Birstall Post April 2011 (333)

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

APRIL 2011

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

Park & ride sculpture

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THREE ARTISTS shortlisted to create a major piece of public art showcased their work at a public consultation event in the village hall.

The chosen artist’s work will be erect-

ed within the Birstall park and ride site and will cost £57,000, provided by Hallam Fields’ developers Jelson.

A steering group of local councillors and county Continued on back page

Pic: The artists with models of their proposals: Tom Hare (top) with stainless steel flowers and bees, Dan Archer (right) with his spiralling ring of granite pillars and Charlie Carter with his steel and timber cedar tree, which will be 6 metres tall.

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

Gym’s new sponsor CARL GUNNS’ Birstall Road boxing gym has secured a major sponsor.

Pic: Front: Vinny Campbell (6), Demi Car (16) & Karris Holland (7), with (back, l-r) Andrew Howitt, Carl Gunns and Darren Leppard

Parkhouse, the technical and engineering division within Select Appointments, a national staffing services company, have agreed to sponsor Carl’s award winning gym.

Parkhouse Divisional Manager Andrew Howitt said: “I spoke to Carl at the Leicester Mercury Sports awards in January and wished him all the best.” This led to talks with managing director Darren Leppard and after a visit to the gym, the sponsorship deal was agreed.

“Boxing is a sport a lot of kids can get into, he’s taking kids off the streets and giving them something to do. There are a lot of girls attending which I think is fantastic and its affordable too, Carl only charges £1” said Andrew, whose son Connor has been attending Carl’s gym for the last two years.

The sponsorship will take the form of purchasing essential items for the gym on an ongoing basis.

Managing Director Darren Leppard said: “Carl’s is a community gym which helps to keep the kids out of trouble, giving them something to focus their energies on. Leicester has been pretty good to me as a businessman, and it is important for us to put something back into the community. If we can help by supporting Carl then that is what it is all about for us.”

Carl Gunns said: “It is fantastic and not just for me. The most important thing is it’s fantastic for the gyms’ future and the children. They are going to buy stuff for the gym on an ongoing basis. I think it’s fabulous that these guys have thought of that.”

Burglars frighten family New MASKED INTRUDERS forced their way in to a Birstall home, threatened the occupants and made off with cash and jewellery.

The incident took place at about 12.45pm on Tuesday February 22 in the Station Road area of Birstall.

Police only released details of the incident on March 9.

Three men forced their way into the house and demanded cash and valuables.

Two of the men responsible were white and were wearing either balaclavas or masks on their faces. No one was hurt during the incident.

Detective Constable Sukhvinder Obhi is investigating the incident. He said: “This was a frightening incident which understandably has left the occupants of the house extremely shocked and distressed. The incident took place during

the day and I am sure someone may have seen some men acting suspiciously or the offenders leaving the area, if you believe you can help then please get in touch.

“We would also urge anyone who saw a vehicle not usually seen in the area either being parked or driven around the area around lunchtime on Tuesday February 22 to contact us. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem could help us move this investigation along. Any calls received will be treated in confidence.”

A similar aggravated burglary took place in Rothley on March 7, but police are not linking the two incidents.

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This incident happed in the Westfield Lane area at 9pm on Monday March 7, when the 39 year old victim and her two young children heard a loud smashing sound at the back of the house.

Four men had smashed a window and entered her home. Once inside the men, all wearing balaclavas, threatened the woman and her children, demanding that she hand over any cash she had.

When she told them that she did not have any, she was assaulted.

The men then searched various rooms before leaving with a large quantity of cash and jewellery. All four men were then seen running towards Swithland Lane and then turning back and running past the house again.

The woman was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment to a head injury, and later discharged.

Anyone with information about the Birstall incident should contact DC Obhi on 222 2222, voicemail 0575. The Rothley incident Investigating Officer is DC Kerry Deadman, voicemail 4442.

Telecom mast

A TELECOMS mast has been removed from Birstall’s Leicester North GCR station.

The mast had become obsolete and had been out of commission for some time.

Brian Rowe, Duty Station Master at the station said: “Of course, it will mean a financial loss to the GCR, so we hope that visitor numbers will increase and make up for the reduction in revenue.

“However, its removal does go some way to indicate the speed of obsolescence these days, having lasted just a few years, in stark contrast to much of what we see operating week in, week out, on our tracks: locos 80, 90 or even 100 years old.”

Volunteers at the station are urgently needed – call in to find out more.

Parish Vicar THE NEW Vicar of Birstall is Vince Jupp.

Vince (46) was born in Ely, Cambridgeshire, ordained in 2000 and comes to the parish of Birstall and Wanlip from Humberstone and Thurnby Lodge. Prior to that he was the Curate in Evington.

Pic: Revd Vince Jupp

Vince said: “The parish has been warm and welcoming, very friendly.

There are a lot of opportunities to reach out to the wider community, and to connect with other churches and see how we can do joint things together. I am rather excited really.”

Tony Bloxham, Churchwarden, said: “It has been 14 months since the Rev James Shakespeare left during which time the parish has basically been on hold. Now we are delighted that we have a new Rector and family in the Rectory and we look forward to working with Vince and supporting him as we seek to grow in love, hope and faith.”

Vince is married to Sheryl and has three children: Emma (21), Ashley (18) and Mark (16)

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

3

Girls Open morning complete course

THE OUTDOOR bowls season starts later this month and Birstall Bowling Club are looking for new members to join the club.

An open morning is being held at the club on School Lane playing fields on Saturday May 7 between 10 – 12 noon for anyone who would like to try their hand at the sport. All you need are a pair of flat shoes or trainers as all equipment will be provided. Club members will be on hand to offer advice and assistance.

The club play in league matches, national, county, parks and internal club competitions, as well as ladies, men’s and mixed friendly games against other clubs in Leicestershire.

For further details, men can call Grahame on 2673000 or Andy on 2677969 and ladies can ring Jan on 2122578 or Diane on 2675457.

More about the club is on the website which can be found by putting Birstall Bowling Club into a search engine.

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OUR PICTURE shows girls who have successfully completed a babysitting course at Birstall Youth Centre.

The term-long course was delivered

by County Council youth workers and covered all aspects of babysitting including nappy changing, first aid, feeding and child protection issues.

Each of the girls, all students at Longslade and Stonehill, received an ASDAN award for completing the course successfully.

Pic: ASDAN award winners Mary Fryer, Ashleigh Johnson, Jessica Day, Leah Throop, Bethany Palmer, Charlotte Dorsey, Emily James,

Olivia MossCooper, Tia Bradley and Cassie Amor with Youth Workers Mindy Dhaliwal & Sam Evans

4

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

Plans to extend GCR THE GREAT Central Railway are bidding for £2.5million of government money to extend their line north from Loughborough.

Chairman’s tour of Longslade Parish Council notes COLLEGE STUDENTS escorted the Chairman of the County Council on a tour around Longslade last month.

Chairman Peter Osborne accompanied by his wife Catherine visited the new Palmer-Tomkinson Centre where they could see the construction underway of the new auditorium, classrooms and post 16 study areas.

Students Jade Howden and Louise Rawlings showed Cllr Osborne around the college where he saw classes at work and spoke to staff and students.

Peter Osborne said: “The PalmerTomkinson Centre will be a fantastic resource, not just for the school but for the community. As a Specialist School and a Technology College what Longslade has to offer makes it unique to the area, and I’ve been impressed by the way it works very closely with its family of schools.”

Longslade Principal Liz Hall said: “Peter’s visit was an opportunity for us to

show him the progress made on the new Palmer-Tomkinson Centre. Also, Longslade’s Student Council has been actively developing the campus over the last year or so and we wanted students to be able to talk about their achievements, particularly their environmental work.”

The £4.8million Palmer-Tomkinson Centre will open in August 2011 www.palmertomkinsoncentre.co.uk

Pic: (l-r) Chair of the Governors Tony Stott, Associate Principal Jason Smith, Cllr Peter Osborne, Vice Chair of the Governors Caroline Clay, Catherine Osborne, Director of Post 16 Melody Mitchell, Principal Liz Hall and Assistant Principal Sally Wicken The May issue of

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

PCSO Stuart Venables reported that two youths have been arrested in connection with the robbery at Wanlip Stores. He said the body cameras now fitted to the uniform of the local police team were effective in detecting and deterring crime. PCSO Venables said he had spoken to a young person regarding noisy and illegal motorbike use, and that the problem had reduced. The individual had been reminded of police powers to confiscate and crush vehicles used in such a way.

PCSO Venables reported that three Acceptable Behaviour Contracts had been issued to young people who had been trespassing in gardens along Whiles Lane.

The Council discussed problems caused by parked vehicles on School Lane at the weekend. It was agreed that the Police and Street Wardens be asked to monitor the situation, and that local football clubs be contacted, reminding them of the free parking on the School Lane and Sibson Road car parks.

The Birstall Allotment Society have requested a financial contribution from the Parish Council towards the installation of badger proofing measures at the Greengate Lane allotment site. It was agreed to contribute £366, half the cost of the proposed measures, subject to consultation with allotment holders.

It was reported that the noticeboard on the front of the Village Hall is not in keeping with the building and has an untidy appearance. It was agreed to purchase a replacement costing £586.

Reinstating 500 metres of missing railway at Loughborough will create an unbroken 18 mile route, connecting the 8 mile long Leicester North to Loughborough Central section to the 9 mile Loughborough to Ruddington track.

The Great Central Railway Development Company (GCRD) say the project would stimulate growth in regional rail freight and passenger traffic, expand the GCR’s existing tourist, rail freight and rail industry trials, create 200 new jobs and attract an extra 60,000 visitors a year.

GCR Development Chairman Nigel Harris said: “The bid will allow us to make a physical start on work and employ key members of the project team.

Crucially it will also lever in £12.5million pounds of private investment to complete the project. We’ve spent a long time putting together the bid with local authorities and stakeholders and now we have a concrete proposal which will bring benefits right across the local economy. GCRD is in discussion with a number of private sector companies which have pledged significant financial and other support for GCR reunification.”

He added: “Over the last 40 years GCR volunteers have created two successful, independent railways from derelict land, almost entirely from their own resources and with no demands on the public purse. It’s perfect ‘Big Society’ at work.

“Now we’re asking for relatively modest assistance to join up those two railways to create something unique and even more successful. A £2.5m RGF award brings in five times the value from the private sector. The fund would trigger the investment to give the East Midlands this unique independent main line railway with benefits starting to be felt ahead of the next General Election.”

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

5

Ranger Room assaulted gets makeover

A PARK Ranger has been assaulted in Watermead Country Park.

The incident took place at about 10.30am on Saturday February 26 when the 37 year old victim was approached by two men and then assaulted by one of the men. The attack happened near the northern entrance to the park, in the Kingfisher hide area. The victim received injuries to his head and stomach during the incident and received medical treatment.

The man who assaulted the victim has been described as being of South-East Asian appearance, in his early 20s, about 5’11”, of stocky build, with short dark hair and wide looking eyes. He was wearing a black coat and grey combat trousers. The second man was of Asian appearance, in his early 20s, about 6’1” tall, of slim build, with a goatee style beard. He was wearing a black woolly hat and black ‘Puffa’ type jacket.

PC Louise Albion is investigating the incident. She said: “The victim was at his place of work and carrying out routine checks in the area when he was assaulted. The incident has left him extremely shocked and distressed and we need to catch the people responsible.

“Watermead County park is a popular park for dog walkers and nature lovers and I am sure there were a number of people in the area on that Saturday morning. If you saw the suspects or you know anything about the incident then please get in touch.”

Anyone with anyone information is asked to contact PC 4656 Louise Albion 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 4656.

A GROUP of Longslade students have decorated a room in Birstall Youth Centre and invited college principal Liz Hall to open it.

12 students on Longslade’s Princes Trust XL programme spent three months on the task, converting an unused room into a newly decorated club room for XL students to relax in and work on projects.

The Year 11 students stripped wallpaper, filled holes, put up wallpaper and painted walls as well as designing and painting a colourful seaside mural on the window bind, designing cushion covers, canvas artwork and creating decorative mosaic surfaces.

Pic: The XL DIY project team

The students were guided by XL Advisors Karen Norris and Anne Wright. Karen said: “The finished result is fantastic and we are really proud of them. They have worked hard and worked really well as a team.”

The Princes Trust XL awards is a personal development programme for young people aged 14-16.

Pic: Longslade Principal Liz Hall opened the room with students Charley Neale and Josh Sharman.

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

Cubs flying high after RAF visit BIRSTALL CUBS enjoyed an exciting visit to RAF Hendon.

Leader Ged Sessions explains: “On arrival the cubs hit the Helicopter Hall first and were amazed at the variety and size of the craft, from single seaters to troop carrying twin rotor aircraft.

“Next stop was the Bomber Hall with the legendary Lancaster bomber as the main attraction. The cubs were unanimous in their belief that the job of the ‘tail-gunner’ was the most dangerous position on the plane. They were also amazed that the bombs were larger than they were. At the far end of this hall the planes were smaller with the delta winged Vulcan attracting most of the cubs’ attention and the Spitfire attracting the leaders’ attention. Then it was on to the aeronauts training centre where the cubs learned all about flight theory and pilot training with loads of interactive displays and activities to keep eager hands and minds busy.

“After refuelling at lunchtime the cubs were off to the History of Flight Hall where they stood next to the distance line for the first flight by the Wright brothers (surprisingly small) before discovering the steps taken between the first balloon flights through to WWI biplanes, Harrier Jump Jets and the latest Eurofighter.

Pic: Jack Sims (10) is presente d with an Air Activities badge

“To finish off, the cubs all become ‘pilots’ as they dressed in RAF uniforms and learned the RAF salute as they were presented with their cub scout air activities badge by an RAF pilot in WWII uniform.

“Big thanks to leaders Linda and Kelvin for making this great day out possible.”

150 walks on offer A RECORD number of free, healthy and educational walks are being offered by Charnwood Borough Council as part of its new programme of walking activities.

More than 150 walks will be staged as part of the council’s official 2011/12 activity programme which will be officially launched by the Mayor of Charnwood, Jill Vincent, in Shepshed on April 11. Walks will include routes which take in Kegworth Museum, Belgrave Hall in Leicester, the Abbey Meadows Pumping Station in Leicester and even a train ride on the Great Central Railway.

For the first time Nordic walking taster sessions, which involves walking with poles to improve upper body fitness, are being offered.

The full walks brochure can be downloaded or viewed at www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/walkingforhealth

Stallholders sought for annual gala THIS YEAR’S Birstall Gala will take place on June 25/26.

The event is organised by Birstall Parish Council. Deputy Clerk Sue Coulson said: “We would like to thank all who were involved in making last year’s Gala a huge success and to be the best ever yet for attendance, thanks to the glorious weather for the whole weekend.

“This year by popular demand from you, we are taking bookings for stalls for both the Saturday and Sunday and bookings are already being taken.

Last year we had over 70 private and charity stalls. If you would like to reserve a space on either or both days please contact me for a booking form on 0116 2676191 or email admin@birstallpc.org.uk or you can

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download a booking form from our website www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk” The Parish Council are also asking members of the public to nominate a resident of Birstall for the ‘Citizen of the Year’ trophy. The winner of this trophy is chosen by you the public. The nomination forms are collected and counted on a particular cut off date and the person with the most nominations receives the trophy. Please send in details of your nominated person and a few words about why you think they should be considered for this award. You can either send this in writing or contact the Parish Council Office to request a nomination form.

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

Methodist church news Favourite Things Don’t miss this exhibition, if only to see the church without the rows of pews! It will run from April 17 - 20, and further details are elsewhere in this month’s Birstall Post.

Highcliffe Harmony A concert by this popular group is to be presented at 7.30pm on Saturday April 9 at the church. Tickets are £5. It is in aid of the playgroup for children with special needs which meets on our premises on Monday & Friday mornings.

Saturday Coffee Shop Each Saturday morning, the coffee shop raises funds for different groups.

Open every Saturday 10am to noon; three are of special note, the Girls Brigade on 2nd, The Bark Foundation (Hotpec Orphanage) on 9th & church funds on 23rd.

Messy Easter (& Other Holy Week Events) The Saturday ‘Messy Church’ is popular with families, and at the start of Holy Week, on Saturday 16th in the afternoon it has the title of ‘Messy Easter’.

Other Holy Week events will be detailed at the ‘Favourite Things’ exhibition.

There will be a Maunday Thursday (21st) Service of Holy Communion at 7.30pm led by our minister Rev Rachel Parkinson. On Good Friday (22nd) there will be an outdoor service on the Main village Car Park at 10am and a Vigil from noon to 3pm. Be aware that on Palm Sunday (17th) there will be a Circuit Service at Harrison Road at 10.15am, and no service at Birstall.

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New club captain NEW BIRSTALL Golf Club skipper Trevor Walford is expecting a busy year – he’s just retired after a career in engineering and reckons that will give him time to do the job in an important year for the club.

“I’m expecting to have lots to do.

From the competitive point of view, we have an excellent pool of first team players and they are keen to defend the Corah Shield and to compete hard now we are back in division One of the County Men’s League” said Trevor. “The course is absolutely superb at the moment and we are looking forward to hosting the Midlands PGA Open again in May” he added.

He drove in alongside new ladies captain Clare Bailey and Juniors skipper Jack Merry, who has spent this winter training with the EGU Under 16s squad at Woodhall Spa. The skippers have chosen LOROS and the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust as their charities for the year, and are organising a range of fundraising events which will include the club’s traditional ‘100 Holes in a Day’ in June.

COUNCILLORS HAVE approved plans to reduce the number of senior managers at Charnwood Borough Council.

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Geoff Parker, Charnwood Borough Council’s chief executive, said: “We have consulted extensively with staff over the future shape of the council and believe we now have a streamlined structure which will help the council retain its resilience.

This is a clearer and simpler structure designed to enable our heads of service to have greater authority for decision making and allow them to use their resources flexibly. This is about making the council fit for purpose in the tough times ahead while protecting frontline services to residents.”

The Senior Management Review was made up of two phases. The first phase reduced the number of director posts from eight to three while the second phase will reduce the number of heads of service from 17 to nine.

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

Giant turbine will be built Remembered youth VIC DOLBY has sent us this photo that was shown to him by his father in law Pad Tillson of Allington Drive. It shows the Social Club Youth Club of 1947. Vic is wondering how many of the young people in the photo are still in Birstall.

Nursery’s fun day CHILDREN AND staff at Woodlands Day Nursery and After School Club had a great day raising money for Red Nose Day. Activities included icing red nose biscuits, painting tee shirts, hosting pyjama and fancy dress parties, selling joke books and going on a sponsored walk. The total raised so far is £248.60. Vanessa Fanton, Nursery Manager said: “A big thank you to everyone who took part Pic: children and helped us raise funds for such a head off on worthy cause.” a sponsored walk

Rothley

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Objectors were concerned at the turbine’s visual impact, noise, shadow flicker and its impact on birds and other wildlife.

The Planning Inspector’s report recognises the negative impact of the turbine but states that: “…on balance, the benefits of the scheme are sufficient to outweigh the harm.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

9

WI news Learn scuba diving

A CROWDED Community Rooms at Highcliffe Primary School rang with laughter as Steve Brooks of Glenfield Travel regaled members of Birstall WI with tales loosely based on his career.

31 years as an independent travel agent have provided him with a wealth of stories and jokes and produced a consummate stand up comedian. Steve, TRY SCUBA diving at Birstall who donates his fee to the Air AmbuPool with a fully qualified lance chose the winner of our funniest instructor. holiday snap competition and the shining cup was presented to Irene Faulkner.

Birstall College of Diving (BCD) is Minutes were read, refreshments owned and operated by Matt Sharp and consumed and past and future business supported by PADI (the Professional discussed. We still have a few tickets at Association of Diving Instructors). Matt £45 left for our coach trip to Ascot on is a qualified PADI Master Scuba Diver Friday June 17 so if anyone is interested Trainer, and has worked as a diving in an excuse to wear a hat and wishes to instructor both in the UK and abroad. In join us (even men) please email 2009 Matt returned to the UK from workbirstallandwanlipwi@hotmail.co.uk for ing in the Caribbean as an instructor more details. and captain of a commercial diving boat.

We are busily collecting tins for our Matt said: “On return to the UK I 'Tinbola'. This is one of the many attrachave been working as an independent tions planned for our Methodist coffee instructor running courses at Longslade shop on July 9. We are also organising a Community College’s Pool and in Octothemed Wild West supper in June. There ber 2010 with the co-operation of the are photographs of last year's hugely College set up one of only a handful of successful June Safari Supper on our PADI educational facilities in the country website offering training in scuba diving to both www.birstallandwanlipwi.wordpress.com. students and members of the public.”

Our next meeting is on April 4 at BCD offers ‘try dives’ in the pool 7.15pm when Denise Taylor will talk to under PADI’s Discovus about Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and er Scuba Diving expethe competition is 'Face on an egg'. rience for anyone Ladies of any age why not come along aged 12 years and and see what we are all about. upwards. Matt said: From Birstall & Wanlip WI “This is aimed at anyone who has not tried scuba diving before and explains The May issue of the equipment and used folTHE BIRSTALL POST techniques lowed by a fun seswill be published on Apr 30. sion in the pool to The copy deadline is Apr 15. give you confidence and hopefully ignite

Loughborough Glass • • • • • • • • • • •

Clear Glass Coloured Glass Patterned Wired Laminated Safety Toughened Mirrors Greenhouse Glass Picture Glass Double Glazed Sealed Units

your interest in this fast growing sport.”

Matt also offers a full range of courses from the PADI Open Water Course to speciality training including under water photography, videography, wreck diving and Nitrox courses.

BCD also offers professional training for those wishing to change their careers for a job in the recreational dive industry and become qualified Dive Masters. All courses are certified by PADI and are recognised around the world.

There is a growing club side and

BCD organises trips and expeditions both in the UK and abroad. The dive club is open to qualified divers from any organisation. Matt said: “Expeditions planned for 2011 include the Farne Islands where we hope to photograph the large seal colonies that live on the islands and to Scapa Flow to dive and film the wrecks of the German WWI high seas fleet.”

Discover Scuba Diving and training sessions are held at Birstall Pool on Wednesday evenings with Open Water courses conducted at Stoney Cove and other venues at weekends.

Anyone is welcome to join BCD and for booking or further information please contact Matt Sharp on 0771 7235158 or email Matt on bungoair@yahoo.co.uk

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10 THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

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 ladies of Birstall Bags would like to thank everyone who came along in February to our band/disco night at the social club.

Around £3000 was made and a great night was had by all, we would like to thank in particular the band who donated their fee back to us and the social club for loaning us the room for free on the night, please look out for our future events throughout the year, the next one being our annual 5k walk/run around Watermead Park, a great family fun day for everyone, this year it will take place on May 22, so please come along and support us.

Many thanks.

Emma, Liz, Jo, Helen, Rachael, Lesley, Birstall BAGS www.birstallbags.co.uk

Fish & chips I write with regard to your article regarding the proposed fish & chip shop opposite Barclays Bank.

I cannot believe that planning has got the go ahead given that there is no car parking.

As a resident of The Wayne Way we are now just a car park for all the traffic going to the new Tesco store, hairdressers and other shops. Sometimes we cannot get off our drive with cars parked both sides of the road and if you ask them to move all you get is a load of abuse and “we have to park somewhere”! Last week a van could not get by so what would happen if an ambulance or fire engine needed access. The Wayne Way used to be a nice road but now people just drop their litter and the grass verges are churned up by the vehicles and are just mud.

We did complain to the council who informed us that they did not give planning permission at the appeal. Apparently one gentleman from Bristol [a planning inspector] came, had a look and gave permission.

I find it absolutely disgusting that someone from Bristol can give permission when he has absolutely no knowledge of the district and the problems it will cause.

The new Hallam Fields estate exacerbates the situation and the council should be looking how to make available more car parking space possibly by compulsory purchase of land.

They could also put down double yellow lines on one side of The Wayne Way, which would probably give the residents some peace, not that these would make much difference to the majority of the drivers. There is one person who sits in her car in the morning making up her face with her radio blaring out which can be heard through the double-glazing.

We have a perfectly good fish & chip shop in Birstall, why do we need another one!

P Baker

Thanks On behalf of Birstall Methodist Women’s Group I would like to thank friends old and new who supported our coffee morning. We raised £314 for our two charities.

Future Monday evening meetings are April 4 Corn Dolly Demo; April 11 Come Cruise With Us; April 18 The Way We See It; April 25 no meeting; May 2 no meeting.

For further info contact me on 2671181 or Margaret Yardley 2673674 Margaret Briggs

Turn left I would like to bring it to your notice there is a great number of vehicles turning right illegally when leaving the banks onto Sibson Road [the service road in front of the NatWest bank] when there are two large signs that say left turn only and all the drivers seem to be in the middle age group, not young ones.

Mr B C Burrows

German?

Are you German? I have been studying German for many years and would like to improve my conversation. If interested please ring me on 0116 2677372.

Sam Dobson

£5 note I would just like to say that I hope the man and teenage girl who stole from my 11 year old daughter Tuesday March 1 are proud of themselves My daughter was on her way to Sibson Road shops when she dropped her money, a £5 note. As soon as she realised she turned round to pick it up at which time a thirty something year old man in a dark V neck jumper and jeans told her that because she had dropped it he was now having it. His friend, a teenage girl with shoulder length blonde hair wearing a strappy white top with pink flowers and skirt said nothing and allowed it to happen.

I'm sure that someone out there knows who these people are, so the next time you see them tell them from us what cowards they really are.

I have reported the incident to the police and will continue to keep my eyes open when in and around Birstall in the hope that one day I will tell them personally.

Name & address supplied

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Noticeboard all details printed free Barn Dance Saturday April 16 7.30-10.30pm Tickets £6, bring own food & drink Funds in aid of LOROS Contact Gillian Bowler 0116 2604226 •••

Celebrating 20 years of HATS Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society invites you to our forthcoming production of

Play On A comedy drama by Rick Abbot At Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Birstall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 19th, 20th, 21st at 7.30pm Tickets £6 adult, £5 concess (disc for group bookings) Available from Box Office 0116 2128757 or 07757854719 Email: hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk Don’t Delay Book Today!

•••

A Concert

by Highcliffe Harmony an evening of light entertainment in support of Birstall Playgroup for children with special needs Saturday April 9, at 7.30pm Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Tickets £5 Available on the door or phone 0116 2675007 ••• Saturday April 9 10am to 12noon

Coffee Shop at Birstall Methodist Church Jewellery stall, tombola and raffle Friday April 15 7.30pm Birstall Methodist Church Hall SOS Fashion Show and Sale High Street and Designer Clothes at bargain prices Tickets £5 – please book in advance Tel: 2677576 or 2209462 Entry on the day without a ticket only if space is available Proceeds to The Bark Foundation ••• Birstall Birdwatching Club presents

Songs for Summer

by Nigel Slater This is the time of the year when we are determined to get to grips with bird song and Nigel is going to show us how easy it is Tuesday April 12 at 7.30pm at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Visitors welcome to all meetings £2 Contact Ken Goodrich 2674813 or just turn up on the night •••

Dowsing Tales A series of short talks, entitled A Mis-

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

cellany of Dowsers’ Tales, will be given at the next meeting of Leicestershire & Rutland Dowsers on Saturday April 9 at St James Day Centre, Village Hall, Birstall starting at 10am All welcome – admission £6 •••

Coffee Morning Saturday May 7, 10am to 12noon at the Methodist Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane Various stalls, raffle, cakes All proceeds to Mothers’ Union Chalet Holidays (Holidays for families in need) Reg Charity no. 250038 •••

May Fair Wanlip Church and Community Centre Saturday May 21, 10am to 1pm Details to be published in the May issue •••

Parkinson’s Information

Drop-In Session Monday April 11 1.30-3.30pm Syston Community Centre, School Street, Syston LE7 1HN If you have Parkinson’s, care for someone with Parkinson’s or just want to know more, then please drop in any time between 1.30 and 3.30pm • meet members of the local Parkinson’s Group • talk to your local Parkinson’s Information & Support Worker Pat Lower • talk to Parkinson’s Nurse Jean Martey • take away a range of free information • find out what support is available locally • refreshments available

For further information contact Pat Lower on 0844 225 3625 or email plower@parkinsons.org.uk ••• At the next meeting of the Birstall Local History Society on Thursday April 14 held in the Village Hall, Birstall Road there will be talk on John Merrick

‘Elephant Man’ given by Peter Cousins This talk commences at 7.30pm and the Society welcomes all visitors to this event •••

Coffee Morning Sat April 9, 10am to 12noon at Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop Jewellery stall, tombola and raffle Proceeds for The Bark Foundation •••

SOS Fashion Show and Sale Friday April 15 at 7.30pm at Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop High Street & designer clothes at bargain prices Tickets £5, please book in advance Tel: 2677576 or 2209462 Entry on the day without ticket only if space is available Proceeds for The Bark Foundation •••

Birstall Royal British Legion Sat April 2: Sam Bailey (Award winning F/V) Sat April 9: Chris Robin (M/V) Sat April 16: 2CT (Award winning duo) Sat April 23: Neil Warner (M/V) Sat April 30: Sharon Ray (F/V) Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment Free beer raffle Quirky & normal bingo and ‘Open the Box’ Quiz nights Sunday, April 10 & 24 starting at 9pm Bingo every Tues night starting at 9.30pm Acoustic night Sunday April 17 Rock & Roll nights first and third Wednesday Food available every Sat 12-2pm Funeral/wakes catered for Open Easter Bank Holiday Monday 12noon until 3pm Families welcome, food served 122pm Come and join us for the Royal Wedding, Friday April 29 at 11am Club opens 10.30am – 3pm Families welcome •••

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Longslade Community College May 28-June 5 £180 over 16s only Places still available Contact Naomi 2673461 for an information pack •••

Cossington Voices St James Church, Birstall Tuesday April 19 at 7.45pm Olivet to Calvary (J H Maunder) a cantata recalling the last days before the Crucifixion Tickets £5 on the door •••

Sponsored Cycle Ride 20 miles through Charnwood Forest starting and finishing at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Sunday April 10 Raising funds for the Matt Hampson Foundation and Rothley School A fun family event for all abilities To enter visit www.charnwoodforestcycleride.co.uk •••

Gynsill Tennis Club

Open Day Saturday April 16 For players aged 5+ to adults 10-11.15am (5-10 yrs) 11.15-12.30pm (11-18 yrs) 12.20-1.45pm (adults) A great chance for all to come and sample some active tennis fun with us. To reserve a place: mattcgynsilltc@yahoo.co.uk or call/txt 077086 86693 •••

Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

‘Made in Dagenham’ Friday April 8 (113 mins) The 187 women machinists employed at Ford’s Dagenham assembly plant in 1968 were working in impoverished conditions for long, arduous hours. They laid down their tools when they were reclassified as “unskilled”. The single act of rebellion changed history. This film is a hilarious and heart-warming tale of female empowerment.

‘The King’s Speech’ Friday May 13 (118 mins) Starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter, this film has won an outstanding four Oscar awards. It is the story of George VI, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch to become worthy of this unparalleled responsibility.

Our tickets have almost sold out.

‘Tamara Drewe’ Friday June 10 (111 minutes) Our last film before the summer break will be a British comedy, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Gemma Arterton. Once the ‘ugly duckling’ in a Dorset village, Tamara Drewe returns as a surprisingly attractive newspaper journalist. She is fun loving and light hearted and consequently passions run high in this part of rural England.

Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, the evening will include refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

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

Inspire Creationz Cardmaking & Scrapbooking Saturday afternoons at Belgrave Hall Museum Craft Village £7.50 per class, incl all materials & refreshments www.inspirecreationz.com •••

11

Watermead Challenge 2011 A run through Watermead Country Park Wreake Valley Rotary Club will be holding the event again this year on Wednesday July 13 at Watermead Country Park There will be both a 5 mile and a 3 mile run.

Full details available shortly on the club’s website: www.wreakevalleyrotary.co.uk All profits from entry fees will be distributed amongst local charitable causes If you know of a local cause that would be a suitable beneficiary please contact us at wvrotaryclub@gmail.com so that we can consider it in detail, many thanks

•••

Rock Musical

Rent performed by the ESNA Players Loughborough Town Hall April 12-16 Tickets from £12.50 07989 787888 or from Box Office 01509 231914 ••• Rotary Club of the Soar Valley

Charity Cabaret Evening The evening will feature the great tribute group ABBABABES and be held on Thursday April 7 at 7.30pm at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothleyi There will be a licensed bar Tickets £15 inc supper available from: Roy Lilley 0116 230 3364 Raising money for Rotary charities •••

Continued on page 12

12 THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

Continued from page 11 Syston Methodist Church presents

Ian Tracey Organ Spectacular Professor Ian Tracey, Organist Titulaire at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is coming to give one of his spectacular Organ Recitals at Syston Methodist Church on the recently installed Makin Westmorland Custom Digital Organ Thursday May 19 at 7.30pm Book now to ensure you get a seat!

Entry by ticket only – price £7 Tickets available from Trevor Solway on 2606457 or trevorsolway@gmail.com •••

New tearoom opens Parish A NEW tearoom has opened at a Rothley plant nursery.

The Rose Garden Tearoom at Brooklea Nursery on Loughborough Road is run by Rosalind Bugg. “I aim to provide quality dishes at affordable prices, a high class personal service and an elegant traditional tearoom within a pretty garden nursery setting” said Rosalind.

She added: “There are a range of breakfast options with a choice of topped warm

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Pic: Tearoom owner Rosalind Bugg

church news muffins being a favourite, light lunches include steaming jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings, home made soups, baguettes and a freshly prepared range of salads.

“Afternoon teas are also available with cream teas, delicately cut sandwiches and a lovely range of tempting cakes and patisserie slices.”

There is a children’s menu and high chairs are provided. Special menus are planned for Mother’s Day week, Easter week and Royal Garden Party week.

The Rose Garden Tearoom is open 9.30am-2pm Mon-Tue, 9.30am-5pm Wed-Sat and 10-4 on Sundays

Favourite things FIND OUT the favourite things of Birstall residents at an exhibition at the Methodist church.

A walk in Watermead Country Park, a meal out, a spot of gardening, beef Monster Munch and an Audi A50 are just some of the answers that have been provided by the more than 150 people who have already taken part.

The questioning is being done on behalf of the churches in the village who are staging the exhibition at Birstall

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Methodist church on Sunday April 17 from 3.30pm, until April 20.

An art competition for children and young people with the theme ‘my favourite things’ will also be a feature of the exhibition, with prizes awarded to the artists at 4pm on Sunday April 17, presented by the judges, children’s novelist Rose Impey and local artist Sue Faulks.

A sing-a-long ‘Sound of Music’ will follow with a chance to join in everything from ‘Climb Every Mountain’ to ‘Edelweiss’. Entrance is free and there will be refreshments on sale.

Entries for the art competition, maximum size A4, for children pre-school to Year 11, can be handed in to Riverside, Highcliffe, Stonehill or Longslade receptions or Birstall Methodist church by April 14. Please include a name, school year group (or pre-school) on the back and a contact phone number. Adults are invited to email a brief description of their three favourite things and a digital photo of themselves to birstall-methodist-church@btconnect.com by April 8.

A full house It was good to see so many people at St James church on Monday evening, March 14 to see the Bishop of Leicester install the Revd Vincent Jupp as the new Rector of Birstall and Wanlip. The traditional ceremony was attended by clergy from neighbouring parishes, along with representatives of local organisations, who added their welcome to the words of the Bishop. After the formalities, the evening ended with an informal reception in the social area of the church, which gave Vince with his wife and family an opportunity to meet and be greeted by members of the congregation. Everyone wishes them a long and happy stay in the parish.

Will Easter never come?

Easter seems to be a long time coming this year: Mothering Sunday is on April 3, rather than heralded by the daffodils of March. A group from the parish are off on a five day holiday by Eurostar to Paris on April 8, which should send them back full of the joys of spring!

Events to share In the week before Easter (Holy Week) there are several events which Churches Together share and to which everyone is invited. On Tuesday April 19 at 7.45pm Cossington Voices are coming to St James again to sing ‘Olivet to Calvary’ which reflects on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ. This year the choir is singing to raise money for St Mary’s church in Sileby, which is in great need of repair.

On Wednesday 20th there is a re-enactment of the Passover Supper in the Jewish tradition, such as Jesus might have known and celebrated at the Last Supper. This meal, in the Wanlip Church and Community Centre, is now a regular feature of the life of the local churches, so if you would like take part, Mary has tickets (£6) on 2675154. Then on Good Friday, April 22, at 10am there will again be a special service on the large car-park near the roundabout, when we gather to remember Christ on the cross, with readings and hymns.

Easter celebrations will be even more joyful than usual this year, with the arrival of Vince and the return of our curate, Stephen Crofts, after a ‘term’ working in another parish. You will be very welcome at any of the services on Easter Day, at Wanlip at 6am (EasterVigil), 7am (Holy Communion) and 6pm (Festival evensong) or at the Parish Communion at 10am at St. James. A blessed and happy Easter to all!

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011 13

NHW news

& crime report Caravan Security Now the holiday season has begun caravan owners will be out and about enjoying the freedom and comfort they provide.

However, as a caravan is probably the largest purchase most people make after their home and car they are vulnerable to theft. Over 5000 touring caravans are stolen each year. The majority of caravans are stolen from storage compounds closely followed by the owners’ home address. However, caravans also can be a target for opportunist theft from lay-bys, picnic sites and motorway service areas.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of caravan theft.

All caravans have a unique 17 character VIN number marked on the chassis.

This number should be etched on the caravan’s windows and registered with the Caravan Registration and identification scheme (CRIS). It is also a good idea to mark the VIN inside the caravan in several places using a UV pen.

The caravan should be immobilised at all times when stationary. There are a number of devices available on the market from hitch locks, wheel clamps, wheel locks and alarms to tracking systems that use satellite technology. These vary in cost from £10 to several hundreds of pounds.

Take a photograph of your caravan

for identity purposes. This together with other registration documents and the serial numbers of other appliances within the caravan should be kept away from the caravan.

When leaving the caravan unattended all personal and valuable items should be removed and the curtains left open to deter thieves by showing there isn’t anything of value worth taking.

More detailed information about caravan security and the various security devices that are available on the market can be obtained from the caravan club website. www.caravanclub.co.uk Ghislaine Woods, Birstall & Wanlip NHW

Crime Report 13.2.11 to 14.3.11 Assaults 2, harassment 7, burglary 5, burglary non-dwelling 9, damage 2, damage to motor vehicle 5, drugs 3, fraud 7, public order 1, robbery 1, theft 6, theft from motor vehicle 2, theft of motor vehicle 1, theft stores 2.

Local officers have been fitted with body cameras which records evidence and has been of benefit in identifying suspects and offenders involved with antisocial behaviour and associated crime such as theft from stores.

Problem Solving Plans (PSPs) have been set up in order to tackle the ongoing ASB problems on Friday/Saturday nights on Wanlip Avenue and Gwendolin Avenue. A further PSP has been set up to combat the antisocial nuisance and inconsiderate use of motorbikes within Birstall.

An individual who has been visiting the village from out of town has been charged with four theft stores and breach of a CRASBO. From PC 2139 Richard Carruthers, PCSO 6611 Mark Butler and PCSO 6438 Stu Venables Birstall Police Office tel: 0116 2677355

Duck race in May THE THIRD annual duck race organised by The White Horse will this year be supporting a local football club.

Proceeds from the event, held on Bank Holiday Monday May 2, will go to Birstall United Juniors Football Club.

Charlotte Mills from The White Horse said: “We think it’s a very worthy cause because of what they put into the community, I didn’t realise as many as 300 kids play there.

“It’s a successful and growing club that brings kids together from across the village and we are pleased to support them.”

Mick Joinson, Chair of Birstall United Juniors Development Committee said: “The club would like to take this opportunity to thank The White Horse for considering us as this year’s beneficiaries of the duck race. The club is a big part of this community with over 300 boys and girls from the village making up its membership, and so it’s quite fitting that a village tradition like the duck race will benefit so many local kids.

“The money raised will to towards finishing the security fencing which goes around the ground. Once this security

fencing is finished, we can then press on with other improvements that we want to make to our facilities.

“The ducks are for sale in our club kitchen on Meadow Lane on Saturday mornings, and we’d like to encourage as many people as possible to buy a duck for £1 and help us make this a better club for our kids.”

This year’s event, held on the towpath at the bottom of White Horse Lane and in the pub’s garden, begins at noon on Monday May 2 with the duck race itself at 2pm. There will be cake, toy and book stalls, a bouncy castle, donkey derby, mesh-a-duck, tombola and a tuck shop.

Ducks are £1 each and are available from J Michael, Nandos, Krustys, Birstall United Juniors clubhouse and The White Horse. The first prize is £100, second £50 and third £25. There are a further seven lucky dip prizes donated by local businesses.

In 2010 The White Horse duck race raised £3000 for Birstall BAGS and in 2009 it raised funds for the Acorn Under 5s playgroup.

Tennis superheroes CAPTAIN AMERICA, three Batmen, one Wonderwoman and an escaped convict joined a Heroes and Villains fancy-dress evening of tennis at Birstall Watermead tennis club.

A total of £230 was raised for Comic Relief while members enjoyed fun sessions of floodlit tennis, a barbecue and sweepstake.

Pic: from back left: George Muller, Mark Dearden, Dave Evans and John Salisbury. Front left: Maria Hesketh and Lucy Evans

Store robberies

Planning applications

A 16 YEAR old youth has been charged following robberies in Thurmaston and Birstall.

The charges relate to a robbery on Wednesday February 16 at Mark Convenience Store on Melton Road, Thurmaston and a robbery on Thursday February 17 at Wanlip Store on Wanlip Lane, Birstall.

The youth has been charged with one count of attempt robbery, one count of robbery and two counts of possessing a firearm.

A 16 year old youth has also been arrested in connection with the robbery at Birstall and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

P/11/0627/2: 128 Stonehill Ave – erection of single storey extension to side of dwelling P/11/0570/2: 86 Elmfield Ave – erection of two storey extensions to side and rear of property P/11/0560/2: 45 Woodgate Drive – erection of 2 storey extension to side of dwelling P/11/0519/2: 74 Curzon Ave – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/11/0455/2: 9 Acacia Ave – erection of two storey side extension to property. Erection of single storey rear extension to property

14 THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

Cricket Corner

Small Ads

Coffee shop BIRSTALL METHODIST Church Coffee Shop recently celebrated its 30th birthday with a banner, balloons and a special birthday cake.

The Coffee Shop was set up by Nancy Stuart in 1981 as a place to meet for coffee, home made cakes and a chat. It is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 12noon and is staffed by volunteers.

Profits go to the three churches in the village and to various charities.

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Tel: 0777 1984806 TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by ex-BT 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 GREENHOUSE FREE to anyone who can dismantle and remove it.

Approx 1.2m x 1.7m, aluminium and glass 0116 2376372 MATHEMATICS TUITION: A Level & GCSE, Birstall based. Call 07737352932 SMALL UPRIGHT piano available free for collection. Dark polished wood, one loose key and in need of tuning. Own transport required. Tel: Martin & Jay 2677111 FOR SAFE and effective emotional support. Registered Bach Flower Practitioner and Qualified Counsellor www.nickymason.co.uk 2209294/07544765091

BIRSTALL VILLAGE Cricket Club is looking forward to a very successful 2011 season.

We have begun training at Grace Road County ground nets and the turnout has been very encouraging. This season will show a mixture of the very promising under 17’s junior team which both Dave Sharpe and Steve Findley (1st and 2nd team captains) are looking to give the opportunity to feed in to the club’s senior teams along with the more experienced players.

The 2011 season begins on Saturday April 23 for the 1st team and April 30 for the 2nd team, with the first home game being on Saturday May 7. The club has had the privilege to have fantastic support from the local community and we encourage any interested people to come and have a drink and watch some cricket, it never fails to be entertaining!

The club is still encouraging any interested cricketers to contact Dave Sharpe (senior players) on 07527 186705 or Hamish Carnan (junior players) on 07812 791322.

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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.

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Breastfeeding support JAY FIELD from Birstall took part with eight other women from Charnwood in the La Leche League Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Programme.

It aims to provide support to mums who are breastfeeding and giving information to pregnant women about feeding their babies.

The course covers the practicalities and health benefits of breastfeeding as well as

using local Home Start leaders to cover issues such as confidentiality and communication skills.

Angie Bell, a Charnwood Health Visitor and one of the course administrators said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have facilitated in the growth of this exceptional group of women, from willing volunteers to skilled peer supporters. And I’m

Birstall Post changes THE BIRSTALL POST is now published in colour and at a new size.

Jerry Jackson, Editor of The Birstall Post said: “I hope readers will enjoy the new look Birstall Post. The changes have been made so we can continue to attract advertising and compete in a competitive market place. There are a lot of adverts on the front page while we honour existing orders but readers will see this reduce from June.”

He added: “The Birstall Post welcomes contributions from readers. You can send us details of a community event such as a rummage sale, fete or coffee morning for free publication on our ‘Noticeboard’ page. Or send items of news. We’re interested in everything club and society news, prize winners, charity events, church news, complaints, praise, new projects, new facilities, trips, sport, crime, anything that concerns or interests you.

“Send us a letter for our letters page, we welcome letters on any issue, local or national, or send photos - we particularly welcome old photographs giving an insight into local history.”

Sister papers The Rothley Post and the Mountsorrel Post are also in colour and the same format as The Birstall Post. editor@birstallpost.co.uk

HALF PINTS Childminders

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Pic: Jay Field & the Mayor of Charnwood

confident that they will offer invaluable support to new parents within Charnwood.”

Jay and the latest group of volunteers join 20 other women, including Vicky Kerr from Cropston, who have trained over the last two years and are now out and about in Charnwood supporting mums at breast feeding cafes, hospitals and Sure Start Centres. They are also planning antenatal breastfeeding workshops and feeding related talks, starting some involvement with teen mums and much more besides.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Jin Vincent, a strong supporter of breastfeeding, presented the new volunteers with their certificates at a ceremony at Shelthorpe Children’s Centre in Loughborough..

Contact the Charnwood BRAS (Breastfeeding Reasssurance and Support) via their website www.charnwoodbras.co.uk or through your health visitor or midwife.

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011 15

strong condemnation of that guidance from patient and professional groups.

A spokesman for the Alzheimer's Society said: “It is excellent news that the right decision has finally been set in

An estimated one million people have given up work to care for someone and Pensions Minister Steve Webb wants ‘hidden’ carers who could be eligible for Carer’s Credit to benefit.

Steve Webb said: “It’s natural that people caring for a loved one often forget about their own needs and thoughts about the future are pushed to one side.

But this is a very simple way for carers to protect their State Pension and I urge people to find out more by visiting the Directgov website or by calling the Carer’s Allowance Unit.”

People giving up their time for 20 hours or more a week to provide unpaid care for a loved one, who are not already claiming Carer’s Allowance, could qualify.

There are currently less than 1,000 people getting Carer’s Credit. The Government and Carers UK are calling for people to help identify hidden carers and encourage more people to ensure they are claiming all they are entitled to.

Many people looking after an elderly parent, ill spouse or disabled child do not think of themselves as carers. In fact, according to research from Carers UK the majority of people who care for relatives take over a year to realise that they have become a carer Footnote: 2.

But if you are giving up time to cook, clean, shop or provide personal care, unpaid, for someone you could be entitled to Carer’s Credit.

Carers UK Chief Executive Imelda Redmond CBE, said: "If you give up work to care for someone who is close to you who is ill or disabled, often the last thing on your mind is planning for your pension. But it is vital that carers check that they are claiming the right benefits or credits to ensure that they will get their full State Pension in retirement."

Carer’s Credit is not a cash sum now but means that a carer’s financial future can be protected. It credits a person’s National Insurance record for the time they are caring, helping them to build up their State Pension.

Alzheimer’s drugs to be made available to all The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) released its final guidance on four Alzheimer’s drugs in March 2011.

The guidance means the drugs Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl will be available on prescription to people in the early and moderate stages of Alzheimer's and Ebixa will be available to people in the late stages. PCTs must now ensure they are providing funding for the drugs by June 2011.

This final decision was preceded by draft guidance and final draft guidance which both recommended the same outcome. It represents a reversal of the position which was in place since 2007 which limited access to drugs to only people in moderate stages. There was

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INFO

Older workers statistical information booklet This report published by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) presents key data on older workers’ employment, labour market participation and developments. It is based on Labour Force Survey data for United Kingdom (Quarter 2, 2010).

Key findings There are 21.0 million people aged 50 and over in the United Kingdom. Of these 11.2 million are aged between 50 and 64, accounting for 28.0% of people age 16-64.

64.5% of those aged 50-64 are in employment. This is lower than the employment rate for people aged 25 to 49 (80.0%) but higher than for those age 16-24 (50.9%).

Over the last two years, workers aged 50-64 have been negatively affected by the recession. There has been a 1.1 percentage point drop in the employment rate and a 1.9 percentage point rise in the ILO unemployment rate.

ILO unemployment is lower amongst those aged 50-64 (4.9%) compared to those younger than 50 (8.9%).

People aged 50-64 are more likely to be long-term unemployed. 44.0% of those unemployed aged 50-64 have been unemployed for longer than one year, compared with 30.6% of those under 50 Older workers are more likely to work part-time than their younger counter parts. 28.1% of those in work aged 50-64 compared with 21.9% for 25-49 year olds.

People aged 50-64 have spent on average 13.7 years in their current employment, compared with those below 50 with an average of 6.3 years.

The 50-64 group have a high number of people with no qualifications. 17.7% of those aged 50-64 report themselves as having no qualifications, compared with 8.6% of those under 50.

Inactivity rates of those age 50-64 are higher then that of those below 50.

32.2% of the 50-64 age group are inactive compared to 20.4% of those below 50.

Of those claiming Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) 48.5% are aged 50 or over.

The Older Workers statistical information booklet is published by DWP in fulfilment of a Government’s commitment to publish information on employment statistics on older people. A copy of the report can be downloaded from the Department’s research website at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rport s2011-2012/owsib2010.pdf Quarter of a million carers missing out on new State Pension protection A quarter of a million people caring for an ill or disabled friend or relative could be missing out on a top up that protects their basic and second State Pensions in later life.

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stone. These drugs can make a real difference to the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of people with Alzheimer's.

While they don't work for everyone, this guidance means that for the first time, everyone diagnosed with this disease should be given the choice of finding out if the drugs are effective for them.

“It is now vital that all PCTs make the necessary changes to ensure these treatments are available. This will then hopefully encourage more people to go to their GP meaning diagnosis rates will improve and more people will have access to the care and support they so desperately need.”

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BIRSTALL’S PREMIER TREE SERVICE Just like the rest of your property, have you considered your trees require a little maintenance from time to time?

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Abbeyfield Birstall & Wanlip Offer supported Sheltered Accommodation to the over 55s Meals & 24 hour lifeline provided

Our friendly staff will be pleased to show you around and advise about any financial support you may be entitled to.

Abbeyfield is affordable to all Guest stays available at £25 per night inclusive of meals For further information please contact:

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

16 THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2011

The Birstall BAGS Cancer Corner

TUES 12 BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING CLUB. AGM followed by Songs for Summer. Nigel Slater. 7.30pm, Rothley Centre THURS 14 BIRSTALL & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

John Merrick. The Elephant Man. Peter Cousins.

7.30pm. Birstall Village Hall WED 27 BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB Di Smith. Ancient & Modern. Birstall Village Hall, 7.15pm

Food & train rides

Church open ST JAMES Church on Church Hill is open every Saturday morning from 10am until 12noon A spokesman for the church said: “Whether you want to come for peace and quiet, to light a candle and pray, or just to look round the historic building, you will be very welcome.”

Continued from page 1 council officers will make the final decision on which of the three artists is chosen. The artwork will be installed by June 2011.

The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 30.

The copy deadline is Apr 15.

SPECTACULAR STEAM engines and mouth-watering food will be on the menu at a museum event next month.

Abbey Pumping Station museum will host its third annual Steam and Food Fayre on Sunday April 17 from 1-5pm.

Popular attractions including steam train rides and the massive steam-powered pumping engines will be in operation, and visitors can also sample delicious home-made food from the museum’s LMTA tea room.

The emphasis of this year’s event is on creating tasty and interesting food on a budget, and will include hints and tips on how to transform leftovers into tasty meals, as well as featuring a Ministry of Food exhibition highlighting the sometimes bizarre recipe ideas people were encouraged to make during wartime rationing. www.leicester.gov.uk/museums Abbey Pumping Station, Corporation Road, Leicester

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and knowing the symptoms of Bowel Cancer could save your life.

Early diagnosis really does save lives.

Bowel Cancer: The Facts Bowel Cancer is the UK’s 2nd biggest cancer killer –BUT IT SHOULDNT BE! If diagnosed early it is VERY TREATABLE. Symptoms of bowel cancer: • Bleeding from the bottom and/or blood in your poo • A change in bowel habit lasting 4 weeks or more • Unexplained weight loss • Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason • A pain or a lump in your abdomen (tummy) You might experience one, some, all of the above or no symptoms at all. Remember most symptoms will not be bowel cancer.

Reduce Your Risk A few simple lifestyle changes can help you to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.

• Know the symptoms of bowel cancer • Get to know your bowel pattern, know what's normal for you • Keep to a healthy weight through regular exercise • Eat a diet high in fibre, including at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables every day • Avoid processed meat • limit red meat to no more than 500g per week • Do not drink too much alcohol.

• Don't smoke • Be aware of your bowel cancer family history.

• Take part in Bowel Cancer Screening More than 38,600 men and women are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year. If diagnosed at the earliest stage, bowel cancer is highly treatable.

The bowel is part of our digestive system. Food passes from the stomach to the small bowel. After the small bowel takes nutrients into the body, any undigested food passes through the large bowel, where water is removed from the waste

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For further information about Bowel Cancer contact Bowel Cancer UK on 0800 8 40 35 40 or the University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189.

To reflect the interest and support of the local community Birstall BAG's now seeks to be inclusive of all cancers and the group welcome villagers to support the many events they organise each year within the local community. For more information on forthcoming events look at our website www.birstallbags.co.uk

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matter. This waste matter is held in the rectum (back passage) until it leaves the body as bowel motions (also known as stools or faeces).

Nearly all bowel cancers develop in the large bowel – two-thirds of these are in the colon and one-third in the rectum. Bowel cancer is also referred to as colorectal or colon cancer.

Although the exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk. Age, family history, an inactive lifestyle and a poor diet, high intake of red and processed meat, smoking and excess alcohol and people with diabetes, a history of Crohn’s disease in the large bowel, or ulcerative colitis, or who have had previous polyps removed, may also be at an increased risk Bowel Cancer Screening If you are aged 60-69 in England, Wales and parts of Northern Ireland, or 50-74 in Scotland, and you are registered with a GP you will receive a letter, a leaflet explaining the test, and a home testing kit in the post.

In some areas in England screening includes people up to 75 years old. People over the age of 70, regardless of where they live, can request a kit by calling 0800 707 6060.

The kit tests for faecal occult blood (blood hidden in poo). It does not diagnose cancer. If blood is found in the sample you will be invited for more tests.

Blood in poo does not always mean cancer.

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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 www.birstallpost.co.uk