Birstall Post (367) February 2014

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

FEBRUARY 2014

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 367

Schools merge in education shake-up

Get involved

TWO LOCAL schools will join together to become one 11-19 school as part of a re-organisation of education in Birstall.

known that we need to become one through school on this site.”

The Birstall Partnership of Schools was formed in September 2013 and through a collaborative approach will deliver education from 4-19 in Birstall.

The Lionheart Academy Trust is a MAT that has been set up to include all Birstall’s schools, led by Beauchamp College. Longslade cannot initially join the trust as it is in the Ofsted category Special Measures. It is proposed that Beauchamp College sponsor Longslade to improve standards at the school so it can join the MAT. Beauchamp College began supporting Longslade in the academic year 2012/13 and were instrumental in Longslade achieving its best ever GCSE results last summer.

The plan is to expand the membership of the Lionheart Academy Trust up to a limit of 12 - once it includes 10 schools there will be access to more government funding.

In the current economic climate, the merger of Stonehill and Longslade into one 11-19 academy school is expected to deliver a more efficient use of resources, with savings made through economies of scale.

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A COSTLY legal challenge to „ Send your stories... the creation of two traveller „ Send your pics... sites on the edge of Birstall has been ruled out by a loeditor@birstallpost.co.uk cal action group.

PHOTO COURTESY LEICESTER MERCURY

Stonehill High School and Longslade College will become a single 11-19 school.

Together with Highcliffe and Riverside primary schools, Stonehill and Longslade have formed the Birstall Partnership of Schools and intend to become part of a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) led by Pic: Hugh Howe, the Principal of Beauchamp College Beauchamp College in Oadby, which is rated their GCSEs in years 10 and 11 at Longsas ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. lade. Most schools have now moved Head teachers from all five schools away from this system as studies showed set out their plans for the future at a that the transition at age 14 to a new public meeting held at Stonehill school environment with different teachers, on January 9.

Stonehill’s Head Teacher Alan Monks new friendship groups and a new culsaid: “We recognise that with the chang- ture resulted in a drop in standards.

In September 2013 the Martin High ing educational agenda local authorities have a much reduced role and responsi- School in Anstey re-designated as an 11-16 through school – many of is bility for school improvement, and we students would have previously come to must develop our own effective partnerLongslade aged 14. ships.”

Mr Monks said: “For the last three Currently students spend years 7, 8 & years, since Martin High School an9 at Stonehill and leave age 14 to do nounced it would re-designate, we have

No legal challenge to sites The LE4 Action group has been campaigning against Leicester City Council’s plans to create a six pitch site on Greengate Lane and a 10 pitch site on Red Hill Way. Planning permission for the sites was granted on October 30, 2013.

Spokesman for the group, Terry McGreal, said: “The public meeting on January 10 was probably a last gasp opportunity for the wider population of Birstall to show that they really wanted the fight to continue but it probably speaks volumes that less than 40 residents made the effort to attend. So, I think as far as these two applications are Continued on page 2

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Schools continued from page 1 The timescale for the merger has not yet been defined. Mr Monks said: “As an academy it is essential that the site is run effectively and efficiently.”

Asked if the school will have a new name, Mr Monks said: “The name of the one school on this site will need a discussion with all parties concerned.”

Mr Monks said the re-organisation of Birstall’s secondary schools is being driven by the desire to improve standards of education, and that: “being led and supported by the most successful school in Leicestershire [Beauchamp College] has obvious advantages.”

Beauchamp College is rated as outstanding by Ofsted. Its last Ofsted report stated: “Teachers are very knowledgeable and skilled at providing interesting and stimulating lessons … the relentless focus on improving outcomes underpins the work of the governors and staff”.

Principal Hugh Howe CBE has 18 years experience as a headteacher in four different schools, including one which he successfully brought out of special measures.

Last year Stonehill was intending to re-designate as an 11-16 school, but over the summer obstacles to collaboration between Stonehill and Longslade were removed and with the involvement

of Hugh Howe, leaders of the two schools met to discuss working together and agreed a way forward as a single 11-19 school.

Monks said: “We believe strongly that out of the options open to us, this route will be the quickest and most certain way of improving education for the greatest number of children in the community. We will have greater access to funding and … being able to use all the facilities on the Birstall campus to realise this vision will be hugely advantageous.”

At the public meeting in January, some parents expressed their dismay that Stonehill would not now re-designate as 11-16 and their children would have to make the transition to Longslade to do their GCSEs Mr Monks said: “We are already working on many of the things which will alleviate the detrimental effects of the transition at 14. The joint curriculum plan and the reinstatement of a common timetable are early essential steps in this. There are many other ‘quick wins’ which we can make. It would be nice to think that when we do become one school the big changes have already been successfully managed into place without disrupting the learning of any child or young person.

“I would also say to parents, if you

are worried or concerned come and talk to us and hopefully we can reassure you that the decisions have been taken in the best interest of your children.”

Parents are being invited to send in their views as part of a consultation process.

Leicestershire County Council have welcomed the school re-organisation. A spokesman for Leicestershire County Council said: “We welcome and support any proposal which would provide greater continuity and progression for pupils, better opportunity for the sharing of expertise and resources, further potential to improve standards, and a sustainable model for secondary education in Birstall.”

Developers Jelson are required to provide a primary school on the Hallam Fields site – a source has told the Birstall Post that the option of building it on the Stonehill/Longslade site is being considered. The County Council spokesman said: “There have been no discussions about placing a primary school on the Longslade/Stonehill campus – however it is important that the optimal use is made of the site, and in discussion with the governors and other representatives of the Birstall Partnership of Schools, we are exploring all possible options to achieve this.”

Firm’s glowing report

Sites continued from page 1 concerned the group concedes that it is probably time to call it a day.”

A Judicial review of the City’s plans would have cost £25,000. Mr McGreal said: “If we won, of course, we could get most, if not all, of our costs back from the City Council. If we lost we would potentially be liable for the council’s costs but we could limit our exposure to around £10,000 by applying for a protective costs order. I believe we have a good case but having been in the High Court myself a number of times I don’t think there can ever be such a thing as a cast iron case. In any event, we don’t have access to that kind of money.

He added: “The granting of planning permission for these two sites is difficult to accept given all the hard work that the action group have put into this.

“We believe that the action group has had a significant measure of success as a direct result of its efforts. We have been a thorn in the City Mayor’s side for the best part of the last two years and we have been instrumental in reducing the original proposed 30 pitches by almost half. We also believe that as an action group we still have a role to play.

If these sites are to be the Mayor’s big solution he claims them to be we need to make it clear to the City Council that if the Multi Agency Travellers’ Unit continues to turn a ‘blind eye’, we will not tolerate the perennial procession of travellers occupying our verges for months at a time every summer.”

The Leicester City Council sites will be managed by Framework Housing Association. The first local authority to work with a housing association in this way was in Norfolk - the result was the creation of an eight pitch site near Norwich in 2010.

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Pic: the Brooks Green site near Norwich

The £1.2million Brooks Green site is managed by Broadland Housing Group and is located in the parish of Keswick and Intwood. Parish Clerk Phillip Brooks told the Birstall Post: "When the idea was first talked about there were some concerns in the parish and public meetings where the plans were presented were well attended.

"After it opened I attended a couple of meetings to deal with any issues that might have come up but there weren't any, and there have not been any since.

We are lucky that we have virtually no crime in the parish and the opening of the site has not made any difference to crime levels. As far as the Parish is concerned, there are no problems and the site is not an issue."

The March issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Feb 28.

The copy deadline is Feb 14.

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Parish Council notes

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Birstall juniors compete indoors JUNIOR PLAYERS from Birstall’s tennis club have been praised for their performance at a winter competition.

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on January 13.

Birstall Watermead Tennis Mini Oranges. Also thanks to Paul Gibson, a Highways Engineer Club’s under 9s and under 8s the parents for their supports from Leicestershire County Council, have been competing in the and commitment to getting presented details of the part-night lightJunior Winter League at the the juniors competing. ing scheme that will be introduced to Dan Maskell Tennis Centre in “Whether it was winning or Birstall in May/June.

Loughborough. losing, the youngsters deserve This will see 90% of street lights Birstall Watermead coach great credit for the way they turned off from midnight until 5.30pm, represented their club, and if to save on electricity costs. Lights on the Laura Morley said: “Some of the children were playing they continue their progress, A6 remain unaffected by the scheme. the club’s future looks good.”

PC Dave Jaeckels reported that finger- matches for the first time, while others prints found at the scene of a Birstall Burglary resulted in a youth being arrest- have represented the club on a ed and charged. PC Jaeckels said there number of occahad been no trouble in Birstall on New sions. All the Year’s Eve and no arrests. Issues raised youngsters played by the public during a webchat were with great enthusispeeding on Wanlip Lane and Birstall asm and spirit.”

Road.

Laura added: It was reported that PCSO Charlotte “A big thank you is White has left the Birstall beat team, due to Faye Fox leaving one PCSO for Birstall, Mark for captaining the Butler. The front desk at Syston Police Mini Reds team Station will close later this year. The and to Rachel Police Station will remain open.

Chalmers for Councillors reported speeding traffic captaining the on School Lane and HGVs using Greengate Lane.

It was reported that a grant awarding body had determined there was not enough need in the village to justify a grant for a street snooker game on the THE LEICESTER city office of School Lane playing field. The total cost LeicesterShire Citizens Advice of the project would be £12,000.

Bureau (CAB) is moving to the Clerk Steve Blackburn reported that third floor of 60 Charles Charnwood Borough Council had produced new figures for the total number Street. of households in the village which would The new office will provide more affect the precept and budget for the space for the bureau to meet the year 2014/15. Last year, for the purposneeds of a growing number of clients, es of the Council Tax calculation, there and room to expand the contact cenwere 4008 households, this year 4145.5. tre which takes calls from across the It was agreed to increase the precept city and county. by 4.98% to £351,579. Because of the www.leicscab.org.uk increase in the number of households the annual increase in Council Tax per household is 1.5% (1.25). Expenditure items in the budget for 2014.15 include : £251,000 wages; Estates £34,000; Stonehill Ave toilets £5500; CCTV £4,100, Youth Café £14,000; Gala, Civic Service, Christmas lights £10,200.

The Council agreed to object to a proposal to build three bungalows on land to the rear of 86 Queensgate Drive on the grounds of scale and dominance, loss of privacy and parking provision, and endorses the objections submitted by residents.

It was agreed to grant permission for the family of the late Stuart Jones to plant a tree on the Sibson Road car park. The Council agreed to provide a plaque and to make a donation to the family’s nominated charity, the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

It was reported that the LE4 Action Group, campaigning against traveller sites on the edge of Birstall, had decided not to pursue a legal challenge to the sites. It will continue to monitor the City Council’s actions to ensure proper compliance with the law and planning conditions associated with the granting of planning permission.

It was reported that grass verges on Wanlip Lane near the junction with Windmill Avenue are being churned up by vehicles, leaving an untidy appearance and hazardous mud on pavements.

CAB moves

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Street lights to be turned off AROUND 90 per cent of Birstall’s street lights are to be turned off at night as part of a cost cutting measure.

The County Council’s part-night lighting programme began in 2009 with lights being switched off across the county – Birstall is one of the last areas to be included.

Lights along the A6 in Birstall will not be affected, but the majority of street lights will be switched off from midnight

fit a light sensitive photo cell at a cost of £20. Lights at street junctions and along enclosed footpaths and alleyways will

Pic: Birstall library

until 5.30am and during British Summer Time, from 1am and turn back on at 6.30am if it is still dark.

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remain lit, as will areas near sheltered housing.

The scheme is set to be introduced to Birstall in May or June. The County Council says all accidents and crime in the affected areas will be closely monitored and meetings will be hald reguarly with the emergency services.

Birstall Parish Council Chairman Ann Marshall said: “Ideally we wouldn’t want to see this introduced in Birstall but we realise that big savings need to be made.

We want some kind of reassurance from the County Council that they have looked at other areas where the lights have been turned off and that they are satisfied it has not had an adverse effect on crime.”

Birstall Beacon Officer Dave Jaeckels said: “These plans are a concern, in Anstey I understand crime has gone up since the lights were turned off [in November 2013], crime such as theft of motor vehicles and vehicle fuel.” PC Jaeckels said that the plans would not make much impact on house burglary.

“It is rare for a burglary to be committed at night” he said.

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Libraries at risk as cost cutting continues SMALL VILLAGE libraries in Leicestershire could close if the County Council cannot find partners to help run them. volunteer network working with the Birstall library is one of 16 that will continue to be maintained by the County, service already and we hope that we can encourage greater involvement from but the libraries at Rothley and Mountthose experienced volunteers to help. sorrel along with 36 other small librarWe’ve been having exploratory discusies are at risk. sions in Kegworth, Ratby and Barrow The County Council currently maintains 52 libraries and six mobile units at and these discussions are ongoing.”

The changes to the library service are a cost of £5.82million. It is looking at part of a package of cuts to services that measures to save £800,000 over the aim to save £110million by 2018. next four years.

Byron Rhodes, the Council’s deputy Richard Blunt, the County Council’s leader and finance spokesman, said: cabinet member for libraries said: “We “We simply cannot afford to run services expect to continue to run our town lithe same way as we have in the past. It’s braries, but we will explore communityinevitable that the public will notice running of our smaller libraries and possible co-location with other organisa- major changes. We have to concentrate on caring for the most vulnerable people tions, such as parish councils. We may and that means saving money from other have to close libraries if we can’t find services, which have to take a lower partners. Smaller libraries are already priority.” not the best used and we’ve reflected The Council will lose 700 full time that by reducing opening hours. posts, in addition to the 600 redundan“The authority is facing significant cies that have taken place over the last financial challenges and we are proposthree years. ing to make savings of £800,000 over The savings are required because of a the next four years. When taking into reduction in the annual grant the Counaccount the wider budget pressures, cil receives from the Government, compeople thought that there were higher bined with an increase in demand for priorities than libraries.

“We are still working on the detail but certain services, such as adult social care. the broad proposal is for the county Reductions in the budget include: council to offer professional support • children and young persons budget: from its libraries service on a tapering £12.7million will be cut by 2017/18. basis.

That includes £1.5million on reducing “We have been following the work of the cost of social care placements and other local authorities who have been £2.1million in cuts to its early help more advanced in this to learn lessons service, which intervenes as soon as from them. We also have a significant possible to tackle problems emerging for children and their families.

• Adult social care: changes will save nearly £23million.

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Ashton Green: 3000 new homes THE PROVISION of 3000 new homes on the edge of Birstall has been brought closer.

Leicester City Council’s Ashton Green site is located in Beaumont Leys, opposite the junction of Greengate Lane with Thurcaston Road. The City has been unable to attract interest from developers and so has adopted a new approach – bringing forward smaller parcels of land for development by a variety of builders, instead of seeking a single development partner.

The City Council has also postponed some of the more complex and costly transport improvements until later in the development programme, which will mean developers will not need to contribute to all the infrastructure costs up front.

Cycling and walking routes, traffic calming, and bus routes will be carried out as the first houses are being built.

Runners’ good start A NEW course that helps beginners get into running has had a flying start.

Free money course A FREE money management course aims to help anyone gain control over their finances.

Pics: (above) a detail from the plans showing the school site & below, the entire site

These include a chicane and one way traffic over the Greengate Lane railway bridge, controlled by traffic lights, and the provision of a cycle lane along a section of Greengate Lane, near the cemetery.

An extension from Bennion Road to Thurcaston Road has already been completed, opening a five hectare area of land for employment use.

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Ashton Green will be the most significant and innovate housing scheme in Leicester for more than 30 years and will be key to meeting our target for new homes needed in the city over the next 20 years.

“We are very keen to get work underway on this important housing develop-

HALF PINTS CHILDCARE

Following an article in the January Birstall Post, the group’s first meeting saw 17 runners turn up for a 30 minute run.

Course leader Dave Snutch said: “This was in spite of driving rain when we started. There were so many people gathered when I arrived at the Legion that I thought I had stumbled across another event taking place, I thought if I was really lucky I might get half a dozen turn up but this was beyond any wild dreams.”

The second meeting saw 33 keen runners. Dave said: “The local England Athletics co-ordinator thinks that might even be a record for a beginners group.”

The group meet at the car park of the Birstall Royal British Legion on Front Street at 6.55pm for a 7pm start on Wednesdays.

For more details contact Dave on 07834 140354 david.snutch@sja.org.uk

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ment scheme, and these changes are a big step forward in achieving that.”

The Ashton Green site will contain retail units, health and community facilities, 50 hectares of green space and employment land. An all age school is planned for a site adjacent to the Greengate Lane/Thurcaston Road junction

A spokesman for the charity Christians against Poverty said: “Fuel bills rising? Overspent at Christmas? Financially secure? No idea where the money goes? No matter what your financial situation is, the CAP Money Course can benefit you “This free, revolutionary money management course helps anyone to gain more control over their finances, so they can save, give or prevent themselves falling into debt. The skills that are learnt on the CAP Money Course are vital life skills, so whatever your situation, financially well-off or not, self-employed, on benefits or in debt, this course is for you.”

CAP is a national charity whose work has been highlighted in the media over the run-up to Christmas.

The three session course will take place in St James Church on Wednesday Feb 19 & 26 and March 5 at 11am followed by a light lunch, all free of charge.

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Women offered free construction course A FREE course offers women of any age the opportunity to have a go at construction and craft trades.

‘Women in Construction’ is a free taster course run by Leicester City Council for women aged 16 and over. It allows women to try their hand at bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, plumbing, electrics and painting and decorating.

The course is provided by Leicester College and runs this year during the Easter holidays: April 14-17 and 22-25

at the college’s Aylestone Road site.

Women can attend as few or as many sessions as they wish and there is the opportunity for those who enjoy the course to go on to apply for an apprenticeship.

Find out more at the college’s open day on April 7/8 or visit

Pic: the Meadow Lane allotments

Vacant allotments Support for Alzheimer’s on Birstall sites www.leiecster.gov.uk/womeninconstruction

PEOPLE IN and around Leicestershire and Rutland are being urged to help the Alzheimer’s Society to support people living with dementia.

The charity is looking for volunteers for its Side by Side Befriending Service.

Volunteers would need to give up to four hours a week to support people in the early stages of dementia.

There are already thought to be 12000 people with the condition in Leicestershire and Rutland. By 2021, that number is likely to reach 16000.

Suna Tilley from Alzheimer’s Society in Leicestershire and Rutland says: “The Side by Side service provides stimulation for people with dementia, which could be mental or physical. It may be companionship, such as sitting and having a cup of tea or it could be helping and joining them in an activity or hobby. The

service is important because it reduces people’s feelings of isolation.

“Volunteers will be matched with people with dementia who share similar interests. They will gain valuable experience and develop a sense of value by providing a much needed and worthwhile voluntary service.”

The Leicestershire and Rutland Locality of Alzheimer’s Society provides ongoing training and support to all volunteers, who will be CRB checked and who should be over the age of 18.

Potential recruits are asked to contact Suna Tilley on 0116 231 1113 or email: suna.tilley@alzheimers.org.uk

BIRSTALL PARISH Council currently have vacant allotment plots on the Meadow Lane site and the Greengate Lane site.

A Council spokesman said: “Allotments are a good way of producing healthy delicious fruit and vegetables at a relatively low cost and you can produce them organically if you want to.

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

Contact Birstall Parish Council to view one of the vacant plots: Council Offices, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DH. Tel: 0116 2676191 or email:admin@birstallpc.org.uk

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Thieves target turbine THE SITE of the Wanlip wind turbine was broken into by thieves in December and some items were stolen.

The turbine is located within Severn Trent’s sewage treatment works. A spokesman said: “We are working with the police and security has been increased at the site to help prevent this from happening again.”

The spokesman added: “We've been working hard to make sure that our new wind turbine at Wanlip is complete and connected to the national grid. We expect it will produce power for the first time before the end of the month [January].”

History Society BIRSTALL & DISTRICT Local History Society elected their committee at their AGM in January.

The chairperson is Brenda Watts, vice chairperson Eileen Chambers, Secretary Adrienne Topley and the Treasurer is Diane King. Committee members are Stuart Liquorish, Audrey Lennon, Glenys Ratcliffe, John Kilby (President), Mike Smith (Vice-President).

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Cricket Corner THE 2014 season is going to be the start of a new era for Birstall Village Cricket Club.

The club has joined the amalgamated Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League. The cricket league has been created as a tiered structure to allow all cricket clubs in Leicestershire to be able to have a chance of promotion into the well-respected Everards Premier League.

Birstall Village 1st has been placed into Division 5 East with the 2nd team being placed into Division 7 West. BVCC looks forward to playing a variety of different teams and their grounds within Leicestershire as well as the long term aim to moving up the divisions.

During the last few seasons BVCC have been working hard to continue to improve the ground. They have seen the fruits of their labour with the wicket playing the best it ever has last season.

The ground has now become a wellregarded wicket to play on and clubs look forward to playing cricket on it.

The clubhouse is also moving forward with plans to repaint the clubhouse and build a score-box with umpire’s room.

Birstall are now looking to continue the good run of form from last season and welcome any new players who would like to join the club. This season we will be fielding two senior teams and a junior under 17’s team. Any interested players can contact Dave Sharpe 07527186705 (senior team) or Joe Carnan 07827332601 (under 17’s).

Early season dates to keep in mind Wed 29th Jan - Nets begin 8-9pm – National Indoor cricket nets, Lough Uni. Sun 23rd Feb - AGM – Birstall United FC – 7pm Sat 29th March – BVCC Presentation night – Soar Bridge Inn, Barrow. 7pm Sat 19th April – Season begins for both senior teams Sat 3rd May – First home game in Birstall.

Looking forward to another great season!

From Joshua Saye, BVCC

Thurmaston urban extension PLANS FOR 4500 new homes near Thurmaston feature in a planning application submitted to Charnwood Borough Council in January.

The plans include: • 4500 dwellings • 13 hectares of employment land creating 3000 jobs • two local centres • one district centre • a range of retail outlets and one large convenience store • a travellers site adjacent to the A607, near to the Asda roundabout • up to three new primary schools and a site reserved for a secondary school • healthcare facilities • allotments • a new southern link road • increasing accessible open space on the development site from 35 hectares to 137 The 360 hectare development site straddles the Charnwood and Leicester City Council boundary. The majority of the land is currently in agricultural use.

The applicants are Commercial Estates Project Ltd and Mr J Pochin Trustees. Their application states: “The North East of Leicester Sustainable Urban Extension will be a locally distinctive, sustainable and thriving new community that is well integrated and has excellent connections with Thurmaston and Leicester. It will assist in realising regeneration opportunities for Thurmaston and north east Leicester and create a new focus for the community east of the railway line but maintain a physical separation from Syston, Barkby and Barkby Thorpe.

“It will provide a balanced mix of high quality housing as well as diverse employment opportunities and an excellent network of green infrastructure which

WI’s winter evening BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI met at Highcliffe School on January 14 at our new time of 7pm.

We seem to have so much to pack into our meetings that we have decided to start earlier to fit everything in! 32 ladies attended which is a really good turnout for a winter’s evening.

Yearly subscriptions were paid and we all received an events calendar showing our activities for 2014 and a very fat WI discount voucher booklet. New WI Food Safety Guidance was discussed. We also voted to see which of four causes will be adopted this year for the WI Resolution.

Alison Rockett then spoke to us of her time in Uganda where she worked with a Children’s Art Project. She saw how poor but independent the families

were. Despite their low wages she noticed that they wore beautiful beads.

Alison discovered that these were made from recycled paper and when she came back home she found it was very easy to sell them and thus she created a much needed income for the families. So, armed with glue, cocktail sticks, paper strips, beads and elastic we produced pretty little bracelets during the rest of the evening.

At our next meeting on February 3 Stuart Grange will talk to us about Stroke Awareness and the competition will be a Valentine Card.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

7

KEY

1a

1a. Syston

1b

1

1b. Syston Station

4

2.

Thurmaston

3.

Hamilton

4.

Watermead Country Park

Site Boundary

2

LCiC

CBC

3

Pic: the location of the site

connects into existing areas of environmental value and includes an extension of the Leicester Hamilton Green Wedge.

It will have vibrant centres that provide a heart to the community and accessible community, shopping and business facilities.

Charnwood Borough Council is required to provide sites for 17,380 new homes within the period 2006-2028.

More details on the planning pages of Charnwood’s website, planning application P/13/2498/2

8

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

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

Traveller sites Having attended the LE4 group meeting on Friday January 10, 2014 can I say again on behalf of the Birstall Conservative group, how grateful we are for the actions taken and the advice given to the people of Birstall by the group’s committee. At the outset, we all found ourselves in a difficult position. The proposed travellers’ sites were all to be situated within the Leicester City boundary but the problems which could reasonably be anticipated might well involve the people of Birstall. However, neither Birstall Parish Council nor Charnwood Borough Council had any legal means of intervening or stopping these proposals.

The LE4 group, chaired by the very able Roy Rollings, have been the contact point for all our local efforts and queries. They have taken to task the Labour controlled Leicester City Council with regard to their irresponsible decisions as to the locations of these sites. These

are emotive issues but by seeking independent legal advice at an early stage, the LE4 group have ensured that we all complied with the legal niceties, thus avoiding any suggestion of racism and yet they have pursued the issue as far as is legally sensible. We concur with the LE4 group’s findings that in trying to pursue the issue further through the courts, would be an extremely expensive and potentially futile exercise but we will assist with funding should this be the chosen course of action.

The Birstall Conservatives have been represented at all of the meetings. They have raised the issue with the Leader of Charnwood Borough Council and have obtained an assurance from him that no more travellers’ sites will be situated in Birstall. They have also raised the issue with The Right Hon. Stephen Dorrell who in turn brought it to the attention of The Secretary of State. The Conservatives with others have letter- dropped for Terry McGreal in his attempt to get elected to the Leicester City Council on the ‘Travellers site’ ticket. County Councillor David Snartt represented our group and articulated all our concerns at the public meeting held in Leicester. Despite all our efforts, the City Council has approved two of the original five sites as travellers’ sites. That the number of sites had been adjusted by the City Council was undoubtedly because of the sterling work of the LE4 action group.

Since their last meeting we have taken the matter up again with Charnwood Borough Council, who obviously have no control over what happens within the City boundary. They have promised however, to quickly collect any rubbish should any such illegal sites subsequently take place on Charnwood Borough owned land. This is something which the Leicester City Council has clearly already failed to do both across the present sites and more clearly where illegal encampments have taken place.

Charnwood has also promised to hold the Multi Agency Travellers Unit (M.A.T.U) to task should any illegal

encampments occur in Charnwood.

This agency is supposed to police travellers sites throughout the area. It does not have the confidence of the LE4 group but given that the agency is part funded by Charnwood Borough Council, perhaps the Council will be more successful in ensuring that breaches of the law and/or breaches of public decency are dealt with expeditiously.

You can be assured that your County Councillor and your Borough Councillors will be working with the Birstall Parish Council and the LE4 group in monitoring the ongoing situation. If any action needs to be taken and legally can be taken, against any contravention of the law, then they, using their expertise and political clout, will endorse and attempt to expedite such action.

Cllr David Gaskell

Show them up Yes it’s still going on in our village.

I’m talking about dog fouling around Birstall Road and surrounding areas: what’s wrong with these people? They need a good talking to, just to let their dogs mess outside people’s property is a liberty, I wish I could catch them, they wouldn’t do it again!

I see the notice 'Muck' on the notice board, you will be fined £80. Does anyone take notice of this. I doubt it. They even let their dogs foul near my gym where children go, let’s sort them out now and show them up for what they are!

Carl Gunns

Knitted wraps I have just read the article in January 2014 edition about the knitted wrap being removed from the tree on the corner of Greengate Lane. To say I was astounded is putting it mildly.

Who objected to the wrap and on what basis? Are we allowed to know?

I for one found the wrap most amusing, sitting on the bus in a morning waiting to get through the mess that is the traffic lights at the bottom of Greengate Lane/Loughborough /Road. What could possibly be the objection? As for the council response of asking it be taken down is appalling. They are letting the few spoilsports rule the roost of the many.

As for the comment that the wrap covering the bark may harm the tree, made me laugh out loud. Obviously we have very tender trees on our side of the village, the wrap does not seem to have harmed the one outside the church at all. No objection raised for that one then?

Also don't believe there were any

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objections to the decorations last year?

Or were there and they were not taken any notice of?

I say all power to the KGB elbow, keep on knitting and putting up the lovely wraps, you have many many supporters and we love to see the knitting on Greengate Lane.

As for the council remember there are a lot of us who did enjoy the wraps, you have just showed what a weak bunch you really are in letting the minor few who objected, rule the roost.

Go KGB go!

Disgusted of Highgate Avenue

Thanks On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to thank everyone who attended Stuart's funeral and contributed so generously to the charity he chose. We were so proud to see the Mayor with all the Councillors and colleagues from Charnwood and the members from the Birstall Parish Council plus his colleagues from Aviva and all his friends.

He is sadly missed by us all, but seeing he was thought of by so many was extremely comforting.

Thank you all Veronica Jones

Flyover I refer to your article in January's Post re the knocking down of the Belgrave flyover and the widening of the pavements and encouraging traffic to find another route into the city and the surrounding areas.

A popular choice seems to be requesting the traffic to use Abbey Lane. As we live in Birstall and frequent this road regularly I find this a terrifying aspect.

This road has numerous traffic lights which makes it a daunting prospect daily.

Yet another supermarket is being built which will surely add to the congestion.

As it continues into the City the next obstacle is Newake Street which has seen the traffic lanes reduced, pavements widened and another set of traffic lights introduced.

Apparently, Mr Peter Soulsby, Mayor of Leicester, quotes that this hasn't caused any detrimental affect on traffic movement nor will the removal of the flyover or the restriction of traffic along Belgrave Road. I wonder if he has spoken to anyone who works nearby and has to use the Newarke Street car park daily? In our Northern end of the City we don't have many alternative routes to either visit the Tigers Ground, the City Ground, the Royal Infirmary or parking in the Newarke Street car park. It is also the main route for Ambulances rushing casualties to hospital. Surely we want wider and assessable roads not narrower ones?

Many service buses also use this road, the Park & Ride 303 advertises this service as a quicker alternative to reach the City centre. Not with the proposed increase of traffic I think!

We have and are having many houses being built around our area which will increase the traffic flow. Will Abbey Lane be able to cope with this influx and what advice do the planners suggest we motorists do about avoiding this forthcoming gridlock situation? I look forward to their answer. Or will it be the beginning of an exclusion zone which will prohibit cars entering the city?

Name & address supplied

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Noticeboard all details printed free CLASH 2012

Drop-in Sessions for people with Arthritis and other Musculoskeletal conditions.

To gather information and to have a general chat about these conditions - sessions held every Monday, 10am to 12noon, Room 7, Peepul Centre, Orchardson Ave, Leicester LE4 6DP - sessions are free.

General Fitness Sessions Tuesdays 1-2pm and Chair based exercise sessions Wednesdays 1-2pm for people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions at the Peepul Centre, Orchardson Ave, Leicester. Sessions are free. e-learning sessions - CLASH2012, a UK Online Centre, provides basic computer training at its after school e-learning sessions held at Longslade Community College in the Palmer Tomkinson Centre.

Thursdays during term time 3.304.30pm. Please contact Conrad 07919844629 for further information.

CLASH 2012 monthly meeting – Wednesday February 12, AGM 79pm at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre, Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4GH

Birstall Royal British Legion Feb 1: Jimmy Needles (M/V) Feb 8: Michael Jay (M/V) Feb 15: Sire (M/V) Feb 22: Munix (Group) Dancing every Saturday night with live entertainment Bingo, free beer raffle and not forgetting Open the Box Every Tuesday night Bingo starting at 9.15pm Quiz nights Sunday Feb 9 & 23, starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday Feb 16 at 8pm Rock & Roll nights Wednesday Feb 5 & 19 Food available every Saturday 12noon-2pm Wakes catered for

First two classes free Birstall Methodist Church Rooms Wanlip Lane, LE4 4JS Tuesdays 1.30-3.30pm £7 per class Term time only, one term payable in advance For further information call 07779 434 742 Email: larainetucker@yahoo.co.uk www.stringofpearlstaichi.co.uk

Coffee Morning Saturday February 22 at the Methodist Church centre, Wanlip Lane from 10am – 12noon Books, cakes, puzzles and tombola etc In aid of ‘Heartlink’ and ‘Keep the Beat’, Glenfield paediatric unit St James Day Centre 200 Club January winners: 1st Mrs Marjorie Cannon 2nd Miss Maureen Hardy 3rd Mrs Sheila Harrison 4th Mrs Mary Bruce

Birstall & District Local History Society The next meeting of the Society is to be held on Thursday February 13 at 7.30pm in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall The talk will be about ‘Birstall at War 1939-45’ Speaker Mike Smith All visitors are very welcome and parking is available in the playing fields through the School Lane entrance

Mini-Market and Table Top Sale

ashwell Stoves & Chimneys Ltd Installation of wood burning Domestic Stoves

on Saturday March 8 from 10am to 1pm at Birstall Methodist Centre Tables available at £10 each Contact Mary on 0116 2672606 Refreshment and light lunches served in the Coffee Shop

Women’s World Day of Prayer service St James the Great, Birstall Friday March 7 at 7.30pm The theme is ‘Streams in the Desert’ and has been prepared by Christian women of Egypt This is an interdenominational service open to anyone who wishes to attend.

A preparation lunch, to find out more about Egypt, is to be held on Sat Feb 8 at 12noon at St James, Birstall. In order to know how many to cater for, tickets (no charge) are available from St James, St Theresa’s or the Methodist Church

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday February 11 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade College to watch renowned artist Tony Cowlishaw giving a

Watercolour Demonstration entitled ‘Sailing Barge in Creek’ Refreshments available at the interval Demonstration to end at 9pm Members £1; Guests £3, free raffle Ample parking and wheelchair access •••

Birstall Neighbourhood Watch Open Meeting Thursday February 27 at 7.45pm Methodist Church all, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Guest speHall, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Guest speaker: Sir Clive Loader, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from Sir Clive about his plans to tackle crime in the county and, in turn, to put your concerns and ideas to him All members are cordially invited to attend

Using Maths to Explain Dowsing A presentation on ‘Mobius Bands and Other Analogies’ will be given by chairperson Jane Radford at the meeting of Leicestershire & Rutland Dowsers on Saturday February 1 During the session 3D mathematical curiosities will be created in an attempt to explain the dowsing process The meeting will take place as usual at St James’ Day Centre, Birstall Village Hall and will start with refreshments from 10am to 10.30am Admission £5 All welcome Mountsorrel Methodist Church Presents the second in the 13th series of

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Organ Recital On Sunday February 16 at 8pm Duet by Thomas Keogh and Father

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10

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Simon Lumby of St Augustine’s, Edgbaston and St Aidans, New Parks Admission is free Donations for the Church’s Development fund Buffet from 7.30pm The Grandest Night of Grand Opera … Ever as part of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival, Rainer Hersch conducts

Leicester Symphony Orchestra & Leicester Philharmonic Choir in an utterly unique evening of music and laughter Saturday February 8 at 7.30pm at De Montfort Hall Tickets £11 - £18, children £5

Tea Dance Ballroom, Sequence and Latin on Friday February 14 3.30-5.30pm at Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Leicester LE4 4DH £3 on the door includes refreshments

Spring Fair Saturday March 1 Birstall Guide HQ, Johnson Road 11am to 2pm Stalls, lunches, raffle Brownie Guides are 100 years old this year, come along and support the Brownies to raise funds and help them celebrate the Big Brownie Birthday

The Cheeky Monkeys

Pea Party is back in Birstall with something for all the family Tea and cake will be available for everyone to buy as well as many stalls but also some craft actvities provided for the children as well as some entertainment by Tiny Talk Leicester For more details contact Heather Avul 07891912145 havul@msn.com

Birstall Social Club New members welcome Refurbished games room, fully licensed bar, Sunday bingo, skittle alley, lounge, meeting rooms, big screen Sky Sports, free wifi 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall 2674483 Membership forms available from the club Travel Talk Presentation

Tibet ‘A Journey on the Roof of the World’

Why not sit back and become an armchair traveller for the evening Friday February 21 at 7.30pm Wanlip Community Rooms Tickets £4 to include a glass of wine & nibbles from Beryl McHugh Tel: 0116 2674913

Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

“The Great Gatsby” Friday February 14 (143 mins) The outstanding novel by F Scott Fitzgerald has been adapted into our great film, featuring Leonardo Di Caprio and Carey Mulligan.

The multi-millionaire, Jay Gatsby, lives in an intoxicating world of the super rich. This is a story of impassive love, incorruptible dreams and dark tragedy.

“Captain Phillips” Friday March 14 (134 mins) Played by Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips was on an unarmed trading boat heading for Mombasa, Kenya. The boat was hijacked by armed Somali intruders. This film is an action-packed powerful drama. It is based on Richard Phillips’ book ‘A Captain’s Duty’ and it is all true!

Thurcaston and 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 236 7626 or at the door.

50+ Fitness Classes Birstall and Sileby If you are over 50 or have been referred for exercise by a doctor, come and join our low impact aerobics, toning and Tai Chi sessions at Sileby and Birstall Sileby: Tuesdays 12.30-1.30pm Sileby Community Centre 41 High Street, Sileby Loughborough LE12 7RX Birstall: Tuesdays 2-3pm Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DH For more info please contact Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Mountsorrel, 0116 2230365 or email: gp-referralcharnwood@fusion-lifestyle.com

Events at Birstall Library Characters of Belgrave Cemetery Following the publication of a book on Belgrave Cemetery, Sandra Moore will appear in costume and talk about some of the people buried there Birstall Library on Thursday, February 13 at 12.30.pm The talk will includes slides and music Booking essential £6 or £5 for library members

Funky Streetdance Workshops at Birstall Library 45 minute sessions throughout the day Wednesday February 19 8-11 years or 12-14 years Booking essential

£3 per session or £2 for library members

Bedtime Stories at Birstall Library Thursday February 20 5.45-6.30pm Come and join us for stories and a drink and cookie Come ready for bed and bring your ted

For children aged 4-8 yrs who must be accompanied by a parent/carer £1 per child. Booking essential

The Home Front in World War I In the first of a series of lunchtime talks to celebrate the centenary of the first world War Nick Marshall explores what life was like on the Home Front Thursday March 13 from 12.30pm at Birstall Library Booking essential £3 or £2.50 for library members To book or for more information on any of the above contact the library on 0116 305 8756 or email: birstalllibrary@leics.gov.uk Belgrave Cemetery Group Recent Publications

‘Living Memories’ Belgrave Friends Remembered Residents of Belgrave Cemetery by their families and friends A new title from the ‘Friends of Belgrave Cemetery’ 142 stories – 111 photographs Price: £10 (p&p £3.50) ISBN 978-0-9558972-1-4 Copies obtainable from Birstall Library – Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JU Birstall Garden & Leisure Centre – 27-35 Sibson Road, Birstall LE4 4DX

‘Belgrave Soldiers Remembered’ Lists those who lost their lives in both World Wars Now either laid to rest in Belgrave Cemetery or commemorated on family headstones Price £3 plus £1.50 p&p 0116 2672018

Belgrave Cemetery Record Information CD Price £9.50 free postage 0116 3678068 www.friendsofbelgravecemetery.org.uk

Pantomime – all male cast!

‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane Tuesday to Saturday, Feb 18-22 7.30 each evening with a Sat matinee. Tickets £5 from 2122513 Inter Care

Fundraising Dance Quorn Village Hall Sat Mar 15, 7.30 - 11pm live Latin, ballroom, rock and pop Tickets are £7.50 per person and include complimentary nibbles.

Bring your own drinks and glasses. Free car parking Advance tickets only from 0116 2695925 or visit: www.intercare.org.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Art society offers friendly welcome

Borough’s blitz on dog fouling & litter

A LOCAL Art Society has launched its 2014 programme and is welcoming new members.

DOG fouling and litter in hotspot areas was slashed by a third during a Charnwood Borough Council enviro-crime crackdown.

The Birstall & District Art Society was started in 1995 by the late Norman Sims.

It is a mixed ability group and meets monthly at Longslade’s Palmer-Tomkinson Centre.

A spokesman said: “A warm and friendly welcome awaits anyone wishing to join our society.

“Whether you are young or old you’ll be more than welcome to come along and join with others who have the same interest.”

The society offers facilities for tuition, workshops and outdoor sketching in the summer months, and a social calendar throughout the year.

“We are a mixed ability group sharing a common interest, a group where we all help each other and where the absolute beginner is as welcome as the professional artist” added the spokesman.

The annual subscription is

£25 plus £1 per meeting, members’ children and grandchildren have free membership and non-members’ children cost £12.50 per year, 50p per meeting.

Full time students have a 50% concession. Visitors can try a single meeting for £3.

For details visit www.badas.org or phone 0116 2606826

Pics: (top) a demonstration in the Palmer Tomkinson Centre & (below) the Society's annual exhibition in Birstall Village Hall

The Council’s three-month Don’t Muck Around campaign helped cut dog fouling by 32% in a record nine areas across the Borough and litter by 37% in three hotspots.

Dog fouling hotspots were in Birstall, Rothley, Loughborough, Barkby, Queniborough, East Goscote, Woodhouse, Mountsorrel and Sileby.

As part of the crackdown, enforcement officers also issued 35 fixed penalty notices to offenders for a range of environmental offences.

The Council also recorded a six per cent increase in awareness of Duty of Care offences where householders can be fined for failing to responsibly get rid of waste from their homes.

Councillor Jane Hunt, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said: “Once again the Don’t Muck Around campaign has helped to reduce incidents of environmental crime across the Borough, through education and enforcement.

“The Council is committed to ensuring Charnwood is clean and tidy for residents and visitors, and we will continue to work towards driving down incidents.

“This year we focused on a record nine hotspot areas following feedback from our residents, so I am really

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pleased we can report a reduction in incidents across the three campaign strands.

“The reduction in the instances of dog fouling in the hotspots is particularly encouraging. Please could I, on behalf of local residents, thank those people who have changed their behaviour and now clean up after their pet. Your help in improving the area is appreciated.”

The campaign ran for three months,

from September 27, 2013, to December 20, 2013.

Officers monitored hotspot areas before and after the campaign to see what impact the education and enforcement work had on offences.

To help with education, the Council also introduced an online tool to help residents plot the dog waste in their area, and the location of nearby dog and litter bins. All reports of dog fouling now featuring on www.my.charnwood.gov.uk.

12

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Registered members receive the monthly newsletter and access to advice and security devices, either free or at cost price.

If yours is one of the few households that are still not members, please contact us by telephone or email if you would like to be included.

Alternatively, call in and see us at our Advice Shop, open every third Saturday of the month between 10am and 12 noon in the Police Office, opposite the Membership still only £1 Garden Centre on Sibson Road.

Each year Birstall and Wanlip NeighThe next Advice Shop is on 15th bourhood Watch receives a generous February. donation from the Birstall Parish Council, More information at: for which we are very grateful, but the www.villagewatch.co.uk bulk of our income is from membership Email: watch@villagewatch.co.uk fees.

Tel: (0116) 267 6397 Members (except those in Wanlip) From Birstall & Wanlip Village Watch will have recently received an envelope asking them to renew their membership Crime Report : December 2013 for another year. Once again we suggest Assaults 6, burglary 3, burglary nonjust One Pound per household (although dwelling 2, damage 4, drugs 1, theft 5, we are always pleasantly surprised by theft cycle 1, theft from motor vehicle 5, those who choose to give a little more). theft of motor vehicle 3, theft from store These contributions pay for: 2 • Street signs THE NUMBER of reported crimes • the monthly Newsletter has fallen again this month, • the Watch Phone • our Website and email alerts which is obviously good news, • Mobile phones for our beat officers however we have seen a marked • Leaflets, stickers and other items rise in certain offences which is given free to members clearly of concern.

• Stationery, postage and general One of these is Theft from Motor running costs Vehicle which has increased from 1 They also enable us to buy useful offence last month to five this month, security products such as personal however in three out of the five cases alarms, shed alarms and locks, fence the vehicles had been broken into in spikes, television simulators and Smartorder to steal items which had been left Water kits etc. that we can then sell to on display (bags and wallets etc) and so members at cost price. these could have easily been avoided by Some members have been able to hiding these items away. Please ensure negotiate reductions in home insurance that whenever you leave your vehicle it is premiums on production of their memlocked and secured with no items of bership card. value in view.

Please return the envelope to your Both dwelling burglary and shop Co-ordinator who will later deliver your thefts have reduced significantly, which membership card. is excellent news. I hope that this trend There are around a hundred-and-fifty will continue into the New Year and Co-ordinators in Birstall and Wanlip covering over three thousand households. would remind all residents to continue to be security conscious and vigilant and

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report any suspicious activity to either the Police or Neighbourhood Watch.

Can I also pass on my thanks to the residents of Kilby Avenue who challenged two youths that they saw climbing on a garage roof. It is possible that these youths were thinking of breaking into a house in the street and so their actions may well have prevented a crime from occurring. Once again, many thanks for your actions.

On the December 12 we held a ‘webchat’ in conjunction with the Neighbourhood watch and one of the topics raised was speeding in the village, especially on Birstall Road and Wanlip Lane. I have spoken with out traffic management department regarding the possibility of getting the speed camera van deployed at these locations, however I have been told that because both roads already have traffic calming measures in place in the form of humps and chicanes, they are not roads that they would take action on. I have however looked at the possibility of getting trained in the use of the mobile ‘speed gun’ so that we can conduct operations on these roads and I will keep you updated in relation to this.

On a good news note, two males who were believed to be committing crime on the Birstall area have been arrested this month. One of these had breached the terms of his release license and so has been recalled to prison to serve out the remainder of his sentence where as the other is a male who was wanted for a number of offences across Leicestershire. I hope that with these two males locked up we will continue to see a decline in the number of crimes committed within the villages of Birstall and Wanlip.

From PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels & PCSO 6611 Mark Butler Leicestershire Police http://www.leics.police.uk Tel: 0116 2677355 OR 101 Twitter: @birstallpolice

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.

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Planning P/14/0009/2: 40 Curzon Ave – erection of 6 detached dwellings P/14/0035/2: 4 Long Meadow Way – installation of roller shutter to car port P/14/0010/2: 9 Castlegate Ave – the erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 5.5m, with a maximum height of 3.5m and height to the eaves of 3.0m P/14/0008/2: 11 Went Road – the erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3.050m, with a maximum height of 3.655m and height to the eaves of 2.225m

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

13

Band night at Social Club BIRSTALL BAND ‘8 Miles High’ will be performing at Birstall BAGS band night on Saturday February 8.

A BAGS spokeswoman said: “The very first band night we did was 15 years ago and each year they prove to be very popular.

“Last year was an extremely successful year for us as a group, we raised the most we have raised in a year which means the local Time Out group can

keep being funded – we continue to be overwhelmed by our support and would encourage you to come along to this event at Birstall Social Club featuring two great bands.”

For more information or tickets visit www.birstallbags.co.uk

Your memories needed DO YOU have wartime experiences, or memories of your working life you would like to share?

Charnwood Roots is a local project that is looking for people to interview about their memories of World War II and their working life.

A spokesman said: “If you have any wartime memories that you would like to share, please get in touch. We are particularly interested in finding people who have memories of anything that is relevant to this area, such as Beaumanor signalling unit, prisoner of war camps, experiences of foreign visitors or evacuees.”

The ‘Our Working Lives’ part of the project is looking for people who have worked in industry, in factories, farming, quarrying or who have been self employed.

For those taking part, a trained volunteer will visit you at your home to interview and make a recording which will become part of the East Midlands Oral History Archive. You will be given a copy to keep.

The project also needs volunteers to interview local people – training sessions will be held in January.

The Charnwood Roots project is a Victoria County History Trust initiative, supported by the University of Leicester and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

If you would like to take part contact Jess on 0116 2525946 or email charnwoodroots@le.ac.uk

Renovation project wins award for GCR THE GREAT Central Railway’s half a million pound renovation project to revive ‘Loughborough’s Crystal Palace’ has triumphed at a national award ceremony.

The full restoration of the glass, metal and wood station canopy, which is grade II listed and dates back to 1899, took three years to complete. Originally provided to protect Victorian travellers it is now ready for another century of service at the heritage line.

It picked up the first prize at the National Railway Heritage Awards in the station environment category. It faced competition from two projects completed by Network Rail at Battersea Park and Horsham stations.

The National Railway Heritage Awards recognise work to preserve Britain’s rail heritage. They encompass buildings, structures and signalling. The Great Central Railway has previously won

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The judges praised the renovations at Loughborough station as a “heritage restoration of the highest order”. The work was funded through a major public appeal and also grants from the Wolfson Foundation, The Pilgrim Trust, Biffa award, Garfield Weston and the Edith Murphy Foundation. Hundreds of hours of volunteer time was dedicated to recovering original wood and metal where possible or manufacturing completely new pieces. Specialist contractors and engineers were also employed on the project.

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14

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Church news Sharing resources Last May saw the creation of the Two Rivers Mission Partnership from a group of Anglican churches (Birstall and Wanlip parish is one of the largest) in the Wreake and Soar Valley area. In the months since it was formed, various joint initiatives have been started, including a marriage preparation course, a first aid course and, for social catering, a food hygiene course. Further workshops are now planned in different locations, such as an evening in Birstall church on Wednesday February 19th at 7.30pm, for those who would like to find out more about reading in church.

Our parish is very fortunate to have both a Rector and a Curate, plus the valuable contribution of several retired clergy. In other places locally, many parishes share one full-time priest between several churches and the shortage of ordained ministers means the situation is likely to get worse in the coming years. Any co-operation between parishes can only be for the good of all.

Keeping Lent 2014?

Easter is late this year (Easter Sunday is April 20) so the Lent course, planned so that members of all local churches (and none) can participate, will not start

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until Tuesday March 11 at 7.30pm at St. James. The subject this year is Work (and Faith) and there will be five weekly meetings. For more information contact Revd Stephen Crofts, on crofts.stephen@btinternet.com A fabulous experience If you are an armchair traveller, you may like to come to a Travel Talk on Tibet, a “journey on the roof of the world” presented (with many beautiful illustrations) by seasoned explorer Sue Ablett, on Friday February 21 in Wanlip church rooms and community centre at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4, including a glass of wine and nibbles and can be obtained from Beryl at St James church or by ringing 2674913.

From Beryl McHugh, St James Church

Methodist Pantomime Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs is the 2014 production of the all-male pantomime which will be presented during half-term Tuesday 18th to Saturday February 22 at 7.30 each evening with a matinee on Saturday.

The pantomime has amused Birstall folk every year since about 1947. The scripts do get updated, the costumes replaced and the scenery repainted each year. It is a real family production in a

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very traditional style.

Tickets are £5 and obtainable from Deborah Tel 2122513.

Service on Feb 23 There is no service at the Methodist Church in Birstall on this Sunday. All the congregations of the six churches in our Leicester North Circuit are joining together at a ‘new’ location.

The congregation of the Methodist Church in Edgehill Road, on the Cromwell Estate, off Gipsy Lane, were faced with huge building problems. They have, after lengthy negotiations, moved to the nearby ‘All Saints’ Anglican Church, which no longer was used on a Sunday Morning.

It is at this ‘new’ location that the service will take place on Sunday February 23. Note the time 10.15am.

All Saints is on the corner of Gipsy Lane and Catherine St, immediately past the shops as you turn into Kerrysdale Avenue.

Joseph’s Storehouse A charity based at The Carpenters Arms, Wharncliffe Road in Loughborough distributes between 400 and 500 food parcels to needy families in the district. The Methodist Church in Birstall donated £596 which was from the Christmas Day collection and Christmas card donations.

Table Tops & Mini Market Advance notice of this event on Saturday March 8th. Tables are available (Tel 2672606 for more details of availability & charges). There will also be stalls for cakes, preserves, crafts, jig-saws, books, good-as-new, etc From Tony Moore, Birstall Methodist Chairman

Discussion Topic Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions? Maybe they included things you would like to give up or alternatively, things you would like to start doing. One survey has found that a common theme is ways to improve our personal quality of life. Whatever your chosen targets are, we all appreciate a time to ‘take stock’ and attempt a fresh start. The Bible talks about a “new birth” and being a “new creation” so our Discussion Question this month is: “What is the New Start which Jesus Christ offers?” As always, these discussions are open to individuals of any denomination or religion (or none) and they are free of charge. It is expected that participants will show respect for others’ views. If you would like to attend this month’s discussion, then please contact the number given below to register your interest and state your preference for day(s) and time (morning/afternoon/evening) and we will get back to you with an agreed date, time and venue.

Sunday Services Our visiting speaker for February 2 is John Tonks (Leicester). This, and the services on 9th and 16th, will be in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School (LE4 3DL) and begin at 10.45am.

We would be pleased to welcome you to any of these services. Please ring for the venue on 23rd, as we are not in the school because of the half-term holiday.

Further information Please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist church

Birstall Car Sales BIRSTALL CAR Sales on Loughborough Road has closed after serving Birstall and the surrounding areas for over 15 years.

Birstall Car Sales owner, John Leeson, will move to Paddock Automotives in Syston to assist with the selling of wheelchair access vehicles.

John said: “The time has come to start a new chapter and I will be sad to say goodbye to Birstall Car Sales. I would like to thank my customers for their business and loyalty over the years”.

If you would like more information about wheelchair access vehicles please contact Paddock Automotives at The Old Fire Station in Syston, or call 0116 2304141.

Donations WREAKE VALLEY Rotary toured the village in December with their Santa’s sleigh raising £4145 for local charities.

Spokesman Charlie Stevens said: “Thanks to everyone who came out to see Santa and contribute. These funds will be used to support local charities throughout the year.”

Budget help BUDGET HEALTH checks are being offered to Charnwood residents who are worried about making ends meet.

Charnwood Borough Council has teamed up with the Money Advice Service (MA) to offer advice on making money stretch further. Appointments will be strictly private and held every other Thursday from January 9, 2014 between 9am and 5pm at the Council Offices, Southfields Road, Loughborough. The sessions are open to anyone but with a particular focus on tenants with rent arrears and those on benefits.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services, said: “Money worries can be a big problem for many people, especially at this time of year, and this is a great opportunity to get help and advice. The sessions will help people to take steps to get out of debt, to claim any benefits they’re entitled to and reduce the worry that comes with debt.”

Anyone who wishes to make an appointment can call on 01509 634666.

age

INFO

South West 495,442 Unpaid carers subject to seven of top Wales 340,745 ten workplace stresses West Midlands 558,421 3,500 a year carers continuously are Yorkshire & The Humber 518,211 subject to seven of the top ten workplace stresses and 24% have never takOver 65s in the workplace en a holiday away from their full time Britain’s baby-boomers have played a caring responsibilities key role in keeping the UK economy Research by Saga shows that no only from going bust – a Saga report has do the UKs army of unpaid carers look revealed. after their loved ones 24/7 365 days a New research has identified that the year, they are also subject almost continuously to seven of the top ten workplace number of over 65s in work has almost doubled over the past ten years and stresses: workload, feeling undervalued, their spending is supporting the consumthe type of work they have to do, taking er economy. on other people's work, lack of control The analysis published by Saga – the over their day, working long hours and frustration with the working environment. financial services and leisure company for the over 50s - counters claims that Many are nearing physical and emotionthe baby-boomer generation is a current al exhaustion as a result. drain on the UK economy.

The Queen’s speech last year anThe Centre for Economic and Businounced important changes to the social ness Research report for Saga into the care bill that are set to give carers the rights that will at last give them the digni- growing importance of the silver pound shows, that just under 30 per cent of the ty and respect they deserve for the role UK workforce is made up of the over that they play in society.

50s – up from just under a quarter in In 2010, Emma Soames speaking for 2002.

Saga Respite for Carers Trust took a A significant driver of this increasing swipe at government ministers on behalf share of employment is a structural shift of carers calling for them to prove their towards more over 65s choosing to own worth by showing they're in touch with the real challenges faced by carers – remain in employment thanks, in part, to the abolition of the statutory retireand it appears they have taken heed. ment age in 2012. Between 2002 and “The changes proposed will give car2012, the number of individuals aged 65 ers greater rights and so they should. or over in employment almost doubled – Carers save the government something rising from 479,000 to 935,000. like £90 billion a year by providing The over 50s are also big earners and unpaid care to their loved ones. They spenders - estimated to have accounted don’t care a fig for the money, but for £459 billion (46.2%) of UK houseshould not have to struggle emotionally and financially for doing the right thing” hold income in 2012, and £317 billion (47.0%) of UK household expenditure said Emma Soames, Saga Respite for and the figures show that this proportion Carers Trust. “Many are simply pushed has risen during the most difficult ecoto the point of extreme exhaustion, but nomic environment. In 2007 the comunlike most workers in the UK, they parative expenditure figure was 42.5%. cannot simply hang up their hat for a And the 50 plus group is a major few days to get a break, in fact their driver of the consumer and leisure econoften lucky to be afforded a few hours omy, choosing to spend significant sums to themselves to help recharge their on food, health and recreation & culbatteries. ture; the group accounts for over half of “Whilst funding is identified as a key UK household expenditure in these areas. concern for carers, one of the biggest In 2011 (the latest year for which issues is that not only do they suffer there is data) the over 50s spent £44 from many of the workplace stresses billion on recreation and culture and many of us will recognise, almost a £24 billion on restaurants and hotels. quarter (24 per cent) have never taken Saga’s Group Chief Marketing Officer a holiday away from their caring responTim Pethick said: “Our report shatters sibilities. This figure rises to 31 percent the myth that the over 50s are holding among those who have been carers for back the economy. more than 10 years. Despite the previ“It demonstrates that the silver pound ous government’s commitment to prois a growing and crucial part of the vide funding for respite breaks, their economy. The influence and spending continued failure to ring fence the funds of the Saga generations have provided a they have allocated for this purpose has powerful counterbalance to economic meant that in many areas the funds are depression. not reaching carers, so there is still “The good news is that experienced, work to be done.” productive and motivated over 50s have There are in the region of 6 million been extending their working lives, often Carers in the UK, split regionally as folsetting up new small businesses, creating lows: and sustaining wealth and employment.

East of England 520,209 “Using this accumulated wisdom is East Midlands 435,741 also good for individual’s bank balances London 609,890 and the economy as a whole. Our reNorth East 276,593 port sends a strong message to business North West 724,802 and politicians that ignoring older peoNorthern Ireland 185,066 ple is dangerous and damaging.”

Scotland 481,579 South East 737,751

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

15

Join the race for life CANCER RESEARCH UK is calling on Leicester women of all ages, shapes and sizes to enter this year’s Race for Life run at Victoria Park in July.

The event is a women only 5k or 10k charity walk/run which last year saw 4800 take part, raising £335,000.

Katie Martin, Cancer Research UK’s Leicester Events Manager, said: “We’re calling on Leicestershire’s mighty mums, gutsy-grans, feisty friends and go-getting girls to join our formidable army and take on cancer at this year’s Race for Life.

“We know how committed Leicester women can be when they really make up their minds to do something. We want to harness that power to stop cancer in its tracks, by raising money for life-saving research.

“Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance

around the course if they prefer.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the East Midlands.

Katie continued: “Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease. There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all.”

To enter Race for Life today go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050

Group needs help A BABY and toddler group is appealing for volunteers.

The Bizzy Bees group meets at Birstall Village Hall every Friday from 10-12noon and needs more help to keep going.

Contact Laura on 0781 454 4604

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16

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2014

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Exercise and Cancer Birstall BAG’s make no apology for once again visiting the issue of exercise in terms of cancer prevention, recovery and avoiding recurrence.

Prevention It is thought that keeping active could help to prevent more than 3,000 cases of cancer every year in the UK. There is lots of evidence that being more physically active can reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer. Scientists have developed some good theories for how this might work.

Hormones are chemical messengers that get carried around our bodies in our blood. They help tell our bodies and cells what to do. Being physically active can change the levels of some hormones, including oestrogen and insulin. In women physical activity can lower the level of oestrogen. Oestrogen is thought to fuel the development of many breast and womb cancers, so reducing the levels of this hormone could help to reduce the risk.

Activity can also reduce the amount of insulin in our blood. Insulin is very important in controlling how our bodies use and store energy from food. Changes in insulin levels can have effects all over the body. And scientists think insulin can turn on signals that tell cells to multiply.

Because cancer starts when cells multiply out of control, lowering insulin levels could help stop some types of cancer developing.

Physical activity helps food move through our bowels more quickly reducing the amount of time that the lining of the bowel is in contact with any harmful chemicals, like those related to alcohol and red and processed meat. So there's less chance of them being able to do any damage that could lead to cancer.

Physical activity can reduce inflammation in our bowels.

Inflammation is a normal part of the way our bodies react to injury or infections. But it can sometimes cause even more damage, particularly when it keeps happening in the same place. This can lead to the cells multiplying much more frequently than usual, to replace dead and damaged cells, which means there is more chance of the mistakes that can lead to cancer. Being physically active helps to keep inflammation under control in our bowel, reducing the risk of cancer developing.

Recovery When you’re living with or after cancer, physical activity can help you make a positive change to your life. Being active during and after treatment can: • reduce tiredness • reduce stress and anxiety

• help look after your bones • help look after your heart • help reduce your risk of getting a blood clot • help keep your weight healthy Avoiding Recurrence Being physically active after treatment can be a positive step in helping you recover. It helps you manage some treatment side effects and also lower your risk of getting other health problems.

There’s also some evidence that it may help reduce the risk of certain cancers coming back.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recently produced guidelines published by the National Cancer Institute in America. They say it’s important to avoid being inactive and that physical activity is safe during and after cancer treatment. The guidelines recommend getting back to normal day-to-day activities as soon as possible after treatment, and gradually building up physical activity levels.

The British Association of Sport and Exercise Science describe preliminary evidence that in addition to functional and quality of life benefits, physical activity performed post-diagnosis may be associated with improved survival. A small number of epidemiological studies involving breast, colorectal and prostate cancer survivors have suggested that risk of cancer recurrence, cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality is approximately 40-50% lower in physically active than inactive individuals.

How much activity?

Adults should aim to do at least 2.5 hours of moderate activity every week but you can break that down into smaller chunks if that makes it easier for you to stick to. For example, try doing half an hour a day, five days a week. Even 10 minutes at a time can count, and the more active you are, the more benefit

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There's no need to join a gym or train for a marathon, unless you want to.

Moderate activity includes anything that gets you a little bit warm and out of breath. Brisk walking, gardening, dancing and even housework are all great ways to be more active.

Making small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the lift or making short journeys on foot, can really help you increase how active you are. And it's never too late to start making a difference. Even if you've been inactive for years, becoming more active now can improve your health.

Local initiative Macmillan Cancer Support have teamed up with the Ramblers association to promote physical activity and help less active people to engage with walking for health. A number of Walking for Health/Macmillan Health Walks for people affected by cancer (and their carers) have been scheduled to take place staring at Abbey Park Pavilion team Rooms.

The walks, of no more than one hour in length, are supported by trained walk leaders for more information contact Amy Morgan Telephone 0116 2526542 Email: amy.morgan@ramblers.org.uk Website: www.getwalking.org/leicester GO on give it a try - there is so much to be gained!

Please be sure and get your tickets for the Birstall BAG’s annual Live Band event on Saturday February 8 at Birstall Social Club, £7.50 per ticket. Please support your local fundraising group.

For further information www.cancerresearchuk.org or Macmillan Cancer Supports free phone help line 0808 808 0000 Monday – Friday 9am8pm.

Or University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189.

For more information on the funds we have raised, projects we support and forthcoming events see www.birstallbags.co.uk.Contact us by email birstallbags@hotmail.com

THE BIRSTALL POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Birstall Library or to our office in the Youth Centre, Longslade College, Birstall

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