Birstall Post (325) August 2010 by The Birstall Post

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

AUGUST 2010

My Fair Lady

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 325

Pic: She’s so deliciously low! Henry Higgins (Chris Grant) with Eliza Doolittle (Ginny Turnell)

AUDIENCES WERE entertained by the transformation of Eliza Doolittle from Cockney flower girl to an elegant Ascot Lady at Longslade College’s production of My Fair Lady. The College’s annual end of term musical was directed by Kim Lees. She said: “The cast and crew have been working hard on the production for the past four weeks and have produced an extremely captivating portrayal of the story.” Chris Grant produced an outstanding performance as Professor Henry Higgins alongside Ginny Turnell as Eliza Doolittle and Robert Smith as Colonel Pickering. They led

the cast and chorus with style and confidence while technical teams worked to support the cast with dedication and complimented the vocally talented and energetic students. Crowds as they left complimented the talent of the students and the quality of the production, many singing and humming the popular songs from the musical ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly’ and ‘Just You Wait’ on their way out.

Pic: Dominic Hall as Freddy Eynsford-Hill Pic: Chris Grant, Ginny Turnell & Rob Smith as Colonel Pickering

Megan’s wheelchair A YOUNG woman from Birstall with an incurable condition that leaves her in constant pain now has a new wheelchair thanks to a serious of successful fundraising events. sponsored head and eyebrow shave that Seventeen year old Megan Branston of raised £800. Briargate Drive has Hyper Mobility Syndrome Megan’s mum Jody said: “She is a lovely which affects her leg joints. Fundraising by young lady with the nicest and kindest dispofamily and friends has raised £2,300 to pay sition you could wish to meet but for a bespoke, lightweight this had knocked her life comwheelchair made in Germany. pletely out of kilter and she is Megan said: “I would like to doing her utmost to make the thank family, friends and stranbest of things. gers who have given the time, “She’s undergoing specialised the love and the help for me to long term physiotherapy for this get this wheelchair, so that I can at Nottingham City Hospital but actually start to live and get on has been told that her condition with my life. is incurable and irreversible, the “When I start at Brooksby best they can hope for is to help Melton College in September, I her manage it and for it to not want to make everyone proud get any worse. and show how grateful I am.” “Megan is learning to drive, Sponsored bike rides, a bunPic: Megan Branston she is starting Brooksby Melton gee jump and a cake stall and College in September doing an animal manraffle at Birstall Gala helped the family raise agement course for two years and is trying to the funds, with raffle prizes donated by Birdevelop a social life, things most other 17 stall businesses Silly Prices, Birstall Jewellers year olds take for granted.” and Notions. Megan’s dad Tony also had a

Cancer support group A NEW service has been launched in Birstall to help people affected by cancer. The new initiative is a partnership between Coping with Cancer in Leicestershire and Rutland, a local, independent charity that has been supporting cancer patients for almost 30

Continued on page 5

THE BIRSTALL POST, AUG 2010

Youth awards night

Pic: Tiffany Ager at the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro

On top of the world A BIRSTALL LAW student has climbed Africa’s highest mountain and raised £2300 for a children’s charity. Tiffany Ager (20) took six days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro’s 5893 metres, accompanied by fellow climbers from the University of Birmingham where she is studying for a law degree, and the University of Bath. She said: “Every day we got woken up at 6am and walked for nine to 11 hours. It was so mentally and physically draining that sometimes it was difficult to keep motivation to carry on. There were so many times that I was thinking why the hell am I doing this! I am lucky however to have really supportive friends and family, who kept me going with letters, texts and phone calls so I couldn’t give up. “The best bit was reaching the top as I just got overwhelmed with where I was and what I was doing! Whilst walking up the mountain you had to pinch yourself that you were actually there because it was just amazing, especially the views at the tops of cliffs and being above the clouds was really surreal.” She added: “It was a brilliant experience

and I made some really good friends, but I will definitely not be going anywhere near a mountain again! However I ended up raising just over £2300 for Childreach International, so it was all worth it. Especially when we went to visit one of the local schools the charity funds whilst we were out there. The money raised is making such a big difference to children’s lives and you can’t believe the difference in standards of living until you actually see it for yourself. It is a completely different world and I am so glad to have contributed to helping improve aspects of their lives that we take for granted. “I would like to say thank you to everyone that sponsored me and supported me to help make this happen. I received so much help and support which I really appreciate. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget and I encourage anyone who is thinking of doing any sort of challenge event to go for it, as you amaze yourself at what you can achieve when you are pushed to the extreme.”

NHW celebration BIRSTALL’S NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month with a party. Chairman Ed Marshall writes: Join us on Saturday August 21 at 10 Sibson Road between 10am and 2pm as we celebrate. It’s hard to believe that our Watch was first started in February 1990 by a small group of concerned individuals with less than 30 houses in Curzon Avenue. It was developed further with the support of the Police and the dedicated efforts of Delice Fowler and Peter Allan. Since the early days the Watch has grown to over 3,000 member households, that’s the majority of all houses in Birstall & Wanlip. Hallam Fields development is now also included. Our aim is to help residents protect themselves and their property, to reduce the fear of crime and thus improve our local quality of life. We achieve this by holding a monthly ‘Advice Shop’ to give information on security and to provide products at cost, by delivering a monthly newsletter to all member households, providing information via a high quality website and maintaining close partnerships

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with the Police and Birstall Parish Council. We are very lucky to have three dedicated local Police Officers in PC Richard Carruthers and PCSOs Mark Butler and Stuart Venables who know the area well and are working hard to tackle issues of concern expressed by the community. The Watch supports them in whatever ways it can. Our Watch was voted best in the country back in 1995 which included a visit by the then Home Secretary Michael Howard. This year we received another award presented at the Leicestershire Neighbourhood Watch AGM (following a nomination by Inspector Duncan Southall, Commander of the Charnwood LPU) recognising our outstanding contribution to neighbourhood policing and the local community. It goes without saying that our Watch could not operate without the hard work of the committee, the help and support of our co-ordinators and all the members. We are very proud of what we have achieved so far and hope that our Watch can continue to grow and change to meet the future needs of our community.

YOUNG PEOPLE from Birstall, Rothley and Anstey celebrated their achievements at an awards night at Birstall Youth Centre. Around 60 young people attended to collect certificates awarded by Leicestershire County Council’s Youth Service, recognising their achievements in a variety of activities including voluntary work and learning new skills, such as canoeing. Pics: Rachael Neale enjoys a cocktail: (l-r) Jessica Harby, Beth Russell, Ella Pinsent and Emily Spence: Adam Sergent Dave Jones from the an award from Leicester Riders basketball player Leicester Riders basketball receives Dave Jones team made the presentations and the young people celebrated with a BBQ and non-alcoholic cocktails they made themselves. Youth Development Worker Louise Himan said: “Celebrating the achievements of young people is so important, and recognising the work they’ve undertaken and the distance they’ve travelled. These awards are really useful for jobs and college applications and great for boosting self esteem – the young people feel quite rightly very proud of themselves.”

Gym’s new award CARL GUNNS’ boxing gym has won another award and a £3000 prize. The Birstall Road gym was a winner at the 3M Healthcare/Loughborough Echo Community Awards, in the category Improvements to Health, Well-being and Quality of Life. The judges were impressed with how the gym, started by former boxing manager Carl Gunns, made a difference in the community. The £3000 prize will be spent on a second hand van for transporting equipment and a portable ring, new gloves and ropes. Stonehill School was also a winner, picking up an award for its plans to develop its garden farm by introducing pigs, sheep and a wind turbine.

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the birstall post AUG 2010

THE BIRSTALL POST, AUG 2010

Support Ggroup continued from page 1

New printers A NEW printing company relocating to Birstall is inviting readers to come and see the services they have to offer. On August 4 Flexpress will be opening its doors at Interchange, the new business park at Hallam Fields. The first occupants of Jelsons new business park offer a one-stop service for all kinds of printed work including business stationery, promotional printing, high-volume and specialist copying along with exhibition and display graphics. The service is supported with a fully equipped graphics studio to provide high quality design, artwork and marketing services. Managing Director Steve Wenlock said: “Moving to our purpose designed premises here at Birstall is an exciting time. We’re delighted to be part of the community and look forward to getting to know people from the businesses, clubs, societies and charities in the area.” Flexpress are celebrating their opening by inviting interested parties to join them for drinks, nibbles and free gifts at times to suit. Simply email messages@flexpress.co.uk or call free 0808 222 2223 to receive your VIP invitation.

years, and Birstall BAGS, a local group that raises funds to support local cancer services. ‘Time Out: Birstall’ is a free support group for anyone affected by cancer - patients, their carers and families - with the added benefit of complementary therapies. People attending the group can enjoy a free complementary therapy treatment in a calm, relaxing atmosphere, and chat to other patients and carers over refreshments. The group will meet at Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, from 1.30-4pm. The first group will meet on Wednesday September 8. The group is open to anyone affected by cancer and as well as Birstall residents the organisers are hoping to support people from the surrounding area – north Leicester, Thurmaston, Syston, Anstey, Rothley and beyond. The group will be a new addition to Coping with Cancer’s existing popular Time Out groups that take place in Hinckley, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray and Leicester. For more information about the group, please call coping with Cancer on 0116 223 0055 or email: timeout@cw-c-.org.uk Coping with Cancer are also looking for volunteers to help make the group a success. If you are a qualified complementary therapist or would like to support the group by chatting to patients and carers and preparing refreshments, and can spare a few hours once a fortnight or month on a Wednesday afternoon, please call Coping with Cancer on 0116 223 0055 or email: volunteer@c-w-c-org.uk.

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Day of song MORE THAN 350 singers and 23 choirs took part in an all day concert at Longslade College to raise money for LOROS. The event, organised by local conductor Carolyn Necklen, saw singers aged from six to 90 take part. Carolyn said: “In the winter 2009 magazine LOROS announced their 25th anniversary and asked for support in running special events. They had a long list of suggestions all relating to ‘25’ or ‘silver’. I wondered if I could get 25 choirs together. We managed 23 choirs, including 2 school choirs, 1 church choir, 2 choral societies, 3 male voice choirs, l barbershop, 1 gospel choir and several community choirs.” The choirs performed throughout the day, with 25 minute slots each, and the show ended with Carolyn’s choirs Cantorum and Ya-

Pic: Carolyn Necklen directing the choir vana plus Moira Male Voice choir joining for a massed rendition of Njetsvodah. Carolyn said: “I am very grateful to all

the choirs who agreed to take part and help raise almost £2000 for LOROS. Also to members of Highcliffe Harmony, Cantorum and Yavana who helped with the smooth running of the day, and finally to Jane Hill at Longslade Community College for her support in accessing the venue.”

Barclays manager THE BIRSTALL branch of Barclays bank has a new manager. Philip Wilson has worked for Barclays for six years and has a wealth of experience in the retail sector having undertaken many roles from Personal Banker to managing several branches throughout the Leicestershire and Derbyshire areas. Commenting on his appointment, Philip said: “I am excited by the challenges that lie ahead. My main objective is to lead the team to ensure that we offer excellent customer service to our customers in and around the Birstall area. “As part of my drive to improve customer service, I will be looking to recruit new members to our counter team. Also to encourage more people to use the branch, I shall be available to offer direct support to customers to help and support them with their banking requirements. This will bring a more personalised feel to banking with Barclays.” Pic: Barclays new manager Philip Wilson

THIS YEAR’S Garden Trail organised by Birstall Methodist Church raised £1700 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Our picture shows the Rev Rachel Parkinson presenting a cheque for £1700 to Hayley Child, East Midlands Community Fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society along with members of the Birstall Methodist Church Garden Trail Committee.

NHW news & crime report

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Is Birstall a village? Apart from making a judgement based on size, most people will assess the qualification for a village on the ‘community spirit’ of the residents and the communal activities and events which take place. Birstall is very different from our neighbours in that there is no industry within its boundaries and comparatively very little employment. Birstall is a residential dormitory for those employed elsewhere. Birstall is also an area with a broad cross section of residents within the ‘affluence/social’ scale, some large houses and some of more modest size. In my opinion, based on my experiences in connection with the Neighbourhood Watch and contact with similar groups around the district, Birstall is definitely a village. Almost everyone I know in the village either belongs to or supports a local group/activity. Just look at the response during the recent two day village gala. No big name headline attraction required, an event for Birstall people essentially by Birstall people. A popular occasion for local residents, young and not so young, to meet friends and neighbours at what can only be described as a village fete. Thousands of locals visited the playing fields over the two days of the gala, and we were still there, singing, late into Sunday evening. I believe the Neighbourhood Watch in Birstall contributes to this ‘community spirit’ in helping to encourage neighbours to talk to each other and so provide in some way an identity for the streets and roads we live in. If you know your neighbours, it becomes natural to care about them and their welfare, and your own enjoyment of living where you do increases enormously.

If there is not a local Watch scheme which covers your home, give us a ring and we can quickly set one up. Talk to your neighbours and get the ‘Village Spirit’ in your street. Allan Kinton Birstall and Wanlip Village Watch. Watch phone: 0116 2676397 www.villagewatch.co.uk Crime Report June 14 to July 19 Assaults 3, harassment 1, burglary 2, burglary other 8, damage 9, damage to motor vehicle 11, drugs 1, fraud 8, public order 3, theft 9, theft of cycle 3, theft from motor vehicle 11, theft of motor vehicle 1, theft stores 4 • a person with a Criminal Antisocial Behaviour Order (CRASBO) was arrested for breaching one of the conditions, during the Gala weekend • three disbursal orders were issued out at the Birstall Gala, two for Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) (kicking football at police cycles and pedestrians) and another was issued to a male causing alarm to members of the public by using threatening behaviour • during the Gala weekend a large amount of liquor was seized from young people with he aim of curbing ASB, this had a very positive impact on the community as this helped towards creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere • 4 x verbal warning issued re underage drinking From PC Richard Carruthers 2139, PCSO Mark Butler 6611 and PCSO Stuart Venables 6438 • Overnight on Tuesday/Wednesday June 8/9 an attempt was made to steal the lead flashings from the front of the Parish Council Office on Sibson Road. • An elderly woman was the victim of a distraction burglary at 5pm on Monday June 14, on Beechfield Avenue. A man claimed to be a delivery man or workman and distracted the victim while his accomplice entered the house through the back door. Nothing was stolen during the incident. • On Saturday June 19 between 1-4pm a house in Allington Drive, close to Blenheim Road, was burgled. Access was gained by forcing the rear door. Information on any of the above can be reported to the Police on 222 2222 or freephone Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

the birstall post AUG 2010

New champion BIRSTALL GOLF Club’s Michael Reed is the new County Champion, beating a field of 60 to win the title at Hinckley Golf Club in June. Michael (19) of Park Road shot two rounds of 73 and 67 to give him a two stroke winning margin over former Birstall member Jake Amos. A junior member of Birstall Golf club since 2001, Michael will now go forward to represent Leicestershire in the national champion of champions event at Woodall Spa, Lincolnshire in September. Michael, who plays off a scratch handicap, said: “Winning the County Amateur Championship is a great honour and boost for me before playing in the Midland Youth and Northern Youth Championships in July and August.” He scored a double success at Hinckley,

Pic: County Champion Michael Reed taking the best team title for Birstall Golf Club with fellow Birstall players Chris Webb and Steve Sansome. They won with an 11 shot margin to regain the Corah Shield.

Rapid park progress WORK ON the £1.4million Connect2 project to improve footpaths and cycleways in and around Watermead Country Park is ahead of schedule. Leicestershire County Council has now largely completed construction work within the park’s boundary – the next stage of the scheme is to improve links into the park from nearby villages including crossing points at busy roads. Work completed so far includes over two kilometres of improved paths and a trio of award winning bridges at Thurmaston and Birstall Locks, which were highly commended at the recent ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) awards. The improvements are all part of the Sustrans Connect2 project which won a share of £50million Big Lottery Fund grant in December 2007 following a public vote. Lesley Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We want to make sure that the changes over the next five years will greatly improve accessibility into and around the park for all of these people. “The new crossings, paths and award winning bridges will help people get across Watermead. Connect2 opens up a convenient,

Zumba fitness

A NEW Latin inspired, calorie-burning dance class starts at Longslade in September. Your Zumba Fitness instructor is Sarah Johnson, who says: “After my first baby, nothing I tried would shift the weight I had put on. When I started Zumba I started to shed the pounds. I dropped three dress sizes in six months. “I trained as an instructor in 2009 and I love every minute of it. The best part is seeing a class full of smiling faces as they dance, shake, pump and whoop.” Zumba classes start on September 6, from 6.457.45pm and cost £4 a session, 10 sessions for £35. To book call Sarah 07810 307113, sarah@zumbaleicester.co.uk www.zumbaleicester.co.uk Pic: Zumba Fitness instructor Sarah Johnson

healthier and more environmentally friendly way to get from one village to another and into Leicester than using the car.” To complement the Connect2 scheme a new three metre wide surfaced path between Old Hall Close off Canal Street, Thurmaston and Johnson’s Bridge has also recently been completed. The surfacing has been provided by Charles Street Buildings in conjunction with the diversion of the footpath through its industrial estate to enable development to take place. The route provides an additional route into Watermead Country Park from Thurmaston. Lesley Pendleton added: “The previous path was not attractive to users and gave concern to site tenants from both health

and safety and security points of view. The diverted path has provided an asset for the community at a standard that provides improved access for all to Watermead County Park. Charles Street Buildings is to be congratulated on seeing the possibility of this improvement and delivering it promptly.” Watermead Country Park (North) will also be a start point for this year’s Sky Ride. To register for Sky Ride or to keep up to date with work happening in and around the park, visit www.leics.gov.uk/connect2 Pic: Children from Riverside school and Thurmaston’s Church Hill school cycled to the park and enjoyed a dinosaur quiz train. Our picture shows children on one of the new bridges.

Awards for inspiring students THE INSPIRATIONAL work of two Longsaward for his work with the church of St lade students has been recognised with a Albans, Neighbourhood Watch in Birstall, charity fundraising and his achievements as prestigious national award. chair of Longslade Student Council. Roy Rollings (17) and Janine Watt (16) Janine works with the Tigers Young Sports were presented with a Diana Award by Nick Group for young children with learning or Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools at physical impairments. She is also a young Barclays Bank HQ on Canary ambassador for the London Olympics and Wharf. took part in the Japanese Learning Walk and The Diana Awards were followed this by speaking at asset up after the death of Prinsemblies and a conference to cess Diana to recognise pass on what she has inspirational young learned. people who become A Longslade spokespositive role modman said: “We are els. delighted at their Roy and Jasuccess at the annine were among nual Diana Awards. the 23 individuals They were nomiselected nationalnated by the colly for an award, lege for their and were nomioutstanding and nated by Longsselfless contribution lade. Pic Roy Rollings and Janine Watt to their community.” Roy gained his

Hangs up spade AFTER PROVIDING a landscape gardening service in the village for over 20 years, Birstall's Jes Oughton has decided to hang up his spade. He said: "I’ve recently decided to move the focus of my work away from the contracting and implementation of beautiful gardens. I will however, continue to design, plan and project manage jobs for other contractors and private customers for the foreseeable future." He added: "I have been lucky to have been involved in a variety of projects, locally and nationwide over the years and I am grateful to many people who’ve helped me along the way, but foremost is the gratiPic: Jes Oughton tude to all the local clients I have had the pleasure to work for in and around Birstall. Almost without exception, you have been wonderful, and I sincerely hope you will continue to support our very competent local contractors in the future."

Top director STEVE WALKER has been nominated for the award of Young Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors. Steve, 32, is the founder of the management consultancy business Steve Walker Associates which has just relocated from Cliffe House in Birstall to Watermead Business Park in Syston. The firm has recently won a contract with Leicester City Council to work on a project to revitalise Leicester Market. Other customers include the Football Association, Delifrance and DHL. It employs 15 people and is set to increase turnover this year to £1.4million from £400,000 last year.

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THE BIRSTALL POST, AUG 2010

Couple win cup A BIRSTALL couple won a stunning prize in a competition run by a local radio station and sponsored by Highcross Leicester. Mark and Hannah Dyer of Johnson Road have been crowned Champions of Leicestershire in Leicester Sound’s general knowledge quiz, the Couples Cup. The couple had to answer as many general knowledge questions as possible in 60 seconds to progress in the competition, eventually reaching the live final, held in the station’s studio during the Breakfast Show. Hannah said: “We were up against a couple from Anstey. There was only question this time and we won! We can’t believe we won such fantastic prizes, we’ve not won anything else before.” The couple won £500 to spend at Cruise,

a pamper package for two at Form Lifestyle and Spa, a Nintendo Wii from Powerplay, an LCD TV from John Lewis, a three course meal at 1573, a Director’s Hall experience at Cinema De Lux and £100 vouchers to spend at Highcross. Pic: Mark & Hannah Dyer with Leicester Sound presenters Damien StJohn and Naomi Kent

Toy launched A 13 year old Stonehill pupil launched his prizewinning new toy at Rothley school in July. Tom Spring and his Putty Monsters toy won first prize in a competition organised by internet retailer Firebox, who were looking for the next big toy craze. Tom’s creation, which features putty and a pair of eyes that can be moulded with monster figures, has gone into production with Tom keeping fifty per cent of the profits. Pupils at Rothley school were the first to try Tom’s new toy and gave it the thumbs up, liking the colours and the squidgeyness. Unlike traditional modelling materials such as plasticine or clay, anything modelled in the putty will slowly melt at room temperature.

Active suggestions THE ACTIVE Together team at Charnwood Borough Council are in the process of planning new projects for October 2010 – March 2011, and the team want to know what local residents would like to see in their area. If you would like the team to look into introducing a new physical activity in your area please get in touch. Activities currently available include dance, exercise classes and beginner’s level sports, all sessions are aimed at 16+. To make your suggestions (before Aug 18) please call 01509 632534 email: activetogether@charnwood.gov.uk or post your thoughts to Active Together Team, Charnwood Borough Council, Southfields, Loughborough

Charity challenge SIX GOLFERS from Birstall Golf club completed the traditional 100 Hole Charity Challenge in June to help raise thousands of pounds for Help the Heroes, the club’s chosen charity for the year. Temperatures topped 25 degrees C during the day, although they were not quite that hot at 4.30am when they teed off for the first time, or at 9.45pm when the final pairing completed their 100th hole. Club professional David Clark says the standard of golf remained remarkably high throughout the day. He said: “My feet felt like glass when I finished, and we all played good golf throughout the day. The support of club members has been wonderful and donations are still coming in very quickly.” Naz Kullar, club captain, said: “The six

players were absolutely brilliant. They were all shattered when they finished, but the donations that keep pouring in make it worthwhile. We took several hundred pounds just around the clubhouse during the day and plenty more at the barbecue afterwards. We

are all proud of their efforts, and the way everyone at the club is supporting this charity.” Pic: (l-r) a rare (and brief) break for Martin Weaver, Stuart Marriott, Ryan Topley, Naz Kullar, David Clark, Atul Patel and Ryan Woodward

Adult learning opportunities HOW MANY times have you thought “I would like to learn how to do that” or “I wish I could speak a foreign language.” Now you can! The Leicestershire Adult Learning Service offer a wide range of courses including IT, Languages, English and Maths, Sport, Arts & Crafts and General Interest starting in September. Courses are available at Longslade in Birstall. Look out for our brochure which will be delivered with your free newspaper. Brochures should be delivered door to door from between August 2 and 13. This will give you details of courses in your area. If you do not receive a brochure but would like one, or would like advice on any of the courses please telephone freephone 0800 988 0308 and speak to one of the college’s advisers. Alternatively contact Longslade Adult Learning Service on 0116 2673389 or go to the website www.leics.gov.uk/golearn. Look out for an advertisement in the September issue of the Birstall Post. Learners in receipt of certain benefits are eligible for 70% or 100% discount, please telephone for details.

the birstall post AUG 2010

YOUR SAY...

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

Humps In response to R D Andrews’ letter, I can inform him that Mr Wayne Ramsell at Leics County Council was responsible for the design of the scheme. It beggars belief that the scheme was borne out of a need to improve safety, on balance I would suggest that the cure is worse than the disease. It has in no way reduced speeds on Birstall Road; cars can easily accelerate to more than 30mph between the pyramid humps and some vans etc do not even bother to slow for them. The humps themselves constitute an extreme hazard, especially for two wheeled motorists who fail to spot them in time. The consequences could be fatal. The humps are now so discoloured as to render them almost invisible, especially on dark, wet nights. The humps are also no doubt progressively damaging tyre sidewalls and suspension of regular users of the road;

a hidden cost to residents. I would be interested to know how much this scheme has cost as I don’t think, taking all aspects into consideration that it represents an effective solution to a minor problem and has now precipitated more problems than it has solved. Below is a response from Mr Ramsell to my email: “The priority narrowing has two functions in that it helps to slow traffic and improves the facilities for pedestrians where there was once a narrow footway. The space between the ‘Give-Way’ line and the ‘Keep Clear’ is just below 5m so there is no reason why the majority of vehicles should block the junction other than through motorists’ inconsiderate behaviour. I welcome your suggestion regarding the provision of a yellow box marking and I will consider this option, however I need to speak to colleagues regarding the enforcement issues associated with these markings. “Regarding your concerns over the effectiveness of the speed cushions, the whole scheme is being monitored and speed surveys will be undertaken. Until this information is to hand it would be unreasonable for me to make any recommendations for amendments to the scheme. “In addition to the after speed monitoring the scheme will be subject to a post implementation safety audit; I will endeavour to keep you informed of any recommendations.” David Cather

Parking On Monday July 5 in the afternoon, I was attempting to park in the Disabled Parking space outside Nando’s hairdressers. There was an MG sports car parked there, without a Blue Badge, so I enquired at Nando’s and was informed that ‘a short dark haired man, had just parked and appeared to be going to the bank’. I waited several minutes on the double yellow lines in front of the bay and, eventually the man appeared, I asked if he had a Blue Badge and he just looked at the ground in front of him, jumped into the MG and drove off. As a volunteer for Vista, I was responsible for a blind person and needed to park as close as possible to the destination required. This was the first time I have had the need to park with a Blue Badge in Birstall but the ignorant young man in the MG thought his needs were greater than those of my blind person. Please, drivers in Birstall, the local authority

make Disabled Places available for the use of disabled people and their escorts, not for anyone who feels they can use them at will, so respect these facilities, one day you may need them yourselves! Bill Hill

Thanks We would like to thank everyone who attended or made a contribution to our coffee morning on June 26 to raise funds for Alarna. We were touched by the generosity of all those who helped the day be such a success in raising a total of £400. Sue and Ian Hopcroft

Thanks On May 21 the sun was shining and the wine was flowing. Margaret Walden and Jeannie Lyon held a ladies only cheese and wine party at Margaret’s house in aid of LOROS and Macmillan Nurses. We had fun and games, an auction and a raffle and raised a staggering £620. This was made possible by the kind donations of raffle prizes from the shops of Birstall and various other outlets and the generous spending power of our friends…so thank you! We hope you enjoyed yourself as much as we did. See you all next year! PS Thank you Ian for tidying up the next morning Jeannie Lyon

Thanks I would like to thank all at ‘Sapphire Kitchens & Bedrooms’ for their fantastic work on my kitchen and bedroom in my new house in Queniborough. Paul for the perfect design, Nick and Pete for their magic transformation and good humour, Nigel for a wonderful wardrobe, Simon for the finishing touches with the most exact tiling I have ever seen! And last but certainly not least, Vanessa, who for four weeks kept us all informed and calm as to the stage we were at in the buying of this house and the starting date of the conversions. She was and still is magnificent! Aaron and John from Classic Carpets who finished off with a ‘Karndean’ floor. Wow, that was a job and a half too! The next ‘thank you’, a BIG one, is for Mr Eric Davies. For six weeks Eric has been coming to my house at 8am to decorate and supervise all the workmen, all 50 thousand of them, or that’s what it

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Noticeboard all details printed free 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 ••• The Brilliant

Cantamici Choir With superb instrumentalists will be at St James Church, Birstall On Saturday September 18 At 7.30pm Tickets £7 inc glass of wine/juice from Jane Scott 2673761 or Beryl McHugh 2674913 Please come & help raise funds for Birstall BAGS and The Stroke Association •••

Junior Football Players Wanted Boys and Girls Birstall United Juniors FC require players in the following age categories for the 2010/11 season which starts in September Under 7s (school year 1) – contact stephen@avidinsurance.co.uk Under 11s (school year 6) – contact Val Small 07919355909 Under 12s (school year 7) – contact glyn.shaw@sky.com Under 14s girls (school year 8 & 9) – contact karen.ogrady@ntlworld.com Under 15s (school year 10) – mick.joinson@talktalk.net This is a great opportunity to join a growing club. If you are interested please contact the named managers above. •••

Fashion Show and Sale Friday September 10 at 7.30pm In the Methodist Church Concert Hall Come and buy ‘Designer’ labels and clothes from some of your favourite High Street stores Tickets £5 (inc tea/coffee and cakes) which can be booked by tel: 2677576 or email bark_foundation@btinternet.com Proceeds for The HOTPEC Orphanage in Cameroon •••

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seemed like! He has decorated round them and done a magnificently professional job against all odds. I thank him sincerely as without him I am sure this house would not be in this ‘near finished’ state that it is. Ros Marriott

Humps welcome Various people have written to complain about the speed humps in Birstall Road. Whilst I do sympathise with R D Andrews, whose access into Church Hill is often blocked by selfish drivers, I have no time for the idiots who still flagrantly flout the speed limit and carry on as if the road were a race track. As residents of Birstall Road, we have had four pets killed over the past 16 years and have had to scrape up their remains. On the day that Birstall Road was opened following the traffic calming measures being installed, I slowed down to negotiate a traffic hump, only to be overtaken by a speeding motorist in a white 4 x 4 who just couldn’t wait! So let’s have no more of this nonsense about drivers being inconvenienced. If they had adhered to the speed limit in the first place there would have been no need for traffic calming. They only have themselves to blame. Personally, we welcome it. Birstall Road Resident

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Churches Together August 16-20 9.45-11.45am

‘Showstoppers’ Holiday Club for 5-11 year olds £3 for the week (inc refreshments) Booking forms from the churches and Birstall Library Celebration Service at Methodist Church Sunday August 22 at 10.30am •••

Birstall Royal British Legion Sat Aug 7: Krackle & Pop (duo) Sat Aug 14: Aron Fender (M/V) Sat Aug 21: Slaters (duo) Sat Aug 28: 2CT (duo) Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment Free meat raffle, Bingo and not forgetting ‘Open the Box’ Every Tues night Bingo, starting at 9.30pm Quiz nights Sunday August 8 & 29 starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday August 15 Rock & Roll nights 1st & 3rd Wednesday Food available every Saturday 12noon-2pm Family Day Bank Holiday Monday August 30 Open 12noon-3pm, food available •••

Loughborough Farmers Market 2nd Wednesday of the month Devonshire Square, Loughborough Between 9am and 2.30pm Next market August 11 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

•••

Longslade Community College Celebrates 50 years! Saturday September 25, at Longslade College 7pm until midnight. Bar closes 11pm Formal welcome at 7.45pm followed by a delicious extensive buffet Tickets £20 to include a welcome drink and food Do you have any Longslade photographs you would like to share? If you have any memorabilia such as photographs, school uniform items, school magazines etc please let us borrow them. Bring the items to the school reception and we will make copies and include them in our displays and exhibitions, both in school and in the local communities. Go to the Longslade website or ring Jane Hill on 2670807 for more information and to book your place at the celebration www.longslade.leics.sch.uk/ •••

Do you want to play football for a local team? Birstall United Junior Football Club are looking for under 12 boys (will be year 7 from Sep) to join us, come on down to Meadow Lane every Sat morning and learn new skills, have fun and get fit, ready to play next season. For more info call Glyn: 07837028451 or Steve 07853310939 •••

Art Exhibition Skeffington Art 2010 by local artists Skeffington Village Church September 4/5, 10.30am-4.30pm Free admission, tea/cakes available •••

National Forest Wood Fair August 30, Bank Holiday Monday 10am-5pm, Beacon Hill Country Park

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THE BIRSTALL POST, AUG 2010 £7, concessions £4, family ticket £15 Lumberjack displays, chainsaw carving, horse logging, kids’ activities Free bus service to the site from County Hall •••

Belgrave Allotment Society Centenary Celebration Saturday August 7, 11am – 3.30pm Belgrave Hall Museum Sale of produce, exhibition, cakes and crafts, food tasting •••

Birstall Youth Café Now open on Wednesday evenings as well as Friday evenings 7-10pm for 13-19 year olds We were able to offer the extra evening due to the successful funding application from Youth Bank’s Young People First project The young people are always looking for craft materials, kits and also cooking utensils, tins and equipment, if anyone has anything that they would like to donate please contact Sue Coulson at the Parish Council Offices on 2676191 or email: admin@birstallpc.org.uk. •••

Events at Birstall Library in August Wriggly readers – summer special for children under 5 Join us for stories, rhymes and colouring and have lots of fun! Monday August 2, 16 & 23, 10-10.45am FREE for parents & carers, no booking required

Buggy & Health Walks at Birstall Library Get yourself fit! Everyone is welcome to take part in these guided walks. We start the walk from Birstall library at 1.30pm for about 45 mins and then come back to the library for teas, coffees and biscuits

Bookstart bear appearance Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Bookstart bear. Free for under 5s with parents and carers Songs, teddy bear’s picnic and craft activity Monday August 9, 10-10.45am at Birstall library

Free Health Checks at Birstall Library Thursday August 19, 10am to 1pm A qualified fitness instructor from the active

together team will be conducting free health checks which include measuring body fat percentage, weight, blood pressure, body composition, basal metabolic rate, muscle mass and total body water percentage. Pre-booking is essential. Book now on 0116 3058756

The nearly finished Space Hop party Activities, stories and cosmic fun celebrating this year’s summer reading challenge Monday August 23, 2-3.30pm Tuesday August 31, 10.30am-12.30pm For children taking part in the summer reading challenge. It will be a good opportunity to complete the challenge for those children who haven’t been able to. Lots of goodies and prizes to be won! Book early on 0116 3058756 to avoid disappointment

Want to be a Superhero? Drama Superhero workshop is looking for you The workshops will involve children using their imagination to invent characters through drawing, discussion and roleplay, and then saving the world using improvisation and drama techniques The workshops are suitable for children aged between 7 & 11 and places cost £3 per child. The session at Birstall Library takes place on August 24, 3-4.30pm Limited places, book now on 0116 3058756 •••

Flower Festival ‘Ruby Celebrations’ Mountsorrel Methodist Church Church Hill Road Fri Sep 3, 7.30pm: service followed by buffet supper, £5 Sat Sep 4: 10am-5.30pm, lunches & light refreshments available and at 7.30pm the Leicester Accordion Orchestra, £5 Sun Sep 5: services at 10.30am & 6pm. Church open all day Mon Sep 6: 10am – 3pm, church open, refreshments served All welcome Tickets : Geoff Wainwright 0116 2376979 Mountsorrel 231@btinternet.com

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THE BIRSTALL POST are available: A5 £2 & A4 £5

Road rage driver

Youth speaks out

Win Pat ticket

A MAN who hit a motorist with an iron bar on Sibson Road, then drove his vehicle into the victim’s car while his six year old son sat inside, has been jailed.

BIRSTALL TEENAGERS have made a DVD outlining a wish list of facilities they would like to see established in the village.

WIN A family runabout ticket to the Great Central Railway’s Postman Pat event this August Bank Holiday. Meet Pat, Jess the Cat, see inside a travelling Post Office train and enjoy unlimited train travel on any day of the event which runs from Saturday August 28 to Monday August 30. Postman Pat will meet families at Loughborough Station at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. To win the family ticket for two adults and three children, just answer this question: “What is the name of Postman Pat’s train?” Send your answer, name and address to the Birstall Post by August 20, to editor@birstallpost.co.uk or by post.

Ajay Mahajan (23) was jailed for 18 months at Leicester Crown Court after admitting the aggravated vehicle taking of a VW Passat, causing actual bodily harm, driving without a licence or insurance and failing to report an accident, on the afternoon of September 16, 2009. He was also banned from driving for two years. The Court was told that Mahajan, of Holden Street, Belgrave, took his father’s car without permission and tried to jump the queue at roadworks on the A6 junction with Sibson Road. The victim, who was with his wife and child in a pick-up truck, told Mahajan he should wait like everyone else. The pick-up then parked in a layby on Sibson Road. Mahajan then got out of his car, armed with an iron bar. The victim also got out of his vehicle and asked: “What are you going to do with that?” Mahajan said: “I’ll xxxxxxx show you”. He them brought the iron bar forcefully down upon the victim’s left arm, which he had raised to protect himself. The blow caused swelling, bruising and a cut which bled heavily. The victim then got a jockey wheel – a stabiliser wheel for a trailer or caravan – from the back of his pick-up and threw it at Mahajan’s windscreen, which smashed. He retrieved it and threw it again at Mahajan’s car. Mahajan then drove his car directly into the pick-up, crashing into it with such force that it was knocked into the air with the victim’s child still inside. The child was unhurt but badly shaken and distressed. The victim, in a letter to the court, said he feared his son would be dead when he saw the defendant’s car crashing into his pick-up, and had suffered upsetting flashbacks. Mahajan drove off and abandoned his vehicle on Whiles Lane. A bystander noted the registration number of the vehicle that arrived to pick him up and reported it to Police, which led to Mahajan’s arrest. Mahajan has previous convictions for assault and in interview said he had a problem controlling his temper.

The 15 minute short film called Birstall Speak Out features interviews with young people aged 13-19 who live, socialise or go to school in Birstall. Members of Leicestershire County Council’s Youth Service put together the footage to find out what would keep young people occupied and make them feel safer in the evenings. The initiative was part of a survey of more than 300 young people, headed up by a core group of nine teenagers. Suggestions that were captured on camera included a new youth shelter, better lighting and accessible toilets. The DVD, which is supported by the County Council, Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, PAYP (Positive Activities for Young People) and the police, also includes a song penned by the young people which aims to dispel the perception that most of them are involved in antisocial behaviour. The footage will be shown to various agencies, including the parish council, so see if any of the suggestions can be made a reality. It has also been posted on The Jitty, Leicestershire’s website for young people. Kieran Clarke (16) who took part in the project, said: “I thought it was a really good project and so interesting.” PC Richard Carruthers, the Beat Officer for Birstall, said: “This is an excellent project and it is good to hear the views of young people who are part of the community in Birstall.” David Snartt, Chair of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, said: “Well done to all the young people involved in this initiative. Through this project, we not only gain an understanding of their thoughts but can also introduce positive changes to improve services for the youth in our community. It is nice to know what they think and be able to work in partnership with them, and other organisations, to listen and take action.” The DVD is available on The Jitty website by visiting: www.thejitty.com/clubs/birstall-youthcentre

Team in semi final BIRSTALL GOLF Club’s ladies team is into the semi finals of the County Ladies Foursomes after another impressive victory. The team, made up of Sandra Clarke, Chris Hyde, Clare and Sue Bailey, finished three up against Ullesthorpe to win their third round tie. In the semi finals they will face Lingdale at Kirby Muxloe. That victory follows earlier wins, 10 up at home to Willesley Park in the first round and one up at Cosby in the second.

the birstall post AUG 2010

Allotment event

Pistol gala

Cheerleading classes

ENJOY FRESH allotment grown produce, cakes, preserves and local crafts at Belgrave Allotment Society’s 100th birthday celebrations. The event, staged at Belgrave Hall museum on Saturday August 7 from 11am-3.30pm, will also feature an exhibition chronicling the history of the society including details of the Roman skeletons found on the site last year. There will be a small traditional allotment for visitors to see, set out on the government’s guidelines when food was in short supply during the war, as well as a family trail in the Hall’s gardens, food tasting and refreshments in the courtyard. • Anyone interested in an allotment at the Red Hill site will be given a tour of the site at 2pm on Sunday August 8. Turn up to see what plots are available.

THE FIRST pistol gala hosted by Redhill Revolvers Co-operative Field Pistol Club took place in July.

THE DYNAMITE cheerleaders was formed in 2000 by Amy Owen and now offer a range of cheerleading classes for all age groups at different locations.

Day of talents THE DAY of Talents held at St James Parish Church, Birstall on Saturday June 19 raised £1,425. The proceeds have been divided between orphanages in Bethany and Cameroon and ‘Carefree’, a Barnado’s charity for young carers. During the day the church resounded with vocal and instrumental music, handbell ringing and a group of young girls performed their version of Jellicle Cats. There were several displays on view and in the new community area visitors gathered for refreshments and a chat. Proceeds were raised through sponsorships, donations, refreshments , a raffle and sales. Cynthia Coltman, Jane Scott and Laura Gregory would like to thank everyone who supported the event.

D-Day charity walk A 25 MILE charity walk of the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy has raised £4000 for Help for Heroes and Troop Aid.

Pic: Steve Prime welcomes visitors

Pistoleers from as far afield as Manchester, Newport and Bristol attended the event, held at the Co-op Sports and Social Club on Birstall Road. Organiser Steve Prince said: “We had spectacular weather and visitors enjoyed several pistol disciplines in a fun packed day. There were winners who shot with excellent results and it is fair to say that on the day there were no losers, just happy smiling faces all round.” This year’s gala was supported by Webley, Falcon, Kibworth Gun Shop and the Munch Box. It was such a success another is planned for 2011. To try pistol shooting call Steve on 2676252 or 2676114.

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Members and friends of the Wreake Valley Rotary Club completed the walk, organised by former Parish Council chairman Nigel Coleman. He said: “It was a hugely successful and equally moving experience, taking place on the 66th anniversary weekend of those landings in June. We set off from the Arromanche area on the edge of Gold beach near the site

of the Mulberry harbour and walked across the British and Canadian sectors ending up at Pegasus bridge. “We were blessed with superb weather and met many people – the American cemetery at Omaha beach was particularly moving.” He added: “A big thank you to my fellow walkers and the many people who sponsored us.”

Club keeps growing IT’S BEEN a case of game, set and catch at Birstall Watermead Tennis Club this summer! The club’s committee decided to make a major effort to attract new members this year. So, instead of the normal annual Open Morning, two events were arranged – an Open Evening and an Open Morning four days later. Club Spokesman Dave Watson said: “It proved to be an inspired move. Heavy rain put an early halt to proceedings at the first event. However, despite the dodgy weather conditions, potential new members came to see what the club had to offer and decided to join. And when the rain set in, an impromptu game of mini short tennis was set up in the clubroom to keep spirits up – plenty of net cords and drop shots on display there! “Then, the following Sunday, on a blisteringly hot morning, more people came along and were impressed by what they saw

and promptly signed up.” Altogether, the club gained two new family memberships, plus four adults and 14 juniors. Dave added: “Contact with Birstall schools has also proved worthwhile, and hopefully the membership of the club can keep growing year on year.” Club coach Laura Morley, who has brought on many of the best juniors to play at senior level, is currently working for eight weeks USA at Camp America. Dave said: “On the playing side, it’s been a busy summer, with four men’s teams, two women’s teams, two mixed teams and a men’s veterans’ team, not forgetting the juniors. A high proportion of members play in the teams, which gives the committee much satisfaction.” The highlight of the year is the club championships, played over two weeks from August 28 to September 11. Pic: Laura Morley coaches a youngster at one of the two open events

On Tuesdays there are classes at Roundhill school and on Wednesdays at Stonehill. There is an adult exercise class at Broad Street Catholic Church hall in Syston, 1.30 – 2.30pm on a Friday afternoon term time only. Amy Owen says: “The class is aerobic based with a cheerleading/dance twist to it with pom poms, you will still get a full workout while having fun being a cheerleader for an hour.” Cheerleading birthday parties are all about dressing up with glitter, make up and doing everyones hair, learning dance routines to your favorite music and doing fun cheerleading party games. If you are interested in any of the above or want more information please call Amy on 07921768449 or e mail amy@schoolofcheer.co.uk or visit www.dynamitecheerleaders.com

Pool cover BIRSTALL POOL has purchased a new pool cover thanks to a grant from the County Council’s local Area Forum.

The £5000 cover is rolled across the surface of the pool when the building is closed, to reduce heat loss from the water. The Area Forum funding was secured after the pool put in a bid for the funds, which were topped up by Longslade College. Pic: Birstall Pool’s new cover

THE BIRSTALL POST, AUG 2010

AGE CONCERN News from Parish churches Change in the Seasons! March 20 saw the re-opening of the new ‘Seasons’ restaurant/bistro/coffee bar at Age Concern’s Clarence House in Humberstone Gate after a major makeover, mainly due to much appreciated support by Dunhill Medical Trust and Leicester Host Lions club. In line with its theme, the restaurant has novel tree wall decorations which change with the seasons and the overall brightness and colour scheme make for an interesting and welcoming ambience. The former library area forms a useful space for Day Centre lunches, general activities and a drop in. City Boys’ Grammar School Old Boys’ Association Reunion coincided with the opening. Age Concern Leicester Shire and Rutland welcome you to visit Clarence House to see the transformation Merger News Over the last two/three years Age Concern England and Help the Aged have been working towards the merger of the two organisations. As many of you will know from wide media coverage the new charity known as Age UK was formally launched in the week following Easter. At a local level the trustees of Age Concern Leicester Shire and Rutland now have to decide whether our charity should adopt the new name. They have been looking at the reasons for and against. It is becoming increasingly evident however that the benefits attached to changing our brand would be significant. A decision will be made by the trustees later in the year. If that decision is for Age Concern Leicester Shire and Rutland to rebrand we will become know as Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland A P Donovan – Executive Director Age Concern Leicester Shire and Rutland 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. Help Us to Help You Put More Money in Your Pocket Information and Advice Service Money Matters; Welfare Benefits; Housing & Property; Residential & Nursing Care; Leisure & Social Activities; Family & Personal Matters; Your Rights; Local Services; Most other issues that affect your quality of life. Choose the option that suits you best • we can explain each benefit and calculate what you might be entitled to. It could be a combination of benefits and even a backdated payment • we can fill in your claim forms and we may be able to visit you at home to do so. This is a good option if you find it difficult to leave the house or don’t like taking over the telephone • call us and a friendly adviser will help you to find a solution to your problem Ring the Information and Advice Team on 0116 2992233, l.30-4pm, Monday to Friday Are You a Knitter? We need your help to raise money for local older people Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland, Innocent, Boots and Sainsbury’s are calling for all knitters to join in The Big Knit this year to raise much-needed funds to help keep older people warm and healthy this coming winter. People across the UK will be supporting the 2010 Big Knit campaign by knitting a target of 640,000 little woollen hats to sit on innocent smoothie bottles in November in Boots and Sainsbury stores Nationwide. Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland has pledged to make 12,000 little hats and needs your help to achieve this challenging total which will assist its winter warmth campaign. Knitters can get a simple knitting pattern from Clarence House in Humberstone Gate and Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, by post or online at www.ageconcernleics.com. If you don’t fancy knitting yourself wool and needles can be donated to Age Concern centres. For more information on the Big Knit contact Age Con-

INFO

cern Leicester Shire & Rutland on 0116 2237344. Peter Ralphs, Business Development Manager at Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland, said: “The more little hats we make for the smoothie bottles, the more money we can raise. It really is fun and relatively quick to do as the hats are so little, while the more advanced knitters can try varying the theme! Anyone can knit for us, and good knitters could use this opportunity to share their talents by teaching someone else how to make one , while supporting a great cause. Nearly 90 per cent of all excess winter deaths are of people over the age of 65. Older people can be less resilient to cold-related illnesses especially if they have existing health problems. Older people are also the most likely to be affected by fuel poverty, so often cannot afford to heat their homes properly.” Please send your knitted hats in to Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland (Ref:BDM), Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA by the end of September. Best Mobile Phone Deal? A new guide, published in March 2010, by Ofcom, Consumer Focus and the Communications Consumer Panel is designed to help consumers get the most from their mobile deal and save money. The guide provides helpful tips on what information you should know from a provider before buying, such as whether there are any additional costs, the length of contract, details on upgrades and network coverage. The guide can be downloaded here: www.ofcom.org.uk/files/2010/03/mobiledeal_ v2b.pdf TV Licence Fee from April 1, 2010. From April 1 the cost of a colour television licence increased to £145.50 (up from £142.50) and a black and white licence £49 (up from £48). Those aged 75 and over continue to be eligible for a free licence. For more information about TV licensing, visit the Direct.gov.uk website 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, 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. Bookbite Bookbite is an inspirational new project from Booktrust. Aiming to encourage over 60 to get into reading and creative writing, Bookbite has lots of fun resources and ideas to get started. With top writing tips, competitions, book lists, short stories and poetry, Bookbite wants you to get involved and discover new books and authors and try your hand at writing. Launched earlier this year, Bookbite includes a free magazine and website. Having spoken to many people over 60, we discovered that people are keen to get started with books and writing but are unsure how best to go about it. Bookbite tackles this with a one stop shop for people over 60 who want to try some new ideas and have fun. Take a look at the Bookbite magazine and you’ll find a wealth of information to help you to write your first short story, research your family history and write poetry. It includes book recommendations, competitions, interviews with authors and personalities plus a short story from crime writer Val McDermid and poetry from Pam Ayres. Visit the Bookbite website and view the full magazine plus so many other resources. There are ‘how to’ guides to download on topics such as writing your life story, researching local history or setting up a poetry group. Bookbite writing competitions and quizzes are popular, together with a discussion forum and online reading club. Bookbite is for everybody so why not have a go at reading and creative writing? Whether it’s writing a note to a friend or relative, discovering a new author, trying poetry for the first time or writing life stories to pass on to younger family members. Bookbite had the support of many personalities and authors such as Gervase Phinn, Joyce Dunbar, Mikir Bose and Pam Ayres. Both the Bookbite magazine and website include writing tips and advice from well known authors so take a look today. Download a copy of the Bookbite magazine from the Bookbite website at www.bookbite.org.uk or look out for our summer edition in libraries from July. www.bookbite.org.uk email: info@bookbite.org.uk From Jex Woods

Will the weather hold? The superb weather in June and July and the resulting success of so many outside events, has left those who have not yet had holidays rather dreading a possible return to a ‘normal’ English summer. However, with the school holidays in full swing there are still events to look forward to this month. The Children’s Holiday club week, run jointly by St James and the Methodist churches, will take place at the Methodist Church between August 16 - 20. For further information you are invited to contact Stephen Crofts on 3279781 or Rachel Parkinson on 2671804. As always, we hope for fine weather for the annual Church Garden Fete on the Church Lawn on Bank Holiday Monday, August 30, from 2 to 4.30pm. All the usual stalls will be there and teas served in the church. Raffle tickets are already on sale, with a £75 cash first prize and many other attractive prizes. Proceeds will go to the Stroke Association, Birstall BAGS and to the church. Important decisions At a recent Church Council meeting members were pleased to hear that the vacant post of Rector of the parish has now been advertised and it is hoped to interview candidates early in September. Unfortunately, as the vacancy continues, and with all the big servic-

es coming up between September and Christmas, it has been decided that the Open House service on Sundays at 11am will, for the time being, be moving in September to a monthly pattern, meeting on the first Sunday of the month. It is very much hoped that everyone will continue to support Open House monthly and feel free to gather together informally for coffee and a chat around 11am on the other Sundays. The furnishing of the ‘old’ church in St. James, following the removal of worm-ridden pews, has been approved by the authorities and should soon get under way. The decision made by Churches Together, that the long-running parish magazine ‘Contact’ will have to cease publication, has been greeted with much regret. Sadly there have been no volunteers to replace long serving members of the committee which runs the magazine, nor any offers to take over the important role of editor, filled for so many years by Maureen Holland. Unless new volunteers come forward very soon, the December edition will be the last. If anyone has new ideas about keeping the magazine going (finances remain healthy) please speak to the Contact chairman, Mrs Shirley Harrison at the Methodist Church or to one of the clergy. From Beryl McHugh

Gold run Apprenticeship THE GOLD medal run of Birstall canoeist Jessica Oughton continued when she retained her World Cup crown in Lofer, Austria. Competing in the K1 class, Jessica won gold in the final sprint race and silver in the final classic race, retaining her world title. She was a recent gold medallist at the Wild Water Canoeing World Championships in June.

A SCHOOL leaver from Birstall has secured an apprenticeship with a leading local travel company. Emily Marriot (16) is one of five teenagers from the Leicestershire area who are beginning a career in travel with the Midlands Co-operative Travels’ apprenticeship scheme. Emily was one of 162 applicants for a position on a two year apprentice scheme which offers a combination of study and on the job experience designed to fast track young people into the travel industry. Emily will be based at Midlands Co-operative Travel on Sibson Road.

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the birstall post AUG 2010

The September issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sept 4. The copy deadline is Aug 20

Junior Park run football

180 RUNNERS and walkers took part in the first Watermead Challenge around Watermead Country Park.

BIRSTALL UNITED Junior’s annual summer tournament was a huge success.

Student art show WORK CREATED by Longslade’s art, design and technology students was exhibited at the college’s end of year show in June.

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Teams came from all over Leicestershire and one team even came all the way from Slough. Over the course of the weekend 590 kids took part in the festival of football with hundreds more family and friends cheering them on. On the field there was success for two of the home teams, with the Under 10 Foxes and the Under 13s winning their respective age groups. Off the field there were plenty of stalls, a BBQ, a bouncy castle and a bar to keep the spectators happy. Phil Hughes said: “This was the first year we’ve held the tournament at our new ground. The weather was very kind to us as once again we had cloudless skies all weekend. This year, for the first time, we ran an Under 6s category so that those kids who have just graduated from the soccer school could have some match practice before they start playing proper friendly matches next season, as the Under 7s. this was a very popular group indeed and it was fantastic to watch the little kids getting an early taste of tournament football. Every kid who took part got a medal to take home with them to remind them of their day.” He added: “The club’s committee would like to thank all the volunteers who gave up their weekend to help us put the tournament on. We would also like to thank all sponsors who helped make this weekend a tremendous success and for all the spectators, for coming along to support the club. If any readers run a business and would like to help sponsor next year’s tournament in any way, then please contact me on hughsie@ntlworld.com. they can place an advert in the programme, sponsor an age group or simply donate gifts for the raffle stall.”

Planning applications P/10/1496/2: 259 Birstall Road – change of use from storage building to gymnasium (D2) P/10/1426/2: 117A Wanlip Lane – retrospective application for retention of steel mesh gates to front of building P/10/1423/2: 34 Spinney Rise – erection of 1st floor side extension P/10/1431/2: 22 Birstall Road – erection of metal gate and railings to front of dwelling P/10/1425/2: 15 Worcester Avenue – single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/10/1397/2: 23 Paget Avenue – erection of single and two extensions to side & rear of dwelling P/10/1363/2: 50A Cliffe Road – reduce crown and overhanging branches. Registered to l x lime tree (Tree Preservation Order) P/10/1344/2: 39 Briargate Drive – erection of two storey extension to side & single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/10/1284/2: 11 Sibson Road – 2 storey extension to side and single storey extension to rear to provide an enlarged ground floor A2 unit and 5 onebedroom flats

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Organised by the Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley the event, sponsored by Harrison Murray, featured two routes over three and five miles, taking in circuits of King Lear’s Lake and John Merrick’s Lake. £1300 was raised for the Richard Engelgardt Trust fund and St John Ambulance. Pic: Richard Bocock of sponsors Harrison Murray presenting a trophy to Matt Gore (13) winner of the 3 mile Fun Run

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

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