Birstall Post (350) Sept 2012 by The Birstall Post

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

SEPTEMBER 2012

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 350

Birstall’s garden suburb? DETAILED PLANS for 1500 dwellings north of Birstall have been prepared.

Pic: (l-r) National Champions Pa Walker, Jennie Groves, Diane Hurst and Jan Everitt

Birstall ladies are champions FOUR LADIES from Birstall Ladies Bowling Club are celebrating after becoming National Champions. Having won through five rounds in Leicestershire to qualify for the National Championships at Leamington Spa, Pa Walker, Jan Everitt, Jennie Groves and Diane Hurst beat teams from Rosedale (Hertfordshire) 23-12, Dukeries (Nottinghamshire) 22-19 and Milton Park (Hampshire) 21-17 in the first three

rounds. Victory over Sherwood Park (Warwickshire) 21-12 in the quarter final ensured a repeat of last year’s semi final against Cleethorpes (Lincolnshire) skipped by Commonwealth Games gold medalist Amy Gowshall. Birstall were never behind in a close

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game and ran out winners 19-11. In the national final Birstall were up against Bournville (Warwickshire) and at the halfway stage were 10-5 up. The lead was extended to 18-8 after 15 ends and five shots without reply over the next three ends meant a 15 shot lead with just three ends to go. Despite dropping three shots on the 19th end, a single on the 20th was enough and Birstall won 24-11

Continued on page 7

Plans for the proposed development, called the ‘Broadnook Garden Suburb’, have been drawn up by the landowners and shown to consultants working for Charnwood Borough Council. The consultants, BBP Regeneration, have been commissioned to produce a market testing report of the housing options the Borough Council is considering to meet housing targets in its Local Plan. BBP’s report states: “…the scheme is being driven by the landowners’ desire to create a special place to live and work, founded on the principles of the Garden Suburb, previously used locally in connection with the Great Central Continued on page 2

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Continued from page 1 Railway at Quorn, Rothley and Birstall”. The landowners are the Palmer Tomkinson Trust and the Antony Cooper family. The report says “…the landowners wish to leave a high quality settlement as a lasting legacy and are determined to directly control the quality and type of development”. The landowners are in negotiations with developers Davidsons about an arrangement that would see the landowners only being paid for the land once house sales are completed, which would speed up the construction process. The development would have a full range of dwelling sizes from one bedroom apartments to five bedroom homes, tree lined avenues and “integrated education, health and community facilities”. The landowners state that a start on the site could be made in the first quarter of 2014 with a typical build rate of

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THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 28. The copy deadline is Sep 14.

Pic: Jack and two performers at the closing ceremony

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135 dwellings per annum. The land north of Birstall is one option that Charnwood Borough Council is considering for inclusion in its Local Plan – other possible sties are in Glenfield and Syston. The Birstall Post requested details of the proposals from the landowners’ agent but no reply had been received at the time of going to press. • BBP’s report can be viewed here: www.charnwood.gov.uk/market_testi ng

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A BUDDING star of musical theatre danced the can-can with Eric Idle at the closing ceremony of the Olympic games. Nineteen year old Jack Bishop from Birstall was one of the 4100 performers who took part, performing in front of a global audience of 4 billion. “It was the best experience of my life” said Jack “the atmosphere inside the stadium was just incredible. I got to share the stage with so many famous people including Russell Brand, Kate Moss, One Direction, the Spice Girls, George Michael and Take That – I felt so at home!” Jack was part of the Goon Squad during David Bowie’s ‘Fashion’ and dressed as a Roman soldier, danced the can-can as Eric Idle performed ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’. He will be performing again at the closing ceremony of the Paralympics on September 9. Jack, who attended Riverside, Stonehill and Longslade schools, is in the first year of his degree in Musical Theatre at the London College of Music. Last year he played the role of Chino in West Side Story at Leicester’s Curve theatre and is planning a career in West End musical or film.

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Group challenges legality of City’s traveller site plans AN ACTION group is challenging the legality of Leicester City Council’s plans to provide three permanent traveller sites, including one on Greengate Lane. The LE4 Action Group has instructed a firm of planning solicitors, Marrons, to advise them. Marrons have contacted the City Council’s legal department to challenge the legality of the consultation process and the rationale behind the selection of sites. On July 3 representatives from the action group met with City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby to outline their concerns about the proposals and to present a

Modern history

3000 name petition objecting to the three sites. The Mayor has said he will come to a decision once he has considered all the responses to the consultation process, which ended on July 13. Terry McGreal, a spokesman for the LE4 Action Group said: “Although the main group meetings have been suspended for the time being the steering group still meets regularly to consider our strategy. Our petition has now swelled to almost 4500 names and even though the formal consultation period has ended we will continue to be active in promoting awareness of the proposals during the coming weeks leading up to the City Mayor’s decision. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from residents of the LE4 area, the Birstall Parish Council,

has provided a fund of £60million for local authorities to provide new traveller sites – around 600 new pitches across the country have had their funding allocated since the scheme was launched in 2011. Leicester City Council has allocated £480,000 of its budget for 2012/13 to support the provision of traveller pitches. Framework Housing Association has approval for £1,305,000 for a proposed 15 pitches from the Homes and Communities Agency. Councils also receive a further cash bonus from providing traveller sites from the Government’s New Pic: the Greengate lane site Homes Bonus. This is a scheme that encourages councils to provide new housing by giving them a sum equivalent to each new property’s council tax for six years, plus a further £350 some or all of them. It is extremely if the home is an “affordable” one. important that residents realise that if In 2011-12, £200million was allocatthat does happen it certainly isn’t the ed to Councils by the scheme. end of the matter and that it is far from being a done deal. The City Council would have to apply for planning permission and it is our opinion, and this opinion is fully supported by our solicitors, that there are significant planning policy reasons that weigh against all three sites and which will present us Tiling • Slating • Repointing with grounds to make further represenGuttering • Fascias • Soffits tations against these proposals.” Readers can e-mail the Group at ALL WORK GUARANTEED • NO VAT le4action@yahoo.co.uk or visit the webOver 25 Years Experience site www.le4.moonfruit.com • Leicester City Council has successTel: 0116 2675904 fully applied for £270,000 of governMob: 07789 116726 ment money for the provision of traveller pitches. 60 Hill Rise, Birstall The Home & Communities Agency

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A RETIRED university lecturer will be giving two talks in Rothley on the history of Germany and Russia. Dr Michael Lynch, who taught Modern History at Leicester University will be talking about Germany from Hitler to the present day, and on Russia from the time of Stalin. The talks will be given in the Rothley Centre where Dr Lynch has previously given lectures on China and the Middle East, both of which were well supported. Held on Tuesday October 2 and Tuesday October 23, both talks are at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and tea and coffee will be made available. There will be a question and answer session. The talks are organised by the Rothley Branch of the Charnwood Conservative Association, are non-political and all are welcome. Tickets at £4 are available via Norman Pratt on 0116 237 5254 or by post to 17 Windmill End, Rothley Leicester LE7 7RP. Please include a stamped/addressed envelope.

and our local Members of Parliament Stephen Dorrell and Liz Kendall. A number of local businesses have already helped us with printing and by providing venues free of charge for meetings but we have recently sent out over 200 invitations to a forthcoming presentation event to encourage other local businesses to get involved in our campaign. “In addition to questioning the legalities of the process on which the council has embarked we need to be prepared for the possibility that, despite local opposition to these proposals, the City Mayor still decides to proceed with

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THE BIRSTALL POST

SEP 2012

Pic: Vipul Mehta and staff outside his shop

Family terrified by armed burglars A BIRSTALL family were confronted by masked raiders who burst into their home brandishing a knife, claw-hammer and a rounders bat. One of the raiders, Carl O’Dowd (42) of Hinckley Road, Leicester, was jailed for eight years on July 19, for his part in the attack. The incident happened at 10am on January 6 when O’Dowd knocked on the front door of a Birstall property. When the door was opened O’Dowd and two accomplices all wearing balaclavas forced their way in, knocking the property owner over. The house was occupied by a couple, their 27 year old son and their 13 year old daughter. One of the raiders was carrying a knife with a 12 inch blade and ordered the girl and her parents into a room where they were ordered to stay. The gang then went upstairs to the bedroom of the son who used a bat to

Pic: Carl O’Dowd

defend himself, injuring O’Dowd who bled profusely at the scene. The blood was used by detectives to identify O’Dowd. The victim suffered chipped teeth, a slashed back and bruising to his hands and body. O’Dowd’s injury cut short the raid and the gang left stealing a Rolex watch, car and house keys and a laptop computer. O’Dowd admitted robbery and causing actual bodily harm at Leicester Crown Court. His accomplices have not been caught. The court heard that others recruited O’Dowd to take part, telling him it was to do with money owed for drugs. The victim told Police he had no idea why he was targeted. O’Dowd had three previous convictions for burglaries while the occupants were at home, and 81 offences on his record.

Newly refurbished shop’s brighter look A COMPUTER shop in Birstall has a lighter, brighter look after a refurbishment. NTL Computer Services on the Meadway has a new floor to ceiling glass frontage, and more space after internal walls were taken out. Owner Mr Vipul Mehta said: “I think it has made an improvement to the look of the area and inside it is much brighter, a more professional environment and customers tell me they like it.” Mr Mehta has run the business for the last 11 years. He said: “I run a friendly service for computer and laptop repairs, I can set up home and business networks, connecting all your devices. I can always find a solution within your budget.” NTL Computer Services is an official Dell, Brother and AVG partner and sells computer accessories, ink, toner, CDs, DVDs and paper.

Tennis club IT’S ALL systems go for Birstall Watermead Tennis Club this month when the annual championships take centre stage. After a summer when rainfall broke all kinds of records, the club is keeping fingers crossed for fine weather during the championships, which will be held from September 8 until Finals Day on September 16. It will be the biggest test yet for the newly-repainted courts. Winners’ trophies will be presented on Finals Day with a barbecue providing food throughout the event. So even if you are a member and not taking part in Finals Day, come down and give your support on the club’s biggest day of the year.

Bokwa class A BOKWA fitness instructor plans to maintain the party atmosphere this winter. Instructor Lisa Cluer said: “A big thank you to all of you who have supported the beginning of Birstall Bokwa. With the impending winter months bringing with them dark, cold and frosty times I have changed the time at Longslade Community College to Tuesdays, 6.30-7.30pm. This will begin on September 4. “I believe this will keep the class open to the widest audience and help to maintain a party atmosphere which we all need a little of during winter.”

THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on August 13. A resident commented on the planned sports facilities at Longslade College and asked why funds were available for this and not the Birstall pool It was suggested that funds for one project could not be re-allocated elsewhere, the ongoing running costs of providing a swimming pool were the issue, and Chairman Pat Cleere said he had sought clarification on whether Section 106 money associated with Hallam Fields could be re-allocated and had been told it could not. The Council agreed to adopt a new model Code of Conduct, provided by NALC (the National Association of Local Councils). It was reported that there had been no progress in the discussions regarding the provision of a new school at Hallam Fields. In 2011 the County Council said a new school at Hallam Fields was unnecessary and children could be accommodated at an enlarged Riverside School. Cllr Roger Wilson reported that the County is looking again at the data for projected school intake. Cllr Julian Howe commented that he was not happy with the way Birstall people were treated regarding the closure of Birstall Pool. A public meeting should have been held to announce and explain the decision, not just sticking a notice on the door of the pool, especially in view of the fact that the pool had been originally part funded by the community. Comment was made that a village the size of Birstall needed a pool and leisure centre. It was agreed to purchase an 8 metre (26 ft) flagpole, a Union Flag and a Flag of England for £650. It will be erected near the entrance to the Sibson Road car park. The cords will be concealed within the flagpole. The Council agreed to install bollards, a Jubilee seat and two planters on the frontage of the Village Hall. The measures will prevent unauthorised parking but will leave room for the Age Concern mini-bus. £2000 of the £2581 cost has been met by a grant from the Edith Murphy Foundation. It was reported that the cost of the cancellation of the gala was £5089. The cost of insuring the event against bad weather is felt to be too high. It was agreed that the Christmas lights switch on event be expanded. A provisional date of July 27/28 has been set for the 2013 gala but will be re-considered after comment was made that this was a date when many people would be away on holiday. It was agreed to discontinue the Citizen of the Year Award, presented annually at Birstall Gala. Despite publicity, the number of nominations from the public was very low and it was felt the award had not captured the public’s imagination. It was reported that Cllr Stuart

Morris dancers bring ancient tradition to Birstall Jones had paid for the cup and subsequent engravings of winners’ names. He was offered re-imbursement but declined it. He said he would keep the cup, and continue to award it, removing any association with the Parish Council. It was reported that there were no funds left in the account of the Land and Lewis charity which is administered by the Parish Council and delivers Christmas hampers to needy elderly people in Birstall. The anticipated cost to the council in 2012 is £950. Comment was made that it was difficult to identify names and addresses of needy people because of data protection issues, and there is no way of establishing if the existing recipients were ever in need of this kind of support or whether they continue to be eligible. Cllr Stuart Jones volunteered a personal donation of £500 to the charity. The Council agreed that no new names be added to the list of recipients and to investigate grant funding. The hampers will be delivered in 2012. Cllr Jim Garner reported on the measures Severn Trent Water were taking to prevent flooding and sewage escaping on School Lane. County Cllr Roger Wilson reported that Longslade is becoming an Academy School, and can’t afford to pay for the loss-making facility of a swimming pool. He said that this would open the door for the community to fund it which he would welcome. Cllr Wilson said he expected Leicester City council to submit a planning application for its proposed traveller sites near Birstall.

A LARGE crowd enjoyed a performance outside The Old Plough by the Leicester Morrismen in August. The traditional Morris dancing performed on a summer evening entertained spectators of all ages. Onlooker Roland Rayner said : “I wish to send my thanks to all involved in maintaining this English tradition.” Pic: The Leicester Morrismen outside The Old Plough on Front Street

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Continued from page 1 with an end to spare to secure the national title. Skip Diane Hurst said: "Myself and Jan have qualified in the fours for the past six years, and together with Jennie reached the semi-finals last season, so we felt we had a good chance before the event started. “When we beat the defending champions Cleethorpes in the semi final, we were all confident that we could go on and win the final. "We are delighted to have won the championship and are really looking forward to representing England in Glasgow next summer. Finally, thanks to everyone for their support throughout the championship, we couldn't have done it without you.” The Birstall quartet will now represent England in the 2013 British Isles Championships that take place at the Kelvingrove Bowls Centre in Glasgow, the bowls venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Diane Hurst was also involved in the singles at the National Championships, and having beaten Bet Aubrey (Berkshire) 21-10 and Jennie Cole (Herefordshire) 21-15 in the first two rounds, came up against Hannah McConnell from Bedfordshire in the third round. Having been well behind early on, Hurst made a great comeback to level at 20-20 and was holding game before a superb last bowl by McConnell took the shot and the match in a dramatic finish. The men’s club was county cup runners up, just failing to repeat last season’s successful campaign, losing out to Kingscroft 65-70 in the final. Rink scores: Grahame White, Terry Stretton, Darren Hickling and Paul Young won 16-15. Bob Cooper, John Jenkins, Richard Smith and Dave Clarke lost 12-22. John Walker, Stuart Hartop, John Hurst and Andy Wye lost 17-20. Gary Norman, John Eaton, Dick Cooper and Tom Cowles won 20-13. Birstall were also runners up in the Leicester league first division, finishing behind Goodwood, and ahead of third place Blaby on shots difference. Birstall won the Bramley Bowl, the premier Leicester City & District Parks competition, with a convincing 90-58 victory over Oadby in the final. Rink scores: Mick Barnacle, Dave Hill, Darren Hickling and Paul Young won 31-11. Bren Thompson, John Jenkins, Rick Everitt and Andy Wye won 26-15. Bruce Pearson, Pete Akroyd, John Walker and John Hurst won 18-17. Dennis Measom, Paul Jackson, Grahame White and Dave Clarke drew 15-15. Individually, Ross Durance and Terry Stretton won the pairs, Dave Clarke was runner up in the singles and Mick Ross, Brian Taft and Jack Berry were triples semi finalists.

Cedar tree “too small” A CEDAR tree built with steel and wood has been erected near the entrance to Birstall’s park and ride. The 20 foot structure was created by artist Charlie Carter and cost £57,142. Developers Jelson were required to pay for it, as part of the section 106 agreement associated with the planning permission for Hallam Fields. Charlie Carter and his design of a tree was chosen from a shortlist of

three by a steering group that included local councillors, including Birstall Parish Councillor Neville Mayes. He said: “I liked Charlie’s idea and chose it. But I’m very disappointed with the size, I thought it was going to be much bigger and set on a plinth, so as you come over the hill from Loughborough you’d see it.”

Local artist Charlotte Stephenson, a member of Birstall & District Art Society, said: “I don’t think it’s big enough to make a statement and I’m not sure how it will blend in as the trees around it start to grow. It has some interesting forms and shapes and is balanced and symmetrical, but the colour puts me off.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

60 years New sports facilities at college of laughter THREE NEW tennis courts and a full size artificial turf football pitch are planned at Longslade College, Birstall.

SOMETIME IN the late 1940’s a few men at the Methodist Church felt they were being ‘left out’ of the social side of church life, as there were groups for ladies, and none for men. They decided to form the Men’s Pantomime group. For almost every (but not quite all) years since, an all-male cast has presented a pantomime. Initially it ran for 3 nights plus a matinee. Now it runs for five nights and a matinee in a much larger hall than the one used in those early years. The original scripts were written by the late John Valentine, and those scripts have been constantly updated but a few bits from the original scripts still remain! Cinderella will be the 2013 production in the February half term. Rehearsals start on September 27. Any men who would like to join the cast are most welcome. Tel John (2675128) or Richard (2209462) or just turn up. You don’t need any special skills, as the musical Director (David Bark), and choregrapher (Sally Montague-Mason) are excellent tutors. Although an all-male cast, the pantomime could not go ahead without the many ladies that now help backstage. From Tony Moore

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The facilities will be located next to the Palmer Tomkinson Centre on land partly occupied by an all weather sports pitch and on arable land beyond the existing college boundary to the north. The proposals include three standard sized tennis courts, one to be designated as a tournament court and a full sized artificial turf football pitch, which may be used as three individual 5-a-side pitches across its width.

County schools good LATEST OFSTED figures show that Leicestershire’s schools are better than the national average. Information published by the education watchdog reveals that last year, over there quarters of county schools were rated good or better. Compared to similar areas in the UK, Leicestershire ranks top with its best-ever rate of 76 per cent. Schools can be rated either outstanding, good, satisfactory or inadequate. Just one per cent of Leicestershire’s schools are in special measures, compared to the national average of four per cent. Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for the children and young people’s service, said: “This is a great result and shows that we have been effective in challenging schools and helping to bring about positive Ofsted reports. “Like councils across the country, our role is changing but we will continue to be a champion for children and ensure that schools support each other to maintain standards.” The move to re-shape children and young people’s services has been sparked by new national rules, schools becoming academies and moving out of council control and a reduction in funding. This means that services provided by local authorities are changing and that a number of responsibilities are moving from the County Council to schools. • Ofsted compares councils with similar economies and demographics – these are called ‘statistical neighbours’. The table featuring Leicestershire and similar areas is below (schools rated good or better): Leicestershire – 76% Central Beds – 75% West Sussex – 74% Hampshire – 74% South Gloucs – 71% Worcestershire – 66% Staffordshire – 66% Essex – 64% Warwickshire – 61% Kent – 59% North Somerset – 55%

The courts and pitches will have a perimeter fence and floodlights. The floodlights will be fitted with a mechanism that will automatically switch them off outside the hours of permitted use. The changing room facilities are provided within the Palmer Tomkinson Centre, which opened last year. Longslade Principal Liz Hall said: “The football pitch will provide much needed training and playing facilities for local clubs and community groups as well as students in our family of schools. The initial planning for the Centre always included sports facilities as part of the programme and we are delighted we are able to start moving towards Phase 2 of the project. “We hope the football pitch will be the first part of the development. The college is making an application to the Football Foundation for matched funding to support the project and we have the support of two local partner football clubs with this. The approximate cost of a full size pitch is £500,000” Funding will come from a variety of

sources, including the football foundation, a contribution from the PalmerTomkinson Trust, College funds and the Edith Murphy trust.

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

YOUR SAY...

thanks to them all for their enrichment of our lives and particular thanks to Matt, Avril and the team at The Old Plough for making it such an excellent evening. John Backhouse

Pool

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

Good show I am writing to thank The Old Plough and The Leicester Morris Men for putting on such a good show last night [Aug 15]. It was lovely to see more than a hundred people turn out on a Wednesday evening to see a great village tradition performed. The audience contained all kinds of people: young and old; groups, couples & regulars; a family from Estonia; a former Leicester Tiger and even a Yorkshireman. The Morris Men didn't leave after their performance but instead stayed to enjoy the beer. A better crowd of blokes you couldn't want, each with a good tale to tell to those who stayed behind after the dancing. I am a newcomer to Birstall (here a mere ten years) and it is still surprising to see how hard local pubs, restaurants, businesses, schools, societies and clubs work to make a good life for us. My

It is sad that one of the only 'public' activity facilities in Birstall has been closed. I suspect that the management would cite under use. However I would suggest that it has suffered due to poor management. It is hard to believe that in the year of the London Olympics, the management could not capitalise on the heightened interest in sports and swimming, especially over the summer holidays, and keep that momentum going. In my opinion, the pool suffered from lack of access at certain times when the College was closed and when clubs were given full use of the facility. But I would mainly suggest that the pool suffered from the high fee charged to swim therein. My family and friends would’ve used the pool everyday, if the pool fee had been more reasonable and as any good sales manager should know, higher multiples of a small fee usually provide a greater income than small multiples of a large fee. Even concession rates were high. I also recall hearing that the Longslade site was to host a full facility leisure centre, but that does not appear to be happening - could someone enlighten me? I read with interest the reason given for the Summer Gala being cancelled. Of course the weather preceding that weekend was awful and may well have caused the ground to be unusable due to water-logging. However the reason given for the Gala being cancelled, and the reason posted over the site on that weekend, was that sewage had leaked onto the grounds and so posed a public health problem. From that, one would assume then that the ground was toxic and unusable in any form until the sewage was cleared. Therefore on the day

the

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the Gala was supposed to begin, I was shocked to see that the Park was open as usual and host to plenty of children playing. If the Park was so full of sewage causing the Gala to be cancelled, why was it still open to children to play in? Was I the only person to notice that the British swimming team of 1912 were wearing see-through costumes?!…and I was always led to believe that Brits of that time were prudes! Paul Lowe Steve Blackburn, Clerk to Birstall Paris Council replies: The Council took into account both the heavy rain which had already fallen, together with the forecast of further rain over the gala weekend (which turned out to be less severe than forecast) and the overflow of sewage onto the park. Earlier heavy rain had already forced the fairground rides onto the car park but after the Thursday downpour the ground was so soft that it would have caused problems even for the foot traffic around the stalls. As far as the sewage was concerned, the Council took advice from environmental health professionals about what was required; the grass area affected by solids was fenced off and subsequently disinfected by Severn Trent Water, the effect on the car park also related to the foul smell but in neither case was the risk thought to be enough to entirely close the park or to do more than put up notices with specific wording advising caution at each access point.

Let down Birstall Pool is fast becoming a forgotten memory, but not for me. I missed last month’s deadline but felt that these words could not go un-said. Longslade College let the staff and the community down because they never really cared for the pool, the closure was easy to sweep under the carpet without so much as a wave goodbye. No remorse, no regret, no interest, extremely poorly handled. Val Burdett who worked there tirelessly for 26 years was merely given a bunch of flowers with a card saying 'thanks for your support'what does that even mean? Disgusting. Even a lady Val was teaching managed to buy her a lovely silver bracelet. With the exclusion of Lyndsay King and Jane Hill, Longslade ought to be ashamed of themselves. As for the pool itself, I will always miss it (16 years for myself) I have visited others in the area and they are not a patch on Birstall, yes the facilities are good but they have no spirit or community feel. Maybe one day someone will find the funds to give Birstall back the service it deserves. To finish, thank you to all the supporters of Bir-

Rak Tailor

stall Pool and good luck to all the wonderful children that I have taught to swim and those that were still learning, a real shame it ended the way it did. Lee Meyer Ex swimming teacher/ Lifeguard

Thanks Although we now receive several magazines which have ‘Birstall’ in their title, the Post remains the top title for news and photographs, and its abundance of Birstall news. I am sure I speak for many Birstall residents, that we are grateful for those volunteers who deliver the post, and especially to the editor, Jerry Jackson, for all his efforts. Last month for example there were almost 50 photographs, mostly taken by Jerry in the four weeks between the July and August edition. The easy to handle format we now have, with colour printing, and a fine layout, is much appreciated. So to all involved in the Post, and especially the advertisers (tell them all you’ve seen the advert in the Post) – Thank You Tony Moore

Bus stop On January 7 I sent an email to the County Council, suggesting that the bus stops on the east side of Wanlip Lane, be replaced with ‘Limited Service’ signs. At that time (since Paul Winson stopped running) there was only the 9.30 number 2 Kinch bus that used those stops. I believe (but I may be mistaken) that Kinch Service now no longer serves Wanlip & Wanlip Lane, so there are now four stops (one with the best bus shelter we have in the village) with no service at all. Twice in the last month I have seen individuals standing waiting for the bus at these stops. On both occasions they were grateful on my advice to wait at the stops on the opposite side of the road. Can our Parish Council borrow a ladder & remove the stops? Tony Moore

Pool I read in the Leicester Mercury that Longslade Community College has submitted plans for three tennis courts and an all weather football pitch on land north of its campus. What I would like to know is where is this money coming from when they cannot keep the swimming pool open due to the cost? Lesley Moore

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Morris dance Our thanks to The Leicester Morrismen, who kindly came to The Old Plough on Wednesday August 15 and danced The Morris. The Morrismen raise money through their dancing for many charities, including Rainbows Children's Hospice, Cruse Bereavement Care and LOROS. Morris Dancing dates back to the mid 15th century and we think it's fantastic that they come to our pub once a year and give a real 'village' feel amongst the community. Some of the children watching had never had the opportunity to see this event before, and it was lovely to see the expression on their faces as the bells jingled and the sticks clashed. Our apologies to the resident who did not want to join in and called the police regarding the noise of the dancers, however, we think it would be a shame if this Old English Tradition which has been going for years was squashed due to to noise of their bells. Avril and Mat, The Old Plough

Noticeboard all details printed free Fosse Co-op Camera Club, Leicester

Interested in Photography? Beginners and more experienced Film and digital Any type of camera Tuition available in use of camera or software We are a small and friendly group who meet on Friday evenings at St Peter’s Church Centre, West Holme Street, off Andrewes Street, Leicester LE3 OLG Meetings commence at 7.45pm From September 7, 2012 We look forward to meeting you Contact John Walters: 0116 2992230 john.walters8@ntlworld.com or Mrs Mary Staps: 01455 824039 or visit our website:hollingbery.plus.com/fosse_coop_cc.htm •••

St James Gospel Choir The October issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 28. The copy deadline is Sep 14.

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presents a concert in aid of Save the Children Saturday September 15 at 7.30pm St James Church, Birstall Admission free but all donations go to this charity •••

Leicestershire Pastel Society 13th annual exhibition Brocks Hill Environment Centre, Washbrook Lane Oadby, Leicester LE2 5JJ (in the grounds of Parklands Leisure Centre) Sep 6-9 Weekdays 10am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-3pm All works for sale Visit our website: www.leicestershirepastelsociety.com Enq: Secretary 0116 2375277 •••

Coffee Morning and Sale The Rothley Centre Saturday September 29 from 10am to 12noon in aid of Cancer Research UK Stalls to include bric a brac, books, cakes, gifts and jewellery (new and old), plants, toys, Phoenix Cards, tombola and raffle Entrance !3 includes unlimited coffee/tea and biscuits Everyone welcome •••

Charity Bridge Drive organised by Loughborough Lions Club at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Wednesday October 31 at 1.30pm with afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per person To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or email brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com •••

Coffee Morning by Mountsorrel Book Group in support of Help for Heroes Sat Sep 22 from 10.30am to 12.30pm Mountsorrel Library (upstairs) Lift access available Cakes, raffle, tombola, books, DVDs, produce Admission £1 inc refreshments ••• Charnwood Orchestra

Autumn Concert Sep 29 at Holy Trinity Church, Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire at 7.30pm Debussy: Petite Suite Haydn: Cello concerto No.1 in C, cello soloist Jenny Curtis Gounod: Symphony No.1 in D Tickets £10 (£8 concessions), £3 for accompanied children under 16 Available from the Box Office 07718 153117 or by emailing judithrodgers155@gmail.com, members of the orchestra or on the door There will be an interval bar selling wine, Castle Rock real ale and fruit juice •••

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by Northumberland Theatre Company on Friday October 5 at Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow LE12 8JU at 7.30pm An introduction to Shakespeare for chil-

dren and adults alike, its target audience is 10+ One happy customer commented “Brilliant! Usually I haven’t a clue what’s going on with Shakespeare but tonight it all made wonderful sense, and it was so funny” ‘Soapsuds’, a murder mystery by Barrow Panto Group on Friday October 12 at Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow LE12 8JU at 7.30pm Solve the murder of a beloved national treasure Set in the TV studios of a fictional popular soap drama called ‘Diamond Road’ Book a table of 8 and challenge family & friends to solve the crime ••• St James Monday Group Invites you to a

Coffee Morning at St James Church, Birstall on Saturday September 8 10am to 12noon Bring & buy stall, raffle Coffee & biscuits £1, cake 50p All proceeds to Cystic Fibrosis Trust ••• Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall

Table Top Sale Saturday November 24 10am to 2pm, Tables @ £10 each Contact: Margaret 0116 2671181 (Table Top Sale is part of the annual Christmas Festival Nov 24/25) •••

Film Night The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel If you missed it when it first came out, or enjoyed it so much you would like to see it again, then come along to St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall on Friday Sep 28 at 7pm No charge, refreshments available •••

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

St James the Great Church

Barn Dance Birstall Village Hall Saturday October 6, 7.30-10.30pm Ploughman’s supper included, bring own drinks Tickets £8, students £4, under 10 free Available from Sandra 2677238 or Gill 2675086 Admission by ticket only ••• The Winners of the St James Day Centre 200 club for August 1st Mrs Kathryn Mobbs 2nd Mrs Ann Green 3rd Mrs Linda Mason 4th Mrs R Winter •••

Birstall Royal British Legion Sep 1 Ben Fischer M/V) Sep 8 Tammy (F/V) Sep 15 Paul Ravell (M/V) Sep 22 Noel Gee (M/V) Sep 29 Chris Robin (M/V) Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment Bingo Free beer raffle and not forgetting Open the Box. Every Tues night Bingo starting at 9.15pm Quiz nights Sunday Sep 9&30, starting at 9pm. Acoustic night Sunday Sep 16. Rock & Roll nights Wednesday Sep 5&19. Food available e ery Saturday, 12-2pm Wakes catered for •••

Birstall & District Local History Society The next meeting will be on Thursday September 13 at 7.30pm in Birstall Village Hall Subject: Lady Jane Grey Speaker: Sally Henshaw Visitors are very welcome ••• Community Service Volunteer

M-A-D Tidy up Day (bring a brush)

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Belgrave Cemetery Sunday Nov 4, 10am-3pm in preparation for Remembrance Service Sunday November 11 at 11am Conducted by the Rev Pam Haynes Cemetery Record information Refreshments available All are welcome ••• Birstall BAGS

Live Band Night Sat Sep 8, 8pm Earl of Stamford Featuring Midnight Wire & Leaving Party ••• The Sports Hall at Mountsorrel Methodist Church Church Hill Road LE12 7JB Now available for hire on Tues &Thurs evenings for a variety of uses on a regular basis, also available on most Sat afternoons which makes it an ideal venue for children’s parties, also two smaller rooms which are available at certain times on various days of the week Further info from the Room Bookings Secretary, Gloria Longmire Tel: 0116 2375652 or email:mountsorrel2310@btinternet.com •••

Open Church for tea and cakes at St Leonard’s Church, Swithland on Saturday/Sunday September 8&9 2-4.30pm Donations in aid of church funds •••

Apple Pressing & Community Day Saturday Sep 29 (pm) Birstall Methodist Church Concert Hall, Wanlip Lane All welcome The Greening Birstall Group ••• Do you want to learn basic computer skills and how to access the Internet? Come along to Palmer Tomkinson Centre on Thursday Sep 27 and join in the

CLASH free e-learning4arthirits sessions from 3.30-4.30pm 6th Form ‘Digital Champions’ will help to support your learning Sessions will be held every Thurs, 3.304.30pm during term time. We look forward to seeing you Do you have arthritis and want to attend our monthly meeting in September Come along to the Palmer Tomkinson Centre on Wednesday Sep 12, 7-9pm ‘The Way We Were’ hosted by Ron and Janice Forbes We look forward to seeing you •••

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

'The Artist' Friday September 14 (100 mins) This romantic comedy won five Oscars including Best Actor award for Jean du Jardin. It also gained twelve BAFTA nominations. Being tender, romantic and incredibly funny, in black and white silence, this film describes the rise and fall of a dashing actor against the backdrop of tumultuous change in Hollywood.

'The Help' Friday October 5 Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, this film explores the touching relationship between two black maids in 1960s Mississippi. In an era of social upheaval and racial tension, there are very funny performances and scenes of heartfelt emotion. As this film progresses, we can see ourselves or someone we know, within each of the characters. 'War House' Friday November 9 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 bought at the door.

Birstall Social Club Friday Sept 7th, 8pm • Tickets £3 pay on the door

Charity Night in aid of the Mablethorpe Childrens Home

with Radio Leicester’s Tony Wadsworth Elvis meets the Beatles • Live Music Friday Oct 5th, 8pm • Tickets £3 in advance, £5 on the night

Mike Tyler’s American Tribute Show: Neil Diamond Motown • R&R • Soul TICKETS ON SALE AT THE SOCIAL CLUB E V E R Y O N E

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Plans for city PLANS TO improve Leicester costing £19million have been announced by the city’s mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby. The project, named Connecting Leicester, aims to improve the links between shopping, leisure, heritage, housing and transport facilities in the city. The most expensive part of the scheme, at £7million, will see the Leicester Indoor Market building demolished and replaced with a new food hall selling meat, fish and other fresh produce. Peter Soulsby said: “The aim of Connecting Leicester is to make more of the wonderful attractions we have in the city by improving the links and spaces between them. “We have already planned investment in some of the city’s gems, such as the indoor market and a number of our historic buildings, and Connecting Leicester will boost this investment by creating a pedestrian-friendly environment where people can enjoy everything the city has to offer.” The plans include: • repaving Silver Street and extending the city centre pedestrian zone to include Hotel Street, and St Martins, creating high quality links between the old town, key shopping areas, the Lanes, the arcades and Leicester Market • extending New Walk by widening footways on Newarke Street leading up to the Magazine. Improvements will also be made to the footways along Pocklington’s Walk, Berridge Street and Grey Friars • creating a new public square in St Nicholas Place, linked to improved pedestrian routes, making the inner ring road easier to cross and providing better links to shopping and heritage areas • improving the streets and footways on Market Place, Granby Street, Church Gate, Narborough Road and Braunstone Gate • resurfacing Humberstone Gate West to make it more user-friendly, and creating new zoned areas for visitors to relax and enjoy • improving the highways around Peacock Lane and Guildhall Lane to complement the new public gardens planned for Cathedral Square • looking at ways to improve links from the city centre to Abbey Park and the river and canal side areas • improving links between the new indoor market re-development and High Street, the Lanes, arcades and St Martin’s Square Full details of all the proposals and a public consultation are on the council’s website at www.leicester.gov.uk/connectingleicest er Consultation on Jubilee Square will close on September 30. The Connecting Leicester consultation period will end on October 31.

THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Bright Parish Council’s Quality Status football future BIRSTALL PARISH Council has achieved Quality Status.

A FORMER Birstall Utd Juniors player has been selected for the England Under 17 side.

Pic: Kyle Bailey, front row, second from left

Kyle Bailey, aged 15, who played for Birstall United Juniors from 2004-2007 made his debut for the England U17 squad on August 6. He was selected in a squad which played in the U17 Nordic tournament which was held in the Faroe Islands. The England team finished Runners Up in the Nordic Tournament, losing 2-0 to Sweden in the final. Kyle, who attends Wreake Valley College in Syston, is currently a member of the Leicester City academy. Kev Jordan, Kyle’s coach from his Birstall United Juniors days said: “Kyle had star quality even from the age of seven. He had amazing skill and desire to learn - his passion for the game is second to none. He still comes down to watch us whenever he can, and has even played for us in tournaments. Everyone at Birstall United Juniors wishes Kyle the best for the future.”

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The Quality and Parish Town Council scheme was launched in 2003. It aims to provide benchmark minimum standards for parish and town councils, and to improve the quality of management and administration. The Chairman of Birstall Parish Council Pat Cleere said: “Now we have our certificate of Quality Status doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels. There is now the expectation that we act as a Quality Council.” He said the public could expect to see more communication with parishioners through the website, local press, village noticeboards, and through attendance at the Borough Councillors surgery at the old Parish Council Office on Sibson Road. These are held on the last Saturday of the month from 1012noon where any issues of local concern can be raised. The training of Council staff and elected members is a feature of Quality Status : the Council’s Estates team recently completed their NVQs and Wendy Cotter from the office has achieved her ITQ Level 1 ECDL. Quality Status is audited every four years. To qualify, councils must pass several tests. These are: • Electoral mandate – at least two thirds of councillors must have been elected • The clerk must have obtained the certificate in Local Administration qualification • Council meetings – draft minutes must be published within two months of meetings • Communication and community engagement – councils must have a website, email address, list council members and provide contact details,

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Pic: Council staff are presented with their certificates after successfully completing training:(l-r) Graeme Sloman, Wendy Cotter, Andy Garland, Pat Cleere (Chairman), Richard Ludlam & Joe Garner

and produce their own newsletter or contribute to an existing community newsletter • Annual report and accounts • Code of Conduct

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Apple juicing day APPLE JUICE should be flowing once again in Birstall this year when churches provide an apple press for school and community use.

The apple press will be taken into both Riverside and Highcliffe Primary schools where all Year 5 children will get the chance to make juice. On Saturday September 29, the apple press will be in operation at the Community Harvest Festival event at Birstall Methodist Church, organised jointly with the Greening Birstall Campaign. There will be lots of activities for all ages. Local apples will be needed in quantity for these events. If you have apple trees in your garden or allotment and would be willing to donate some of the produce, please contact Allison Lake on 07843624388 to arrange for collection and storage. Apples can be picked if necessary.

Snake takes fish from garden pond THIS REMARKABLE picture of a grass snake swallowing a goldfish in a back garden was sent in by reader June Joyce.

Man convicted of rape A MAN who drove a woman to a remote location near Cropston reservoir and then sexually assaulted her has pleaded guilty to kidnap and rape.

June’s house is near to Watermead Country Park and she has been seeing grass snakes in

her garden for the last four years. She said: “The snake was about 3.5 ft long and we watched it for 10-15 minutes trying to swallow the goldfish, which was still flapping about. “When the snake was picked up by the tail it dropped the fish, which was still alive at the time, but sadly not the next morning.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 28. The copy deadline is Sep 14.

HALF PINTS Childminders 595 Loughborough Rd, Birstall

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If you fall within one of the "at risk" categories, and you are registered as a patient with us, you are entitled to a free vaccination DON'T WAIT: Please call the surgery on 0116 267 7901 to book your appointment The At Risk categories include: All patients aged 65 and over • Pregnant women Patients under 65 with a chronic health condition eg: Diabetes, Asthma, COPD etc If you are unsure whether you qualify for a vaccination or not, please contact the surgery for advice

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Kevin Hills (39) of Barnsdale Road, Beaumont Leys, Leicester entered a guilty plea at Leicester Crown Court on July 31. The incident happed on Friday January 20, 2012 when the 24 year old victim met with Hills in the Leicester area. After leaving the area in his van, he threatened her with a knife and made her sit on the floor of the van before driving around the county for several hours. He later stopped near to Cropston reservoir and sexually assaulted her. Following his arrest, Hills was changed with kidnap, rape and three charges of assault by penetration. Detective Constable Sarah Walker, who was part of the investigation team said: “The victim in this case has been very brave to come forward and report these incidents to us. She was subjected to a terrifying ordeal at the hands of Hills and has obviously been left extremely distressed by the attack. “I know it was very difficult for her to talk about some of the things that happened and we are pleased that Hills pleaded guilty and spared her the ordeal of having to give evidence in court. Incidents as despicable as this are rare, but all rape, whatever the circumstances, is viewed by Leicestershire Police as among the most serious of offences. We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of rape to always contact police as we can assure the crime will be investigated thoroughly with support provided.” “I hope that today’s result will go some way to reassure the public that we are committed to investigating crimes of this nature and will do everything in our power to support victims through the entire judicial process.” Hills also pleaded guilty to eight charges of making indecent images of children. The charges relate to the period between November 2009 and February 2011. He will be sentenced at a later date.

GOOD NEWS Yoga Classes restart in Mountsorrel & Rothley

Indoor Soft Play Area, 8am to 6pm, 5 days a week Take/pick up from Highcliffe School & stimulating holiday care Contact Sandra for a chat or visit Telephone - 0116 2671387 595 Loughborough Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4NH

On Tues Sept 11, 2012 at Mountsorrel Memorial Hall, Leicester Rd, Mountsorrel from 7-9pm

This well established class is taught by a qualified tutor and is suitable for people with any level of experience in the practice of Yoga. New members of all abilities and especially those that have never experienced Yoga before are most welcome to join. Please come and join us. Yoga is fun! Come and experience Yoga and enjoy that experience. For more information contact: Moira on 0116 2302 402

THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Free Fun week at summer school money saving advice JACK AND His Multi Coloured Beanstalk was the production for this year’s Faces Arts Summer School. Over 60 children enjoyed a fun packed week held at Highcliffe primary school, Birstall and St Bartholomew’s Primary School, Quorn. The week consisted of dance, drama and art with a performance to family and friends at the end of the week. Jody Chesterton, Proprietor of Faces Arts, said: “Most children that attend summer school have never done any-

A CHURCH is set to run free sessions to help people in Birstall get on top of their household finances. Members of St James’ Parish Church in Birstall wanted to help their local community to best handle the economic climate so underwent specialised training from UK charity Christians Against Poverty. Now they are offering the short course aimed to putting the joy back into money by teaching people how to chart their household income and take control of their expenditure. Money coach Gill Chester, who will be leading the sessions called CAP Money, said: “With households feeling the squeeze on their disposable income, we’ve all got to get a bit more savvy about our money to get through these tough times. If you know how to save and budget effectively, it can have a hugely positive impact on the whole family.” St James’ is one of more than a thousand churches of different Christian traditions across the UK who are regularly offering the course, as they work together to positively impact the communities around them. CAP Money has been found to be useful for newly retired people, soon-tobe students, mums dealing with mounting bills, families saving for a wedding and everyone in between. She added: “We hope that we can help people, quietly and confidentially, take control rather than relying on guess work so they can plan for the future and weather the storm.” The first course takes place at St James’, Church Hill, starting at 7.30pm on Monday September 17. To find out more about CAP Money or to book your place visit www.capmoney.org or telephone 0116 2120236 or 0116 2674995.

thing like this before but the children really get stuck in and enjoy the week. The children are very busy making crafts, painting scenery and learning dance routines. Children are given character roles and scripts for drama which gives them a real sense of achievement. The children meet new friends and have a fun packed week. Each year we have a great time and well done to all the children involved!” Faces Arts also provides after school dance and drama sessions, Shake up– toddler group and a Saturday Theatre School. For further details visit www.facesarts.co.uk or contact jody@facesarts.co.uk, 07971423201 Pics: some of the cast of Jack & his Multi Coloured Beanstalk

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Cricket Corner The 1st Team have finally seen glimpses of form which won them the 2011 League title. Against Burbage, Birstall battled the adverse conditions to score a defendable 148 with Captain Dave Sharpe leading the way with 46 runs and Matt Smith contributing with 26. Birstall had it all to do with the ball and did just that bowling Burbage all out for 105 in the 42nd over. The bowling and fielding was outstanding with Mark Forknall doing most of the damage finishing with figures of 4-20 and Rich Sharpe coming back to his best after injury wrapping up the tail with figures of 4-19. Birstall then lost an important toss to Hathern Old CC who set a mammoth total of 243. It was all too much for Birstall who were bowled out for 86 with a gritty performance from Chris Tinbergen who scored 28 runs to ease the embarrassment. Birstall were once again let down by the weather against title contenders Bharat Sports CC who were set a healthy total of 178 runs to chase with once again Captain Dave Sharpe looking back to his best with 76 and Andy Galpin finding form that had escaped from the past few seasons with 48. Birstall could only manage two overs before the heavens opened and put an end to the day’s play. The 1st team had a dominating performance over Hinckley CC. Birstall won the toss and decided to bat. Dave Sharpe got the home team off to a solid start with a quick 29 before being bowled by a ‘shooter’! Andy Galpin continued his great form from the week before to score 88 runs and was well supported by Joshua Saye who ended up with 83 not out. The pair put on an instrumental 150 runs and with Jono Gaydon finishing the innings with 33 runs, set Hinckley CC 251 runs to win. It was all too much

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for Hinckley with Birstall continuing their form in the field. Prad Sood did the early damage taking 3 wickets and Rich Sharpe once again knocked over the tail bowling the away team out for 148 in the 44 over. The Birstall 1st Team, although leaving it all too late, seem to be finishing the season on a high note moving from 9th place a month ago to now sitting in 7th place and knocking on the door of 4th place Leicester Ivanhoe who are slipping down the ladder. The 2nd XI are flying at the moment with some outstanding results and having a really good go at the title. Tony Clapham who has been captaining the side in the absence of Andy Lord has done a great job winning three of the last four games. Although losing to Appleby Magna CC by 72 runs, the 2nd XI is currently sitting in top spot ahead of Appleby by only 2 points with three games to go. Upcoming home fixtures for BVCC (All fixtures are Saturday 1pm start) September 1 – 1st XI vs. Wigston Town 1st XI September 8 – 1st XI vs. Newbold Verdon 1st XI (to be played at Wigston) BVCC Social events Thank you to everyone who has supported the social events this year. Although the weather has hindered many plans, we do appreciate the continued efforts of all members and friends of BVCC who make us one of the best supported clubs in the county. Watch out for the upcoming Presentation evening and President’s Day. Check the website for details. All information can be found on our club’s website from player profiles, fixtures, results, match reports and a large photo gallery for the 2012 season – will your face be on their? www.birstallvillagecc.co.uk From Joshua Saye

BVCC Player Profiles Name: Steve Findley Player role: Club leading wicket taker Years playing for BVCC: Many! Career highlights: Taking Paul Nixon C&B for a duck. Funniest BVCC moment: Playing with Mick Jones My look alike: Mel Gibson Goal for the season: Team to finish in the top three and take 40+ wickets. Name: Chris Tinbergen Player role: Part time player with a safe pair of hands. Years playing for BVCC: 20 years Honours: League title with the 1st Team. Funniest BVCC moment: Anything Prad does. Cricketing hero: Ian Botham My look alike: Theo Zagarakis Goal for the season: To repeat last season’s performances

Nursery children graduate FORTY CHILDREN from Birstall Rainbow Nursery on Wanlip Lane will be starting ‘big school’ this autumn. “We would like to wish all our graduates the best of luck and happiness ad they move forward in their lives, meeting new people and experiencing lots of new things. May they find excitement and enjoyment in all they do and make a lot of new happy memories like the

NHW news WELL, SUMMER is over, and what a summer it's been! We may not have had the weather we would have liked but it's been memorable in other ways. Now the nights are getting darker it's time to look at house security for winter. If you have shrubs that have grown well during the summer it would be a good idea to cut them back so they are not giving cover to anyone trying to get into your front door or into the rear of you property. It's time to be oiling your locks and making sure that any bolts are securely fixed and working. As we get closer to Christmas you will probably be going out in the long evenings. Timers for your lights would make it look as if your house was still occupied, as would a radio tuned to a chat station. Drawing your curtains will also help. Your shed will soon be full of garden furniture, bikes and tools. Make sure that they are still there next spring by property marking with your post code, or by photographing them, and fit a good quality padlock, through a hasp with the screws hidden inside. The tools would be helpful to break in to your house. External lighting needs checking, and it might be helpful to keep a spare bulb handy. A torch with rechargeable batteries and a personal alarm that works are also a good idea for those who need to be out after dark. From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

ones that they have given us” said officer in charge Paula Wright. The children enjoyed a rare sunny day and a trip to Bradgate Park where they spent the day biking, running, walking and picnicking.

Local sports WITH THE nation hooked on Olympic and Paralympic sports centred on London, local churches have been focussing on sports closer to home. A window display on Sibson Road highlights the range of sports people can participate in locally, from rugby to bowls, and boxing to open water swimming. Rachel Parkinson, minister at Birstall Methodist Church, said: “Having a good range of sports clubs and facilities available is a real blessing to the village. Not only does it allow people to get fit and have fun, but sport also crosses boundaries and brings people together. We want to celebrate that. It’s a sadness that the display comes soon after the closure of the swimming pool at Longslade.” The display also encourages people to pray for peace in and between nations competing in London 2012 using a website set up by Stephen Crofts, curate in the Parish of Birstall and Wanlip. Finally, a set of posters highlights a range of different people caught up in the Games and invites people to “put themselves in their shoes”.

THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Splashing time for WI BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI didn’t hold an August meeting but we have been busy. On July 30 the ladies took part in a relay race around members’ houses in Birstall to celebrate the Olympics and the WI incentive Big Walk Little Splash. The relay started at 10.30am from Christine Warren’s house in Kilby Avenue.

Playgroup’s picnic RAINBOW CO-OP pre-school playgroup finished the school year with an Olympic picnic. This replaced the Olympic sports day which was cancelled as the athletic track was flooded. Staff said their goodbyes to the school leavers and wished them good luck in their new schools. Places are available at the playgroup for September. For more details please phone Julie on 07793 630612. Our new website can be found at www.rainbowcooppreschool.co.uk

Sewer repairs SEVERN TRENT have repaired two holes in the foul sewer on School Lane and on Birstall Road. During this summer’s heavy rainfalls, the manhole covers have been forced off by the pressure of water and the contents of the sewage pipes has escaped onto School Lane, the playing fields, and the playing fields car park. Over one 36 hour period in August there were four separate incidents, with Severn Trent having to cordon off hazardous areas and clean up the waste. An investigation of the pipes with cameras revealed two holes and plant root ingress, which can impede the flow. The repairs saw School Lane and Birstall Road closed for several days. School Lane and Birstall Road have a foul sewer pipe and a storm drain pipe. What is still unclear is how the water from the storm drains following heavy rain is getting into the foul sewer. Severn Trent are investigating the problem, which may be caused by incorrect connection of the drains in the Goscote Hall Road area. Advertise in

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Planning P/12/1757/2: 49 Allington Drive - erection of conservatory P/12/1719/2: 713 Loughborough Rd – erection of one dwelling P/12/1655/2: 72 Queensgate Drive – erection of 1st floor side extension and single storey rear extension to dwelling P/12/1706/2: 6 Cliffe Road – erection of single storey rear extension P/12/1678/2: 12 Tempest Rd – erection of a detached double garage with workshop in roof space P/12/1674/2: Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane – formation of all weather sports pitches, floodlighting, provision of open space and landscaping P/12/1677/2: 33 Saltersgate Drive – proposed single storey rear extension

Club hosts open BIRSTALL GOLF Club hosted the PGA Mark Group Midland Open in August. Held over two days, the event was won by Lee Clarke who clinched victory with a birdie on the final hole, finishing 9 under for the tournament. Clarke was one shot clear of Rothley’s Matt Cort, Paul Wesselingh and Ian Lyner.

Bev Blackburn and Maxilyn Geary biked down to join her at the start of the walk so that she was not alone. There was some initial banter with friendly policewoman on the way. She told us to behave ourselves and keep off the gardens. Plenty of curious neighbours must also have wondered what we ladies were up to as we held aloft our plastic relay torch and Union Jack gloves! In all we visited 25 members’ houses and 18 ladies joined us for some part of the relay. At the halfway stage the sun shone and we ate a wonderful lunch at the home of Yvonne Butterworth in Woodgate Drive. Fortified, we set forth again only to meet a terrific downpour but umbrellas and the shelter of a car port saved us from the worst. The sun came out again and we continued around the Gates estate to Sibson Road, down Birstall Road and arrived back at Kilby Avenue at 3pm where the three origi-

nal members finished the relay with large glasses of water and coffee. The total walk was 6 miles but technology told us that only 2 hours of this was actually walking so we also spent a lot of time talking and eating. Photographs of the relay can be seen on our own web page on the Leicestershire and Rutland WI website. Our next meeting at Highcliffe Community Rooms will be on September 3 at 7.15pm when Adrian Walker will talk to us about the work of LOROS. From Birstall & Wanlip WI

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

News from the churches What a summer! August has been made memorable for many of us (even the less sporting) by the excitement of the Olympic games brought into our homes by TV coverage, but certainly not by the glorious summer weather which we had been hoping for! Now that the autumnal activities of September are upon us, everyone seems to be asking “What happened to our summer?” Not quite autumn yet Rain or not, on Saturday September 8, the annual “Ride and Stride” event of the Historic Churches organisation will take place. Anyone who can cycle or walk from one church to another in the area is invited to ask friends to sponsor them. At each church, including Birstall St. James and Our Lady and St. Nicholas, Wanlip, the visit of the Riders and Striders will be recorded, between 10am and 6pm. All money raised will go towards the maintenance and repair of churches in this district. Recorders are needed at both churches (contact John Ward on 2677600 for Wanlip, or Tony Bloxam on 2675381 for St. James) and it is hoped that many cyclists and walkers will find this a worthwhile and interesting way of discovering more about local ancient churches. In addition, between 10am and 12 noon, there will be a coffee morning in St. James, organised by St. James Monday Group in aid of their charity for this year, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, at which all will be welcome (including the Riders and Striders). There will also be a Bring and buy stall and raffle. A new service time to remember The new pattern of services at St. James starts on Sunday September 2 with a Holy Communion service at 8am and an “All Together” (all age) service at 10am. From then on, the principal Advertise in

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service each Sunday will take place at 10am, with Parish Communion each Sunday, except the first in the month, when there will be a more informal and shorter All Together celebration. It is hoped to start the new Sunday School by the end of September (for more information please contact the Church office on 2671797). Looking a little further ahead, Back to Church Sunday will be celebrated on September 30 at 10am at St. James, when anyone who has been out of touch with their roots in the Christian faith in recent times will be specially welcome. Harvest Festivals will be held at both churches on Sunday October 7. From Beryl McHugh, Birstall & Wanlip Parish

Watermead Pilgrimage If your Birstall Post arrives promptly, you might just be in time to join the short ‘pilgrimage’ around Watermead Park. Led by Pete & Eileen Molesdale, we leave the Methodist Church at 2.45pm on Sunday Sept 2 and will stop from time to time to reflect on God’s creation and beauty. September restart (with new loos!) Although many groups have been meeting informally during July & August, most ‘start again’ with new programmes. Our ladies groups are a case in point, The Young Wives meet Monday evenings (you neither have to be ‘young, nor married) restarting on September 3 and the Ladies Thursday group on September 6, both at 7.45pm. For those ladies of a more senior age, the ‘Bright Hour’ meets at 2.30pm Tuesday afternoons. This last group has been running since the 1920’s, but many members rely on volunteers for transport – if you can help with transport on a Tuesday afternoon, contact Shirley Harrison 2676369. Girls’ Brigade meet 6.30pm on Tuesdays and Boys’ Brigade 7pm on Fridays.

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The last group to ‘restart’ is the fortnightly ‘Messy Church’ for families with children on Saturday September 15 from 4 to 6pm. Work to refurbish the toilets which serve the Church and main hall is now completed. Jubilation With the Diamond Jubilee and the celebrations at the Olympics, the theme for our Christmas fund raising event is, not surprisingly, ‘Jubilation’. The event is on Friday & Saturday November 23 & 24. Currently bookings are being taken for a Table Top Sale on Saturday morning. For more details about the hire of a table Tel Margaret on 2671181. From Tony Moore, Methodist Church

Harvest Most of us will have no difficulty in remembering the torrential rain and hailstones the size of golf balls on Thursday, June 28. We have had some warm, sunny days but the overall impression is of a wet, rather cool summer. Gardeners among us will be assessing the weather’s effects on our crops and so are British farmers. Britain is dependent on food from abroad and the weather has also been affecting harvests in other countries. On August 9, the BBC reported from a farm in Illinois. After picking up an ear of corn, the farmer said: "There's nothing. Nothing. It should be 10 inches long, completely full of grain but the heat was so bad … It's just burned up. I've done everything I can do. The rest is in the Maker's hands. I can't make rain." All this reminds us that man is not in control of everything and, even if we have to pay more in the shops for our groceries, we are not facing the famines which afflict others. God has promised that: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer … shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22), but we should remember to give thanks for “our daily bread” and not take our food for granted. Sunday Services We will be meeting again in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School (LE4 3DL) from September 2 at 10.45am. Our Harvest Service will be on September 30, when the visiting speaker will be Peter Thackeray (East Leake). We look forward to welcoming you at any of our services. For further information, please ring 0116 2214883. From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

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Optician’s charity event A PINK elephant on Sibson Road greeted passing shoppers and visitors to a local optician’s charity event. Henry Smith and Hamylton are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year and have been organising fundraising events at all of their eight practices around Leicester and Peterborough. Their Sibson Road practice held an Open Day on August 7 with home made cakes, face painting and tombola and other activities. The event raised funds for the charity Vista, whose mascot is a pink elephant. Vista provides support and advice for blind and partially sighted people

Julia Smith from Henry Smith & Hamylton said: With the help of all the team, Vilma, Hitesh & Louise, and everyone in Birstall who came and supported, HSH Birstall raised 246 for Vista. The day was also kindly supported by Tesco Birstall, the White Horse Restaurant and McDonalds Abbey Lane.”

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INFO Government and society are using the wrong terms to address the over 65s, according to research by MGM Advantage, the retirement income specialist. The insight revealed that the term ‘elderly’, which is the name most commonly used by David Cameron, Ed Milliband, and throughout society, is disliked by 97% of the over 65s. Alongside ‘elderly’, ‘old age pensioner’ was also dismissed by respondents while the most popular term of reference, favoured by two in five (40%) respondents, was ‘senior citizen’ with ‘retired person’ and even ‘silver surfer’ cited as preferred options. A significant section of over 65s, around 103,000, would choose to be called a ‘grey panther’, although over half of those suggesting ‘grey panther’ were in fact male. While the preferred term is ‘senior citizen’, politicians should be wary of using the term when visiting the South West and Yorkshire regions, where the preferred reference is ‘a retired person’. Families should not be allowed to veto dead relatives’ organ donation wishes Families should not be allowed to veto dead relatives’ organ donation wishes, argues an ethicist on bmj.com. It has recently been suggested that patients should be kept alive using elective ventilation to facilitate the harvesting of organs for donation. But David Shaw, Honorary Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen believes there is a much simpler way to increase the number of donated organs – by ensuring that doctors respect the wishes of the deceased and over-rule any veto. Veto by the family is the main impediment to an increase in organ donation, with at least 10% of families refusing to donate. Yet Shaw points out that families have no legal grounds for over-riding the dead person’s wishes if that person clearly wanted to donate - for example, by carrying an organ donor card - and they often come to regret their decision. He suggests that clinicians who heed the veto “are complicit in a family denying its loved one’s last chance to affect the world.” Giving in to the family, he says, “is unprofessional and lets down the patient and potential recipients of the patients’ organs elsewhere.” Furthermore, the patient’s organs have gone to waste, and several people have died as a result. The family cannot be blamed for refusing to allow donation under such stress, and most doctors are reluctant to add to a family's suffering, he writes. However, he argues that doctors “are professionals with obligations to respect the wishes of the dead patient and to promote the health of the public.” Shaw urges clinicians in this position to conduct a thought experiment. As well as the family that is there in front

of them, he says “they should also imagine confronting the families of those who will die as a consequence of not receiving the donor’s organs.” Although we should treat the family compassionately, doctors do not have the same duty to the family as to dying patients or other patients who need organs, he adds. He concludes: “To respect a family’s veto when the patient was on the organ donor register is a failure of moral imagination that leads to a violation of the dead person’s wishes and causes the death of several people (and all the sorrow consequent to this), and many family members who stop donation come to regret their decision. Moving towards elective ventilation might alienate would-be donors and will not be necessary if doctors remember that respecting a veto of organ donation is unethical, unprofessional, and against the spirit of the law.” Balance and strength training can prevent falls in older people Balance and strength training that is integrated into everyday activities can reduce the number of falls among older people by almost a third, according to a study published on bmj.com. Balance and strength training is known to reduce falls in older adults. However, less than 10% of older people routinely engage in strength training and it is likely that this is much lower for activities that challenge balance. It has been suggested that integrating exercise into everyday activities may help people stick to it, but this approach has never been investigated in frail older people at risk of falls. So a team of researchers at the University of Sydney designed and tested the Lifestyle integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) programme, which involves embedding balance and lower limb strength training into daily routines, such as walking, stepping over objects and moving from sitting to standing. They then compared this approach with a structured exercise programme (performed three times a week using ankle cuff weights) and gentle ‘sham’ exercises that acted as the study control. They recruited 317 men and women aged 70 or older, living in the community and having two or more falls, or one injurious fall, in the past year. Participants were split into the three treatment arms and recorded any falls over 12 months using daily calendars. Other measures like static and dynamic balance, ankle, knee and hip strength, daily living activities, and quality of life were also measured recognised scales. They found a significant (31%) reduction in the rate of falls for participants in the LiFE programme compared with the control group. The overall incidence of falls in the LiFE programme was 1.66 per person years, compared with 1.90 in the structured programme and 2.28 in the control group.

THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

There was a non-significant reduction in the rate of falls for participants in the structured programme compared to the control group. Compared with control patients, LiFE participants showed improvements in both static and dynamic balance, ankle strength, and in function and participation in daily life, suggesting that this programme improves both fall risk and frailty. Adherence was significantly better in the LiFE programme and control group compared with the structured exercise programme. The authors conclude that the LiFE programme “provides an alternative to traditional exercise for older people to reduce falls, to improve function in doing activities and to enhance participation in daily life.” In an accompanying editorial, Professor Meg Morris from the University of Melbourne says that for fall prevention programmes in older people to be effective, “therapeutic exercises, education, and physical activities need to be sustainable, enjoyable, and effective over the long term.” She adds: “The belief that falls should be accepted and tolerated as part of the ageing process is a myth that needs dispelling. Many falls can and should be prevented.”

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.

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 for sale £1 per 1lb. Please phone 0116 2921619 ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES provided by qualified accountant. Low rates for sole traders/small businesses. Tel: 2673951 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

THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2012

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Understanding Radiotherapy Radiotherapy means the use of radiation, usually X-rays, to treat illness. Xrays were discovered in 1895 and since then radiation has been used in medicine for diagnosis and investigation (X-rays) and treatment (radiotherapy). It can be given in various ways: from outside the body as external radiotherapy, using X-rays, cobalt irradiation, electrons, and more rarely other particles such as protons or from within the body as internal radiotherapy, by

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drinking a liquid that is taken up by cancer cells or by putting radioactive material in, or close to, the tumour. Radiotherapy destroys the cancer cells in the treated area. Although normal cells are also affected by radiation, they are better at repairing themselves than the cancer cells. You usually have radiotherapy as a series of treatments over a number of days or weeks. Each treatment is known as a

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fraction. Fractions are usually given once a day from Monday to Friday with a rest at the weekend to help normal cells recover. Healthy cells that are damaged are often replaced as part of the bodies' repair systems. This depends on the type of cell and the dose of radiotherapy. But if cells can't be replaced, side effects can sometimes be permanent. Side effects during treatment Most people feel tired while they are having radiotherapy, particularly if they are having treatment over several weeks. This is because the body is repairing the damage to healthy cells. Or tiredness can be due to low levels of red blood cells (anaemia). You may have other general symptoms, such as feeling weak or as if you are coming down with flu, for a few days after you have had radiotherapy. Some people get sore skin in the area being treated. We have information about preventing and dealing with skin soreness. Radiotherapy makes the hair fall out in the treatment area. Hair in other parts of the body is not affected. The hair should begin to grow back again a few weeks after the treatment ends. There is information about coping with hair loss in our question and answer section. Other side effects will depend on the area of the body being treated. Possible long term side effects For many people the side effects of radiotherapy wear off within a few weeks of the treatment ending and they can go back to a normal life. But for some people radiotherapy can cause long term side effects. The possibility of long term side effects can depend on the type of cancer and its size and position. It may also depend on how close the cancer is

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to nerves or other important organs or tissues. For more information:http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.or g/aboutcancer/treatment/radiotherapy/about/ Macmillan Cancer Support free phone help line 0808 808 000 Monday – Friday 9am-8pm. 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 event is a live band evening at the Earl of Stamford on Saturday September 8, 8pm featuring Midnight Wire and Leaving Party. A Leicester-Skegness sponsored bike ride is also be planned by a local BAG’s supporter for sometime next spring. Contact us for more information. We also have our ladies Christmas meal in December – details currently being finalised – watch this space. For more information on the funds we have raised, projects we support and forthcoming events see www.birstallbags.co.uk

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