Birstall Post Oct 2010 (327)

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

OCTOBER 2010

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 327

Street scene plans PLANS TO improve an area near the Triangle roundabout are being prepared by Leicestershire County Council.

“The scheme is designed to improve pavements, rationalise car parking, reduce street clutter and create an attractive environment complementing recent improvements at the heart of the village” said a County Council spokesman.

The area affected is the pavement outside the Co-op supermarket and the shops on Libra Parade, Front Street. Pavement resurfacing is also planned for the area in front of the shops along Hannah Parade.

The details of the scheme have not yet been finalised. The draft proposals include: • stainless steel planters on the pavement outside the Co-op supermarket • replacement of concrete bollards outside the Co-op supermarket with stainless steel ones • drop kerbs in front of Booze and News retained and formalised provision of parking spaces on an area in front of the shops, currently pavement.

• planting a semi mature tree in the pavement outside Gunns & Montague gym on Libra Parade with a formalised seating area,

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protected from vehicles by a line of bollards • the existing bus shelter outside William Hill to be replaced and new raised bus kerb introduced • pavement outside Libra Parade shops and Hannah Parade shops to be replaced with block paving • remove redundant and unsightly signs wherever possible The £80,000 project is being funded by Charnwood Borough Council using developer contributions, and implemented by the County Council.

Rise in burglary BURGLARIES IN Birstall rose in August, say local Police, who are stepping up patrols in the village and urging residents to be vigilant.

The number of homes burgled between August 9-September 13 was 13 and the burglaries other than dwellings, such as sheds, was 20. This is compared to 3 burglaries and 7 burglary other than dwelling the previous month.

Police are urging residents to lock all doors and windows when leaving their home even for short trips and to fit window locks.

They also advise hiding spare keys and car keys and not leaving them in obvious places.

• Thieves have stolen two projectors from Birstall Methodist Church on Wanlip Lane.

The items were stolen between 10am on Monday August 30 and 9.30am on Tuesday August 31.

Anyone with information about the theft should contact PC Paul Anderson on 0116 222 2222 and leave a message for him on voicemail number 1921. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pic: Longslade Principal Liz Hall, Charles Palmer-Tomkinson & Willmott Dixon Construction’s Operations Director Edward Reynolds were joined by students, staff and councillors for the turf cutting

Work starts on new college building THE CONSTRUCTION of a £4.8million building project at Longslade College began last month when local landowner Charles PalmerTomkinson cut the first turf on site.

The Palmer-Tomkinson Centre will be used by post 16 college students during the day and be available for use by the community outside school hours.

Longslade Principal Liz Hall said: “It’s

incredibly exciting to have reached this stage and I’d like to thank Charles Palmer-Tomkinson, without whom we wouldn’t have this project, and all those involved in the long planning of the centre.”

The centre piece of the new building will be a multi-purpose hall and performance space which will seat up to 240 people in tiered seats and will have standing room for a further 100 around a gallery. The seating can be retracted electrically to provide a large flat space.

A spokesman said: “This will be more than just a school hall, we hope it will be a professional performance space for local and indeed national amateur and professional groups where you can come and take part in or watch great performances within easy travelling distance of home.”

A large foyer with kitchen and serving facilities will double as a sixth form common room and a social space for the community.

Continued on page 4

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the birstall post OCT 2010

THE BIRSTALL POST, OCT 2010

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Friendly flower club Royal party invitation A SMALL food company started by a Birstall woman was invited to the Prince of Wales Start Garden Party at Clarence House.

Monica Parmar’s Tiffin Food Company produces handmade Indian meals and sauces, based on recipes from its award winning restaurant, The Tiffin.

“We felt honoured to be asked to attend” said Monica.

“It was thoroughly enjoyable to sell our food in such beautiful surroundings.

Creating a sustainable environment is so important and we were delighted to have done our bit.”

Some of Britain’s best food producers from all over the country joined musicians, entertainers and environmentalists at the Start Garden party for a two week festival promoting a more sustainable future.

Monica said: “As a company, we encourage sustainability by talking to our customers about matters such as minimising food wast-

age, as we do, and giving them tips and advice at the farmers’ markets we attend.

We also ensure our packaging is recyclable.

“Over the last year we have reduced our food wastage down to zero and we aim to recycle everything we use that is recyclable, or find another use for it!”

The Tiffin Food company’s ready meals, sauces and marinades are all cooked by Monica herself, with the help of her mother and father in law.

They are available locally at J Michael Butchers, Budgens Mountsorrel and David North at Rothley Pic: At their stall at Clarence House are (l-r) Koki Parmar, Monica Parmar and Bhupesh Chauhan

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on September 13.

The clerk, Steve Blackburn, reported that there are two travellers’ caravans on Greengate Lane and that the City Council are actively looking for an alternative location to move the family. The City Council say that once moved, the site will be closed off permanently.

Councillors commented that the City Council’s proposal to install a one way traffic system on Greengate Lane bridge controlled by traffic lights would present a danger to traffic and that speed humps contribute to noise and air pollution.

The Council resolved to inform the County Council that it was disappointed the County were not objecting to Ashton Green on traffic grounds and that it did not accept the City Council’s traffic assessment. The Council also agreed to solicit the support of Birstall County Councillor Roger Wilson.

Councillors discussed extending the Parish

Discounted composting scheme A SCHEME that offers discounted food composters and wormeries has been extended to a part of Birstall.

Charnwood Borough Council are aiming to reduce the amount of household waste going to landfill by encouraging residents to dispose of suitable waste in a composter, wormery or brown bin.

They are offering the necessary containers at reduced prices: a green cone or home composter costs £5, a large 310 litre composter is £10 and a wormery is £16. A brown bin cost £15 annually when paid by direct debit, or £26 if paid by any other method.

The area of Birstall covered by the scheme is east of Stonehill Avenue and north of The Crossways. For details go to www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/switch_expa nsion or call 01509 634 563.

Council CCTV along Sibson Road. The cost would be £9600 and councillors agreed that some contributions from Sibson Road businesses would be necessary if the scheme were to go ahead. It was agreed to write to every business seeking expressions of support.

Following the withdrawal of the 70A bus service, the Clerk contacted local bus operators requesting they consider adopting the route. Centre Bus have agreed to take it on and there will be no interruption of service.

The Council looked at plans drawn up by the County Council to improve the Triangle, Sibson Road. The Council agreed to maintain any planters installed and requested that a parking bay outside Booze and News be disabled only. It was also agreed that the County Council be asked to look at improving the layout of the exit of the Co-op supermarket car park.

The Council agreed to apply for outline planning permission to extend the School Lane pavilion, install a skate park and a multi-use games area. The pavilion extension will cost between £50-100,000 and it was agreed that no work would proceed without grant funding being in place.

The Council agreed to adopt a policy for the upkeep of the allotments that will involve quarterly inspections. The Council agreed not to accept an offer of partnership management of the allotments with Birstall Allotment Society, but to retain sole management of the allotment sites.

AT THE August meeting of Birstall Flower Club, Marylyn Ottewell gave a demonstration entitled ‘Notable Flowers’.

A spokesman said: “We were very impressed by the magnificent floral displays, all of which were raffled off at the end of the evening.”

The next meetings will be Lynn Wherret ‘A Bit of a Do’ on October 27 and our Open Meeting with Patti Dawson and Kate Russell ‘A Tudor Christmas’ on November 24. All meetings start at 7.15pm and take place at the Birstall Village Hall, School Lane.

The spokesman added: “If you wish to join us on these occasions please phone, either our chairman, Carole Cottam 2674339 or our secretary Sylvia Simes 2674206. They will be delighted to give you more details of our friendly club.”

Pic: Jill Derrick from Rothley who won one of the arrangements

New runners welcome BIRSTALL RUNNING Club is welcoming new members.

“We have a group that is ideal for new runners who are able to run but are afraid of feeling pressured running for the first time with a group and getting left behind or holding everyone up” said club spokeswoman Angie Budge.

For this group you should be able to run for 30 to 45 minutes with a few stops to get your breath back.

The club meet at the Co-operative Sports Ground on Birstall Road on Mondays at 6.15pm and Fridays at 6.45pm There are male and female changing rooms and showers.

Runs are usually split into three groups, fast, medium and slow with the Monday run usually taking one hour and on Friday, 45 minutes.

Angie said: “As for membership, we usually allow our new runners a few weeks grace to see if we are the right club for them and vice-versa. After that we ask them to fill in a membership form.”

More details email bob.budge@ntlworld.com or go to www.birstallrc.org.uk

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the birstall post OCT 2010

Kristina sheds pounds ROSEMARY CONLEY has helped a Birstall slimmer lose two stone.

When rosemary moved the diet and exercise class she personally teaches each week from the centre of Leicester to Birstall Golf Club, Kristina Freer had no excuse not to join.

Kristina, 62, who used to weigh 13st 5½lbs and wear a dress size 18/20 enrolled on January 3, 2010 and within five months she had succeeded in shedding 2st ½lb to now weigh 11st 5lb and wear a dress size 14.

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August/September issue of Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness magazine and on Rosemary Conley’s new free internet TV channel www.rosemaryconley.tv While Kristina had always been slim as a youngster, it was after her and her husband’s business folded sixteen years ago when her weight problems started.

“Suddenly I was at home with all this spare time and I began to eat more” says Kristina, who started eating incredibly rich rood after taking up cookery courses.

“Also portion sizes in restaurants and at home were getting larger and larger and the more you get used to that, the more you think you need to fill up” adds Kristina. “I know my meal sizes were totally out of control.”

As well as taking part in Rosemary’s exercise class each week, Kristina also worked out to her DVDs every day and within five months of joining the class, Kristina reached her goal weight. She has managed to keep it off ever since and her blood pressure is now normal.

Attending Rosemary’s class has educated Kristina about portion control and she now realises that huge plates of food are just not necessary,. “This diet has transformed how I look and I honestly believe it has given me extra years – and I don’t intend to spoil that” says Kristina who has already started looking

County opposes plans BUILDING 300 homes at Ashton Green will put roads, schools and waste sites under pressure, says the County Council.

The County’s Cabinet agreed to object to Leicester City’s plans at its meeting on September 7. The Chief Executive’s report stated: • In its present form the application does not appear to provide for sufficient employment land …. and should be revised to include further provision.

• The application does not make sufficient provision for the sustainable management of waste. It will place a significant strain upon waste management sites within the county.

• A detailed plan is required to show how the development would impact upon schools • The transport assessment accompanying the planning application is deficient in several important respects, without which it is not possible to reach fully informed and sound conclusions. This gives rise to doubts over the impact upon the County’s highways.

Byron Rhodes, Cabinet member for planning, said: “Building 3000 homes on the city/county border will create all sorts of problems for county residents that the City Council hasn’t thought through.

“It’s unfair to expect Leicestershire council tax payers to put up with the extra pressure on roads, schools and waste sites that could result from this scheme.”

Toilet faces closure THE PUBLIC toilet on Stonehill Avenue is threatened with closure due to cost cutting measures announced by Charnwood.

The Borough Council want to ‘devolve ownership’ of seven village toilets and pass on the responsibility of maintaining them to Parish and Town Councils. Toilets in Loughborough are unaffected by the proposals and will remain open, except the facilities in Southfield Park and Beehive Lane which will close.

Steve Blackburn, Clerk to Birstall Parish Council, said: “While it might be right that the costs are borne by the community which benefits, the current arrangement would seem to spread the entire cost over the whole borough. If the Parish Council have to take it on it will result in increased costs for Birstall residents with no direct benefit in a reduction of the Charnwood element of the Council Tax.” Operating costs of the Stonehill Avenue toilet are estimated at £7000 per year.

Charnwood Borough Councillor Helena Edwards said: “When public toilets are closed, it is the vulnerable who suffer, elderly people, mothers with young children and people with disabilities. I hope the Parish Council will find a way to keep Birstall’s cen-

tral toilets open for shoppers, but I believe they should not have to. If the Borough Council has £800,000 to spend on refurbishing the Loughborough Old Magistrates Court, £90,000 of which is to set up the council’s third meeting chamber in eight years, then toilets should remain open, they meet a basic human need, the Court scheme is at best a pet project and I fear it is also going to become a costly white elephant.”

At its August meeting, Birstall Parish Council agreed that in the last resort it will take on responsibility for the toilet to keep it open.

Charnwood say they will invest a one-off sum of up to £10,000 per toilet on cleaning and repairing them before handing the facilities over to Parish Councils. They are also starting a Community Toilet scheme, offering up to £600 to any participating organisation that offers public use of their toilet facilities.

The seven village toilets affected by the proposals are: Anstey, Barrow, Birstall, Shepshed, Sileby, Syston and Woodhouse.

Dog fouling blitz CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has joined forces with Keep Britain Tidy to wage war against irresponsible dog owners who do not pick up after their pets.

The council is set to step up patrols in hotspot areas and dish out £80 fines to irresponsible dog owners in a bid to reduce the amount of dog waste left in parks and streets throughout the Borough. In 2009/10 Charnwood Borough Council received 196 complaints about dog fouling mainly in residential areas and parks. The campaign aims not only to enforce the law, but also to change behaviour and encourage dog owners to bag and bin their dog’s waste in any litter bin in the borough.

During high visibility patrols by enforcement officers and dog wardens, responsible owners will be rewarded with a ‘Caught Doing Right’ card that can be used to enter a free prize draw. Anyone found to be committing an offence by not bagging their dog’s waste could be hit with an £80 fixed penalty notice.

As part of the local campaign a new monitoring system will be introduced. Following any complaint about dog fouling in a residential area, a monitoring form will be issues to all households along the street. This will help gather information that could lead to enforcement offices to finding the dog owner responsible for not clearing it up. To report dog fouling call Charnwood on 01509 263151.

Charnwood will join the fight against fouling along with Leicester City, Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston councils.

The councils, which form the award-winning Leicestershire Enforcement Forum, were selected to champion the campaign by Keep Britain Tidy as one of just 10 regional partnerships from 89 applications nationally.

Dog mess can be thrown in any general litter bin but a recent Keep Britain Tidy survey shows that four out of five respondents are not aware of this.

Birstall Parish Council Clerk Steve BlackContinued from page 1 Also on the ground floor will be a drama studio and a ‘green’ room, changing room, offices and storerooms.

On the first floor there will be rooms for Information Technology and Media as well as sound and lighting control rooms for the hall.

One side of the building will have an open air amphitheatre.

A 170 space car park will be constructed and the college entrance will be widened. £3.47million has been provided by the Young People’s Learning Agency and £1million from the Palmer-Tomkinson Trust. The remaining funds will be met from the school’s budget.

The building will be opened and ready for use in August 2011.

burn said: “Birstall Parish Council is pleased to see the start of this new campaign. We are already aware that the Police and Street Wardens are taking a more active role in dealing with irresponsible dog owners and hope that this will lead to a significant reduction in fouling.

“The Parish Council has a significant problem in its parks. As well as the aesthetic objection and considerable risk to children, dog mess poses a significant risk to the Council’s employees when grass cutting. If mess is not noticed in time it can be spread over people, machinery and a larger area of ground, spreading the risk even further.

“The Council has for some time been seeking a contractor to conduct random visits to its parks and issue fixed penalty notices to offenders. In the meantime we welcome the more proactive involvement of other agencies in getting to grips with the problem.”

The Parish Council has a supply of dog waste bags which are available free of charge from the Office.

Birstall Parish Councillor Mary Houghton said: “I am pleased that Charnwood Borough Council have begun to take some action about the irresponsible dog owners who so selfishly allow their pets to foul our children’s play areas. I have even seen dog owners who sit in their cars and let their dogs loose and completely unsupervised on our School Lane park. I, personally, know two people whose sight has been severely compromised by exposure to Toxicara Canis. It is my sincerely held belief that dogs should be completely banned from our children’s play areas as there appears to be no prospect of some of their owners complying with our very reasonable requests to keep their dogs on leads and pick up, after their dogs have deposited their excrement. Perhaps a few £80 fines will have more effect than our polite requests.”

THE BIRSTALL POST, OCT 2010

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Design winner AN ORIGINAL design by a Stonehill pupil will feature on 2000 new ‘green’ shopping bags aimed at young people.

All Leicestershire’s pupils were asked to come up with a design for a reusable bag that would appeal to their age group and Birstall’s Joanna Faulks and Amy Stewart from Groby were judged to be the winners.

Fourteen year old Joanna included headphones, trainers and cup cakes in her design.

She won £50 of high street shopping vouchers and £250 of ESPO vouchers for Stonehill School.

The competition received over 100 entries and was run by Leicestershire Waste Partnership, which is made up of the County and District councils.

Pic: Joanna Faulks and her winning design

Farm fresh food FRESHLY GROWN fruit and vegetables and organic free range eggs are being produced on the successful Stonehill farm.

Started by teaching assistant Julian Cotterill in 2009 on a small area of land behind the woodwork building, the ‘farm’ has raised beds, a chicken house and a chicken run, all created by students.

Pupil Kierran Swinfield (13) said: “I’m here every day to feed the hens, water the plants, pick fruit and veg and collect the eggs.

The best bit for me has been building stuff, like the raised beds and the benches.”

There are 11 hens, some of which were incubated and hatched in the science department.

Mr Cotterill said: “The kids might have pets but its unusual for them to have any contact with chickens, and we are now planning on getting some goats and miniature pigs. Students that might be feeling quite angry get calmed down when they’re with the animals.”

The eggs, fruit and veg are all sold to staff in the staff room, teaching students business skills.

The project, which has more than 20 Year 9 students actively involved, won a 3M Healthcare/Loughborough Echo Community Award in July, receiving £3000.

Stonehill’s Headteacher Alan Monks said: “The young people who designed and built our fledgling ‘farm’ have had a huge benefit from the project. Most importantly they have taken full responsibility for the project particularly ensuring our chickens are happy and well looked after and producing lots of eggs.

It has provided a very relevant context for the young people involved in developing and applying their skills for working life particularly literacy and numeracy. The very positive attitudes of all involved are the real testament to its success. We now want to expand. Goats are the most popular next step. We also want to involve the local community in the project so any willing helpers or expertise would be most welcome.”

Pic: Julian Cotterill, Miten Patel (13) and (right) Kierran Swinfield (13) at Stonehill school’s farm.

All are welcome at the event which promises fun, games and a chance to look at and order from the Jamie at Home range of kitchen, dining and homeware products.

A group spokeswoman said: “There will be a recipe demonstration by Jamie Oliver himself, via DVD, not in person I’m afraid and a raffle to win one specially selected Jamie at Home product.

“Come along and treat yourself, bring your friends and make it a social event in a relaxed and friendly environment.”

Fifteen per cent of sales on the night will go to the Guides building fund.

The event is on Friday October 8, 7.30pm, at the Guide HQ on Johnson Road.

Industrial units TWO INDUSTRIAL units at the new ‘Interchange’ development in Birstall have been occupied, and a third is under offer.

The site, located with the Hallam Fields development, is being marketed by commercial property agent Innes England on behalf of the developers, Jelson. Printing company Flexpress and NHS medical equipment supplier Med Strom are the first occupiers.

The first phase of Interchange features ten industrial units ranging from 2777 sq.ft to 14,885 sq.ft and eight office units of 2583 sq ft over two floors.

THE LADIES from Birstall Methodist Thursday Group presented a cheque for £2,250 to the Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance, as a result of a year’s fundraising.

Pictured is Pat Towson, chairman with Ivan Ball from Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance, and some of the ladies.

School’s international links It has received the Government’s International School Award which recognises the partnerships between schools that help develop pupils’ global awareness and understanding of other cultures.

One of their projects involved sending Christmas cards to students in Kuwait, who in return sent back cards during their three day holiday of Eid. Teacher Kim Philpot said: “It’s really amazed me how switched on the students have been about this and how enthusiastic.

Not only has it opened their eyes to other cultures but it’s also made them reflect on their own.

“When the two Kuwait schools celebrated their national day it happened to be around the same time as St George’s Day. They could really see how much pride Kuwait students had in their country, but felt they didn’t have that same sense for their own.”

Longslade was one of 30 schools in the county to receive an award, double last year’s number.

Councillor Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council’s spokesman for children and young people, said: “It’s wonderful that the work of so many schools has been recognised with these prestigious awards and I’d like to congratulate all involved.”

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A JAMIE OLIVER evening at Birstall Guides aims to raise funds for building work at the group’s headquarters on Johnson Road.

Donation to air ambulance

LONGSLADE COLLEGE has won an award for its work with two schools in Kuwait and a school in the Gambia.

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the birstall post OCT 2010

NHW news & crime report Caravan Security Many people are deciding to invest in a caravan with all the benefits it offers for family holidays.

Unfortunately some 3,000 caravans are stolen each year. It is therefore essential to take security seriously.

• If purchasing a used caravan it is prudent to check with one of the national data bases such as CRIS 01722 411430, www.hpicheck.com/caravans; or THEFT CHECK 01342 318813, www.caravanclub.co.uk to verify that the vehicle is not stolen, written off or subject to finance • Once the proud owner of a caravan it is essential to protect it from theft by using the following basic security devices, such as wheel clamps and hitch locks.

• More sophisticated devices are ‘trackers’

which are concealed within the caravan to enable the police to locate it if stolen and return it to its rightful owner • Recently crafty thieves have been using jamming techniques to block signals sent out by trackers.

However a new ground breaking ‘Locate System’ is immune to GPS/GSM jamming and available now.

For further information, visit www.tracker.co.uk Safe and happy caravanning.

From Ed Marshall Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch Birstall Crime Report August 8 to September 13, 2010 Assaults 6, burglary 13, burglary other than dwelling 20, harassment 1 damage 9, damage to motor vehicle 5, drugs 1, fraud 9, public order 1, theft 5, theft of cycle 1, theft from motor vehicle 2, theft of motor vehicle 2, theft stores 2.

An increase in reported crime primarily due to a spate of burglaries. Currently six detections.

Hi-visibility cycle patrols around the village hotspots for crime and ASB has been warmly

received by the community who have made positive comments.

Evidently the drugs stops last month have paid off and work may have got around. Only one this month. This was detected.

ASB patrols have continued with effective use of foot, cycle and car patrols From PC Richard Carruthers 2139

Pics (below): Longslade’s Got Talent winners Jordan Webb & Abby Duckham & left, Thomas Manship

Youth shelter THE NEW youth shelter on the School Lane playing fields was officially opened by the chairman of Birstall Parish Council Stuart Jones in August.

The opening event was marked with a fundraising BBQ outside the Youth Café which was well attended by councillors, young people and residents.

The youth shelter is the result of the successful funding bid by Birstall Parish Council and the young people of the Birstall Youth Café. The funding of £7850 came from Leicestershire County Council’s Youth Bank – Youth Opportunity Fund

Pics (below): James Cherry & Martin Brown & left, the staff band

Day of talents

Pic: Birstall Parish Council Chairman Stuart Jones was joined by young people to open the youth shelter

A TALENT contest helped to get the new school year underway at Longslade College.

Elaine Murphy

The ‘Longslade’s Got Talent’ challenge saw students and staff spending the morning rehearsing songs, dance and comedy before the whole college gathered to watch the finals in the aternoon.

College Principal Liz Hall and Assistant Principals Sandeep Tara and Sally Wicken did the judging, choosing singers Abby Duckham and Jordan Webb as the winners. Abby said: “I was very surprised to win, all the hard work paid off, I couldn’t stop smiling!”

A college spokesman said: “The day is an opportunity to showcase the talent of the young people and foster an ethos of rewarding ability and encouraging competition.”

ELAINE MURPHY, the proprietor of Health and Wholefoods on Sibson Road, has died following a sudden illness.

Elaine (56), leaves a husband Steve and two children, Vicky and Mark.

Steve said: “On behalf of the family I would like to thank everyone who has supported us through this difficult time.”

The Sibson Road shop, which Elaine took on eight years ago, will remain open.

Elaine’s funeral was held on Friday September 24 at the Mother of God Church, Greencoat Road, Leicester

News from the churches THERE IS still no news about the appointment of a new rector to the Anglican churches at Birstall and at Wanlip.

The post, advertised nationally, did not produce any suitable applicants so no appointment is likely to be made until at least the New Year. In the meantime our valiant team of nonstipendiary (ie unpaid) priests are supporting our curate, Stephen Crofts, to ensure that all the normal services are taking place.

On a happier note: congratulations to Stephen and his wife Min on the birth of their third little boy on September 9.

There are several special services in October, following Harvest Festival celebrated on October 3 at 9.30am and 11am at St James and 6pm at Wanlip. This year St James is the host to the Annual Civic Service, which is on Sunday October 10 at 9.30am. Every October on All Souls Day, (Sunday October 31) a special service is held at 3pm for anyone who has recently, or not so recently, been bereaved.

There is opportunity for quiet reflection and prayer and to light a candle in memory of someone you have lost. Refreshments are served afterwards for those who wish to stay, and all are welcome.

Up-date on church alterations After lengthy negotiations with the church authorities, we have been given permission to proceed with the re-ordering of the old church chancel and sanctuary at Birstall church. This will allow us to permanently remove the old choir pews (currently removed under a temporary licence), re-carpet the entire area, and provide individual chairs and a rail behind the chairs at the chancel step. The chairs will all have a padded seat and bear the St James’ shell fashioned into the back rail. The whole idea is to increase the seating capacity of the old chancel and to create a quieter, calmer space, conducive to private prayer and small worship groups.

As always funding is a problem and we are hoping that some people may like to purchase a chair (approx. £120 each) in memory of a loved one, with an appropriate dedication recorded in a book commemorating the re-ordering. In addition we are now able to dispose of the old choir pews and are happy to consider any offers for them. The entire project will cost in the order of £5000 and we have some way to go in raising that sum, but it is hoped that, with a good response to the

purchase of chairs and other donations, work will be completed by Christmas.

From Beryl McHugh Methodist Church Thursday Group The Thursday Group had great pleasure in presenting a cheque for £2,250 to the Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance at their meeting recently. This has been their Project for the last year, they are grateful for the support to help us raise this wonderful sum of money.

The new chairman for the group is Dorothy Bond.

Calling All Would Be Shoe Box Fillers Yes it’s that time again. Last year Birstall (the Methodist church, St James, and other friends) were able to send 208 boxes for children in poorer parts of Eastern Europe. Don’t forget to obtain copies of the required leaflet for each box from Beryl Tel 2103064.

Men’s Pantomime.

This year's production will be Ali Baba and will take place from Monday 21 to Saturday 26 February 2011. Full cast rehearsals will be on Thursday evenings with principals rehearsing on Monday evenings from November.

If you would like to take part either on stage or behind the scenes contact Richard on 2209462 or John on 2675128 Messy Church This Saturday group for families with younger children continues to be popular. To see the type of things that take place – and it can get quite ‘messy’ do see our web site www.birstallmethodistchurch.org.uk.

Taize An hour of Taize style worship, which originated in France, takes place on Sunday evening, October 31 at 6pm. It is a very meditative style.

Taize music emphasises simple phrases. All are welcome Church Cleaning Well done to the ‘happy band of volunteers’ that has decided to meet on the first Wednesday of each month between 10am and noon to do some light Church cleaning. If anyone wants to join in, contact John on 2675128 Advance Notice …Christmas Festival – Fri/Sat 26/27 November 2010 The Christmas Festival is the major fundraising event for our Church & we are hoping that 2010 will be as successful as in previous years. More details in November Birstall Post.

From Tony Moore

THE BIRSTALL POST, OCT 2010

YOUR SAY...

As for recycling I don’t know- what’s the point?

Mrs Harrison, Birstall Rd

Thanks

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

Thanks I would like to say a big thank you to all those who supported LOROS at the Birstall Methodist Coffee on Saturday September 11.

You realised £107.45. Well done.

Gillian Bowler

Pool appeal Could I through the Birstall Post appeal to the swimmers of Birstall to use the Longslade Pool, or I am afraid we shall be in the position of losing sessions. The early morning sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Friday were well attended at one time, but now seem to be less well used.

I realise that OAPs and children can no longer swim for free, but it only costs £1.70 for a swim, about the price of a coffee.

Like everything in our village we must use it or lose it.

Bettie Harrison

Thanks ‘Tea and Cakes in the Garden’ was held at Shirley’s on August 28 in aid of the ‘Alarna Jai’s Appeal’.

A fantastic amount of £240 was raised. It was with grateful thanks to each of you who supported the event. The Appeal goes on until £30,000 has been reached to assist the family to go to China for Alarna to receive stem cells to help her see! £20,000 has already been donated to the Appeal so there is still a way to go and our effort has boosted the pot! Many thanks again.

Shirley Harrison, Allington Drive

Recycling?

I have been recycling for many years even before the bag and bin system came in. But after the last collection I am having to reconsider. Does Charnwood Council really have the desire to do this?

Last week as usual I put several bags out for collection and was confused that they had left a bag behind. After phoning the council it appeared that one piece in the tired up bag was refused. Why may I ask. It appears that the bin men had not even undone the tied bag and after talking to the council the lady agreed on the telephone that the questioned article was an old wash basket. I had pointed out to the lady that there was a number five on this and she agreed that the council do recycle items with that figure on so said that she would arrange for the article to be collected.

Within 10 minutes the lady at the council then rang my husband on a number not given to them, telling him that the council class the wash basket as a bulky item and do not collect this from the road side and the two options available where to either take this to the local tip- which would mean taking a special journey to Sileby, polluting the environment or the next option was to cut the article up and place it in my black wheelie bin. I did not feel that either of these where or are the correct solutions and the recycling policy, for the item has a number five on, is not heavy and clearly fitted in the purple bag and was tied up.

Surely in this day and age we should be all getting the recycling bug and the council should be leading from the front but clearly are not as they feel that my best option is to throw it in the bin!

The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery group would like to thank The Edith Murphy Foundation Trust for their recent grant of £2,000.

This very much appreciated and welcome sum will be used for the Killed-in Action Restoration Fund.

Unfortunately many of these memorials are now in need of repair, those of soldiers lost in battle and buried abroad during both World Wars, their names recorded on private family memorials.

There will be a Remembrance Service, Sunday November 14, 10.45 for 11am at Belgrave Cemetery. All are welcome.

Dorothy Marshall

Greengate Lane The statement by Leicester City Council’s Design and Access team (as reported in the September issue of the Birstall Post) proposing that traffic lights be installed at the bridge on Greengate Lane seems a drastic and unnecessary measure. I am sure that traffic lights would cause a significant build up of queues during the very busy period in the mornings when commuters are travelling to work and again in the late afternoon/early evening when they are returning home. It is obvious that many drivers approach the bridge and indeed cross the bridge at too high a speed but surely an easier and cheaper calming method and one which could be established more or less immediately would be preferable. Why not position a 30mph sign (or perhaps even a 20mph sign) about 30 yards say before the bridge on the Leicester side for traffic coming into Birstall. Similarly on the other side of the road for traffic leaving Birstall place another 30mph (or 20mph) sign. At the moment on that side of the road there is a sign indicating that drivers are approaching a Z bend and the possibility of encountering horses and their riders but after a few yards there is another sign informing drivers that the 30mph zone has come to an end which seems very illogical. It might be thought advisable also to reinforce the speed limit instruction to drivers by an appropriate positioning of road humps on each side of the bridge.

I understand that eventually in addition to the houses to be built at the Ashton Green site, houses are to be built on the large area between Greengate Lane and the golf course.

Will Leicester City Council give an undertaking that traffic from that estate will not be able to exit onto Greengate Lane?

On the question of safety on the road, I am always surprised and disappointed to see that of the many young people who cycle past my house to attend schools in Birstall only one lad wears a safety helmet. Surely Longslade and Stonehill School and indeed the police should be encouraging parents to provide safety helmets for their children who cycle.

Mr Jex Woods (Greengate Lane resident)

Elms planted ELM TREES resistant to Dutch Elm disease have been planted in Watermead Country Park.

Forestry experts at Leicestershire County Council are looking to re-introduce the species with saplings that have been grown to be resistant to the fatal tree blight. It wiped out nearly all of the county’s 80,000 elms in the 1980s.

The County Council has been planting elms in its country parks and is now expanding the scheme to schools, as none of the saplings planted so far have any trace of Dutch Elm disease.

ASB figures BIRSTALL HAS seen a ten per cent reduction in antisocial behaviour (ASB) say the Police.

Charnwood Local Policing Unit has released figures for the total street incidents of ASB . For the year 2009/10, the figure was 3437 across the Charnwood Policing area, up by 159 over the 12 month period, a rise of five per cent from 2008/09.

Five of the 10 sub areas had seen figures drop, including a ten per cent reduction in Birstall and a 35 per cent reduction in Rothley.

Mountsorrel has had an increase of 13 per cent, and Bradgate six per cent.

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Quilters Coffee Morning and Sale of Work Saturday October 2 from 10am to 12noon At Birstall Methodist Church Coffee Shop Craft stall, handmade items, cake stall, raffle for a quilt, tea & coffee In aid of Help for Heroes Admission free ••• Soar Valley Artists

Annual Exhibition of Paintings Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Saturday and Sunday October 23 & 24 from 10am-5pm Admission is free and refreshments will be available All welcome •••

Loughborough Farmers Market

A pantomime by Damian Trasler, David Lovesy and Steve Clark Thursday, Friday, Saturday, November 25, 26 and 27 at 7.15pm With an additional matinee on Sat 27 at 2.30pm Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Birstall Tickets available now Adults £5, concessions £4 Discount for group bookings Tel: 0116 2128757 or 07757 854719 •••

Open House At St James Church You are invited to our Harvest Open House October 3 at 11am Come & celebrate God’s good gifts at our monthly family friendly service ••• Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane Saturday November 27, 10am to 2pm

Table Top Sale (part of BMC Christmas Festival weekend) Lunches & refreshments available Table @ £10 each, contact Margaret 2671181 •••

Birstall Royal British Legion Members Notice

Birstall Christmas Lights Switch On and Craft Fair Friday November 26, 6-9pm The switch on will take place on Sibson Road car park at 6pm Christmas carols will be performed by Birstall Brass Ensemble The Christmas Craft Fair will be in the Village Hall, Birstall Road, 6-9pm Tea, coffee, mulled wine and mince pies If you are interested in having a stall in the Village Hall please note that Christmas related items only should be on display Contact Sue Coulson on 2676191 or email: admin@birstallpc.org.uk for an application form Stalls will be offered free to businesses and/or shops that are located in Birstall ••• Birstall Methodist Women’s Group

Coffee Morning October 9, 10am-12noon at the Methodist Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane Various stalls: tombola, bric-a-brac, books, cakes/pastries etc Everyone welcome ••• St James the Great, Church Hill, Birstall Sunday October 31 at 3pm

All Souls Service We will be holding a short service of Hymns/readings/prayers and reflection For those who have lost a loved one recently or in the past Open to everyone in the parish You will be very welcome Refreshments after the service ••• Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society Presents

1001 Arabian Nights & a Matinee

‘Soldier for a Day’ Personal Development Course Are you 14-19 years of age Birstall Parish Council with partner organisations are offering 30 free places for young people who are aged between 14 and 19 years an afternoon of team building and personal development exercises led by the British Army Thursday October 21 From 1-5pm on School Lane playing fields For further details or to request an application form contact: Sue Coulson on 2676191 or email:admin@birstallpc.org.uk •••

Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘It’s Complicated’ Friday October 8 (121 mins) This romantic comedy about love, divorce and ‘everything in between’ is two hours of laughter and self reflection. After her son’s graduation, Meryl Streep’s character, a successful baker, rekindles her relationship with her exhusband who now has a younger wife. She also fancies a divorced architect who falls in love wit her.

‘The Proposal’ Friday November 12 (107 mins) Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for Best Actress in

Continued on page 8

2nd Wednesday of the month Devonshire Square, Loughborough Between 9am and 2.30pm Next market October 13 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 •••

Sat October 2: Faye (F/V) Sat October 9: Axis (duo) Sat October 16: Carolyn (duo) Sat October 23: Trevvy (M/V) Sat October 30: Paul Laine (M/V) Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment Free raffle. Bingo and not forgetting ‘Open the Box’ Every Tues night Bingo, starting at 9.30pm Quiz nights Sunday October 10 & 31 starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday October 17 Rock & Roll nights 1st & 3rd Wednesday Food available every Saturday 12noon-2pm Funerals catered for •••

7

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the birstall post OCT 2010

Continued from page 7 this romantic comedy which proves that the path to true love can sometimes begin with good old-fashioned blackmail. Over assertive Margaret is threatened with deportation to Canada so with impeccable comic timing, she forces her long-suffering assistant to marry her.

Alas, her scheme doesn’t quite work out as planned.

‘Amelia’ will be shown on Friday December 10 Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets £4. Concessions £3.50. Price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office, 0116 2367626 or at the door •••

St Theresa’s Patronal Festival Tuesday October 5 Mass at 7.30pm Everyone welcome, come and celebrate the feast day of our Patron Saint •••

Leicester Market comes to Birstall

Daphne & Hazel invite you to come along and enjoy a cup of tea and coffee in St Teresa’s social area and browse a large selection of clothes for ladies presented by Sita Vig, try on at your leisure.

Plus a chance to purchase individual framed prints by Margaret Briggs Tickets in advance £1.50, or £2 on the door, includes refreshments All proceeds to our Shoe Box Appeal Ring Daphne 2675721 or Hazel 2674008 ••• St Theresa’s Social Group are pleased to announce a return visit of

The Ibstock Brick Brass Band St James Church, Birstall Sunday November 21, 7.30pm Pay on the door Everyone welcome to come along and enjoy this award winning local brass band Enjoy a music filled evening of new and old songs to warm you up on a winter night ••• We would like to invite girls of all ages and ability interested in playing football to come along to

Syston Town Juniors FC

Tuesday October 26, 7.30-9.30pm

Free girls football academy The Girls Football Academy will be launched on Saturday October 9, 10am to 12noon and will continue at the same time every Sat during football season At the Memorial Playing Fields (Donkey Park), Necton Street, Syston, LE7 8HF If you are interested or require more information please come to the launch of the academy or contact: Sam Chambers, Syston Town Juniors FC (Chairperson) Mobile: 0777 6291355, email: sam.chambers37@hotmail.com Rich Gunn, Syston Town Juniors FC (Girls Academy & U15s Aces Coach) Mobile: 07884117116, email: R.Gunn@lboro.ac.uk •••

In The Mood a performance of Jazz, Swing and Big Band Music The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Friday November 12, 7.30pm Tickets £9, from the Mercury News Shop, Rothley or call 01582 766801 or visit www.fivestarswing.co.uk •••

Step Into Dance Is brought to you by Charnwood Active Together as a fun, active and great way to try something new. All sessions are led by a team of experienced and qualified instructors. Make a change and move more with Step into Dance …

Belly Dance Thursdays, 6.30-7.30pm Nov 18 to Dec 16 (session on Dec 9 is 6.157.15pm) Birstall Village Hall £2.50 per session or £10 for 5!

Adults 16+ Booking advised, call 01509 632534 For full details of Step into Dance sessions available across Leicestershire & Rutland visit www.lrsport.org.uk/dance •••

Ladies’ team wins title BIRSTALL BOWLING Club’s ladies have again won the County Fours title, having beaten a team from Hinckley Sweet Pea 21-11 in the final.

For Pa Walker, Jan Everitt and Diane Hurst, it was their third success in four seasons and they were joined for the first time this year by Val Hollis.

Pa Walker also finished runner up in the County Champion of Champions competition.

Following comfortable victories over Madeleine Stuart-Reid (St Margarets) and Hinckley Sweet Pea’s Sheila Hammersley in the quarter and semi finals respectively, she lost out to Pam Sutton from Kingscroft, Earl Shilton in the final.

Birstall, who won the Greenwood Cup last season, finished eighth out of 40 teams this

Pic (top): Dave Freeman (front row third from the left) and wife Margaret with Birstall Bowling Club members at Dave’s President’s Day Pic (left): (l-r) Birstall President Dave Freeman, St John County Staff Officer, Paul Smith, Rushey Mead Vice President, Doug Simnor

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Anstey Methodist Church, the Nook 1st Friday of the month 9-11am Home made cakes, savouries, jams, chutneys, marmalade, plants, fruit & veg handmade cards, crafts, jewellery Tea/coffee, free admission •••

Donate your furniture and old electrical items Leicestershire Furniture Reuse Network www.lesswaste.org.uk or call 0116 3057005 They are collected and passed on to people in need and those wanting secondhand furniture Items must comply with the 1988 Fire Regulations Act ••• Syston & District Operatic Society (SADOS) presents

Jack and the Beanstalk Wreake Valley Community College, Parkstone Road, Syston Thursday/Friday December 9/10 at 7pm and Saturday/Sunday December 11/12 at 2pm Adults £7.50; Child/Concessions £5 (discount available for group bookings 10+) Ticket bookings & enquiries contact Rachel 01455 230150 •••

Birstall Birdwatching Club Tuesday October 12, 7.30pm Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley

Wild Passions

By Dale Osborne Senior Ranger at Watermead Park Dale relates how his childhood interest in wildlife has continued and how we can all inspire young people to create a passion for wildlife Visitors £2 •••

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MOT VEHICLE TESTING STATION

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If you run out, Charnwood Borough Council’s purple bags can now be collected from Birstall library or from the Co-op supermarket on Wanlip Lane ••• Birstall Youth Café Fundraiser

Indoor Car Boot Sale On Saturday October 16 In Birstall Village Hall Sellers set up from 9.30am Bargain Hunters and Browsers welcome from 10.30am Entrance 50p, refreshments available Pitch Price (tables provided) One table, 6ft x 2ft, £10 Sellers: if you would like a space, please send a cheque payable to Birstall Parish Council for £10 (or cash) to the Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DH or phone 2676191 to book

year. They finished on +32, winners Ashby were +46.

The annual charity game between Birstall and Rushey Mead for the St John Trophy was abandoned because of poor weather. This didn’t stop £168.50 being raised for the local branch of St John Ambulance thanks to generous donations from both clubs following a meal and raffle.

Dave Freeman held his President’s day at the end of August. This was attended by around 40 members including his wife Margaret who is this year’s Ladies President. An informal game took place followed by a meal.

Finally this month, the men won the Jean Cartwright Shield by beating the ladies 94-63 in the annual challenge match.

More information about the club can also be seen on the website www.birstallbowling.co.uk

Acorn play house AN OUTDOOR area that will encourage play and learning has been created at a Birstall pre-school.

A group of volunteers worked over the summer at the Acorn Under Fives Pre-school at Highcliffe, on an area of land that was previously overgrown and unused.

A spokesman said: “Part of the area has been left wild, with tunnels through the undergrowth – another is home to a wonderful playhouse, kindly assembled by Mark Nutting of Premier Landscapes and his colleague one baking hot summer’s day and painted by local children.”

A large sandpit complete with pirate ship is also in progress and raised beds have been installed and planted with fruit and veg.

There is also a rack of reclaimed pots and pans for the children to use to explore sound, and plenty of outdoor play equipment.

The spokesman said: “Huge thanks go to all the parents, staff and children that gave up their Saturday mornings to help us to achieve this – the children love it. In time we hope to develop the outdoor area even further, but our main aim at the moment is to get the sandpit filled, and we are fundraising to cover the cost of the sand. We are currently selling tea towels designed by the children. If you would like to support us, they cost £5 and can be purchased by calling 0116 2671921” Sessions are available at Acorns Under Fives Preschool from Monday to Friday in term time. There is also a friendly toddler group running on Monday mornings, with spaces still available on the mid morning session. Please call 0116 2672795 for details.

Pic (top): (l-r) Ruby Bernard, Zachary Stafford, Jacob Oates, Samuel Oates and Thomas Doyle

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THE BIRSTALL POST, OCT 2010

9

AGE CONCERN Funds for Tennis club Get Flu Protected Advice to help you keep well this winter Some common questions about seasonal flu and vaccination I had a seasonal flu jab last year. Do I need one this year?

Seasonal flu is a highly infectious disease caused by viruses that are always changing.

You need a flu jab every year because a new vaccine is produced to target those viruses most likely to be in circulation Why are some people eligible for a free seasonal flue jab?

Some people are more susceptible to the effects of flu as it can increase their risk of something more serious, such as bronchitis of pneumonia. Catching flu can also make some existing conditions worse.

Vaccination is recommended if you’re aged 65 and over, and you should consider it regardless of your age if you have certain health conditions such as a heart problem or a chronic breathing problem (eg bronchitis or emphysema); or if you have had a stroke, mini-stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney/liver disease; or if you have lowered immunity.

If you are the main carer for an older person or someone with any of the above conditions, speak to your GP as he may recommend that you are vaccinated too.

Will being vaccinated stop me catching flu?

Your body produces antibodies against the viruses in the vaccine about a week to ten days after vaccination. These antibodies help fight off these and similar viruses you may encounter over the next year.

Most people who are vaccinated won’t get seasonal flue, but it doesn’t give 100 per cent protection. For every 100 people vaccinated, between 70 and 80 will be protected, while others are more likely to experience milder symptoms.

Remember: The vaccine does not contain live viruses so it can’t give you flu.

What should I do if I’m eligible for a free flu jab?

Ask your GP practice about their vaccination programme. It’s likely to start in the autumn, well in advance of any likely outbreak of season flu. Make sure you tell them about any allergies, or if you had a reaction when vaccinated in the past.

You may notice that your vaccinated arm is a bit sore or you have a slight temperature or aching muscles for a few days afterwards, but other side effects are rare.

Tips for Keeping Healthy This Winter • Have a seasonal flu jab • If you’re over 65 or at higher risk of infection, check you’ve had the ‘one-off’ pneumonia jab that protects against pneumonia and septicaemia • Eat well Have at least one hot meal each day and plenty of hot drinks throughout the day.

Vary your meals and aim to have five portions of different fruit and vegetables a day • Keep warm Make sure you wear warm clothes. Layers of clothes rather than thick bulky items are best. Also check your heating system is working properly, well before the winter starts.

•Keep Moving Try not to sit for more than an hour at a time. Keeping active generates heat and helps to keep you warm. It’s good for your general fitness and wellbeing too.

• Stay Safe in Icy Weather To reduce your risk of slips, trips and broken bones, don’t go out unless you have to. Wear shoes with non-slip soles if you have to go out.

For more information on keeping warm this winter call Age UK Advice on 0800 165 65 65 and request our free information guide: Winter Wrapped Up. Bargain Wills Around 25 firms of local solicitors have agreed with Age Concern to reduce their will writing charges to £35 + VAT for a single uncomplicated will – a huge reduction of around £100 with no strings attached. In earlier years, however, some people have chosen to recognise needy local

INFO

older people by leaving a legacy to the charity or making a donation.

The offer is available from September 1 until October 31. Last year hundreds of people took advantage of this superb, low cost deal and received invaluable advice and the necessary protection afforded by properly drawn up wills.

Commenting the Executive Director of Age Concern, Mr Anthony Donovan said: “Most people appreciate that it is extremely important to make a will, but either never get round to it or continue to put it off on the basis that they are too young and it is something that they will do when they are much older. Unfortunately seven out of ten people die without sorting it out, in spite of the clear benefits. By making a will you take the pressure off those nearest and dearest to you who will receive your money and property, rather than it being left to the rules of law to decide.

“Even if you have made a will, perhaps it was so long ago that it is time to consider whether it needs revising. Don’t miss this opportunity to put matters straight!

Ring Age Concern 0116 2992233” More Money in Your Pocket Very few of us would refuse extra money to help us pay the bills, have a more comfortable retirement and be able to treat our grandchildren. However, many of us are missing out on extra money each week simply because we don’t know what we are entitled to, or because we don’t claim what’s rightfully ours.

That’s why Age UK has launched the More Money in Your Pocket campaign – to help us claim all the money we are owed. Last year, Age UK helped put more than £100million in unclaimed benefits in the pockets of those of us in later life and our carers and we plan to do even better this year.

Two such allowances are Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance that are not means tested so enquire, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain!

For more information about getting ‘More Money in Your Pocket’ call our Information and Advice Helpline at Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland, 0116 2992233 (1.304pm) Monday to Friday Qualifying Age for Pension Credit Rises As a result of the changes to the State Pension the Government has raised the age

Home Carers Required

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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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NOT SELF”

Help us in our work helping others less fortunate than ourselves

All gifts and donations gladly accepted at the ROYAL BRITISH LEGION 19 FRONT STREET • BIRSTALL

or Ring 2674817

at which a person can claim Pension Credit.

From April 6 2010 both men and women have only been able to claim Pension Credit once they have reached the age at which a woman can claim the State Pension.

If you were born after April 6 1950 this age will be calculated based on your date of birth and is the same for both men and women. If you were born on or after April 6 1955 you will not be able to claim Pension Credit until you are 65.

To find out your exact Pension Credit qualifying age call the Pension Service on 0845 606 0265 or visit the Direct Gov website (www.direct.gov.uk) Other benefits and entitlements that were previously available to women and men at 60 (such as the higher capital disregards and the higher rates of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) will change so that they are available to both men and women at their Pension Credit qualifying age.

If in doubt ring the Information & Advice Team at Age Concern Leicester Shire and Rutland between 1.30 and 4pm Mon-Fri 0116 2992233 Help for Grandchildren As the Child Trust Fund is now being phased out alternatives are now having to be sought by grandparents to support their grandchildren. From August 1 the payment for new babies was reduced from £250 to £50 for most children and from £500 to £100 for those whose parental income is below £16,190 a year. The payments made at age seven will stop from the same date, so children born on August 1, 2003 and later will not get that extra payment. Babies born from January 1, 2011 will not get any payment and it is not clear if parents will be able to open a child Trust Fund account for them or for how long the existing trust funds will last.

One alternative is to pay into a pension for a grandchild. Under current rules they cannot touch that until they are 55, however the Government is proposing people should have access to at least part of their funds before that age as long as they are used for specific needs, such as a deposit on a first home. The Treasury adds 25% tax relief to what is paid in but there is an upper limit of £2,880 per year – worth £3,600 with the tax relief.

From Jex Woods

Guide HQ THREE YEARS of fundraising has brought the refurbishment of their headquarters closer for Birstall Guides.

Girlguiding Birstall have so far raised £30,000 for the improvements planned for their Johnson Road HQ. Claire Birch said: “We have an ambitious plan to raise £100,000 to complete building repairs and alterations to maximise the space and make it fit for the next 100 years.

“The Friends of Guides would like to say a big thank you to the parents, members and supporters in helping us edge closer to our goal.”

The Guide HQ on Johnson Road was formerly a telephone exchange and was purchased by parents in the 1970s to give a permanent home to Girlguiding Birstall.

“In that same spirit of community action our 175 members and families have tirelessly made cakes, bought raffle tickets, helped out and turned out for a whole host of events” added Claire.

Planned fundraising events include a Jamie at Home evening on October 8 at 7.30pm, a Halloween disco at the Co-op Sports and Social ground on October 29 and a Christmas Fayre on December 4.

The hall is now available for hire : £20, minimum 2 hours, £5 thereafter.

The kitchen is available free with hire.

Availability is weekdays daytime only and Saturdays. Contact Marie 2671043.

If you have a daughter who is interested in Rainbows, Brownies, Guides or Rangers, or need any information about any of the forthcoming events, or would like to support fundraising, email birstallguides@googlemail.com Facebook: Girlguiding Birstall Leicestershire Group

A YOUNG Birstall tennis player is celebrating after winning his fourth consecutive club singles title.

Matt Williams (19) secured his fourth win by beating veteran David Hutchinson 6-0, 6-3 in the final of Watermead Tennis Club’s annual championships.

In the ladies’ singles Pic: Matt Williams (left) & David Hutchinson there is a new name on the trophy with Gayle Stones beating Rachel Chalmers 4-6,6-1,7-5.

In the Men’s doubles Matt Williams clinched his second title of the fortnight, by partnering Bob Yardley to a 6-3,63 victory over Connor Winterton and Mahesh Parmar.

In the ladies’ doubles, Audrey Preston and Rachel Chalmers took the honours, defeating Chris Muir and CaroPic: Kuljit Tara line McNee 6-3,6-4.

In the mixed doubles, teenager Connor Winterton and Mary Whiteman triumphed 6-7,6-3,6-4 over Mark and Gayle Stones.

There are some highly promising youngsters at the club and in the junior 18s and under event Kieran Bibby beat Kieran Williams 6-2,7-5.

Pic: Gayle Stones In the junior 16s and under competition, Kuljit Tara beat Harvey Wesson 6-2,6-3.

To round off a packed finals day, Dave Watson defeated John Salisbury 6-1,6-3 in the men’s plate.

Trophies to the winners were presented by club chairman James Berry during a Pic: Ciaran Bibby barbecue that evening.

PETE INGHAM Plastering & Property Maintenance

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10

the birstall post OCT 2010

The November issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Oct 30. The copy deadline is Oct 15.

Scouts’ busy summer

Fencing

Reading win

TRY THE sport of fencing at Longslade College.

Charnwood’s Active Together Team have teamed up with the Beadling Academy to offer new fencing sessions for residents aged 16 plus. The sessions start on Monday October 25 from 7-8.15pm and are being held in the main hall, at Longslade.

Places need to be booked in advance and the cost for an 8 week block of sessions is £40.

For more information or to book a place contact the Active Together Team on 01509 632535 or email: active.together@charnwood.gov.uk

HIGHCLIFFE PRIMARY school was the winner of the summer reading challenge at Birstall library.

114 pupils completed the Space Hop reading challenge and won a trophy for the school.

Birstall Library’s Darshna Naker said: “I would like to personally thank all the teachers, their heads and the parents for encouraging their children to participate in the reading scheme. We hope you will continue to support us in the future.”

Staff cuts

Lost property

CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council could save almost £500,000 per year if a major restucture plan is approved.

BIRSTALL PARISH Council is holding a number of items of lost property which have been handed in either at the gala (June 26/27) or since: • child’s purse – pink ‘Flower Buds’ purse with a small amount of cash • key ring – three keys, leather fob with masonic insignia • key ring with four keys, one with a black plastic top • key ring – Ibiza • one single mortice key with an ‘S’ • black purse with zipped compartments, sealed with Velcro All available from the Council Offices

The council is looking to reduce the number of senior management posts from 28 to 18. The council is seeking to protect frontline services as the authority, like every other council in the country, faces significant reductions in Government grants. Staff and trade unions are being consulted on the proposals over the next three weeks before the plan goes before the full council in November.

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.

REDCURRANTS. We have had a glut this year.

Anyone who would like some, please contact 2676946 (Ansaphone for when I’m out) 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 REGISTERED BACH flower remedy practitioner. Consultation and individualised remedy to treat negative emotions. Safe and very effective for all ages. Call Nicky 07544 765091/2209294 FOR SALE: Snooker/Pool table L138cms, W74cms, H80cms, inc 2 cues, full set of balls, triangles £35 Tel: 0116 2207930 ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES provided by qualified accountant. Low rates for sole traders/small businesses. Tel: 2673951

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CALL 2674213 for an advertising rate card, or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk The prices above exclude VAT

Planning P/10/2010/2: 23 Lawn Avenue – retention of unauthorised construction of conservatory and erection of outbuilding P/10/2007/2: 64 Birstall Road – single storey extension to rear of house P/10/1984/2: 60 Lambourne Road – conservatory to rear of dwelling P/10/1944/2: 285 Birstall Road – demolition of single storey storage building (Conservation area consent) P/10/1943/2: 285 Birstall Road – extend time limit for implementation refer to Planning Permission P/07/2421/2 (erection of detached dwelling) P/10/1834/2: 19 Church Hill – felling of one Monterey pine tree (Conservation area notice) P/10/1847/2: Severn Trent Sewage Treatment Works, Fillingate, Wanlip – erection of 2 control kiosks P/10/1828/2: 41 Rectory Road, Wanlip – conversion of garage to form study and formation of pitched roof

ANOTHER GLORIOUS summer of sunshine, showers and torrential rain, combined with fun, excitement and adventure, all add up to the perfect recipe for the scouting summer camp season.

Birstall Cubs have had a very busy camp June saw the Cubs season this year, holding three great camps joining over 400 others throughout the summer. from all over LeicesterThe first camp took place in May at the shire at Oaks in Charnoutdoor Pursuits Centre. Cubs and Scouts wood for the annual joined together to enjoy a weekend camp, Challenge Camp. The held in memory of Angie Hampton who sadly theme of the camp was passed away in 2009. Angie bequeathed a ‘Time Travel’. Birstall sum of money to Birstall Scouts on the under- Cubs along with North standing it should be used by Cubs and East District Cubs were Scouts to get out and about and inspire them designated as Normans to begin a lifetime of adventure. It was an for the weekend and built their own action packed weekend with full-on activities, Castle Keep Gateway as an entrance to including full use of the new High Ropes their camp. Cubs faced many on-site course, which was a little scary for some, challenges over the weekend including especially the adults! As well as canoeing, shooting, grass sledging and air canons, rafting and archery. The weekend was organ- whilst some ventured further afield to ised by Angie’s son Mark rock climb at Beacon Hill and learn the and his brother skill of dinghy sailing at Watermead Park.

Matt who were Fox Coverts near Mallory Park was the both Scouts as setting for our final summer camp and youngsters and after all the excitement of the other two are still involved camps, we decided to take it back to with the scouting basics. Cubs were able to learn practical movement. An skills to help them survive in the wild. On the exhausting, but first night cubs went on a hike, reading maps brilliant weekand navigating their own way back to camp. end.

With the help of fake blood and cuts they were able to practise their first aid skills, bandaging each other up. After building bivouac shelters and learning the art of fire lighting using ‘char-cloth’ and flint strikers, they were able to cook their own dinner on the campfire. Cubs worked hard to earn RAFFLE PRIZE winners from Birstall have badges in map reading and emergency aid won a holiday. over the weekend and these were presented Joanne Cawood and John Williams were at the end of camp. each winners in the raffle held at Rosemary Finally, Cub Scout Heather Turney, having Conley’s Music in the Meadow event, held in completed all the challenge badges and helpthe grounds of her home at Ashby Folville. ing out on camp was presented with the Chief Joanne, who attends Rosemary’s diet and Scout Silver Award. It’s been another great exercise class at Birstall Golf Club, won the summer! fourth prize of a four night stay at the From Ged Sessions, Scout Leader Ragdale Hall Health Hydro.

John Williams won a luxury weekend break for two at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall.

The event raised £27,500 for Steps Conductive Education Centre in Shepshed.

Raffle winners

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

GCR on TV A BEHIND the scenes documentary about the Great Central Railway is being shown on TV. Filmed over the course of a year, ‘Central Steam’ records events happening along the line, life in the engine and wagon sheds, the work of the dedicated volunteers and staff and also relates the history of the line.

The programme starts on Wednesday October 6 at 10pm and runs for 15 weeks on the ‘Discovery Shed’ channel.

Annual art exhibition THE ANNUAL exhibition of art produced by members of Birstall and District Art Society will be staged at Birstall Village Hall in November.

More than 200 original paintings will be on show, as well as work by local schoolchildren.

There will be a café selling drinks, rolls and home made cakes and a raffle with proceeds going to LOROS. Admission to the exhibition is free and it is held on Saturday/Sunday November 6/7 from 9am-6pm and on Monday November 8 from 9am-3pm.

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