Birstall Post (324) July 2010

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

JULY 2010

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 324

Gala scorcher!

BRILLIANT SUNSHINE ensured the large crowds enjoyed the happy atmosphere at Birstall Gala in June.

The two day event, organised by Birstall Parish Council, was held on Saturday and Sunday June 26 and 27.

On Saturday there were performances from steel bands, Weird Fish, Skam and bands from Stonehill school and on the Sunday, Mayfair, Fosse Swing Band, Birstall Brass

and the Hathern Band with soprano Jenny Saunders. England’s departure from the World Cup that afternoon failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd who joined in the singing of Land of Hope and Glory.

At 10am on Sunday the Mayor of CharnContinued on page 2

Teenager’s ban from Birstall A PROLIFIC offender in Birstall has been banned from entering Sibson Road.

Toni Louise Crook (19), of Russell Street, Loughborough, was given a two year Criminal Antisocial Behaviour Order (CRASBO) at Leicester Crown Court on June 2. She was convicted of acting in an antisocial manner which caused, or was likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress.

Crook was given a conditional discharge and a CRASBO with conditions running from June 2, 2010 to June 2, 2012. The order was granted at the request of the Police.

Crook is banned from entering Sibson Road and being in possession of alcohol in a public place, except in licensed premises.

Birstall’s Neighbourhood Beat Officer, PC Richard Carruthers, said: “I hope the CRASBO and its conditions, will reassure people in the village that they no longer need to fear harassment from Toni Crook. She appeared in court for threatening to stab staff at a fast food takeaway and I have been dealing with her antisocial behaviour since 2008. We are working very hard with all our partners including the community and the Parish, Borough and County Councils, to tackle antisocial behaviour in Birstall and, as this case shows, we can and will take action against those who persist in committing it.”

Pic: Toni Louise Crook He added: “This is a really good example of how the incremental approach to antisocial behaviour works. Offenders receive a verbal warning, then a written warning followed by an Acceptable Behaviour Contract and finally a CRASBO. Crook was given every opportunity to change her behaviour but chose not to and this is the result.

“We need the public’s support to help us enforce the conditions of Crook’s CRASBO by letting us know if they believe she has broken its terms. CRASBOs are designed to stop offenders returning to their old ways. We are determined to try and stop her criminal behaviour and, if she does break the conditions of the CRASBO, she could be sentenced to 5 years in prison.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any breach of the CRASBO conditions to officers at Charnwood local policing unit on Leicester (0116) 222 2222

Pic: (top) GCR Station master Bruce Smith (left) with John Muddimer & (above) Delice Fowler

Pic: (l-r) Cllr Pat Cleere, Mayor Jill Vincent & Cllr Stuart Jones

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the birstall post JUL 2010

Continued from page 1 wood Cllr Jill Vincent officially declared the gala open.

After making a tour of all the stalls, she said: “I think the gala is absolutely wonderful, it retains the sense of being a village occasion while at the same time it’s such a big event. And of course the sun helps!”

The Birstall Citizen of the Year award was presented to Betty Howard who has worked for many years as a volunteer for Age Concern in the village.

Stuart Jones, Chairman of Birstall Parish Council said: “Betty has worked very hard over the years in her capacity as a volunteer for Age Concern at the St James Day Centre and her award is very well deserved”

New start for local store STUDENTS FROM Riverside School performed the ribbon cutting ceremony to launch Birstall’s new Co-operative store on Wanlip Lane.

Pic: Megan Branston (17) with her mum and dad Jody and Tony.

Megan has hyper mobility syndrome and her cake stall was raising funds for a lightweight wheelchair Pic: Soprano Jenny Saunders

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The former Somerfield store has been given a £300,000 makeover, following the Co-operative Group’s £l.56 billion acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain last year.

The Riverside children were presented with a donation of £200 for school funds by store manager Graham Picksley to mark the occasion. He said: “As the co-operative is very much a community retailer it is appropriate that our local school is involved in our special event. We are delighted that pupils are playing a central role in the relaunch of our store.”

The co-operative say that enhanced ranges and improved service will be a feature of the new look store, which employs 70 people.

Lesson learned TWO TEENAGERS who set fire to a reed bed at Watermead Country Park were put to work clearing Japanese knotweed as part of their punishment.

The two 14 year old boys said a small controlled fire had got out of hand and that due to the wind had spread quickly through a large area. At this point they called for the Fire Brigade, who attended the scene on Friday April 23 at 6pm.

Proprietor RMS Gibbon

Pic: the two boys clearing knotweed

After consulting with the Country Park Rangers, the Police decided the offence should be dealt with by restorative justice which spares offenders a criminal record.

As well as spending two hours in the park pulling out weeds, the pair also wrote a letter of apology to the property owner, were told by the Rangers the impact of the fire on wildlife and took part in a fire safety course provided by Leicestershire Fire Service.

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Pic: Riverside pupils Kenny Lemmon, Lois Gold, Lewis Ellison and Byron Kerry with Co-operative staff at the opening of the store

World beating gold medallist BIRSTALL’S JESSICA Oughton won two gold medals at the World Wild Water Canoeing Championships held in Spain last month.

The 21 year old won gold in the Individual Sprint and in the Team Classic with British team members Hannah Brown and Sandra Hyslop. Two bronze medals added to her medal haul.

Jessica is a member of the Soar Valley Canoe Club and competes in the K1 Class, kayaking in both the sprint event run over a maximum two minute course, and classic races lasting up to 25 minutes.

She travels all over Europe to compete and last year went to Tasmania for the World Cup series.

Pics: Jessica Oughton

Loony Reading Longslade challenge LONGSLADE WENT loony in May when the Monster Raving Loony party candidate won the college’s election.

The college organised an election to stimulate interest in politics and the UK’s General Election, students standing as candidates for all the main parties.

There was a week of strong campaigning including a hustings, party political broadcasts and visits from local election candidates Stephen Dorrell and Eric Goodyer.

The turnout was 62 per cent and 700 votes were cast. Only nine votes separated the top two but policies such as banning homework and issuing cushions for school chairs secured victory for Loony candidate Hazel Merrifield.

The Longslade election results: Hazel Merrifield (LOONY) 206, Charlotte Barnacle (LIBDEM) 197, Teti-Sheri Sykes (LAB) 131, Neil Greaney (CON) 106, Matthew Grundy (UKIP) 103, Thomas Manship (GREEN) 31

CHILDREN AGED 4-12 years can go on an intergalactic adventure at their local library this summer.

Space Hop is a fun reading challenge that will be taking place in all Leicestershire libraries, including mobile libraries, from July 10 to September 11.

Sign up for the adventure and receive a free Space Hop membership card and foldout poster. To complete the space mission and the reading challenge children will need to read six books and collect stickers to add to the poster. Everyone completing the reading challenge will receive a Space Hop certificate and other rewards.

Children under four can join in their own version of the reading challenge by visiting their local library and collecting stickers for a special Bookcrawl Space Hop certificate.

For more information about Space Hop call in at Birstall library or check out the website www.leics.gov.uk/spacehop

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUL 2010

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

Prior to the formal business, councillors were given a presentation by John Kitchen, Chairman of Birstall Allotment Society (BAS).

BAS are proposing that the Parish Council consider entering a ‘management in partnership’ arrangement with BAS that will involve sharing the management responsibilities of the three allotment sites in Birstall. An example five year allotment strategy was presented, that aimed to optimise the number of people using allotments and encourage their most efficient use.

Mr Kitchen said that BAS wanted to work with the Parish Council to improve the village’s allotments which were a real asset to Birstall.

The Council agreed that the proposal would be considered at the next meeting of the Estates and Recreation committee.

A resident reported his concerns at the 25 metre wind turbine that will be erected within the grounds of the new Leicestershire Fire and Rescue HQ to be built at the Hallam Fields development.

He is concerned about noise, vibration and shadow flicker.

Birstall’s new PCSO Stuart Venables introduced himself to Councillors. PC Richard Carruthers said that bikes were being targeted by a thief within the village and urged bike owners to lock their bikes.

Free D-locks are available from Birstall’s NHW advice stop on the third Saturday of the month at 10 Sibson Road from 10am-12noon.

The Neighbourhood Police Team have being patrolling Watermead Country Park by bike following incidents of vehicle crime and antisocial behaviour. Nine warning letters have been sent to parents regarding ASB. It was reported that the Booze and News shop on Front Street has appealed the decision made by Charnwood to revoke its licence to sell alcohol, It was reported that the County Council will undertake a safety audit of the new traffic calming measures on Birstall Road. The County also intend to introduce a 30mph speed limit on Greengate Lane from the railway bridge to Thurcaston Road.

Residents of Henson Close have written to the Council regarding the smell resulting from cattle being regularly fed at the bottom of the Close. The Council agreed to write to the farmer bringing the residents’ concerns to his attention and suggesting that the cattle be fed in the middle of the field, as was the practice previously.

At the Council’s Estates and Recreation committee meeting on May 24, a member of the public expressed her concern about dogs being allowed to roam free around Harrowgate Drive playing field, with some owners waiting in vehicles for their dogs to return. This can be intimidating for parents with small children, she said.

The Council has ordered new signs about the dog fouling and dogs on a lead bylaws and is obtaining quotes from a private dog warden service.

It was reported that the Police were called to a Birstall CC Under 14s football match on Sunday April 11 when spectators started fighting at the end of the game. Both teams were fined by the Football Association for failure to control the spectators and two players were fined and given a 42 game suspension.

Chiropodist CHIROPODIST KAY Giles is celebrating her 10th year in business this month.

Based in Bridge Street, Loughborough, Kay has been offering her State Registered service in Loughborough, Rothley, Birstall and surrounding villages for 12 years opening her practice 10 years ago.

Kay said: “I look forward to coming to work, with the past 10 years bringing fantastic memories.

I look forward to the next 10 and further!

“Growing up, living and working in Rothley and Loughborough it’s been great to build up such a strong portfolio of patients who have grown to become friends over the years. I would like to thank them all.”

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Gardens open ON THIS year’s Garden Trail it was possible to discover budgerigars, model trains, fountains, wooden artefacts a little decking and one particularly ‘messy’ garden.

This annual event organised by Birstall Methodist church saw gardens on Fielding Road, Oakfield Avenue and Hallam Avenue opened to visitors.

Spokesman Tony Moore said: “The two days were blessed with fine dry weather until just three minutes before the gardens were due to close on the Sunday. Then a sudden downpour made it very wet for those cleaning up.

“The church is grateful to those garden owners who kindly opened their gardens, and clearly had spent a lot of time and effort in making their gardens look beautiful.”

One garden was described as messy but was actually enhanced by the arts and crafts contributed by the Messy Church, PreSchool and Special Needs Playgroup.

The event raised £3440 for church funds and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Pic: Lucy Lewin (8), Deborah Potter (8) & Jane Potter

Outgoing Chairman BIRSTALL’S ROGER Wilson has recently completed his year as Chairman of Leicestershire County Council. He said: Becoming Chairman of the County was I think the greatest honour that could be given to me by the Council, this was especially so as I was the first Councillor from Birstall ever to be elected to this position.

Various events stand out as my wife Sheila and I visited many parts of Leicestershire that were up to then just places on the map and met people who gave much to the county in volunteering for the many events and organisations within Leicestershire. An event involving many hundreds of volunteers that stood out at the beginning of the year was the Special Olympics of which I became an ambassador. To be involved in this was fantastic and to see some of the courage shown by the competitors was truly amazing, all made possible by all the hard work of the volunteers. Both Sheila and I were able to present some of the winners with their medals and it was with pride as well as pleasure to be able to give medals to the Leicestershire Netball Team of which my daughter was a part.

The duties of the chairman involve attending services at Leicester Cathedral, churches, chapels and other places of worship throughout the county, there certainly were many of these. The outstanding one was undoubtedly my own Civic Service at Birstall Methodist Church, the service was led by the minister Rachael Parkinson and the sermon preached

by Bishop Tim, and attended by the Lord Leutenant representing the Queen, together with friends and residents of Birstall. This kind of service is quite often quickly forgotten but not this one and even at the end of my year, the leader of the Council made special reference to it.

Another of our duties was to welcome, on behalf of the people of Leicestershire, members of the Royal Family. This year we had two members of the Royal Family visit Leicestershire, The Duchess of Gloucester and The Countess of Wessex who came to the Menphys Centre at Wigston as they celebrated their fortieth anniversary. This was a wonderful occasion and we will certainly remember how they met and talked to the many children with special needs.

These are but a few of the events we attended; we opened a school on Forest Way, we hosted dinners, one I remember well was for Launde Abbey, which raised more than £7000 for their essential repairs. I remember meeting representatives from the Japanese Embassy in Market Harborough and the dress that the Deputy Ambassador wore, it was so beautiful.

May I take this opportunity to thank you, the residents of Birstall, for electing me as your representative and for your support over the many years that I have been your Councillor, it really has been a privilege to serve Birstall in this way. Becoming Chairman of the County was I think the greatest honour that could be given to me by the Council, this was especially so as I was the first Councillor from Birstall ever to be elected to this position.

• Roger and his wife Sheila came to live in Birstall 53 years ago. He was first elected to

represent the village in the 60s on the Barrow Upon Soar RDC. In 1989 he took early voluntary retirement and was elected to the Parish Council in 1991, from which he retired five years Pic: Roger Wilson ago. He was elected to the Borough in 1991, becoming Mayor in 2004-2005 and was elected a County Councillor in 1993.

As chairman Roger chaired County Council meetings and represented the people of Leicestershire at hundreds of events across the county. Cllr Peter Osborne is the new chairman

Head teacher A FORMER Birstall resident has been appointed a head-teacher in Bahrain.

Lisa Clifford (36) is the new head of the Junior School at the British School of Bahrain.

Lisa was schooled at Bishop Ellis and Thurmaston De Lisle before attending Liverpool University. She is married to Nick Atkins, also from Birstall, has two children and is the daughter of Michael and Dympna Clifford.

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the birstall post JUL 2010

Young inventor’s new toy A PUTTY monster with eyes designed by a student at Stonehill school has won a national competition to find the next ‘must-have’ toy.

Tom Spring (13) saw off the competition from 1200 other entries in the competition organised by retail website Firebox. His invention will be developed as a commercial product, with Tom keeping 50 per cent of the profits of all sales for the lifetime of the product.

‘Putty Monsters’ is a tin of putty with a set of eyes – the putty can be moulded into a variety of shapes using the eyes to create monsters’ faces. Consumers can then post pictures of their creation online.

Judges were impressed with the simplicity of the concept and how it integrated with the social networking trend.

Tom said: “I’ve always been interested in monsters and aliens, I really enjoy the Flanimal stories and I play with putty all the time.

So I thought why not have the best of both

and make monsters out of putty.

“The putty is very soft so your monster will only last around five hours, so everyone will be encouraged to take a picture of their putty monster and upload it to the Facebook page.”

Tom Says he hasn’t slept properly since winning the competition. “It’s all so exciting. I’m just really excited about seeing the finished product now and I hope everyone likes playing with it as much as I will” he said.

Stonehill’s headteacher Alan Monks said: “Tom has done fantastically well to win the whole competition and the school is proud of him.”

Pic: Tom Spring and his invention ‘Putty Monster’

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Pellet hole in window POLICE ARE investigating a report of a pellet being fired through the front window of a property in Allington Drive, Birstall some time between 8pm on Wednesday May 5 and 8am on Thursday May 6.

A small hole was discovered in the window but no pellet has been recovered.

PC David Brown is investigating the incident. He said: “Although the incident took place during the night I am hoping someone may know who was responsible.

Were you in the area during that evening or did you see someone acting suspiciously?

Any information, no matter how small, could help with our enquiries. Any calls received will be treated in confidence.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC 2977 David Brown on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 2977. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

Youth Centre garden AN UNUSED outdoor area at the back of Birstall Youth Centre has been converted into a garden.

The building’s user groups had requested the improvements, which have seen planted beds, block paving, trellising and a seating area installed as well as a graffiti mural.

Youth Development Worker Louise Himan said: “The creation of this fantastic multipurpose garden area has provided an outdoor space for all to enjoy. Young people led the design of the project and painted the tropical garden mural with artists. They are all thrilled

with the results.”

The £5600 scheme was part funded by a County Council Shire Grant of £2800. Birstall Youth Centre is located on the Longslade College campus.

Pic: (left) Andy Hayes, Community Project Officer for Leicestershire County Council with two members of Birstall Youth Centre’s Space Group, Samuel Harby (centre) and Joe Phillips

BAGS run in the park BIRSTALL BAGS annual fundraising walk/jog/run will take place on Sunday July 4.

The walk will start on Whiles Lane at 11am following a route through Watermead Park and finishing at Birstall United Football Club for a BBQ and refreshments. There will be a cake stall, sweets and raffle for everyone to enjoy.

A spokesperson for Birstall BAGS said: “This fundraising event is not just about raising money, it is a day when friends and families within the Birstall community can unite together for the same cause whilst sharing a really enjoyable, fun day. Families can meet up with people they haven’t seen for a while, have a chat as they walk round or catch up over a drink afterwards. It is really uplifting to be a part of a community event that is enjoyed by so many. We hope to see all our loyal supporters that have taken part in our walk before but would also welcome anyone who lives in Birstall or our surrounding vil-

lages to come along.”

There is a small entrance fee of £5 per person or £10 for a family as BAGS does not ask for sponsorship money. For more information telephone Rachael 0798 9822173

Climbers A CLIMBER from Birstall will be climbing the height of the world’s tallest building to raise money for LOROS. Derek Carroll (51) will be joined by three others on the 828 metre climb, that will take place at the Tower Climbing Centre in Beaumont Leys.

The team have given themselves 10 hours to complete the 828 metres, the height of the 160 storey Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Donations can be made online at www.loros.com/fundraising

Drop-in proving popular BIRSTALL’S YOUTH drop-in café on the School Lane playing field is proving so popular that the Parish Council are considering extending the building.

The facility, organised by Birstall Parish Council, is run in the pavilion on Friday evenings. Deputy Clerk Sue Coulson said: “The pavilion is becoming far too small to hold the amount of equipment they have and the young people who want to attend. We are looking into the costs and the funding available to extend the tea room part of the pavilion so that we can accommodate more young people.”

Young people attending have asked for sporting equipment to allow them to play games on the playing field. Some have ex-

pressed an interest in Army careers, and a visit by the Army Personal Development Team from North Luffenham has been arranged.

They will offer a free taster day on the playing fields and following that visit a group of young people will visit the barracks for a more in depth look at Army life.

Charnwood Borough Council have agreed to provide £634 for sporting equipment and mini-bus hire for the visit to North Luffenham.

Further funding is being sought for educational material relating to smoking, drugs, alcohol and sexual health.

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUL 2010

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GCR war weekend

DOZENS OF re-enactors dressed in outfits from the 1940s helped create a special atmosphere at the Great Central Railway’s World War II weekend event in June.

Thousands of visitors enjoyed sunny weather and attractions including a display of military and vintage vehicles at Quorn, a Dakota and Spitfire flypast and skirmishes between Allied and Axis forces at Rothley’s and Birstall’s stations.

Glasto style STAFF FROM Lox Hair Design on Abbey Lane joined with volunteers from LOROS for a fun filled fundraising weekend at the Glaston budget festival.

Salon owner Graeme Donnelly said: “Our aim was to create a funky salon environment with all the products and music you would get in our salon – it was a huge success and we were really glad to have been part of another LOROS fundraising event.”

As well as styling hair there was face painting and fancy dress, with all the donations received going to LOROS. Pic: Graeme Donnelly with stylists from Lox Hair Design

NHW news

& crime report AS THE warmer weather brings more people out on their bikes, the NHW remind you that we offer FREE cycle coding and a FREE cycle lock with every bike that we code.

It is vital that you secure your bike!

Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets so try and make it as difficult for them as possible. If unfortunately your bike is stolen having it coded means that if it is recovered, the police can identify the bike and return it to you.

Also over the past few years Anti-Social behaviour in and around the village has

been a concern to residents: the NHW has joined forces with the Parish Council, Charnwood Crime and Safety Forum and Social Workers to create a drop in session for young people on Friday nights.

This allows young people to gather together and enjoy their time. Young people seem to get a bad name, this has been especially present in Birstall, the truth is we are not all bad! Giving young people something to do, in this case a drop-in session, means Anti-Social behaviour offences have dropped!

Remember to report any crime/damage to the Police no matter how minor, you can report non-emergencies to 0116 2222222. Remember, in an emergency, always dial 999.

From Roy Rollings, NHW Crime Report May 10 to June 14 Assaults 7, harassment 4, burglary 3, burglary non-dwelling 8, damage 10, dam-

age to motor vehicle 15, drugs 2, fraud 4, public order 1, robbery 2, theft 5, theft of cycle 6, theft from motor vehicle 5, theft stores 3.

• 15 Verbal Warnings have been given to youths in relation to underage drinking • 9 Warning Letters have been used with regard to underage drinking/littering • Restorative Justice has been carried out with two boys regarding a fire on Watermead Country Park. This entailed educational work with them about nature and habitats, weed picking for two hours, a letter of apology to the Rangers/ Council, and attendance at a Fire Care course.

• Motor bike seized under Section 59 Police Reform Act from School Lane, Birstall Park. A mini moto was also seized after being sighted on the playing field at Stonehill College • Concentrated high visibility cycle patrols around Meadow Lane area have been

successful in deterring thefts from unattended cars visiting this beauty spot. Historically this area has been attacked frequently.

Patrols appear to have been effective, measured by the lack of thefts reported.

From PC 2139 Richard Carruthers

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the birstall post JUL 2010

YOUR SAY...

Thanks This year Longslade Community College has been able to order a Canon Scanner for their Learning and Information Centre, using 2,230 vouchers from their total collection of 16,416 Tesco Computers for Schools Vouchers. Your contributions of vouchers have been invaluable, once again, enabling them to bank 14,186 for next year, which will enable them to order a computer. If all goes to plan, it will be their 6th computer, not to mention two printers, a digital camera, sensor equipment for scientific experiments, software, portable external hard drive, portable interactive whiteboard and replacement pens for existing whiteboards.

Thank you from Longslade college.

Sheila Beatty

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

Hazardous In support of the letter regarding the humps which have been installed on Birstall Road (Birstall Post, May Edition), may I say that for we people who live on Front Street, the junction at the top of Church Hill is very hazardous indeed.

When driving up Birstall Road one has to be alongside the Old Forge before traffic approaching in the opposite direction can see you, and if there is a stream they cause the turning into Church Hill to be blocked, thereby causing a complete traffic jam.

I don’t know who designed this, but it is very unsatisfactory. Traffic lights would have been far, far more effective and much safer.

This situation has not been helped by the fact that for the past many months numerous vans have constantly been allowed to park opposite the vicarage causing congestion on this very narrow road.

R D Andrews

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported our coffee morning on Saturday June 5.

We raised the sum of £363 towards our joint projects of Special Needs Playgroup and ADAPT (support for parents of premature babies).

This was a great result and so once more our grateful thanks to you all.

From Birstall Methodist Women’s Group

Thanks We would like to thank all friends, neighbours and customers at Anne-el-Maria Ladies Hairdressers for all your kind thoughts, cards and gifts on the birth of our son Luca who was born on May 16, 2010.

Thank you all once again from Martin & Giovanna Bouchard

Drinking ban I, like many others, welcome the police proposals to ban public drinking in Birstall as a measure to discourage antisocial behaviour, but why just in a few streets and not in the whole of Birstall?

Coventry, my home town, was one of the first places to ban public drinking within the city centre boundary, but I found when I was living a mile from the city centre, that drinking related antisocial behaviour just got relocated to the residential areas.

A similar thing will happen if the police just ban

drinking in a few streets; the problem will shift elsewhere in the village.

I intend to present my views to the police, and I encourage others to do the same. A blanket ban in Birstall would be far more effective, provided of course that it is enforced. Birstall residents need to work together to address this problem, not just take a ‘nimby’ (not in my backyard) approach to what requires a more strategically considered solution.

Chris Gray

Birstall’s got talent On Friday May 14 last, it was ‘hats off’ and throw them in the air in appreciation of Birstall HATS – our local Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society.

Amateur status they may have and aspirations of West End fame may be a few years ahead but they know how to entertain, to raise laughter and after two hours of non-stop comedy farce (with a coffee break of course) in ‘A Fish Out of Water’ all the satisfied audience chuckled all the way home.

The players were well cast in their roles and their occasional ability to forget lines and cues was cleverly timed to maximise happy response from the audience (comfortably seated on cushioned chairs). They couldn’t have done better if forgetfulness had been pre-contrived – it wasn’t! Constantly to the rescue was diligent Hon Prompt, Mavis Skulthorpe whose vital role professionally ensured almost seamfree joins in the dialogue.

Well done HATS I’ve been to your shows before – I will return. A certain neighbour of mine, ‘M.B.’ is gently applying a half nelson to yours truly to join in some capacity, that’s if the Society would accept me. I’m good at scene shifting, painting sets and when I was eleven, some six yeas ago!, I excelled at tap dancing, shuffle down, shuffle down, shuffle down, shuffle ball-change!

I would urge more villagers to buy tickets in the future (not for tap dancing show!)

HATS is definitely better than the telly!

Gerald Hardington, theatregoer

New members I feel I must write and thank all of you who came to see our spring play ‘Fish Out of Water’ at Highcliffe School. It was good to have the support we did after such a slow start in seat bookings. The proceeds of the raffles, amounting to approx £150,

are being handed over to the ‘Help Alarna to See Trust’ very soon.

We are determined to put on another panto this year at the end of November. However we are very short of members, both to perform and also to help backstage. We don’t want to be amongst the AmDram groups who have to fold but we are running at a loss and we ask how much longer we can do so.

We always advertise this fact in the Post but to no avail and we are so, so desperate for more members. Please give it some serious thought if you are thinking ‘shall I?’ It would be a shame if we had to think of folding next year, which would be our 20th in existence.

If you have any interest in theatre, drama or just being a show-off, please, please give me a call on 0116 2671181 or Jenny on 0116 2128757 Margaret –Chair of HATS

In fine shape After losing my wife just before Christmas then finding myself stuck in Leicester General Hospital, then into Loughborough Hospital, I was feeling very down and depressed then I saw this poem on the wall which really made my day.

dealt with the black spot outside the old smithy, it gives buses and impetuous drivers time to settle and allows pedestrians, children and pushchairs much safer passage.

Mike Smith

Still complaining I moved away from Birstall a few years ago, but recently paid a fleeting visit to the village.

I made a point of having a look at the School Lane Playing Fields which, when I was a parish councillor, were always a source of pride.

I was not disappointed. The standard of the park was as good as ever, surely one of the best in the country. The people of Birstall are very lucky to have staff as skilled and dedicated as Andy Garland’s Estates Team.

I do sometimes manage to have a look at the ‘Birstall Post’ and almost without exception, see a letter full of carping criticism of the Parish Council (no change there!)

Perhaps residents should remember that the most important duty of the Parish Council is the upkeep of the parks. From what I saw last week, if they can complain about the state of School Lane Playing Fields, they could complain about anything!

Peter West

I’m fine thank you There’s nothing the matter with me I’m as healthy as can be I have arthritis in both my knees And when I talk I talk with a wheeze My pulse is weak and my blood is thin But I’m awfully well for the shape that I’m in Arch supports I have for my feet Or I wouldn’t be out on the street Sleep is denied me night after night But in the morning I find I’m alright My memory is failing, my head’s in a spin But I’m awfully well for the shape that I’m in

Thanks We, the staff and volunteers at Age Concern St James Day Centre, would like to thank all the Birstall residents who came along to our fundraising evening on April 24 at St James Church. We were treated to a splendid performance by Leicester Male Voice Choir and Clarity, a trio of young clarinettists.

We are raising money to purchase new arm chairs for the day centre, and at this our 1st event you helped us raise £305. Thank you.

Christine Winfield Secretary Age Concern Birstall and Wanlip

The moral to this as my tale I unfold That for you and me who are growing old It’s better to say ‘I’m fine’ with a grin Than to let folks know the shape that I’m in Thanks to friends in Birstall from Ron of Sibson Road

Eyesore During the recent half term week Watermead Park had many visitors.

One evening I noticed litter piled high on top and next to a dog waste bin. Just wondered, is any money left over from what was spent on the mini Stonehenge etc?

If so, could it be spent on a few litter bins as I don’t believe there are any in the park. The litter is so ugly, especially when the crows and other wildlife have finished dragging it all over the place, it’s not a pretty sight and spoils the park for everyone.

Name & address supplied

Alcohol problem I have to agree with Ian Williamson’s letter in the June edition. The antisocial element in the village seems to have simply moved a little, especially on to the playing fields behind Worcester Avenue.

Every weekend morning before the kids arrive to play football, two local unsung heroes pick up and bag upwards of 100 broken and intact bottles leaving the area safer for the kids and dogs. This is just the bottle count – ripped aluminium cans and other rubbish is also copious. So why just propose a booze ban on School Lane playing field? Surely it needs to be village-wide and enforced especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when they party till dawn and wake everyone up screaming and shouting on their way home. Where are the police? Most of those involved are too young to buy alcohol legally but they are still buying it with ease, a check of the carrier bags used will soon give you the answer to who is selling it. But surely an hourly patrol would soon disperse them. There is vehicle access on to this area and I have seen a patrol car – once, midweek and mid afternoon – come back Friday evenings please!

Name & address supplied

Compost I have heard that outside leaves from vegetables grown in my own garden must be put into the brown bin. But outside leaves, pea pods etc from vegetables which have been bought, must be put into the black household bin.

Is this correct?

Name and address supplied A spokesman for Charnwood Borough Council replied: “Your correspondent is correct, because items bought and kept in the kitchen could be cross-contaminated with meat products and so should be disposed of as domestic waste.”

Safety I can understand the popular ire against the Birstall Road humps, but I do feel that it is misplaced. As one who lived on Birstall Road for almost 30 years I saw it change from a quiet route into and out of Birstall village to a dangerous speed track and rat run from the A46 via Wanlip. The accidents and near misses that my family have witnessed along this stretch only confirm the urgent need for traffic calming. When I use Birstall Road nowadays I adjust my speed to keep within the required limit and find the humps give me no trouble.

I must say that I like the way the redesign has

Birstall’s new PCSO BIRSTALL HAS a new Police Community Support Officer.

PCSO Stuart Venables 6438 will be joining PC Richard Carruthers and PCSO Mark Butler on the Neighbourhood Police Team for Birstall and Wanlip.

Stuart (26) has been a Special Constable for the last four years, based at the Charnwood Local Policing Unit.

He said: “I am keen to develop my local knowledge by engaging with the local community as widely as possible and getting heavily involved in tackling local policing issues.

“I am extremely approachable and will deal with any problems or issues you may be having. I am aware of the antisocial behaviour problems in the villages and I am currently combating this through high visibility cycle patrols, which is so far having a positive impact.”

Pic: Birstall’s new PCSO Stuart Venables 6438

Bike seized

A MOTOR bike ridden on a Birstall park has been seized by police.

A 16 year old male was seen riding the bike on the CCTV cameras on the School Lane playing field. Police were able to attend the scene to confiscate the bike in front of all his friends.

The offender had to pay a £150 charge to have his bike released to him the following day. Birstall’s PC Richard Carruthers said: “A repeat of any similar behaviour will result in the same thing happening again.”

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUL 2010

Noticeboard all details printed free Mini Movers Free sessions for children 0-5 and their parents Birstall Sports Pavilion School Lane Playing Fields Every Thursday 10-11am Runs from April 15 to July 15 The sessions are free for people to attend and based around physical activity and fun.

We have a range of different equipment that we bring with us to each session that is suitable for all ages, including baby toys, parachute games, balls & catchers and building blocks For more info please contact Linda or Sue on 01509 634673 ••• St Theresa’s Social Group A day out at the

Shrewsbury Flower Show on August 14 Cost including coach travel and entrance fee £34, concessions £32 12 hrs of non-stop entertainment including military bands, freefall teams, celebrity chefs, the Hairy Bikers and many many more contact Daphne on 2675721 or 07971721927 ••• Watermead Challenge 2010

A charity 5 mile run and 3 mile run or walk In aid of Richard Engelgardt Trust fund, St John Ambulance, local youth groups/clubs Challenge yourself, enjoy the local countryside views and fresh air Open to affiliated and non affiliated runners Measured route Get sponsorship for us or your own causes or simply enjoy the experience!

Wednesday July 14 at 7pm At Watermead Country Park, Syston, Leicester LE7 1PD (north entrance) Presented by The Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley Trust Fund Charity no.001119549 Entry details at www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk •••

Birstall United Juniors Soccer School For boys and girls aged 4-6 (up to end of year 1)

If your kids get World Cup Fever this summer ….we’ve got the cure!

Running throughout the summer, the Soccer School will teach kids the basics of football with a big emphasis on fun. They will learn about co-ordination, balance, teamwork, ball control, the basic rules of the game and the layout of the pitch.

The only equipment the kids need are shinpads and suitable footwear. We have a loan scheme for football boots. So that you can borrow a pair to try before going out to buy some.

First Session Free Normal training subs: £1.50 per week Saturdays 11am to 12.30pm at BUJFC, Meadow Lane, Birstall Coaches are FA Qualified and CRB-checked For more details see www.bujfc.co.uk/soccer_school.htm or contact Phil Hughes on 07790 653309 •••

A Summer Concert

by The Ratcliffe Chorale at Wanlip Parish Church on Saturday July 10 at 6.30pm Refreshments. Tickets £5 Bring a Picnic Tea & Coffee available from 4pm •••

The Archaeology of Rothley Saturday July 31. 10am – 1pm Free admission The Old School Rooms, 3 School Street, Rothley, LE7 7RA From the stone age to Roman times A rare opportunity for visitors to view an exhibition of archaeological finds from Rothley’s rich and interesting past •••

CLASH Coffee Morning Saturday August 28, 10am to 12noon At the Methodist Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Information on arthritis, tombola Fairtrade coffee, cakes, books & nice things to buy All Proceeds to CLASH •••

Tea & Cakes St Leonard’s Church, Main Street, Swithland Sat & Sun, July 10 & 11 Sat & Sun, August 14 & 15 from 2-5pm Donations in aid of church funds •••

Mothers’ Union Summer Fayre Saturday August 7, 10am to 12noon St Leonard’s Church, Main Street, Swithland Tombola, cakes, nearly new, books, plants, raffle, sales table Admission £1 inc coffee and biscuits Proceeds to Mothers’ Union •••

Loughborough Farmers Market 2nd Wednesday of the month Devonshire Square, Loughborough Between 9am and 2.30pm Next market July 14 Featuring a wide variety of local produce including a variety of meats both cured and rare breed, sausage, bacon; fruit pies and savoury pastries; a wide range of vegetables inc organic; plants & flowers; herbs, handmade natural soaps & body care products; honey & beeswax products; chutneys, pickles, jams and preserves; wholemeal flour & muesli; eggs & cheeses; bread, cakes. And fruit juices along with seasonal products, brought to you by knowledgeable and` friendly traders.

For possible stall reservations or further information, please call our Markets & Fairs Team at Charnwood Borough Council on 01509 634624 or email: market.fairs@charnwood.gov.uk. Or log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk

•••

Birstall Royal British Legion Members Notice July 3: Karen West F/V July 10: Noel Gee M/V July 17: Trev Budgie Walton July 24: Andy Gale M/V July 31: Rachel Ball F/V Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment Free meat raffle. Bingo and not forgetting ‘Open the Box’ Bingo every Tuesday night starting at 9.30pm Rock & Roll nights first and third Wednesday of every month Quiz nights Sunday July 11 & 25 starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday July18 at 8pm Food available every Sat 12-2pm •••

Free Health Checks Weight, blood pressure, body fat percentage, body composition, basal metab lic rate, muscle mass, total body water percentage Provided by Charnwood Borough Council Birstall Library, 10am –1pm, July 15, Aug 19, Sep 16 Rothley Library, 2-5pm, Sep 20 Mountsorrel Library, 2-5pm, July 12, Sep 13 Details: 01509 632535 active.together@charnwood.gov.uk

•••

Garden Party Saturday July 3, 2-5pm In the garden of 34 Park Road, Birstall by kind permission of Rev and Mrs Sakwe Music by Soar Valley Music Centre Table games, refreshments, book stall, barbeque, jewellery stall, raffle Free admission All proceeds to the HOTPEC Cameroon Orphanage and Action for Children •••

A Trip to Blenheim Palace Birstall Conservative Branch have arranged an outing to Blenheim Palace on August 18 Cost £35 per person Includes a conducted tour, entrance to the house and gardens. We will also be visiting Bladon on the edge of the park where Sir Winston Churchill and his parents are buried.

Time allowing we will go into Woodstock There are plenty of eating places, or you can take a picnic The coach leaves Birstall at 9am and returns early evening. If you are interested in joining us for a lovely day out please contact: Mary Allen 2673941 or David Gaskell 2674746 ••• Charnwood Active Together

Women’s Cricket for beginners at Sileby Cricket Club. 5 weeks from July 1 Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm, £1 per session Also Rounders Sessions At Birstall, School Lane Playing Fields From July 1 for 7 weeks, 7-8.30pm To book contact Matthew Forsyth at Charnwood Borough Council 01509 632535 •••

Step Into Dance Tap and Lindy Hop Dance Classes for Adults From Charnwood Borough Council’s Active Together team for adults aged 16 years and over the sessions are aimed at beginners and will run for a period of 5 weeks Tap Dancing – July 1-29 from 6-7pm Thursday evenings at Holy Trinity Rooms, Church Street, Barrow upon Soar Lindy Hop (jive) – July 1-29 from 7.30-8.30pm Thursday evenings at Burton Village Hall in Burton on the Wolds Each session £2.50, if four sessions are prebooked, then the 5th session will be free To book sessions contact Matthew Forsyth, Physical Activity Development Officer at Charnwood Borough Council on 01509 632535

7

Three peaks CLIMBING ONE of the highest peaks in the UK is a challenge in itself. In May this year 50 men and women including 17 from Birstall climbed the three highest mountains in just 40 hours.

The Three Peak Challenge took place on May 8 & 9 to raise money for The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths, the UK’s leading baby charity that funds research into the prevention of sudden death in infants, supports bereaved families and promotes infant health.

The event that started with the ascent of Ben Nevis in Scotland was in memory of Scott Jordan who passed away 10 years ago.

Organiser of the event Kev Jordan said: “We wanted to so something to mark the anniversary of Scott’s death. It was great to see so many people rising to the challenge. I would like to thank everyone involved and to everyone who has donated to the charity.”

Pic: at the top of Snowden

Recycling RESIDENTS ARE being urged not to drop bags of household waste next to recycling skips.

The recycling facility at the Midland Co-op Sports and Social Club on Birstall Road has repeatedly had bags of rubbish left there, with many of the offenders caught on the club’s CCTV One offender had his rubbish returned to him – the club’s premises officer drove it to his front door and left it on the doorstep.

8

the birstall post JUL 2010

Child friendly designs PRODUCTS DESIGNED and produced by Longslade students have been presented to children in the village.

Seven students on Longslade’s Princes Trust programme completed these Community Projects while working towards their silver and gold awards.

Kelly Hughes, Holly Lewis, Jade Harratt, Starla Bird, Matt Dawson, Louise Page and Paige Sherman worked with pupils at Riverside school to design a large interactive, magnetic soft play calculator and an interactive learning human body, to learn about how the body works.

These were presented to the school at an assembly where pupils took part in a demonstra-

Pic: (l-r) Starla Bird, Kelly Hughes, Holly Lewis and Jade Harratt

tion of the products.

The group also worked with the Young Mums group that meets at Birstall Youth Centre and designed and pro-

Pic: Matt Dawson with a soft play calculator & (inset), Louise Page with children from the Young Mums group

duced hand decorated beach bags, sun hats and T-shirts to keep the children protected from the summer sunshine.

Karen Norris, Excel Advisor, said: “The students have worked hard on their community projects this year and have been excited working for the younger children in our community, and proud of what they have achieved by working together as a team.”

The Princes Trust programme is a personal development award that has been running at Longslade for more than five years. Around 30-40 students take part.

Dining hall renamed A DINING hall at Longslade has been named after a student who died tragically in his sleep.

Fifteen year old Tom Bucciero, a type one diabetic, died in 2008. In May, a small group of students joined with staff in a ceremony to rename the small dining hall as ‘Bucciero Hall’.

A spokesman for Longslade said: “Tom was a talented, cheerful and friendly student.

He got on well with a wide range of other students and staff, setting a great example to others. Now Tom’s name will live on at the college.”

Club’s youth award BIRSTALL GOLF Club has attained GolfMark Award High Achiever status in recognition of its effort and investment in providing opportunities for young people and new starters to take up the game. them for whatever level of game they play: “It The club runs a ‘Beginners Academy’ on gives them a good start and helps them learn Saturday afternoons, when up to 20 children attend to learn the basics of the game, before the game and make plenty of friends at the they can move on to Monday evening sessions same time. They can enjoy the game, whether when they learn how to play and behave on a they develop into a skilled golfer or just decide to play for enjoyment and socially. Above course and continue to develop their skills. all, it helps them do that in a safe environThe GolfMark Scheme is run by the English Golf Union and the English Women’s Golf ment”.

The GolfMark award tests the club on Association to help identify and acknowledge three criteria; the standard of coaching and golf facilities which are junior and beginner playing; the environment and ethos; and its friendly. attention to child protection and duty of care.

“We run a very progressive structure and Pete Thorpe, Development Officer for the provide all the equipment boys and girls need County Golf partnership, says the award demto get started, so they can find out whether onstrates to new starters and non-golfers that they like the game with no initial expense” Birstall Golf Club operates to nationally says Mick Marvell, Birstall GC’s Junior Welagreed standards and is ‘junior-friendly’, fare Officer. welcoming young golfers and organising spe“Achieving this standard underlines our cial events for them. commitment and the importance of developHe said: “The club, its members and staff ing junior golfers for the club’s future. Over have put in a lot of hard work into gaining the years many young golfers have graduated this recognition, and it is fantastic to present through the club to become members of its it to a club that has juniors at the forefront of teams and go on to compete for the county its activities and plans for development.” and at higher levels.”

Pic: Pete Thorpe (right) hands the GolfThe system is run by a team of volunteers and staff from the club – all of whom are Mark Plaque to Mick Marvell, watched by trained and CRB checked. Birstall Golf Club’s some of the club’s younger golfers Juniors Organiser Sue Bailey says it prepares

Bowling trip GIRLS FROM 2nd Birstall Rainbows enjoyed an evening of bowling at Leicester’s Hollywood Bowl, followed by dinner.

For the 10 girls aged five to seven it was a special treat.

“They had a great game of bowling and all the girls thoroughly enjoyed the evening, as

did the leaders” said Young Leader Victoria Kilby.

2nd Birstall Rainbows meet on Wednesday evenings at the Guide hut on Johnson Road. For more details visit the Guide hut on any weekday evening.

Pic: the girls from 2nd Birstall Rainbows

Glove design Printing STONEHILL SCHOOL has been shortlisted for the national final of a prestigious national competition.

The second STEM Challenge, co-ordinated by STEMNET, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network, invited teams of 11 to 14 year olds from secondary schools around the country to design a glove for rowing, canoeing or sailing.

Part of a series of ten Challenges to inspire the next generation of British scientists and engineers, the second Challenge was launched by double Olympic gold medallist rower James Cracknell.

The team from Stonehill, Ettie Lewin, Hollie Dunn, Samantha Ngoma and Hannah Teagle, will attend the national final which takes place on July 1 at Adidas’ head office in Stockport, where they will face a Dragon’s Den style interview and undergo a grilling from the judges. The winning glove design will make it to the prototype stage with Adidas, the Official Sportswear partner to London 2012. Other prizes include spending the day with an Olympian, STEM Club equipment and the latest in Adidas sports clothing.

firm moves A PRINTING firm from Leicester is one of the first occupiers of the industrial units at Jelson’s Hallam Fields development.

Flexpress is relocating from its premises on Saxby Street to Birstall.

The company is spending £500,000 on buying the site and installing a new press. The move will take place later this month.

Flexpress employs nine people and was started in a garage in Humberstone 20 years ago. The move to Birstall should help turnover grow from £750,000 this year to £1 million next year.

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUL 2010

9

Over the rainbow Pic: Ashleigh Johnson as Fair Enuf

STONEHILL SCHOOL’S re-working of the Wizard of Oz revealed some talented performers at the school’s production in May. “The students have been brilliant!” said director Helen Tebbutt. “They are very enthusiastic Pic: Mr Ajay Pandya as Nanny Nonny

Pic: Mrs Rachel Widdowson as Glinda and Catherine Lester as Dorothy Pic: Heron Bhundia as the Tin Man, Oliver Hodgkinson as the Scarecrow and Catherine Lester as Dorothy

Pic: Shannon Webb as Toto

and hard working. We definitely have some very talented performers at Stonehill who could get to be the next big thing!”

The show ‘We’re Off to See the Wizard’ was originally written 18 years ago by Stonehill’s drama teacher Mrs Brook and three friends.

In April, some of the main characters took part in De Montfort Hall’s School’s Showcase, performing a couple of scenes from the show.

Helen said: “They went down really well and had the audience in stitches!”

Pic: Sam Hulme as the Wizard of Oz

Our NHW outstanding AN AWARD recognising their outstanding contribution to neighbourhood policing and the local community has been presented to the committee of Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch.

The award was made at the Leicestershire Neighbourhood Watch AGM held at the Leicestershire Police Headquarters, and was presented by Baroness Byford and Acting Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Yeadon. Evelyn Holden, of the Birstall and Wanlip Watch committee, attended the ceremony to receive the certificate. The nomination for the award was made by Inspector Duncan Southall, commander of the Charnwood Local Policing Unit.

Pic: Watch committee members, Allan Kinton, Evelyn Holden and Karen Lewin with Local PCSO Mark Butler

The August issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jul 31.

The copy deadline is Jul 16.

Pic: Emily Manship as the Wicked Witch

New kitchen A BRAND new kitchen and dining hall has been opened at Riverside Primary school.

The £580,000 scheme will enable cooks to prepare and serve fresh food including home made bread, roast dinners and salads.

The new facilities have been integrated into the main school building – previously the kitchen and dining hall were in a separate building.

Headteacher Andy Hayman said: “I am delighted with our new facilities, they look fantastic. Previously we had been going outside in all weathers to get lunch, now we have everything contained on one building. We also have new brightly coloured tables and chairs.”

The new kitchen was opened by the Chairman of the County Council, Peter Osborne. He said: “I am extremely pleased for Riverside Primary School as these new facilities are going to make a huge difference to staff and pupils. The council changed school menus across Leicestershire in 2006 to

incorporate new tasty, healthy and nutritious dishes and the new kitchen and dining area will help Riverside deliver them. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone at the school to try the meals for themselves and enjoy their new surroundings.”

Pic: (l-r) Sally Kinch, School Cook, Wendy Philip , Service Manager for School Food Support, Peter Osborne, County Council Chairman & Catherine Osborne

Cricket club news SINCE THE June report, Birstall’s first XI have won three and drawn one moving to second in the premier league, nine points behind leaders Newbold Verdon.

Star batsman Andy Galpin has scored close to 400 runs in eight games with young fast bowler Prad Snood displaying some good form recently with impressive bowling figures.

The second team in division two enjoy mid table stability with two wins and two losses recently, but star batsman fire fighter Pat Carnan returns for the next four games after work commitments, so hopefully a few more wins are coming up.

The under 17s have lost their last three games by single figure runs to Wymeswold, Rothley and Melton’s Thorpe Arnold, falling six runs short on three occasions. A win is so close to coming with a few more catches taken and with a bit of luck I’m sure it won’t be far away The under 13A team have had one game in the last four weeks due to the weather and holidays, but were second best to Egerton park in the last game. The under 13B team lost the last two games to Soar Valley and Quorn. Too many wides were not helping so more bowling practice is on the agenda.

A big thank you goes out to all the players and

families using the club bar facilities, it’s nice to see the children enjoying themselves.

From Steve Findley, Birstall Village Cricket Club

Planning P/10/1284/2: 11 Sibson Road – two storey and single storey extension to provide an enlarged ground floor A2 unit and five one-bed flats P/10/1275/2: 71 Fielding Road – erection of two storey side extension and loft conversion P/10/1244/2: 5 Sandgate Avenue – conservatory to rear of the property P/10/1206/2: 57 Moorgate Avenue – erection of two storey extension to side of dwelling P/10/1194/2: 11 Hill Rise – erection of two storey extension to side of dwelling P/10/1193/2: 7 Barngate Close – erection of single storey extension to the side and rear of dwelling P/10/1137/2: Curzon Lodge, 40 Curzon Avenue – extension of time limit for implementation of planning permission P/07/2097/2 for the erection of 6 detached dwellings P/10/1104/2: 16 Windmill Avenue – erection of two storey extension to side of dwelling

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

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the birstall post JUL 2010

Church news

Open day at cemetery BELGRAVE CEMETERY near Red Hill island held an open day in June.

A line of people formed a queue with queries about family graves and were then guided to the right place – there are more than 4,500 graves and 15,000 people buried there.

Volunteers gave a guided tour of the cemetery to visitors at the event, which was organised by the Friends of Belgrave Cemetery Group.

Pic: volunteers with the Friends of Belgrave Cemetery Group

UPVC PROPERTY ENHANCEMENT UPVC Facias, Soffits, Cladding & Guttering Supplied & Fitted

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0116 2673277 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

Park’s running route A MARKED running route has been painted on the tarmac path around King Lear’s Lake at Watermead Country Park.

The route is a permanent ‘3-2-1’ marked course, allowing runners to measure their progress over three different distances. A red line follows the route, with markers every 100 metres.

The new route is one of a series of similar marked running routes around the country as part of the ‘Run in England 3-2-1’ project.

Run in England 3-2-1 is a community based initiative created to deliver fun and safe running activities in parks and open spaces. The project has been commissioned by England

Athletics and funded by Sport England.

Peter Osborne, Chairman of the County Council, said: “I am delighted that the first ‘3-2-1’ route in the East Midlands is here in Leicestershire. Jogging is a great way to keep fit, and what better place to give it a go than Watermead Country Park, on a safe, flat and accessible route around beautiful King Lear’s Lake.”

Pic: (l-r) Catherine Osborne (Chairman’s Consort) & Peter Osborne (Chairman of the County Council) launched the route

Rothley history

Bowling club

A DISPLAY of archaeological finds from Rothley will be on show at the Old School Rooms later this month.

The exhibition is part of the Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology and will include items from prehistoric, Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods.

Lynden Cooper from the university of Leicester Archaeological Service will be speaking about finds from Rothley Lodge at the exhibition, which has been organised by Rothley Heritage Trust. An Anglo-Saxon re-enactment group, the English Companions, will also be there.

Brian Verity, Rothley’s Archaeological Warden, said: “The museum service has generously lent us some artefacts that are not normally available and I hope everyone will be keen to come along to take advantage of this rare opportunity to see and hear about the kind of objects that were used by the earliest residents of Rothley.”

The exhibition takes place on Saturday July 31 from 10am to 1pm at the Old School Rooms, School Street, Rothley. www.leics.gov.uk/archaeology festival

A TEAM of ladies from Birstall Bowling Club have once again qualified for the National Championships.

A team of four have reached the County Fours final, which take place in Leamington Spa next month. For Pa Walker, Jan Everitt and Diane Hurst, it will be their fourth successive visit to Leamington and they are joined for the first time by Val Hollis, who has replaced Sue Wilson. The team won five matches on the way to the County final including quarter and semi final victories over teams from Wymeswold and Shepshed respectively.

Diane Hurst was also just one win away from qualifying in the Two Wood competition.

The County quarter and semi finals took place at Soar Valley and having beaten Lila Wright (Burbage) in the quarter final, just lost out to Oakham’s Nicky Elmer in the semi final.

Meanwhile, Rob Smith and Paul Young won six matches to reach the semi final of the men’s County pairs, but agonising lost out by one shot to Harry Brown and Roy Morley from Loughborough’s Queens Park. A win would have meant qualification for the men’s National Championships at Worthing.

More information about the club at www.birstallbowling.co.uk

Railway walk A NINE-MILE walk combining a ride on the Great Central Railway is planned for September.

A similar walk in May proved so popular, organisers Charnwood Borough Council have decided to put on another. It will start in Rothley with the steam train to Birstall and will include a walk around Watermead County Park to Cossington.

People who wish then to return to Rothley station (after 5 miles) can split off and the remainder of the group will walk back a further 4 miles to Rothley, making 9 miles in total.

The walks brochure with information about different walks taking place in the borough is available from local libraries.

For more information about the walks, please contact Nita Pearson, Active Lifestyle Development Officer on 01509 634594 or email nita.pearson@charnwood.gov.uk

Garden Trail Raises £3440 This year’s Garden Trail on June 12 & 13 raised £3440.25 in aid of church funds and the Alzheimer’s Society. The church is grateful to those garden owners who kindly opened their gardens, and clearly had spent a lot of time and effort in making their gardens look beautiful.

If you missed the Garden Trail, look at the pictures on our website. www.birstallmethodistchurch.org.uk Messy Church Messy Church has now been running for a number of months. It is designed for families and run on alternate Saturdays. Activities include craft work, cooking, refreshment and a short act of worship. Again pictures on our website show some of the activities.

Maintenance Fortnight Apart from Sunday worship, our buildings will be closed for various maintenance work from Monday July 19 to Friday July 30. There are a host of minor jobs to be done but the biggest is the painting of the church. The church is grateful to those men, and some ladies who help. More volunteers are welcome, whether for a half day or a week. Contact John on 2675128.

Cameroon Garden Fete On Saturday July 3 there will be a Garden Fete in aid of the Cameroon Orphanage. This will be held at 34 Park Road, the Methodist Manse where Rev Edward Sakwe, his wife Esther and family live. The Sakwe family come from Cameroon. It may be a last opportunity to meet Edward and Esther as they move to Cannock Chase in August. We shall be saying our ‘official goodbye’ to both the Sakwe family, and to Ian and Irene Mason at a special service at Harrison Road Methodist Church on July 25.

From Tony Moore, Birstall Methodist Church Cause for celebration The beginning of July sees the churches of St James, Birstall and Our Lady and St Nicholas, Wanlip celebrating the full ordination of our curate Revd Stephen Crofts as a priest.

Stephen, with his wife and family, has been with us already for a very busy year. Since our rector James Shakespeare left in January, Stephen has had to undertake many more duties than would normally be expected of him (most curates spend a year or more as assistant to a priest, in order to “learn the ropes” of a parish and get to know the people). We are very grateful to him for the unflappable good humour with which he has dealt with everyone and everything and look forward to his ministry as a priest with us.

Unfortunately there is no news yet of the appointment of a new Rector.

Stephen is to be ordained in Leicester Cathedral on Saturday July 3 at 5.30pm and will preside for the first time at communion at 9.30am the next day, Sunday July 4.

At 12.30pm there will be a celebratory ‘Bring and Share’ buffet lunch in the Village Hall. All are welcome (please bring a savoury or sweet contribution).

Summer is here!

In the hope of a fine summer evening, a group from our congregation are taking picnics to the open-air theatre at Tolethorpe Hall, near Stamford, on July 13. Although the theatre primarily exists to present Shakespeare plays each summer, the repertoire also includes a more modern production: this year it is a version of ‘Dad’s Army’, so tin hats will be included with our summer attire!

A look at the list of groups associated with most churches will reveal that a majority of them are run by and for women. Perhaps not everybody realises that there is a church Men’s Group which meets bi-monthly at the British Legion at 7.45pm on a Sunday evening. A variety of topics are discussed (over a pint of course), usually with a visiting speaker. On Sunday July 25 Tony Coslett, a former army padre, will be sharing his insight into the traumas of life in the modern army at war. Visitors are very welcome and if you want to know more, contact Bert Tegg on 2673817.

The same Sunday is also the patronal festival of St. James, which will be celebrated at the 9.30am service.

Finally, planning is already being made for the annual Garden Party, which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 30 on St. James’ Church lawn, Church Hill. Anyone with ideas or who is willing to help is invited to contact Debbie on 2672630.

From Beryl McHugh, Parish Churches

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUL 2011

11

AGE CONCERN Sponsored Walks Sunday September 5, Birstall Watermead Country Park. Meet at St James Centre, Birstall at 10.30am or Meadow Lane Car Park, Birstall at 11am Thursday September 30, 10am Rutland (4 miles). Meet at the Fox and Hounds, Exton If you are not available to walk, then please consider sponsoring Peter Ralphs or John Adcock, two of our staff who have their sponsor money matched £1 for £1 by funding from their previous employer. Every £1 pledged is worth £2.28 to the charity after Gift Aid. Online Application for State Pension this Summer State Pension Online (SPOL) is an online Government service, that will allow individuals to enter their details via a secure website rather than having to make their claim over the phone. Website direct.gov.uk enables you to do this – click into state pension screens.

Good Life Project Tai Chi classes, for 50+ age group. 12.301.30pm, £1.50 per session. At Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland Clarence House, 46 Humbestone Gate, Leicester LE1 3PJ. The Tai Chi class will allow you to strengthen your muscles, keep active both physically and mentally and allow you to socialise with others For further information contact: Nisha Popat Tel: 0116 2046441 Free ‘No Cold Callers’ Sign: New rules mean they must obey. Stick on door to deter unwanted salesmen. Stop junk mail, calls, texts & faxes too.

INFO

In June the big six energy companies agreed their sales people would respect ‘No Cold Callers’ signs – a hard won victory by Consumer Focus & Trading Standards. Free MSE sign: To help you take advantage asap a free sign is available from MoneySavingExpert.com a designed Trading standard’s approved ‘No Cold Callers’ sign you can speedily print and put on your door or window.

Of course while energy sales people should obey, not every salesman will, but if they don’t just point at the sign and politely ask them to leave. Stop Junk Mail, Calls & Faxes: You have a right to opt out of post, direct mail, telephone calls and faxes and to do it, you just need to fill out an online form – if marketing companies then contact you they’re breaching the rules and can be punished.

People are living longer By 2020, half the population of the UK will be aged 50 and over. The Government wants to ensure that we adapt successfully to the fundamental long term changes that this will bring to society.

The Government and other supporting groups, under the ‘Full of Life’ banner, have make UK Older People’s Day the focus of a wide programme of activity, celebrating later life.

UK Older People’s Day is on October 1 to coincide with the UN International Day for Older People. This will be the fourth year the Day has been celebrated in the UK and we hope to build on the successes of previous

years.

For Older People’s Day 2010 we have a new theme – getting and staying active in later life. Encouraging people to prepare well for and enjoy a positive later life benefits each of us individually and society as a whole.

More information on how to get involved with older People’s Day 2010 will be available on the direct.gov.uk website.

Last year over 100,000 people took part in local events to mark the day across the country, ranging from theatre projects to tea dances, fitness and healthy eating classes to fun days. Many of these events were built around 2009’s theme of bringing generations together. At skill swap events, for example, the younger generation taught the older people how to get the most from new technology and the older generation taught the younger ones skills such as knitting and baking.

Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland – Information and Advice Service Money Matters, Welfare Benefits, Housing & Property, Residential and Nursing Care, Leisure and Social Activities, Family & Personal Matters, Your Rights, Local Services, and most other issues that affect your quality of life.

Our advice is free and we will keep your business confidential. Landsdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA. Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 1.30-4.30pm; Friday 1.30-4pm.

Tel: 0116 2992233. Fax: 0116 2992244 enquiries@ageconcernleics.com www.ageconcernleics.com Jex Woods

Local talent on show A DAY of talents in St James Church saw music performed by local people as well as an exhibition of craft skills.

Pic: violinist James Pilbeam

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A NEW singing group’s first two concerts were hailed a great success, raising £2400 for local charities.

Singing for Fun entertained packed houses at Birstall Parish Church and the Chapel of Ratcliffe College in May. The group performed classics such as Franck’s ‘Panis Angelicus’, Verdi’s ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves’, the Frank Sinatra hit ‘New York, New York’, Sting’s ‘Fields of Gold’ and Eva Cassidy’s, ‘Over the Rainbow’ as well as songs in French, Hebrew and Maori.

Anne Hughes, Musical Director, said: “Many of the singers were performing in public for the very first time, and yet you’d never have realised it from the infectious levels of enthusiasm and confidence.”

She added: “So if you’re looking to join a singing group that doesn’t take itself too seriously and yet reaches really high standards, look no further! Everyone is welcome, whatever their ability or level of experience.”

There are now over 250 members and the new term starts in the week beginning September 7, with daytime and evening classes running in Quorn, Rothley, Syston, Tilton-onthe-Hill and Woodhouse Eaves. Further information is available on the group’s website: www.SingingForFun.co.uk or by phoning 07742 576031 Pic: Singing for Fun performing at Ratcliffe College

Golf winners BIRSTALL GOLF Club’s players have been advancing in a range of competitions, with victories for both the men and women in their respective leagues, and in the county’s ladies foursomes and mixed foursomes.

The men kicked off their league season with a convincing 6-2 away win against Hinckley, while the ladies won away against Kibworth.

In the ladies foursomes Sandra Clarke and Chris Hyde won six up against Willesley Park, while Claire and Sue Bailey won four up for a 10 up total margin, to advance to the second round.

And the mixed foursomes club skipper Naz Kullar held his nerve to sink the winning put on the third extra hole after both matches had finished square after 18 holes.

12

the birstall post JUL 2010

The August issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on July 31. The copy deadline is July 16.

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.

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 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 267 2795 Toddler Group 18-36 months and younger siblings Mondays 9-10.30am & 10.30-12noon. Preschool 8.30-11.30am and 12.30-3.30pm, five days per week except Friday pm in the Autumn/Spring term. Highcliffe Community Centre, Greengate Lane, Birstall LE4 3DL 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 2671828, 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 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 9am12noon. 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 every month at Longslade Community College from 7-9pm in the classroom opposite the Design Centre. Please take the left fork on entering the college drive which leads to the Design Centre. Contact Christine Thomas 07954584402 or email 2006clash@gmail.com 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 Birstall 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

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 AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 / 07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk EARN £400-£600 per month part-time delivering and collecting catalogues 18+ Call 0116 2986894 RUNNER BEANS 95p per £1 – available midJuly. Seeds for (cultivation or bean bags) and plants also available to clear. Please call 0116 2921619 TO LET in Syston. 2300 sq.ft workshop & warehouse, additional offices, kitchen & 2 toilets. Good sized private yard for very secure parking. Tel: 0116 2921678/0776 4567953 to view and discuss terms REGISTERED BACH flower remedy practitioner consultation and individualised remedy to gently alleviate negative moods, safe and effective for adults and children. Call Nicky 07544 765091 LOCK UP garage wanted. Anywhere considered. Urgent. Tel: 0116 2671993 CLEANER REQUIRED 6 hrs at £6 hr. Seagas Industries Ltd, 152 Abbey Lane. Contact Donal Heffernan 0116 2669988 ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES provided by qualified accountant. Low rates for sole traders/small businesses. Tel: 2673951 B.B.Q. for sale with two wheels and stand £8 ono Tel: 2671527 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 WED 7 BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB Coach trip to Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire THUR 22 BIRSTALL & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Tour of Beaumanor Hall

Index of Advertisers Care Help At Home.........................................12 Children Birstall Rainbow Nursery.........................6 Clothes Supacare................................................9 Computers NTL Computers.......................................12 Dog Grooming Fetching Cuts.........................................3 Energy Performance Certificate David Jackson.........................................11 Feet Foot Medics...........................................10 Kay Giles................................................3 Food Woodcock Farm Shop.............................4 Funeral De Montfort Memorials...........................10 Edward Gamble......................................11 Midland Co-op Funeral............................11 Garage Services Chips Away.............................................3 KM Vehicle Services................................6 Motor Aid...............................................12 P Moore.................................................3 Garden AG Holland.............................................10 Lancaster Landscapes.............................1 J Oughton..............................................4 Martin Page............................................4 Trevor Pole............................................6 Robert Bowley Landscapes.....................9 D Upton.................................................9 Hair Lox Hair Design......................................5 Health & Beauty Blue Moon Beauty Salon.........................2 Essence Of Beauty..................................3 Woodgate Clinic......................................9 Home Abacus Domestic Heating........................3 Acorn Builders........................................2

Birstall Alarms........................................2 Birstall Plumbing Ltd..............................11 Alan Chambers.......................................10 John Cockayne........................................6 Control Electrics Ltd................................10 County Roofing.......................................1 DA Roofing & Building............................3 Elliott & Ball...........................................2 Peter Ingham.........................................10 I-Security Services..................................5 JPM Air Conditioning...............................8 Maclean Environmental Ltd.....................2 Mectric Ltd.............................................1 Simon Oates...........................................12 Odd Job Man..........................................10 Pallatt Bros............................................4 Permahomes..........................................10 Powerup Electrical Services.....................12 Rak Tailor Home Improvements...............8 RWS Plumbing........................................11 Sai Alarms..............................................12 Soar Valley Heating................................11 Steven Squance......................................10 Laundrette DR Launderette......................................6 Leisure Earl Of Stamford.....................................8 Longslade College (Pool).......................7 Tebbatt Electronics.................................12 Mini Cab Airport Cars............................................12 Optical Opticare.................................................1 Prospecs Eyewear..................................12 Henry Smith & Hamylton.........................2 Telecoms J Rigley..................................................12 Therapy Robin Batten..........................................8 Venue For Hire Midland Co-Op Sports & Social Club.........11 Windows Midland Window Installations..................1 Weatherlock Windows Ltd........................9 Wilson Windows......................................4

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

Home Carers Required

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

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Up to £7.25hr, plus travel expenses. Telephone essential. Ring Debbie between 8.30am & 4.30pm for more information on

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