Birstall Post Nov 2010 (328)

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

NOVEMBER 2010

Park & ride: work starts THE CONSTRUCTION of Birstall’s new 1000 space park and ride site will start this month.

Work will begin on the site opposite Hallam Fields after the government confirmed that it will provide £2.1m of new growth point (NGP) money for the project.

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk Pic: Neelum Surelia with her harvest poster and Rev Rachel Parkinson who organised the event on behalf of Birstall and Wanlip Churches Together

No. 328 Pic: The Capitals

The £5.5m facility will provide a regular bus service in and out of Leicester city centre.

Buses will link up with the 1,000 space park and ride in Enderby, to provide a better service while reducing costs, and could be open early next summer.

The rest of the money for the joint county and city council project has come from government’s ‘Community Infrastructure Fund’ and developer Jelson.

David Parsons, Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “One of our key aims is to invest in sustainable transport for the future and by linking the Birstall service with the Enderby park and ride, we will reduce costs and improve travel links into Leicester for workers, shoppers and sports fans.”

The Birstall park and ride site was originally proposed as part of the development by Jelson Ltd for approximately 900 houses at Hallam Fields. The planning agreement also requires that highway infrastructure improvements are undertaken and some of this work

Pic: Graham Picksley present Gracie Boyall of Riverside Primary School with a framed copy of her poster

Continued on page 2

Harvest celebration THE WEATHER didn’t co-operate for Birstall’s first community harvest festival organised by the Churches Together group.

Fortunately the White Horse could accommodate the whole thing indoors and as the rain poured down, the people poured in, about 120 in all. Event organiser Rev Rachel Parkinson said: “This meant everything was a bit of a squash, but at least the atmosphere was cosy!”

She added: “Year 5 pupils from Riverside Primary School began the evening in great style by leading a harvest service of readings, prayers and poetry. Framed copies of the harvest posters which have brightened the village over the harvest period were then

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presented to the young artists from Riverside and Highcliffe schools whose work was featured. Doing the honours was Graham Picksley, manager of the Co-op supermarket which displayed 18 of the posters.”

The Capitals, a band from Longslade Community College on their first public appearance, entertained the crowd as people tucked into burgers, hot dogs, apple pie and sticky buns. While the event was not intended to make money, the generosity of local providers means that £70 in profit will be forwarded to charities chosen by the two local schools.

Rachel said: “Many attending were already looking forward to Birstall harvest 2011. The event was certainly one which brought many parts of the village together, as well as reminding people of the blessings of living in this part of the world.”

She added: “Churches Together would like to thank Riverside and Highcliffe schools, the White Horse, the Co-op, the Women’s Institute, Michael’s butchers, Allen’s Family Bakery and the Capitals for their contribution to the evening.”

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the birstall post NOV 2010

Parish Council notes

Pic: Stacey O’Connor and Beth Pollard from Spencers are pictured with the new team: back (l-r) Ben Joinson, Elliott Jones, Sam Davis, Zak Morsli, Elam Dix, Dylan Ritchie. Front: (l-r): Archie Moyes, Chad Siddons, Harry Cotter, Sol Stafford, Zak Barnsby, David Sweeney

Spencers’ sponsorship A LOCAL estate agents have sponsored Birstall United Juniors’ new football team.

Spencers of Sibson Road have provided the shirts for the new under 13s team, which was set up in the summer.

Park & Ride continued from page 1 has already been completed by the developer: the site access and exit to the A6 including southbound bus lane and improvements to the A6/Greengate Lane junction.

In the future, the developer is committed to construct an additional bus lane on the A6 at Redhill Circle and a pedestrian footbridge over the A6 linking the housing development to pedestrian routes.

Birstall Parish Council has repeatedly urged the County Council to consider creating a new vehicle access to Stonehill School via the park and ride to reduce congestion near Stonehill Avenue without, to date, any success.

Club spokeswoman Wendy Cotter said: “The new team will give those players who haven’t been part of a team before a chance.

They’ve had brilliant results, scoring 64 goals in the six pre-season friendlies, and have won their first two games. They’ve been amazing”.

Spencers Senior Branch Manager Stacey O’Connor said: “As a local business we are keen to invest in the community and what better way than to support youth activities in Birstall”.

The side was also formed thanks to a £300 grant from Birstall Parish Council and a personal donation of 50 pairs of socks by Stuart Jones, the Chairman of the Parish Council.

Wendy said: “We’d like to say thank you to Spencers, Birstall Parish Council and Stuart Jones for their support”.

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on October 11.

It was reported that 22 users of the Parish Council run youth café had expressed an interest in forming a Youth Council.

PC Richard Carruthers reported that following information from the public, the Police had conducted patrols near the garages off Windmill Avenue. Six young people were spoken to regarding cannabis and one was given a street caution for possession. A second visit by the Police resulted in three bags of cannabis being found and another youth being given a street caution. He was escorted home to his angry parents, reported PC Carruthers.

PC Carruthers reported that burglary was falling and that there had been an increase in Police patrols. He said one youth had been identified and was being dealt with following the new youth shelter on the School Lane playing field being damaged by graffiti. CCTV had produced clear images of the faces of the youths involved in the incident, which took place at 5.45pm on Tuesday October 5. PC Carruthers said his intention was to seek restorative justice and have the culprits clean up the damage.

The Clerk Steve Blackburn reported that an obscene message had been left on the council’s ansaphone and expanding foam sprayed into the Village Hall locks and letterbox. A name has been passed to the Police in connection with the incident.

The Clerk reported that it would cost Birstall Parish Council £7300 to keep the Stonehill Avenue toilets open. The Parish Council has agreed to take on responsibility for the toilets and keep them open, should the Borough Council decide to close them.

An allotment holder has accused the Parish Council of subletting allotment plots. He was informed that this was not a practice of the council.

Following a survey of Worcester Avenue allotment tenants it was agreed that the Worcester Avenue allotment site’s car park remain as it is, and that the tree nursery be retained. The implications of creating raised beds for disabled tenants within part of the nursery site will be considered.

It was agreed that the council pay £55 to join the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners, after Council staff had attended a training course run by the Society.

The Council agreed on the allotment rents for 2011/12. The procedures for allotment management have been updated and a copy is available for inspection during the Council’s office hours.

The Council agreed on a new schedule of hire charges for the Village Hall, Day Centre and Pavilion.

Councillors reported their own and residents’ concern at not having a Vicar in the Parish and requested that this item be included on a future agenda.

Carl Gunns is pictured with World Champion Julio Cesar Chavez’ gloveand three of the gym users, sisters Harlie Parkinson (left), Macy (ctr) & Phoenix

Boxing collection for sale BOXING MEMORABILIA collected during a lifetime involved with the sport is to be sold by local gym owner Carl Gunns.

“What’s the use of keeping all this stuff in a drawer, when I can sell it to secure the future of the gym” said Carl (64).

The former manager of Leicester’s Tony Sibson, Carl has collected autographs, photo-

graphs, posters, books and signed gloves throughout his life, amassing a collection worth around £6000.

Carl’s gym on Birstall Road has been going for eight years and has more than 800 registered users.

Raiders demand cash A BIRSTALL hairdresser was threatened with a knife by robbers demanding money.

The incident took place at about 6.30pm on Saturday September 25 in Sibson Road when three men entered Nando’s and demanded money from hairdresser Myles Harrison.

Mr Harrison refused at which point he was forced into the back of the shop. The offenders then made off on foot with cash bags containing several days’ takings towards the junction of Sibson Road and Loughborough Road. The offenders were all white, aged between 19-23, about 6ft tall and of medium build. They were all wearing black hooded tops with the hoods pulled up over their heads and blue jeans. The man who entered the shop first had a gold tooth.

Mr Harrison said: “It was a shocking experience, but just one of those things. It’s a shame people have to stoop so low.”

PC Kevin Palmer is investigating the incident. He said: “Although the victim was not hurt during the incident this was a frightening experience for him. There were a number of people in the area around the time of the incident and it is believed the three offenders were hanging around outside the premises before the incident took place.

“Did you see three men fitting the description of the offenders in the Sibson Road area on Saturday or did you see them running away towards the junction with Loughborough

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Road? If you can assist with any aspect of the investigation then I would urge you to contact us.”

Police have interviewed one suspect in connection with the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC 1639 Kevin Palmer on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 1639. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 111

Smoke GREENGATE LANE was closed by firefighters when neighbours reported a house filling with smoke.

Firefighters broke their way in, fearing someone was inside but discovered that the smoke filled property was empty.

There was no fire but the owners had lit three DIY fumigation candles designed to rid greenhouses of pests and fungal spores.

New Parks Watch Manager Patrick Silk said: “The Police were not able to track down the owners but God knows what they thought they were doing. These things give off an acrid and highly noxious gas which is also an irritant.”

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2010

Longslade’s 50th birthday party LONGSLADE COLLEGE recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a reunion evening.

“An evening of music, catching up with old friends, wonderful food and a display of Longslade memorabilia dating from the original opening of the college to date, made a fitting tribute to the birthday celebrations” said former student and Longslade Learning Mentor Debby Chambers.

She added: “The highlight of the evening was a speech given by the original headmaster Andrew Finch whose reminiscences held everyone’s attention.”

Other guest speakers included Longslade Principal Liz Hall, Chris Stuart and Ruth

Mukete. Debby said: “Chris attended Longslade on its opening day back in 1960 and his speech had everyone in stitches! Ruth, a current student, spoke with pride and passion about Longslade.”

Pic: Principal Liz Hall with Andrew Finch

Village’s story during Civil War ‘PLUNDERED AND Impoverished’ is the title of Birstall Local History Society’s new book about Birstall, Belgrave and Wanlip during the English Civil War. Written and researched by Mike Smith it gives the background to the war and tells how, when war came in 1642, the manors of Birstall and Belgrave were confiscated by Parliament, receiving much rougher treatment than Wanlip, which remained relatively untouched.

Birstall’s lords of the manor, the royalist Giffords, inherited their estate by marriage.

They never lived in the village although they took its name when King Charles II made Henry Gifford the first Baronet Birstall. Later Sir Henry Gifford escaped to Paris where he and his son John served at the court of the exiled King James, and were declared traitors by parliament.

Belgrave’s lords of the manor, the Byerleys were lawyers of Gray’s Inn and lived in Belgrave for generations. The war saw their lands not only confiscated but much of it sold off to wealthy Londoners. William Byerley became the subject of questions in parliament after threatening to throw a nonconformist vicar out of his pulpit. Joseph Byerley fought at the Battle of the Boyne and ended up com-

manding the personal guard to a Field Marshal of the French army. The people of Belgrave also suffered when munition convoys passing through the village on their way to Derby underwent Royalist attacks and later when Prince Rupert’s troops camped there prior to the sacking of Leicester.

As well as the principal families the book reveals other personalities like Colonel Hacker who was captured and escaped from Belvoir Castle, fought in the destruction of Leicester and guarded Charles I while awaiting execution and was himself hung drawn and quartered at Tyburn.

Thomas Weld, the forceful American preacher who, after being sacked, became one of Cromwell’s personal ministers and served for four years as vicar of Wanlip.

Last but not least must be the horse captured from the Turks by Colonel Anthony Byerley which, known as the Byerley Turk, became a magnificent racehorse whose stud career founded many of today’s racing lines.

The book costs £3.50 and is available from Birstall Library. If you live in Birstall ring Mike Smith 2675792 and he will deliver a copy. Outside Birstall send a cheque for £4.50 to Mike Smith, 25 Holt Road, Birstall, Leics LE4 4AQ and he will post you a copy.

Waiting time for allotments falls WAITING LISTS for vacant plots on Birstall’s three allotment sites have been reduced.

There were 38 names on the list in November 2008 and this has now fallen to five.

Birstall Parish Council manages the allotments. Assistant Clerk Sue Coulson said “We want to actively promote allotment gardening and encourage people to put their names on the waiting list. New allotment holders find that they quickly develop new skills and knowledge and many plot holders see the development of their allotment as part of a positive lifestyle choice. Allotments are a good way of producing healthy delicious fruit and vegetables at a relatively low cost and you can

produce them organically if you want to. They are also a good way to make friends with people who share your interest in gardening, and a great way to relax and unwind from the stresses of modern living. They provide an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages and abilities.”

If you are interested and would like to put your name on the waiting list, please contact: Sue Coulson, Birstall Parish Council, Council Offices, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DH. Tel: 2676191 or email: admin@birstallpc.org.uk

Award winning film VIDEO footage shot by a Longslade teacher has been included in an award winning documentary film.

Steve Bonham’s footage is part of ‘Budrus’, a film directed by Julia Bacha about a Palestinian community organiser, Ayed Morrar, who unites with Israeli supporters in a non-violent movement to save his village of Budrus from being destroyed by Israel’s plans to build its ‘Separation Barrier’.

Steve (54) has been a History teacher at Longslade since 1995.

He is a pacifist and a frequent visitor to Palestine and Israel.

He said: “I am pleased my footage is now being viewed by so many and am happy that I have been of assistance to the villagers of Budrus in conveying their story to the world.

“The film sheds light on the little reported unarmed Palestinian struggle against the military occupation and land confiscation. World media is all too ready to publicise the occa-

Group’s cash grant A SELF-HELP group for arthritis sufferers that meets monthly in Birstall has received a cash boost from Charnwood.

The Borough Council have given CLASH £2850 as part of its Community Development Grants scheme.

CLASH spokeswoman Christine Thomas said: “In addition to supporting the running costs of our existing activities, the funding will enable us to continue to conduct ongoing research into the benefits members gain from group activities.”

The group is also planning on opening a new drop-in advice centre in Anstey.

Charnwood have also made a Community Grant of £5000 to the Sorrel Youth Café in Mountsorrel. The café, on The Green, will provide a safe place for young people to meet after school and is supported by a full-time youth worker. The money will help support the scheme’s internet café and the delivery of sexual health education.

Shepshed toy library has received a grant of £2000 and Human Rights & Equalities Charnwood, £2000.

• CLASH meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Longslade College. For details contact Christine Thomas 0795 458 4402, 2006clash@gmail.com

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sional acts of Palestinian violence, while ignoring the continual non-violent resistance by Palestinians.”

A trailer for the film, containing Steve’s footage, is available on Youtube. Search for ‘Budrus trailer’.

Pic: Steve Bonham with director Julia Bacha

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Café plans approved PLANS FOR a café on Lambourne Road have been approved by Charnwood Borough Council.

The café, at 1 Lambourne Road, was formerly a hairdressers.

The proposed opening hours are 7.30am4.30pm Mondays to Fridays and 8.30am – 3pm on Saturday. The café will serve a range of products such as rolls, salads, cakes and hot meals. Seating for 44 people is indicated on the plans and two full time employees are proposed. There are two car parking spaces outside the property.

Four residents in nearby properties wrote to the Council objecting to the plans, concerned about additional traffic, blocking access drives and antisocial behaviour.

Charnwood granted planning permission on the condition that a mechanical flume extraction system is fitted to the property.

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the birstall post NOV 2010

Volunteering Impounded car returned Awards night: Girls’ A LOCAL volunteer centre is looking for new volunteers.

Syston and District Volunteer Centre aims to make life better for those in need in Syston, Birstall, Thurmaston, Anstey and surrounding villages.

The centre, pictured below, is largely reliant on volunteers to provide its services. These include a social car service, to take the disabled or elderly to the doctor, hairdresser etc, hire of mobility aids, a befriending service for the lonely and isolated, gardening and handyman service, monthly lunches and day trips in the minibus.

Spokeswoman Kathleen Summerfield said: “Whatever your skills, we can make use of them, even if it is for an hour or two a week. As well as helping others, you can help us as we are looking for people with accountancy, legal and business skills to join our trustees.”

There is a ‘Volunteering Day’ on Saturday November 30 from 10am4pm at Syston Community Centre, 18 School Street, Syston, behind the Co-op car park, when you can find out more without obligation. Kathleen said: Please do come and visit us. You could make a difference to your community. Refreshments provided! Or you can call us on 0116 2607888

A BIRSTALL man, whose Spanish-registered vehicle was unlawfully impounded by the Northamptonshire Police, has won the backing of the European Commission and forced the UK authorities to issue new guidelines to the DVLA and British police forces.

Peter West, who was a member of Birstall Parish Council for many years, moved to Spain when he retired. He visited the UK in his Spanish car for three weeks in July 2008 and then returned to Northampton, where his daughter lives, for six weeks in February 2009 for the birth of his first grandchild.

However, the visit was marred when the Northamptonshire Police impounded his car, on the grounds that he had exceeded the permitted stay for a foreign registered vehicle, the so-called ‘six months in twelve’ rule. This allows vehicles from other EC states to enter the UK for up to six months in any twelve month period, without paying road tax.

When Mr West pointed out that, in total, his vehicle, which was fully taxed and insured, had been in the country for only nine weeks, the police claimed that a European law, directive 83/182/EEC, stated that the car’s return to Spain the previous year was irrelevant as “once a vehicle enters the country, a six month clock starts, with no breaks, even if the vehicle returns to its country of origin.”

Mr West refused to pay the £420 the Northamptonshire Police had demanded, arguing that their interpretation of a thirtyyear-old law, which had originally been introduced to make European motoring easier, was nonsense and would make more than one visit a year by expatriates to their families, as well as other regular visitors, almost impossible. After several days of argument, he was reunited with his vehicle.

Mr West said: “I found out that other visitors from Europe, who had a limited understanding of English, had been caught in this trap. I therefore decided that I needed to follow this up to prevent other innocent expatriates and European visitors from being caught in what seemed to be a scam.

“Letters to the Northamptonshire Police and the DVLA were met with a barrage of misrepresentation and evasion, so I took my case to the European Commission.”

After 18 months he has now received confirmation that the UK authorities accept that “only the time that a visiting vehicle actually spends in the United Kingdom is actually included in the calculation of establishing the six-months-in twelve period” and have agreed to “refresh” the operational guidelines issued to the DVLA’s operational partners, the police.

“This has been very difficult for me” said Mr West. “Watching your car being loaded onto a pick-up truck by a policeman is a traumatic experience. I have not driven back since my car was taken, which means I have spent much less time with my family that I would have liked.

“There is too much bullying of ordinary people by government departments, including the police, who think they are above the law.

On this occasion I am happy that I have been able to strike a blow for the man in the street. All that remains is for the Northamptonshire Police and the DVLA to apologise. But I shall not be holding my breath!”

Brigade celebration THE FIRST Birstall Girls' Brigade celebrated their annual awards night in September, the culmination of another successful year.

Pic: Girls, officers and helpers on awards night

Birstall Methodist Church. There will be a 41 girls earned badges, having studied money matters, the environment, my commu- raffle, cake stall and games, tea and coffee.

The Christmas nity and other topconcert will be held ics. The Seniors in the concert hall at and Brigaders Birstall Methodist learned some basic Church on Tuesday sign language December 14 at which was taught 6.30pm. Profits from

by Deborah Hogboth events will go gar. towards young leadLast Christmas ers training there are the girls put on a five girls undertaking show, raising £150 training this year, which was donated and towards a weekto the Special end trip.

Needs Playgroup The Girls' Brigade that meets at the Pic: Trophy winners and runners up, from back (l-r) Megan Sherriff Methodist Church. (runner up) Lucinda Beardsley (winner) & Hannah Morrish (winner) is a Christian organiFront (l-r) Katie Morrish (runner up) Grace Osborne (winner), sation and the comThis year, the pany meets on a Tuesday company will not be missing on night - Rebecca Brown (runner up) evening from 6.30pm at receiving a Shires Grant Birstall Methodist Church. due to cut backs, so fund We cater for girls from five raising is all important. years upwards. If you would The next fundraising like any more information event is a Christmas cofplease ring Susan Wheeler fee morning on Saturday on 0116 2209318.

December 11, 10am-12 Due to growing numbers, at the Coffee Shop at Pic: Girls who earned badges but were away on the group is short of uniawards night forms. If anyone has any redundant Girls' Brigade uniform, group leaders say they would be very grateful if they could be dropped off at Birstall Methodist Church, or contact Susan Wheeler on 0116 2209318 for collection.

Pic: Deborah Hoggar receiving a cheque for the Special Needs Playgroup

GCR’s gold Keep fit VOLUNTEERS AND staff at the Great Central Railway are celebrating after the railway picked up two tourism awards, including a Gold for the best tourism experience in the East Midlands.

The awards are run by East Midlands Tourism which is responsible for improving the skills, quality standards and the value and competitiveness of the tourism industry.

The best tourism experience award comes after the railway invested heavily in upgrading passenger facilities at Loughborough station including a new lift to help people who use wheelchairs reach the platform and extra toilet facilities. At Birstall a new canopy roof was built.

Meanwhile, the railway on-train catering team picked up a silver gong for outstanding customer service. Headed by Chef James McIntosh, the team often have to prepare 84 multi course meals from a small galley kitchen.

The GCR’s president Bill Ford said: “We are honoured to have picked up two awards which really reflect the hard work put in by everyone at the railway in the last year. Our staff and customer service were highlighted by the mystery visitors who judged the two categories, which makes me very proud of the whole team.”

It’s the second time the railway has won the best tourism experience category in recent years.

KEEP FIT fans over the age of 50 can stay active and healthy at special exercise classes in the borough.

The Charnwood Borough Council-run classes include gentle aerobic exercises and a seated section and are run by a qualified instructor with experience of working with people with health issues.

Sessions fun at Sileby Community Centre on Tuesdays from 12noon-1pm and at Birstall Village Hall on Tuesdays from 2-3pm.

Sessions finish for the Christmas break on December 14 and restart on January 4.

Classes cost £2.60 for people referred by a health practitioner and £3.50 for people who have not been referred.

For more information contact Nita Pearson, Active Lifestyle Development Officer on 01509 534594 or email: nita.pearson@charnwood.gov.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2010

Club’s Spanish tour Group’s charitable donation THE BIRSTALL Methodist Women’s Group are thanking all their friends and supporters after another successful year of fundraising.

The group raised £3200 by holding a Christmas table, coffee mornings, Jill’s quizzes, a Salvation Army concert, an auction of talents and raffles.

They presented cheques for £1600 each to ADAPT and the Birstall Special Needs playgroup.

Pic: Margaret Yardley (Chair) presenting a cheque to Sue Williams & Lesley Meachem from ADAPT & Diane Allen (Vice Chair) presenting a cheque to Alison Salem & Chris Greaves from Birstall Special Needs playgroup

Swimming gala champions BIRSTALL ATC Squadron were among 29 squadrons from South and East Midlands Wing ATC competing in the annual swimming gala.

The senior boys managed to clinch a win by one point, and overall on the day the squadron finished in sixth position. Officer in Charge, Flying Officer Paul Vissani, said: “I am really proud of how well the squadron performed this year, especially the senior boys.”

Pic: Senior boys with the trophy (back, l-r) Cdt David Thorne and Cdt Dale Lapworth and front (l-r) Sgt Alex Taylor and Sgt Oliver Collins

NHW news & crime report How to Stop Cold Callers There’s nothing more frustrating then people knocking on your door when you don’t want to be sold things.

• If you have got a ‘No Cold Calling’ sign and someone knocks – simply point to it and ask them to go away immediately • It is strongly recommended never ever let a complete stranger into your house under any circumstances • Do not sign anything even if they are only offering a quote. Never give out personal details.

• Energy salesmen must obey ‘No Cold Calling’ signs. This officially became part of the Energy Sure code of practice on October 1, 2010.

You can collect your free No Cold Calling stickers from our Saturday Advice Shop – held every 3rd Saturday in the month from 10 Sibson Road building Fireworks – Be Safe, Not Stupid Having fireworks at home can be great fun, as long as they are used safely. Figures show more children rather than adults get hurt by fireworks. Over the past five years over 350 pre-school children, some only a year old, were treated in hospital for fireworks injuries Remember to be considerate to any elderly neighbour and to keep pets indoors. It is preferable to attend an organised display so Bonfire Night can be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Ed Marshall Chairman Birstall & Wanlip Village

Crime Report : Birstall 13.9.10 to 11.10.10 Assaults 4, harassment 3, burglary 4, burglary non-dwelling 5, damage 9, damage to motor vehicle 2, drugs 4, fraud 2, robbery 1, theft 6, theft of cycle 2, theft from motor vehicle 1, theft of motor vehicle 2, vehicle taken without consent 2, theft stores 1 Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the spate of burglaries. As a result of high visibility cycle patrols and reports from the community around Windmill Avenue, two individuals have been caught on separate occasions with class C drugs and have been given cautions. This area was attracting a number of individuals which was resulting in antisocial behaviour reports.

There are currently eight detections.

From PC 2139 Richard Carruthers

New restaurant BIRSTALL’S NEW Indian restaurant on Wanlip Lane promises European ingredients with an Indian twist.

“Those people who think they don’t like Indian food will enjoy eating here” says owner Hafizur Chaudry, who developed his menu running a successful restaurant in Oakham for four years.

“The key to a successful restaurant is good service and good food. And I am very proud of my food, and service” added Hafizur, whose Dining Room restaurant seats 36 and also offers an Indian takeaway menu with free delivery.

Dining room restaurant, 115 Wanlip Lane, 0116 2676774 • www.diningroombirstall.co.uk

JUST A few days after the outdoor bowls season finished, members of Birstall Bowling Club went on a tour to Spain.

Based in Mojacar, Costa Almeria, the club played four matches, winning three and losing one.

The first match against Almeria was won by 98-92, with Birstall’s top rink being Mick Barnacle, John Jenkins, Jan Everitt and Paul Young who won 27-3. The second game saw the first of two visits to Cabrera and Birstall won this one by 102-92. Top rink was Malcolm Wright, Duncan Brown, John Lee and Dave Clarke with a 21-14 victory. Cabrera were also the opponents in the third game and this was the only defeat, by 75-108. Duncan Brown, Pam McMahon, Richard Smith and Stuart Hartop were Birstall’s only winning rink, by 16-11. Birstall won the last match against La Mata by 137-66. Birstall’s highest winning rink was Barry Jarvis, Sheila Jenkins, Darren Hickling and Paul Young with a score of 29-8.

Club spokesman Andy Wye said: “During the tour Captain John Hurst introduced a fine system for things such as being last on the bus for matches, swearing, worst rink and poor Spanish. Total indiscipline followed over the next five days and over 200 euro was raised. This meant that a donation of £190 is on its way to the local Coping with Cancer charity. Special thanks to the Birstall Branch of Midlands Co-op Travel on the corner of Sibson Road and Wanlip Avenue, who exchanged the money at a very favourable rate.” £651.55 was raised in just two hours at

Pic: members of Birstall Bowling club during their week in Mojacar, Spain

the club as part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Ladies President Margaret Freeman wishes to

thank everyone for their generous support.

More about the club can be found by visiting the club website www.birstallbowling.co.uk

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the birstall post NOV 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

Thanks The Birstall Bag ladies would like to say what a great success our family race night was, back in September, raising nearly £800 on the night. Great fun was had by all. We have a full calendar of events including our annual gift night on November 19 at the Earl of Stamford, a ladies meal down at the White Horse in December, followed by our annual band/disco night next year on Saturday February 5 at Birstall Social Club. We would also like to remind you of our ‘Coping With Cancer’ drop-in centre at Birstall Village Hall every 2nd and 4th Wednesday afternoon of the month. This has proved to be a great success which is fantastic news.

For any more info on any of our events, or anything about us visit our website: www.birstallbags.co.uk. Thanks for your continued support.

Emma, Jo, Rachael, Lesley, Liz, Helen

Thanks Mrs Margaret Freeman, Mrs Hazel Andrews and Miss Sue Andrews sincerely thank the shops and businesses in Birstall and eve-

ryone else who donated prizes etc and those who supported the recent Macmillan Coffee Morning, at Birstall Bowls Club, for their kind generosity in helping to raise £651.55 Anne Boden (Mrs), Social Secretary, Birstall Bowls Club

How do you sleep?

Dear Thief, for the last 12 years my mum has devotedly tended my dad’s grave at Greengate Lane Cemetery, Birstall, every week.

As it was coming up to his birthday she bought some planted pots from a local shop costing £12, and left them at the grave. The following week my Mum went as normal to find they had both been STOLEN, my mum was totally devastated and very tearful. My mum later told me, her eldest daughter, I was absolutely disgusted and very angry. So I am writing this letter to YOU, when you die and this is one thing we all know for sure - I hope your wife, husband, mother, son or daughter etc does not have to suffer the same upsetting experience as my mum did.

I hope the person who received my dad’s stolen plants appreciated them and the depths at which you went to get them.

How do you sleep at night?

Deborah Corbett, Syston

Eric’s plaque At last Eric’s plaque is now in place on a bench overlooking King Lear’s lake. Many, many thanks to everyone who made it possible. Eric would have loved it.

Audrey Davis

Thanks May I take this opportunity to thank the residents of Blenheim Road, Keswick Close and Laxton Close, Birstall for their most generous donations to the LOROS house-to-house envelope collection during September. You raised a very impressive £79.94 – well done, and thank you to everyone.

Katherin Dunne

Dog spotted I Do Not Believe It! But it does happen to be true! CCTV and all that!

Recently, on School Lane Park an adult couple with a young child carefully closed the gate to the children’s play area to allow their Dalmation dog to run amok – yes – inside the play area!

There always has been a dog ban for this part of the park. Now, isn’t that irresponsible of the dog to encourage its owners to behave in this antisocial way? My sarcasm is a low form of wit, but without apology I hope those concerned will read this letter and follow Birstall’s sensible rules re park use. They will of course see the new signs at all the park entrances which have very direct messages

Home Carers Required

Are you a caring person?

Like varied work & job satisfaction?

Join our team of carers in the Mountsorrel, Cropston, Quorn, Sileby, Syston, Birstall & Wymeswold areas.

Flexible shifts, 10-40 hrs per week, & mornings, evenings and weekends available.

No experience required as all training will be provided.

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

0116 2696247 (quoting reference BP)

about dog control and substantial fines for failure to comply. Naming and shaming in the press will serve to remind people that flouting the rules is “not on”. Sarcastic comments may still be appropriate!

Finally, on a lighter note, the Dalmation is quite recognisable. It has been spotted all over Birstall! It has prime spots on CCTV recordings! An early arrest is expected! Unless, of course, it is a heavily camouflaged white dog!

However, Mr and Mrs …. stars of CCTV….

We know who you are! In future, please “take a lead” as model citizens of Birstall.

Gerald Hardington, Parish Councillor, Greengate Ward

About time, too. Init?

Congratulations to our fine English actress, Emma Thompson, on her current media campaign to “stop the rot” of the English language. Good on yer, Emm! Call me old fashioned and left behind in the 21st century but sometimes, and all too often, it is almost impossible to understand the latest ‘lingo’ used by teenagers and young adults. Init!

You know, its kinda, sort of irritating, like, to like ‘ear sum kids ‘n everythin’, like, say summat like “that’ll bi niny nine pea an ay yer got the rite dosh, like. Ta! See ya laters”.

Init.

All such trashy speech shows that the speaker has very little to say but hopes that such flowing drivel impresses the listener.

Presentation without hesitation and all that – but with total deviation! Well, it dunner do oat fo may. Init.

My grandchildren will be swiftly corrected if they lapse into the bad usage of ‘English’ uttered daily by their peers. We should all try to prevent further corruption of the beautiful English language.

Like a sed, like, its sort of, kinda irritatin, you know. Init. Know wharra mean, like. Init.

Gerald Hardington Parish Councillor, Greengate Ward

Thanks Thank to you all the people attending Birstall Quilters’ Sale and Coffee Morning. It enabled us to support Help for Heroes with a cheque for £700.

Raffle prizes were won by J Forbes (the quilt), C Lakin, V North, J Richards, J Kilby, S Golding, Mrs Tinley and Mrs Sibson.

It was lovely having so many people in the coffee shop. There was a tremendous buzz of conversation and, by noon, there was very little left on the stalls.

Thank you.

Christine Hewson, Secretary

Labour alternative These are times of significant change.

Bailing out the bankers who threatened our savings and pensions has been followed by the deepest world recession since the 1920’s.

With troops being sent to fight foreign wars, unemployment about to shoot up, and with public services threatened for years to come, many people want their voice – and an alternative voice, to be heard.

Some will challenge job losses in their work place. Voluntary organisations, even in Birstall, will be fighting to save their grants without which many will have to close. Others want to act in a political way by joining Ed Miliband’s new generation of Labour Party members. We welcome anyone who would like to join the party and support alternatives.

If so, give us a ring or go to www.labour.org.uk at your next opportunity!

We also welcome men and women who want to be active in their local communities, ensuring the most vulnerable suffer least and protecting facilities at risk. So we are asking

anyone who would like Labour’s help in being a Birstall Parish Councillor or a Borough Councillor to contact us so we can talk about opportunities available to you and how the Borough Council can help too. If you want to do something worthwhile, this is and has always been most worthwhile and deeply rewarding for those who volunteer as well as those they help. Please get in touch to find out more!

Max Hunt Leader of Charnwood Labour Group

Thanks I would like to say a sincere “thank you” to everyone who gave such generous donations in memory of my husband, Tony Marriott. A sum of £1255 has been divided between the Spinal Injuries Unit at Sheffield Northern General Hospital and Wanlip Church & Community Hall.

Velma Marriott

Memorials All through this last summer Leicestershire County Council’s Environmental Resources Centre at Holly Hayes has been conducting a survey of the war memorials in Leicestershire.

The author, in a fit of rare enthusiasm, decided to visit as many of the smaller places as time and money would allow and to photograph as many memorials as he could. The strategy was to visit all the older churches and cemeteries in the belief that they were more likely to contain memorials than anywhere else. There is no doubt that he missed several by doing this – in some places the memorial is on the village green, others are roadside, and some are in more recently-built places of worship. Of course, many of the churches were locked and time did not permit disturbing officials to gain entry, so the locals were pestered; at least if Holly Hayes knew where memorials were located they could arrange visits.

Memorials came in various different guises. In Rutland there is a church in which the electric lighting is dedicated to the fallen.

Apparently there is a window in one church, but it was locked. Normally there is stone plaque with the names of the fallen on a wall (as in Wanlip), but occasionally the plaque is a family donation and is of brass. In one church this commemorated someone killed in the Boer war. Outside ones are usually tall stone crosses, as in Birstall, with the names on the plinth, but in two places the gate was the memorial. Then there are individual graves, usually easily recognised because the stones are standard ‘war graves commission’ ones and differ in dimension from the normal run (see for example our local hero, John Hannah VC buried in the graveyard of St James), though family stones may have the name of a soldier killed in one of the wars.

Some graves do not even contain a body, but commemorate someone buried in ‘the foreign field’. Lastly one village had no victims to remember, so had erected a plaque of thanksgiving instead.

Birstall is particularly fortunate in not only having a prominent memorial which is well maintained but also have a booklet which details each man who died, including where they lived and their occupation. All this information is being transferred to a database and will soon be available on the Internet for anyone interested.

Just for the record, the author’s grandfathers are both in cemeteries in France.

Dr DAC McNeil

Thanks I would like to convey my thanks to everyone who has contributed so many stamps to help buy and train a Guide Dog. Mr F B Savidge

Selfish Yes, a big thank you for a lovely firework display someone put on in their garden (must have been Loughborough Road or near Firfield Avenue). We live in Beechfield Avenue.

If these people or any of their neighbours would like through the Birstall Post to tell us who it was so that an award be sent to them naming them as the most SELFISH PEOPLE IN BIRSTALL as the firework display started on Monday October 18 at 4am until 4.25am.

Where were the police? There is a law banning fireworks after a certain time or is there a law for one and another for others? I might add I am not a racist but this is carrying it too far.

Feeling tired out.

Name & address supplied

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2010

Noticeboard all details printed free Mountsorrel WI

Fashion Show and Sale Friday November 26 7.30pm Mountsorrel Memorial Hall A fashion show presented

by S.O.S. Clothing Followed by refreshments and the chance to try on and buy clothes from many major high street stores at greatly reduced prices. All ages and sizes catered for.

Admission £5 •••

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 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 ••• Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society Presents

1001 Arabian Nights and a Matinee 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 ••• 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 ••• 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 •••

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 6.15-7.15pm) 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 ••• 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 •••

Loughborough Farmers Market 2nd Wednesday of the month Devonshire Square, Loughborough Between 9am and 2.30pm Next market November 17 (change of date, due to Loughborough Fair, Nov 1013) Featuring a wide variety of local produce including a variety of meats both cured and rare breed, sausage, bacon; fruit pies and savoury pastries; a wide range of vegetables inc organic; plants & flowers; herbs, handmade natural soaps & body care products; honey & beeswax products; chutneys, pickles, jams and preserves; wholemeal flour & muesli; eggs & cheeses; bread, cakes. And fruit juices along with seasonal products, brought to you by knowledgeable and` friendly traders.

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

••• Birstall Methodist Thursday Group

The Ratcliffe Chorale

Christmas Concert Thursday December 16 at 7.30pm Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Tickets £5 (inc tea, coffee, mince pies) from 2675615, 2673158 or 2675128 (or pay at the door) in aid of our project fund the Richard Engelgardt Trust ••• Charnwood Conservative Association

Christmas Fair Saturday December 4 The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley 10am till noon, 50p admission Rt Hon S Dorrell MP will be attending Raffle, tombola, books, produce stalls, games, cakes & bric-a-brac ••• Birstall St James Church Social Group Invite you to a

Quiz Afternoon and Cream Tea Sunday December 5 at 2.30pm Birstall Village Hall, School Lane Cost £3 •••

Friends of Birstall Swimming Pool needs swimmers to join them on Fridays 12.30-1.30pm at Birstall swimming pool We are a friendly group and we run to December 17. We need more people to keep this going through to next year.

First session £2 •••

Birstall Royal British Legion Members Notice Sat Nov 6: Index (GRP) Sat Nov 13: Paris (F/V) Wed Nov 10: 40s Singalong Night Sat Nov 20: Laura Maggan (F/V) Sat Nov 27: Jeff Lee Walker (M/V) Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment Free beer raffle. Bingo and not forgetting ‘Open the Box’ Every Tues night Bingo, starting at 9.30pm Quiz nights Sunday November 14 & 28 starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday November 21

Rock & Roll nights 1st & 3rd Wednesday Food available every Saturday 12noon2pm Funerals buffet available •••

Toy & Gift Christmas Bazaar Age Concern, Birstall, 105 Sibson Road Friday and Saturday Nov 26 & 27 9am-5pm Lots of goodies and tombola Please come and support us Tel: 2672090 •••

Cheeky Cherubs Held every Monday 10am to 12noon, at the Methodist Hall, ages from newborn to 4 year olds Recently been taken over and has a wide range of new equipment & crafts Health visitor there once a month, drinks & healthy snack for kids, teas & coffees for parents. Very friendly atmosphere only £2 a session, 50p for additional children, also open throughout the holidays Please come along – further info contact Paula 07934551563 •••

Coffee Morning Age Concern Birstall & Wanlip November 13, from 10am to 12noon Birstall Methodist Church coffee shop Cake stall, home made truffles, tombola ••• Birstall United Juniors Bonfire Night Birstall United Juniors FC would like to invite all Birstall Post readers to our Bonfire Night on Friday November 5 at 7pm It will take place at our training ground at the top of Meadow Lane, Birstall Parking available at the bottom end of Meadow Lane, in the Archery Field There will be a big bonfire, fireworks, hot food and drinks, entrance just £1 per person, payable at the gate •••

Belgrave Cemetery Remembrance Sunday Service November 14, 10.45am for 11am Conducted by the Rev Pam Haynes All welcome, complementary refreshments will be provided Placed near Red Hill Island at the junction of the A6 and Red Hill Way Belgrave Cemetery contains 48 Commonwealth War graves and has recorded on private family memorials the names of 101 soldiers killed in battle and buried abroad. It is the aim of the group to have refixed many of these fine memorials that have fallen into disrepair and for that rea-

PALLATT BROS. Ltd Corgi Gas Reg. Installers

son we have now begun a Killed-in-Action Memorial Restoration Fund ••• The Tuesday Ladies invite you to

a talk about Big Ships the Lord Nelson for the Disabled by Mr Bolton entitled Help My Leg Has Fallen Off on November 2 in St Theresa’s Church Hall at 8pm Everyone welcome •••

Open House At St James Church ‘Remember, Remember’ You are invited to our monthly family friendly Open House service November 7 at 11am ••• Wanlip Church and Community Centre

A Christmas Fair is being held on Saturday December 4 at the Wanlip Hall, between 10am and 1pm.

Stalls include: plants, cakes, tombola, raf-

7

fle, bric-a-brac and books Light refreshments available (including soup). Entrance is free. Proceeds towards refurbishment of the hall.

••• Rothley Parish Church

Christmas Market Saturday November 27 10am to 12noon at the Rothley Centre Raffle, toys, gifts, bric-a-brac, cakes, preserves Coffee & mince pies, hot dogs Children’s activities. Rothley School Choir Proceeds to Missing People & Rothley Parish Church All welcome ••• Birstall Methodist Church Wanlip Lane, Birstall

Christmas Festival “Christmas Celebration” Decorated trees & displays Friday Nov 26, 10am-7pm Saturday Nov 27, 10am-2pm Continued on page 8

8

the birstall post NOV 2010

Continued from page 7 Admission to the Church £1 (accompanied children free) Outdoor Christmas Market Friday Nov 26, 3-7pm Home made cookery & preserves Christmas gifts & decorations Hot-dogs, punch & pancakes Games, tombola & raffles Santa’s Grotto Table Top Sale Saturday Nov 27, 10am-2pm Tables @ £10, 2671181 Refreshments throughout (Light lunches Fri/Sat 12 until 1.30pm) •••

NSPCC ‘Speak Out’ Campaign I am a volunteer speaker for the NSPCC ‘Speak Out’ campaign. I deliver a short talk designed to raise awareness of the NSPCC childline service and work in Leicestershire. My talk is free of charge, and donations are welcome. If this is of interest to your group, please do get in touch.

Beverley 07876 380184 •••

Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘The Proposal’ Friday November 12 (107 mins) Sandra Bullock was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in this romantic comedy which demonstrates that the path to true love can sometimes begin with good old-fashioned blackmail. The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Jill Vincent, will honour us with her presence!

‘Amelia’ will be shown on Friday December 10 (111 mins) Amelia Earhart was the first woman aviator to fly solo round the world. She inspired millions. Hilary Swank is the double Oscar winner who conveyed the wonder of Amelia in every venture that she tackled. This awe inspiring film includes beautiful aerial photography, excellent period costume and vintage aircraft including the Lockhead in which Amelia mysteriously disappeared.

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 •••

Weekly Winter Walks at Birstall Library What a great way to achieve your 30 mins of exercise a day!

Thursdays @ 10.30am Starting from Nov 11- Dec 16, 2010 and Jan 6-Feb 10, 2011 Cost £1 includes tea and coffee after the walk. All walks will be no longer than an hour on flat terrain.

All levels welcome!

For more info contact the Active Together team on 01509 632534 ••• Birstall, Rothley, Mountsorrel and Birstall

Area Forum Monday November 1 at 7pm at the Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR The main item on the agenda for this meeting will be ‘River Soar or Eyesore?’ arising from a question raised at the June meeting of the Forum which requested that something be done about rubbish building up along the riverbanks.

Ask any questions about local issues.

If you would like to submit an item for discussion you are most welcome to, which will then be considered for this or a future agenda. Please contact Richard Downing, Community Engagement Manager on either 0116 305 5823 or via email at richard.downing@leics.gov.uk ••• The Latimer Players Drama Society presents

‘Turning Sixty’ A variety celebration for their 60th anniversary Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, November 24, 25, 26 & 27 at 7.30pm The Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston Tickets £7.50, 121 Leicester Rd, Thurcaston tel: 0116 2362692 •••

Snow Ball at The Market Tavern Cattle Market, Scalford Rd, Melton Mowbray LE13 1JY on Thursday December 2 from 7.30pm-midnight Hog Roast, Disco and more ….

Tickets £20, £10 of which goes to charity Available from The Anne of Cleves

or 54a King Street Café Cheques made payable to ‘Charity Ball’ In aid of Help for Heroes and Pancreatic Cancer UK ••• The Bark Foundation In support of Cameroon Orphanage

Jewellery Sale Items donated, newly made or reworked and Arbon cosmetics Tuesday November 9 at 7.30pm in the Function Room at The Royal Oak, Cross Green, Rothley (Tuesday is also ‘Pie Night’!)

Come along and find yourself some bargains at the same time as helping us to complete the New Baby Unit that is desperately needed ••• The Charnwood Orchestra

Concert Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough Sat November 20 starting at 7.45pm The Variations on the St Antoni Chorale by Brahms; the Triple Concerto for violin, cello and piano by Beethoven and The Enigma Variations by Elgar The concert will be conducted by Neil Aston and soloists are members of the Trio Eluard, violin: Adrian Adlam, cello: Lionel Hardy and piano: Roger Owens.

Tickets £10 (£8 concessions) and £3 for accompanied children under 16. They are available from the orchestral secretary: rodgers_david@hotmail.com or 07718153117, from members and at the door.

There will be an interval with a real ale, wine and soft drinks bar •••

Woodlands Christmas Extravaganza Sunday November 21, 12noon-4pm Woodlands Day Nursery, 1 Park Road Charity Fundraising Event Traditional games, bouncy castle, living Nativity scene, family portraits, craft stalls, Santa’s grotto, hot food and drinks….and lots more If you would like to hold a stall please contact Leonie on 2675427 or alternatively email:woodlandsdaynursery@live.co.uk ••• Office of National Statistics A range of

Full & Part time jobs Are available to help carry out the next census in March 2011.

Available roles include census co-ordinators, census collectors and census enumerators Application details are available at www.censusjobs.co.uk and local job centres •••

Money raising THE ANNUAL Ladies Evening of the Charnwood Branch of Cancer Research raised £762.

Held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, over 80 ladies from all around the county including Birstall and Rothley came out on a miserable wet night and were given the opportunity to have free demonstrations of reflexology, reiki, hand and foot massage, nail care, eyebrow trims and advice on beauty and fitness.

A fashion show featured models showing clothes from ‘Greenhouse’ and a section of pickles, jams, cards, gifts, stationery, crafts and jewellery were on sale.

The star of the evening was 16 year old Sophie Hawtin from Coalville who in May of this year raised over £3,000 for Cancer Research by bravely having her long hair shaved completely off. She explained how she came to the decision to take this drastic action and how her family and all her school friends had supported her. The event took place in the hall at King Edward VII School and Sophie said that the hairdresser was very concerned when the actual hair cutting happened and many of her friends were in tears.

At the end of Sophie’s moving talk the members of Charnwood Cancer Research committee presented her with a large framed photograph of the event and a certificate from Cancer Research UK. Well done Sophie – what an amazing achievement.

Once again we would like to say a big “thank you” to all who supported our Ladies Evening. This year we were so pleased to see many of our regular supporters and also a great number of new faces. A particular thanks to all who generously provided raffle prizes.

From Jan Gaskell, Chair of Charnwood Branch of Cancer Research

Pics: (top) Sophie Hawtin receiving a certificate from our secretary Lynne Warren Below: Corinne Stant and Greta Allen taking a good look at the clothes on sale at the event

It’s Panto Time Once Again “Oh Yes It Is” Leicester’s award winning 11th Hour Productions bring their thrilling, fun packed show ‘Babes in the Wood’ to Stonehill High School, Birstall on December 10 & 11 Join Silly Billy and Lucy Lastic on this daring adventure to rescue Hansel and Gretel from the Sheriff of Nottingham! Fun for all ages in a show filled to the brim with songs, jokes and spectacle, a must see for all the family.

Written and directed by John Shaw with musical direction by Beth Ellis, choreography by Sharon Cornell and featuring Showstoppers Academy of Dance.

Tickets and further info available from 0116 2831646 or book online at www.11hr-productions.co.uk ••• Advertise in

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

Paper donation A LOCAL printing firm have donated 10,000 sheets of paper and card to Riverside primary school.

Flexpress on Hallam Fields made the donation and our picture shows Flexpress employee and former Riverside pupil Tamara Panczak with pupils Toby, Daisy and Aimee holding some of the card.

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2010

9

AGE CONCERN Parents’ Forge plans refused

INFO Money Your rights to money benefits 2010/11 £5.99 - Paperback 978-0-86242-455-8 This book pulls together all the information on the benefits you may be entitled to in retirement. It gives information on: • Pensions and retirement • Financial help for those on low incomes • Benefits and financial support for disabled people and their carers • Other types of financial support Call Age UK Books 0870 4422 120 website www.ageuk.org.uk/bookshop Hate Incident Action Project The Hate Incident Action Project is a partnership between Human Rights & Equalities Charnwood, Charnwood Borough Council and Loughborough Police. The project is based at the Human Rights and Equalities Charnwood offices on Nottingham Road Loughborough.

The project is giving support, advice and guidance to victims, witnesses and anyone else affected by hate incidents across all the equality strands (age race, religion/belief, gender/gender identity, sexuality and disability). There have already been several referrals to the project and good news stories to date include helping a family move due to racial discrimination in the area they were living, and supporting a client to help deal with age related discrimination from neighbours. These cases involved partnership working with housing providers, local police and other voluntary and statutory agencies.

The project is also providing awareness raising training for community groups, schools/colleges and voluntary/statutory bodies to increase understanding of hate incidents and how to report them. To date we have been working with local libraries, Charnwood Action Group, RNIB and Loughborough College to name a few.

We have a clear aim of developing and building links with key agencies: local groups from the voluntary and statutory sectors and maintaining these links with the aim of encouraging joined up working, sharing good practice and developing a multiagency approach to tackling the issues that hate crime raises We will also be developing reporting centres across Charnwood, these are places where people can go to report any incidents and to be put in touch with the project so they can receive support. Examples of reporting centres may be community centres, doctors surgeries or local libraries.

We have teamed with Charnwood Borough Council and will be joining their annual summer ASB road show. The road show will be visiting all the areas of Charnwood and project staff will be available to answer any questions and to offer advice if needed. For information of where the road shows will be please contact the project on 01509 262 651.

There are two full time staff working on the project, a Hate Incident Officer and a Training and Development Officer.

If you would like to find out how you can be involved or get support please contact the project on (01509) 261651 or email info@humanrightsandequalitiescharnwood.o rg Check Your Boiler “Don’t leave it till winter! Delays with fixing broken boilers could cause chaos this winter unless people take action and check their boilers now. We are urging local older people to have any repairs done before the cold snap sets in to avoid joining the long queue for repairs this winter.

Last winter’s freezing conditions caused many local residents severe difficulties as they had to wait days, weeks and sometimes months without heating and hot water while waiting for a heating engineer to repair

their boiler.

It is important that older people or their friends and family check their boilers NOW so that if there are any problems they can be fixed quickly before winter sets in.

Anyone who is concerned about keeping warm this winter should contact us at Age Concern Leicester Shire and Rutland on our Information & Advice Helpline on 0116 2992233 - 1.30pm – 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

Older Carers In the autumn, Age UK launched a national campaign to raise the profile of older carers who were largely ignored in the recent care reform debate. We want to make sure that the new Care Commission recognises older carers’ need for financial, emotional and practical support and values their contribution.

Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland will be supporting this campaign and we would urge people to order your own freepost card on which you can write your own thoughts on these topics by emailing margaret.crear@ageuk.org.uk or call her on 0208 765 7626.

The launch of the event will be a photographic exhibition. One of the displays will be of hundreds of completed cards, completed by older carers detailing their experiences of caring, and their thoughts on what things would help them to look after their loved ones and to improve their own quality of life.

Hungry To Be Heard This campaign focuses on older people’s mealtime experiences whilst in hospital.

For many of us in later life, a stay in hospital can be made worse by hospital mealtimes being an unpleasant experience.

Problems experienced by patients are: • Food trays being placed out of reach.

• No help given with cutting up food or opening lids on difficult containers.

• No help or encouragement is given to us to eat and drink, and food trays are taken away untouched without any questions.

A relaunch of this campaign took place in August and Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland are working alongside Age UK to ensure malnutrition becomes a thing of the past in our hospital wards.

If you want further information regarding any Campaign issues please contact me on 0116 2237348. Shirley Stokes - Campaigns Co-ordinator HANDYMAN Service Basic home maintenance and gardening work undertaken. Make your home more safe and secure. The Handyman Service continues to expand – we now have five handymen! For more information please contact us on 0116 2992254 Useful Websites Carers Direct – www.nhs.uk/carersdirect 0808 802 0202 Action Fraud – actionfraud.org.uk National Victim Support helpline – www.direct.gov.uk/local crime 0845 3030 900 British Bankers Assc – www.bba.org.uk/fightingfraud Information on your local area – direct.gov.uk/oneplace Personalised online shopping (not just for the young) – www.shopittome.co.uk Ofcom Monthly Bulletin – www.ofcom.org.uk/telecoms/ioi/bulletins/co nsumers/consumer Home Page for Pensions – www.direct.gov.uk/Pensions Pension Credit – www.direct.gov.uk/PensionCredit Pension Credit Calculator – www.direct.gov.uk/PCcalculator Pension Forecast – www.direct.gov.uk/PensionForecast Pension Tracing – www.direct.gov.uk/PensionTracing Winter Fuel – www.direct.gov.uk/WinterFuel Leaflets and form downloads – www.direct.gov.uk/TPSleaflets From Jex Woods

play time RAINBOW CO-OP Pre-school Playgroup on Birstall Road recently held an Open Evening.

CARL GUNNS’ plans to expand his boxing gym to the old forge on Birstall Road have been rejected by Charnwood Borough Council.

The Council says that the proposal could lead to vehicles parking within the highway outside the building, which is near the junction with Church Hill, presenting a risk to vehicles and pedestrians.

The council also said the proposal would result in an “unacceptable level of disturbance to nearby residents”.

The County Highway Authority formally objected to the proposal on highway safety grounds and letters of objection were re-

ceived from four nearby residential occupiers of Birstall Road and Church Hill.

Birstall Parish Council, who own the forge, supported the proposal as did local police.

Carl Gunns said: “I am very disappointed with the Borough Council’s decision, there wouldn’t have been any cars stopping and dropping off because we would have made a rule so that didn’t happen.”

The proposed hours of operation were 6-8pm Monday to Friday and 10-12noon on Saturdays. Carl Gunns’ gym has 800 boxers aged four to 32 registered at his gym in the old Reading Room on Birstall Road.

Marathon runners Parents were given the opportunity to experience the range of activities that are available to their children on a daily basis.

Leader Julie Parker said: “We all had a fun time and dads enjoyed playing in the dough.

The Ice Cream Parlour was popular with the mums.”

FOUR RUNNERS from Birstall Running Club took part in October’s Leicester Marathon while 23 ran the half marathon.

Neil Parkinson was the first Birstall runner home in 3:53, Jackie O’Sullivan ran 4:23, Ajay Narayan 4:26 and Jane Coltman 4:49.

Club spokeswoman Angie Budge said: “Well done to our four marathon runners.

Our two ladies did well, first was Jackie looking very relaxed, followed by Jane who was running for the Alzheimer’s Association”.

Jon Wheatley was the first Birstall man home in the half Marathon in 1:29, while Natalie Antkowiac ran 1:31.

The course took in Thurmaston, Syston, Barkby, Queniborough, Rearsby, East Goscote, Wanlip and Birstall. Angie said: “Special thanks must go to Mick Newton of Birstall who had the massive job of sorting out all the marshals for the whole course.”

• BRC runners also took part in the 92 mile round Leicester Relay on September 26, with the new men’s team coming first in 11hrs 47.

Four men from BRC also took part in the Carsington Duathlon on October 3, in wet and stormy weather.

PETE INGHAM

New steps completed NEW STEPS from the Sibson Road car park to the pavement opposite Birstall DIY have been completed.

The £5656 steps were paid for by Birstall Parish Council. Parish Clerk Steve Blackburn said: “People were walking up and down the grass bank creating a muddy path and trampling down plants. The Council decided for safety’s sake to install the steps to create a safe path.”

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10

the birstall post NOV 2010

The December issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Dec 4. The copy deadline is Nov 19.

Sibson Road. His grandson Luke has won 2 Gold and 3 Silver medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Luke is the son of Steve & Helen Folwell who now live in Cambridgeshire.

From Tony Moore

Golf club victories BOTH BIRSTALL Golf Club’s men and women teams are celebrating after successful league campaigns.

The men’s team secured an instant return to the first division of the Leicestershire & Rutland Golf Union County Scratch League by winning the second division after a season-long tussle with Whetstone.

The team had won five of their seven matches ahead of the season finale – a match away to Whetstone, their only remaining rivals for the title, who had not been beaten on their home course for five years.

“This was a fantastic victory. We knew we only needed to draw to secure the title, but Whetstone’s home record was astonishing, and any victory for them would give them the title”, said team captain Martin Weaver.

“The team really raised its performance on the day to record a 5-3 win to secure our return to the top flight. To top the year we recorded the first

Planning P/10/2230/2: Land at 15 Oakfield Avenue – erection of 2 dwellings P/10/2106/2: 35 Roman Road – erection of two-storey extension to side and rear of dwelling P/10/2036/2: 23 Lawn Ave – erection of a conservatory and new hardstanding/access P/10/2187/2: Phase 2, Hallam Fields – erection of 111 dwellings and associated landscaping, highway and open spaces.

P/10/2196/2: 175 Harrowgate Drive – erection of 1st floor extension to rear of dwelling P/10/2097/2: 19 Park Road – erection of a porch to front of dwelling P/10/2128/2: 13 Birchtree Ave – erection of wooden construction with a pitched roof/sun terrace/gazebo P/10/2022/2: Land adjacent 71 Sibson Road – site for residential development P/10/1995/2: The Earl of Stamford, Front Street – erection of smoking shelter to the front of the building P/10/2007/2: 64 Birstall Road – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/10/2017/2: Longslade College, Wanlip Lane – erection of timber enclosure for sprinkler tank, pump house and bin store

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ever 8-0 whitewash over Rothley in the Chapman Cup – the annual challenge match with our nearest neighbours! Every player has performed when we have needed it, and we’re looking forward to the challenge of tackling the top teams next year”.

Meanwhile the ladies reached the final of the County Foursomes for the first time since 1972, but the team, Sandra Clarke, Chris Hyde, Clare Bailey and Sue Bailey, lost to Melton Mowbray in the final, played at Cosby.

In the County Scratch League the team came second in Divison Three, with victories over The Leicestershire, Melton Mowbray and Whetstone, achieving a half against Forest Hill and a loss to Hinckley, while winning Division Five of the Handicap League, with wins against Kibworth, Humberstone and Park Hill, and a sole loss against Whetstone.

Church news Methodist Church is looking for Thieves While the church would be delighted to find the thieves who stole two projectors and some sound equipment, they are looking for some different sort of thieves! Particularly some men who would join Ali Baba, and the Men’s Pantomime Cast rehearsing for the 2011 pantomime in half-term week next February.

At present the cast ranges in age from about 13 to over 80! You may not be able to sing like Englebert Humperdink or dance like Michael Flatley, but if you would like to come along and join the chorus you will be welcome any Thursday evening just before 8pm or phone Richard on 2209462 or John on 2675128.

Christmas Festival The theme this year is to be ‘Christmas Celebration’. The Church will be open on Friday November 26 from 10am to 7pm & on Saturday 27, 10am to 2pm. Admission is £1, accompanied children free to see the wide variety of creations that have been artistically constructed for this occasion by many talented folk in Birstall.

As well as the visual delights that can be sen in the church, there will be various stalls. On Friday there will be an outdoor Christmas Market (3pm to 7pm), and Saturday morning a Table Top Sale (10am to 2pm). The coffee shop will be open throughout, and will be serving light lunches on both Friday & Saturday (noon to 1.30pm).

Memorial Service On the evening of Remembrance Sunday November 14, our Minister Rev Rachel Parkinson will hold a special service of remembrance, for friends & relatives who have died. This 6pm service is open to anyone who would find it helpful. The 10.30 morning service, led by Sue Smith will include the two minute silence for those who have died in conflict & war.

Coffee Shop Donations The Tuesday to Friday coffee shop, to which helpers come from all three Churches, have decided to allocate £2600 from the surplus funds they have made. £1000 will go to medical Supplies for The Gambia, and £1000 to the Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough. £400 will go to St James’ and the same sum to St Theresa’s. £200 to the Girls’ Brigade.

Children in Need The Monday & Friday Playgroup for Children with Special Needs have been successful in their request for a grant from Children-In-Need. This annual national fund raising event run by the BBC is able to raise huge sums for a whole variety of good causes for children. The BBC are sending a film crew to the Special Needs Group, so do watch the appeal on Friday November 19 and you may see some pictures from this well deserving group who have youngsters attending from a wide area of Leicestershire.

Commonwealth Games Success Many Birstall folk will know Alan Folwell, on

No warmth, no cheerfulness?

The poem by Thomas Hood, which starts “No sun, no moon, no morn, no noon” and ends: “No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds – November!” probably sums up what many of us feel about this month! However, a sense of anticipation of good things to come in December can cheer us up, and some of the events of the next few weeks should help that.

Once the children have had their fun with Bonfire Night on the fifth, the Beer and Skittles evening at the Wheatsheaf, Thurcaston on Tuesday 9 is a fun evening for the adults (contact 2672010 to check for tickets). The ever-popular Ibstock Band will be visiting St James’ Church again at 7.30pm on Sunday November 21 with their usual varied selection of music. Looking a little further ahead, you could put in your diary another social occasion - the Quiz afternoon with Cream Tea at 2.15pm in the village Hall on Sunday, December 5 (and you don’t need to be member of a team) Some new ventures The new, monthly Open House service at St James went very well in October and the next one will take place on Sunday, November 7 at 11am. All ages are welcome and families with children will find it particularly suited to them. This month’s theme will be “Remember, Remember”. The annual Remembrance Day service will of course take place on the following Sunday November 14 at 10.30am For the first time, Wanlip parish church will be the setting for the annual Churches Together Advent Service on Advent Sunday, November 28 at 6pm.

This year we hope to create the atmosphere of the medieval form of service with an emphasis on light and colour, plainsong and congregational singing, for which our ancient church seems particularly suited.

The church of St James will be closed for normal activities in the week of November 29 to December 3 as it is transformed into a hillside near Jerusalem, the scene for a very special presentation. “Journey to Jerusalem” will be enacted, each day, for groups of primary school children and their teachers from Birstall and other schools in the vicinity, by a small professional team with a lot of input from members of our own churches. The children will be guided on an inter-active journey to meet the characters who feature in the Bible story of how Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem. Children who have previously taken part in this imaginative production have been thrilled by this very different view of Christmas.

From Beryl McHugh

BIRSTALL CUB Scouts enjoyed a bicycle adventure ride. Scout leader Ged Sessions explains: “Saturday October 3, the start of an Indian Summer! And the start of a 26 mile cycle ride to Scout headquarters and back.

After a quick check of brakes and gears, 19 cub scouts put foot to pedal and set off on their next adventure. In bright sunshine, heading South by the river, their first stop was Abbey pumping station. With all the Victorian technology and steam train to keep them interested, where do we find them all? yes you’ve guessed it, endlessly flushing fake poo down a toilet and through the sewer system.

After prizing them away with the promise of a steam train ride it was back on the bikes, to Abbey Park and onwards to Leicester Monarch’s Cycle speedway.

On arrival we were greeted by Tim who introduced the cubs to cycle speedway bikes. The cubs all had a chance of a racing start and four laps to get them used to the speedway bikes before taking part in a real race. That’s when things really got hot.

There was no holding them back, with cubs trying to cut inside on the bends and going so fast they crashed into the fence.

By 1pm we were back on our bikes and off to Castle Park where we could sit down and rest a while whilst polishing off our pic-

nic lunches. Within minutes the cubs had recharged their batteries and were back on their bikes circling the Maypole and raring to get going again.

Next stop was Aylestone meadows where the cubs had a chance to help a narrow boat pass through the lock. As the narrow boat entered the lock the cubs helped by closing the gates to allow it to empty and then opening it again allowing the narrowboat to continue on its way, with cheery wave from the owner. On to the last section of our journey, unknown to us the farmer had cut the hedge, causing numerous punctures to be repaired. Arriving at 5.30, cubs enjoyed a hearty meal and relaxed with a film before retiring to their bunks for a good nights sleep.

The following day and the Indian summer had turned into the monsoon season, giving the cubs a constant shower on the return journey.

Using a slight detour along the Great Central Way avoiding the earlier puncture prone route, we headed for “the mile straight” where we checked out Leicester Rowing club and topped up on cakes, fruit and drinks before completing our adventure and returning to Birstall scout hut and home for a well earned rest.”

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