion HQ, 19 Front St, Birstall COFFEE SHOP Tues-Sat 10-12noon, Birstall Methodist Centre BIRSTALL SOCIAL CLUB Every Tue: Seq Dancing 8-10.30pm BIRSTALL SOCIAL EVERGREEN CLUB Every Tue:2.15pm Birstall Soc Club DIANE GROSE SCHOOL OF DANCE & DRAMA Dance, Drama & Fitness Classes for Children & Adults Enq 2674775 ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION Meet Royal British Legion, 4th Wed in every month tel:2609658 ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES Every Mon:8pm. The Sir Henry Pearce Lodge No.30. Every Fri:8.30pm. The Progressive Lodge No.6565. Meet at Birstall Social Club - all members of RAOB, GLE welcome BIRSTALL CARERS SUPPORT GROUP Welcomes all carers. Regular meetings at the St James Day Care Centre, Fridays at 2pm. (Except the last Friday in the month).

For further information contact Marlene 2674714 ACORN UNDER FIVES Tel: 0116 2672795, Pre school groups: 8.30-11.30am and 12.30-3.30pm, 5 days a week. Toddler group: 1-2.30pm, Mon & Wed. Place: Highcliffe Community Centre, Greengate Lane, Birstall BIRSTALL QUILTERS Every Wed afternoon 1.30-3.30pm Birstall Methodist Church Rooms, Wanlip Lane RAINBOW CO-OPERATIVE PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP (Charity No:1045204) Co-op Sports & Social Ground, Birstall Rd. Open weekdays 9.30am -12noon, also extended care available for a small extra charge.Children from 2yrs - 5 yrs. LEA funding available for all 3+ yrs. Our new play area provides the addition of safe outdoor fun. Enquiries tel Julie 2675264, mobile:07793630612 HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY (HATS) Every Wed 7-9.45pm, Greengate Hall, Highcliffe School. New members welcome. Tel: Jenny 0116 2128757 BALLET, TAP, MODERN JAZZ & MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE CLASSES Children’s Dance and Musical Theatre classes (Dance, Drama and Singing) held weekly at Birstall Methodist Church on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. IDTA exams taken in the above subjects. For further information tel: Sharon Wood on 01509 550 923 BRIGHT HOUR Every Tuesday, 2.30pm. Birstall Methodist Centre BIRSTALL LABOUR PARTY Second Thursday 7.30pm Luther King Centre, Longslade Community College. Sec Tel: 2674293 THURCASTON EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUP 9am-1pm, Thurcaston Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane. Please contact Lisa Sterland on 07904 170 196 for a free prospectus

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213

Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Birstall Library or to our office in the Youth Centre, Longslade College, Birstall

editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Tel: 0116 267 2583 Mob: 07967 191975 Buy DELL products here

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BIRSTALL & WANLIP NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Advice shop every third Saturday of the month at old Council Offices, 10 Sibson Road. Information and help on home security & NHW & postcoding of bicycles. 10am to 12 noon BIRSTALL INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH Sundays 10.45am and 6.30pm (except July/Aug) at Highcliffe School Community Centre, Greengate Lane. For details/enquiries tel:2214883 WANLIP PRE-SCHOOL Wanlip Church Hall Mondays to Fridays 8.30-12.30, 1.30-4.30 Children from 2-5yrs, funding from 3yrs. Ofsted Registered Tel: 2672192 BIRSTALL METHODIST PRE SCHOOL Children from 2. Funding for 3+. Mon & Fri 12.15-3.15pm, Tues, Wed & Thur 9am-12noon.

Tel 2675690 session times or Laura Freer 2671910 or Kay Hilton 2207045 BIRSTALL ST JOHN AMBULANCE COMBINED DIVISION Badgers First Aid & activities for 5-10 yr olds. Thur 6-7pm Tel: 2209188. Cadets:First Aid & activities for 10 yrs to adult. Thur 7.15-8.45pm Tel: 2106237. Adults: Friday 7.30pm. Phone Eddie Sim on 0116 2719168, mobile 07841 448126 TEA DANCE - every Thursday, 2-4.30pm, Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Admission £1.50 contact 2303013 STARLIGHT THEATRE SCHOOL Tuition in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Lyrical, Drama, Acrobatic, Greek & Modelling. Exams & Medals taken in the above. BTDA Exams are part of the National Curriculum and means they are equivalent to GCSE or A level Dance.

Details ring: 0116 2355495, Mobile 07703 472702 COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY Thursdays, 9.45-11.30am at Birstall Methodist Centre. Peter Molesdale 2929670 BIRSTALL UNITED JUNIORS FC. Football Academy for boys and girls aged 4-6 every Sat 10.30am to noon. All welcome. Bring appropriate clothing, shin guards and football boots.

GENTLE EXERCISE TO MUSIC CLASS Birstall Village Hall, 2-3pm every Tuesday. Open to exercise referral members and nonmembers. Further details ring Nita at Charnwood Borough Council on 01509 634836 SINGING SALLY’S Tuesdays Highcliffe Community Centre, Greengate Lane, 1.45-2.30pm £3 per session. Contact Singing Sally on 01536 772545 GUNNS BOXING GYM The Reading Room, Birstall Road. Mon-Fri & Sun Morning. Contact Carl Gunns 2671494 BIRSTALL RUGBY CLUB Training at Longslade playing fields, Wanlip Lane, Tuesdays 7.15pm, 1st team, Social & Vets Teams for the 08/09 season. Players wanted. Tel: D Bonser 07841584206 BIRSTALL AIR TRAINING CORPS Tuesday and Thursday 7.30-9.30pm, 1947 Squadron Headquarters (in grounds of Riverside Primary School). New members aged 13 to 17 welcome. Tel: 0116 267 2868 ST JAMES CHURCH BABY & TODDLER GROUP Birstall Village Hall, Monday 1.30-3.30pm during term-time. Contact Marion 2673817 or Elaine 2673030 CLASH Community Leicester Arthritis Self-Help Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Longslade College in the Luther King Centre from 7-9pm. Contact Christine Thomas 2200988, www.leicestershirevillages.com/birstall/clash.html CAPITAL ARTS CHILDREN’S CHOIR Children aged 6-16, meets Tuesday evenings, Loughborough Town Hall 5-6.30pm, Kathleen Shanks (Musical Director) Tel/Fax 0116 2672035. Phone or email for details: capitalarts@btconnect.com THE WAY AHEAD group for people with learning difficulties, Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Thursdays (term time only), 7-9pm. Enquiries: Deborah 0116 2606309 or Pam 0116 2674818 or Gemma: sportygem19@hotmail.co.uk 1st BIRSTALL GIRLS’ BRIGADE Are you aged between 5 and 18 yrs? Would you like to make new friends, have fun, earn badges and go on camp? The Girls’ Brigade is an exciting Christian organisation that meets every Tuesday during term time at Bir-

stall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. From 6.30pm. For further information ring Susan Wheeler 2209318 INDOOR BOWLING: Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 10am to 12noon. Open to the public. Birstall Village Hall. 0116 2676191 FITNESS CLASSES Gentle Circuit/Body Conditioning, for all ages and abilities. A great way to keep fit. Wednesdays 7.45pm Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. 0116 267 0807 for further details IN B TWEENIES A parent, baby and toddler group run by ADAPT for parents with children who have been on a neo-natal unit.

The group meets every Tuesday from 10am to 12noon at Syston Community Centre, School Street. Tel: Nicky on 07771 718041 www.prembabies.co.uk. ADAPT reg charity 1080112 RED POPPY JIVE First & third Wednesdays every month at The Royal British Legion Club, 19 Front Street. Free admission from 8.15pm. Old & new rock’n’rollers welcome. You can phone 2671202 or 2673233 for more information LEICESTER WINDSURFING AND SAILBOARD CLUB at Watermead Country Park welcomes new members. For more info call Ricky Driver on 0116 2365213 or visit website www.leicestersailboardclub.co.uk FACES ARTS Thursdays, Highcliffe School, dance, drama & art.

Jody_chesterton@hotmail.com or 07971423201 TICKLED SKINK Children’s singing sessions themed around habitats of the world. Exotic animals. For 2-5 yrs old & their younger siblings, Tuesday, 1.45-2.30pm at Pavilion, School Lane, School Lane playing field 07951853204 BIRSTALL WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Monthly meeting plus speaker and much more. New members and visitors welcome. 7.15pm Highcliffe School Community Centre, Greengate Lane

Small Ads Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Birstall library.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale.

All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra.

Max 50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.

AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Seaports, Long Distance, Courier. Tel: 0777 1984806 TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by exBT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV. Over 25 yrs experience. John 2675132 SINGING FOR Fun. New classes starting in January in Quorn, Rothley, Syston and Woodhouse Eaves. All levels of vocal ability and experience welcome! For further information or to reserve a place, contact 01509 412152. Wolrich@AOL.com PRIVATE FRENCH TUITION : Need help with GCSE/A-levels/holidays? Call Alexandra Michael 07969 029495