Bp14 11 376

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

NOVEMBER 2014

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 376

Birstall’s new academy school 2015 WILL see the merger of Stonehill and Longslade schools into a single academy and the start of an ambitious £12million project to improve the school with a mixture of new build and modernisation.

Speaking at the school’s open evening in October, Stonehill’s head teacher Alan Monks said: “We are talking about big, big change. Students have made clear what their aspirations are and we have the responsibility to put in place a school that can deliver.

“Really good teaching has to be our priority, the teaching will come first.”

The 11-19 school will open in August 2015 and be called the Cedars Academy, with Birstall’s Cedar of Lebanon tree in the school’s logo.

Longslade has now been given the go ahead to join all the other Birstall Schools in the Lionheart Academies Trust, a partnership of all the schools in the village with Beauchamp College in Oadby, a school rated as ‘outstanding’

by Ofsted.

Speaking at the open evening to a

A MAN from Birstall has received an award recognising the dedication he has shown to Belgrave Rugby Club.

John Goddard (71) has been involved with the club for more than fifty years, first as a player and then as a committee member and fundraiser. He Pic: John Goddard lives on Birstall Road.

On October 15 he was presented with

Pic: the planned new reception area

hall packed with parents and students, the Executive Principal of the Lionheart Academies Trust Hugh Howe outlined the programme of changes at the school and said that funds had been secured to begin a programme of new build and modernisation starting in January 2015.

He said: “In choosing this school you are not taking risks. The ultimate achievement of these school improvements will be a transformation in the culture of the school.”

The five-six year programme of works at the school will start next January with

Rugby stalwart honoured

the creation of a new reception, main entrance and administration area, and a new science centre.

Some parents have expressed their concern about the future of the school.

Rebecca Shipman attended the open evening. She said: “It all sounds very positive but I still have reservations about the reputation of the school [Longslade] and its exam performance over recent years. It makes it very hard to put Longslade as my first choice.”

Another, who asked not to be named, said: “I don’t want my child to be a guinea pig on a building site, will it be an environment where they are learning, Continued on page 2

Continued on page 2

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

Academy continued from page 1 and not moving from building to building? I’m worried about the disruption while the building work is done.”

Another said: “I do have faith in the school but so many changes are taking place. It will be better in the long term but not necessarily for our children, and I don’t feel I’m getting sufficiently reassured.”

Christine Swan, chair of the Lionheart Academies Trust, said: “Members of the Lionheart executive team, who will be supporting the school through the build along with our architect, have lots of experience with major building projects through their work at Beauchamp College. The key is to have a skilled team project managing the build to ensure that learning and teaching remain the highest priority for the school and that the impact of any building work is kept to a minimum.

“Standards at Beauchamp have continued to rise even in the years where major projects have taken place. the team also has a great deal of experience of ensuring health and safety

standards are adhered to.

We’re committed to putting the pupils at the heart of all we do in the coming years and are looking forward to seeing them thrive in the new and exciting school we’re creating together.”

The school’s masterplan for Pic: Hugh Howe (right) talks to parents at the open evening the site includes primary provision in County Council subsequently said a the Stonehill buildings but negotiations with Leicestershire County Council about school was not needed and the children could be accommodated at Riverside where the new primary school is going school. It then decided to negotiate a to be have not been contribution from Jelson for primary decided. provision in Birstall.

In 2003 a Section Speaking at a Birstall Community 106 agreement was Stakeholders meeting, Hugh Howe said: signed with develop“We are talking to the local authority ers Jelson for it to about primary provision but nothing has provide £2.05million been firmed up yet. The Lionheart Trust for a 180 place priwill be disappointed if in the next six mary school and months it is not clear how much money attached recreation will be provided for a primary school centre at Hallam and where it will be, but we are still at Fields. Leicester

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an early stage in our discussions with the Local Authority.”

Birstall Pool will remain closed but there are no plans to demolish it. Chris Swan said: “Our core work is teaching and learning so we can’t put any of our funds into the pool. If we could find a partner and funding and arrange dual use with the school in the day and the community at night, that would be perfect.”

Hugh Howe said: “We wouldn’t want to rule out some sort of development around the pool but can’t make any promises about taking that forward at this stage.”

Allotment plots available BIRSTALL PARISH Council have vacant plots on their Worcester Avenue, Meadow Lane site and the Greengate Lane site.

Parish Council clerk Sue Coulson said: “Even better news! There currently isn’t a waiting list, so if you are a resident of Birstall or Wanlip, you could have an immediate start for producing healthy delicious fruit and vegetables at a relatively low cost for your family.

“New allotment holders find that they quickly develop new skills and knowledge and many plot holders see the development of their allotment as part or a positive lifestyle choice.

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

If you are interested, please telephone the Parish Council on 0116 2676191 or email: admin@birstallpc.org.uk to arrange a viewing of one of the vacant plots for an immediate start.

Rugby continued from page 1 Leicester City Council’s Honoured Citizen award by Lord Mayor Cllr John Thomas.

Bruce Ord is the secretary of Belgrave Rugby Football club. He said: “John has made a massive contribution to the club and is very well respected. I am very pleased he has got this award, he deserves recognition for his contribution, not just to the club but to rugby in Leicestershire.”

John Goddard said: “I was overwhelmed to receive this award, it came out of the blue and is such an honour and recognition for the club and what we have achieved over the years.

“I’ve really enjoyed the close friendships I have made over 50 years at the club. A big achievement is seeing a 10 yr old with a bit of aptitude for rugby, then seeing them come through the age groups and learn to play, into the senior sides and then on to playing for Leicestershire. Rugby is one of those sports that’s about discipline and respect and these kids learn it.”

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

Birstall bakers impress judges with their skills THE FLOUR dusting has settled on 2014's Great Birstall Bake Off and Macmillan Coffee Morning at the White Horse, Birstall, and with over 50 entries and a record breaking sum raised, it was more successful than ever.

Charlotte Foy from the White Horse said: “All categories were superbly supported, with both genders and all ages competing for the most prestigious prize in Birstall's bakery calendar.”

The judging panel were Kath Wright, Maxilyn Geary (WI) and her granddaughter Kitty, Mr and Mrs Allen from Allen’s family Bakery, and previous winners Faye North, Meg Roach and Laura Florence.

“All were astounded by the selection and the standard, in particular the 'Savoury' category which was better represented than ever before” said Charlotte.

“And an exceptional mention must go to the Under 16's category who mustered more than 10 entrants and two winners.”

The day raised £1023.82 for the Macmillan Cancer Trust. The cakes were sold on the morning of Sunday September 28 in the garden of the White Horse in Birstall. Charlotte said: “The sun shone, the crowds flocked, and the coffee and cake flew out in record time to smash last year's total to smithereens. In fact, the combination of late September sun and cake was so inviting to most that by midday they had decided that a slightly stronger tipple was required to accompany the cake!

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Pic: Judging are (l-r) Kathy Wright, Kitty Duffy (10) & Maxilyn Geary

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themed raffle stand was also a grand success and helped to create a wonderfully rustic British village aesthetic, with several people going home with a prize or two.

“Our thanks go to the following for their exceptionally kind contributions and donations; Amy Harrison - Graphic Designer, Purple Pear, Glenwood's, Café on the Corner, North's Delicatessen, Hannah's, Rawlins Community College, Tesco, Co-Op, Peppercorns, Greenacres, Lily & Grace, Wilkinson's, Brakes, Trust Inns and Matthew Clark. Special thanks must also go to the judging panel and to our regular Rob for his kind contribution.

Watch this space for details of 2015's Great Birstall Bake Off, but until then - keep baking!”

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THE BIRSTALL POST

NOV 2014

Restoration of Birstall landmark THE RESTORATION of a historic Birstall building has seen its owner nominated for a heritage award.

Retired builder Jim Garner (78) bought the Reading Room on Birstall Road this year and has spent months on improvements, fitting a new floor and window, plastering, and repainting the whole structure.

He was nominated for an English Heritage Angel Award, founded in 2011 by Andrew Lloyd Webber to “celebrate the efforts of individuals and local groups all over the country who put hours of hard

work, passion and perseverance into saving vulnerable, damaged and derelict historic landmarks from being lost forever.”

Jim didn’t make the shortlist but did receive a Certificate of Commendation and has been invited to the Palace Theatre in London on November 3 for the star studded, red carpet ceremony hosted

by Andrew Lloyd Web-

Pics: (left) Jim Garner & (above) the Reading Room

ber.

Jim said: “It feels great that somebody has recognised the work I’ve done, but I’ve not done it for recognition, just to

stop it deteriorating further and being lost altogether, pulled down or converted into flats.”

The Reading Room is used by Carl Gunns as a boxing gym. He said: “Now all the work has been completed at the gym, I would like to thank Jim Garner for his wonderful effort in preserving the building for the next generation.

What a great job this man has done! No-one else in the village would have taken the work on or even bothered about its future but he has, so thanks mate, you’re a ‘diamond’. Also his wife has done well to put up with the time it took to complete the project. On behalf of all my members and myself thanks to you both, you deserve all the credit.”

The Reading room was built in 1876 by William Henry Walker who built The Holt. It was extended in 1906 and over the years has been used as a library, Scout hut, meeting room, dispensary and overflow classroom.

Next year Jim says he has a lot of work to do repairing the back of the property.

Travellers’ camp site TRAVELLERS HAVE set up camp on Red Hill island five times this year, with the last group evicted in October.

Leicester City Council own the land and have to deal with clearing the site of rubbish after the travellers have been evicted. This has included several fridge freezers, bedding, toys, a pick-up truck, car seats and litter.

The costs of the clean up and the hazard to motorists using the busy junction are causing concern to residents and councillors.

Ann Marshall, the Chairman of Birstall Parish Council said: “Red Hill Island is not an acceptable place for travellers to be, it’s a very busy island with lots of traffic and, unless the City Council take some steps to stop them going on it, it will just continue. They need to install stakes or a railing, with a drop down post to allow access for the Police and paramedics.”

A Leicester City Council spokesman said: “There are no plans to build any barricades at Red Hill roundabout. We haven’t any requests to do so and it would be expensive and complicated given that we need to ensure visibility for drivers is maintained, and that access remains possible to the various utilities based on the roundabout.”

Each time travellers have camped on the site they have been moved on within two weeks, say the City Council.

• a six pitch traveller site on Greengate Lane and a 10 pitch site at Red Hill Way/Thurcaston Road are expected to be completed in March 2015.

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

5

Charity hair cut A TEN year old girl from Birstall has had her hair cut to donate it to a children’s cancer charity.

Ashni Sicotray, a pupil at Riverside school, has been grow-

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ing her hair since January to donate it to the Little Princess’s Trust which makes wigs for child cancer sufferers.

Ashni said: “I was inspired by my Mum’s friends who all had their hair cut. I didn’t realise young girls get cancer and lose their hair and I feel very sad at the thought of young girls losing hair.”

Ashni had her hair cut by stylist Lisa at Hair Today on Melton Road.

Pics: Ashni before, during and after her haircut

A BIRSTALL bike shop is celebrating its second birthday.

T J Cycles on Kingsgate Avenue, Birstall, was opened two years ago by Tony Goodman and James Bryan, selling bikes, accessories and offering servicing and repairs.

Tony said: “The shop has dramatically improved in appearance, with higher quality bikes and accessories. Repair work has been constant over the last two years and we provide a very quick turnaround.”

He added: “Kids’ bikes are now in stock and we offer a Christmas club where small deposits secure a bike that can be paid for in instalments.

“I’d like to thank all our customers over the two years we’ve been open for their continued support and for giving us lots of positive feedback on social media.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

Giant puppets will make appearance at Christmas event CHILDREN, FAMILIES and local groups have all been working together on a creative community project that will be unveiled this Christmas.

Giant four meter tall puppets of characters from the Christmas story will be making an appearance at Birstall’s Christmas lights switch on event on December 5.

“Observant readers of the Birstall Post may have noticed a trail of teasers running through recent issues announcing that ‘the Giants are coming’” said Rachel Parkinson, Minister at Birstall Methodist Church.

“Well now they’re near enough to recognise that they are not, after all, arriving with shouts of ‘Fee Fi Fo Fum’ but with a message of peace and good will to all people.

“The giant puppets, which stand nearly 4m tall, are all characters in the

Christmas story. Mary, Joseph, a young shepherd, the Angel Gabriel and three Wise Men will appear at the switch-on of the Christmas lights in both Birstall and Leicester to remind people of the Christian story at the heart of Christmas.”

The idea began when Rachel saw a similar set of puppets performing at the Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival in Cheltenham in 2013. She said: “When I saw this giant Gabriel puppet wandering around the Festival site I just knew I wanted to bring the idea back to Birstall”. The puppet project was then

adopted by the local Churches Together group involving St James and St Theresa’s churches together with Bishop Street Methodist Church in the Town Hall Square in Leicester. “It’s been a great way to bring the different churches together through working on a common project” said Daphne Stephenson of St Theresa’s.

Last February a group travelled to Crosby, near Liverpool, to visit “In Another Place” – the group who had made the puppets performing at Greenbelt. The visit proved

memorable. “It was not only the clever way that the puppets were made out of next to nothing, but also the enthusiasm of the team at Crosby that really inspired us” said Sylvia Taylor, of Birstall Methodist.

A key part of the project has been to involve as many different community groups as possible in the making of the puppets, says Rachel. Several local families came to workshops in the summer holidays to make the basic puppet heads

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out of papier mache. Year 5 pupils at both Riverside and Highcliffe primary schools finished puppet hands which had been worked on by Birstall Methodist Sunday Club, and helped to weave a colourful cloak for one of the Wise Men. The Girls’ Brigade have created finished heads for the Mary and Shepherd puppets.

Younger Girl’s Brigade members spent an evening patching the shepherd’s cloak which had been tie-dyed by the Special Needs Playgroup.

The St Theresa’s Youth Group spent an evening painting giant hands and making more adornments for the Wise Men, whilst the Birstall Youth Café set to work with fabric pens and yet more papier mache. Meanwhile, the Birstall Methodist Pre-school are busy making a crown. One of the village’s Brownie groups is finger-knitting Gabriel’s hair whilst his halo is being made

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

are also being appointed. The puppet characters will be rehearsing a short nativity play to perform at the switching on of the Christmas lights. The soundtrack of voices is pre-recorded but the trick is to make it look as though the puppets are actually speaking the parts.”

The puppets will make their first public appearance on Sunday November 16 in the Town Hall Square when they will perform the nativity play at around 2.30pm. The day following their appearance at the Birstall Lights Switch-on on December 5, they will take part in the Christingle Service at Leicester Cathedral. A “Puppets and carol singing”

7

New PCSO BIRSTALL HAS a new Police Community Support Officer.

by one of the crafting groups run by Little Bird SOS. Helen McNulty, lead worker at the Birstall Youth Café, said: “We were pleased to be able to be part of a community event and the young people thoroughly enjoyed the activity.

When it comes to the Lights Switch-on they’ll be able to look at the puppets and say “I did that!”

Rachel said: “Recruitment is now taking place for young people to be inside the puppets. Being inside a very tall puppet makes it quite difficult to negotiate obstacles so an equal number of puppet guides

PCSO Fiona Lacey 6391 joined the Birstall Safer Neighbourhood Team in July 2014. She has been accompanied

by PCSO Mark Butler but is now doing independent patrols in the village.

Fiona said: “I look forward to working with the local community to tackle the issues that matter to them.”

Pic: Birstall’s new PCSO, Fiona Lacey

procession around the new housing areas in Birstall is also at the planning stage.

Vince Jupp, Rector at St James, said: “The giant puppet project has captured the imagination of young and old alike and we all look forward to seeing them turning on the Christmas lights and making their presence felt at Christmas services. Look out, look up, look forward...

The giants are coming.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

YOUR SAY...

table court costs to move them on, clear up costs etc – and so the cycle continues.

The authorities need to be more proactive in warning residents and prevent occupation of land. Surely it is about time that Red Hill roundabout was barricade (in a sensitive manner) to prevent vehicles entering it. There would be a quick payback for this investment!

David Cather

Toothpaste 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

Travellers The recent occupation by a large numbers of travellers (aka gypsies) coincided with a crime spree throughout the village, with many residents suffering theft from their homes and vehicles. It seems that they were using sophisticated electronic devices to open vehicles and even had the brass-neck to re-lock the vehicles after carefully selecting valuables to steal.

What I find unacceptable as a council tax payer is that we fund the police and I discover that LCC has also established a “Multi-Agency Traveller Unit” to manage this perennial problem, but on this occasion have clearly failed in their duty a) to warn residents of the village of the potential threat to their property and b) were very slow to react once it was evident that extensive criminal activity was underway.

It took too long to obtain a court order to move them on – and then only to another location within the County to where they will have set up shop again with the attendant crime wave and inevi-

As a reasonably long-time resident along Loughborough Road I have been subjected to many sorts of litter about my front gate and in my front garden. I will admit that the vast majority was either paper or plastic, though on one occasion I found a bicycle and another a pair of army cadet boots. Last week I found a tube of Colgate toothpaste which appeared only to have been used once.

If anyone has a passionate connection to this tube, please contact me via the editor, otherwise I will donate it to charity.

Dr D A C McNeil

Guiding Further to the article in last month's Birstall Post "Volunteers make a difference" one local lady has come forward to become a volunteer. While this is fantastic, new volunteers are still needed to lead the younger members (Rainbows and Brownies). So if you can spare a couple of hours a week in the early evening please register at www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested This month over 30 of Birstall's Girlguiding members are going on a trip to Drayton Manor theme park. This is a fantastic event that the Guides are really looking forward to as Drayton Manor will close to the public for a whole day and open exclusively for members of Girlguiding for a fun-filled adventure.

Helen Sibson Girlguiding Birstall District Commissioner (Guides and Senior Section)

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Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Birdwatching Club Tuesday November 11 Now you see it, now you don’t (but it sometimes comes back!)

by Nigel Slater Nigel will take us on a journey through time in Britain looking at the birds that we have through extinction and of the species now being reintroduced to replace the earlier losses. Nigel is a most knowledge and enthusiastic speaker and this to be a positive experience for all.

Meetings are at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Visitors are most welcome £2 Free parking on site and easy access Further information from Ken Goodrich 0116 2674813 Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society

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20th Annual Exhibition Nov 1st-Nov 3rd at the Village Hall, Birstall Road, Leicester, LE4 4DH. Open 9.30am-5pm Sat & Sun, 9.30am-3pm Mon. Free admission, wheelchair access, refreshments, free parking to the rear of the village hall.

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Holistic Charity Day The Wheatsheaf pub, Thurcaston Sunday 30th November.

11.00- 4.00.

In aid of Cancer research.

A holistic therapy day in which we do mini treatments such as Indian head massage, reiki & reflexology, also we have cake, jewellery & greetings cards stalls & much more.

Christmas Vintage Tea Party & Handmade Craft Fair Birstall Methodist Church Saturday 15th November from 10am-2pm Vintage tea party including festive treats and bakes.

Gifts and Decorations perfect for Christmas including handcrafted quality wooden and glass decorations, textile wear and home deco and paper illustrations and gift cards. Vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery and shabby chic deco. Contact info williams.fayealicia@gmail.com 07811069007

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at Bishop Ellis Primary School, Thurmaston 29th November 2pm til 430pm Come see Santa and his very special helper, Fireman Sam Lots of opportunities for Christmas shopping, Raffle and Tombolas.

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Birstall United Juniors FC Friday 7 November 2014 Meadow Lane training ground Gates open at 7pm Bonfire starts 7:30pm Fireworks 8:15pm £2 adults, £1 kids (U18s) Pay on the gate (please bring correct change) BBQ / can-bar* / sweets

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

*No alcohol to be brought onto site Friday 28 November 10am-7pm Sat. 29 November 10am-7pm at Birstall Methodist Church

Christmas Festival Theme "Christmas Traditions" decorated trees, displays, models, arrangements, Santa's Grotto & Post Box admission to the Church - £1.00 accompanied children free

Christmas Market gifts, decorations, crafts, home-made cakes & preserves, hot-dogs, pancakes, raffle, tombola Table Tops in the hall on Saturday Coffee Shop open throughout the event Light Lunches served 12.002.00pm Charity Donation: "Friends of Chernobyl's Children West Leicestershire"

Tea Dance Ballroom, Sequence and Latin Friday 14th November 3.30 5.30pm £3 on the door includes refreshments Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road Leicester LE4 4DH Come along for a great afternoon of dancing,socialising and excellent company and some good music.

All welcome.

Birstall Royal British Legion 1st Dee Smoove (M/V) 8th Diane Edwards (F/V) 15th Joe Jones (M/V) 22nd Terry Carey (M/V) 29th Nightshift (M/Duo) 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 9th and 30th November starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday 16th November at 8pm Food available every Saturday 122pm Functions/ Wakes catered for Food available 12-2pm families welcome New outside seating area BT Sports & Wifi Available New Members Always Welcome For current information join our FACEBOOK page Remembrance Sunday Club Opens Till 4pm Parade Leaves at 10am

Birstall Flower Club Christmas Open Evening Birstall Village Hall November 26, 2014 7.15pm

Demonstration by Tony Brown entitled “Paradise is a Garden” Visitors welcome by ticket only £8 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary Linnett: 07704398017

If you would like to enter a tree please contact Jane Glover, tel 0116 2674406 Theme is countries of the world Belgrave Cemetery

Table-top sale in aid of the Alzheimer's Society UK Saturday 29th November 10 am - 2 pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Wanlip Lane Knitted and crocheted gifts, painted glass and cake stands.

Also decorated boxes and Christmas tree decorations made by the Birstall Library Craft Group.

Back for a second year. Many thanks to all who helped us raise £260 last year.

Birstall St. James Church Social Group invite you to a

Quiz Afternoon & Cream Tea on Sunday November 23rd at 2.30 pm Birstall Village Hall, School Lane Cost £3

Christmas Tree Festival St. Patricks Church, Beaumont Leys Lane.

November 20th-22nd.

Viewing Thursday 7.00pm 8.30pm, Friday, 10.00am6.00pm, Saturday 10.30am4.00pm Entry fee £1.00 to include voting slip for favourite tree under16's free. Seasonal refreshments.

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Remembrance Day Service Sunday 9th November 10.45am for 11am Service of Remembrance to be conducted by Rev Pam Haynes All are Welcome

200 club winners for October 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Mr Alan Chapman Mr Harold Morris Mr Vic Nagle Mrs Jill Bailey

Birstall & District Local History Society The next meeting will take place on Thursday 13th November 2014 at 7.30pm in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics LE4 4DH. The subject of this talk will be "The Story of the Unknown Warrior" and the speaker will be Dr. John Sutton.

All visitors are very welcome to join us for this talk.

There will be parking for cars on the School Lane entrance of Birstall Playing Fields

Leicester Symphony Orchestra DMH Saturday 15 November 19.30 Conductor John Andrews

Piano Katya Apekisheva 'On the Eve of War' Butterworth A Shropshire Lad Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2 Vaughan Williams Symphony No.2 ('London') A century since the beginning of the First World War the orchestra performs works by composers influenced by the conflict.

6.30pm FREE pre-concert talk: "Music in the Great War" by local historian & teacher Richard Gill Tickets £11 £15 £18 Concessions 18 & Under All tickets £5.00 Seniors 10% discount Students 50% discount Leisure Pass 20% discount

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council “The Monuments Men” Friday November 14 (118 mins) Based on a true story, a World War ll platoon begins the task of recovering stolen masterpieces from the hands of Nazi Germany. Claire, played by Cate Blanchett, is risking her life by noting down every piece of art work that is being taken. This allows the Monuments Men, one of whom is played by Hugh Bonneville of "Downton" to go in after D-Day to try to locate art as it is being spirited away.

This film blends excitement with comedy.

"About Time" Friday December 12 (124 mins) Directed by Richard Curtis, this wonderful British comedy drama stars Bill Nighy and Domhnall Gleeson who features in "Anna Karenina". Tim discovers that he has a new gift which enables him to travel in time. With this special

9

10

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

ability, Tim tries to change his past in order to improve his future. Do these unusual plans succeed? He has an eccentric family and friends who all help to give this film both warmth and humour.

“The Book Thief" will be shown in the new year.

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.

Events at Birstall Library 13th November - 5.45pm to 6.30pm

Bedtime Stories - Get ready for bed & bring your Ted! For 4 - 8 year olds. £1.00 per child (includes a drink & cookies) Booking essential, please contact Birstall Library on 0116 305 8756 7th November - 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Cutting a Dash & Doing Your Bit! What were the Gentleman and Ladies of Britain wearing in 1914?

How did they adapt it to the practical needs of the Great War? What changes did the war bring to women's fashion which can be seen even today? Come along and find out about the fashions of a century ago.

A talk at Birstall Library by Nick

Marshall.

Tickets are £ 2.50 for library members & £3.00 for non-members.

Booking essential, please contact Birstall Library on 0116 305 8756

CLASH 2012 Exercise sessions for individuals with Arthritis and other MSK conditions.

Tuesday 1.00 - 2.00pm - General Fitness Wednesday 1.00 - 2.00pm - Chair based exercise sessions Sports Hall, Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester, LE4 6DP. Call Karen for further information on 07954584402. Please note that there will be a weekly charge of £2 per session for non members of CLASH 2012 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.

UK Online has recently awarded CLASH 2012 a grant to support access to learning more about your health please visit www.learnmyway.com/whatnext/health to go direct to the 'BEING HEALTHY' landing page & please support CLASH 2012 by taking the Digital Health Survey including our centre number 3420633 For further information please contact Conrad on 07919844629 or Mark on 07801718908 CLASH 2012 Monthly Meeting Wednesday 12th November at the Plmer Tomkinson Centre, Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4 4GH 7.00pm -

9.00pm - The role of Healthwatch - Barbara Czyznikowska & Gemma Hammond.

Life Education Centres Leicestershire

3rd Ladies Fashion Show Thursday 20th November 2014 at 7pm.

Come and find something new for winter and Christmas!

Tickets £5 to include tea/coffee Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester. LE4 4HD Fashion Show clothing from popular high street fashion outletswith the opportunity to purchase. All cash and card payments accepted.

For more details call 07976809127 or 07968862481.

Councillor Surgery Last Sat of every month 10am to 12noon 10 Sibson Road, Old Council Office Talk to your District & County Councillors to discuss any issue of local concern

The Baldwin Trust Narrow Boats for Community Action on Leicestershire Waterways Santa Cruises aboard the narrow boat ‘St Clare’ Every 45 mins from ‘The Hope & Anchor’ On Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov 15 until Sunday Dec 14 Starting at 10am until approx 4pm £5 per person (all classes) Children can meet Santa and his little helpers and have a cruise on his floating grotto All children will receive a present

from Santa (up to age 12) Adults can have tea/coffee or hot choc with cream and marshmallows, mince pie or biscuits For larger groups booking is advisable as ‘St Clare’ can only carry 12 passengers per trip Call Peter on 07787757114 (bookings for Santa Trips only)

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday November 11 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tompkinson Centre at Longslade College to watch well known professional artist Andrew Macara giving a demonstration in Oils entitled ‘Snow Scene with Sunshine and Shadows’. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby.

Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration to end at 9pm. Members £1; Guests £3.

Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Mountsorrel Methodist Church has a full size

Sports Hall for hire on a regular basis on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday nights The hall is ideally suited for birthday parties and other celebrations on most Saturday afternoons & evenings.

Two smaller rooms are also usually available.

For further details please contact either Gloria Longmire 0116 2375652 or email mountsorrel12310@btinternet.com

The Latimer Players

‘Love & Mistletoe’ A play with a Christmas theme by Raymond Hopkins The Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston Nov 27,28 & 29 Tickets: Christine Deavin 0116 2376855 Birstall & Wanlip NHW

Saturday Advice Shop Nov 15, 10am to 12noon Birstall Police Office, 10 Sibson

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

Road (opposite Birstall Garden Centre) Speak in confidence to a local Police Officer ••• The Helen O’Grady

Drama Academy Brooke Studio, Syston Thursdays 5-6pm, 5-11 yrs; 6-7pm. 12-17 yrs; adult classes from 7-8pm Develop confidence, make new friends, learn dance skills, have a great time Voucher currently available for 3 free sessions 01664 569 738 nleics@helenogrady.co.uk Saturday December 6 Cantamici Choir presents

A Christmas Concert in St James Church, Birstall featuring pupils from Highcliffe Primary School 7pm tickets available on the door

Lost Cat Black, 4 year old exotic Persian with one eye. Went missing from Queensgate Dr home on Oct 22.

Please check your shed or outbuildings. Reward for safe return Tel: 07935531813.

The December issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Nov 29.

The copy deadline is Nov 14.

11

Cinderella: Stonehill car boot sale what happened next?

HIGHCLIFFE Amateur Theatrical Society’s next production is the panto ‘Cinderella Two – The Sisters Strike Back’ by Andrew Yates.

A spokesman said: “In this clever sequel a new slant gives us an insight into what happened next in the Cinderella story. The ugly sisters are determined to prevent Cinderella’s marriage to Prince Charming and enlist the help of Wanda the wicked witch who casts a spell on the Prince which puts his relationship with Cinderella in jeopardy. The evil plan is thwarted when Wanda falls for the Prince’s friend Dan Dini who eventually persuades her to mend her evil ways.”

The show is on at Highcliffe School on Greengate Lane in Birstall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov 27/28/29 starting at 7.15pm on the Thurs, Fr & Sat evenings and as usual a matinee on Sat afternoon starting at 2.30pm. Doors open 30 mins before curtain up.

Tickets £6 (£5 concessions) and can be obtained by phoning the box office on 0116 2209594 or 0116 2218757 or by contacting hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk. There are discounts for group bookings. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

The proceeds from the raffle for this show will go to Coping With Cancer.

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 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

A CAR BOOT sale at Stonehill school has raised £150 for school funds.

Organised by Birstall Borough Councillor Simon Sansome, the event, on Sunday October 19, is expected to become a regular fixture.

Simon, a former pupil at the school, organised the sale from his hospital bed during a six week stay after he suffered three perforated discs in his back.

He said: “There were 24 stalls in all and we had a cracking turn out, and every stall holder we spoke to said they would do another one.”

Pic: Helen Anthony beside her stall

Shortcut fenced off A SHORTCUT from Fielding Road onto the Greengate Lane allotments is to be closed off following a risk assessment.

Birstall Parish Council will install fencing at a cost of £491. People using the shortcut have to negotiate a ditch and run the risk of injuring

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themselves, say the council.

Access to the shortcut is next to the electricity sub station at the corner of Fielding Road and Elmfield Avenue.

The fencing will be installed week commencing November 17. Notices will be displayed at the sub-station and at the entrance to the cemetery.

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

Couple’s celebration Parish Council notes A COUPLE who live on Worcester Avenue enjoyed their 60th wedding anniversary with a celebration at Birstall Social Club with family and friends.

Malcolm and Christine Lawrenson (pictured) were married in Tenterden, Kent on September 18, 1954. Malcolm was in the Gloucester regiment when they met and they lived in Stocking Farm, Leicester for nearly 50 years before moving to Birstall.

Receiving a card from the Queen was a highlight for the couple, who have

four children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Their advice on how to make a marriage last is to: “stick at it, work together. You’ll have your ups and downs but you’ve got to get through them, especially if you’ve got little ones to look after.”

Park & ride changes THE COUNTY council is seeking people’s views on proposals to introduce a charge for concessionary pass holders on park and ride services.

At the moment, older and disabled people with concessionary passes travel free after 9.30am on weekdays and all day on Saturdays (and on Sundays and

bank holidays around Christmas) on the three routes from Birstall, Enderby and Meynell’s Gorse.

However the county council and Leicester City Council, who jointly fund

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

PCSO Fiona Lacey presented the crime report. She said that several of the thefts from motor vehicles were from vehicles that had not been left secured.

Janet Waters from the Parish Church asked what progress the Parish Council had made in respect of provision of a community hall at Hallam Fields. She reported that the church had been working there and had identified a need for a range of provision. She said the church planned to employ a missioner to live on the estate in a house provided by the church.

The chairman Ann Marshall reported that the parish council have a group working on progressing the project, but that it was at an early stage and the council was not yet in a position to do a public consultation on potential users of the facility.

A member of the public requested clarification of when decisions made by the council can be reversed or changed and was told a period of six months needed to elapse.

Borough Cllr David Gaskell reported that drains that are the responsibility of Charnwood on Sibson Road have been cleared and they are in discussion with the park and ride, currently have to subsidise the services by around £600,000 each year.

The proposals would seek to introduce a charge of £1 for a concessionary day ticket. It is estimated that this would help to lower the amount that the county and city councils subsidise the service by around £100,000 a year.

Peter Osborne, cabinet member for highways, said: “At a time when all our services are facing cutbacks, we can’t continue to subsidise park and ride to this extent. Introducing a £1 concessionary day ticket for using the service is still good value-for money.

“We want park and ride to succeed and we’ll be increasing our promotion of the service as well as launching a new campaign to encourage more people to consider using sustainable travel. We’re also very keen to hear what people have to say about this proposed charge.”

New stops were added at Leicester Royal Infirmary and De Montfort University, as part of the Enderby service 203 route, on Monday September 29.

To have your say on the proposals before it closes on November 17, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/haveyoursay/parkandrid efares.

Severn Trent about their drains.

Cllr Gaskell reported that residents of Hallam Fields are asking when shops will be provided on the site.

Tony Donovan from Age UK spoke about the provision of a bath and a bath nurse at the Age Concern Day Centre in the Village Hall. The bath has broken and the bath nurse re-deployed at other sites. The Parish Council pays for this service. Age UK need to find £16,000 to provide a new bath. It was agreed to .pay £800-£900 of outstanding invoices from Age UK and to negotiate a contract with them to make formal the arrangement.

The council agreed that draft minutes of council meetings will not be made available to the press or public until they have been approved at the next council meeting.

It was agreed that security fencing be installed at Greengate Lane allotments near to Fielding Road to prevent pedestrians using an unsafe short cut. The fencing will cost £491.

It was reported that a working party had met with around 15 members of the public for an informal discussion about the dog byelaws. Cllr Ed Marshall said it had been a useful meeting and that the public were generally supportive of the existing byelaws and would like to see them enforced. Dog exercise areas were not viable due to lack of space and time slots for exercising dogs off the lead were not workable.

The Council agreed that the existing dog byelaws be retained and agreed in principle to employing a dog warden, subject to costings. Comment was made that if fines were issued the council may have to pursue the matter through the courts and that the costs of employing a dog warden would have to be balanced against the impact they would have on the problem of dog fouling/dogs off the lead.

PCSO Mark Butler reported that a Community Speedwatch scheme will start on Greengate Lane next summer.

The next Birstall Gala will be held on June 27 & 28, 2015

The December issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Nov 29.

The copy deadline is Nov 14.

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

13

Birstall flower club’s growing membership ARE YOU interested in flowers? Then Birstall Flower Club may be for you.

Kids’ cake sale cash THE CHILDREN at Half Pints Child Care on Loughborough Road were excited to take part in the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’.

A spokesman said: “The children learned about the science of cooking, about children who are less fortunate than themselves, counting money and most importantly the act of generosity for such a worthy charity.

We would like to thank everyone that attended and those passer-bys who interacted with the children selling the cakes and gave so generously enabling us to raise £81.83 for Macmillan.”

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

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A spokesman writes: We are a flower club who hold a meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month (not December) in the Village Hall in Birstall. We are affiliated to the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS).

Many flower clubs in the Leicestershire area have closed over recent years, but in Birstall, we pride ourselves on a growing membership. We have a wide age range of members and also many members from Quorn, Rothley, Queniborough and other surrounding villages. Because of our growing numbers, we are able to offer our demonstrators an excellent flower allowance and are always pleasantly surprised by the selection of flowers that they bring. As a committee, we listen to what our members want and implement those requests.

We offer a few workshops during the year, and you can join us if you want to.

The workshops give you the opportunity to learn different techniques of flower arranging and have a go yourself. At club meetings, you can enjoy the company of other like-minded friends and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee whilst watching a qualified NAFAS demonstrator making 5-6 arrangements relating to their demonstration title. If you buy a raffle ticket you may even win one of the arrangements to take home. We also offer you the choice of joining us on outings that we arrange to various gardens of interest.

November 26: Christmas Open Evening.

This is the highlight of our year. Tony Brown will be demonstrating “Paradise is a Garden”. He is a national NAFAS demonstrator and the meeting is open to the public – by ticket only. Tickets are available from Sylvia 0116 2674206 or Mary 07704398017 at £8 (includes light refreshments).

For our AGM in January, we have a

Giant Picnic. We do not have a demonstration at this meeting and after the business aspect of the meeting, we all sit down to a buffet style meal. This offers the opportunity to enjoy a nice meal and to actually talk to other members of the club. All our members are very hands on and their help is greatly appreciated. They feel involved in their club and are not pressurised into joining “The Committee”.

Why not come along and have a look to see what we do?

Birstall Village Hall, 7.00 pm, fourth Wednesday of the month.

Visitors £5 (normal meeting) or £8 for Open evening or search Facebook for Birstall Flower Club.

14

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

Support for people with cancer Club FREE COMPLEMENTARY therapy sessions in Wanlip are just one of the services offered by a local cancer charity that provides practical and emotional support to anyone affected by cancer.

‘Coping with Cancer’ supports around 500 people and provides free services from the moment a diagnosis is made.

Support can last for weeks, months or even years.

The ‘Time Out’ group in Wanlip village Hall is one of the services offered and provides free, drop-in complementary therapy specially designed for cancer patients, their families and carers.

The services have been running for

plans changes BIRSTALL UNITED Juniors Football Club (BUJFC) is embarking on a project to improve the clubhouse and surrounding facilities at their ground on Meadow Lane.

Pic: therapist Camara Reed (left) with Cindy Smith

three years and are funded by Birstall BAGS. They include aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head massage and Reiki, all provided in a calm relaxing space with the opportunity to chat to other patients and carers.

One user of the group, and the other services provided by CWC, is Dorothy.

She said: “I have been a service user for several years and found the organisation to be fantastic. It has supported me throughout my emotional and physical rollercoaster beyond what I ever thought possible. I have accessed complementary therapies and counselling which have helped me get through the rocky road from cancer diagnosis to rebuilding my life. I cannot fault the charity in any way.

It is a marvellous organisa-

CHRIS MEYNELL & FAMILY

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

tion”.

Liz Darlison from Birstall BAGS said: “Time Out Birstall and Wanlip is an excellent example of what can be achieved when groups work together to meet the needs of a local community.

Birstall BAGS are committed to ensuring the Birstall Time Out group not only continues but that it is developed to maximise the benefit for the local community. We are grateful to Coping with Cancer and to everyone who supports our fundraising initiatives.”

Other services offered by CWC include: • confidential counselling • support groups, including women only, young people, family and friends • practical support on hair loss • befriending • social activities • solicitors surgery (information on legal issues and wills) To access support from CWC you can refer yourself, or someone else, by calling them on 0116 223 0055.

Danielle Mellows, CWC Community Engagement Officer, said: “As a charity, we would like to raise the awareness of ‘Coping with Cancer’ and the support services we can offer and to establish partnerships within the local community to improve health and wellbeing in the local area. We really want to engage with the people of Birstall and surrounding villages to promote health and wellbeing, offer support to those that need it and to put on activities that the communities want.” www.c-w-c.org.uk • ‘Time Out’, Wanlip Village Hall (LE7 4PJ) second & fourth Wednesday of every month, l.30-4pm. Tel: 2230055

REX BRISLAND

The current facilities are deemed to be in a fairly poor state, say the club, and do not provide the right quality of environment for the 200 plus youngsters, aged between 4 and 16 years old, who play across the various teams.

Iain Sands, the Under 10’s Team Manager, is leading the project. He said: “The club has been a pillar of the Birstall community since 1976 and the impact we have from a social perspective in the local area and surrounding communities is immense. We have teams for all age groups, including an Inclusive team for players with special needs, and the players just love pulling on the BU shirt. Yet, we do not have anything that we could really call a clubhouse which can act as a central focal point where the players, parents and visitors can congregate to create a true community feel”.

The club is looking to some of the national and local funding initiatives to support the development of the facilities as part of this vision, but the first step is to gain the views of the local community on the areas for improvement. You can support this project by visiting the BUJFC website www.clubwebsite.co.uk/birstallunitedj uniorsfc01/Home and completing a short on-line survey by following the link on the home page.

Whilst the on-line survey focuses on facilities, members of the community can share their ideas for how the club delivers sporting opportunity in Birstall and its role in the wider community by emailing bujfc.development@virginmedia.com

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39 Copeland Rd, Birstall

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

NHW news

& crime report

I didn’t report it, it’s not worth it!

We hear this comment very often from residents in the village. Mostly in relation to ‘minor’ crimes such has damage but occasionally much more serious incidents and would you believe sometimes even burglary. If you would like to see a greater police presence in the area and a lower crime rate, (we all do), then all crimes should be reported as soon as possible. The police will respond to crimes. Maybe not every incident will receive an immediate response, their work does need to be prioritised at times, but every reported incident is recorded and the information circulated to officers. These records cannot be ignored or removed and will be included in daily/weekly/monthly crime lists circulated to senior officers.

A higher level of recorded incidents in an area will soon show up on these lists and receive a higher priority. Modern work practices which rely on computerised records unfortunately mean that very often it can be interpreted as ‘no reports from an area means no crime in that area’. If you do not report crimes and other incidents, you are letting down your friends and neighbours.

How do I report a crime/incident ?

• If a crime is taking place (or the criminals are still in the area) or life is in danger, dial 999.

• To report crimes that have already taken place, dial 101.

The 101 number is the non-emergency general number for the police. It can be used to leave messages for officers or for other general enquiries. At times it can be quite busy and there may be a delay in answering, but it will be answered.

These two numbers are the only way to get crimes/incidents recorded.

How can I speak to a local officer for advice ?

• Visit one of the monthly beat surgeries (third Saturday 10.00 – 12.00 at 10, Sibson Road) • Dial 101 and leave a message (use their collar number for each officer or ask the operator to connect you).

• Try one of the numbers on the Watch membership card (these may not be answered) Please note that the Birstall Police room is not permanently manned and is not intended to be a public call point although it is worth trying this number.

It must not be used to report crimes.

Should I contact the Watch about crimes?

Report all crimes to the police first.

The Watch is keen to give help and advice to residents on all matters related to crime. Although we get information on local crimes from the police, we would also like you to tell us about problems in local areas to enable us to engage with the police and other organisations to find solutions. We are also able to give worthwhile crime prevention advice.

Please ring the Watch on 0116 2676397, if not answered, please leave a message.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

15

Crime Report, Birstall & Wanlip Sep 2014 Assaults 5, burglary dwelling 2, burglary non dwelling 1, damage 1, dame to motor vehicle 1, drugs 1, theft cycle 3, theft from motor vehicle 10, theft of motor vehicle 2, theft store 2

Recorded crime has fallen this month with a total of just 28 crimes reported during the month of September, which is obviously good news.

Both dwelling burglaries and nondwelling burglaries have also fallen considerably with a total of just three offences in September - down from 12 the previous month. Please can I remind residents however that as the nights draw in it becomes more apparent that houses are empty – please consider leaving a light on to give the impression that your house is occupied as intruders are far less likely to try and break in if they think someone is at home.

Please also be advised that October will see the release from prison of a notorious burglar who was suspected of committing a number of offences in Birstall, especially around the Park Road, Fielding Road and Station Road areas. Please continue to ensure that you are securing your property when it is empty and that you report any suspicious activity or people to the Police or Neighbourhood Watch.

Theft from motor vehicles has unfortunately risen this month with 10 crimes reported. Many of the items stolen included Sat-navs, mobile phones and small electrical devices. Please ensure that these are locked away out of sight when your vehicle is left unattended, even if it is just for a minute or so.

On September 6 we held another ‘Fatal 4’ event in the village with both local officers and officers from our Road Policing Unit (RPU) targeting drivers who were using mobile phones, speeding and not wearing seatbelts etc. During the morning a total of 32 vehicles were stopped a number of offences dealt with, including 36 seat belt offences (a number of passengers were dealt with as well), 2 vehicles dealt with for no tax and another for having 2 defective tyres. We will continue to

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Birstall & Wanlip WI news AT OUR October meeting Sandra Moore entertained us in the guise of her alter ego, schoolteacher Elizabeth Goodwin who died in 1922.

She described the lives of several strong characters that are buried in Belgrave Cemetery.

Once again Maxilyn and Kath were invited to judge the Birstall Bake Off at the White Horse in September and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

On October 8 to celebrate the arrival of the WI centenary Baton all the Leicestershire and Rutland WI’s displayed their names in bunting along the whole length of Foxton Locks. Our WI bunting was much admired as each triangle was individually decorated by each of our ladies. Luckily the weather held as we passed the baton from member to member. It was quite a spectacle.

The next day the baton was taken on a mass WI walk across Bradgate Park

and on October 14 the baton was finally handed over to Huntingdon and Peterborough WI after a 17 mile walk around Rutland Water. Birstall and Wanlip WI was represented at each event throughout the week We play Markfield WI in the 2nd round of our annual Bowls competition on October 22.

Our next meeting on November 3 will be our AGM when we reflect on the past year and vote in a new committee followed by a buffet and entertainment.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

run these operations whenever we can and will notify you of the results in due course.

At a recent Neighbourhood watch meeting the issue of speeding in the village was discussed, with a lot of residents concerned about the speed that vehicles are travelling at, especially along Wanlip Lane and Birstall Road. Recently all members of the beat team received training in the use of the speed detection ‘gun’ and so it is hoped that we will be able address this issue by conducting some speed checks in these areas. Please ensure that if you trav-

el along these roads, and indeed any roads in the village, you ensure that you are adhering to the speed limits, both for your safety and for the safety of other road users.

From PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels, PCSO’s 6611 Mark Butler, 6048 Adam Loydall and 6391 Fiona Lacey. http://www.leics.police.uk Tel: 101 or 0116 2677355 (Please note this is an advice line only – Please use 101 to report crime).

Pic: Birstall and Wanlip WI members (l-r) Andrea Scott, Sandra Loney, Maxilyn Geary, Margaret Hoskins and Kath Wright hold the bunting made for the WI centenary baton exchange at Foxton Locks

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

News from the churches Did you know that November was originally the ninth month of the year and its name came from the Latin for 9 (novem)?

In fact the Roman year began with March and the months were of varying lengths until Julius Caesar chose an astronomer to devise a better calendar.

Unfortunately no-one has yet been able to organise the weather as easily!

We expect November to be a dark and rather dreary month and however much we may complain about the early preparations for Christmas in the shops, at least that brings a welcome splash of colour to our streets.

The many events this year which have commemorated the start of the Great War in 1914, will bring a special poignancy to the annual Remembrance Sunday service on Sunday 9th November at 10.45 at St. James’ Church, Birstall.

Once again the names of the local men who lost their lives in both world wars of the 20th century will be read out, and the bugle will sound the Reveille and Last Post for those who will not wake again in this world.

The mood changes by the end of the month, when we celebrate the beginning

of Advent, the season in which the Church looks forward to the coming of Christ at Christmas. On Sunday November 30 at 6pm at Wanlip Church our special Advent Service takes place when the first Advent candle is lit and Advent songs and carols are sung. Another annual pre-Christmas event will take place on Sunday November 23 at 2.30pm in the Village Hall: the popular quiz afternoon (followed by cream tea) at which all are welcome. Finally, an advance notice that the seasonal favourite, the Christingle service, will be on Sunday December 7 at 10am at St. James.

From Birstall Parish Church

Methodist Christmas Festival The Methodist Church Wanlip Lane looks forward to welcoming you to our Christmas Festival on Friday & Saturday November 28 & 29, open at 10am each day until 7pm Friday & 2pm Saturday.

Under a theme of ‘Christmas Traditions’ the church will be filled with about 50 different interpretations of the theme. The church is grateful for the creative skill of many Birstall folk, community organisations, and village busi-

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nesses. To see these ‘creations’ of trees, displays, models and arrangements you are invited to make a £1 donation for adults. Accompanied children are not expected to make any donation – and they can meet Father Christmas too!

On Friday outside the church will be a well-filled ‘Christmas Market’ which will include gifts, crafts, Christmas decorations, home-made cakes & goodies, jams, marmalades, chutneys & pickles.

There will be a raffle & tombola.

On Saturday there will be a table-top sale in the main hall and whatever remains (if anything) from the Friday Christmas Market.

The church Coffee-Shop will be open throughout with light lunches served between noon & 2pm.

Funds are raised for the Methodist Church in Birstall and for ‘Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, West Leicestershire’ All Birstall Preachers & A Memorial Service Last month the preachers at the Methodist morning services had a number of new faces. In November , rather unusually, all the preachers are resident in Birstall.

All are welcome to our Sunday Service – 10.30 am with occasional evening service at 6pm.

A special memorial service led by our Minister Rev Rachel Parkinson will take place at 6pm on Sunday November 9.

This service will not just be thinking about those who have died in conflict, but also especially those close to us who have died especially in the more recent past.

Bus service improved A BUS service from Birstall to Leicester has been improved.

From Monday November 10 the Centrebus 22A and 22B buses services have greater daytime frequency and additional evening journeys.

Thomas Manship, Commercial Administrator for Centrebus, said: “We’ve seen increased passenger growth on the Birstall Centrebus services so the next logical thing to do was to increase the daytime frequency to every 15 minutes providing a great way for people to commute to work, connect with Leicester Rail Station or simply visit Leicester.”

He added: “If customers swap to our Carbonara 10 trip Smart Card, a trip to Leicester costs as little as £1.20 making our fares the lowest in Birstall. With friendly drivers, low floor buses and the lowest fares there’s never been a better time to swap to the 22A/B.” Details of the new timetable can be found on our website www.centrebus.info.

From Birstall Methodist Church

Care Sri Lanka At our Harvest Service, at the beginning of October, we were able to thank God for His abundant provision for us and to remember others through supporting Care Sri Lanka. A major part of this Christian charity’s work is the support of children in poor village areas and this Christmas they plan to surprise the children by giving them a new piece of clothing. A shipment has been despatched but financial donations are accepted until 6th December and will be used to either purchase items in Sri Lanka itself or employ village tailors/seamstresses to make the clothes, thus helping the economy of the villages they serve. If you would like to support this appeal, then contact alan.nicola@caresrilanka.org.

Sunday services Our normal Sunday morning services will be held in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School (LE4 3DL) through November, starting at 10.45am and you will be most welcome to come along and join with us. Our visiting speaker on November 16 will be John Todd (Loughborough).

Looking ahead There are two events at the beginning of December, which I’d like to bring to your attention. Firstly, we will be attending the Birstall Christmas Fair in the Village Hall on the afternoon/evening of December 5 and we will have Lodge Trust craft items and cards, together with calendars and Christmas books. The Trust is based in Market Overton, Rutland, and provides Christian care for adults with learning difficulties. Secondly, our Carol Service will be held on Sunday December 7, starting at 10.45am. Please put these dates in your diaries/phones.

Further information : please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

Search for history THE LIVING relatives of a former head teacher at a Belgrave school are being sought by a local group.

The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery are trying to find out more about Miss Elizabeth Goodwin, the head teacher of Belgrave National School for 25 years, and who died in 1921.

Sandra Moore leads guided walks around the cemetery dressed as the historic character. She said “We would like to get in touch with any of her living relatives. The Friends want to know shat she looked like and what sort of teacher she was.

“We know that she was born into a teaching family in the Nottinghamshire village of Cropwell Butler in 1869 and she was one of six children. Elizabeth lived next to the school in Thurcaston Road, and was joined there in later life by her sister, Margaret and her mother Mary Ann Goodwin. We believe a younger sister Sarah Smith was living in Belgrave Avenue in the 1920s.”

If any of these names ring a bell or you think you can help solve the Friends puzzle, Sandra Moore can be contacted on 0116 236 3739 or email: sandraemoore@sky.com

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

17

Wide range of services for over 50’s AGE UK Leicester Shire & Rutland offers various activities, facilities and services to the over 50s at Clarence House in Leicester.

Pic: Birstall Brownies with members of BIrstall Ladies Bowling Club

Bowling club’s news BIRSTALL LADIES Bowling Club’s Pa Walker has been named as a travelling reserve in the England squad for next year’s International Series, which takes place in Leamington Spa.

Pic: Clarence House

Clarence House is a substantial property located within Leicester City Centre in Humberstone Gate, not far from the Clock Tower and Haymarket Shopping Centre.

Built in the late 1800s, Clarence House is an impressive listed building of special historic and architectural interest. It contains many fine period features, including beamed ceilings, stained glass windows and original fireplaces.

The building, which has been used over the years as Wyggeston Girls School and the City of Leicester Boys’ School, was renamed Clarence House by Age Concern (now Age UK) in honour of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who was patron of Age Concern for many years.

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has been at Clarence House for over 30 years and is a busy hub which welcomes around 800 older people each day from Monday to Saturday.

The various activities, facilities and services at Clarence House include: • The Season’s Restaurant, open between 9am and 3.30pm on weekdays and between 9am and 1.45pm on Saturdays • Ladies and Gents hairdressing from Tuesday to Saturday: by appointment, call 0116 2220585 to book • insurance sale Monday to Wednesday each week between 10am and 12.30pm • information and advice by appointment on weekdays: call 0116 2992278 to book • a charity shop offering good quality clothes, books and bric-a-brac between 9am and 4pm on weekdays and 10am– 2pm on Saturdays • footcare on alternate Thursdays by appointment: call 0116 2992233 to book There is also a wide range of classes and activities and they are always looking at the possibility of running more, so if there is a class or activity you would like to attend please ask.

Currently offered, from January 2014

are: • Exercise classes including Zumba Gold, CHA Samba, Tai Chi, Yoga and Gentle Exercise • Computer classes • Social groups including a writers’ group, readers’ group and a Spanish class • Guitar lessons • Dance classes, including Modern Sequence Dancing and Line Dancing • Arts & Crafts classes, such as drawing, water colour painting, oil painting and card making • Carpet Bowls, Whist and Bingo On December 5 there is a Christmas Concert in the Great Hall between 10.30am and midday, £3 each. There are Christmas Gifts stalls in The Season’s Restaurant on the Saturday before Christmas, 10am-2pm There are Christmas lunches on three dates in December. To book call 0116 2992233.

Clarence House is open Mon to Thur 8.30am-4.30pm, Fri 8.30am-4pm, Sat 8.30am-2pm. It is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. From Jex Woods

Pa, who made her England debut in this year’s series, will play if any changes are made to the team during the event.

To round off a busy and successful season for the ladies, they won the First Division of the Friday Triples League.

They also welcomed the local Brownie group to the club and the girls were able to have a go at playing by using special Taylor Junior Ace bowls, which are smaller than normal sized bowls, enabling the youngsters to hold the bowls properly.

Meanwhile, Birstall’s John Jenkins has been elected the new Bowls Leicestershire Men’s President. The honour will see Birstall hosting several county matches next season as John celebrates his year.

Just after the season ended, over 40 players and guests visited Mojacar in Spain for the club’s tenth annual tour.

The club only won one out of four of the matches played but, thanks to fines dished out by “Fine Master” Duncan Brown, around 270 euro was raised for Presidents Di Hartop and Mick Barnacle’s chosen charities, Save the Children and Rainbows. This included a donation of 50 euro from the Cabrera club, who Birstall visited for a night out during the

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

Rothley vineyard’s winning wine A ROTHLEY vineyard has won an award in a national wine competition at its first attempt.

The Kingfishers’ Pool vineyard was started as a hobby by Liz Robson in 2008, in the garden of her Rothley home. In July, Liz retired from her full time position as principal lecturer in midwifery at De Montfort University to devote more time to the vineyard.

The first sparkling wine, Sparkling Orion, has just won a silver medal at the English and Welsh wine competition in Oxford in the white sparkling wine class.

Liz said: “This is the first time we have entered wine into a national competition, and when I saw the results and the words “silver medal” I could scarcely believe my eyes!

When I read the results in more detail I realised that very few of the sparkling wines were from the 2012 vintage, which had been the wettest summer on record and a number of prestigious vineyards had not taken a harvest at all.

“When I scrutinised the figures further it slowly dawned on me that only three 2012 sparkling white wines had

MORE THAN £2000 has been raised for local causes, thanks to the fundraising of Birstall Methodist Church Monday Women’s group.

Our picture shows members of Birstall Monday Women’s Group, with Sandra Kennell and Barbara Steward handing cheques over to representatives of the Boys & Girls Brigades, Age Concern (Birstall & Wanlip) and the Birstall Youth Café.

Next year’s fundraising will support ‘Look and Feel Better Cancer Support’.

Pic: grape picking in the Rothley vineyard

won a silver medal, ours, and the other two being Renishaw in Derbyshire, made by the same winemakers, and the renowned Camel Valley in Devon. To think that our small boutique vineyard was producing wine on a par with Camel Valley was astonishing and exceeded my retirement expectations.”

The vineyard has won bronze medals in a regional competition and two of these wines, as well as Sparkling Orion, are currently for sale at David North’s delicatessen on Station Road, Rothley.

Kingfishers’ Pool was visited by Ben Jackson from BBC Radio Leicester in September and he broadcast some of his show from the vineyard. www.rothleywine.com

Christmas Birstall’s music Christmas lights BBC CHOIR of the Year finalists Kingfisher Chorale will offer audience members an intriguing choice when they perform at Birstall Methodist Church on Saturday December 6 at 7.30pm.

The choir will present a varied programme of Christmas music under the title “Puer Natus Est” – and invite the audience to vary it some more!

While most of the programme is finalised, there will be a section in either half where the choir will invite audience members to choose any two of four different carols it has prepared for performance, an idea the choir will repeat during its Christmas season of three concerts at Leicester Guildhall.

“Every year we prepare lots of pieces for these concerts, but then someone always says it would be lovely to hear this or that other carol”, says Jonathan Wheeler, a Birstall resident who sings tenor with the choir: “Well this year we’ve come up with a cunning plan to keep everybody happy!”

Tickets for the concert cost £10 for adults; £8 for concessions and £2 for students if bought in advance from Birstall Methodist Church; choir members or via www.kingfisherchorale.org, these prices rising to £12, £10 and £2 on the door.

BIRSTALL’S CHRISTMAS lights switch on and Christmas Market will take place this year on Friday December 5 at the Sibson Road car park.

Organised by Birstall Parish Council, last year’s event attracted a record breaking crowd. This year attractions will once include carol singing, fairground rides, hot potatoes and roasted chestnuts and a Christmas market in the village hall from 3.30pm.

The main event in the Sibson Road car park starts at 5.30pm. Visitors can enjoy a free mince pie and mulled wine in the Age Concern Day Centre in the Village Hall from 6.30pm. Those wishing to book a stall at the market can contact Birstall Parish Council on 2676191 or download a form from www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk.

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

age

John’s story

INFO An overwhelming 97% of people in the East Midlands believe that more should be done to help older people claim the full range of benefits available to them, according to new research for Age UK. The research, published to support the Charity’s new campaign to End Pensioner Poverty, found that 46% of respondents in the East Midlands were completely unaware that so many pensioners are living below the breadline.

Upon hearing 1.6 million pensioners are in poverty, 24% of respondents in the East Midlands felt angry, 29% felt worried, and 27% reported feeling shocked.

How we can end pensioner poverty?

In its new report ‘How we can end pensioner poverty’, Age UK warns that many pensioners are floundering on low, fixed incomes and have been walking a tightrope in recent years as food and utility bills have risen dramatically.

Yet despite high numbers of pensioners in the UK struggling to survive below the poverty line, with nearly a million of those living in severe poverty, each year huge numbers of older people are missing out on as much as £5.5 billion of

Local plan A PLANNING Inspector will resume his examination of Charnwood Borough Council’s Core Strategy in December.

The Core Strategy, which contains plans for around 20,000 new homes in Charnwood including 1500 at ‘North Birstall’, sets out the Borough Council’s vision of where future development should take place.

In March the Planning Inspector Kevin Ward suspended his examination to give Charnwood time to work with other local authorities to produce more up to date evidence of future housing need across Leicestershire. He was not convinced that the proposal to build 17,380 new homes in the period 2006 to 2028 was soundly based.

The Birstall Post understands that the figure will be revised upwards and that a planning application for 1500 plus new homes and a primary school at ‘North Birstall’ is likely to be given approval by Charnwood.

The examination in public of the Core Strategy will resume in the Victoria Room at Loughborough Town Hall from December 9-19, then from January 6-15. www.localplan.charnwood.gov.uk

crucial financial support. Some simply do not know that they could be entitled to extra income. Others are acutely aware of the benefits available but feel too proud or embarrassed to put in a claim. Some have unsuccessfully tried before, or have been put off by the claiming process which they feel is too complicated or intrusive.

With so many older people struggling to make ends meet yet missing out on vital benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and council tax support,

Age UK is calling on politicians and decision-makers to urgently prioritise tackling pensioner poverty and help those who desperately need it. If those eligible for Pension Credit made a claim, on average it could boost their budget by over £1700 a year – that’s an extra £33 a week to spend on essentials such as decent food, clothing, transport or heating.

Income related benefits Older people are not just missing out on income related benefits; many are also entitled to benefits linked to illness

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John Haywood, 66, who is supporting Age UKs End Pensioner Poverty campaign, said: “I wasn’t aware of any extra benefit, I thought ‘I own a house so I won’t get anything’ it was the State Pension and that was it. The worry was phenomenal and I was going short. After a benefits check, my local Age UK advised me of my entitlement to Pension Credit and Council Tax Benefit. As a result I’m nearly £60 a week better off. The relief that I felt when I came out of the Age UK was indescribable. The extra money has made a vast difference. I’ve bought a decent pair of shoes and I can go to the social club once a week and – otherwise it is just isolation.” and disability. The increased spending pressures that disability brings, such as needing to take taxis and using more heating, can leave even those on decent incomes at risk of poverty and financial hardship.

Age UK is calling on the Government to provide a national training programme for health professionals and local authority staff to help older people who might be eligible to claim benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance to help maximise their income.

There can be no doubt that the positive impacts of claiming benefits are huge. In a recent survey of those helped to claim their benefits by the Charity, two thirds (65%) said they are now better able to pay their bills as a result of claiming, well over half (53%) felt they now have enough money to live on, a third felt more prepared for the upcoming winter (30%), and almost onefifth (16%) said they use the health

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service less than they did before. The impact of the extra support on general wellbeing is also considerable with 70% reporting they feel less stressed and anxious, two-fifths (39%) feeling more independent and self-confident, and more than a quarter (28%) feeling less lonely and isolated and generally treated with more respect and dignity).

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “Every day we hear heart-warming stories which demonstrate the transformative impact of claiming benefits. People [like John] tell us constantly what a huge difference the extra money makes and how much less they now worry about the cost of everyday life.

“Yet it is nothing short of a scandal that there are still so many vulnerable older people in the UK living in poverty – unable to afford decent food, heat their home or live an independent life – when billions of pounds in benefits are unclaimed.

“Now is the time for a concerted effort to help the very poorest pensioners – strong social support, affordable essential services and access to good quality information and advice are essential. We urgently need a comprehensive national strategy which sets firm targets and workable solutions to end the scourge of pensioner poverty once and for all.”

To mark the launch of its new campaign, Age UK is calling on MPs to support the campaign and urge the Secretary of State, Iain Duncan Smith MP, to urgently develop a national pensioner poverty strategy. People can visit www.ageuk.org.uk\endpensionerpoverty for further details.

Any older person who is worried about money can contact Age UK to find out if they could be entitled to some extra help. People can also call the national Age UK Advice line on 0800 169 65 65 for free information and advice or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/endpensionerpoverty.

20

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2014

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Lung Cancer The Birstall BAG’s are supporting Lung Cancer Awareness month which runs throughout November.

The campaign aims to encourage people displaying the symptoms of lung cancer to visit their GP. Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer. It is the most common cause of death from cancer for both men and women, claiming almost 35,000 lives a year. Early detection of lung cancer makes it more treatable, so encouraging people to recognise symptoms really could save lives.

Please remember lung cancer does affect non-smokers too. Approximately 4500 non smokers are diagnosed each year.

There are lots of reasons why you might have some of the symptoms below. It may be nothing serious but it's worth getting yourself checked out. If you have any of the following symptoms for more than three weeks, make an appointment with your GP today.

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237 6098

Unit 3, Victoria Mills Fowke St, Rothley Easy Parking

Smoking – the facts! · The more you smoke, the more likely you are to get lung cancer but the length of time you have been a smoker is even more important than how many cigarettes you smoke a day · Starting smoking at a young age is even more harmful than starting as an adult · Stopping smoking reduces your risk of lung cancer compared to continuing to smoke. The sooner you quit, the better your health - but it's never too late · Passive smoking (breathing in other people's cigarette smoke) increases the risk of lung cancer, but it is still much less than if you smoke yourself For further information:www.roycastle.org Telephone: 0333 323 7200 or of course our local University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189.

For more information on the funds we have raised, projects we support and forthcoming events see www.birstallbags.co.uk Please arrange to collect and pay for any Ceri Dupree tickets you have ordered ASAP. We have a few tickets left for Ceri's Christmas show at Birstall Social Club on Saturday December 20 please contact Birstall BAG’s by email birstallbags@hotmail.com or text mobile 07734 212102 . Please note reservations require full payment of £10 per ticket (over 18’s only).

Please support Birstall BAG's at the Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop on Saturday November 8 10-12.30. Cakes and gift bag stall available and our usual 'BAG's welcome.

Thank you all for you ongoing support.

Small Ads Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Birstall library.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words.

Phone numbers count as one word.

TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV. Over 25 yrs experience. John 2675132 AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy.

Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 / 07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk GUITAR TUITION Most styles/levels.

Local experienced teacher, beginners/children welcome, from £10 p.h. Tel: Chris Gibson 07946 073976 FOR SALE Ladies Bicycle £50, very little used. Tel: 0116 2675509 FOR SALE Mr & Mrs game, family edition, was £30, now £15. Tel: 0116 2673180 REVIBER PLUS, toning work out machine, drop a dress size with this compact vibration unit £85. Tel: 0116 2673289

THE BIRSTALL POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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

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

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