Birstall Post (371) June 2014

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

JUNE 2014

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 371

Fashion expert visits Longslade

POLICE ARE looking for a man who indecently exposed himself to a schoolgirl on Saltersgate Drive.

PHOTO: LONGSLADE COLLEGE

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FASHION EXPERT Caryn Franklin visited Longslade College in May to talk to A-level students.

Caryn, and her team from Clothes Show Live, shared her expertise in the fashion industry with students in an A-level textiles class.

Teacher Hannah Wyglendacz said: “It was an amazing opportunity for our students to understand a real live working day in a variety of careers in the fashion industry. Students were keen to ask Caryn questions about her personal inspirations and fashion journalism career, gathering a true insight into her

work life whilst picking up tips for their coursework.”

Student Juliet Wightman (18) said: “Caryn was lovely and it was really good seeing her. I had thought fashion was very competitive but Caryn said everyone had talent and everyone’s approach is valid – she gave me confidence. I would like to go into design, but I’m not sure which field.”

Pic: Caryn Franklin (centre) with A-level students at Longslade

Police look for man The incident happened some time between 8.10am and 8.20am on Thursday May 1.

An 11 year old girl was walking to school when she noticed a car parked in the street. As she passed the vehicle, she noticed the man inside indecently exposing himself. The vehicle then drove off.

The man is described as white, in his mid-forties and of medium build. He was wearing a t-shirt and jeans. The car is described as green or blue, old looking, square in shape and dirty. It had a circular sign on the back above the number plate.

PC 2029 Ed Stephenson, the investigating officer, said: “This incident was obviously quite upsetting for the girl. I am appealing for the public’s help to find this man. I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and may have seen this man. If you have any information which could assist with our enquiries please get in touch.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

Jailed after raid on bookmakers Jobs at risk at college

TWO MEN, including one from Birstall, have been jailed for carrying out a robbery at a Wigston bookmakers.

The attack happened at Ladbrokes in Leicester Road in March 2012. Two men wearing full-face balaclavas burst into the shop. One of them waved a two-foot long implement hidden in a carrier bag at staff, which they thought was a sawn-off shotgun. He threatened them and demanded cash. The other stood by the door brandishPic: Jailed: Calvin Davis (left) and Lloyd Cornelius ing a kitchen knife. They escaped with less than £500.

Ella Pounder, 20, formerly of Ledbury Lloyd Cornelius, 21, of Northfield Green, Mowmacre Hill, Leicester, was Avenue, Birstall, admitted robbery on the convicted by a jury of perverting the day his trial was due to start. He was course of justice. She had given a false jailed for six years and nine months. alibi, and was given a nine month jail Calvin Davis, 23, previously of Manor sentence suspended for 18 months, and Drive, Beaumont Leys, pleaded guilty to ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid robbery and has been jailed for five work. years. He is currently serving a similar Detective Constable Sean Lynch led sentence for another robbery committed the investigation. He said: “This was a in Nottinghamshire. A third man was very frightening experience for the staff acquitted of all charges

MORE THAN 40 jobs at Longslade College are at risk.

on duty and their customers.

“This was a complex and lengthy enquiry. The raiders took steps to disguise their appearances, and we had to rely on sophisticated forensic techniques to prove their involvement.

“Armed robberies are relatively rare in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and we will investigate all such offences thoroughly in order to bring those responsible before the courts.”

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The college has begun a consultation about the possible redundancies which would see the school’s support staff cut by 55 per cent.

There are currently 113 people employed as support staff – these include posts such as technicians, premises officers, cleaners, admin assistants, receptionists and catering staff.

The potential job losses are due to a reduction in student numbers. In September 2013 Anstey Martin High School changed to an 11-16 school resulting in a reduction of their students coming to Longslade.

The college says between September 2012 and September 2016 this will amount to a reduction of 53 per cent in student numbers overall. As funding depends on student numbers, Longslade anticipates a significant reduction in its funding of £2.36million between 2012/13 and 2016/17.

Any redundancies, which if they go ahead will not happen until January, will only affect the school’s support staff. The number of teachers has been reduced by not replacing those who have left and through shorter contracts.

In a statement on the college website, Chair of Governors Tony Stott says: “The new structure will be more appropriate and affordable to work with teaching staff, to meet the needs of the students and planned curriculum.

“We would like to emphasise at this stage this is a consultation process and the proposed structure may change prior to any implementation. We would also like to reassure all that we are not closing any of the services that are offered at the college, this includes SEN, The Bridge, Student Support and Post 16. We will therefore be able to offer all students the support they need in the next academic year and are committed to improving educational standards at Longslade.”

He added: “Recent visits from Ofsted and the Local Authority have confirmed that we are making good progress and are on track to join the Lionheart Multi Academy Trust led by Beauchamp College, and are committed to developing an outstanding 11-19 education on-site.”

Stonehill and Longslade are expected to merge into a single 11-19 year through school and become part of a multi-academy trust led by Beauchamp College, Oadby.

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

3

Swan Life saving devices Sniffing attacked installed in Birstall out crime

LIBRARY PIC

A WILD swan had to be put down after being mauled by a dog at Watermead Country Park.

The RSPCA were called to the park on Wednesday May 7 following reports of a female being injured. The officers found a severely injured swan on the nest with bite and puncture wounds on her leg.

The mute swan was bleeding heavily, its leg had almost been ripped off and the officers decided the most humane thing to do was put the animal down.

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Sharon Knight said: “This was such a heart-breaking incident to deal with because she was so badly injured yet still sitting on her eggs.

“It is thought that a dog must have swum across and attacked her while she was tending to her nest. It is sad to think she was protecting her eggs no matter what. We urge dog owners to be on the look out for nearby swans, or any wildlife, when they are out on walks and keep their pets on leads. A bit of extra diligence could save lives.”

As wild birds, Mute swans are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to intentionally injure, take or kill a Mute swan, to damage of destroy the nest of a Mute swan whilst it is in use or being built or to intentionally take or destroy an egg belonging to a Mute swan.

Dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act to have charge and control of their animals in a public place.

The RSPCA appealed to anyone who has any information about a dog attacking or worrying wildlife to report the matter by calling 0300 1234 999

THREE DEFIBRILLATORS will be placed at locations in Birstall, provided by Birstall Parish Council, at a cost of £2000 each.

“You can’t put a price on saving a life” said chairman of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall. “As a council we consider this a priority for the residents of Birstall. They are something that most villages have got, Syston has three, and even if they are only used once, what price can you put on saving someone’s life?”

An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that detects a dysfunctional heart beat and shocks the beat back into a normal rhythm. It needs to be used with 3-5 minutes of a person going into cardiac arrest.

The AEDs will be located in public places and will be accessible 24/7. They will be in bright yellow boxes, opened by entering a code that is provided by the 999 call operator.

The machines are designed to be used by the lay person – voice commands and on-screen messages guide the user step by step through the process and its intelligent technology and will only allow it to shock a ‘shockable’ heart rhythm.

The AEDs will be located on the School Lane playing field, on Kingsgate Avenue and on Wanlip Avenue. A fourth machine is planned for the community hall at Hallam Fields when it is built.

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They will be provided by Community Heartbeat Trust (CHT) who will maintain and service them. CHT also run awareness raising sessions for the public and Birstall Parish Council will be inviting them to deliver these in the village, as well as informing all the sports groups that use the playing field about the AEDs. The machines will be installed within the next two months.

LOCAL POLICE are appealing to Birstall’s dog walkers to help them combat crime by joining a new scheme.

“It is called Dog Watch and the basic idea is to recruit members of the dog walking community to act as an extra pair of eyes and ears while they are out and about walking their dogs” said Birstall PC David Jaeckels.

“Often they are out early in the morning or late at night and may see things that go unnoticed by the rest of us. It is something that has been trialled in the Metropolitan police area and it proved very successful” he added.

The sort of things that could be reported include people or vehicles that look out of place, or antisocial behaviour such as graffiti, evidence of drinking or drug use.

PC Jaeckels said: “If we were having problems in a certain area, such as fly-tipping, graffiti, sheds being broken into etc we could let the dog walkers in that particular area know about it so that they could let us know about anything they saw that may be of interest.

Obviously we wouldn’t want anyone to put themselves at risk so the idea would be that if they could call in at the time, that would be great, however if not we will provide them with an email address/phone number that they could contact us on to report what they had seen so that we could follow it up later.”

If anyone is interested in joining they should contact PCSO Adam Loydall by calling 101, ID number 6048, or email adam.loydall@leicestershire.pnn.police. uk

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THE BIRSTALL POST

JUNE 2014

Loughborough car show LOVE LOUGHBOROUGH have teamed up with local car club Charnwood Cruisers to bring a Classic Car Show to the town centre on Father’s Day June 15.

Loughborough town centre will be taken over with hot rods, custom cars, race cars, choppers, classic scooters and buses. The show is free, even the

parking at Council owned car parks, excluding Browns Lane. The show will be open from 10am until 4pm and there will be live music and children’s fair rides. Local businesses will also be open including shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Lez CopeNewman, BID Vice Chair, said: “We are really pleased to be holding this event in the town again. Last year’s was a huge success and we hope people will

travel into Loughborough for this superb car show once again – it will be a great day out for Dad, and the whole family. Whilst here we hope people will take advantage of our great shopping and food and drink offer in the town.”

Gala band BIRSTALL BAND 8MilesHigh will be performing at Birstall gala.

The band, who played the Glastonbudget festival in May, will be on stage at 7pm on Saturday June 28 and will have copies of their debut EP, Heartbroken Diary, available.

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on May 12.

Councillors discussed providing defibrillator units in the village. Most other villages provide them and they are or real benefit to the community. It was agreed to purchase three units and locate them at School Lane playing field, Kingsgate Avenue and Wanlip Avenue. A fourth unit is planned for the Community Hall at Hallam Fields.

The units cost £2000 each with an annual maintenance charge of £126. Sources of grant funding will be investigated.

Councillors discussed how they prioritise Council resources. Cllr Howe commented that when ideas are floated the Council does not always give them the consideration they should.

“We need to sit down and look ahead and plan, but what happens is things come up and then we look at them. We need to show the public that we fairly consider their views” he said.

Cllr Ashton commented that the Council needs to consider the criteria it uses when considering proposals, to make a fair assessment of their impact and importance to the community.

Cllr Allen suggested that Birstall needed a Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Cllr Fowler said the Council should stick to the things it is responsible for and what it is able to deliver.

Comment was made that the three levels of local government do not communicate effectively and operate independently.

Chairman Ann Marshall said the Council was keen to hear ideas and proposals from the community for projects that the council could deliver or support, and also to hear their concerns.

It was agreed that a village the size of Birstall needed better leisure facilities and that a new leisure centre was needed, but that it could only be provided through developer contributions. Comment was made that reopening Birstall pool was not a viable option.

– it had closed through under use, and it would be uneconomical to refurbish it.

It was agreed to report the large amount of litter on the riverside near Birstall lock to the Canal and River Trust.

The Council agreed to spend £11,968 on removing the corroded boiler in the sports pavilion and replacing it with two new boilers.

Due to staff shortages in the Estates team it was agreed to temporarily employ contractors for mowing and strimming at a cost of £400 per week for a period of three months.

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

Appeal for Gym sponsored by dedicated volunteer volunteers TWO FRESHLY painted stools and a cheque for

AGE UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is calling for all knitters to join in The Big Knit this year to raise much-needed funds to help keep local older people warm and healthy this coming winter.

Peter Ralphs, on behalf of this wellknown charity, said: “We are so grateful to those who are already clicking away, though our 2014 drive has started rather slowly. Last year we received an incredible 42,000 little hats by September.

Obviously we need lots of help to match this challenging total which will assist our Winter Warmth Campaign 2014.

Innocent drinks will donate 25p for each little hat which will adorn the smoothie bottles sold in Sainsbury stores in November.”

Knitters can get the simple knitting patterns online at www.ageuk.org.uk/leics or by calling the Business Development Manager on 0116 2237344.

Please arrange for your knitted hats to be at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland (Ref: BDM), Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA by the end of September.

£100 have been donated to Carl Gunns’ boxing gym by Birstall’s Colin Pole.

Colin, of Sycamore Road, has been supporting the gym since it started twelve years ago.

Carl Gunns said: “Colin has been here from the start and helped get this gym off the ground – he was here every day clearing out all the rubbish.

“He has made a fantastic contribution to the gym over the years and without him it would not be what it is today.

When Colin says he’ll do something, he does it.”

Colin said: “I wanted to help Carl as I’ve always respected him and always respected what he’s done for Birstall.

He’s made a dramatic difference to young people, he teaches them respect and how to behave – he’s done a fantastic job.”

Colin is a former motor cycle racing champion and was double British cycle speedway champion. He now runs his own business CP Restoration & Recycling and plans to continue his support of the gym through a sponsorship deal.

Pic: Colin Pole (left) with Carl Gunns

David Attenborough launches appeal PHOTO: BRADGATE PARK TRUST

SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH visited Bradgate Park in May to help launch an appeal for £150,000 to extend Bradgate Park’s visitor centre.

The Rotary Cub of Leicester and the Bradgate Park Trust are leading the appeal which will see the existing visitor centre in the middle of the park extended into an adjoining building. New displays will give information on the area’s geology and wildlife.

The centre is expected to open in 2016, to mark the centenary of the

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

School anniversary celebrated at fair HIGHCLIFFE SCHOOL’S summer fair this June will see celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the school.

Jubilee type games, the world’s largest tombola, inflatables and much more fun will be the order of the day for anyone visiting, promise the organisers.

Local groups, many made up of children that attend Highcliffe Primary School, will be providing entertainment.

The Great Highcliffe Bake Off is now in its third year and residents are being invited to enter and show off their skills. Two age groups, under-sixteens and over-sixteens can submit one entry into

each of the categories: one large cake, four identical cupcakes or six identical biscuits. Awards will be given to the winners of each category and there is a prize for best in show in each age group. Visitors to the fair will be able to sample the delights afterwards as the entries are sliced and sold to raise money for the school.

Also featuring on the day will be a car boot sale, a market of homemade crafts, bouncy castle, coffee shop and raffle – with prizes donated by generous businesses across the village.

The event is organised by Highcliffe Parent Teachers Association. Reshma Kukadia, chair of the association, said: “Our Summer Fair is our main fundraising event of the year and has been fantastically supported by pupils, parents and carers alike. Celebrating 50 years of Highcliffe school is a great opportunity to have fun and raise money for the school at the same time. I’d like to thank the local businesses who have been very generous in donating prizes; we’d welcome any further donations.”

The organizers would like anyone

with any memories of Highcliffe Primary School over the past 50 years to send them in via their email address highcliffepta@outlook.com or www.Facebook.com/highcliffepta. This could be as a pupil or a member of staff.

The top raffle prize is now a stadium tour of the King Power Stadium, courtesy of LCFC, an experience day at Ragdale Hall and tobogganing at the Snow Dome.

There have also been donations from local businesses: Purple Pear, The White Horse, Dining Room, Aroma Spice, Shapes, Ruby Tuesdays and the Co-op.

The Summer Fair runs from 1-4pm on Saturday June 21. Entrance is 50p per adult, free for school children, and can be paid at both Greengate Lane and Elmfield Avenue gates. If you would like more information or are interested in taking a stall for the homemade craft market or a pitch for the car boot sale, please email HighcliffePTA@outlook.com or visit www.facebook.com/HighcliffePTA.

Patient feedback THE BIRSTALL Medical Centre and Border Drive Patient Participation Group is seeking new members.

A patient participation group aims to improve communication between the practice and the patient and contribute to improvement of services and quality of care.

Chairman of the group, Edmund Chambers, said: “The group was formed only recently and is still exploring how it can best assist the practice and its patients. The wider the range of ideas available, the more useful the group is likely to be.”

Any registered adult patient of the practice can be a member of the group.

There will be an Open Session at Birstall Medical Centre in Whiles Lane between 5-6pm on Tuesday June 17 when any interested patient can meet the existing group members and other key people for an informal chat over a cup of tea. Coming to this session will not imply any obligation to join the group.

Edmund said: “It is appreciated that not everyone who might be interested will be able to make this session but any patient who would like more information can leave a message for me on the practice number 0116 319 6141, or by email, edmundj@talktalk.net, when I will be happy to answer any questions.”

Running A POPULAR class for beginner runners is set to continue due to demand.

Birstall Beginners Running started in January and around 70 people have attended, running in a group from the Royal British Legion car park on Front Street on Wednesday evenings from 7pm.

Some of the runners have now joined Birstall Running Club and others have taken part in the weekly 5km runs at Braunstone Park.

New runners are invited to join the group by attending on any Wednesday evening.

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

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Top award for Birstall community nurse THE DEDICATION and achievements of a community nurse from Birstall have been recognised with an award.

Debbie Bromley has been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by the charity the Queen’s Nursing Institute.

Debbie is a former pupil at Riverside, Stonehill and Longslade schools and for the last nine years has worked for the Leicestershire partnership NHS trust where she is a specialist Health Visitor.

The Queen’s Nurse title demonstrate a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.

Debbie said: “I am delighted that I have received the Queen’s Nurse title as I consider it a great privilege to have my commitment to improve standards of care recognised at a national level.”

Crystal Oldman, Chief Executive of the QNI, said: “Congratulations are due to Debbie for her success. Community nurses operate in an ever more challenging world and our role is to support them as effectively as we can. The QN title is a key part of this and we would encourage other community nurses to apply.”

Maureen Curley, school nursing and health visiting Locality Manager, said: “Debbie’s commitment, energy and passion for her job is exemplary. I am really pleased that her achievements are being recognised by the prestigious Queen’s nurse title.”

Over the last nine years Debbie has: • developed a project to teach parents abdominal massage in order to improve outcomes for their disabled children with constipation • facilitated a service development initiative to improve outcomes for families who have children with sleep issues • developed a project over the last ten years in which mothers with post natal depression receive reflexology to address their symptoms • developed an Early Intervention continence training package for parents and education staff and a Sleep Management training package; and • received a Research Internship funded by the National Institute for Health Research and Health Education

Pic: (l-r) Debbie Bromley and Jayne Cummings, Chief Nursing Officer for England

East Midlands to research improvements in health visitor practice. Debbie has also set up her own charity in Northamptonshire to support cancer patients and their carers where she manages a

team of 16 therapists and support workers to offer a weekly drop-in facility and complementary therapies, including home, hospice and hospital visits.

Our Children Say: “I like playing outside with lots of things, I like to see my friends and I really like circle time and talking” “We liked building the willow tunnel outside and really liked the hot chocolate”

“It's just so good. You can do anything.

Whatever you want to do, they do it” “I enjoy bringing my dolly and going dancing” “The rooms are just so playful. They've got lots of toys that people always like to play with. I really enjoy making things with pipe cleaners, card and scissors as well as junk modelling.

We get to make lots”

What more do we need to say?

Contact Andrea for a chat or to arrange a visit or just call in

1 Park Rd, Birstall, LE4 3AX Tel: 0116 2675427 Email: woodlandsdaynursery@live.co.uk www.woodlands-nursery.co.uk

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

ADVERTISEMENT

Re-launch of Birstall & Wanlip Time Out group COPING WITH Cancer are proud to continue their partnership with Birstall Bags and are re-launching the 'Time Out' drop-in Complementary Therapy groups.

For the last few years Birstall Bags have funded the group which helps local people, affected

by Cancer, to receive a relaxing complementary therapy and meet other people in a similar situation.

From June 11, 2014 the group will be moving to Wanlip Village Hall and, in addition to the Complementary Therapies, people will be able to access beauty therapies including manicures and pedicures and advice and information and much, much more.

Coping with Cancer will also be working on a programme of community engagement within the areas of Birstall and Wanlip so that they can raise awareness of Cancer and the importance of early screening. The charity will be aiming to ensure that people know where they can go to get the appropriate support from.

Lorna Allen, Charity Manager at Coping with Cancer said: “This renewed

Pic: Some of the ladies from Birstall Time Out group

project is very exciting for us. We've really enjoyed working with Birstall Bags over the years and are very grateful for their continued support. We've listened to all suggestions that people have shared at the group, and have added in some additional treats for people. The re-launch on June 11, from 1.30 to 4pm, is going to be great fun - do pop along to find out more!”

For more information about Coping with Cancer or the Time Out Group, please contact: Lorna Allen on 0116 2230055 or email: Lorna.allen@c-wc.org.uk

Birstall BAGs busy year to date BIRSTALL BAGS would like to thank everybody that supported the recent fabulous, spectacular Mr Ceri Dupree evening on Saturday April 12 at the Birstall Social Club.

Ceri played to a packed audience for a whole 2½ hours and the laughter virtually lifted the roof! Thank you to everyone that helped organise the evening, the social club team, raffle prize donators and Lewis's disco! Ceri Dupree is bringing his Christmas show to Birstall this December. He is booked to play the Birstall Social Club on Friday and Saturday December 19 and 20, 2014. Tickets will go on sale after the summer school break but if you would like to reserve tickets for a Christmas work or group party please contact the Birstall BAG's.

It was a busy weekend on the morning of Saturday April 12 when the BAGS were hosts of the Methodist Church coffee shop. Thank you to all the helpers, to the people that made the cakes and to Cindy for the bag stall. A total of £2300 was raised over the weekend all of which will go toward supporting services and facilities.

On Monday April 14 BAG's committee members Lesley and Helen visited Ward 27 at Leicester Royal Infirmary (children's cancer ward) and

Take ‘Time Out’:

Pic: Birstall BAGs (Jo, Rachel, Emma, Liz, Lesley & Helen) with Ceri and his team, Rosemary and Carl

presented the team there with a number of items to make children and their parents stay there a little more homely.

A Birstall resident contacted the BAGs to ask if we could help with some equipment and consumables (toaster, art and craft sets, toiletries etc) and we were only too pleased to help.

The BAGs have agreed to provide funding for a Community Cancer Awareness project in Birstall that aims to raise the profile of cancer prevention and cancer signs and symptoms throughout the Birstall community. A project worker will engage with clubs, schools, groups and health care provides in the village to maximise the benefit and as always we will keep folk informed through the Birstall post and our website.

The BAG's have recently made enquiries about becoming a registered charity and hope to finalise our application over the summer which can only strengthen our work and impact going forward.

For more information about any of Birstall BAG's activities please see our website. www.birstallbags.co.uk Pic: Lesley and Helen from the Birstall BAG's with Ward 27 Sister and Health Care Assistant

In partnership with

Birstall & Wanlip Coping with Cancer’s ‘Time Out’ groups are free, drop-in complementary therapy sessions specially designed for cancer patients, their families and carers*.

Thank you to Birstall Bags for their continued support & for funding the group

When: Second and fourth Wednesday of every month Where: Wanlip Village Hall, next to Wanlip Parish Church, Leicester, LE7 4PJ. What time: 1:30pm - 4:00pm Enjoy a complementary therapy treatment in a calm relaxing atmosphere. Meet and chat to other patients and carers over refreshments. Therapies available include: Aromatherapy Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage & Reiki.** *priority will be given to cancer patients, currently undergoing treatment. ** an assessment will be needed before any treatments can take place.

For more information contact Coping with Cancer on: 0116 223 0055 or email: info@cwc.org.uk PRACTICAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR ANYONE AFFECTED BY CANCER

Tel 0116 223 0055 Email info@cwc.org.uk www.cwc.org.uk Registered Charity number 1124057

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

Birstall quackers for duck race A RECORD number of ducks were bought at Birstall’s White Horse Duck Race in May, with 1200 taking to the water.

Hundreds of people gathered on the riverbank to watch the ducks sedate progress to the finishing line, after being entertained by the many stalls in the White Horse car park or taking refreshment in the beer garden.

The event raised money for two good causes. The Birstall Youth Café received £1838 – youth worker Helen McNulty said: “I’m over the moon, the money means we can have two extra youth workers for a year, on a Wednesday.”

She added: “Another good thing that’s come from us being the main benefactors is that we get our name out there, as so many residents still do not know we exist! We had quite a few asking us for days and times that we open, so now there are a few

more young people and families that we can help and support.” Many of the items sold on the stalls were made by members of the Youth Café.

A group raising money for a young girl called Effie Hadman, who has a rare neurodegenerative disorder, received £470.

Charlotte Foy from the White Horse said: “Thanks to all those who came along on the day to support these worthy causes, the money raised will really make a difference to both groups.

“And thanks to all those who donated prizes for the duck race winners, this year we had a record number donated with the final figure at over 40. We’re looking forward to 2015 already!”

Prizes were donated by: Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Dan’s Barbers, Vintage Ink, Gunns’ Gym, Allen’s Bakery, Lambourne Café, PGA Professional Matt Stephens, Kelly’s Hair, Co-op, Tesco, Aroma Spice, Birstall Jewellery, NTL Computer Services, Silly Prices, Penny Wise, Birstall Garden Centre, Ruby Tuesdays Café, Head Rush Hairdressing. Lily and Grace Florist, Birstall Parish Council, Bebeau Beauty, TJ Cycles, Kimmy's Fun Faces, David North Delicatessen, Glenn Lewin Butchers, The White Horse, Birstall Pet Supplies, Leicester Tigers, Shoe City, La Virra, Daniel Weedon Hairdressing, Birstall Fisheries, Park View Stables.

The White Horse team also thank Leicestershire County Council IMPACT team for the use of the Penalty shoot out, to the parents and youth workers at the Youth Café for their hard work, to Paddle Plus for their river services, to Think, Sign and Print for their printing services and to Woodlands Nursery for costume hire and to Leicester Tigers for their support.

The top three ducks were numbers 123, 623, and 61.

Pics clockwise from bottom left: Helen McNulty on Birstall Youth café’s stall; Aman Parikh (4) has his face painted; (l-r) Larissa Tilley (15) & Charlotte Young (14) enjoy an ice cream; Charlotte Foy urges on the ducks; crowds line the riverbank

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

YOUR SAY...

unhappiness but there never seems to be anyone available (conveniently). I don’t think anything will ever be sorted but here’s hoping. Again as the previous person quoted the number for complaints to Charnwood environmental department is 01509 634627.

D Brown, Birchtree Avenue, Birstall

Cat 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

Noise I totally agree with the person who wrote regarding the noise from Stonehill school (May edition).

On the last Sunday of April I was rudely awoken by noise from coaches, people and cars at 3-4am. This is also unacceptable, apart from people having to get up for work the next day it is just utterly mind blowing that this could not be arranged for a better time (for example before 11pm). I will be reporting this to the environmental agency, one, because this is not the first time it has happened, and two, because again it is not acceptable.

I am regularly disturbed by the noise from the school. I have had things stolen from my garden, and my property damaged. If I did this to one of my neighbours I would have an ASBO or something a quick as I could say bad neighbour. I have tried to contact the school numerous time to express my

A resident of Keswick Close has written to us about a missing cat. Can they please call the office on 2674213 and leave a telephone number if they get our answerphone.

Jerry Jackson Editor, Birstall Post

Thanks Thank you to Mrs Aggar and Mrs Williams from Riverside school Birstall for all their help and support with my son Harry who was injured at school.

These kind ladies went out of their way and took us to the hospital and Mrs Aggar stayed with me until my husband came as my son had to stay in and have an operation. I don't know what I would have done without them so a great big thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mrs Gerri Halsey

Pool I have read the May's Birstall post with the article about Birstall swimming pool.

I agree about needing a swimming pool or a leisure centre. Question is where to put it?

Remember why Birstall pool closed was due to lack of people using it and Stonehill school closing its gates at night (for security) and it was not making enough money to keep going.

The best place would be at the park and ride area. Could even give a dis-

count deal to those who use the park and ride.

I do not understand how the idea of a wood burning boiler would be a good idea.

You put there will be £7,900 of a cash benefit left over, does this include lifeguards (2 at each session), electricity etc in the budget.

You can not rely on any grants from government or elsewhere at this time because of all the cuts. This pool has to be able to make a bit of profit or a lot of profit on it's own merit and not rely on hand outs.

People just do not want a swimming pool anymore there also has to be a gym or fitness centre or both for people to come.

From a swimmer who used Birstall pool.

Lesley Moore

Thanks Please may I use ‘Your Say’ letters page to express my thanks and appreciation to a very kind and thoughtful young man?

About three weeks ago I was visiting the Birstall cemetery, Greengate Lane (as I do most weekends) and a young man had filled a water can for me – he had difficulty finding and waiting for the return of a water can – as there appeared to be only two cans available. He said that he was off to a “well known” hardware store to buy some. I thought how kind,. Sure enough, there were the new cans and I was able to use them on my last two visits.

Thank you so much to that very kind and helpful young man. Just wanted to share this action of a young man – to brighten the day of folks visiting the very well kept, peaceful cemetery.

Thank you so much.

Name & address supplied

Cuts We all know the cuts are coming, but in Leicestershire it would appear that the scale of the cuts are hidden in plain sight. Few people are aware about the devastation these cuts will bring to many services. These are services we currently take for granted.

In your last edition I noticed you mentioned the risk to our local libraries and I am writing to raise awareness about more consultations about cuts to services which are there to protect the most vulnerable in our community.

The scale of the proposed cuts is unprecedented: the budget for supporting independence for older people is set to be cut by 76% and the budget for Homelessness support is set to be cut by 78%.

This reduction in preventative services will cause hardship for many in our community and will cost more in the long run as it leaves other, more expensive, services to pick up the pieces.

The consultation about these cuts can be found at: http://www.leics.gov.uk/prevention_se rvice_consultation_document.pdf There are many other consultations being carried out by Leicestershire County Council, please be aware and make your voice heard.

Sarah Maynard Smith Rothley

Post box on the way A BIRSTALL Councillor has contacted the chairman of Royal Mail directly to press for a post box for Hallam Fields.

5 Kingsgate Ave, Birstall LE4 3HD OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

0116 267 1601

FULL REPAIR SERVICE PART EXCHANGES WELCOME

EXPERIENCED STAFF Tax Free Government bike schemes Mention this advert for a

10% discount on new cycles this June

Borough Cllr Simon Sansome wrote to Elaine Bridge, the CEO and a site for the post box has been found.

An initial site had to be rejected because electrical utilities passed underground. A second site has passed safety checks.

Elaine Bridge apologised for the delay and said: “Everything is being done to site the box as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Sansome said: “Since my election I have been corresponding with Leicestershire County Council and Royal Mail to get a post box installed in Hallam Fields.

“I went straight to the top, the Chief Executive. I am pleased the issue has been raised at the highest level of Royal Mail, is being treated as a priority and is personally being dealt with by the chairman Elaine Bridge.”

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014 11

ADVERTISEMENT

BIRSTALL PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2013/14 The Chairman’s’ Report 2013/14 The aim of this new look report is to provide Birstall residents with clearer information about the Parish Council’s responsibilities and how these are discharged.

The end of the financial year gives the opportunity to reflect on the council’s activities and achievements and to look forward to new challenges in 2014/15.

Since I was elected Chair of Birstall Parish Council in May 2013 it has been a busy and fulfilling year. I have represented the Council at a number of events, these have included: • • • • •

The Mayor of Charnwood’s Civic Service The Chief Constables Cultural Evening The opening of the new cycle way at Watermead Park The Fire & Rescue Carol Service The annual Remembrance Service at St James the Great Church, when it was a particular privilege to lay a wreath in memory of those from Birstall & Wanlip who lost their lives in two World Wars.

The Staff team and Councillors have organised three popular and well attended events during the year:

• The Birstall Gala, a major two day event in June

• The Christmas Lights switch on and Christmas market

• The Civic Service and Lunch in October (to thank people who contribute to the Community of Birstall).

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

Birstall Parish Council is responsible for: • • • • •

Setting the Precept Collecting money from the hiring & letting of Council owned premises & sports facilities Employing the staff team Managing and overseeing the spending of public money Maintaining the Council’s assets in good order. These are as follows:

• • • • • • •

The Cemetery at Greengate Lane The Village Hall, Offices and Estates Yard and buildings Sibson Road Building School Lane Playing Fields Changing Rooms The Pavilion Stonehill Avenue public toilets The Old Forge

Achievements during the year have been: • • • • • • • • •

Completing the renewing of the tarmac paths in School Lane Playing Fields Upgrading the cricket squares Installing an extra light on School Lane Playing Fields Creating a new area in the cemetery (by request) for the interment of ash caskets Introducing a Tree Policy for the care of trees on Birstall Parish Council land Installing a BMX track for young people on Meadow Lane playing fields Taking the first steps in the process of building a Community Hall on Hallam Fields Adopting the first play area on Hallam Fields Installing a new track for access to Worcester Avenue allotments

Birstall Parish Council has continued to provide financial support to the Youth Café, which goes from strength to strength and to the Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch, which contributes to the reduction of crime in our Community.

The Council already has some projects in mind which it is looking to complete during 2014/15, these are: • • • • • •

Completion of the building of Hallam Fields Community Hall Extend the metal fencing around the School Lane playing fields Upgrade the village notice boards Progress the provision of defibrillators for Birstall Employ a person to enforce the byelaws regarding dogs on the playing fields Renew the tarmac surface outside the village hall

Councillor Ann Marshall Chair of Birstall Parish Council

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014 13

Report from the Estates Team Manager—2013/2014 Despite the continued absence through serious illness of one of our long-standing Team Members BPC’s Estates Team has enjoyed a very successful and extremely busy past twelve months.

All the Council’s public open spaces have been maintained to a rigorously high standard throughout the year and a record number of projects have been completed on time and within budget.

SPORTS PITCHES: Birstall Parish Council is renowned for the quality of the sporting facilities provided for local sports teams and this year has seen improvements in all areas on what were already exacting standards.

BOWLS: In autumn 2012 Birstall Bowling Club invested in a complete renovation of the bowling green. The work, carried out by outside contractors (Fineturf Ltd) involved the complete removal of the existing turf, laying and laser-levelling of new rootzone and laying of all new purpose grown fine turf. The Estates team then took over responsibility for transforming this newly-laid turf into a durable playing surface for the start of the 2013 season. Not only was this completed in time for the start of the season in April 2013 but the quality of the playing surface throughout the season was widely acclaimed.

CRICKET: The structure of league cricket in Leicester was completely overhauled at the end of 2013 season with a multi-divisional format introduced. The placement of teams within this new league structure for the upcoming 2014 season was decided not on ability but on the quality of the ground and facilities. Despite their location on a free-access public playing field, league inspectors were impressed with the quality of the wickets, squares and outfield produced by the Estates Team.

BPC3

FOOTBALL: At the time of writing this report we are coming to the end of the 2013-14 football season with all four football pitches on School Lane Playing Field in excellent condition despite the wettest winter on record and only 3 weekend’s matches having to be called off.

DISPLAYS: Both the floral displays in the summer and the festive lighting in the winter were well received. Despite having to source plants from a new supplier this year the results were up to the usual standard as 75 large hanging baskets were once again erected and maintained throughout the summer around the village.

PROJECTS: Renewal of footpaths – School Lane Playing Field.

Following on from last year’s successful project to renew the footpath running adjacent to Beechfield Avenue, phase 2 of this project (the paths adjacent to School Lane and the central path) was completed in the autumn. Project managing this contract to ensure that the works were safely completed on time and within budget was not an easy task. Working alongside the same contractor (Brookside Construction) as phase 1 of the project proved to be the deciding factor. Their work in reshaping the path to fit in with all the existing play equipment and furniture was exemplary and their attention to detail admirable. We were able to landscape the grassed areas to blend in to the new construction as they completed each section of path allowing the footpath to be reopened in stages reducing the disruption to users of the playing fields.

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

School Lane footpath under construction.

Completed central path during landscaping.

Tree policy, survey & works On request from the Estates & Recreation Committee I drafted the Council’s first tree policy whilst carrying out a survey of trees on Council run land. This policy details the mapping and register of all trees, the frequency of surveys and the zoning of areas for risk assessment purposes, the maintenance of trees through pruning etc and the methodology of maintenance tasks including health & safety.

BPC4

The Estates Team also carried out major tree work schemes across a number of sites this past winter. These included: The removal of all extraneous growth to the mature tree line at Greengate Allotment site. This extraneous growth consisted of suckering and self-set trees plus the removal of ivy from the mature trees.

Similar works were carried out to the northern boundary of Meadow Lane Allotments and to the south of Worcester Avenue.

Scheduled work to periodically reduce the size of the beech hedges at Greengate Cemetery was also completed.

Further major tree works carried out at Greengate Cemetery included the removal of the laurel bushes to the south of the Woodland Walk. These evergreen trees prevented light from reaching the woodland floor, shading out the spring bulbs and forming a disconnecting barrier between the Cemetery and the Woodland Walk and have been replaced by a native beech hedge.

Meadow Lane At the time of writing two projects at Meadow Lane Playing Field are nearing completion. A newly constructed BMX track has been installed linking from the existing half-pipe. The works have been completed by Ben Rafferty utilising materials supplied by Severn Trent Ltd. A completely new access track to Worcester Avenue Allotments has also been constructed. The current access track routed around Birstall United’s ground is to be closed off so an alternative was needed. The works have been completed by Brookside Construction.

Andy Garland Estates Team Manager

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014 15

Noticeboard all details printed free Leicester Amateur Operatic Society

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Wed – Sun June 25-29 Curve Theatre, Leicester The seminal ‘rock-opera’ depicts the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth through the eyes of Judas Iscariot Containing a varied score of hit songs such as ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him, ‘Heaven on Their Minds’ and the title song ‘Superstar’, the show is a rousing example of musical theatre at its best.

Tickets £13.50 to £18.50 plus transaction fee* £2.50 discount for under 16s, over 60s, and registered unemployed *transaction fee is £3 for all card payments made online, by telephone and in person at our ticket desks. Excludes Curve members, groups 10+ and customers printing tickets at home

Birstall Gala 2014 Saturday June 28 & Sunday June 29 This year’s Gala will be held over the weekend June 28 & 29 and once again, by popular demand, se will be accepting bookings for stalls for both the Saturday and Sunday, in fact bookings are already being taken In previous years we have had over 70 private and charity stalls, and so if you or your organisation would like to have a stall, stand or some space to promote your business or charity, please contact the parish council offices for the appropriate forms and any further information you may require by phoning 2676191 or email: admin@birstallpc.org.uk Or you can download the forms from our website: www.birstall.leicestershireparishc ouncils.org Not sure whether you want a stall or not? Take a look at last year’s Gala photographs to help you make your decision, a brilliant weekend was enjoyed by all and the feedback was superb from

members of the public and stallholders for both days

The Ratcliffe Chorale Music for a Summer’s Evening Friday July 4 at 7.30pm Birstall Methodist Church Tickets £5 inc refreshments Tel: 0116 2675128 Proceeds for Church Refurbishment

Birstall Methodist Women’s Monday Night Group

Coffee Morning Saturday June 7 from 10am to 12noon at the coffee shop Plants, cakes, tombola, books etc All proceeds to: Girls Brigade, Boys Brigade, Age Concern Birstall, Youth Café

Birstall & District Local History Society Thursday June 12, 7.30pm Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, BirstallHi Society Thursday June 12, 7.30pm, Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall ‘Witches, Plague and the Church in Leicestershire’ Speaker – David Ray All visitors very welcome and parking available on the Birstall Playing fields via the School Lane entrance Here will be no meetings during July and August but we will recommence again on Thursday September 11

Exploring Landscape Mysteries A talk on an exploration of earth energies and landscape mysteries

will be given at the meeting of Leicestershire & Rutland Dowsers on Saturday June 7 Gary Biltcliffe’s investigations took 15 years and his talk is entitled The Belinus Line St James Day Centre, Birstall Village Hall, 10.30am Admission £3 for members and £5 for non-members

St James Day Centre 200 Club winners 1st Mrs June Crebbin 2nd Mrs Kathleen Davidson 3rd Mr Stan Coley 4th Mrs Mary Bruce

Mary 07704398017

Birstall Royal British Legion June 7: Chris Robin (M/V) June 14: Josie (F/V) June 21: Noel Gee (M/V) June 28: Jason Lee (M/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 June 8 & 29, starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday June 15 at 8pm Food available every Saturday 12-2pm

Car Wash Fun Day

Wakes catered for

Saturday June 14 From 10am to 1pm At Riverside Primary School, Birstall Car wash £3, bike wash 50p Bacon baps, hotdogs, refreshments Bouncy castle/slide, face painting, raffle, plus other activities Have your car washed, please come and join us All profits going towards the new climbing frame

Quorn Badminton Club

Birstall Gala Come and visit the Riverside PTA tombola stall At Birstall Gala on Sat June 28

Birstall Flower Club Birstall Village Hall June 25 at 7.15pm Demonstrator: Lynne Wright ‘Car Boot Collection’ All enquiries to Sylvia 2674206 or

Now enrolling new students in all age groups: 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

Rawlins Community College Sports Hall (4 courts) Monday evenings 7.45-9.45pm All ages welcome, please come along and enjoy playing matches with us Club dates for 2014: June 23 & 30, July 7 September 1 – December 15, Mondays weekly For further information 0116 2106 717

NHS Blood & Transplant Save a life – give blood Friday June 6, 1-3.30pm & 5-8pm at Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane, Birstall To make an appointment please call 0300 123 23 23 or go to blood co.uk

Trouble with your figures?

Want someone to walk you through a self assessment?

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

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

Wags to Riches Dog Grooming www.wagstorichesdoggrooming.com wagstorichesdoggrooming@yahoo.co.uk

Call,text or email Jo Kingston for an appointment 0797 1279295 or 0792 2581322 Based in Mountsorrel Collection & Delivery service available

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday June 10 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tompkinson Centre at Longslade College to watch famous professional artist Lyn Bailey giving a demonstration on ‘Various Techniques in Dry Media’.

Come along and be amazed and 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 Highcliffe Primary School

Summer Fair Saturday June 21, 1-4pm Bake Off, Tombola, Inflatables, Entertainment, Guest Appearances, Craft Fayre, Car Boot Sale If you would like a stall at the craft fayre, or a car boot pitch, please email highcliffepta@outlook.com St James Monday Group

Coffee Morning Saturday June 14, 10am to 12noon St James Church Social area, Church Hill, Birstall Bring & Buy, bric-a-brac £1 stall, raffle Proceeds to the Bubble Foundation UK (for babies & children without an immune system) Great Central Railway

Giant Model Rail Expo

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

Friday June 20 – Sunday June 22 A selection of 50 model layouts on display across the whole length of the line.

35,000 sq ft marquee at Quorn station, family zone at Leicester North Normal fares apply for this event

Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘12 Years a Slave’ Friday June 13 (134 mins) June’s drama won this year’s Oscar for Best Film. It is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom in pre civil War United States of America. When a freed black man is sold back into slavery, he faces cruelty but also unexpected kindnesses. The director, Steve McQueen, has created a masterpiece.

‘Saving Mr Banks’ Friday September 12 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.

Birstall Big Yard Sale Saturday July 5 9am – 3pm Please visit us, grab loads of bargains, and buy raffle tickets to support our amazing causes!

If you live in Birstall and would like to have a stall on your own driveway for the Big Birstall Yard

Sale, then all you need to do is send us your address and we will add you to the Live Map. If you love a bargain then please add July 5 to your diary and cruise the village of Birstall to see what you can find and support great local charities .

Printed maps will be available from various locations in Birstall and the live map is also compatible with smartphones www.bigbirstallyardsale.co.uk Mountsorrel Methodist Church presents the Last in the 13th series of Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals Sunday June 15 at 8pm

by Ian Orr, Organist Wigston Admission free Donations for church’s development fund. Buffet from 7.30pm The Charnwood Orchestra’s 40th Anniversary Summertime

Concert of Russian Music Saturday June 28 The Church of St James the Greater, London Road, Leicester starting at 7.30pm Tickets £10 (£9 concessions, £3 for accompanied children under 16) Available from Box Office: 07718153117, or by emailing judithrodgers155@gmail.com or from www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk or tel: 0116 2994444 or on the door.

There will be interval wine, ale and a soft drinks bar available The programme consists of Liadov: Kikimora and Baba-Yaga

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)

Tchaikovsky: Violin concerto with soloist Fenella Humphreys Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances

CLASH 2012 Exercise Sessions for individuals with arthritis and any other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

Tuesday 1-2pm General Fitness sessions Wednesday 1-2pm Chair Based Exercise sessions Sports Hall, Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester, LE4 6DP. Call Karen for further information on 07954584402. Please note that from June 1 there will be a weekly charge of £2 for non members attending the above exercise sessions.

CLASH 2012, a UK Online Centre, provides basic computer training at its After School e-learning sessions held in the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade Community College - Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm term time only.

For further information please contact Conrad on 07919844629 or Mark on 07801718908.

CLASH 2012 Monthly Meeting Wednesday June 11 at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre, Longslade Community College, Birstall 7 9pm. Jane Williams - Work & arthritis.

Birstall and Wanlip WI

Coffee Morning Saturday June 14, 10am-12noon Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop Wanlip Lane Cakes, Crafts, Plants, and Lucky Dip.

St Margarets Co Op Bowling Club Co-op sports ground Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DE Men and women of all ages welcome.

Come and have a go any Friday evening from 6.00pm Large car park, bar and friendly social side.

All you need is flat soled shoes, instruction and equipment provided.

For further information contact John on 01162675947 or visit our web site www.smcbc.com Soar Valley Music Centre, a music charity based in Belgrave, are pleased to announce that tickets have now gone on sale for their annual musical theatre production.

This year’s show is

‘The Musical of Musicals!’

Produced and performed by staff and students and with a live orchestra, the show contains songs and routines from many of your favourite West End musicals. From ‘Les Miserables’ to ‘We will rock you’, ‘Joseph’ to ‘Mathilda’ and many more, there is sure to be a

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014 17

song for everyone.

Upper Brown Street Theatre (The Old Phoenix theatre), Leicester Thursday July 3 to Saturday July 5 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from SVMC on 0116 266 4153 and cost £10, accompanied children under 14 £8.50.

Birstall Watermead Tennis Club

Open Day Sunday, June 22, 10am-1pm, Co-op Sports and SocialClub, Birstall Road Adults, Juniors, Families welcome Half-price membership on the day Meet the coach, members, have fun

Come along to a great afternoon of music and dancing and excellent company All welcome For more details contact Joan on 07718519480 or email: guido@derosa.me.uk

All Together Service Sunday July 6 at 10am St James Church, Birstall You are warmly invited to our short monthly family friendly service.

The theme for this month is Holidays (Holy Days)

CAP Money Management We are WaveLength Contact, Comfort and Companionship since 1939. We give

TVs and radios free of charge, to people who are living in poverty and are lonely or isolated because of age, health or circumstance.

Beneficiaries can be referred to us by any third party - perhaps a charity, medical or social worker or community leader.

Get in touch by downloading our application form and guidance notes from www.wavelength.org.uk or call us or write to us to have these sent to you.

Tel: 01708 621 101 info@wavelength.org.uk

Tea Dance Ballroom, sequence, Latin and jive Friday Jun 20, 3.30-5.30pm Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road, Leicester LE4 4DH £3 inc refreshments

A money management course at Birstall St James Church was so popular it is being repeated. The CAP Money course is devised by the charity Christians Against Poverty which trains churches to help people learn how to set a household budget and stick to it. It challenges people to live without relying on credit cards, tackle existing financial problems and save for a stable future. This course is FREE to attend and runs on 3 consecutive Monday evenings – June 23, June 30 and July 7.

To find out more or book your place visit www.capmoney.org. or tel:2674995 or 2673030.

Saturday July 5, 2014

Pit Stop Café & Summer Showcase 10.00am – 3.30pm Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane Part of Birstall’s Big Yard Sale Food and drinks to take out or eat in. Plant stall

Dance Demos at 12.00noon, 1pm and 2pm Displays and loads of fun Big Birstall Yard Sale Raffle tickets on sale.

Art and Design Exhibition Longslade Community College June 5, 6-8pm in the Palmer Tompkinson Centre The artwork is made by GCSE students and A-Level students.

• The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery present

Characters from Belgrave Cemetery introduced by Elizabeth Goodwin (late Head of Belgrave National School) assisted by Sandra Moore A Costumed, Multi-Media Show, Taken from our latest publication ‘Living Memories – Belgrave Friends Remembered’ The Platform Café , The Sidings, Greenacres Friday June 6, 2014, 7:30pm Tickets £5 from Sandra Moore Tel: 0116 236 3739

Tee At The Park Friday June 20: Park Hill Golf Club A fun packed Friday supporting the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Alex’s Wish, a local Charnwood charity whose mission is to find a cure for Alex and others like him, will receive all profits from this event and the London to Paris cycle ride Adam Flowers, Will Watts and 10 others will be undertaking

in July, covering 277 miles in just 3 days.

The Day: 1.30pm - A complimentary round of golf in the afternoon (optional, must be advised at time of booking) 7pm - 2 Course Dinner 8.30pm - Chat and Q&A with Tigers and International legends George Chuter and Craig Newby 10pm till late - Dance the rest of the night away to leading Motown tribute band The Heatwaves Only £50 per ticket or £160 per block of 4

Tickets are limited and so early bookings are advised to avoid disappointment Contact : Adam Flowers adam@flowersassociates.com / 07500946466 The 1st Mountsorrel Scout Group Mountsorrel charities’

Fete on the Green Sat 7 June 2014, 10am –12noon.

Events include a helium balloon race sponsored by Lafarge, in 2009 it reached Poland, come along and see if you can beat that!

Tea and cakes will be served in the scout hut.

Event includes cake stall, bottle stall, bouncy castle, vintage fire engine, tombola and lots of other charity stalls.

By kind permission of Mr & Mrs Waters At The Close, School Lane, Birstall LE4 4EA

Scout & Guide Summer Gala Saturday 14 June 2.15pm Band Display, Teas, Cakes, Stalls, Games, Barbeque.

Admission 20p

18

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

Birstall gala offers a great get-together BIRSTALL’S SUMMER gala returns this month with a weekend promising music, dance and fireworks, as well as the traditional stalls and fairground rides.

Organised by Birstall Parish Council, the gala dates are Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29 on the School Lane playing field.

The gala begins on Saturday at 11am with performances by two local dance academies and cheerleaders. Local bands will be performing on stage from 12noon until 9pm.

The Sunday begins with a church service on the park at 11am, led by Rev Rachel Parkinson, before the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Paul Day officially opens the gala.

Music will be performed between 12noon until 6pm – a mixture of brass bands, swing, jazz and country rock.

This will be followed by the Proms in the Park concert followed by fireworks at 10pm Visitors can bring their own picnics and chairs to the concert but no barbeques are allowed. There will be several hot food outlets available on site Admission will cost £1. Stalls are still available and can be booked at www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk Birstall Parish Council Clerk Sue

Couple’s Birstall kitchen makeover Ashowroom LOCAL fireplace installa-

A BIRSTALL couple were tion company has opened a amongst the first to receive showroom in Birstall. a kitchen makeover courtesy of Charnwood Borough Council.

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Coulson said: “The Parish Council is always grateful for help at this busy event and if you wish to volunteer some of your time to assist the staff and councillors, your help would be most appreciated. Please contact me on 2676191 or email admin@birstallpc.org.”

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Work is well underway to give nearly 1000 Council homes a makeover with new kitchens and bathrooms. Charnwood Borough Council’s new contractor, Wates Living Space, began the improvement works to properties across the Borough at the beginning of April.

The five-year contract, worth around £5m per year, will see Wates install more than 500 new kitchens and 400 new bathrooms each year. In addition, insulation products will be added and more than 70 heating systems will be upgraded in 2014.

Julie and Sean O’Connor of Birstall have had a new kitchen fitted. Mrs O’Connor said: “I think it’s amazing. We were involved in the design and the workmen were all brilliant – very polite and tidy, we couldn’t ask for more.

We’re over the moon.”

Councillor Jane Hunt, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “It’s great to see work beginning on what we hope will be a successful programme of improvements which will make a really positive difference to the homes and lives of our customers.

“The work will help the council reach its aim of exceeding the Decent Homes standards by replacing all kitchens over 20 years old and bathrooms over 30 years old.”

Anyone with any questions about the improvement works should call 01509 634666.

Pic: In the new kitchen are Tenant Liaison Officer Lisa Wilkinson, tenant Julie O’Connor, Cllr Jane Hunt, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services and Chris Gardiner, Section Manager.

MDW Fireplace Services Ltd is a family company established in 2007 and has opened its brand new fireplace showroom on Wanlip Avenue.

Company directors Mark and Hayley Warne of Birstall decided to open the new showroom after many successful years as an installation company.

“Customer demand has risen in the last few years, especially for multi-fuel stoves after gas prices rose sharply. Customers want an alternative cost effective way to heat their homes. We have some of the leading manufacturers on show in our new showroom at a variety of prices to suit all budgets” said Mark.

“We are pleased to announce that we are a Hetas approved retailer- the only retailer in Leicester with this Hetas approved status, so buy your solid fuel appliance with confidence. Looking for a new fireplace or stove? Beat the winter rush and have yours installed now!” he added.

The new showroom is now open at 2a Wanlip Avenue and is open six days a week. Visit www.mdwfireplaces.co.uk, www.hetas.co.uk, or contact 0116 2676601 for more information.

NOW OPEN

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014 19

Ashwell Property Maintenance ALL ROOFING WORK COVERED FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE RE-BEDDING & RE-POINTING GUARANTEED WORK AT COMPETITIVE PRICES

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Hall improvements IMPROVEMENTS AT Wanlip’s Village Hall have been funded

by Severn Trent, who also sent a team of employees to help carry out the work.

There is now a level turfed area alongside the hall suitable for marquees and games, a path down the side of the hall, a paved area for barbeques, new roofs on the shed and meter cupboard

and a new shed door, new hedging, a picket fence around the site and new water butts.

Severn Trent provided £12,000 for the work.

Reiki therapist welcomes new clients A GROWING interest in Reiki therapy has seen a Birstall therapist decide to offer her services full time.

Run in the park THE FIFTH Watermead Challenge charity run takes place on Tuesday July 8 at 7pm at Watermead Country Park.

There is both a five mile and three mile run, which this year supports the textellis.com charity of Syston. It is organised by The Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley. A spokesman said: “This is your opportunity to set a personal best time or enter a run for the first time. The course is mostly off road on flat tracks around the lovely lakes of Watermead Country Park. The event regularly attracts over 200 entrants so don’t delay and get your entry in today.”

Full details can be round at www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk

Planning P/14/0962/2: 87 Orchard Rd – external wall insulation to front, rear and side of house P/14/0818/2: 7 Hawthorn Ave – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/14/0838/2: 45 Roman Rd – erection of single storey extension to side and two storey extension to side and rear of dwelling

Gemma Voce, who lives in Birstall with her husband and two daughters, had been working part time as a nursery nurse at Birstall Methodist Pre-school alongside her Reiki work but has now decided to become a full time therapist.

She said: “I discovered Reiki over 10 years ago and was very much a sceptic back then. Reiki continues to amaze me in its power to affect the human body.

After my first treatment I felt so energised and positive I had to learn more and I trained as a Reiki therapist.

“Many people have experienced huge benefits from the treatment so I'm pleased to be able to help even more clients.”

Gemma has recently redesigned her website (rainbow-therapy.net) which provides information on what to expect during and after a treatment and also features a blog where she posts wellbeing tips, recipes and general news about the treatments on offer. Gemma has a treatment room at Blue Moon Beauty Salon on Birstall Road and she said: “I look forward to continuing with my current clients as well as welcoming new ones.”

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20

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

Supermarket fined after mouse droppings found

behalf of Somerfield Stores Ltd, said: “This was an isolated incident in spite of efforts to ensure it did not happen, as soon as it happened the company took the proper steps to resolve it.”

A NEW service is urging customers to ‘save time and go online’ to manage their bills and benefits in Charnwood.

A BIRSTALL supermarket has been fined £10,000 after a shelf was found contaminated with mouse droppings and gnawed food.

Charnwood Borough Council prosecuted Somerfield Stores Ltd, which owns and operates the Cooperative Food store in Wanlip Lane after health inspectors discovered nibbled packaging and food along with droppings on a shelf in the store’s cereal aisle.

Officers made the find during an unannounced inspection at the store on March 19, 2013, following a complaint from a member of the public.

Somerfield Stores Ltd pleaded guilty to an offence of placing food on the market which was unfit for human consumption, Leicester Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday April 25, 2014.

Councillor Jane Hunt, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for

Regulatory Services, said: “I think this case serves as a very stark reminder for every single food business in Charnwood not to become complacent and to carry out regular hygiene checks. It also sends out a warning that our environmental health team takes the health and safety of our residents extremely seriously and will seek to prosecute when offences have been committed.”

The court heard the store’s pest contractor, which carries out quarterly reviews at the premises, was called out and took instant action by placing traps and bait. A mouse was found dead at the store on March 22, 2013 after eating bait.

Naomi Gilchrist, a barrister acting on

M&G Plumbing Services

Online benefits

The council did not dispute the submission made by Ms Gilchrist who said, in mitigation, there were no other hygiene issues at the store which would lead to attracting rodents and there have been no further incidents.

Magistrates, who gave Somerfield Stores Ltd credit for its early guilty plea, fined the company £10,000 for an offence of placing food on the market which was unfit for human consumption.

The company was also ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £1,250 plus a £120 victim surcharge.

A spokesperson for The Cooperative Food said: “The health and safety of our customers is of the utmost importance to us. Regrettably we did have a minor pest control issue at our Birstall store in March last year, and as soon as the issue was identified we took steps to address the problem. We have pleaded guilty in recognition that, on this isolated occasion, we did not act in accordance with our usual high standards.”

Pics: evidence found at the Co-op store, Birstall

The July issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jun 28.

The copy deadline is Jun 13.

Charnwood Borough Council’s new Connect service aims to make it quicker and easier for customers to find information, make council tax payments and manage their benefits. It is secure and easy to use and means customers can access information about council tax or housing benefit and get in touch with the Council 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at a time and place that suits them.

Councillor Jenny Bokor, the council’s Cabinet Member for Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services, said: “It means people won’t have to queue up at the council to see someone about their benefits, benefit applications and payments will be processed quicker and customers will be able to update any changes in circumstances at the touch of a button.”

Customers can already apply online for benefits and the new Connect service is part of the council’s ongoing effort to provide more services for customers online to make it quicker, easier and more convenient for people to request services, report issues and quickly find information they need.

In February, the council launched its new, customer-focused website then installed high-tech self-service terminals and ‘floorwalking’ staff in its reception area to reduce customer waiting times.

Visit www.charnwood.gov.uk and click on ‘Manage my Council Tax bills and benefits’ to access Connect.

CHRIS MEYNELL & FAMILY

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014 21

Body found in canal THE POLICE were called when a body was found in the Grand Union canal near Belgrave lock, Ross Walk, on Sunday April 27.

Pic: Andrew Dunham

The body of Andrew Dunham (50) was discovered in the water by a passerby. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Dunham, who had been staying with relatives in Leicester, had left his home on April 13 telling his sister he was travelling to Stockport to take up a new job, so he was not reported missing.

The Police are appealing to the public for any information about Mr Dunham’s movements between April 13 and April 27.

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Blockpaving Fencing Patios Garden Design & Maintenance Service 41 Gwendolin Ave, Birstall tel: 2675882

Grants for Bees look for new home in church tower shops GRANTS TO help village shops boost their businesses are on offer from a £15,000 county council scheme.

Leicestershire County Council is running a village shop support scheme, to help village shops and Post Offices develop and upgrade their services. It is offering grants of up to £3,000 to improve the range, quality and accessibility of services at the heart of local communities.

Councillor Pam Posnett, chair of the Leicestershire Rural Partnership, said: “Rural services such as shops and post offices are crucial to communities and we want to help these local businesses to thrive.

“Our grant has helped to improve the viability and quality of village shops and we would encourage more of them to apply.”

The council has commissioned Kerching Retail to help grant applicants with their proposals.

Corin Birchall from Kerching said: “This targeted scheme provides much needed investment in rural retail. Improvements such as new chillers and display units can improve the range of stock, as well as the appearance and layout of the store.”

For further details www.kerchingretail.com/vss

A SWARM of honey bees have made a nest in the tower of Wanlip church.

Bee keepers Paul and Emma Squire were called to the church when the swarm was first spotted. Paul said: “When a colony becomes over populated, a new queen bee is left behind while the old queen bee leaves with a swam of bees to look for a new nest.

“They might try several different locations before settling on one. My advice would be to leave them be where they are.”

The church of Our Lady and St Nicholas in Wanlip was built in 1393.

Pic: Bee keeper Emma Squire examines the nest at Wanlip church

Pub hosts charity lunch THE WHITE HORSE pub in Birstall hosted a charity lunch in aid of Save the Children.

It is the third time the pub has hosted a charity lunch and the event raised £276.

Pic: Paul Clements from the White Horse with Josephine Burgess Volunteer Leader for Leicestershire and Rachel Smith Regional Fundraising Manager for the Midlands.

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22

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

WI news BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI met on May 12 at Highcliffe School.

OUR PICTURE shoes Ron and Janice Forbes buying plants at Wanlip’s May Fair, held in the village hall.

It was our Resolution Meeting. Every year members have a chance to put forward resolutions that they wish to see the national body campaign on.

This year we heard that the chosen subject of the Organ Transplant Consent System will be under discussion at our summer AGM. This was our serious work completed. The evening was then lightened by a talk on Stilton cheese provided by Deborah Spencer from Long Clawson Dairy. She gave a really interesting talk on the cheese’s history with lots of tasty recipe ideas passed around on scones and bread sticks. It is said that ‘You love or you hate Stilton Cheese’ but there didn’t seem to be many people who did not partake of Deborah’s nibbles. Bethan won the Stilton recipe competition.

We are now preparing for our annual coffee morning at Birstall Methodist Church Coffee Shop on June 14. Come along from 10-12 for refreshments and the sale of cakes, crafts and plants plus a Lucky Dip. There will be no formal meeting next month as we celebrate our 96th birthday with a meal on June 2.

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POLICE ORGANISED an automatic number plate operation at Birstall Services, Hallam Fields, on April 16.

Sgt Des Hearnshaw said: “We have held a number of ANPR operations over the last few months, all of which have been very successful. The aim of these

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

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Five cars seized

Birstall store tops chart STAFF AT The Co-operative food store in Birstall are celebrating coming top of the charts for their fundraising feats for Carers Trust, the UK’s largest charity for carers that provides desperately needed breaks, information, advice, support and services for the nation’s hidden army of unpaid young adult carers.

The community-based retailer took on the challenge to raise money for Carers Trust after it was selected as The Co-operative’s Charity of the Year for 2013.

The Wanlip Lane store team raised over £1,800 by organising a range of events and collections throughout the year, and when all the cash was counted, the store was revealed to be the highest earner in the area.

The Co-operative Group – which operates almost 2,800 community food stores as well as Funeralcare, Pharmacy, Legal Services, Online electrical and

The

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operations is to target criminals using vehicles rather than motorists.

However, we are always looking to educate motorists who are driving unsafely and deal with these individuals appropriately.”

During the operation 51 vehicles were stopped. There were three arrests including one for burglary, one for drink driving and one for the possession of drugs. Five vehicles were seized and four people were stopped for driving with no insurance.

General Insurance businesses - saw its colleagues, customers and members raise a total of £6million during the fundraising partnership with Carers Trust.

The money will allow Carers Trust to provide support and services for young adult carers - an estimated 500,000 14-25 year-olds in the UK care for a family member or friend who are ill, frail, disabled or have mental health or addiction problems and cannot cope without their support.

Alastair Cook, Operations Manager for The Co-operative Food in the area, said: “The teams in my area have done a fantastic job, putting the fun into fundraising to raise much needed funds for this worthy cause. I’d like to congratulate them all however, special thanks go to the team at Birstall, who have shown commitment and dedication to come out on top in our local charts.”

For more information about The Co-operative’s Charity of the Year partnership with Carers Trust visit www.cooperative.coop/charityoftheyear

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

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014 23

News from the churches A special day Without pomp or ceremony, the Bishop of Leicester joined the congregations of Birstall and Wanlip, as well as those from our partner churches in the Two Rivers Mission group, for a special service on Sunday evening May 11, to celebrate the first full year of the joining of the parishes.

Other events had taken place in other venues, such as Thrussington, East Goscote and Ratcliffe over the whole weekend, giving the ordinary people in the pews a chance to get to know others from the 10 parishes.

Flaming June?

In the coming weeks of June holidays and excursions start to come on to the calendar. A coach trip to York on Saturday June 21 leaving Birstall at 9am is an opportunity to admire the ancient city and there is the option of a guided tour of the famous Minster. Ring 2675086 for more details. The following week, a coach sets off for the 5 day parish holiday, this year in the Canterbury area.

No Unisex here.

Nearer to home, on Sunday June 22, the bi-monthly Men’s Group meets at 7.45pm in the British Legion in Front Street, when Neil Parkinson will transport his listeners to Palestine, to give an insight into the ArabIsraeli conflict. These meetings are not confined to church members and anyone interested in this subject is welcome to turn up – contact Bert on 2673817 if you wish to know more.

The Monday Group (which has only women members!) meets every second Monday of each month in the Day Centre of the village Hall and visitors are always welcome.

At the annual service of the Group in May, a speaker travelled from Newcastle to tell members about the “Bubble Foundation”, which has been chosen as the Group’s charity for this year. Newcastle Hospital is one of only two in the country where babies born without an immune system can be treated (the other is Great Ormonde Street).

These children have to be protected from any source of infection and must remain in a sterile environment (ie a “bubble”) while they are being treated. The NHS provides

age

INFO

Significant Changes to the Pension Scheme The Chancellor, George Osborne, in his Budget in March announced significant changes to the pension system. His intentions are to give everyone greater flexibility in the way they are able to access and spend their personal savings when they retire.

At the moment people can access their savings in two main ways: buying an annuity or entering into a pension drawdown contract. Most people are entitled to a tax-free lump sum from their pension fund – usually 25% of the value.

An annuity is a one-off purchase from an insurance company which provides a pensioner an income for life. There are various options available from companies and higher rates can usually be obtained for those with a reduced life expectancy. Unfortunately annuity rates have been low in recent years, making the income from the average pension pot quite unattractive.

The pension drawdown option allows pensioners to make withdrawals from their capital, subject to certain limits.

There are two types of drawdown: one is “flexible drawdown” which allows someone to draw as much as they wish, as long as there is a separate source of guaranteed income. Secondly there is “capped drawdown” which restricts the amount of income anyone can take.

Since March 27 this year the drawdown limits have been relaxed but the amount allowed to be taken out in any year is still restricted.

One important change introduced from March 27 is the ability to cash in a number of small pension pots, accrued over the years from various jobs, if all of those add up to less than £30,000 and the person is over 60. A person may withdraw all of those pension pots as a

lump sum but only 25% of each plan will be tax free.

The biggest change announced by the chancellor and due to happen on April 6, 2015 is that from that date people will be able to take their entire pension fund or funds and use as they wish, provided they have reached the minimum retirement age (currently 55). This proposed arrangement is very similar to the existing “flexible drawdown” scheme except there will be no requirement to show you have a separate guaranteed income and therefore available to everyone. As is the case at the moment, it will be possible to draw the first 25% of a pension fund as a tax-free lump sum.

However all subsequent withdrawals will be treated as income and taxed as such – therefore there is the possibility that larger withdrawals could push a person into a higher tax bracket. There have been comments that this new unrestricted arrangement in giving pensioners the responsibility for deciding for themselves how and when to draw on their pensions will create the risk that some will act unwisely. The annuity system has not been very popular but annuities do at least provide a guaranteed lifetime income and may well be seen as the better option for a lot of pensioners, because once a pension fund has been drawn out completely, the income tax due has been paid and the money spent, then that is it – no more personal/private funds available.

Annuities and drawdown contracts will continue to be available after April 2015.

It seems likely tha many pensioners will be undecided as to how best to use their pension pots to secure the best income so it seems wise to seek advice from a reputable firm of financial advisers before they retire.

From Jex Woods

the centre and the treatment, but there is no money left for making the lives of these very sick children a little more comfortable (toys cannot be shared for example). Events will be held over the year to support this cause, so do look out for them and support them if you can.

From Beryl McHugh, Birstall Parish churches

A Generous Life John Wesley the founder of Methodism famously said in a sermon about money “Gain all you can, save all you can and give all you can”. Currently the Methodist Church nationally is encouraging Methodists to be generous in all sorts of ways (not just in monetary terms), including time, talent and passion.

Recently not only Methodists, but many other friends supported the minister of Birstall Methodist Church when she ran the Paris Marathon. Rachel Parkinson covered 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 51 minutes. Her husband Neil was five minutes behind her.

Rachel has raised about £3000 in sponsorship for Action for Children.

Not to be outdone, Rev David Warnock is cycling 165 miles to Epworth (the childhood home of John & Charles Wesley) over the May Bank Holiday Weekend. He is being sponsored for the Youth Café Project in Syston.

Many members and friends support Birstall Methodist Church generously with regular giving either by weekly envelope or monthly bank standing order. The church is grateful. For those who give weekly, new sets of envelopes will be available towards the end of June.

Church Anniversary Over the weekend of July 4 to 6 there are various special events to celebrate tha Anniversary of Birstall Methodist Church.

On Friday evening at 7.30 the Ratcliffe Chorale will present a concert of music.

Tickets are £5 including light refreshments. Tel 2675128 for tickets.

On Saturday 5th, as part of the Birstall Yard Sale, the coffee shop will be open from 10am to 4pm with refreshments. The church will carry a walk round display of various activities that take place on the Methodist premises on Wanlip Lane. Also a stall selling plants.

On Sunday 6th, the morning service will be led by both our minster Rev Rachel Parkinson and John Florence from BBC Radio Leicester.

Service At Syston on June 22 A reminder to regular worshippers that there is no service at Birstall on Sunday morning June 22. The congregations of Leicester North Circuit (of which Birstall is a part) will join together for a special service at Syston Methodist Church. If you have no transport & need a lift please contact a church steward.

From Tony Moore, Birstall Methodist church

Discussion Topic Over the last two months we have focussed our discussion topics on the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and that leads us to consider these issues on a more personal level. The Discussion Topic for June is: “What will happen to me after I die and how can I know?” It is a very certain event for each one of us but views vary considerably, with many people considering that death is the end, with nothing beyond, while others believe in reincarnation and yet other people think there is some form of eternal life. The Bible gives a very clear answer to these questions. This discussion is open to individuals of any denomination or religion (or none) and is free of charge. It is expected that participants will show respect for others’ views. If you would like to attend this month’s discussion, then please contact the number given below to register your interest and state your preference for day(s) and time (morning/afternoon/evening) and we will get back to you with an agreed date, time and venue.

Sunday Services These services will be in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School (LE4 3DL) and begin at 10.45am. We will be pleased to welcome you to any of them.

Please note that we are not able to use the school on June 1, so please ring for the venue for that day. Our visiting speaker on June 22 will be Peter Thackeray (East Leake).

Further information: please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

24

THE BIRSTALL POST JUNE 2014

NHW news

& crime report

fire or awaiting an ambulance.

Of course, the best place to park is in your garage or on the driveway, safely locked and keys taken with you. Your car will be better protected from mindless vandalism and theft. Never leave anything on show inside the car as this is a temptation for the opportunist thief.

From the Birstall and Wanlip NHW committee

IN SOME areas of our villages, inconsiderate parking can cause problems for other road and pavement users.

Crime Report April 2014 Assaults 10, burglary 3, burglary non-dwelling 2, damage 5, damage to motor vehicle 6, drugs 1, public order 1, theft 16, theft from motor vehicle 4, theft from store 6

Having asked our Police beat team for clarification the following are some points to bear in mind when parking our cars: • Do not park within 10 metres of a junction • Never park across someone else’s driveway • If it is necessary to park on the pavement, there must always be room for a wheelchair or double pushchair to pass by on the pavement.

• When parking opposite another vehicle, there must be room for other traffic to drive between the two cars.

The most important thing to consider when parking is access for large, emergency vehicles, such as fire engines and ambulances. Preventing access for these could prove fatal for people caught in a

We have unfortunately seen a large rise in reported crime in April with a total of 54 offences being reported which is both disappointing and frustrating.

This is mainly due to an increase in the number of theft from store offences (6 compared to 2 in March) as well as an increase in ‘drive-off’s’ from the Service station (when people drive away without paying for fuel) of which there have been 9 this month. This is both a force-wide and country-wide issue and we are working with petrol retailers to try and reduce these offences, however unfortunately progress remains slow.

A busy bank holiday weekend also contributed to a rise in the number of assault and damage offences being re-

ported, many of which were domestic related and in the majority of cases excessive alcohol consumption played a part.

On a positive note, overall burglary is down from 7 offences in March to 5 this month. I hope that this downward trend continues and would remind all residents to continue to be security conscious, especially as the weather gets warmer and there is a tendency for people to leave windows open, which is an open invite for a would-be thief.

On the 16th April we held a traffic operation at the Birstall Services, as a result of which there were 51 vehicles stopped and a number of offences dealt with, including driving whilst using a mobile phone and no seatbelts. We also saw 3 people arrested for offences of burglary, drugs and drink drive and 5 vehicles were also seized due to them being used without valid insurance. The Environment agency also reported a number of drivers for using vehicles without valid documentation for transferring waste.

Lastly, we appear to have had a few incidents of late whereby car tyres are being punctured overnight. If you see anyone acting suspiciously around yours or your neighbour’s vehicles, please report this via 101 as we are keen to try and find out who is responsible for doing this so that we can put a stop to it.

L05 – Birstall Office Leicestershire Police http://www.leics.police.uk Tel: 0116 2677355 OR 101 Twitter: @birstallpolice

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