Birstall Post (343) Feb 2012

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

FEBRUARY 2012

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 343

Suzy sets the standard BIRSTALL ROYAL British Legion’s Standard Bearer will represent Leicestershire at Legion events after becoming the County Standard Bearer.

Ms Suzy James (44) was awarded the title after winning the County Standard Bearers competition at the Legion’s County Conference in January.

She will now lead parades and marches across the county, including on Remembrance Sunday at Victoria Park, Leicester.

Suzy said: “I was absolutely amazed to win the county competition, I cried, I’m sorry, I’m a girl, I wasn’t expecting it, it was a shock “It is an honour to carry the standard, and is my way of expressing my gratitude for all the work the British Legion does.”

Suzy, an office manager, has been a member of the Birstall branch since 2009 and lives in Quorn. The competition judged candidates on their neatness, presentation and their drill.

Gilbert Nall is the chairman of the Birstall Branch of the Royal British Legion. He said: “This competition is open to all branches of the Legion in the county and this is the first time that a female standard bearer from our branch Pic: Suzy James

Birstall’s “hidden gem” FIFTY THREE people attended a public meeting in the Village hall about Birstall’s Conservation Area.

“It was one of the best attended meetings we have seen out of the 30 or so we have done so far throughout Charnwood, and shows the high level of interest people have in the area and their desire to preserve it” said Anthony Gimpel, Charnwood Conservation and Design Technician.

Mr Gimpel presented an appraisal report of the Area at the meeting – it contains Church Hill, Front Street, Netherall Lane and White Horse Lane as well as some parts of Birstall Road and School Lane.

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

New fire HQ in Birstall PHOTO: ALISTAIR LANGHAM, THE STUDIO 17

WORK ON a new £9million fire service headquarters and fire station at Hallam Fields began in January.

The ground cutting ceremony was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer Lady Gretton and Peter Roffey, chairman of the county’s fire authority.

The entrance to the new building will be off Geoff Monks Way. Howard Robinson, Director of Corporate Infrastructure and Efficiency Projects for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “This Cutting Ground Ceremony represents a very significant day in the history of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. Plans for a replacement Headquarters started back in the 1980s and in 12 months time the Service will have a state of the art purpose-built facility that will allow the Fire and Rescue Service to be managed effectively for many Pic: (l - r): Peter Roffey (Chairman of the Combined Fire Authority), Jennifer, Lady Gretton (Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for years to come.

Leicestershire), Dave Webb (Chief Fire Officer, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service), pictured with plans for the new buildings.

“This investment on the Birstall site will not only create a new Headquarters Continued from page 1 building, but will also provide a new Fire and Rescue Station which will enMr Gimpel described the Birstall sure that local residents have the best Conservation Area as: “a delightful, professional response to any emergenA FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on peaceful gem hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the Loughborough cies in the local area.”

Parish Council notes

January 9.

Two residents attended to comment on the traffic conditions on Greengate Lane – comment was made about speeding vehicles, abusive remarks and gestures to the crossing patrol person and the use of the road by HGVs. The County Council intend to introduce a 20mph zone within the vicinity of the school, subject to funding.

Traffic calming measures can now be chosen and paid for by Parish Councils, organisations, groups or individuals, subject to their suitability being approved by the County Council.

It was agreed that the clerk look at

the possibility of obtaining grant funding for a £3500 vehicle activated flashing speed sign and for road markings.

The Council considered how the Queen’s Golden Jubilee might be commemorated. Suggestions including lighting a beacon and staging a firework display, a hog roast and a public bench with an engraved plaque. It was agreed that the Gala sub-committee produce some recommendations.

It was reported that the travellers’ site on Greengage Lane was growing in size and that loose and damaged manhole covers on the A6 had been reported.

Road with a hidden secret of a canalside walk and Watermead Country Park.”

Suggestions from the public at the meeting included designating a new Conservation Area for Tempest Road and the section of Pak Road from Fielding Road to Loughborough Road.

Comment was also made that the Forge on Birstall Road near the junction of Church Hill be listed.

Charnwood is inviting public comment on the appraisal report until February 17 when it will be passed to the Cabinet for approval on March 15.

Continued from page 1 has won the competition.

“This competition is fiercely contested and such is the standard shown that our branch has only had three winners, Arthur Harrison GM in 1956, Bill Bassnett in 1973 and now Suzy. She is a third generation standard bearer at the Birstall branch as both her mother and grandmother were standard bearers for the Women’s section of the branch.

“We are delighted that Suzy has won the County competition, she is a credit to the branch and we wish her well in further events.”

Suzy will now go forward to the Area Competition later this month, the winner of which will represent the region at national events such as the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall

The March issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Mar 3.

The copy deadline is Feb 17.

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

Fun events for all A PROGRAMME of social events for families, single people, the young and the old aims to provide fun, friendship and help build a spirit of community.

‘Events Extra’ has been organised by Birstall’s Parish churches.

Organiser Rose Parrott said: “This year we have extended our main church social calendar to bring in Events Extra which includes walks, art, music, visiting gardens and local places for fun, quiet spiritual places, having a meal together or going to a concert, watching a sporting match or joining us on the church lawn in August for a barbecue and a few alternative Olympic games.”

She added: “We would like to extend a warm welcome to all, to have fun and provide time for people to get to know one another, and build our community together.

“Everyone is welcome, with something for all ages, incomes and family styles, it is truly designed to bring social opportunities for people to share their interests, ideas and faith, or none, in a relaxed way.”

Some of the events are free while others have a small fee and you can join for all or part of the events which will usually be no more than four hours in length.

The programme starts at half-term on Tuesday February 14 with a guided walk in Bradgate Park with a Park Ranger, followed by lunch.

On Tuesday February 16 in Wanlip Village Rooms you can paint spring flowers with Birstall artist Sue Faulks.

Details about costs, arrangements, times/dates are on the Church’s new website at www.birstall.org. or by contacting the organiser, Rose Parrott on 07811662235 or email at rose.parrott@btinternet.com. Leaflets available from the churches and local outlets.

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Rotary provides new team strip WHEN SOAR Valley Rotary Club was contacted by Helen Chamberlain with a request to help a junior football team that was being started in Birstall, the Rotary club was keen to help get it off to a good start.

It was decided to provide a team strip which was recently handed over to the delighted members of Birstall United Juniors Football Club under 7s.

Rotary President Alastair Wood said: “The delight shown by the children was obvious and I was most impressed by their energy and enthusiasm. I hope that their commitment will lead to many wins in the coming seasons.”

Helen said she was thrilled with the kit and that she was sure it would give the team a real boost.

Pic: (l-r) Callum Boulter, Alastair Wood and Paul Chamberlain with some of the under 7s

County’s budget squeezed FURTHER CUTS have been announced to the County Council’s budget which will see 1500 people losing their jobs over the period 2010-2016.

The cuts are the result of a reduced Government grant and the loss of funding for schools that become academies – they receive their funding direct from Whitehall.

The County is aiming to cut £74million of its budget over the next four years. One third of this will be in cuts to services with the remainder in efficiency savings.

Areas identified for cuts include: support for public transport, libraries

and museums and the Children and Young People’s service, due to the development of academies.

Because of an increase in demand, the county says it will spend more on: support for vulnerable children and adults; public health, support for troubled families.

The pay of council staff has been frozen nationally.

The County says it will be able to freeze its share of the Council tax for

another year.

• Between May 2010 and November 2011, the County Council has closed 51 youth clubs and reduced funding to nine • 815 people were made redundant by the County Council between April 2009 and November 2011 • At the end of 2011, the County Council had 22,500 employees (including schools) and 7700 (excluding schools) • The County Council’s gross expenditure for 2010/11 was £1,019,000,000 (£1.019 billion)

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

Ambitious plans for business park PLANS FOR a lakeside hotel on the site of the old Wanlip Country Club feature in a local developer’s plans for Watermead Business Park.

Raynsway Properties wants to build offices, industrial units and leisure facilities on the northern edge of Watermead Country Park.

The multi-million pound plans on the 58 acre site could create up to 3500 new jobs. If permission is granted, Raynsway say development could start in June 2013.

The plans include: • playing field/sports pitches and changing rooms/club room for use by the local community • a pub/café/restaurant • extension to bus services to serve the site • division of an existing public footpath along a safer route • provision of a new section of towpath • creation of a new bridge across the Grand Union Canal linking the site to Watermead Country Park • refurbishment/replacement of existing toilet facilities in the County Park with disabled parking • contribution towards biodiversity improvements in the County Park • potential sponsorship of a County Park ranger in connection with joint working on ecological management of the site The first phase of Watermead Business park is occupied by Bentley, Flogas, Lafarge, SWA and AMEC and Interserve. It contains a ‘Passivehaus’, heralded as the first carbon neutral commercial office in England.

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

Kids get creative on art course CHILDREN MADE winter scenes and Christmas cards at an art workshop led by Birstall artist Sue Faulks.

13 children aged 7-12 years took part. Sue Faulks said: “I wanted the children to have the opportunity to experience different media and techniques – to be able to try out new things. We created mini-acrylic canvases; watercolour winter scenes; potato-printed, penguin Christmas cards; metallic, glue and acrylic frames and finally,

Pic: artist Sue Faulks with Connor Newell, Anjali Vedd, Jenny Faulks, Ellie MacManard, Alice Mason, Bethany Dearden, Sammy Johnstone, Isobel Platts, Lauren Middleton, Lydia Bonshor, Grace McGreal, Carolyn Middleton, Mae McGreal and Olivia Bonshor

gold and silver pastel advent scenes, some of which could be given as presents. I was very grateful to my daughter Jo and all the Mums who helped, there was a very happy atmosphere throughout the course, and bags of creative fun!”

Grace McGreal (9) said: “I learnt all the techniques that a proper artist would do. My favourite art was the frames we had to make out of glue, mine turned out very good. I thought it was fantastic!”

Her sister Mae (7) said: “I thought that Art Club was really good, because I tried things I never tried before and that is what made it brilliant. We did lots of fun things.”

Sue is hoping to run some more art courses during 2012. She will also be

teaching at two events in conjunction with St Nicholas and Our Lady Wanlip, and St James Church during the next few months. The first is ‘God’s Creation in Spring’ on February 16 at Wanlip Village Hall. This is a morning session, which will cover drawing and painting spring flowers, using watercolour paints. Children over 7 years and adults of all abilities are welcome. The second is ‘Watery Bible Tales’ on April 13, based at St James Church. The morning includes a short barge trip, stories and the creation of a giant picture jigsaw of the wildlife of Watermead Park. This event is suitable for all ages, with an accompanying adult or older sibling, who is over 13.

For further details and to book, contact: Rose Parrott on Mob: 07811 662235 or rose.parrott@btinternet.com, or go to www.birstall.org

Local shop’s top marks for hygiene A BIRSTALL butchers is celebrating after maintaining their ‘five star’ hygiene rating.

J Michael Meat Purveyors of Sibson Road retained its five stars following an inspection by Charnwood’s Environmental Health officers.

The Food Hygiene Rating scheme is a new initiative from the Government’s Food Standards Agency and aims to help the public choose where to eat out or shop for food by providing information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, hotels and food shops.

Food safety officers check: • how hygienically the food is handled, prepared, cooked and stored • the condition of the buildings – cleanliness, ventilation etc • how the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe.

The ratings are awarded on a scale of 0-5. 0 means urgent improvement is required and 5 means the hygiene standards are very good.

Businesses given a rating of 0 or 1 must make improvements and the local authority will ensure these improvements are made.

Paul Mumford, Manager of J Michael’s, said: “The standard of food hygiene required is very high an d the

inspection process extremely rigorous. J Michael passed the test with flying colours!

“Our team work continuously to improve our standards, and training is ongoing. Customers can be confident that the food they buy, and advice given on meat quality, cooking and hygiene is of the very highest standard.”

Other food retailers in Birstall with a Five Star rating are: • Birstall Fisheries, Sibson Road • Kentucky Fried Chicken, Hallam Fields • Le Petit Four, Hallam Fields • McColls, Sibson Road • Mini Market, Wanlip Lane • Ruby Tuesdays • S Shah, Went Road • Shell Leicester, Hallam Fields • Tesco Express, Sibson Road • The Co-op, Wanlip Lane • The Fresh Approach, Sibson Road • The Old Plough, Front Street • The White Horse, White Horse Lane • The Windmill Store, Windmill Avenue A full list of Birstall establishments and more details about the scheme can be found at www.food.gov.uk/ratings

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

Burglars steal spectacle frames A BIRSTALL opticians was burgled in December.

The burglary took place at about 10.30pm on Thursday December 8 at Henry Smith and Hamylton Opticians in Sibson Road when the premises was broken into and a number of frames were damaged or stolen. Various makes of frames were either stolen or damaged during the incident including Prada, Versace, Ted Baker, Rayban and Prestige Elegance.

PC Steve Denny is investigating the incident. He said: “We would appeal to anyone who has been approached by someone selling similar frames in the

last month to contact us. The Prestige Elegance frames are exclusive and only available at this opticians, if you know anything about these frames or the incident please contact us.”

Anyone with any information about the incident or the frames is asked to contact PC 1018 Steve Denny on 101, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 1018. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Memories of 1977 Jubilee party THIS YEAR’S Diamond Jubilee has brought back memories for one local couple of the street party they organised in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee.

Val and Mick Joyce of Hawthorn Avenue lived on Whiles Lane at the time.

“We decided to organise a street party for the Whiles Lane children but it rained on the day of the Queen’s Silver

Jubilee” says Val. “The Earl of Stamford kindly gave us a room for free! The children and parents came along but left us to look after 40 children for three hours – panic! But two ladies helped us and it all turned out well.

Pics: Children enjoying their Silver Jubilee ‘street party’ at the Earl of Stamford in 1977 and below, the celebration cake • If any readers would like to send us copies of photos of their Silver Jubilee celebrations in Birstall in 1977 or the Coronation in 1952, we will publish them in the June Birstall Post, to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Library Christmas HIGHCLIFFE SCHOOL’S choir enchanted their audience with a performance of Christmas songs at Birstall library in December.

The choir was part of a Wriggly Readers session which saw children and their parents making Christmas decorations, snowman cards and glittering stars.

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

Band night promises Birstall’s best talent BIRSTALL BAGS have been running their live band night for several years but this year the event is bigger and better than ever.

On Saturday March 17 at Birstall Social Club, with the help of Birstall musician Joe Boyall the BAGS are introducing three local bands in one evening. Spokeswoman Liz Darlison said: “The evening will kick of with Citizens of Tomorrow.

Dan, Matt, Toby and Jacob are all Longslade students and the word is this young band are definitely going places.

“Local band Weirdfish are up next.

Regulars on the Birstall scene the band have been keen to support the BAGS for some time and we are delighted we have been able to sort it out for this year.

“Finally Joe Boyall’s own The Brandy Connection will close the evening. Joe’s

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Pic: Citizens of Tomorrow: Matt, Dan Jacob and Toby

original band played the first every BAGS gig nearly ten years ago and Joe has been massive support at every event since.

“Each of the bands has donated their usual fee to the BAGS funds. It will be a great night and a rare opportunity to see some of Birstall’s best talent.”

Tickets available from any of the BAGS For more information check our website www.bistallbags.co.uk • The BAGS are also delighted to announce they are hosting the Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop on Saturday March 3. Friends of the BAGS are providing cakes and homemade goodies to sell and two local cancer nurse specialists will be holding 20 minute cancer awareness workshops every half hour throughout the morning. Guests at the coffee shop will be encouraged to learn more about the signs and symptoms of common cancers and be advised how to seek help. Please come along and support the BAGS.

Dancer a finalist A DANCER from Birstall was a finalist at the Clothes Show Live event in December.

Aimee Harrison (18), of Birstall Road, was competing in the Young Dancer of the Year at Birmingham’s NEC where hundreds of hopefuls were taking part.

Aimee (pictured right) made the final group of ten and performed in front of judges Tobias Mead from Britain’s Got Talent, Choreographer David Wood, Jay Ravell, Pippa Harrison and Chris Manoe from Dancer Inc. “I really enjoyed being part of the Young Dancer of the Year as it gave me an amazing opportunity to perform at the Clothes Show and it challenged me.

The people involved were really lovely and supportive” said Aimee.

A dance student at Brooksby College, Aimee began dancing aged six while a pupil at Riverside school with Leicestershire Arts in Education and has performed in several local productions. Her ambition is to dance in West End musicals.

Fee, fi, fo, fum, it’s the time for panto fun REHEARSALS ARE drawing to an end for the 2012 Birstall Methodist Men's Pantomime, which this year is ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.

Pictured here are two cast members attempting to climb the Beanstalk.

All tickets are £5 each and can be obtained from Deborah tel: 0116

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Pic: climbing the beanstalk are cast members James Moore (top) and Michael Kerchey

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

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Growing Sainsbury’s new store planned girls’ football BIRSTALL UNITED Juniors FC are a Community Standard Football Club and are currently looking to expand their Girls Football Section.

They are looking for players of all ages, sponsors and volunteers to help coach and run the teams. “It is a great opportunity to have fun and gain valuable experience in a safe and friendly environment” said spokesman Phil Hughes.

He added: “If you are interested in playing or helping out in any capacity please come along to Meadow Lane Sports Ground, Meadow Lane, Birstall on Saturday February 25. Sessions will be held by our qualified coaches and current players with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment.”

Session times are: • 9-10.30am for girls 11-16 • 11-12noon for girls 6-10 Suitable clothing including shin pads must be worn. Please contact Birstall United Juniors FC for more information don 07989 115656

Club’s anniversary THIS YEAR sees the 50th anniversary of Birstall United FC and the club is celebrating by having an anniversary dinner at the Leicester Tigers stadium.

Over the years the club has been an integral part of the village and has played a major part in many residents’ lives.

Chairman Gary Fox said: “We are inviting players past and present as well as people who have supported the club over the years to come and join our celebrations as well as meet up with some old faces.”

The dinner is held on April 21 at 7.30 for 8pm: tickets are £32 a head.

Anyone interested can contact either Gary Fox on 0773067676719, John Williams on 07808330950, Steve White on 07742091654 or Sandra Plumb on 07510542035.

Surgery SAFETY CONCERNS about young people swimming in the Hallam Fields balancing ponds were raised at a councillors’ surgery.

Other issues identified were parking on main roads throughout the estate delaying access for emergency vehicles, blocked drains and vehicles speeding.

The next Borough Concillors Surgery will be Saturday February 25, 1012noon at the old Council Offices, 10 Sibson Road.

SAINSBURY’S HAS announced plans for a new foodstore at the former GE Lighting site in Rushey Mead, along with proposals to regenerate the site at Belgrave Road currently part-occupied by Sainsbury’s.

The redevelopment of both the GE Lighting and Belgrave Road sites could create up to 700 new jobs.

The plans were unveiled on the 25th anniversary of Sainsbury’s Belgrave Road store on January 20.

The proposals include the relocation of the Belgrave Road Sainsbury’s to a new store at the former GE Lighting site off Troon Way/Melton Road. Following the relocation of the store, the Belgrave Road site will be redeveloped to make way for a range of new retail units including a small Sainsbury’s local store, food and drink outlets and business units. The area will be opened up through the removal of the flyover and improved with extensive additional landscaping and pedestrian and cycle links.

The plans to redevelop the GE Lighting site include a new 80,000 sq.ft (7,700 sq m) Sainsbury’s. This will create up to 300 new part and full-time jobs, which would be in addition to the 140 existing posts that will be transferred from Belgrave Road.

The new store will include a restaurant, petrol station and the latest sustainability features, including a Ground Source Heat Pump and solar panels to generate electricity, which will reduce the store’s energy consumption by around 30%. Skylights will also provide natural light and rainwater will be har-

Pics: how the Belgrave Road site will look after the development

vested to cut down on water consumption.

As part of the redevelopment of the Belgrave Road site about a third of the land will be reserved for future business use. A range of business units will be designed to encourage new businesses to start up or established ones to develop further, which could lead to around a further 200 jobs being created.

Tim Watkins, Portfolio Development Manager for Sainsbury’s, said: “Our plans will bring new jobs and major investment into Leicester through the redevelopment of two significant sites.

This will lead to a bigger, better store at Rushey Mead and the transformation of the site at Belgrave Road, bringing many benefits to both areas. Sainsbury’s has already enjoyed 25 years of successful trading in the area and we’re keen to continue to be an active part of the community for years to come.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

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 Andrews family would like to thank all friends and neighbours for their generous donations to LOROS in memory of their beloved daughter Sue who died on November 26, and in particular the members of the Birstall Ladies Bowling Club who formed a Guard of Honour on a bitterly cold day. Thanks also to the men’s section of the club for their support during this difficult time.

Donations totalled £640.

Hazel and Ron Andrews

Allotments I would point out that when Birstall Parish Council joined the National Society Allotment & Leisure Gardeners it automatically agreed to abide by the three “r’s”, rules, regulations and recommendations of the Society. It has flaunted this in many ways which, if it has any

ambitions to be a ‘quality council’, it will rectify without delay.

I list some of these below: • size of plot shall be 10 poles, 300 sq yards or 250 sq mtrs minimum, so that crop rotation can be carried out • The rent for a full plot, not half plot, it now rents shall conform with similar sites in the area, ie £29 on Red Hill for 400 sq yds. Certainly nothing like the £30 which it imposes on tenants joining from 1/10/10. This is up to 400% increase when compared with existing tenants.

• Minutes of E & R Committee September 26, 2011 decided not to increase rents of any facilities that take place on any council premises or pitches despite the admitted fact that every cricket match costs the residents a £60 loss.

The council, through the deputy clerk, decided to increase allotment rents already published for 2012 and now for 2013, and yet it is unable to evaluate the costs incurred in managing from the office, correspondence and inspections, all of which the Birstall Allotment Society has agreed to do free of charge, and by way of a change would be done far more efficiently than at present.

All of the above comments are covered by Section 1 Allotments Act 1922 (amended 08) Section 1 Allotments Act 1950. These can be read on Birstall Allotment Society notice boards.

David Cherry, Birstall allotment holder

Profanity Re the letter in this month’s Birstall Post entitled ‘Offensive’ – although I am not clear which ‘park’ the writer of this letter is referring to, I am in wholehearted agreement with their comments.

Although a long term dog walker round Birstall Lakes I found , due to my dogs age and inability to manage to walk any more around the lakes, that I was having to walk her around the small

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park situated at the end of Meadow Lane, off Blenheim Road. This park is situated adjacent to Birstall United F.C. and at the far end of the park has a small area for children, i.e. swings, slide etc.

On numerous Saturday afternoons during last summer whilst pottering around this park with my dog I was absolutely appalled to hear the terrible language used at these football matches – as the writer of ‘offensive’ says – at least one profanity a minute. Young children were on the park and playing on the swings. On one particular Saturday afternoon, having put up with this language for some time I actually called in to the football club and expressed my disgust at the language being used, asking whether this language was necessary. I was met with complete disregard for my comments, actually being informed “well, its a football match, what do you expect”!

Pat Herbert

106 money Since becoming a Parish Councillor in May 2011 I have become increasing concerned how the money raised by way of S 106 funding resulting from the construction of the Hallam Fields estate has been allocated and spent.

I have raised my concerns at Parish level and sent requests to Leicestershire County Council under the Freedom of Information Act but to be honest I am not much wiser. I believe that councillors at the Borough level have also encountered similar problems.

For anyone who is unaware of what S 106 involves the following two paragraphs contain a brief summary.

Under S106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended, contributions can be sought from developers towards the costs of providing community and social infrastructure, the need for which has arisen as a result of a new development taking place.

It is important to note that S106 monies may only be spent on facilities where the new development has, at least in part, contributed to the need for the facilities. This means that normally for local level facilities these will be based in the same community in which the contributing development is located.

From what I have seen it appears that some money has been allocated and not spent (in some cases for nearly four years) and other amounts have not been applied for within the time limit and its not clear to me if they are now lost.

As I understand it if the County Council continue to refuse to part fund the proposed school at Hallam Fields the builders will avoid paying over

£2,000,000 in funding that they must have budgeted for when they first planned the estate.

If I had bought a house on Hallam Fields because the plans showed that a new school would be built I would be more than a bit upset to find that not only will my children now have to travel all the way to Riverside School but that presumably the builder of my house would have included part of the cost of the new school in the price of my house when I bought it.

The Park and Ride was funded to the tune £250,000 yet I assume it would have been built anyway and that most inhabitants of Birstall would have preferred the money to have been spent on something beneficial to the whole village in accordance with S 106.

As for the £700,000 (roughly £700 for each house on Hallam Fields) of S 106 funding spent on the hideous looking Palmer Tomkinson building and the £63,000 for the “public art” on the Park and Ride words fail me.

I challenge the Parish, Borough and County Council's to jointly produce a statement about the S 106 funding from when the initial contracts were agreed up to date plus details of future plans / payments and details of who is personally responsible for each tranche of funding.

They can do this via their websites and issue a paper copy of the review to any resident of Birstall who requests it plus provide a copy to the Birstall Post so a summary can be published in the April 2012 edition. I think it’s the least we deserve.

Julian Howe Editor’s note: a full list of Section 106 contributions for Charnwood can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/7ktpzqn

Thanks To all the wonderful people who gave to the poppy selling outside McColls in November my very special thanks. It is a record of £641.81, it is of course always a good result. Special thanks to Krusty’s for the mugs of tea once again.

To you all, a very Happy New Year and see you again along Sibson Road.

We did remember them Val Joyce Vice President of the Birstall Branch of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

Speaker Are you looking for a speaker to come along to your group meeting, or would you like to find out more about an amazing local charity then look no further than Rainbows.

Just like everyone else, our children and young people need a place to play, laugh and love life. A place where they and their families are cared for and supported.

Sadly, some children simply don’t live long enough. Since 1994 we’ve opened our doors and hearts to those children and the people who love them most. The truth is that we can’t do our work without the help of people like you – and we know that together we can bring more care, smiles and laughter to our children, young people and their families.

As the East Midlands’ only hospice for children and young people, Rainbows is a place where life-limited children and their families can find care and support. Our incredible team of people helps relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, support parents and siblings through their bereavements and care for children until the end.

If you would like to book a speaker, get involved or find out more, please contact me on 01509 638 006 or email: jennifer.leach@rainbows.co.uk Jennifer Leach

Tribute Tribute to Jane No longer she walks, fields, footpaths and streets alone Was that heart filled with such despair To cause her spirit now to roam Did she think we did not care Or did she feel she was alone Were these last hours so carefully planned, or could we have held out a helping hand Could we have stopped that final blow Truth to tell; we will never know Were your only thoughts to bring an end to worry and to pain We wish we knew – we wish you were still with us Jane Keith Miller

Wanlip Lane I would like to draw attention to the road leaving Wanlip Lane before Longslade School heading towards Wanlip.

The sign has a large black arrow with a small red one advising motorists to give priority to oncoming vehicles. It also has stop lines I believe. The sign clearly states that priority is given to motorists heading towards Wanlip. Unfortunately,

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this can become a frightening hazard as certain motorists speed up and ignore this sign and carry on making you brake violently or risk a collision. The last incident in which I was involved was last week and I had actually entered the single lane when the car speeding from the area which should have given way didn't causing me to brake violently. I did sound my horn but was greeted by the usual two fingered salute. No, this wasn't a 'boy racer' but a middle-aged lady who should know better and have a greater understanding of the Highway Code which I would urge her to re-read.

Please motorists drive more carefully in this area.

Name & Address supplied

Thanks I would like to offer a big ‘thank you’ to your readers for their generous contributions to our Santa Collection.

Each year Soar Valley Rotary Club members accompany Santa around the local Soar Valley villages, as well as spending weekends at Budgens in Mountsorrel, collecting for our charity appeal. In this way, we are able to help many good causes including LOROS, Rainbows and this year other worthy local charities.

Those we visit always donate generously and Santa’s sleigh is greeted with delight by young and old – indeed it is not always the children who seem most excited!

This year was particularly noteworthy since, despite the difficulties of the credit crunch, we raised an impressive £5157.

So thanks again to all who were able to contribute and especially to the Kia Motor company, based at Mountsorrel, without whose support Santa would have to rely on reindeer power alone.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Alastair M Wood President – The Rotary club of the Soar Valley

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Noticeboard all details printed free Fun Quiz Night Friday February 3 St Theresa’s Hall to raise funds for our youth group commences 7pm payable on the door All welcome •••

Coffee Morning Saturday February 18 Methodist Coffee Shop in aid of the Samaritans Purse Shoe Box Appeal 10am to 12noon ••• St James Day Centre 200 club winners for January 1st Mr L Payne 2nd Mrs Gail O’Byrne 3rd Miss Rebecca Woods 4th Mrs Maria Green •••

Birstall BAGS

Annual Live Band Night Birstall Social Club Saturday March 17 £7.50 per ticket Tickets available from the Birstall BAGS ladies For more info see website: www.birstallbags.co.uk ••• Birstall Methodist Thursday Group

Coffee Morning Saturday February 25 10am to 12noon The Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane Cakes, tombola, books & puzzles etc Proceeds towards our joint projects -

11

Alzheimer’s Society and the Renal Unit, Loughborough •••

Birstall & District Local History Society The next meeting will be held on Thursday February 9 with a talk ‘Below Stairs – Servants’ Lives in the Age of Victoria’ Speaker Nick Marshall The meeting commences at 7.30pm in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road Visitors are very welcome •••

Birstall Royal British Legion Feb 4 Max(M/V) Feb 11 Laura Ellson (F/V) Feb 18 Steve Sinatra (F/V) Feb 25 Steve Savile (M/V) Dancing every Saturday night with live entertainment Bingo Free meat raffle and not forgetting Open the Box Every Tuesday night Bingo starting at 9.15pm Quiz nights Sunday Feb 12 & 26 starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday Feb 19 Rock & Roll nights Wednesday Feb 1 & 15 Open for Bank Holiday Monday (Jan 2) Families welcome Food available every Saturday Wakes catered for •••

Birstall Flower Club Stepping Into Spring Sandra Snell Wednesday February 22 at 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Visitors very welcome Sylvia Simes 2674206 •••

12

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

Mountsorrel Methodist Church Presents the second in the Eleventh Series of Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals on Sunday February 19 at 8pm

by Christopher Johns Director of Music, Leicester Cathedral Admission free Donations for the Church’s Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm •••

Practical Dowsing Techniques A talk, with demonstration, on practical dowsing techniques will be given at the next meeting of Leics & Rutland Dowsers to be held on Saturday February 11 at St James Day Centre, Birstall Village Hall The speaker will be a highly experienced dowser, Avril Holland The meeting, which will be followed by the AGM, will begin at 10am All are welcome •••

Leicester Symphony Orchestra 89th Concert Season Symphonie Fantastique Saturday February 18 7.30pm De Montfort Hall Holst: The Perfect Fool Bruch: Violin Concerto Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique 6.30pm FREE pre-concert talk with violinist David Le Page Full price £17/£14/£11 Children age

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Birstall Social Club Wanlip Lane Come and dance the night away Every Tues & Sat night Ballroom & sequence dancing Cash raffle Thursday Bingo Thursday, Saturday & Sunday Games Room Secure parking New members welcome Function Rooms available •••

Birstall Birdwatching Club presents An Introduction to Bird Ringing

by Andy Smith What is bird ringing all about and where is it done?

Andy spends a lot of time ringing birds at Watermead Park and last year ringed swallows nesting at houses in Wanlip This fascination subject has a lot of history and tells us so much about birds and their survival The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Tuesday February 14 at 7.30pm Visitors welcome £2 Contact Ken Goodrich 0116 2674813 •••

Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime February 14-18 Birstall Methodist Church

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Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘Larry Crowne’ Friday February 10 (99 mins) This romantic comedy stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. After a career in the navy, everything is right in Larry’s life until hard times befall him. At his local college, in a public speaking class, on his journey of self discovery, Larry begins an interesting relationship with his teacher.

‘One Day’ Friday March 9 (107 mins) Based on a best-selling novel by David Nicholls, this film is an epic funny but sad love story. Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess play Emma and Dexter who graduate on St Swithin’s Day, vowing to remain good friends for ever. They occasionally meet up while dealing with the joys and heartbreaks of life in teaching and in television, during the next 20 years.

Then their fates unexpectedly entwine.

‘Jane Eyre’ April 13 (120 mins) 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.

•••

12.30pm The tea party is to raise funds for the NCT National Childbirth Trust, admission is £3 per family, includes refreshments such as home made cakes, squash, tea and coffee Also a craft activity for children, a Cheeky Monkey baby signing/Toddler Talk Lesson plan Stalls with information about children’s classes in and around Birstall including baby sensory, splash babies and TinyTalk baby signing. Also books, cards, raffle, tombola and more.

Last year we raised over £200 for the NCT ••• Birstall Methodist Monday Women’s Group

Coffee Morning at the Methodist Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane Saturday March 10, 10-12noon Cakes, books, tombola, raffle Everyone welcome. You will see what a friendly group we are and we are always welcoming new members. If you are interested please phone Margaret on 2671181 or 2673674 Our forthcoming programme is: Feb 6, A Van for all Seasons; 13th, no meeting; 20th, Intercare Medical Aid; 27th Novelty Dance •••

Urgently needed!

Spring & summer clothes Birstall Methodist For charity funday fashion show Garden Trail

The 2012 Garden Trail will be in the Walker Road/Goscote Hall Road, Went Road area on Saturday and Sunday June 9 & 10.

A number of residents have already kindly agreed to open their gardens.

If anyone else would like to join them please telephone 2677576.

Proceeds this year will be shared with the prostate cancer charity ‘ProstAid’ and the church.

•••

Cheeky Monkey Tea Party Friday February 17 at the Village Hall from 10am to

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All clothes will eventually be donated or sold with proceeds going to local causes Clothes will be kindly received at: Revive Hair, Went Road & The Old Plough, Front Street For more info please call 0116 2674669 •••

New Age Kurling An adaptation of original curling and played indoors on a hard surface Teams compete with the aim of rolling their Kurling stones closest to the centre of the target The stone can be rolled from a seated or standing position and can be pushed using your hands, feet, stick or ramp All abilities welcomed!

Active Together are also offering local residents the opportunity to represent Charnwood in our County Wide Kurling Competition, so if you think you’ve got what it takes or want to try something new then why not come along to a session at Soar Valley Leisure Centre Every Friday from Feb 24-March 23, 2-3pm A session costs just £2 per adult For more info contact the team on 01509 632535 or email activetogether@charnwood.gov.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

NHW news & crime report

Refurbished home A SPECIAL service of rededication held at The Co-operative Funeralcare on Crossways, Birstall has marked the completion of the exterior refurbishment.

The Co-operative Funeralcare team was joined by the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Bernard Burr, to officially unveil the newly refurbished home. Reverend Jupp led the opening prayers with Father Tomlinson, Reverend Crofts, Reverend Haynes and Reverend Monks blessing the facilities which include one arranging room where families can discuss their requirements and two chapels of rest where they can pay their last respects to loved ones.

Speaking on behalf of the Funeral Home, Louise Pell, Funeral Director said: “We are all delighted with the result of the refurbishment which we feel reflects our commitment to providing excellent standards of care for our families during their time of bereavement.

“Our funeral home has undergone a dramatic change over the last three years with redecoration throughout in a

contemporary style including new carpets, curtains and furniture. We now have an exterior that matches the light and welcoming interior. We would like to thank Councillor Bernard Burr and all the clergy for leading the rededication service. We all appreciate the time they put aside out of their busy schedules to help make this a special occasion for us.”

The Co-operative Funeralcare on Crossway offers a 24 hour service, seven days a week. In addition to arranging funerals, Louise and her team are also able to offer advice on floral tributes, monumental masonry, funeral stationery, pre-paid funeral plans and probate advice. Louise and her team can be contacted on 0116 2671624.

Pic: The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Bernard Burr opening the newly refurbished Funeral Home with his wife Rose Burr and Louise Pell, Funeral Director

Knitting up a storm THE KNITTING Guerillas from Birstall (KGB) are calling upon the crafty folk of Birstall to knit or crochet hearts for a yarn storm they have planned for Valentine’s Day. Spokesperson Niddynoddy said: “Guerilla knitting is kind of like graffiti but with yarn and with no damage to public spaces. Guerrilla knitters choose a specific public space to ‘storm’ with their woolly creations thereby bringing art to the outdoor landscape for all to enjoy.

The reason we do it is to make people smile.

Parking, anti-social behaviour and very social behaviour Blocked pavements put vulnerable people at risk as pedestrians in wheelchairs, parents with pushchairs or the partially sighted are forced to walk on busy roads to get by. People who park on pavements in most cases do not do this maliciously, they simply haven't thought about the possible consequences of their actions. Charnwood Borough Council is working closely with the Police to raise awareness of the issue, deter motorists from parking on pavements and to prosecute drivers who flout the law.

Charnwood Borough Council street wardens will issue £50 Parking Charge Notices to offenders who park on pavements in contravention of the signs and lines. Police officers and PCSOs can issue fixed penalty notices to offenders who cause pavement obstructions. To report a vehicle blocking a pavement, call the dedicated hotline on 01509 634564 or email cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk Speaking of the Borough Council, a reminder about how to report anti-social behaviour: the Community Safety Team is on 01509 634920 or 01509 634533 or email Community.safety@charnwood.gov.uk Are you on Facebook? We are!

You can find us by searching for ‘Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch’. If you “like” our page then you’ll get the latest news as soon as we have it.

And speaking of the Internet, a warning about a website calling itself neighbourhood watch: nhwo.co.uk is not supported by the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (NHWN) which is

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Methodist Church Coffee Shop in an envelope marked ‘FAO David Bark for the KGB’” The coffee shop is open 10am till 12noon Monday through to Saturday.

The last day to receive the hearts is Sat Feb 11.

Niddynoddy said: “We regret that we will not be able to return your creations but if you follow our web page, not only will you find links to patterns to make your hearts, you may be able to spot a photo of your creation on public display after the storm is completed!” http://kgb_123.blogspot.com

13

the official national body representing ALL Neighbourhood Watch members in England & Wales.

The site sells a ‘co-ordinators pack’ at £39.99, providing materials which are free to members in Birstall & Wanlip (street signs and stickers). Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch requests an annual donation and suggests only £1 per household.

In fact, it is membership renewal time again so you should be receiving an envelope through your door with the newsletter. If you can make a donation, please put it in the envelope and return the envelope to your co-ordinator who will collect all the envelopes for their scheme and then receive all the membership cards.

Scheme Co-ordinators Desperately Needed!

We are looking for scheme co-ordinators on the Queensgate Drive / Harrowgate Drive junction, Hallam Fields Road, Loughborough Road (opposite the petrol station, from Hermitage road down the hill for about 15 houses) and Cliffwood Avenue. As the new membership year starts in March, these schemes will lapse without a new co-ordinator– so there will no longer be a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in those areas.

Shreekant Raivadera, Birstall & Wanlip NHW

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

Cricket Corner BIRSTALL VILLAGE CC are ready to kick start their 2012 year after a very successful 2011 season.

BVCC 1st XI won the Premier Division title for the third time in five years and look forward to having another big season. The club has seen the emergence of talented juniors making their way into the senior teams and pushing for a spot in the 1st XI. The club also prides themselves on a fantastic spirit shown through the many club social events, fundraisers and the odd BBQ when the weather is kind.

Birstall Village encourages and warmly welcomes any new players, young or old, who wish to join the club. We are about to begin our pre season training so if you want to join or just get an early hit out in the nets then come along!

Pre season net dates at Grace Road (within the LCCC ground): Begin Thursday February 2 from 9 –

10pm.

Then every Thursday with the last net on March 29.

If you would like to find out any more information about our Senior teams, please contact Club Chairman and Secretary, Andy Merry on 07708473308 or 1st Team Captain, Dave Sharpe on 07527186705. For more information about our junior teams please contact Prad Sood on 07531339320. For regular updates throughout the season, keep your eye on the BVCC website www.birstallvillagecc.co.uk We once again look forward to your support for another successful season.

We are looking for volunteer/s to help with our under 15 junior side.

Can you help? BVCC has some promising juniors coming through the club and with the support of the senior members are looking for someone to help with the weekly fixtures.

If you are able to assist, please contact club Chairman Andy Merry on 07708473308 From Joshua Saye

Pic: BVCC 1st Team – Winners of 2011 Leicestershire Premier Division title.

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After the colour and busyness of Christmas with the popular Christmas services filling the churches, and then the lively New Year joint churches party which “saw in” 2012, January seemed very flat and dull to many of us.

At St James we have been pleased to see some new faces at our services, partly as the result of a very inspiring and successful Alpha course, which took place in the autumn, and also through contact with young families, who perhaps come along to wedding or baptism services - where they are made very welcomeand find that church is not at all the formal and stiff place which some people think.

Children are welcome, both at 9.30 am on a Sunday morning when there is a crèche in operation and at the fortnightly 11am Open House when there are special activities for them.

One way to while away a boring winter evening is to come along to the good, oldfashioned Beetle Drive at Wanlip Church Rooms on Saturday February 18 at 7.30pm.

All ages are welcome and tickets can be had from Joan on 2672010.

February also brings two special services, at Wanlip church this year: firstly, a joint event on Thursday February 2 at 7.30pm when we celebrate the ancient festival of Candlemas, with friends from the other churches. Then, as Easter falls in early April this year, the start of Lent (i.e. the 5 weeks leading up to Easter) will be marked by a service on Ash Wednesday February 22 at 7.30pm (the service is so-called because, in the past, people showed their sorrow at past misdemeanours, and their intention to do better in Lent, by wearing sackcloth and ashes!). Throughout the period of Lent the churches are joining together for a talk each Tuesday evening, starting on Feb 28 at 7.30pm at Birstall Methodist Church, on the subject of Healing. The talks will alternate between the churches and anyone is welcome to attend. For more details you can contact St James Church Office on 267 1797, or simply come along to that first meeting.

To cheer the gloom of the early months of the year, plans are already being made for two parish holidays in 2012. Following the success of the parish trip to Paris last Spring, another holiday by Eurostar is being planned, this time to Bruges, and plans are afoot for a holiday by coach to Cheltenham and the Cotswolds in August . Even if we are not among the lucky ones on such trips, even thinking about possible sunshine and warmth helps us to look ahead for the longed-for Spring.

From Beryl McHugh, Parish Churches

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Christmas Charities Three charities benefitted from various collections over the Christmas period, and all three are grateful to all who contributed.

Over many years the church has supported the Carpenter’s Arms in Loughborough in its work for the local homeless. Currently they run ‘Joseph’s Storehouse’ providing food to the needy and homeless. £152.50 was raised this Christmas for Joseph’s Storehouse. £144.21 was raised for ‘Action for Children’ (used to be called NCH). £700 went to the ‘Smile Train’ charity which provides cleft palate surgery in poor parts of the world. Our

ladies Thursday group raised £765 for their joint current charities The Alzheimer’s Society and the Renal Unit at Loughborough.

Metal Problems Both above and below ground the church premises have had problems with metal. Despite having very little lead on the roof of the premises some was stolen late last year. Below ground a central heating pipe, which was buried below the kitchen doorway become corroded, and began to leak. Both interior & exterior problems have now been repaired.

Property Work In an attempt to reduce costs of heating the church, the upper windows are to be double glazed shortly and new thicker insulation is to be placed in the roof of the church.

In the longer term it is hoped, eventually, to replace the pews with chairs so that the premises can be used more flexibly.

Pantomime Tickets Tickets are still available for some of the performances of ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ which runs from Tuesday February 14 to Saturday February 18, which is half-term week. All tickets are £5 including the Saturday matinee.

Tel Deborah on 0116 2122513 for tickets.

2012 Garden Trail The dates are now fixed for the Garden Trail, June 9 & 10, in the Goscote area of our village.

From Tony Moore, Methodist Church The fourteenth February 14th has come to be celebrated across the world. There are no romantic elements present in the biographies of any of the Christian martyrs (2nd and 3rd centuries) named Valentine. The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages (first recorded in 1382). During the 19th century, there was the mass-production of greeting cards and in the 20th century, the practice of giving gifts expanded – particularly red roses, chocolates and, more recently, the giving of jewellery. According to The Telegraph for 14 February 2010, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards were to be sent worldwide that year and an estimated 15 million e-valentines were actually sent in 2010. The latest figures I could find (from the British Retail Consortium) were for 2007, when Valentine’s Day was worth £1.3 billion to UK retailers.

Love has always been important to people and, as you perhaps prepare for this year’s Valentine’s Day, can I remind you of “For God so loved the world that …” (John 3:16).

If you would like to know the rest of this quote and what it means for you personally and the cost which was involved, then please get in touch (see contact details below).

February activities Our speaker for February 19 will be Mr Roger Shephard. Our Sunday services throughout the month are at 10.45am in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School and Community Centre, Greengate Lane LE4 3DL. Please come and join us: you will be most welcome. Simon, our evangelist, is continuing to visit around Birstall on the East side of the A6.

Contact details: For further information please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

Library events Target shooting at pub THE VICTORIAN sport of Bell target shooting has been revived at a Thurcaston pub.

The Redhill Revolvers have been shooting at the Wheatsheaf Inn fortnightly on Monday nights from 7.30pm.

Bell target shooting is an indoor sport using .177 air weapons shooting at an all steel bell target at a range of 6 or 7 yards. For more details call Steve on 0116 2676262 (daytime)

Passengers rising THE GROWING popularity of Birstall’s park and ride has seen passenger numbers rise.

The site opened in July and in August around 8000 passengers used the service. In December there were 29,000 passengers.

The £5.5million car park is jointly run by the City and County Council who have provided a total of £600,000 in subsidy.

The Birstall and Enderby park and rides are linked and the two services cost £830,000 annually to run. The income from the Birstall service in December was £47,847.

Both Councils plan to reduce the level of subsidy and hope that the service will eventually pay for itself.

Service details: www.quicksilverbus.co.uk

Planning applications P/12/0144/2: 3 Elmfield Ave – erection of 2 storey extension to side, single storey extension to rear of dwelling and detached garden room P/12/0136/2: 10 Lodgewood Ave – erection of single storey extensions to side and rear of dwelling P/12/0090/2 – 82A Birstall Road – alterations to windows P/12/0049/2: 13 Holt Road – erection of single storey extension to side and rear of dwelling P/12/0058/2: Riversdale Court, Riversdale Close – erection of concrete sectional garage for the storage of mobility scooters P/12/0023/2: 12 Tempest Road – removal of one pine tree (tree preservation order) P/12/0161/2: 68 Rectory Road, Wanlip – proposed car port

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

BIRSTALL LIBRARY has announced a programme of events for 2012.

Wriggly Readers – for under 5s and their carers.

Songs, rhymes and stories for under fives. Mondays 10-10.45am. Sessions are free.

Gujarati Wriggly Readers – First Thursday of every month A new wriggly session from 10.45am.

Share nursery songs and stories in Gujarati so children can retain their first language and converse with other family members and share cultural stories and songs.

Half Term Activities – Healthy Hearts & Minds Fun activities for 6-12 yr old and their family. Lots of physical and fun activities, quiz and competitions. Limited spaces so book early.

Health Checks – February 16 After Christmas and New Year celebrations of indulging in glorious food and drinks everyone hopes to get back into shape and better health. So why not take this offer of a FREE health check which takes only 15 mins carried out by a health professional at Birstall Library on Thursday Feb 16 from 10am to 1pm.

Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Last booking at 12.45pm.

Talk on Roman Medicine Talk by Nick Marshall on Feb 2, 7.30-9.30pm. Booking is essential as limited places. Tickets £3 inc light refreshments.

Talk by local historian A talk and slide show of Old Birstall Village by a local historian is taking place on Tuesday March 6 from 7.308.30pm. Tickets only £1 but limited places so book early to avoid disappointment. Call Birstall Library 0116 305 8756 to book a place.

DE MONTFORT MEMORIALS • MONUMENTAL SCULPTORS • NEW MEMORIALS • CLEANING & RESTORATION • QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP • BROCHURE ON REQUEST

is still required if you are selling or renting out your house.

www.demontfortmemorials.co.uk Showroom:

Call David Jackson on 0781 5519490 to arrange your EPC

3 BROOKBRIDGE COURT, SYSTON LEICESTER LE7 2JT

Tel: 0116 2601851

15

WI news THE FIRST monthly meeting of Birstall and Wanlip WI for 2012 took place on January 9 at Highcliffe School.

We discussed forthcoming events for the year and all agreed that the Curve Production of 42nd Street proved to be an excellent evening's entertainment on December 19. Each lady also voted for the resolutions that she wished to take forward to this year's AGM. Our speaker was Dr Catherine d'Souza who spoke so eloquently about her work providing palliative home care to the people of Cameroon. She is currently back in this country still raising awareness of her work whilst on maternity leave. Indeed she conducted part of her talk whilst cuddling her 3 month old daughter Sarah.

It was very humbling to see how grateful and happy the people of Cameroon were for the relief and care that she was able to give them. Interestingly she said that because the people were toughened by hard physical work, their spiritual beliefs and less anxious natures they sometimes required a tenth of the pain relief of Westerners.

Our next meeting will be on February 6 when Adrian Lane will talk to us about Leicester and its Riverside and our competition will be 'Something from the Riverside'. Interesting to see what will be entered in this competition.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

THE BIRSTALL POST

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Enjoy a complimentary therapy treatment in a calm relaxing atmosphere. Meet & chat to other patients & carers over a cup of tea. Therapies available include aromatherapy massage, reflexology, Indian head massage & reiki

16

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2012

THIS MONTH we thought it would be useful to provide you with some information about how cancer services are provided in the NHS. Understanding how a system works can remove some of the anxiety of being referred and hopefully will prompt people to seek help more readily.

Two things will be covered: Cancer Waiting Times and Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team Working.

Cancer Waiting Times It is important that patients with suspected and diagnosed cancer have appointments, tests and treatments in a timely fashion both to improve their outcomes and their experience in the NHS. Cancer teams have to report the waiting times their patients experience on a regular basis and hospitals can be financially penalised if they do not meet the national requirement.

There are a number of specific requirements that have been introduced to support timely care for cancer and suspected cancer patients. These are: Patients are to be seen within Two Weeks from: • urgent GP referral for suspected cancer to first hospital assessment • referral for breast symptoms where cancer is not suspected to first hospital assessment.

Patients are to receive their first treatment within 31 days from: • decision to treat to first treatment • decision to treat/earliest clinically appropriate date to any subsequent treatment Patients are to be treated within 62 days

from: • urgent GP referral for suspected cancer to first treatment (31 days for suspected children’s cancers, testicular cancer, or acute leukaemia) • urgent referral from NHS Cancer Screening Programmes (breast, cervical and bowel) • a consultant’s decision to upgrade the urgency of a patient (due to a suspicion of cancer) to first treatment Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Working Before the early 1990s only a relatively small proportion of cancer patients benefited from their care being managed by a MDT of cancer specialists, meaning: • diagnostic assessments were often made and cancer treatments often delivered by generalists without specific knowledge and skills related to a specific cancer; • staff were often working in isolation; • information was not being collated, making audit virtually impossible and hampering the onward flow of data to cancer registries; • communication with patients was often poor as was communication between primary, secondary and tertiary care.

Cancer MDTs were established to overcome these and other challenges and there are now around 1500 in England and the National Cancer Action Team (NCAT) has introduced a programme of work to support their working.

The University Hospitals of Leicester are

typical of most large teaching hospitals in that each different type of cancer (Breast, Lung, Bowel, Prostate, Childrens etc) has its own MDT. The MDT consists of several health care professionals; a surgeon, specialist nurse, clinical (radiation) oncologist, medical (chemotherapy) oncologist, physician, palliative care doctor or nurse, radiology (X-ray) specialist doctor and administration staff who organise all the meetings, take minutes and deal with patient notes. The teams meet weekly to discuss all the new cases they are investigating or have diagnosed to discuss the most appropriate treatment plan. Following this one member of the team will meet with the patient in clinic to discuss the best way forward. Although the MDT work closely together they may all be based within any of Leicester’s three hospitals. Usually the specialist nurse within the MDT acts as the patient’s key worker, in other words he or she is responsible for coordinating the patients care and supporting the patient at every stage of their cancer experience.

For further information please go to www.ncat.nhs.uk/our-work/ensuring-bettertreatment/cancer-waiting-times or www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx or contact 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 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. Our next fundraising event is at the Methodist Coffee Shop on Saturday March 3 where Cancer Nurse Specialists will be running Cancer Awareness sessions and refreshments and cakes will be available.

We also have our annual Live Band Night at Birstall Social Club on Saturday March 17.

For more information look at our website www.birstallbags.co.uk From Birstall BAGs

Microwaves Vacuum Cleaners

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.

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 MATHS & PHYSICS tuition. Popular, experienced private/college tutor, (PGCE, BSc Hons) offers excellent tuition and exam preparation for GCSE and A-level. Call 07980 749992 for more details.

COOKER VALETING Cookers cleaned inside and out, drives and patios pressure washed, conservatories cleaned inside and out. Also general house cleaning. Tel: 0116 2215079, Mobile 07955175177 REIKI TREATMENTS at Blue Moon.

First visit half price. Vouchers available. Visit www.rainbowtherapy.net for details

The March issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Mar 3.

The copy deadline is Feb 17.

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Top quality lenses including Varilux, Nikon, Zeiss

on the latest models of selected Panasonic Televisions

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DESIGNER FRAMES

Contact Mike or Teresa Keily on 0116

Rak Tailor Home Improvements We offer friendly, professional & reliable electrical services to businesses & homes in Birstall at affordable prices

Richard Borrajo 2 Hallam Ave, Birstall 07530 211211 richard@borrajoelectrical.co.uk

Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms & flatpack Tiling (walls & floor) Laminate floors laid Internal & external doors hung Fencing & gates Home & garden furniture made to order Decorating

Tel: 0116 267 4798 Mob:07790 835 747

237 6098

Unit 3, Victoria Mills Fowke St, Rothley Easy Parking

Advertise in

The birstall post 47 x 59mm £26 • 47 x 120mm £44 98 x 59mm £44 • 98 x 120mm £78

1) Decide what size you want 2) Send us a sketch of your ad 3) We design, publish This Siz & send e you the Wednes bill days

S£E2X6Y +VAT

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