Birstall Post (368) March 2014

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

MARCH 2014

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

Fun filled panto THE EVER popular men’s panto at Birstall Methodist Church saw a production of Snow White fill the church hall with an appreciative audience last month.

Spokesman Richard Tinley said: “Every one knows the story of Snow White and the seven dwarves, but hang on, in Birstall this year there were only six dwarves - Snoozy is on holiday in Snooze Zealand.

“But it all works out in the end, Prince Rupert of Rutland rescues Snow White and the Wicked Queen is banished to Coalville.”

The men’s panto group meets for rehearsals at the Methodist Church on Wanlip Lane from the end of September, on Thursdays from 7.45pm until about 9.30pm. New members are always welcome. “Singing, dancing and acting abilities are not necessary” said Richard.

No. 368

Chicane moved PLANNED MODIFICATIONS to the chicane on Birstall Road near the Church Hill junction will improve visibility for motorists, say Leicestershire County Council.

Pic: the planned modification

The County has consulted Birstall Parish Council on its plan, which will see the buildout moved to the other side Continued on page 2

COUNTY ROOFING Slating • Tiling • Felting Asphalt Roofs • Single Ply Fascias • Soffits • Guttering Building 20, Mill Lane, Syston Mills, Syston, Leicester LE7 1NS Tel: 0116 260 5400 Fax: 0116 260 5402 countyroofing@aol.com

LANCASTER LANDSCAPES BLOCK PAVING SPECIALISTS

We see things your way

Drives • Patios • Paths Garden Design Crazy Paving Slabbing Fencing Lawns Cut Hedges Cut Turfing

Slabs & Walls Cleaned

07979 851976

Electrician Registered part P Fuse board upgrades Garage/Shed supplies Garden/Security lighting Extensions • Rewires Additional sockets/lights Landlord certificates • P.A.T. testing All work guaranteed

Mectric Electrical Services Jon Bradshaw Hill Rise, Birstall, Leicester

0116 2108591 or 0780 8259437

Dry Eye Specialist Centre Retinal Photography included in standard eye exam All-in-one prices 20% off glasses for the over 60’s*

DRY EYE TREATMENTS Preservative free treatments for Dry Eye to give instant and long lasting relief, in an easy to use, economical bottle that can be used with or without contact lenses.

At Opticare we are Varilux Gold specialists, fitting some of the finest varifocal lenses including the Essilor Varilux range

Highly trained staff are on hand to offer advice on all types of contact lenses, including daily disposables, colours, lenses for astigmatism and bifocals 655 Loughborough Road, Birstall Tel: 0116 267 7855 9 The Nook, Anstey Tel: 0116 234 0434 www.opticareoptician.co.uk

*conditions apply, ask for details

WILSON WINDOWS, established in 1989, are a local family run business, whose excellent reputation is based firmly on superb quality, outstanding customer service & attention to detail

Doors • Windows • Patio Doors Porches • Conservatories Call now for a FREE no obligation quote

Tel: 01509 211660 www.wilsonwindowsloughborough.co.uk www.facebook.com/wilsonwindowsltd

2

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Employment land: more than half is in Wanlip A 30 HECTARE site in Wanlip has been identified as potential employment land by Charnwood Borough Council.

The site is located west of Severn Trent’s water treatment works and east of the A6. It would be in addition to the 15 hectares of employment land that is proposed for the Broadnook Garden Suburb, the planned development of 1500 homes that is proposed for a site next to the old Bentley’s Roses.

If both sites are developed, it would see the parish of Wanlip getting 60 per cent of the employment land Charnwood Borough Council says is necessary for the entire Borough in the next 15 years.

The 30 hectare Wanlip site features in the draft Allocations and Policies Plan, published by Charnwood last month. It is part of the Council’s Local Plan process, which sets out areas for development in the Borough for the next 15 years.

Birstall Parish Council’s Chairman Anne Marshall said: “I am very con-

cerned about the effect the houses and the employment land will have on traffic on the A6. Hallam Fields is not even completed yet and the traffic is very bad, at peak times it is almost gridlocked. To continue to pour even more traffic down the A6 is lunacy.”

The Borough Council has suggested a Wanlip bypass to take pressure off the A6. It would leave the A6 near the old Bentley’s Roses’ site, cross the A6 and pass through a field before joining Wanlip Lane, moving traffic out of Wanlip village centre. Charnwood’s report says the bypass would result in 500+ vehicle movements an hour along Wanlip Lane at the morning and evening rush hour.

Birstall Parish Council and Wanlip Parish Meeting have both opposed the proposed bypass. At this stage the bypass is an option being considered by Charnwood: it featured in a report they com-

Planned Broadnook Garden Suburb: 1500 homes & 15 hectares of employment land

Proposed employment land

Firm’s glowing report AN INDEPENDENT report has shown that a Birstall window, door and conservatory specialist has been rated as “Excellent” by its customers.

Call Now for a Free Quotation

Available in a choice of colours A-Rated as Standard

Proposed Wanlip bypass

Conservatory & Window Concepts Ltd received the report from the Consumer Protection Association, an organisation that helps the public to find safe, reliable contractors to carry out home improvements.

CWC is run by local couple Byron & Mandy Manning. They said: “It’s thanks to our customers that we have received such a glowing report - it just goes to show that we always put quality first.”

Pic: map shows location of proposed employment land & bypass

missioned to suggest measures to mitigate the impact of development in the area.

If it passes through the consultation stage, the 30 hectare Wanlip site will be published in a ‘Preferred Options’ document this summer. At this point exhibitions will be held and the public invited to comment on the plans.

Chicane continued from page 1 of the road, giving southbound vehicles exiting Birstall the priority.

County Council officer Stuart Bullen presented the plans at Birstall Parish Council’s meeting on February 10.

He said the County was looking for a low cost solution, which would rule out installing traffic lights at the junction.

Councillors commented that the existing chicane was very unpopular with residents, that the chicane was dangerous for both cars and cyclists, and that Birstall had done without it for years and a chicane was not necessary. The general opinion was that the proposal to move the buildout to the other side of the road was better than the existing layout.

Mr Bullen said he would look again at the measurements of the road and pavement at the junction, but his comment at the meeting was that there was not enough width to permit two way traffic.

Elliott & Ball Plumbing & Heating Est 1968

General Plumbing Bathrooms & Tiling Landlord Certificates POWER FLUSHING

211637

New Installations & Upgrades Gas Boilers/Fires Serviced & Repaired LOCAL BUSINESS • CALL GARY ON

Tel: 0116 2692167 Mob: 0792 1703 765

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on February 10.

Mr Stuart Bullen, an officer from Leicestershire Council Council, gave a presentation about the County’s plans to modify the traffic calming chicane on Birstall Road near the junction with Church Hill.

He said the County was looking for a low cost solution to improve visibility.

The proposal was to move the buildout to the other side of the road, giving priority to vehicles exiting Birstall southbound. Councillors commented that the chicane was dangerous and would prefer it to be removed altogether but said the proposed plan was better than the existing layout.

PCSO Mark Butler reported there had been sightings of two young people in the village suspected of stealing lead from roofs, windows and porches.

The Council agreed to spend £5100 on the construction of a BMX track on the Meadow Lane playing field.

Chairman Anne Marshall presented plans to improve the Annual Parish Meeting in April. It was suggested that the meeting be held on a separate date from the monthly meeting, that refreshments be served and that visitors and councillors meet in an informal setting.

There would be a presentation on the Council’s roles and responsibilities, and its achievements in the past year.

It was agreed that the Council open a Facebook page on a trial basis.

The council voted to uphold a decision made by the Estates and Recreation committee to evict Cllr Duncan LeMay from his Meadow Lane allotment for keeping chickens without permission. It was also agreed that he be removed from the Estates and Recreation committee.

Birstall student wins competition A FORMER Longslade student has won a national design competition.

Jemma Moore, from Birstall, is a third year undergraduate at Staffordshire University where she studies Surface Pattern Design.

The 22 year old beat off stiff competition from over 380 entries from across the UK and won homeware company Portmeirion’s tableware design competition, Fired Up, with a hot air balloon inspired design.

She won £1000 in cash, a three month paid internship with Portmeirion in Stoke on Trent and the opportunity to see her tableware design sold in leading high street retailers.

Jemma said: “I’m over the moon. I never thought that I would actually win.

It will be invaluable working alongside the design team and gaining actual industry experience, I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve also been able to buy myself a Mac with my cash prize which will help me with my final year studies.”

Jemma says her ultimate ambition is to run her own successful design business.

Phil Atherton from Portmeirion said: “From the first stage, Jemma’s unique hot air balloon tableware design inspired by the Stoke-onTrent landscape captured our attention.

Woods Maintenance Services A one-stop Maintenance Service for your Home or Business

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 4.

The copy deadline is Mar 21.

R.W.S.

Plumbing & Heating All Domestic Plumbing Full Central Heating Boiler Swaps & Upgrades Fully Fitted Bathrooms Wall & Floor Tiling ALL WORK GUARANTEED Local Business • Call Rob Scott:

Tel: 0116 2209311 Mob: 0796 7695631

3

Electrical Work Fully Qualified Electrician Full or Part Rewires Intruder Alarms/CCTV PAT Testing• Outdoor Power TV & Phone Points Security Lighting Domestic Appliance Repairs

General Maintenance Plumbing Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting Windows & Doors Supplied & Fitted

Fencing & Path Cleaning Floor & Wall Tiling All General Repairs Free estimates & quotes Fully insured• 30 years Experience No job too small 24 Hour Emergency Call Out 10% Discount for over 60s

0116 215 3009 Mob: 0777 629 2709 Email: wms7@outlook.com www.wms7.co.uk

Pic: winning design student Jemma Moore

Jemma’s design demonstrated excellent research, inspiration

and commercial awareness and we’re looking forward to welcoming her to the team when she joins us for her threemonth placement.”

DA Roofing & Building Tiling • Slating • Repointing Guttering • Fascias • Soffits ALL WORK GUARANTEED • NO VAT Over 25 Years Experience

Tel: 0116 4315689 Mob: 07789 116726 61 Worcester Ave, Birstall

ALARMS Established 25 years

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL BURGLAR ALARMS CCTV • Access Control • Fire Alarms Data Cabling • Nurse Call Systems UKAS Accredited • SSAIB Approved Installer

Please Phone for a NO OBLIGATION QUOTE ALL WORK GUARANTEED & CERTIFIED 375 Loughborough Rd, Birstall

0116 267 3737 Mob: 0785 066 2323

4

THE BIRSTALL POST

MAR 2014

Off-road cycle track Longslade pleased for Meadow Lane with latest report A 50 METRE off-road cycling track is planned for the Meadow Lane playing field.

Work on the track, provided by Birstall Parish Council, is expected to start shortly.

It will be located next to the skateboard area. The track will consist of a start/finish hill, speed jumps and table tops that sequentially increase in size.

Bicycles can be used in the skate park and the track has been designed to allow riders to go from one to the other without going across grass.

Some of the materials used in the construction have been provided free

by Severn Trent. The track has been

designed by Ben Rafferty of Track and Trails. The scheme will cost £5100.

OFSTED INSPECTORS visited Longslade College in January and say the school is making “reasonable progress” towards the removal of Special Measures.

The inspection was the second visit from Ofsted since the college was placed in Special Measures in September 2013.

Longslade’s Principal Mrs Kirstie Black has been on sick leave since November 27, 2013. Vice Principal Jason Smith told the Birstall Post: “We were pleased with the outcome of the Inspector’s visit in January. The report shows the Inspectors recognised the good progress being made in achievement of students, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety and the quality of leadership and management at the college.”

He added: “We would always meet with any parent who was concerned about Longslade being in Special Measures, being open about our plans for the future and to give them the opportunity to visit the college to see for themselves the good progress staff and students are making every day.”

Ofsted inspected the school on January 22-23. Inspectors observed parts of 32 lessons, scrutinised college policies, attendance and progress data, and met with senior staff, governors, and students from all year groups.

Their report states: • students are making greater progress than they were in June 2013 and results from recent mock examinations show students in Year 11 are broadly on course to meet the target of 60% A* to C GCSE grades including English and Maths.

• not enough students are making faster progress because expectations of what they can achieve are not high enough across all subjects • consistently good teaching is not yet evident across all subjects • there is significant improvement in teachers’ planning • students say they feel safe in college • new students say their worries about behaviour, prior to joining Longslade, proved not to be well founded • students like the introduction of the college uniform • records show a sharp drop in the number of students referred for poor behaviour in class • senior leaders are stepping up to the challenge of energetically making improvements and support from Beauchamp College is developing teachers’ understanding and experience of what good teaching and learning looks like.

Vice Principal Jason Smith said: “The College is making good progress towards coming out of Special Measures.

Key in contributing to this success has been the contin-

ued support from Beauchamp College.”

Longslade plans on joining a multiacademy trust led by Beauchamp college once it comes out of Special Measures.

On January 23, 2014, the Department for Education published the 2013 national results for GCSE’s and A-levels.

Longslade’s GCSE’s results rose from 39% in 2012 to 60% getting five A* to C including English and Maths. The county average was 59.5% and the average in England was 60.6%.

At A-level Longslade’s average point score per A-level student was 614.7. The county average was 754.8 and the average in England was 782.3. Longslade’s result puts it third from bottom in the list of county schools.

The number of students at Longslade getting three A-levels at A*-E was 55%.

The county average was 79.7% and the average for England was 79%.

Jason Smith said: “We made a significant improvement in our GCSE results in 2013. This was a good reward for all the staff and students who worked so hard last year, however, we are not complacent and know that we need to improve further. Our A2 and AS results were also improved last year, but we are fully aware we need to improve more rapidly. We are dedicated to raising attainment at Key Stage 4 and post 16.”

Woodcock Farm Shop Manure,

Home Grown NEW Potatoes Wilja Desiree Marfona Maris-Bard

Woodchip Mulch, Topsoil & Compost:

Fresh Fruit & Veg Local Honey & Preserves incl Marmalade & Chutney

we can deliver bulk loads of these items, call or visit for further details

DIY Liveries, Menage for Hire

Horse & Pony Feeds, Goat Feeds, Poultry Feeds, RabbitFood, TOP QUALITY HAY Straw & Shavings ORNAMENTAL TREES

And lots more!

LOUGHBOROUGH RD, ROTHLEY Tel (0116) 230 2215 James 07802 915559 Fred 0797 7014606 OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm Sat 9am to 5.30pm Sun 9.30am to 5pm Please note these times may change during public holidays. Ring us for details.

www.thebestof.co.uk/loughborough

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

5

Council Quilters’ cash boosts BAG’s funds enforces rules A BIRSTALL Parish Councillor has been evicted from his allotment plot and removed from the Council’s Estates and Recreation committee.

Cllr Duncan LeMay broke the Council’s allotment rules by putting chickens on his allotment without permission.

Cllr LeMay applied for his allotment plot in the normal way and took on a plot in November 2013. He put chickens on the plot on December 31 and the breach of the rules was discovered on January 14, 2014.

Allotment tenants must apply for permission to keep chickens on the plot.

Once this is given, a separate tenancy agreement is drawn up and a deposit of £50 is paid.

Cllr LeMay had applied for permission but had not yet received it, and on January 14 the Council issued a formal notice to remove the chickens. They were removed by Cllr LeMay on January 26.

On January 27, the Council’s Estates and Recreation committee decided that the rules must be applied equally to all tenants, that the rules must be enforced and voted to evict Cllr LeMay from his plot.

Cllr LeMay formally appealed the decision and this was considered at a full meeting of Birstall Parish Council on February 10.

Cllr LeMay’s appeal states that the chickens were to be put on the plot on a temporary basis in a mobile coop, to help clear the plot. The chickens were obtained at short notice and were only to be on the plot temporarily while Cllr LeMay installed accommodation for them at his home address. He apologised for breaking the rules.

During discussion, Chairman Anne Marshall commented that Cllr LeMay had put the Council in a very difficult position, and they could not be seen to be treating him, a fellow councillor, differently to any other allotment tenant.

The Council voted to uphold the decision to evict, and since Cllr LeMay was a member of the Estates and Recreation committee and was involved in allotment inspections, also voted to remove him from that committee.

Park and ride GROUP TICKETS from Birstall’s park and ride are now available from 7am.

The group ticket is £3.50 per car and allows up to five people to travel. It was previously only available after 9am. www.quicksilverbus.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL BAGs cancer charity has received a donation of £1000 from a local group.

The Birstall Quilters presented the group with a cheque, the proceeds of a year’s fundraising.

A spokeswoman for Birstall Bags said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to all involved in the quilters’ group for their amazing

Pic: Lesley Merry from Birstall BAGs receives a cheque from Christine Hewson

donation, we were absolutely thrilled by the generous amount that has been raised. It gives us great joy to receive donations from local groups, knowing

Would You like a LITTLE ANGEL to Help with Your CLEANING & IRONING? LOOK NO FURTHER, I AM AVAILABLE TO DO YOUR DUSTING, HOOVERING, IRONING, CLEAN BATHROOMS etc

that we are being supported by our own community is fantastic.”

M&G Plumbing Services All Plumbing & Heating work undertaken

CLEANING MATERIALS PROVIDED

I AM VERY HARD WORKING, HONEST & CONSCIENTIOUS

RATES ARE £9.00 per hr, (10% Discount for OAP's)

PLEASE CONTACT SUE on 0 7 5 4 8 7 7 8 7 9 2

Sycamore Rd, Birstall

0116 2677905 07834 600384

Midland Window Installations

Specialist in PVC-U Windows, Doors, & Conservatories 29-33 Thurcaston Rd, Leicester LE4 5PG

Tel: 2676167 ROOFLINE PRODUCTS INCLUDING GUTTERING

6

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Birstall runners training for Paris marathon FIVE MEMBERS of the Birstall running club are heading off to compete in the Paris marathon in early April.

Pic: (l-r) Jo Bull, Shobha Raval and Rachel Parkinson

Police: jobs to go LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE expects to lose up to 300 officers in the next three years as part of a cost cutting programme.

The force currently employs 2150 officers and has lost 260 police officers

and 230 staff in recent years. It has to make savings of £20million by 2016/17.

The losses are expected to come through natural wastage – mostly retirement.

To help keep trained officers on the frontline Leicestershire Police have been using support staff more widely.

Earlier this year the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader raised council tax payers’ annual contribution to policing by 1.5% - the equivalent of £2.60 a year for a band D property.

Stella Hickingbottom, Shobha Raval, Joanne Bull and Neil and Rachel Parkinson will run the 26.2 mile course which follows the route of the River Seine and takes in many of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The group have various levels of experience in marathon running. This will be a second event for Shobha and Stella but a first attempt at the distance for Jo and Rachel who are both running to celebrate being in their 50th year. For Neil it will be a 24th marathon, run in barefoot style wearing only the thinnest running sandals.

Rachel, who is minister at Birstall Methodist Church, is raising sponsorship Action for Children, a charity supporting many of the UK’s most vulnerable and neglected children and young people. The organisation has strong links with the Methodist Church but also has a personal link for Rachel since her eldest niece, who has autism, goes to a weekly afterschool club that Action for Children runs.

Rachel said: “When I get to 20 miles and can’t put one foot in front of the other, I shall be thinking of what a difference Action for Children makes to my niece, Sophie, and hope that it will inspire me to get to the finish.”

If you wish to donate go to Rachel’s online page at: http//uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RachelPar kinson

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Club’s open day NEW PLAYERS are invited to try tennis at Rothley Tennis club’s open day in March.

“One thing this club offers is the chance to just pay and play and give tennis a go” says club coach Tim Stanton “Adults who are not members can join in the cardio tennis on a Monday evening or coaching on a Friday morning or Tuesday evening.”

The club is also launching the new online court booking system at the open day allowing people to be able to book and pay online. The pay and play sessions and online court booking system are part of the club’s commitment to widening access to trying out tennis.

The open day will be held on Saturday March 29 from 2–4pm. The club is located behind Rothley library, next to Rothley school.

Half price memberships will be available for adults on the day. Club spokeswoman Anne Mumford said: “This is a great time to join as match practices start just before Easter and the new coaching term just afterwards along with what is probably the best club competitions programme in the county.

“Coaching is available for adults and juniors. Bring your racket if you have one and join in the social play for adults or junior coaching.”

She added: “Club membership gives increased playing opportunities through social play, club competitions and match tennis for less than £3 a week – great value and great fun!”

For more information about membership call the membership line on : 0775 7833 360, www.rothleytennis.info For information about coaching call Tim Stanton on: 07929 335 246.

New councillor elected THE LIBERAL Democrat candidate Simon Sansome was elected to Charnwood Borough Council to represent the Birstall Wanlip ward at a by-election on February 20.

The result was: Simon Sansome (LibDem) 508 (39.6% of the vote) Mary Allen (Con) 419 (32.7%) Marilyn Cowles (Lab) 355 (27.7%) Turnout: 24.9%

Mr Sansome said: “I would like to thank everyone who came out to vote, this was a great result for Birstall/Wanilp

ward as it gives people who don't vote Conservative a voice in the community.

“As elected councillor I will be getting more signatures for my school petition and presenting it to the relevant organisation. I will be campaigning for better usage for the park and ride, grit bins, post box, which I'm working on, and dog waste bins. All these issues

Climbing Latest technology for perfect shine frame THE RIVERSIDE School PTA are currently trying to raise money for a large wooden climbing frame for the schoolchildren to play on during lunch and breaktimes.

A PTA spokesman said: “We had a very successful Christmas fayre and Christmas raffle and are now organising several events over the next few months, including a family magic show, coffee and craft morning and a car wash.

“Our target is £9,800, which is a large sum of money. If any local businesses would be interested in becoming a sponsor, or if any individual would be willing to make a donation towards this project, we would obviously be delighted and thrilled.

For further information please contact the PTA at Riverside School.

A LOCALLY based business that has spent years perfecting a unique method of cleaning UPVC has just updated its website.

Ryan Powley from Plastic Fantastic said: “After listening to our customers we have developed our website to be easy to navigate and explain everything that potential customers need to know.”

Plastic Fantastic use the latest technology to clean UPVC, including soffits and fascia boards, window frames, conservatories, solar panels and gutters.

Ryan said: “We use equipment from both the USA and UK, and have worked alongside engineers to create a top quality cleaning system that is unique. Together with using chemicals that are non-caustic, biodegradable and environmentally friendly, yet clean with maxi-

Professional Cleaning…

Specialists in cleaning:

…by a company you can trust

Upvc • Solar panels • Conservatories • Cladding •Gutter clearance • Windows Selling your house?

…first impressions matter!

www.plasticfantastic.info

7

were brought up by local residents.

“If any resident wants to contact me, for a cup of tea, local committee Pic: Elected: Simon Sansome meeting or they need something bringing up on the Borough Council please contact me. My email is simon.libdem@yahoo.co.uk. I will do my very best to represent the ward.”

0116 2106421

0776 2277444

mum impact, we have the ability to remove all that grime, dirt and staining to leave your UPVC looking as good as new. We deliver amazing results at competitive prices!”

The website includes a video, customer feedback, a structured price list and monthly special offers. www.plasticfantastic.info or call 0116 2106421

What our customers are saying: "My husband has spent a whole Saturday trying to clean our conservatory last year and couldn't get to the top parts. It didn't look that great either. We saw the Plastic Fantastic advert and cannot believe how clean our conservatory looks now. The sun pours in!"

"We had been discussing for a while about getting our solar panels cleaned as we knew they needed doing regularly.

Plastic fantastic gave us a quote and we are very happy with the results and have booked our panels to be cleaned twice a year."

AMAZING RESULTS!! visit our website & see for yourself

SPECIAL OFFER! Latest technology used • 100s of satisfied customers • Commercial and Domestic

10% off Conservatory cleaning in March 2014

8

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

YOUR SAY...

side of the path. The police have come out and told everyone not to park on the grass, but they still are. Will it take an accident before something is done? Also why not put parking bays in front of the flats facing the road?

Name & address supplied

Parking

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

Appreciated Cynthia Coltman and family wish to thank all who sent messages of sympathy following the death of Norman in January. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

Cynthia Coltman

Churned up Why oh why doesn't the Charnwood Council do something about the cars driving all over the grass in front of the bungalows and flats on Wanlip Lane?

Year in and year out nothing has been done about it. When it rains, we get mud all over the path ways and the grass is churned up. There are a lot of old people who live there with walking difficulties who use mobility scooters and it's just not fair to these people. All we want is four bollards placed each

I’m writing to express concerns about dangerous and selfish parking in the village.

Firstly during football practice and games in the School lane park, dozens of cars are parking on the road along School Lane. This is despite of two generous nearby car parks within only a couple of minutes walk of the park- in fact, one which is attached to the park, often sat half empty while the cars clog up School Lane. I can only imagine this is because people want to park as close to the main gate as possible to avoid a 30 second walk to it from the attached car park or from the village centre car park. This causes significant hassle to motorists, as it’s a thin road, and when several cars park along it, it forces drivers to be on the wrong side of the road for a significant time, which is quite dangerous.

We also have issues with cars parking at the junction of Curzon Ave/School Lane, again, just so people can save themselves a walk of a few seconds and be close to the park’s main gate. Again, dangerous as it blocks of the view of oncoming traffic when entering or exiting Curzon Avenue.

Worse still on quite a few occasions, big white vans, which I can assume have brought the equipment with them for the matches have parked on the pavement at match times, blocking it off totally for pedestrians, causing them either to walk on the road, or to cross the road to the other side where there is no pavement, only a grassy verge. Also the only way to cross the road is to emerge between parked cars, which again is really dan-

gerous! I recently saw a pensioner with a walking stick having to take this course of action. I understand the need to be near the gates for people with heavy equipment, but please keep the pavement clear. It would be great to get some double yellow lines along this stretch of road in my opinion to stop these hazards to pedestrians and drivers.

Finally on many occasions people have started parking outside Carl Gunn’s gym, on the double yellow lines with their hazards on. This is particularly dangerous as it is just before the junction with School lane, a bend in the road (so no visibility) and a traffic calming measure. Again, there is a generous car park, just across the road. It’s an accident waiting to happen. There is a reason for the double yellow lines there.

Perhaps the owner of the Gym can politely ask people to stop doing this?

Apologies for the rant, but we are very lucky in Birstall to have generous car parking provision compared to neighbouring villages, so I ask if people can start using them, rather than parking selfishly for the want of a minutes’ walk or less.

Name and Address supplied

ment on others.

I hope nothing happens to your loved ones, perhaps if it did you could treat them with the same contempt you gave to my daughter, and what a role model you are to the child that was with you, how proud you must have felt.

My daughter cannot help the way she eats as she cannot chew properly, I’ve seen able bodied people with bad eating habits, but my daughter has more intelligence and compassion that you will ever have perhaps you would like less fortunate people, unlike yourself of course, to be kept out of sight so people like you can eat your meal without feeling sick. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Because all the above really says more about you as a person than it says about my daughter. Have a nice life and hope that in the future no accident or medical problem affects your loved ones, even a stroke can cause eating and chewing difficulties, perhaps they should stay in too, just in case you’re in the café.

Mum of Natalie (name and address supplied)

Respect

On behalf of my family and myself, I wish to thank everyone who attended Keith (Charlie) Rushton's Funeral and contributed so generously to LOROS. A total of £495 was given.

Keith will be sadly missed by all of us. Thank You. Jean Rushton.

Referring back to Saturday February 1. My daughter who has cerebral-palsy was at Ruby Tuesdays where she goes quite often. The owners and staff know her and have always gone out of their way to help her and treat her like any other customer with total respect.

Unfortunately there was a lady in there (I use the latter term loosely) with a younger lady and a child, she was obviously staring at my daughter because she got up and said she couldn’t eat her food because my daughter made her feel sick (REALLY). I’m sorry she made you feel sick but YOU and people like you make me feel extremely sick, no one knows what is around the corner for any of us, and that includes you, you should think about that before passing judge-

Thanks

Stamps The collecting box at Borrajo Vets Clinic has been removed, please let your readers know that stamps are still wanted to help the blind.

Fred Savidge 18 Rose Tree Avenue

need an

Trouble with your figures?

electrician?

Want someone to walk you through a self assessment?

“Local, Reliable,Clean & Tidy” That’s what our customers are telling us! see our web site for more testimonials.

• Fuse board upgrade/Rewires • Additional sockets & lighting • Landlord safety certificates/PAT testing • Electric showers fully installed • All work guaranteed • Free call out for elderly people

Simon Oates Electrical Contractors 18 Cliffwood Ave • Birstall • Leicester

0116 2672675 or 07816 288765 www.birstallelectrical.co.uk

CUTTING EDGE GARDENS

Garden Maintenance LANDSCAPE GARDENING

PATIOS • FENCING TURFING ETC Sam 0796 9785043 0116 2413819 Ben 0777 5927863

Let me help get your books in shape… & keep them trim

Linda Kimberley-Brooks (ACMA) Final accounts • Self assessment Taxation • Bookkeeping • VAT Payroll • Management accounts www.twyf-accounts.co.uk Email: Linda@twyf.co.uk

Companies & individuals call now on

0116 23 66 345 A friendly service tailored to your needs

D. J. Upton Block Paving - Drives Patios - Paths Free Estimates Competitive Rates

Ask fo ra FREE QUOTE

Over 20 years experience in the trade

Tel: 0116 269 6982 Mob: 0781 2335825 2 Birchwood Close, Syston, Leicester LE7 2BL

www.deanupton.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Ladies Bowls Club

Coffee Morning Saturday March 22 From 10am to 12noon Cakes, books, tombola, raffle, etc at Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Birstall Methodist Church Wanlip Lane, Birstall Saturday March 8 From 10am to 1pm

Mini Market & Table Top Sale (tables available – contact 2672606) Home made cakes & preserves Good as new clothes & household items Gifts, novelties, luxury items Books and puzzles Tombola Plants Refreshments in the Coffee Shop Light lunches 11.30am to 1pm

Birstall Flower Club Meeting March 26 at 7.15pm at Birstall Village Hall Demonstrator: Pauline Foster, ‘Putting on the Style’ Birstall Methodist Women’s Monday Group Coffee Morning Saturday, March 1, from 10am to 12noon at the coffee shop on Wanlip Lane Yellow sales table, raffle, guess the weight of the cake etc Hot toasted teacakes to enjoy with your cuppa All proceeds to: The Girls’ Brigade, the Boys’ Brigade, Age Concern Birstall, Youth Café Do come along and support your local charities

Birstall Royal British Legion March 1: Ben Fischer (M/V) March 8: Lesley (F/V) March 15: Linzi Marie (F/V) March 22: Mick Knight (M/V) March 29: Laura Ellson (F/V)

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 March 9 & 23, starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday March 16 at 8pm Rock & Roll nights Wednesday March 5 & 19 Food available every Saturday 12noon-2pm Wakes catered for Dance & Swing Band Appreciation Society Friday March 14 at 7.30pm

An Evening of Talk & Music At St James Church Birstall Refreshments available Tickets £3 payable on the door With money raised going to Leicester City of Sanctuary and Church Funds Listen while you lunch A talk at Birstall Library by Nick Marshall to start our series of lunchtime talks about the First World War, on Thursday March 13 at 12.30pm

‘The Home Front in World War One’ considers what life was like for those “at home” as the war raged across the Channel Tickets available from the library, £2.50 for library members and £3 for non-members For further information contact the library on 0116 3058756 or birstalllibrary@leics.gov.uk

DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS

Brickwork • Patios Re-pointing Tiling • Plaster Patching • Fencing etc No job too small Friendly Reliable Service Free Quotations • Fully Insured

Tel: 0116 260 7716 Mob: 07770 785400 Email: dave@dave-hutchings.com Website: www.dave-hutchings.com

BBC Radio Leicester

CLASH 2012

Down to Earth Thursday March 13 Thurmaston Bowls Club Pavilion Elizabeth Park Sports and Community Centre, Thurmaston at 7.30pm Admission free Refreshments available to purchase on the night An evening of gardening conversation and entertainment answering your problems – with Dave Andrews and the BBC Radio Leicester gardening team Bring a question!

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday March 11 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tompkinson Centre at Longslade College to watch renowned professional artist Tim Fisher appraising the works of our members in various media from Watercolour, Acrylics and Oils, as well as ‘Mixed Media’. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration to end at 9pm, Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access St James Day Centre 200 Club Winners for February 2014 1st Mr Howard Proudman 2nd Mrs Joan York 3rd Mrs Jane Scott 4th Mrs N Davidson

Free Exercise Sessions for individuals with Arthritis and any other Musculoskeletal (MSK) condition.

Tuesdays 1-2pm General Fitness Sessions Sports hall of the Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP Wednesdays 1-2pm Chair Based Exercise Sessions Sports hall of the Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP Call Karen for further information on 07954584402 CLASH 2012 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 only 3.30-4.30pm.

Please contact Conrad for further information 07919844629 CLASH 2012 monthly meeting – Wednesday March 12, 7-9pm – Chronic Pain Q&A with Dr B Collett, Consultant in pain medicine, UHL and Chair of the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition (CPPC), Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade Community College.

Charity Bridge Drive Organised by Loughborough Lions Club at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Wednesday April 9 at 1.30pm 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

SERVICING & REPAIRS to all makes of vehicle • Cambelts fitted • Specialist in Engine Management fault finding • All electrical work & MOT’s arrang ed wiring faults undertaken • ABS, Airbags, EMS, Keys Coded

FOR A FAST & FRIENDLY SERVICE CALL All Major Credit & Debit Cards Accepted

K.M. VEHICLE SERVICES 2677401

Mob 07843 253963

Unit 8, 59 Sibson Rd, Birstall (rear of Posy Bowl)

9

10

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

The Charnwood Orchestra 40th Anniversary

Spring Concert Saturday March 22 All Saints Parish Church, Loughborough Tickets £10 (£9 concessions and £3 for accompanied children under 16) Available from the Box office: 07718153117 or by emailing judithrodgers155@gmail.com or from members of the orchestra or on the door Beethoven – Leonora overture No.3 Elgar – Cello concerto with soloist Tim Gill Brahms – Symphony No.3 Further details about the orchestra and the pieces we are playing are on our website www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk Mountsorrel Methodist Church presents the 3rd in the 13th series of Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals Sunday March 15 at 8pm

by Ivan Linford

ashwell Stoves & Chimneys Ltd Installation of wood burning Domestic Stoves

Oakham organist Admission free Donations for church’s development fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘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!

‘Philomena’ Friday April 11 (134 mins) This British film is a moving true story about one woman’s quest to right a terrible wrong. Philomena is played remarkably by Dame Judi Dench. She and the journalist, played by Steve Coogan, form a beautiful relationship as he investigates her son’s disappearance.

‘Sunshine on Leith’ May 9 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.

SUPPLY & INSTALLATION OR INSTALLATION ONLY

Birstall Tea Dance

FREE EXPERT ADVICE

Ballroom, Sequence and Latin Friday March 14 3.30-5.30pm St James Village Hall, Birstall Rd, Leicester LE4 4DH

Accredited HETAS installer 19 Lawn Ave, Birstall

07712 772497 07801 482 115 info@ashwellstoves.co.uk

• Re-wires • Fuse Board Upgrades • Extra Sockets & Lighting • New Builds & Extensions • Landlord Safety Certificates/PAT Testing • Garden & Security Lighting • Electric Showers • Burglar Alarm Specialist ALL WORK GUARANTEED For a FREE quote:

M: 07970 893250 T: 0116 2303166 Saxon Drive, Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7SR www.krelectrical.com Info@krelectrical.com

£3 includes refreshments All welcome, come along for a great afternoon of music, dancing and great company For more info please contact Joan 07718519480 or email: guido@derosa.me.uk

• get ready to clear the ice or snow yourself All we need are your name, email address, and your pledge to become a Snow Angel See more at tinyurl.com/07nuj32 From Leicestershire NHW

Barrow Panto Group Annual Family Panto

Vacant

Mother Goose The traditional tale full of golden eggs, terrible eggy yolks, goodies and baddies and lots for the audience to join in Fri March 7, Sat March 8 7pm, plus Sat matinee 2pm £7 (£5 concessions) Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road Tickets: 077 181 53117 judithrodgers155@gmail.com One in two of us will slip on an icy pavement when the weather turns cold – and the odds are greater for older people or those with mobility problems It’s been a mild winter in the UK so far, but a cold snap is always just around the corner – and can mean that vulnerable people are too fearful to even leave their homes.

We can all make sure this doesn’t happen in our neighbourhoods.

Sign the pledge from Living Streets and become a

Snow Angel!

• help older or vulnerable neighbours to access their local shops, collect their pension or prescription • ensure neighbours are not left alone and isolated when the weather turns cold • join your local council’s volunteer scheme

Allotment Plots in Birstall Contact Birstall Parish Council 0116 2676191 admin@birstallpc.org.uk

Birstall Yard Sale Saturday July 5, 9am-3pm Following the success of last year’s event Birstall residents will once again be taking part in yard sales, based on their own driveway We had 96 stalls last year so let’s beat it!

If you would like to take part, then all you need to do is register with us by June 20 (all free), get your table ready and start hunting your garage and house for clutter, unwanted items or even homemade cakes/cards Then set up your table on the morning of the 5th We will be making a list of participating roads/streets to add to a printed/online map which is updated live If you would like to take part please get in touch Fiona.barnes20@ntlworld.com Facebook.com/BigBirstallYardSale Twitter – Fiona Barnes (funky..fifi) Or call or text 07547 293545 to register for the event This will ensure that we can direct potential buyers to your stall There will also be optional raffle ticket selling at your stall – last year raised almost £800 for charity

Birstall & District Local History Society The next meeting of the Society will be held on Thursday March 13 at 7.30pm in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall The subject of the talk is ‘Made in Leicester’ Advertise in

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

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

S£E2X6Y +VAT

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

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Speaker Brian Johnson All visitors are very welcome and parking is available on the playing field through the School Lane entrance

Mothering Sunday Come and celebrate with us at St James Church March 30 at 10am Everyone welcome

making new friends We are always recruiting people aged 18-30 so if you would like to get involved, meet like-minded people and help out in the local community then contact us on r.hallam23a@gmail.com or search ‘Leicester Rotaract’ on Facebook We look forward to hearing from you!

Belgrave Bowling Club, Thurcaston Road, next to Rugby Club

All Together Service

Antiques Valuation and Coffee Morning

St James Church You are warmly invited to our short monthly family-friendly service April 6 at 10am

Saturday March 22 From 10am to 2pm A Valuer will be present from Hansons Auctioneers & Valuers Please bring along any item which you feel may be of value Old/Antique China, Gold/Silver, Jewellery, Ornaments etc There will be a charge of £1 per item valued Book sale, greetings cards, raffle Entry fee 50p including tea/coffee/biscuits

Parish Holiday June 23-27 Canterbury & The Splendours of Kent Organised by St James Church Social Group travelling by coach from Birstall and staying in the 4* Best Western Hotel in Canterbury with various excursions included Further details from Sandra Robinson 0116 2677238

Rotaract The social club with a conscience, aiming to have fun whilst raising money for charity and aiding the local community Rotaract is a fun, dynamic and unique international organisation for people aged 18-30, offering a wide range of activities that enables you to try something new while having a great time and

Continental Market Gallowtree Gate, Leicester Wed Mar 26 – Sun Mar 30 9am to 5.30pm (Sun 10am to 5pm) Food, artwork, crafts, coffee, flowers, plants, gifts

High energy bills?

Confused by energy tariffs?

Need help switching suppliers?

Charnwood Borough Council were recently awarded funding from the Department of Energy and Climate Change to run ‘Big Energy Saving Network’ sessions, offering free and impartial energy saving advice

I. Wardle Maintenance Services (Birstall DIY) Do you need any of the following work carrying out? If so, please phone or email me

FENCING Erection & Repairs or supply & delivery only

Roof & Guttering Repairs Landscaping & Garden Maintenance & Interior Work

Free estimate with no obligation Email: gillandian@yahoo.co.uk

• 0116 2940164 • Mob: 0776 8233552

to groups of consumers within the local community. Each event will give you the opportunity to receive one-to-one advice, covering: • payment options, tariffs and how to switch • fuel bills and the annual statement • further assistance available – help with paying fuel bills, fuel debt advice or improving energy efficiency Charnwood’s Jennifer Roberts said: “We hope that local community groups will put themselves forward for a Big Energy Saving network session, held throughout February and March 2014. for more information, please call me on 01509 634937 or jennifer.roberts@charnwood.gov. uk”

Conservation Volunteers Diplomas in work based environmental conservation training are free to people on qualifying benefits Gain knowledge and pursue a career in the environmental sector The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) have been improving Aylestone Meadows since 2000 If you want to join in with TCV’s Diplomas in Environmental Conservation or find out how else you can volunteer with us either visit www.tcv.org.uk or call 0116 2553515

One Act Play Festival A competition between local amdram groups, with each group presenting a play of 25-50 minutes duration Groups are judged on their presentation, acting skills, direction and overall expertise The Old Phoenix Theatre, Newarke St, Leicester Fri Mar 21, 7pm, Sat Mar 22, 2pm

Tickets £8 on the day or from sandra.sutcliffe@ntlworld.com 0116 2236428

Charnwood website CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has re-designed its website.

A spokesman said: “The site has been designed with customers in mind so they can find the information the need quickly and easily as well as paying bills, reporting issues, and requesting help at the touch of a button.” www.charnwood.gov.uk

The

Odd Job Man No Job Too Small Gardening • Slabbing Painting • House Painting

Birstall & Wanlip NHW

Gutters Cleared

Advice Shop

FREE QUOTES • CALL HARRY

Sat March 15, 10am to 12noon Old Council Office, 10 Sibson Road Cycles coded free of charge Home security products

11

0116 2674703 24hr answerphone

9 Kedlestone Ave, Birstall

12

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Glimpse into the past

Boating trip charity A POPULAR charity that provides narrowboat trips for the disabled and elderly is looking for volunteers.

CHARACTERS BURIED in Belgrave cemetery were brought to life in a talk given by a local author at Birstall library.

Peter Anderson, Chairman of the Baldwin Trust, said: “We give full training in narrowboat operations and the roles of the waterways to new volunteers and it is not necessary for them to have experience of ‘messing about on the water’, it’s more a case of having ‘fun on the water’ while providing a valuable service to the local community who are less fortunate than ourselves.”

The Baldwin Trust has two 70 foot narrowboats – one moved at Leicester Marina, Thurmaston and another at Pilling’s Lock, Barrow on Soar.

In 2013 the charity carried 3000 clients on days out and their boats are on the water almost every day of the week.

Sandra Moore’s one woman show was inspired by the research she did for her book ‘Living Memories – Belgrave friends remembered’ The show gave the audience a glimpse into the lives of some of the former local residents laid to rest in the cemetery. One notable person was Joseph Cave, described in the show as ‘The Man Who Sang in His Grave’.

Sandra said: “It’s not often that many of us get to see our own grave being

Pic: Sandra Moore dressed as the character Elizabeth Goodwin, pictured in Belgrave cemetery

dug. But in 1912, a Belgrave man, Joseph Cave, did just that. He planned to be buried in Belgrave cemetery and wanted his grave to be dug and lined with bricks before he died. To the consternation of the grave-diggers, Joseph sat on a chair at the side of his grave and watched them at work while he smoked his pipe.

“When all was complete, Mr Cave jumped down into the new grave and sang a song, not a hymn, but a Negro

J G Curtis Plumbing & Heating

Full Heating Systems Boiler Upgrades Landlord Safety Certificates Fires/Cookers Installed Bathroom Installations Competitive prices

spiritual ‘Poor Old Joe’. The astonishment of the grave-diggers can only be imagined. It was to be another nine years before Joseph Cave was laid to rest in the grave he had watched being dug.”

The performance was well-received by the audience and library staff, several of whom wanted to share their own reminiscences of people and places mentioned in the show.

Mr Anderson said: “So, if you are active and reasonably fit and would like to join a friendly charity on the waterways of Leicestershire or would like to help on the administrative side the Trust would like to hear from you!”

Visit www.baldwintrust.org.uk, where you can leave your details, or contact Peter Anderson on 07787757114 Advertise in

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

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

S£E2X6Y +VAT

All work guaranteed For your free quote & advice phone Jamie Tel: Mob:

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

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

www.demontfortmemorials.co.uk Showroom:

3 BROOKBRIDGE COURT, SYSTON LEICESTER LE7 2JT

Tel: 0116 2601851

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

A FIVE day trek to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain in January, saw a Birstall woman raise £5700 for a cancer charity.

WI news BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI met at 7pm on February 3 at Highcliffe School.

As usual the evening commenced with 30 voices singing a rousing rendition of Jerusalem.

Then we heard of many future activities including an evening with Sally Henshaw from the King Richard III Society at Leicester Unitarian Church and a talk on Developments in Forensic Science at Leicester University. We will be playing Groby WI in the first leg of our annual skittles competition.

Our speaker for the evening was stroke survivor Stuart Grange who talked of stroke awareness. We learnt about the risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of swift action after a stroke and also all the work the Stroke Association Charity undertakes to help with aftercare.

Due to our earlier start there was more time at the end of the evening for homemade cakes, tea, coffee and lots of chat. Andrea Scott won the monthly cup for her Valentine’s card and our usual raffle was drawn.

We will all be bringing material to make Morse bags at our next meeting on March 3 and the competition will be Something New From Something Old. From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Flyover WORK ON the demolition of Belgrave flyover began on February 1.

Leicester City Council says the demolition work will be completed at the end of March.

This will be followed by further works at the junction which are expected to be completed by October 2014. www.leicester.gov.uk/belgraveflyover

Natalie Harrison (26) was joined on her climb of Mount Kilimanjaro by work colleagues from Boots the chemist – Natalie works as a team manger at Boots in Fosse Park.

She said: “Throughout the trip I battled with the emotional highs and lows of the experience and the altitude, where I had headaches because of the thinner air at the top.

“The feeling once I reached the peak was amazing, I was busting with excitement. It was minus 15°c at the top so we headed straight back down after having our photos taken.” Natalie personally raised almost £6000, while the total raised by her team from Boots reached £316,000.

Natalie said: “I want to say a huge thankyou to the local community who supported me at the Birstall Gala by buying raffle tickets, and my family and friends. The money will help so many people affected by cancer and I’m proud to have supported such a deserving organisation. I am now planning my next charity challenge.”

Epic African climb for Natalie

Pic: Natalie at base camp & (below) at the summit

CHRIS MEYNELL

ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WORK

Extra Points Alarms Rewiring Security Lighting Electrical Testing Part P Registered

Control Electrics Ltd Tel: 0116 2682910 FREE ESTIMATES

13

• Burglar Alarms • CCTV • Access Control • Fire Alarms

FOR A

FREE SURVEY & QUOTAT ION CALL TO DAY

& FAMILY

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

25 Years Experience • OAP Reduced Rates All Work Guaranteed For All Your Security Needs contact: Kevin O’Connor, Lambourne Rd, Birstall

0116 2925407 or 07971 189329 birstall.alarms@ntlworld.com

Tel: 0116 260 7954 email: info@meynellfunerals.co.uk 28 Wellington Street, Syston, Leicestershire LE7 2LG

14

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Ducks preparing for annual race BIRSTALL’S SIXTH annual White Horse duck race takes place on Bank Holiday Monday May 5 and organisers say it will be the most exciting yet.

A BIRSTALL teenager has graduated from a local theatre school and will start her professional training in September.

Scarlet Sheridan (15) is a student at the Starlight Theatre School in Leicester.

Principal Tracy Liggins said: “Scarlet is in a very fortunate position as she has successfully secured a place at Bird College, Performers College and the Italia Conti School, all in London, and is still awaiting a reply from Laine Theatre Arts.”

Scarlet has been dancing at Starlight Theatre School since the age of 6, and although she will be missed, her teachers and her peers are all delighted for her, says Tracy.

“Scarlet will leave Starlight and start her professional training in September.

Although it is always sad to see them go, it is with great satisfaction that we have trained students up to this level. Another Starlight star in the making.”

For further information regarding events and classes, please visit the website www.starlighttheatreschool.com or telephone 0116 2355495

The Midlands Co-Operative

Sports & Social Club Birstall Road The ideal venue for for

Weddings • Parties Christenings etc

“Over the previous five years the White Horse duck race has raised over £16,000 pounds for local charities and this year there will be even more entertainment to make it a great family day out” said Charlotte Foy from the White Horse.

“Through supporting different charities over the years, each one has brought something new to the Duck Race, helping it to grow into what is now a firmly established date in the Birstall social calendar” she added.

This year The White Horse will host the charity event for Birstall’s Youth Café on the School Lane playing field. The café was set up six years ago by Birstall Parish Council and has become a model for other parishes.

Sue Coulson, Deputy Parish Clerk said: “I was overjoyed when we learned that Birstall Youth Café had been chosen to be the beneficiary of this year’s Duck Race, I couldn’t wait to tell the youth workers, because I knew how much this would mean to them. It will also mean a lot to the young people of Birstall that use the Youth Café and to promote the fact that this facility is there”.

The Youth Café is held on a Wednesday evening for 8-11 year olds and Fridays for 12-19 year olds and is attended by as many as 60 young people. “It is a

Now enrolling new students in all age groups:

Large Function Room with use of Kitchen

Separate bar for that quiet moment

Car Park with CCTV coverage Disabled facilities Mid Week Functions taken Give us a call at Birstall Rd on

2674059 or 07837 690287 Co-operative Sports and Social Club – Leicester

Required: a Part time

Bar Steward and Secretary The person must be able to organise and have good communication skills and flexibility. Hours are negotiable, but a minimum of 16 morning hours per week.

The person to be responsible to the Bar Social Committee.

Persons interested please confirm in writing as soon as possible - direct to: The Co-op Sports & Social Club, - (Job), Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4DE Or phone: Robin 07929 796759.

Or Club’s answer phone: 0116 2674059.

Closing date for applications: 03/03/2014.

BABY BALLET - 2-4 YEARS BABY STAGE - 5-7 YEARS JUNIOR STAGE - 8-10 YEARS INTER STAGE - 11-14 YEARS SENIOR STAGE - 15 AND OVER Weekly classes in the following subjects: Classical Ballet, Classical Greek, Modern Jazz,, Lyrical, Tap, Speech & Drama, Acrobatics, Stage, Musical Theatre, National & Commercial

We offer a ‘FREE FIRST LESSON’ to enable prospective students to come and join in and have a look round.

Starlight Theatre School Hadrian Road, Mowmacre Hill, Leicester LE4 2PQ

Tel: 0116 2355495 Email: starlighttheatre@me.com www.starlighttheatreschool.com

real plus to Birstall, bringing young people together from all parts of the village and giving them a place where they can learn new skills in a fun environment” said Sue. The White Horse Team are looking forward to working directly with the young people who attend the Youth Café to get them involved with all areas of the organization of the day. “We are looking forward to hearing the young people’s thoughts about new fund raising ideas and getting inspiration from them about fresh ways of spreading awareness of the event” said Charlotte.

Sue Coulson said: “Not only will it enable the young people to get involved with their community, but also to be part of fund raising for their own activities, and for them to see what a wonderful and rewarding thing it is for them to be doing. I’m sure that the young people and their parents will get behind this fantastic community event, by raising awareness about it and for ‘getting stuck in’ on the day. I would like to take the opportunity of thanking the organisers for choosing the Youth Café and to offer our assistance in any way that we can”.

On May 5 the stalls and games will begin at 12 noon, and the duck race will start at 2pm.

Other attractions include: a bouncy castle, teddy tombola, stocks, hook a duck, raffle, mini duck race, duck derby, boat rides, cake stall, tuck shop, BBQ and much more to be announced.

Ducks will be available from April 1 from the Youth Café and the White Horse, Birstall.

There are cash prizes to be won of £100, £50, £25 and many other prizes donated by local businesses.

“Ducks can also be bought on the day of the event so come on down and join in the fun!” said Charlotte.

For more information: www.thewhitehorsebirstall.co.uk or call 0116 2671038

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014 15

Memories Debut EP for Birstall band of BU life A BIRSTALL band are launching their debut EP at The Shed on Yeoman Street in Leicester later this month.

MEMORIES or working life at the British United Shoe Machinery Company feature in a new publication, published by the BU History group.

‘BU People’ is a 52 page landscape A4 size book made up of contributions from many people connected with BU.

In its 1960s heyday this powerhouse of British engineering employed over 4500 local people and was the world’s largest supplier of shoemaking machinery and materials. The final quarter of the twentieth century saw the gradual demise of BU culminating in in its eventual closure in 2000. With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund the BU History Group have connected with ex employees of the company to build a record of memories and photographs of life at BU. This people’s history contains memories, history and many colour and black and white photos, and covers much of the company’s 100 year existence. There are stories about being an apprentice, the Quarter Century Club, the BU at War, family life connected to the firm, technological excellence and innovation, and pride and satisfaction at working for BU. The book is priced at £5 (of which £2 will be donated to LOROS, a Leicestershire hospice charity). Postage within the UK is an additional £2. Send a cheque for £7 made payable to the BU History Group 8 Greenhill Road, Leicester LE2 3DJ. The book is also available for purchase at £5 in the following LOROS shops: Anstey, Birstall, Leicester High Street and Queens Road Bookshop. info@buhistory.org.uk

Advertise in

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

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

S£E2X6Y +VAT

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

Unitary savings SCRAPPING CHARNWOOD Borough Council and the six other district councils in Leicestershire would save £31.4 million a year.

The findings emerged from a report commissioned by Leicestershire County Council and prepared by consultants Ernst & Young.

The County Council currently spends £356 million a year, and has to save £110 million by 2018.

County Council leader Nick Rushton said: “We commissioned the report following a strong steer from Council taxpayers and local MPs. “People who responded to our budget consultation last summer said they wanted fewer councillors and public service organisations. And when we briefed MPs about our financial situation, they mooted the idea of a unitary council.

“I’m not commenting on the conclusions today and I’m not advocating an immediate campaign, either for or against. But, at a time we must save a third of our budget and front-line services have to be reduced, this report is an important contribution to the public debate. We’re happy to hear from members of the public.”

The report, by consultants Ernst and Young, says: • Having a single, unitary council for Leicestershire would save up to £31.4 million per year, compared to the cost of running the current county council and seven district and borough councils.

• The costs of setting up the new council - £12.8 million - would be repaid in just over a year, mainly from reduced management and support service costs.

• The savings could lead to a reduction in Council Tax of more than £7 million per year across the county.

The current average band D Council Tax for county and district councils would reduce by 3.1 per cent (£37 per year). Of the 280,000 properties in Leicestershire, more than 230,000 would see their Council Tax bill reduce by between 0.6 per cent and 8.4 per cent.

• Based on Boundary Commission advice and what has happened in other areas, the number of councillors in Leicestershire could reduce from 316 at the moment to around 100 in a unitary council.

• The number of jobs that would be lost at district level would be 520.

Pic: 8MilesHigh

8MilesHigh are a four piece alternative rock band: Josh Pears, Oli KiddMartin, Elliott Schlaphoff and Harry Clarke are all students at Longslade College and have been together for 18 months.

Josh said: “We would love it if as many people as possible could come down for the night as we have some

amazing support bands and everyone who comes to the gig will receive a free copy of the EP!” The EP is called Heartbroken Diary and you can listen to the title track at soundcloud.com/8-miles-high.

8MilesHigh will be playing at The Old Plough in Birstall on May 3, the Glastonbudget Festival at the end of May and at Birstall Gala on June 28.

Birstall Life Drawing Class St James Centre/Village Hall Saturday afternoons 2pm - 4pm £4 per session

www.raktailorhomeimprovements.com

Refreshments provided For more information visit our facebook page: Birstall Life Drawing Class

Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club Open Day, Saturday 29th March, 2 - 4pm Join in with social play and junior coaching

50% off adult membership plus coaching vouchers if you join on the day Friendly local tennis club with lots of playing opportunities (social and competitive) and coaching for juniors and adults.

Six courts (3 floodlit) located behind the library at the side of the school in Rothley.

For more information call the membership line

0775 7833 360 www.rothleytennis.info

16

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Advertise in

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

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

S£E2X6Y +VAT

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

New Navy fitness instructor A SAILOR from Birstall has taken up a new appointment helping to train the Royal Navy’s new recruits at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall.

Leading Physical Training Instructor (LPT) Michael Monk is currently charged with putting recruits through their paces during the PT elements of their 10-week initial naval training course.

The 28-year-old joined the Royal Navy in 2006 and prior to taking up his new posting he spent eighteen months on board the Type 23 frigate HMS Portland.

LPT Monk said: “Since finding out about the Physical Training specialisa-

tion in the Armed Forces when I was a teenager, it has always been my dream job. Having taking Officers through initial training and conducting numerous physical sessions across the UK and on board ship for sailors and Royal Marines, it is a great honour to serve at HMS Raleigh helping transform civilians into the physically fit future sailors of the Royal Navy.”

LPT Monk originally joined the Royal Navy as a Mine Warfare Specialist. He served on three ships as a member of the Mine Counter Measures Squadron before transferring to the PT branch in 2009. His first appointment after completing his initial training was at Britannia Royal Naval College. He went on to serve ashore at the Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton and then went to sea on

board HMS Portland, where he was the only physical training instructor for 180 people.

LPT Monk joined the ship at the end of a refit period as the ship underwent trials and training exercises to ensure the ship and her crew were ready for operational deployment. As well as organising sessions to help the ship’s company maintain their fitness, LPT Monk was also involved with setting up new facilities.

LPT Monk is a former pupil of Loughborough College. His brother Jon, aged 30, is also a Royal Navy physical training instructor currently based at HMS Drake in Plymouth.

LPT Monk said: “Joining the Royal Navy was an easy decision for me and I have never regretted it. I have visited a vast amount of places across the globe experiencing things I never thought I would get to do and embracing other countries, cultures and history, from things like organising a football tour to Portugal, adventurous training in Germany and serving on the first ship back to Umm Qasr (Iraq) after the fall of Saddam Hussian with the ship at action stations. I am now looking forward to qualifying as an Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor and helping injured personnel get back to full fitness and the front line.”

Details of career opportunities within the Royal Navy are available online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk or by calling the Recruitment Line on 08456 07 55 55.

“SERVICE

NOT SELF”

Help us in our work helping others less fortunate than ourselves

All gifts and donations gladly accepted at the ROYAL BRITISH LEGION 19 FRONT STREET • BIRSTALL

or Ring 2674817

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014 17

Crime Report : Birstall & Wanlip Jan 2014

NHW news

Assaults 7, burglary 3, burglary nondwelling 2, damage 3, drugs 1, fraud 1, public order 1, theft 9, theft of motor vehicle 2, theft store 1

& crime report

WE HAVE seen a slight fall in the number of reported WITH THE imminent switching crimes this month comoff of street lights between pared to December, which midnight and 5.30am, we all we are clearly pleased need to be extra vigilant in about. areas away from main roads and junctions (which should remain lit).

Please make sure all outbuildings and sheds are secure and tools are locked away safely. If you have ladders, make sure they are in a locked area or are safely chained and locked. Security lights are also a good idea, but make sure they are located high up so that they cannot be tampered with.

We have recently had house burglaries and break-ins to outbuildings and sheds, where the method of entry has been through an insecure window or door. Please try and make it part of your daily routine to check that all doors and windows are locked.

There are many products on the market that can help, including alarms, fence spikes and padlock alarms. We sell many of these items at our monthly advice shop, all are sold at cost price and can help to give you peace of mind. Our next advice shop is on Saturday March 15 from 10 am to midday at the old council office, opposite the garden centre. Please feel free to pop in for advice and information and a free coffee. We will also be coding cycles free of charge. Hope to see you there!

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

The number of house burglaries (burglary dwelling) has remained constant at three offences and in fact tow of these were actually ‘attempted’ offences with entry not actually being gained, resulting in the offenders leaving empty-handed.

Hopefully the message is starting to get through that Birstall and Wanlip are not easy targets and that residents are getting more security conscious.

Please continue to be vigilant however and ensure that properties are secured when empty so that we can try and continue with this downward trend.

One area where we have unfortunately seen a rise is in theft offences, with nine reported crimes this month compared to five in December. This is mainly due to four fuel thefts from the Shell Garage (vehicles driving off without paying for fuel) and three thefts of lead flashing (one actual theft and two attempted thefts) from around doors and windows of residential properties.

These lead thefts have mainly happened overnight / in the early hours so please be vigilant and report anyone or any vehicles that you may see out and about at this time if they look suspicious or out of place.

We have only had one reported shop theft this month and I am pleased to report that the person responsible for this was quickly identified, arrested, charged and bailed to appear at Court. This person, who is a prolific shoplifter, has not been seen in the village since, so has hopefully got the message that he is not welcome here and that he will be quickly identified if he does attempt to commit further offences.

Many of you will be aware by now that PCSO Charlotte White has unfortunately left the Birstall and Wanlip beat to take up a new post in Sileby and Barrow. Charlotte provided a valuable contribution to Policing in the village and she will be greatly missed. I know that she was a popular figure in the local community and I hope that you will join me in wishing her every success in her new role. I am not sure as to whether Charlotte will be replaced as yet, but will keep you posted in relation to any developments in this area.

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

News from the churches Wanlip in bloom If you paid a visit to St Nicholas and All Angels at Wanlip in February, to see the beautiful display of snowdrops in the churchyard, you might have noticed some improvements around the Church and Community rooms, which were not visible a year ago. Thanks to work by Severn Trent, re-instating ground disturbed by their excavations, the area around the rooms has been re-planted and that, with the re-surfaced car park, has improved the whole area. Excellent work by volunteers to the interior of the building, including re-decoration of the hall, new furniture, new toilets and updates to the kitchen, have brought new life into this attractive corner of our parish and it is hoped that both church and community groups will make use of it.

International links At St James last month we were delighted to welcome the Bishop of Uruguay to the main morning service. For some years there has been a link between Birstall and the Anglican Church in Uruguay, after the late Cathy Harrison worked at a children’s centre run by the church in Salto, and we continue to support the church financially. Bishop Michele Pollisei (a Canadian by birth) was able to tell us more about the problems of maintaining the work amongst the very poor with only voluntary clergy, in a mainly secular country.

The difficulties and dangers of life as a Christian in Egypt were brought home to us at the lunch in February, organised as a preliminary to the women’s world day of prayer. A service, prepared by the women of Egypt will be held in St James’ church at 7.30pm on Friday March 7.

All are welcome to attend.

To get your feet tapping On an altogether lighter note, lovers of music from the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies are invited to an evening, presented by the Leicester Dance and Swing Bands Appreciation Society, at St James church on Friday March 14 at 7.30pm.

There will be music and chat and a convivial atmosphere for all who enjoy music of this era, all for the modest sum of £3 (at the door) with tea and coffee provided.

From Beryl McHugh, Parish Churches

Methodist Minister on Radio 2 Rev Rachel Parkinson, our minister, is broadcasting ‘Pause for Thought’ on Radio 2. To listen to it, however, you either need to be an insomniac or have the technology to replay the programme later (The BBC “I Player” is ideal).

Rachel’s very short ‘thought’ is broadcast in the early hours of Saturday morning on the Janice Long Show at 1.30am, and is repeated 2 hours later on the Alex Lester show.

Methodist Congregation in Pictures Do you, like me, have great difficulty in putting names to faces? If so, you will be pleased to hear that the church is to create a ‘photo board’ showing members of the congregation. Taking part is voluntary – there is no pressure.

It will take some time to prepare – and I guess it will take up a sizeable space somewhere on our premises when it is complete.

Table Tops & Mini Market On Saturday March 8 from 10am until 1 pm there is to be a Mini Market and Table Top Sale. Stalls will include cakes, preserves, crafts, jig-saws, books, good-as-new, tombola etc.

From Tony Moore, Birstall Methodist Church

Christianity Course Easter (in April this year) celebrates the central event of the Christian faith so, amid all the chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, woolly lambs and chicks, you may be interested in finding out more about Christianity in the weeks running up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We offer a free, six-week introductory course which covers such topics as the Bible – its authority, Divine authorship and reliability; God – His nature and how we can know Him; Jesus Christ – the God-man, His mission and message; how someone can become a Christian through repentance and faith and what the Christian life means, both now and for eternity.

This course is open to individuals of any denomination or religion (or none).

It is informal and there will be much opportunity for questions and discussion. All necessary resources will be provided. Please contact the number given below to register your interest and to select an appropriate time and venue.

Sunday Services The services are held in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School (LE4 3DL) and begin at 10.45am and our visiting speaker on the 16th is Simon Harrison (Leicester). You are warmly invited to join with us for any of these Sunday services.

Further information: please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

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

18

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Cricket Corner

Contractor wins green bid

THE 2014 season is fast approaching for BVCC and the club is looking forward to the amalgamated Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League.

AN AWARD-winning company has been appointed to manage beauty spots throughout Charnwood.

Quadron Services, a specialist Green Space management company, won a rigorous bidding process to manage green spaces on behalf of Charnwood Borough Council.

Last year the Council approved plans to outsource the management of Green Spaces which includes the maintenance of Queen’s Park, the Outwoods, Loughborough Cemetery and management of the Rangers Service.

Current green spaces staff will be transferred over to Quadron with no job losses. Outsourcing the service is expected to save the Council around £90,000 per year.

Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said: “The bid submitted by Quadron was exceptional and their plans for enhancing our already gorgeous beauty sport are really exciting.

“This represents brilliant value for money for our residents as well as meeting our very high standards of quality which have helped make our open spaces among the best in Leicestershire.”

Quadron’s successful bid included commitments to enhancing the green spaces service by: • cutting grass more often • more sustainable planting • providing better equipment and training to staff • increasing the number of beauty spots with Green Flags • enhancing the council’s contribution to Loughborough In Bloom Quadron also detailed how it plans to recruit apprentices and beef up a network of volunteers to help staff keep Charnwood’s Beauty spots in top condition.

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 4.

The copy deadline is Mar 21.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is still required if you are selling or renting out your house.

Call David Jackson on 0781 5519490 to arrange your EPC

READER STEVE Humphrey sent us this photo of the Severn Trent wind turbine, which finally began turning in the middle of February.

Money Tree wardens advice LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY Council’s Stepping Stones project is looking to recruit more Tree Wardens to parishes across the county.

Tree Wardens are appointed by local parish councils to coordinate local tree based environmental projects.

Tree Wardens are particularly needed in parishes in North West Leicestershire, Charnwood, Melton and Harborough.

“Volunteering as a Tree Warden is a great opportunity for people to make their community a leafier place by looking after local trees” said a spokesman.

“The scheme is open to all adults and there is no minimum skill level or time commitment required. Tree Wardens carry out a range of activities, from setting up tree nurseries and growing trees, to surveying and recording trees of local interest and organising awareness events for schools and communities. The role is ideal for people who are passionate about trees and want to learn more and develop new skills.”

More information about the Tree Warden scheme can be found on the website www.leics.gov.uk/tree_wardens.

To find out how to sign up as a volunteer please contact steppingstones@leics.gov.uk / 0116 305 7221.

For more information on volunteering visit www.leics.gov.uk/volunteers_opps.

A MONEY advice centre offering free advice is open in Rothley twice a week.

The Soar Valley Community Money Advice centre has trained advisors who provide free face to face debt counselling.

Centre Manager Tim Jackson said: “We will go through your finances, prepare a budget and negotiate with anyone you owe money to. This will remove the pressure that your creditors are putting on you and ensure an affordable payment plan is agreed. The aim is to support you to a future free of debt.”

In addition the Centre can advise on benefit entitlement, other free services available, cost saving ideas and budgeting.

Mr Jackson added: “Over the last year we have been developing the vision for the Centre, so it is fantastic to open our doors to support those who need help.

The team have a real heart to help those whose life is being impacted by debt and to help them to a debt free future. We are supported by Community Money Advice which is a national charity overseeing 130 centres across the UK.” The Centre is based at Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, Rothley and is open Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. “It is open to anyone who needs help so please pop in and see us, call/text 07743 765958 or email: soarvalleycma@gmail.org and start the journey to a debt free future” said Mr Jackson.

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 wellrespected Everards Premier League.

Birstall Village 1st XI has been placed into Division 5 East with the 2nd XI 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.

Birstall Village CC will be entering additional competitions including the T20 knockout and the League Cup. These cups both begin in early June.

Birstall Vipers will also continue in the 2014 season looking to defend their title. The Vipers play on a Thursday evening from 6pm beginning in May and include a mixture of current, former and junior players. Fixtures will be posted in future editions.

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: Every Wednesday evenings (8-9pm) – Training at the ECB indoor nets, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough. All welcome.

Sat March 29– BVCC Presentation night – Soar Bridge Inn, Barrow. 7pm Sat April 19 – Season begins for both senior teams Sat May 3 – First home game in Birstall.

Looking forward to another great season!

From Joshua Saye, Birstall Village Cricket Club

Planning P/14/0272/2: 45 Roman Road – erection of single storey extension to side and two storey extension to side and rear of dwelling P/14/0315/2: 25 Chamberlains Field – The erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3.600m with a maximum height of 2.867m and height to the eaves of 2.200m P/14/0121/2: 494 Loughborough Road – erection of a single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/14/0215/2: 20 Elmfield Ave, erection of two storey extension to side of dwelling P/14/0170/2: 65 Roman Road – formation of double garage with pitched roof to side of dwelling P/14/0174/2: 9 Castlegate Ave – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/14/0118/2: The Coppice, 13 School Lane – felling of 1 yew tree (tree preservation order)

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014 19

age

INFO Carer’s Allowance If you look after your partner or a relative or friend who needs help because that person is ill or disabled, then you are a carer. The main benefit for carers is called the Carer’s Allowance and it is £59.75p per week. To qualify for Carer’s Allowance you must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for an ill or disabled person and it does not matter whether or not you live with them.

The person you care for must be receiving the higher or middle rate care component of Disability Living Allowance, either rate of Personal Independence Payments daily living component or any rate of Attendance Allowance. In addition you must not earn more than £100 a week and not be in full time education. If you are under pension age you will get also National Insurance credits each week towards your State Pension.

Full details are on DWP website: www.gov.uk Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren The Department of Work and Pensions has updated its policy in respect of grandparents caring for grandchildren under the age of 12. They can now qualify for National Insurance credits that will top up their retirement income.

Grandparents caring for grandchildren during summer holidays can boost their future State Pension. The new system of transferable NI credits means that grandparents need no longer lose out on building up a full state pension just because they are caring for a grand-

child. Working parents can give up the Child Benefit credits they receive and donate them to their child’s grandparents or other adult family members. Full details are on the DWP website: www.gov.uk RICA Online Car Search RICA, a consumer research charity that provides independent information for older people has a unique online car search that can help you find a car model easy to get in/out of, cars with low door/boot sills, wide door openings and good headroom. RICA has also free print guides on motoring, which are online also and include: Driving Safely for Life, Choosing a Car, Getting a Wheelchair into a Car, Getting In and Out of a Car. RICA GO3, The Wenlock, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU, Tel: 020 7427 2468 or mail@rica.org.uk The Treatment of Older People Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health, has called on families to look at how they treat older people, especially their loved ones. In a recent speech he said entering old age should not involve waving goodbye to one’s dignity. The speech has come at a time when there are currently around 800,000 people in England who are chronically lonely with another five million saying that television is their main form of company.

By Jex Woods

Cleaned & Gleaming Ltd are expanding into your area We leave everything “Cleaned & Gleaming”…

• Responsible • Reliable • Professional We supply all our own cleaning products unless you have favourites that you prefer us to use Cleaned & Gleaming Ltd leave your home or offices cleaned & gleaming: floors/windows/doors/blinds & mirrors all cleaned to the highest standard

We are willing to clean “as much or as little as you like” We will change beds!

Nothing nicer than a clean fresh bed

We can load/unload your dishwasher

Our services also include skirting boards/lights & light switches Fully insured UK registered company employing local staff

For a free no-obligation quote please call:

0791 907 5795 www.cleanedandgleaming.co.uk

Even in retirement - women are from Venus and men are from Mars Women are more likely to take up new hobbies, while men nurture their DIY skills Women are more likely to volunteer, while men get a paid part time job Most common things to do in the first year of retirement are travel, relax and exercise People retiring soon might expect to spend their time with their partner, but research by The Saga Annuity Service suggests this may not be the case. The survey of 9,000 retirees shows that men are happy to stay at home and do DIY during their first year of retirement, (men 53%, women 28%), while women will be out learning new skills or taking up new hobbies (women 30%, men 21%).

For either sex, it appears the key is to keep busy and enjoy a new lease of life. But while newly retired women are keen to keep their minds active, with a fifth enrolling in a course, men’s love of shiny new toys keeps them busy, as a quarter buy a new car in the first year of retirement.

In fact, further research suggests that many recent retirees might follow their dreams of learning a new language, as

PALLATT BROS. Ltd Corgi Gas Reg. Installers

one in eight hope to get round to doing this at some point in their life. Whereas, one in ten could use retirement as an excuse to finally get round to learning how to play an instrument - something they’ve always wanted to learn how to do.

For some, hobbies and DIY aren’t enough to give the same a sense of fulfillment that they had at work. However, while women are willing to give up their time for free by volunteering for a charity (women 30%, men 23%), men prefer to get a paid part time job (men 19%,

women 13%).

Despite the fact that some couples have different interests, men and women do agree on some priorities for their first year of retirement, such as; going on holiday (60%), relaxing (49%) and exercising more (37%).

It seems people are busier in retirement than they were when they worked, as respondents say that being retired gives them the opportunity to do all the things they’ve always wanted to do, like reading more (53%), travelling (50%) and spending time with family and friends (48%).

Roger Ramsden, chief executive, Saga Services, commented: “Some people dream of retiring from the moment they start work, but in reality lots of people struggle when they don’t have something to get up for each day. So it’s important that people develop some sort of routine and make the most of the free time.

Something that motivates or inspires people, like learning a new language or having regular guitar lessons, could prove vital to people’s mental and physical wellbeing in retirement.”

20

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2014

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Ageism and Cancer Care There has been much in the press recently about older people being discriminated against regarding cancer treatment and care. Just over half of all people newly diagnosed with cancer in the UK are over 70 years old. Sadly, the UK has some of the worst survival rates

in Europe for older people. Although late presentation and diagnosis plays a part, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that older people with cancer are under-treated.

APPLIANCE REPAIRS & SALES Electric Cookers & Hobs Washing Machines Tumble Dryers • Dishwashers Cooker Hoods

Tel: 0116 2375577 Mobile 07969 953958 www.bishopsappliancecare.co.uk Advertise in

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

Birstall BAG’s want to reassure and enlighten readers how to ensure age is not a determining factor in deciding who is investigated, treated or cared for regarding cancer. This article is in keeping with Macmillan Cancer Support who are working in partnership with the Department of Health and Age UK on a project to improve access to treatment for older people with cancer.

Many factors are taken into consideration when cancer multi-disciplinary teams discuss individual patients on their caseload. The overwhelming issue taken into consideration is the individuals ‘performance status’.

Cancer teams routine use a World Health Organization (WHO) performance scale to assess patients individual fitness. There are others but the WHO scale is the most commonly used.

What is the WHO performance scale and how does this help doctors decide who can go on a clinical trial or not?

Doctors use the WHO performance scale to describe how well you are. They also call it your performance status.

There are different ways of assessing general health. The World Health Organisation designed the scale that doctors use most often. It has categories from 0

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 WANTED Audio Cassette recorder for C90 tapes in good condition and cassettes of 1930s, 1940s and 1950s popular music and musicals also wanted. Tel: 2676472 FOUND - LARGE smooth haired cat found in back garden of 31 Oakfield Avenue, Birstall. Contact D Marshall on 2674973 if he/she is yours.

A-LEVEL and GCSE Mathematics Tuition in Birstall. Contact 0773 735 2932 for further details.

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

editor@birstallpost.co.uk www.birstallpost.co.uk

Quality spectacles at the best prices

• Sales, Repairs & Upgrades • Wired & Wireless Networking • Branded & Custom Built PCs • Laptops, printers, peripherals & accessories • Server Installation & Support • On-site Maintenance & Remote Support • Original & Compatible Cartridges/Toners • Buy Dell products through our store

visit our showroom proSP CS eyewear GET A QUOTE FROM US BEFORE YOU BUYYOUR NEXT PAIR OF SPECTACLES Same day service on most plastic lenses Top quality lenses including Varilux, Nikon, Zeiss

Covering Leicestershire

0116 2672583

DESIGNER FRAMES

Mob: 0796 7 191975

www.ntlcomputers.co.uk 3 The Meadway, Birstall LE4 4NG

Contact Mike or Teresa Keily on 0116

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

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

ARE YOUR TREES MAYBE? ...UNSAFE, TOO TALL OR UNTIDY ...BLOCKING LIGHT FROM YOUR HOME, OR YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S HOME ...LIKELY TO AFFECT YOUR PROPERTY STRUCTURE

S£E2X6Y +VAT

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

to 4. Here is what they mean · 0 – you are fully active and more or less as you were before your illness · 1 – you cannot carry out heavy physical work, but can do anything else · 2 – you are up and about more than half the day and can look after yourself, but are not well enough to work · 3 – you are in bed or sitting in a chair for more than half the day and you need some help in looking after yourself · 4 – you are in bed or a chair all the time and need a lot of looking after Patients are given a score by the medical and nursing team and are less likely to be advised to take up the offer of investigations or treatment if they score beyond a 2 (3 or 4).

It is useful for you to know that this scale significantly influences doctors and nurses decisions and advice regarding cancer investigations, treatment and care.

Do everything you can to maintain your functional ability – it has a massive influence on your health care management even more so than your age!

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

YOUR LOCAL TREE SURGEON

With 20 years experience in all aspects of tree work we would be pleased to offer you FREE expert advice & a FREE quotation without obligation

PHONE NOW ON 0116 2505842

237 6098

Unit 3, Victoria Mills Fowke St, Rothley Easy Parking

ALAN CHAMBERS PAINTER & DECORATOR

Over 25 Years Experience

Free Quotes & Advice Tel: 0116 2941336

Mob: 07989 451048

39 Copeland Rd, Birstall