the Birstall post Y O U R
C O M M U N I T Y
AUGUST 2011
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HUGE EGGS oozing with blue slime and inside a giant nest intrigued the children at Highcliffe Primary school when they arrived one Friday morning in July. Discovered beneath a bush in the school playground and protected by police officers and crime scene tape, the children were invited to speculate on what they were and sent off to look for clues in the school grounds. The day was planned as part of an initiative called ‘Everybody Writes’, to stimulate creative writing. Assistant Headteacher Katherine Renshaw said: “There was excellent work
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Pic: Investigating the eggs are Rachael Godfrey, Isobel North, Charlie Simsand William Bywater with PCSO Mark Butler
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Continued from page 1 happening across the school including model making, trap setting, designing warning posters, scientific investigations and children being reporters. “The whole school was alive with a buzz of excitement, enthusiasm and creativity!” At 2.30pm the whole school were summoned to an emergency assembly, where Assistant Headteacher Mr Fisher was revealed, caught on camera sneakily placing the eggs and nest early that morning. Katherine said: “All the children and staff had an unforgettable day, with comments such as “this is the best day at school .…ever!” I would like to say a big thank you to PC Paul Williams and PCSO Mark Butler for coming to help us on their day off. They were brilliant in making the whole day seem real. Also to all the staff who helped to make the day not only believable, but very successful. “It will be a day that is remembered for a very long time, the children are still talking about it now!”
The September issue of
THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sept 2. The copy deadline is Aug 19.
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Park & ride heavily subsidised BIRSTALL’S NEW park and ride site opened in July. The £5.5million facility will link up with the Enderby to Leicester park and ride and the two services together will cost £830,000 annually to run. Concerns are being expressed that the level of subsidy required to keep the service going cannot be maintained. In the last financial year, the service brought in an income of £212,000 which resulted in the County and City Councils each having to provide £309,000 to make up the shortfall. This exceeded each council’s estimated allocation that they had each budgeted: £70,000. The level of subsidy that is required is a reflection of both national and regional government’s determination to reduce both car journeys and carbon emissions. Pic:(front, l-r) Asst Director of Transportation at Leicestershire County Council Ian Drummond, Asst City Mayor Ted Cassidy, Lesley Pendleton and Director of Planning & Regeneration Jeff Miller In July, the government awarded “walking training” and Leicester City Council £4.41million to “travel guidance”. invest in sustainable travel across the While there is no sign city. The city council successfully bid for a share of the government’s £560million of the levels of government subsidy for sustainaLocal Sustainable Transport Fund, deble transport declining, signed to support measures that reduce the County have said that congestion, cut carbon emissions and improve health and environmental stand- linking the Birstall park and ride with Enderby will ards. reduce costs,. They have The City Council’s bid document exalso removed Leicester plains how it aims to “nudge existing Royal Infirmary and De employees and new employees to travel Montfort University from by bus, walk and cycle” and that one the route to save money. use of the bid money will be employing To break even, a total coaches to provide “adult cycle training”, Pic: inside the terminal building of 36,550 cars need to use the Enderby and Birstall park and This is available from 9am Mon-Fri and ride site every month. The latest all day on Saturday. The group will need figures show about 8500 have to arrive in one car, as the group ticket been using the Enderby site each is required to exit the car park through month. the barrier • The standard fare for a re• Service details : turn ticket to Leicester from www.quicksilverbus.co.uk Birstall park and ride is £3. • A group of up to five people can pay £3.50 for a group ticket.
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
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Football club’s Guides’ scarecrow creations £5000 grant for new teams A LOCAL junior football club has received a grant of £5000. Birstall United Juniors FC are celebrating the news that they will receive a Grow the Game grant of £5000 from the Football Foundation towards developing new
Pic: Mary Rudkin from the Leics and Rutland County FA presents the cheque to Jim Lennon, Club Secretary (left) and Mick Joinson, Club Welfare Officer
GIRL GUIDING Birstall organised a ‘Scarecrow Festival’ at Belgrave Hall museum in July. Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite scarecrow at the event, which also featured stalls, refreshments, children’s crafts and activities and a campfire singsong. The scarecrow winners were: Happiest – Acorn U5s Preschool, Birstall; Funniest – Pelican Patrol, 1st Birstall Guides; Best Dressed – 2nd Birstall Guides. The overall winner was ‘The Only Way is Birstall’ made by 2nd Birstall Guides. Pics: (top) Guides Hannah, Emily & Emma with their prize winning scarecrow and, below, some of the other imaginative creations
football teams. The grant will help fund a new inclusive football team which will allow boys and girls aged 8-18 with a learning, physical, sensory or special needs disability the chance to play footover £520m. ball. The club will also be able to offer Players are invited to the Club’s more girls the chance to become part of a new team within what is already a ‘Come and Try’ sessions on Thursdays 7th Charter Standard football club. The wid& 12th July from 6-7.30pm at their Lakeer community will also benefit through side Meadows Sports Ground, Meadow increased opportunities to volunteer Lane in Birstall. Players will have the alongside the current coaching staff. chance to meet the coaches and join in Volunteering is an opportunity to gain fun skills and games of football. new qualifications and at the same time If you would like more information give something back to the local commu- regarding Inclusive Football at Birstall nity. United FC or would like to register to Mick Joinson, Under 16s coach and attend the ‘Come and Try Football SesWelfare Officer at Birstall United JFC, sions’ please contact Mick Joinson at said: “Birstall United JFC is extremely Birstall United Juniors FC on proud of its achievement in obtaining 07989115656. this grant and we are extremely grateful to the Football Foundation who continue to help the grassroots, and also Leicestershire and Rutland County FA for their help and support. “Football crosses many barriers and this funding from the Football Foundation will allow us to develop and nurture the talent and skills of young people with physical or learning disabilities who have not been catered for within the club before. We will offer these children not only skills but a confidence and energy they can use both off and on the pitch.” Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Credit should go to Birstall United Juniors FC and the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA for securing this Grow the Game funding. The Foundation’s Grow the Game grant scheme is giving crucial financial support to grass roots clubs across the country, enabling them to provide new footballing opportunities for boys and girls of all ages, and significantly increases football participation.” Funded by the Premier League, The FA, and the Government via Sport England, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity. Since it was launched in 2000, the Foundation has awarded around 8,000 grants worth more than £420m towards improving grassroots sport, which it has used to attract additional partnership funding of
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Regular Yoga Classes restart in the following two locations Mountsorrel Mountsorrel Memorial Hall on Tuesday 6th September 2011 from 7-9pm Woodhouse Eaves St. Paul's School and Community Centre, Meadow Road on Wednesday7th September 2011 from 7-9pm. These classes are aimed at enabling you to incorporate Yoga into your everyday life and are facilitated by a teacher holding qualifications in both Yoga and the teaching of adults. Both of these classes are suitable for all levels of ability, this includes people who have not practised yoga before, and you can join these classes at any time in the programme. Come and join in, learn a new skill and enjoy the process. For more information either email or phone me on , my name is Moira
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Country Park run 230 RUNNERS took part in a charity run at Watermead Country Park. Organised by the Wreake Valley Rotary Club, the event was sponsored by Guardian Security with profits going to the Leicester branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. A spokesperson for the club said: “We have already set a date for next year, Wednesday July 11, and we hope we can see the numbers increase again. Many runners like this
course as it is flat and so helps them see their personal best timings. A big thanks to all those who took part in particular the members of the Birstall Youth Café who ran the water station and also a BBQ afterwards raising funds for their club.” The winners were: 5 miles Ashley Sabin (25.41) & Jenni Muston (30.55); 3 miles, Will Terry (19.32), Linda Young (21.45)
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Birstall litter blitzed AN ARMY of 200 students descended on Birstall on a major litter pick last month, with a little help from Charnwood Borough Council. Students from Longslade Community College deployed their Big Tidy up operation on Wednesday, July 13, targeting Sibson Road, Wanlip Lane, the Meadow Lane skate park, Greengate Lane and Birstall’s playing fields. It was a part of the students’ citizenship course and they were armed with an array of eco-weapons such as litter pickers and bags provided by Charnwood Borough Council’s waste education team. Jason Smith, Assistant Principal at Longslade Community College, said: “This day is a part of our ongoing commitment to educating young people about the importance of our local com-
munity and looking after the environment. Students are excited about doing some voluntary work in the village to thank our neighbours who provide so much support for the College” And Year 10 student James Cooper said: “I am very surprised and excited that our work is going to make a major contribution to cleaning up Longslade and the community.” Do you know an environmental offender or want to report an incident? Call 01509 634564 or email cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk Pic: Longslade students picked up litter at the Harrowgate Drive playing field.
Party for Donna A POPULAR worker at a Birstall nursery was praised by parents, staff and children at a special celebration party. Birstall Rainbow Nursery on Wanlip Lane organised the party for Donna Nuttall, who has worked there for 10 years and is now the Senior Nursery Officer. Paula Wright, Nursery Manager, said: “Donna is very caring and loving towards the children and is always there to listen and give lots of cuddles. She ensures the children are always busy playing, learning and having fun.” Parent Hollie Slawson said: “Donna was my daughter Laila’s very first teacher at the nursery and is very lovely and friendly and helped Laila settle in very well.” Donna (27), who lives in Birstall, said:
“I enjoyed my party, it was lovely to see the parents and children having fun. I have loved working at Rainbows, it’s like one big family and I’ve made many good friends and look forward to making many more in the years to come.” Pic: Donna at her party(left) and outside the nursery with some of the children
THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Friends set off on epic ride TWO FRIENDS will set off on a 122 mile ride along the Pennine bridleway this September, raising money for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Cara Parbery (38) from Rosetree Avenue and Jude Thomas (33) from Stanton Under Bardon will be spending 7-8 hours a day in the saddle, taking six days to cover the 122 mile route. Cara said: “We’ll be mostly camping
Bike park overhaul LEICESTER’S TOWN Hall square bike park is undergoing a £150,000 refurbishment. Once completed, the bike park will have more space, improved lockers, shower facilities and cycle maintenance services. The number of people cycling in Leicester has doubled in the last five years, say the City Council, and around 150 people park their cycles at the bike park each day. While the refurbishment is underway temporary secure bike parking is being provided free of charge at the former Central Lending Library on Belvoir Street.
overnight although we have one night of comfort in a B&B. The biggest challenge will be living without my creature comforts for a week! “The terrain at times will be quite difficult as much of it is mountainous and moorland, which will be tough going for the horses.” Both Cara and Jude are experienced riders and own their own horses. Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby and both Cara and Jude have suffered such a loss: Cara’s grandson Kyle and Jude’s son Henry, who lived just 21 hours. Jude said: “After losing Henry we felt extremely isolated and desperately sad. Our whole world fell apart. Although family and friends were very supportive, it was hard for them to understand our loss. We contacted our local branch of Sands and the phone was answered by a bereaved parent who understood everything we were feeling. Through them we have been put in touch with a network of other bereaved parents who still want to listen when it feels like everyone else has moved on. It is hard to imagine where my and my husband would be now without the support of Sands.” To support Cara and Jude’s fundraising go to www.justgiving.com/Kyle-andHenry Follow their journey at: http://caraandjude.blinkweb.com/ Sands website is: www.uk-sands.org Pic: Cara Parbery (right) with horse Oshie and Jude Thomas with Lime
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Celebrating 60 years LESLIE AND Jean Gale celebrated 60 years of marriage on June 30. The couple, from Lawn Avenue, are shown here celebrating with a family meal at the White Horse in Birstall. Les is a familiar face in the Birstall Men’s Pantomime, playing the part of the Dame for the last few decades. The couple received a card from the Queen, and are looking forward to a short break in Scarborough with the whole family later in the year.
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Village schools tackle bullying STONEHILL AND Longslade are among 17 county schools who have received awards for the work they have done to tackle and prevent bullying. Staff and students attended a ceremo- port schemes in their schools and involving parents and school governors in ny at Beaumanor Hall in Woodhouse to anti-bullying work. receive their ‘Beyond Bullying’ awards. Beyond Bullying is a new pilot initiaEach of the winning schools has tive run by Leicestershire County Coundemonstrated good practice across a range of areas from teaching about bully- cil’s anti-bullying team. Early feedback from schools says they ing, listening to pupils’ views, providing have developed and improved their antia range of support and demonstrating bullying work over the year, working the commitment of the whole school to more closely with both students and anti-bullying. parents. Sue Bosley, Leicestershire CounThe work they have done includes ty Council’s anti-bullying manager, said: supporting students to develop child “Bullying can have such a devastating friendly versions of their school antiimpact on people’s lives. I’m delighted bullying policy, producing a school antito see schools putting in so much hard bullying charter, developing peer supwork to address the issue and they fully deserve their awards.” The September issue of As well as receiving their anti-bullying THE BIRSTALL POST awards each of the schools has also will be published on Sept 2. achieved enhanced healthy schools staThe copy deadline is Aug 19. tus.
Striking sculpture in country park A NEW piece of public art has been installed at Watermead Country Park to celebrate Sustrans’ Connect2 scheme. Children from Tangent House Day ers, parents with buggies and people Nursery unveiled the sculpture, a porwith mobility difficulties. trait bench depicting two bronze age Leicestershire County Council and people and an Aurochs, an extinct wild Sustrans have worked together to install ox. new on and off carriageway cycleways The figures for the bench were cholinking Thurmaston, Syston and the city sen following a public vote and beat off via Watermead with Longslade Communiother suggestions for which local heroes ty College and Stonehill High School in should be immortalised in the piece. Birstall. Wider pavements and improved Ideas put forward had included naturalcrossing points have also been installed ist David Attenborough, transport pioalong Wanlip Lane. neer Thomas Cook and rugby world cup Watermead’s Connect2 project is a winner Martin Johnson. £1.4million scheme. It is part of SusThe bench has been installed at the trans’ nationwide Connect2 scheme Thurmaston end of the park which is which won £50m from the Big Lottery managed by the County Council. It is Fund in 2007. part of a national art initiative from Matthew Easter, Sustrans’ Regional Sustrans which is adorning a series of Director for the East Midlands, said: new everyday walking and cycling routes “It’s great to see the portrait bench inin communities across the UK and is stalled, adding some extra intrigue to the funded thanks to a lottery grant. route while also providing an insight The installation of the bench also ties into Leicestershire’s history. in with the completion of two projects Pic: Lesley Pendleton with Erin Holmwithin Connect2 to improve access and es (3, left), Jessica Protheroe (3) links to Watermead for cyclists and walk- and James Lowe from Sustrans
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
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Engineering course TWO STUDENTS at Longslade College enjoyed a unique learning experience at the University of Portsmouth. Jake Pitchers (15) and Jack Smith (14) attended a four day residential course, sponsored by the university, which gave the students a valuable insight into the field of electronic engineering. During the course 14 and 15 year old students took part in ‘solder-andkeep’ workshops and gained hands-on experience of electronics by designing
and building circuits. The main objective of the course was to inspire and encourage young students to consider a career in electronics. Jake said: “I gained a really positive insight into the world of Electronic Engineering” and Jack added: “I really enjoyed the course and found it very helpful in thinking about my career choices.” Pic: Jake Pitchers and Jack Smith
New centre ready
A NEW Community Centre on the edge of Birstall is expected to open later this year.
Playgroup’s end of year party RAINBOW CO-OP Pre-school Playgroup had a ‘fun in the sun’ session with all the children and their families, to celebrate the end of a great year. The staff said farewell and good luck to children leaving for primary school and several tears were shed. Leader Julie Parker said: “A big thank you to our committee of parents and to Karen and Raminda for the support and encouragement given to the group by the Co-op Member Relations Team”. The nursery also celebrated their recent Ofsted inspection which rated the setting as good overall, and out-
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standing in the extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning and develop skills for the future. Julie added: “We look forward to returning in the Autumn term. If you have a child aged 2 years or over and are looking for a small and friendly educational environment with an emphasis on fun, then please contact me on 0779360612. There is a warm welcome awaiting you!”
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The £1.7million Greenacres Centre, next to the GCR Birstall station on Redhill Way, is owned by Leicester City Council. A spokesman for the Council said: “There were delays in completing the works needed to the building owing to the contractor going into liquidation. Delays were also caused by the installation of an electricity sub-station. “However, the work is now nearing completion and the council is in the process of agreeing a lease with a potential new tenant. “There is still some work to be done
before we can announce details of the new tenant, but our aim is for the building to be completed and the lease finalised by the end of August.” When first planned, the building was to include a café, arts and crafts spaces, conference rooms, a shop, computer rooms and a pet centre. It was scheduled to open in 2008 but the not-forprofit company building it, Chaos Enterprises, went bust and it was taken over by the City Council
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 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
Sahara trip I have signed up to take part in the Sahara Adventure Challenge for The Prince's Trust in November 2011, aiming to raise over £3,300 to help change the lives of disadvantaged young people for the better. This is going to be an extreme physical and mental challenge for me. I will be pushed to my limits; trekking, running and biking 140km in 5 days across the Moroccan Sahara in extremes of temperature. For more information go to www.princestrust.org.uk/sahara. I really want to raise as much as I possibly can to support the vital work of The Prince's Trust, so all contributions are very much appreciated. Donating on my fundraising page is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also
the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Prince's Trust gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, can be added to your donation at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you so much for your support! The total raised for my race night on June 24 was £450. This will be going to the Prince’s Trust. The organisations that donated were: Davies and Greenwood; Baines Fish and Chips; Notions; Birstall Jewellers; Birstall Garden Centre; The Posey Bowl; Flint; The Fresh Approach; Anstey Driving Lessons; Birstall Pet Supplies; Shoe City and Ross Butchers A special thanks to The Earl of Stamford where the night was held and Soar Valley race nights. Zoe Atkins
Tesco vouchers This year, Longslade Community College has been able to order another computer - their 6th to date - and a Canon A4 Flatbed Scanner for their Learning and Information Centre, with 648 vouchers banked for next year. The total collection this year was 14,162 a wonderful achievement and your contributions of vouchers have been invaluable, once again. The equipment on order will add to their tally to date of two printers, digital camera, sensor equipment for scientific experiments, software, portable external hard drive, portable interactive whiteboard and replacement pens for existing whiteboards. Good news all round! Sheila Beatty, Longslade
Woodlands Day Nursery is proud to announce that we have been awarded an Outstanding rating by Ofsted in all 17 standards.
Toilet troubles
Constant mess
What do you do when you want to use a loo In an English Birstall Village You pull down your pants and cultivate the plants In the English Birstall Village Please have a care when there isn’t one there You will have to beg my pardon As I will, you can be sure, I shall be using the floor In the English Birstall Village
So, who is responsible for Hallam Fields/Bridge Green? I wrote a few weeks ago about the constant dog mess and general rubbish along Bridge Green (Jelson’s Hallam Fields Estate), at the same time I wrote to Charnwood Borough Council regarding the issue. The response from Charnwood Borough Council was that as the area is yet to be adopted by the council responsibility lies with Jelsons and the council “could do nothing”. I have written to Jelsons regarding this This is an urgent request. Please matter on more than one occasion but to Parish Council, do something, there are date have received no reply. far more older people who really do I assume, therefore, that it will continhave a problem. The toilets in Stonehill were a blessing to us and they were kept ue to be left to responsible people like myself to keep on picking up rubbish beautiful and clean. Why have they been thrown down by others, am I then able forced to close? to take the full bags of rubbish to JelMrs Harrison son’s Head Office and leave it on their doorstep, or just tip it over the fence onto the building site? Many thanks to the gentleman who I can guarantee that if all this rubbish stopped when I flagged him down in was outside Jelson’s show house then it would soon disappear! These days it School Lane Birstall on Friday 8th about seems that it is always someone else’s 1pm, my car had started to feel strange responsibility! and I pulled over to have a look only to Hallam Fields Resident find a flat back tyre, the weather was a bit grim and I had forgotten my mobile! After a few moments a car came from What has Carl Gunns have to do to the A6 direction and the gentleman got get the recognition he deserves here in out of his car, confirmed my tyre was Birstall? This man has done so much for flat and promptly found the spare and the village that I feel he has been igchanged it, the flat went back into the nored by Birstall people. He has won car and my good Samaritan went on his way. I managed to get his name as ‘Glyn’ every award going all over Charnwood so once again many thanks Glyn for your and throughout England. My advice to Carl is to take your gym elsewhere. kindness on that Friday. M Hymann Thankfully, Ann Harvey
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This fantastic accolade is a real testament to our hard work, high standards and commitment to our children and their families. We look forward to meeting you to discuss your childcare needs. 1 Park Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3AX • 0116 2675427 • woodlandsdaynursery@live.co.uk
THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Fire At 0800 on Sibson Road, on Thursday June 30, our neighbour Colin noticed smoke coming out from under our garage door. He awoke me and my son so that we were able to call the fire brigade at an early stage and limit the damage. I am writing to thank all my neighbours and all those passing by that helped. We had neighbours, including Harry from Allens family, helping to put out the fire and Bernie making drinks and toast for the fire brigade. There were also passers by, complete strangers to me, who helped to put out the fire and direct traffic. I don’t know who you are but thank you so much for taking time to help. It was really appreciated and I am sorry I couldn’t thank you all personally. Elise James
Starlight stars Over the last few years I have been fortunate to watch numerous summer and winter shows of both musicals and dance routines performed by students of the Starlight Theatre School. Essentially this was a Birstall based group but nowadays students come from all areas. My interest was and in fact still is, watching my granddaughter and her friends develop from those tiny tots doing their ‘Chick Chick Chicken’ and ‘A Hugging and a Kissing with Fred’ routines, progressing into their teens and becoming sophisticated and mature performers. For many years these concerts were held at Babington College but recently have moved to the Peepul Centre with better lighting, better sound and a bigger stage. This year’s summer show utilised all those assets to the full. It was an absolute knock-out, how do they all remember those various moves and routines, the timing, the portrayal of the music. Yes, it was first class, to cap it all a finale by two of the leading lights ‘Sophie and Lillie’ performing together for the last time before moving to pastures new. Was there a dry eye in the audience as they danced and swayed – finally coming together in an emotional embrace as the final curtain came down. Congratulations to everyone involved, roll on the Christmas show. K A Miller
Toilet or fireworks?
Good service
Bus shelter
Two OAPs who desperately needed a toilet on Thursday June 30 found there was no toilet in Birstall open. So what does one do in that predicament? The embarrassment – what do the people do, who are desperate to use the loo, especially the oldies, we can’t hold it for long? By the way, the fireworks that cost goodness knows what, could that money have maintained a toilet? Desperate OAP of 47 years in Birstall
I am writing as I would like to thank one of your advertisers, John Hoskins of Birstall, from Midlands Window Installations Ltd. I would like to thank them for their kind and excellent service, prompt attention and very pleasant disposition at all times – nothing was too much trouble. I must say that it was a pleasure to deal with him. I can fully recommend the work he did for me. Wishing him continued success with his business. Mrs I M Patrick
Thank you to Mr. Blackburn for his reply to my letter concerning the shelter on School Lane. I don't expect Mr Blackburn travels by bus, so probably would not know how useful a shelter is during inclement weather. Consisting, as it did, of four poles and a roof, it was never a target for graffiti there was nowhere to put it, unlike other structures, junction boxes and shop fronts in the village. Will nothing ever be built in Birstall again because of the risk of graffiti? I find this rather a defeatist attitude. The only vandalism that occurred to it
Invisible Can you or anyone tell me why Carl Gunns who has done so much charity work in this village, has not had the accolade he deserves here in Birstall. Every year it’s always other people that get recognised but never Carl, is he invisible? Birstall people do not deserve this man or his gym. Ex Birstall resident now living in Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray
Rolls Royce
The Rolls Royce Retired Employees Association was founded on February 23, 1951. The aim of the Association was “to provide social intercourse by means of concerts, outings and exhibitions of arts and crafts etc to give Rolls Royce Employees an interest following their retirement”. This aim still holds good today with concerts at the Rolls Royce Leisure complex on Moor Lane in Derby outings this year to date to Woburn Abbey, Llangollen, Port Sunlight, Marsh Farm, Love Never Dies and trips planned to Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Llandudno and Bruges. One of the highlights of this year will be a “Last Night of the Proms” on October 21 at Rolls Royce in Derby: watch the press for more details. With many ex-employees living in the Regarding the reports that Charnwood Loughborough area who worked at the are cracking down on pavement parking: Mountsorrel factory until its closure in are these £50 fines going to offset the 1994 and many people being transferred £5.5million White Elephant that they have to Derby and Hucknall the Association is carefully labelled Birstall Park and Ride? keen to encourage new members from I see it will be linked to the Enderby this area. Park and Ride - what a pity nobody told We hold a monthly get together at them that scheme was closing down! Rolls Royce Leisure on the second TuesLook, nobody can disagree that paveday of each month at 1pm where you ment parking is illegal and can be dangercan meet up with ex workmates and ous, HOWEVER, look and drive down many enjoy a drink and a reasonably priced of the streets in Birstall and you will realise light meal. that many of them would be impassible if Anyone interested can contact me on we DIDN'T park on the pavement. Are we 0116 2106917 or by email: to wait until an Emergency Vehicle is unapatrick.neal7@ntlworld.com ble to attend a serious incident before Patrick Neal someone realises the daftness of enforcing
Parking
this law. And forget about buses and delivery lorries getting through - they've got no chance if we all park ‘off the pavement’. The problem is not ‘parking on the pavement’, it is ‘thoughtless parking on the pavement’ that causes difficulty. The vast majority of pavement parkers do so in a sensible manner that allows both passage of vehicles and pedestrians (prams etc included), it is just the odd few who (whether parking or no) either couldn't give a toss for their fellow men or are too stupid to work out the result of their thoughtlessness. We don't need Wardens mindlessly slapping tickets on cars that are partly on pavements, what we need are thoughtful Wardens slapping tickets on thoughtless idiots. Harry
9
Christian Aid Thanks to the generosity of the people of Birstall and Wanlip we have raised £3102 during Christian Aid week this year. This has only been possible with the unending support of those who gave up their time to collect envelopes, arrange coffee mornings and help with the huge task or organising the house to house collections. Thanks also to local businesses – Ruby Tuesdays and The Lambourne Café – who kindly donated much appreciated raffle prizes. Joanne Oates
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Continued from page 9 was when it was removed. I realise that a simple shelter is not a high cost, 'high-vis' prestigious project like the Park and Ride, offering photo opportunities and perhaps the odd meeting and lunch at County Hall, but just 4 new sturdy poles and a roof would make life so much more comfortable for everybody who uses the seat. It surely would not cost more than a few hundred pounds, if that, which pales into insignificance against the Pavilion extension at £64,000; Skate park at £65,500; Games area at £27,500 and the Park and Ride at £5.5 million. Just as an aside, what, pray, is a 'games area' that has to cost £27,500? I am not really interested in which council has ‘responsibility’ for shelters, just as long as there is one provided, and hopefully before autumn/winter (this year). Just four poles and a roof - nothing fancy! To quote Anthony Aloysius Hancock: “I pays me rates and I knows me rights!” K. Leigh Reid
he ever won Volunteer of the Year in this village, he wins every other award all over the country. Douglas Walsh
Drab?
I have to say that I agree with what A Godby is saying about Birstall looking drab (July issue). Indeed it does. I liken Birstall to South Wigston, which I consider is the poor relation to Wigston Magna and Oadby. If we look at our neighbours Syston, Rothley and Mountsorrel, then we too look like the poor relation. Our neighbouring villages all look as if someone cares about them. What does Birstall have? A few drab hanging baskets in the summer and at Christmas a few trees, and only half of them are lit. Maybe our parish council should find out how we would like the village to look. Incidentally, I have always wondered what happened to the lights that used to adorn the two tees outside the Greengate Medical Centre at Christmas. Just a few lines to say how disappointC A Withers ed I am regards Carl Gunns the Gym owner here in Birstall. Every year this man runs a gym for D Jones in his letter (The Birstall children six times a week, yet when it Post, July issue) indicates he is either comes to recognising his efforts here in unaware of all the facilities in Birstall or the village he gets ignored. Why hasn’t
Disappointed
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VACANCY FOR HOLIDAY RELIEF CARETAKER/GATE LOCKER We are looking for a responsible person to provide holiday cover for our caretaker for 28 days throughout the year including weekends, plus sickness cover. Hours: The hours are mainly in the evenings and at weekends, and work around bookings for the Village Hall out of office hours. Duties: • Village Hall - Unlock and lock for bookings after 4:30pm during the week and for all daytime and evenings bookings at the weekends. • Clean the hall and toilets after each booking. • Unlock / Lock the Gates at: Greengate Lane Cemetery Harrowgate Drive Playing Fields School Lane Playing Fields Car Park Public toilets on School Lane Playing Fields car park (weekends only) • Stonehill Avenue Toilets Unlock, clean and lock. (Mon to Sat). Rate of Pay: The rate of pay will be the appropriate national minimum wage. For further details and an application form, please contact the Clerk, Mr Steve Blackburn on Tel: 267 6191. Applications should be received by Friday 12 August.
that he is choosing to ignore them : whichever is the case, it is very surprising and sad. In fact it is an appalling, outrageous letter and an outsider who does not know anything about Birstall, on reading that letter would naturally gain the impression that it is a poor, neglected, depressing place with few facilities. He states that the former bowling green (on which the new car park at the end of Sibson Road has been established) was the last bit of grass surrounding the village. He chooses to ignore the large bit of grass which is the School Lane playing field, all the football pitches on Meadow Lane and the playground off Harrowgate Drive and of course the large bits of grass which constitute the playing fields at Stonehill and Longslade schools. Also of course there is the wonderful Watermead Country Park on the edge of Birstall. I think the parish council deserves to be commended for creating the new car park. With all the trees, other plants and the seating which have been placed there it is environmentally friendly and it is the nicest car park I have seen. With the continuing ownership it is bound to be used more and more. Similarly with the new Park and Ride facility off the A6, there’s no doubt it will be used by a lot of drivers and it will gradually look more green and pleasant as all the trees and other plants to be placed around it grow to maturity. It is encouraging to see that the three new shop units built to replace the former video store on Sibson Road are all occupied now. It is noteworthy that all the shops etc along Sibson Road are on one side which means that shoppers, users of banks etc do not have to keep crossing that busy road in order to visit shops and other places on the other side. I know of no other village/small town of similar size where, on the main shopping street, all the shops etc are just on one side. It could be said to be an advantageous and outstanding feature of Birstall. The Parish Council also deserves to be commended for establishing the pavilion on School Lane playing field and thus providing a meeting place for young people on two evenings each week. It is good news that it is to be extended. I am always impressed by all the societies and clubs there are in Birstall catering for different age groups. I was amazed recently to read of the many junior teams at the Football Club. All the adults who organise and run these teams must spend a lot of time and effort in doing so and they deserve praise for taking on a tremendous, worthwhile task and similarly praise is merited for these who run teams at the Cricket Club (I
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used to be the secretary of a cricket club in Suffolk so I know what that entails). Birstall has lots of different facilities (and there are decent ones Mr Jones!) eg a good variety of shops, banks etc, dentists, opticians, solicitors, estate agents, a very good garden centre, an excellent library, good schools, three lovely church buildings, a few good pubs which provide meals and other eating places, a good day nursery, the special needs day nursery, the very successful boxing gym run by the dynamic Carl Gunns, the Social Club and The Royal British Legion Club. On the edge of Birstall the Golf Club and the Great Central Railway with its station. There is the Neighbourhood Watch scheme (for which in its early days I worked hard to help get it established) which is said to be the best organised and run scheme in the county and possibly in the country. Also I feel I must mention particularly one facility with which I have been associated over several years, namely: St James Day Care Centre – the idea for which came from a former vicar Rev Charles Bradshaw and for which he worked long and hard in order to get it up and running. The two efficient managers and all the caring volunteers make it a lovely friendly little gem of a place where from Monday to Thursday several elderly people, many of them frail and vulnerable and living alone, enjoy a day out each week and thus enabling some carers to have a respite day. The wonderful cook, Roswitha, produces superb lunches on Thursdays and provides these on Fridays for up to 40 residents. Last but not least St James Day Care Centre has a bathroom (with a heightadjustable bath to make life easier for the specially employed lovely lady working as the bath nurse) where several people each week, who find it difficult or impossible to bath themselves at home, appreciate being able to have a supervised bath in safety and comfort for a modest charge. It is with a sense of pride to point out that this is the only day care centre in city and county to provide a bathing facility which seems incredible but there it is and it could be said to be another outstanding feature of Birstall. Also we are fortunate to have The Birstall Post, a first class publication giving lots of news and information. So let us all be positive and acknowledge and appreciate all the good facilities which are available for various age groups in Birstall – no wonder it seems to be a popular location for people to move to as residents. Mr J Woods
Taxi rank? I think it is time something was done about allotted parking space outside Michaels butchers shop opposite Birstall cabs as it has become a taxi rank, so anyone who just wants to nip into any of these shops cannot park there. With a large free car park nearby there is no reason for them to be there. Mr B C Burrows
Reprints of photos in
THE BIRSTALL POST are available: A5 £2 & A4 £5
THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Noticeboard all details printed free A number of coach trips suitable for young people and families will be running between August 22 to 26 to Waterworld, Skegness, Drayton Manor Park and Alton Towers. Prices will include transport and for more details please ring Mark on 2203628 •••
Try a TRY4CHARITY no matter how slow give it a go in memory of Hannah Edwards Sunday September 4 South Charnwood Swimming Pool, Melton Road, Syston, Leicester LE7 1LY 400m swim : 20km bike : 5km run & Kids Aquathlon (Swim and Run) distances dependent on age All proceeds to: • Leicester Parents Group of Diabetes 70% • Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (FOCC) East Leicestershire – 20% • Wreake Runners Juniors – 10% www.try-a-tri-4-charity.co.uk •••
Open Church St Leonard’s Church, Swithland LE12 8TJ Saturday July 9 & Sunday July 10 & Saturday August 13 & Sunday August 14 from 2-4.30pm Tea, cakes and books, donations in aid of Church Funds. •••
Summer Fayre Swithland Mothers’ Union Branch, St Leonard’s Church, Swithland LE12 8TJ Saturday August 6 from 10am to 11.30am Entrance £1 inc coffee, sales table, cakes, books, tombola, plants & raffle etc. Please come and bring your friends Proceeds for Mothers’ Union (Charity No.250038) •••
Coffee Concert
Would you like to let us have it for our Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal We have ladies knitting hats and scarves to send out to the children at Christmas but are struggling for knitting wool. If you have any could you please contact Daphne on 2675721 or 07971721927. Thank you
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Sat Aug 6: Dean Barratt (M/V) Sat Aug 13: Karen West (F/V) Sat Aug 20: Slaters (Duo) Sat Aug 27: TBC Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment Bingo, Free Beer Raffle and not forgetting ‘Open the Box’ Every Tues night Bingo starting at 9.30pm Quiz nights Sunday August 14 & 28 starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday August 21 Rock & Roll nights 1st & 3rd Wednesday Food available every Sat 12-2pm Funerals catered for Open for families on Bank Holiday Monday 29th , food available ••• The Leicestershire Pastel Society
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Annual Exhibition
Saturday & Sunday August 13/14, 2-5pm St Philip’s Church, Evington Road, LE2 1HN Works for sale See our website: leicestershirepastelsociety.com ••• Saturday August 8 10am to 1pm Birstall Methodist Church
Coffee Morning & Table Tops a variety of stalls (tables @ £10 2672606) Made-in-Birstall stall Cakes, bread, preserves, plants, fruit, veg, crafts etc ••• The Bark Foundation Charity No.1129762
Concert By advanced students and friends of David Bark Friday, Sep 9 at 7.30pm
Fosse Co-op Camera Club Leicester We meet at St Peter’s Church Rooms, West Holme St (off Hinckley Rd) each Friday at 7.45pm from Sep – May We are a very friendly club who welcome people of all standards. We are always looking for new members and you are invited along to any of our club evenings to meet us. We can offer tuition in the use of the camera and also editing in Photoshop and Elements by prior arrangement If you would like more details, or a copy of the programme, please contact: John Walters 0116 2992230 emailjohn.walters8@ntlworld.com or Mary Staps 0145 5820439 •••
Step Into Dance Try ballroom dancing 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 Thursdays 2.45-3.45pm
Bank Holiday Monday August 29 Beacon Hill Country Park, Leics The Wood Fair promotes sustainable forestry and woodland leisure, showcases wood crafts and products and celebrates all aspects of wood, with fun activities and local food • live demonstrations of woodworking skills, craft displays & chainsaw sculpting • there’s plenty for children, stories from the Wild Man of the Woods, birds of prey, craft activities, coracle paddling and the brilliant climbing wall • find out more about woodlands, from tree planting to felling. Talk to the experts and watch forestry in action including timber processing & horse logging • take a break in the Food Area where you’ll find a great selection of delicious locally produced food • And that’s not all! There will also be an exciting lumberjack show, Bodger’s Corner and charity auction Admission Cost (inc car-parking & programme) adult £8, concession £5, family £18 (2 adults & 3 children) Entry discount for cyclists •••
St James Day Centre 200 Club Winners of the July draw 1st No.3 Mrs E Hewitson £25 2nd No.20 Mrs L Gresswell £15 3rd No.71 Mrs R Parrott £10 4th No.60 Mrs G Pope £5 •••
Try Athletics with a trained coach Free Taster Day For 8-15 yr olds
Continued on page 12
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Sequence dancing Bingo Thursday, Saturday & Sunday New members welcome •••
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Concert of Light Music Performed by members and friends of the 663 Instrumental Ensemble Donations for Mercy Ships & church music funds will be appreciated •••
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August 4 to September 1 Birstall Village Hall £3 per session or £12 for 5 Adults 16+ Booking advised, call 01509 632534 For full details of Step into Dance sessions available across Leics & Rutland visit www.lrsport.org.uk/dance •••
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By the 663 Instrumental Ensemble and Friends on Saturday August 20, 10.30am to 12noon at St James Parish Church, Birstall Proceeds for Mercy Ships & Church Music Funds •••
Saturday August 13, 11am to 4pm *Free Family Fun Day Woodcrafts, Willow Weaving, Punch & Judy, Story Teller, Newfoundland Dog Displays, Arts, Crafts and much more Come to the mammoth, off Alderton Close, LE4 7RN The friends of Watermead Country Park *some activities may incur a small charge ••• You are invited to St James Parish Church, Birstall on Sat Aug 20, 10.30am-12noon to enjoy a coffee/tea whilst listening to a
Diabetic/Arthritic Footcare
St Theresa’s Youth Group Summer Trips
Watermead Family Discovery Day
Tickets in advance and on the door £5 inc refreshments Free for children accompanied by an adult Quiz Evening Saturday September 10 at 7.30pm Tables of 8, tickets £8 inc sandwich and salad supper & dessert Proceeds to be shared with Action for Children Autumn Fashion Show and Sale Friday September 16 at 7.30pm Designer clothes at bargain prices Tickets £5 inc coffee/tea and cake All events are at Birstall Methodist Church Tickets for all events tel: 0116 2677576 ••• Birstall Social Club Wanlip Lane, Birstall Every Tuesday & Saturday night
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Continued from page 11 Friday August 12, 9.30am – 12.30pm Wreake Valley College, Syston Sign up at www.uka.org.uk/academy ••• St James’ Church, Birstall
Garden Fete on the Church Lawn, Church Hill (if wet, in the church) Monday August 29, 2pm Raffle, tombola, games, cakes, plants, toys, bric-a-brac etc Light refreshments in the church Proceeds to Shelter, the Laura Centre and church funds •••
Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council
‘Another Year’ Friday September 9 (129 mins) This British comedy drama about ordinary people stars Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen as geologist and medical counsellor. The story spans the four seasons of the year on an allotment, showing the comical life and reactions between family and friends.
‘Burke & Hare’ Friday October 14 (91 mins) This is a true story set in 1820’s Edinburgh. Starring Bill Bailey and Isla Fisher, it is a black comedy about two grave robbers who find a lucrative business providing cadavers for Edinburgh University Medical School, but events become quite complicated. Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4.50 and concessions are £4. The price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw. Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office, 0116 2367626 or at the door ••• Charnwood Museum
Festival of British Archaeology A display of some of the unique objects
from the Rothley Bronze Age Axe Hoard The finds, discovered in May 2009, date from around 1020-800BC Free ••• Charnwood BRAS
Weekly Breast Feeding Café The Pavilion, School Lane playing field, Birstall Thursdays 1-2.30pm Meet other mums, have questions answered about breast feeding and receive support in the early months of motherhood www.charnwoodbras.co.uk ••• Come and spend a day in the beautiful
Old City of York Thursday, August 25 Explore the Shambles and many museums Plus have a guided tour of the famous Minster There are many things to see and do, plus plenty of eating places Cost £20 per person The coach will leave Birstall at 8.30am and leave York at 6pm For details please ring: David Gaskell 2674746, Mary Allen 2673941 •••
St James Gospel Choir Come and Join us and have fun – no auditions! Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 7.30pm, St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall 1st practice is Friday September 2 •••
Birstall Pool RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification course August 22-31 Cost £180 Further details & application form available from the pool 0116 2673461, or Email:swimming@longslade.leics.sch.uk •••
Beadling Academy of Fencing Junior Fencing Course At Longslade Community College Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH July 18 & 19 10am to 3pm 8-13 years Cost £30 per child for 2 day course Certificate awarded on completion Contact Longslade Community College for booking form and further enquiries on 0116 2670807, or email: janehill@longslade.leics.sch.uk •••
Birstall Youth Café Summer Activities There’s no way you can be bored during the summer holidays! If you are aged between 13 and 19 come along and join in the fun at Birstall Youth Café, in the Sports Pavilion on School Lane Playing Fields, Birstall Birstall Youth Café have received funding to open the Youth Café on School Lane Playing Fields for four evenings every week for July & August Tues, Wed and Thursday evenings 6-9pm, Friday evenings 7-10pm Water Sports, Beer Goggle Assault Course, BBQ, Sports & Crafts, Big Red Ball Challenge, Skegness Camp, Weekend Camping •••
CLASH Coffee Morning Saturday August 27, 10am to 12noon At the Methodist Coffee Shop Information on arthritis, tombola, Fairtrade coffee, cakes, books & nice things to buy All proceeds to CLASH Patron: Nicky Morgan MP •••
New Collection of Gujarati Books at Birstall library Birstall library has acquired a brand new choice of Gujarati books ranging from cookery, lagna geeton, health and well being, popular fiction, biographies, philosophy, religious, poetry and much more Come and have a look at our wide selection of Gujarati books & magazines. Amari library ma avine saras majani pustako no anand uthavo ane tamari kai jaruriyat hoi to amari sathe vat karo. Please contact Darshna Naker at Birstall libray on 0116 3058756 for further information •••
Pamper Evening Harmony Health & Beauty Sherrard St, Melton Mowbray Fri Aug 5, 5.30-10pm Raffle, jewellery stand, tarot card readings, cake sale All proceeds to JTSMA
Parish church Heavenly voices! Music is an integral part of a church service for many people. At weddings (and funerals) as well as Sunday services, people enjoy singing, and often the church choir is asked to lead special services of this sort. The choirs, which lead the singing at Birstall at Parish Communion on Sundays at 9.30am, and at Wanlip at 6pm Evensong, are always glad to hear from any singers who would like to join them for any of these services. Contact Andy White, the organist at St. James, on 2673030 for more information. Open House, currently held once a month at 11am at St James, is led by a small group of singers and instrumentalists. Recently a proposal has been made to start a small gospel choir: you can read about this elsewhere in this edition of the Post and Chris White on 07587 177851 would like to hear from you if this is your sort of music. A traditional summer event For many years, August has been the month for the annual Church Garden Fete on the Church Lawn. This year is no exception and as always we shall pray for fine weather, confident however that the event will take place inside the church even if the rain appears at the wrong time! The date is Bank Holiday Monday, August 29 and the church will be sharing the proceeds with two charities, the Laura Centre and Shelter. Do come along and bring the family. See the Noticeboard for more details. Fresh ideas, fresh start The start of a new term next month seems like a good time for new beginnings and in September, the parish churches are hosting the Alpha course, at the Wanlip Church and Community Rooms. Alpha courses have been very popular throughout the country, as an opportunity to explore questions which really matter such as “What is life all about? “How can life be more fulfilling?” “Can prayer really make a difference?” and other “life and death” issues. All this will take place in a very relaxed and informal environment, each meeting starting with a shared meal, followed by a video and a chat. It is a chance to make new friendships around the village and we hope that many will take the opportunity to share with like-minded people. The starting date is September 27 and anyone interested in what the course has to offer can talk to our curate Stephen Crofts on 0116 3279781. From Beryl McHugh
THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Plea to save the forest DEFORESTATION ON the island of Borneo featured as part of an ‘Enrichment Day’ at Stonehill school The day also included activities such as Bollywood dancing and Ghana drumming. Science Teacher Katherine Barker is travelling to Borneo in November on a trek, raising awareness of deforestation and the loss of the orangutans habitat. Students were invited to write a newspaper article about deforestation on the island, and the story by thirteen year old Brendon Stickley was judged by Katherine and fellow teacher Gareth Allen to be the best. Brendon Stickley’s winning article: The Devastation of Borneo and the Endangerment of the Orang-utan Species! Too many trees are being cut down and we need to join together to stop this from happening. The Orang-utans are getting pushed out of their homes and other wild life as well. Over the past 100 years the Orangutans have lost as much as 91% of their population. Most of the
Pic: Brendon Stickley infants are taken away by poachers shooting their mothers and taking the babies by force. This needs to be stopped what life is this for any animal. Most of the time the baby is beaten and made to dance so the poachers gain money from an audience. As well as that the deforestation make
Woodlands raises cash at fun day WOODLANDS DAY Nursery on Park Road raised £650 for Action Aid at their fun day in July. The nursery sponsors six children in Africa and India and all the money raised was divided between each child’s community. The nursery is also celebrating after being rated as Outstanding in every category by Ofsted. Pic: Mickey Mouse cuddles Jack Batten (4)
Birstall bowls BIRSTALL LADIES Bowling Club’s Jennie Groves has qualified for her third event at this year’s National Finals. Having already made it through in the fours and two wood competitions, she reached the Leicestershire final of the singles by beating Birstall club mate Diane Hurst in a close semi final, and will play at Leamington Spa later this month. Meanwhile in the men’s singles, Andy Wye reached the quarter final before being beaten by Thringstone’s Eric Peat. In the Ladies triples, Pam Ratcliffe, Diane Hartop and Pa Walker reached the semi final, but were defeated by a team from Kingscroft, Earl Shilton. Pa also got to the quarter final of the
pairs with Velma Allen, just losing out to a pair from Narborough. The men have reached the semi final stage of both the Leicestershire County Cup and unbadged competitions, while Rick Everitt got to the semi final of the secretaries singles before defeat to Narborough’s C Smith. Birstall lost to Oadby in the semi final of the Bramley Bowl, but several players were involved in the latter stages of the other Leicester City & District Parks competitions, which took place at the end of last month. A report will appear in the September Birstall Post. More about the club is on the website which can be found by putting ‘Birstall Bowling Club’ into a search engine.
the land look atrocious and this is what it looks like. Do you think this is what anybody wants to see this? This isn’t what anybody wants! These magnificent forests are cut down for this product: PALM OIL! This is what goes into most of favourite food like: crisps, chocolate, and much, much more. If you want to make a difference the please support wspa here at http://www. wspa-international.org/ Pleas help and make a difference. Donate as much as you can to save our forests but much more for the wildlife, please help today thank you! Brendon Stickley
The Midlands Co-Operative
Sports & Social Club Birstall Road The ideal venue for for
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New courses WOULD YOU like to speak a foreign language, learn IT, improve your English and Maths or take up a new hobby. Now you can! The Leicestershire Adult Learning Service offers a wide range of daytime and evening courses including IT, Languages, English & Maths, Sport, Arts & Crafts and General Interest starting in September. New courses include: upholstery, knit and bead; Chinese and digital media. Courses are available at Longslade in Birstall. Look our for the brochure which will be delivered to your door from August 10 onwards. This brochure will give you details of courses in your area. If you do not receive a brochure but would like one or, would like advice on one of our courses please telephone Freephone 0800 988 0308 and speak to an advisor. Alternatively contact Longslade Adult Learning Service on 0116 2673389 or go to www.leics.gov.uk/golearn Look out for the advertisement in the September issue of Birstall Post. Learners in receipt of certain benefits are eligible for 50%, 70% or 100% discounts: details available on request.
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An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is still required if you are selling or renting out your house. Call David Jackson on 0781 5519490 to arrange your EPC
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
covers and then back again to clear the set 196 run total off their 45 overs on a several buckets of water off the wicket much improved wicket. Birstall couldnt to help gain a much needed winning seem to get going quick enough leaving draw against top runners Twycross CC. a bit too much for the middle order to The home team batted well get falling 4 runs short. Andy to set a 162 total with Joshua Lord and Andy Galpin both Saye (76) and Andy Galpin scored fifties. Birstall Village has been in relative (60) leading the way with the Recently the 1st good form of late. bat. Birstall bowled tight to XI had a solid win They had a convincing win keep the away team from over Leicester over a poor Burbage CC. Jon reaching the total but found it Ivanhoe with Chris Gaydon was the pick of the difficult to get the wickets Tinbergen taking bowlers with 4 wickets and fill needed to take full points. Fill an impressive 5 in wicket keeper Steve ‘Chalky’ in skipper Galpin was thrilled wicket haul and White was heavily involved in 6 Pic: Chris Tinbergen with the team’s performance Dave Sharpe scorof the wickets including 3 run both before and during the game. The ing an unbeaten 59 to help outs. The meagre 119 run total 1st Team are currently in third place reach the 185 total. On the was knocked over in the 36th and are looking good coming into the over with Captain Dave Sharpe Pic: Prad Sood – new 2nd weekend of July 16 the weather nearly got the better back end of the season. XI Captain leading the way with 33. 1st XI top batsmen – Dave Sharpe of Birstall. Players were down the The 1st XI then had an unfortunate and Andy Galpin. ground early in the morning to lay the losing draw to Bharat Sports CC. Bharat 1st XI top bowlers – Joshua Saye and Pete Sharpe Birstall Village 2nd XI has had a mixed bag of results of late. A loss to Bharat Sports 2nd XI, then two good wins against Huncote and Great Glen 2nd XI with the last result being a losing draw to Leicester Ivanhoe 4th XI. There has been some impressive individual performances including Jack Wright with 4 wickets versus Bharat, ever reliable Steve ‘Fino’ Findley with 4 wickets versus A NEW choir that meets in Birstall is inviting everyone to come and Huncote, Sam Carnan getting 6 wickets join them to sing and have fun in an informal setting. in the last 2 matches and Ian Bartlett getting 30’s and 40’s in consecutive The St James Gospel choir has been variety, both Christian and secular songs, matches. formed by Chris White from Birstall. from Amazing Grace, Oh Happy Day and The big news is the recent change of Chris (28) said: “It’s an informal choir Abide With Me, to ‘Lean on Me’ and 2nd XI Captain with Steve Findley lookthat anyone can join, whether they are Swing Low Sweet Chariot’. ing to have a bit of time off and give Christian or not Christian – the emphasis James was music co-ordinator of a Prad Sood the opportunity to have some is on having fun and making friendships, 200 member gospel choir for two years Captaincy experience in the final months as well as helping to bring the people of when he was at Warwick University. of the season. Prad has been involved Birstall together”. The choir will meet at St James with the coaching of the Under 17’s and He added: “There are no auditions, Church, Church Hill, Birstall from 7.30hopes to apply this experience in a posipeople don’t need to be able to read 8.30pm on the first and third Fridays of tive way to the 2nd XI. The 2nd XI are music or play an instrument – just turn the month, starting from Friday Septemcurrently climbing the table, now up to up and enjoy singing!” ber 2. fifth. People aged from 12 to 80 plus are For further details contact Chris on 2nd XI top batsman – Ian Bartlett welcome to come along. 0758 7177851 or 2nd XI top bowlers – Steve Findley Chris said: “We won’t just be singing cjwchriswhite@gmail.com and Sam Carnan gospel music, there will be a whole Home fixture dates for your diary: (all 1.30pm starts) Sat August 6 – 1st XI vs. Wigston Town CC Sat August 13– 2nd XI vs., Fleckney Village CC Est 1976 Sat August 27 – 1st XI vs. Burbage CC Birstall Village CC has their website Blockpaving up and running which provides informaFencing tion on fixtures, results, contact informaPatios tion for club members, player profile information and up to date news pieces. Garden Design & Login and become a member to be able Maintenance to join our blog section! All club memService bers and interested non members welcome. 41 Gwendolin Ave, Birstall www.birstallvillagecc.co.uk Come and Join us tel: 2675882 From Joshua Saye
Cricket Corner
Turn up and sing at new choir
A. G. HOLLAND
St James Gospel Choir and have fun – no auditions!
PETE INGHAM Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 7:30pm, St James’ Church, Church Hill, Birstall, Leicester 1st Practise is Friday 2nd September 2011
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Methodist news A New Hymn Book It is said the Methodism was ‘born in song’ and singing of hymns has always been associated with Methodist worship. It was 1983 when the last hymn book was produced specifically for Methodist Church worship. Now a new book is being published called ‘Singing the Faith’. It contains about 770 hymns & songs, carefully balancing contemporary and classic styles with over 100 new musical arrangements & tunes. It embodies the breadth and depth of Methodist theology today. The church is to buy a set of the new books for use in worship. The pre-publication price is £7.50 (instead of £9). If anyone would like to buy one for use in the church, do please contact David Bark our treasurer (2677576). Each donated book will be acknowledged. Worship in August The morning worship on August 21 starts one hour earlier and is at St James. It is a joint service. There is only one 6pm evening service this month (on 14th). Midweek Communion recommences on Wednesday August 24. Our services are open to all, and you are most welcome. Table Top Sale On August 6 there is to be a sale of goods, mostly from private vendors who have ‘hired’ a table. (Tel 2672606 for any last minute tables). It will include a ‘Made in Birstall’ stall of home-made jams, cakes etc. Another stall will have very attractive hand crafted beadwork, which mainly consists of necklaces and bracelets. Rather expensive, but being sold at ‘less than cost’. Two ‘Food Sharing’ events A Bring and Share lunch is being arranged for Sunday August 14. There is a list available (Tel 2672606) so that food is not wasted. Another well known event where no food was wasted was the ‘Feeding of the 5000’ and on Tuesday morning August 16(10.30 to 12.30) there is to be a ‘Messy Special’ following this theme. It is part of the ‘Messy Church’ programme. Youngsters and their families are invited to attend, and bring their own lunch. As the church might have difficulty in accommodating 5000, please ensure you book a place via one of the Messy Church team. Coffee Shop Open The coffee shop was closed during part of July for the ‘Maintenance Fortnight’. It is now fully open again, Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am to noon. From Tony Moore
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Hire new centre
Flower club
POTENTIAL HIRERS of the new Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade are being invited to an open evening.
The College would welcome attendance from groups, clubs, societies and private hirers from around the Birstall area who may be interested in holding birthday parties, weddings etc to enjoy some refreshments and see the new facilities that will be available. The open evening is on Tuesday September 6 from 5.30-8pm. Contact Community Co-ordinator Lyndsay King for more details: 0116 2670807, community@longslade.leic.sch.uk
Pupils get cooking
A SERVICE of celebration and thanksgiving for the completed reordering of the old Saxon chancel and sanctuary at St James the Great was held on July 24. The service was conducted by the Rector the Rev Vince Jupp, accompanied by the previous Rector the Rev James Shakespeare.
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JUNE HAS been an eventful month for the Birstall Flower Club with lots of activities going on. On June 16, 50 members got on board a coach destined for the Cotswolds. The morning was spent in the gorgeous gardens of Eastleach House with its walled garden, rill garden and many other beautiful features. Lunch time was spent in Burford and in the afternoon we went to the Herb Garden of Judith Hann , of ‘Tomorrows World’ fame. Judith herself gave a very interesting talk on the culinary uses of the various herbs grown in her beautiful garden.
60 HIGHCLIFFE primary school children visited Longslade Community College as part of a ‘Let’s Get Cooking’ community event. They took part in an Italian themed day learning how to make pizza dough, and then made their own pizza for lunch. They also made and sampled five different healthy smoothie drinks. A spokesman said: “The pupils were able to take home copies of the recipes they made,
as part of the ‘Let’s Get Cooking’ philosophy is to pass on the recipe and we hope the children will be coking and making their own pizza again at home.” Longslade runs a regular ‘Let’s Get Cooking’ club for current students, with ingredients and equipment provided by Lottery funding.
Birstall & Wanlip WI
Saxon chancel
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BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI met on July 4 at Highcliffe School. We had a lengthy agenda to cover including a report on the National Federation of WI's AGM in Liverpool. This was attended by 4500 members and where the resolution on Library Closures was passed. After much heated debate the resolution on factory farming was abandoned. They had several interesting speakers including Sir Steve Redgrave talking about his role as Chief Ambassador for Fair Trade. We discussed the many opportunities for Leicestershire WI members to join in other summer activities across the County including courses on public speaking, craft and cookery days, specialists talking about eye diseases at Vista and a meeting at Leicester University by The Earth Observation Science Group. Our meeting had to be continued after Shenai from Silhouettes in Birstall gave us lots of beauty tips and expertly
demonstrated a manicure and facial. Indeed there was so much to fit in to the meeting that the report of our wet trip to Royal Ascot was given while wearing a face pack but we heard how some members returned home a little worse for wear but in profit! The winner of our competition for a plate of green salad was Marian Thwaites. Thanks to everyone who supported our successful Coffee Shop on July 9. We don't have a meeting in August but instead have arranged a coach trip to Webbs of Wychbold on August 15. There may even be some seats left if anyone wishes to join us. You can contact us on birstallandwanlipwi@hotmail.co.uk. Pictures of our fun activities are to be found on www.birstallandwanlipwiwordpress.com. Our next meeting is on September 5 when our speaker will be Richard Golden with 'A Touch of Glass'. From Birstall & Wanlip WI
New café at Quorn A NEW café has been built at the Great Central Railway’s Quorn station. The £145,000 Butler-Henderson café seats 46 people and has been constructed in the Great Central house style to blend in with the adjacent grade II listed station. A new toilet block has also been built and a picnic area to give visitors a grandstand view of passing trains. The new facility has created 10 jobs for the local community. Project manager for the Great Central Railway, Tony Sparks said: “With an ever growing number of events taking place at Quorn station, like our wartime weekend, bonfire night and steam galas, the new café will allow us to cater for the thousands of people who visit us. It’s just one of a number of developments planned for the site.”
On June 22 we had a very good demonstration of flower arrangements by Carolyn Gordon-Smith. She entitled her work ‘Inspirations’ and it most certainly was inspirational. The flowers were raffled off and there were many delighted members going home with their arms full.
Our next demonstration will be on August 24 and is entitled ‘Fabulous Flowers’ by Tony Brown a well known national demonstrator. We shall also be having strawberries and pink punch. Visitor tickets will be £5 and are obtainable by phoning 2674339 or 2674206. From Birstall Flower Club Pics: (top) Judith Hann in her herb garden in the Cotswolds & Freda Pentelow with her flower club raffle winnings Advertise in
The birstall post 47 x 59mm £26 • 47 x 120mm £44 98 x 59mm £44 • 98 x 120mm £78
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THE BIRSTALL POST AUG 2011
Youth group’s cash award Small Ads Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Birstall library. Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.
REDCURRANTS We have had a glut this year. Anyone who would like some, please contact 2676946 (Ansaphone for when I’m out) AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Seaports, Long Distance, Courier. Tel: 0777 1984806 TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by 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 HOME GROWN Runner Beans £1 per 1lb. Bean plants 20p each, Spinach 50p per 20 leaves Tel: 0116 2921619 PRIVATE MATHS & Science tuition, primary to GCSE level. Tel: 07856638370, www.wix.com/jyoti135/website
Planning applications P/11/1620/2: 34 Johnson Road, erection of 1st floor extension over garage P/11/1617/2: 585 Loughborough Road, proposed single storey rear extension, 1st floor side & rear extension, replacement of roof with installation of photovoltaic cells to rear elevation P/11/1574/2: 22 Curzon Ave, erection of 1st floor extension & loft conversion. Erection of a 6 car garage P/11/1524/2: 3 The Meadway, erection of single storey extensions to front & rear, two storey extension to side P/11/1585/2: 70 Woodgate Drive, double storey extension to side & single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/11/1519/2: 11 Johnson Road, erection of two storey extension to side, porch and canopy to front, loft conversion, stepped patio area to rear with adjoining retaining wall P/11/1564/2: 86 Elmfield Avenue, proposed outbuilding P/11/1538/2: 2 Ryegate Crescent, proposed single storey rear extension P/11/1454/2: 6 Park House Close, fell 1 x ash tree and various tree work to conifers P/11/1474/2: 27 Worcester Ave, ground floor extension to front of dwelling P/11/1411/2: 1 Curzon Avenue, fell 1 x hornbeam and 2 x hawthorn trees P/11/1453/2: Longslade Community College, retention of 2 modular buildings for educational use
Pistol shooting gala GLORIOUS SUNSHINE and strong winds graced the second Pistol Gala held by Redhill Revolvers Field Pistol Club back in June. Again budding pistoleers came to the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre to challenge to become the Gala Champion, participating in three different pistol disciplines. The Men’s title is going back to Wales in the hands of Solomon Wadley who retained his crown. The Ladies’ Champion was Birstall’s very own Sarah Prime and the junior title went to Yusuf Karim, a talented young shooter from Derby.
NHW news
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)
0116 2674213 The club now has three qualified Airgun Instructors at Redhill and if anyone is interested in either pistol or target rifle shooting then please contact Steve Prime on 01162 676252 (W) or 01162 676114 (E)
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A LOCAL youth project has secured a cash award. Birstall Youth Café has been successful in its application for funding to Charnwood Borough Council’s PAYP fund – Boys and Girls Self Esteem Group. They secured £5,200 to enable them to open the Youth Café for various activities during all school holidays up until March 2012. A full timetable of events will be advertised on Notice Boards and these will include leisure activities as well as the opportunity for young people to boost their portfolios with qualifications for future THE HOLIDAY season is with us, so employment. it is a good time to consider the Events planned include: safety of our homes while we are • sporting events and activities, with away. the opportunity of gaining a sports leadOne of the most obvious signs of ers qualification an empty house is the rubbish bins or • water sports activities recycle sacks being left outside days • cooking before the collection day. If possible, • ASDAN qualification in hair and ask a neighbour, friend or relative to beauty tutorials and demonstrations move them into position the night • basic Food Hygiene certificates before collection and to replace them • basic First Aid Certificates afterwards. • residential camp at Willesley, Ashby Closed curtains are another indicade la Zouch tion of an empty house and give the A Youth Café spokesman said: “This opportunistic criminal a significant is just fantastic news, it will enable us to signal. draw the young people into the café and Our local police team like to know off the streets during the school holidays, when a house is going to be unoccuand encourage them to take part in pied so that they can keep an eye on positive activities, some of which will it when on patrol, so just give them a actually enhance their employability in ring, giving your address and the the future. dates when you will be away. “One of our youth workers is a qualiOur regular Advice Shops have the fied Sports Leader, and once the other usual range of security devices for youth workers also gain that same qualidoors, windows etc.. The next one is fication we aim to register Birstall Youth on Saturday August 20 from 10am Café as an accreditation centre, which until 12noon. will mean that we are able to deliver this We wish you happy, trouble-free training to the young people of Birstall.” holidays! From Evelyn Holden for the NHW comBirstall Youth Café is run by Birstall mittee. Parish Council from the pavilion in the Contact PC Richard Carruthers voicemail on School Lane playing field. 222 2222, no. 2139
Contact Mike or Teresa Keily on 0116
237 6098
Unit 3, Victoria Mills Fowke St, Rothley Easy Parking
Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Birstall Library or to our office in the Youth Centre, Longslade College, Birstall
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