Birstall Post (380) March 2105

the Birstall post Y O U R

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MARCH 2015

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Aladdin pulls in crowds EVERYONE KNOWS the story of Aladdin, or at least the Disney Version.

For their annual panto the cast of the Birstall Methodist Men's Pantomime performed a more traditional version, where Aladdin is a poor boy from old Peking. He lives with his mother the Widow Twankey and his adopted brothers Wishee and Washee in the town laundry.

The wicked Abanazar is seeking someone trustworthy but gullible to retrieve a magic lamp from a deep dark cave.

Aladdin refuses to give Abanazar the lamp until he is out of the cave, but instead Abanazar locks him in the darkness. With the help of a magic ring Aladdin escapes and summons the Genie. It all works out well in the end.

The men’s panto group meets for rehearsals, at the Methodist Church on Wanlip Lane from the end of September, on Thursdays from 7.45pm until about 9.30pm.

New members are always welcome. “Singing, dancing and acting abilities are not necessary” said Richard.

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Schools receive funding TWO BIRSTALL schools have been awarded grant funding from the Governments Priority School Building Programme (PSBF).

Highcliffe primary school and Longslade College are two of 227 schools in England chosen to benefit from the funding, which is for schools in "urgent need of repair". Only two other schools in Leicestershire will receive funding.

The 277 schools will share £2billion, the equivalent of £7.2million per school.

At Highcliffe the money will be spent on refurbishing the school.

At Longslade it will be used to either refurbish or demolish and rebuild the main administration block.

The chair of the Lionheart Academies Trust Chris Swan said: "This is good Continued on page 3

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

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First new housing at Ashton Green 100 NEW homes will be built at Ashton Green this year, the first of 3000 that are planned for a major new housing development at the Leicester City end of Greengate Lane.

Leicester City Council has agreed to sell a 2.5 hectare site to Morris Homes for just over 100 family homes, including affordable housing. The site will house a range of three and four-bedroomed homes, designed to meet the environmental standards required for Ashton Green as a sustainable development.

Securing this first land sale is an important milestone for the council as it has been unable to find a developer since planning permission was granted in 2010.

The parcel of land was sold for £3million. It is located at Glebelands Wood, off Leicester Road, next to the Glebelands development.

In 2014, the council altered its strategy for the development of Ashton Green to make it easier for different developers to take on a number of smaller parcels of land, rather than one developer taking on the whole scheme.

Since then the council has installed highway infrastructure needed to make the site more attractive to developers.

New walking and cycling routes and traffic-calming improvements are due to be installed to tie in with the Morris Homes scheme, which aims to be on site in the autumn.

Ashton Green is planned as a sustainable new community including 3,000 new homes and according to Leicester City Council, will be the most significant and innovative housing scheme in Leicester in more than 30 years. It will make a significant contribution towards delivering the new homes needed in the city over the next 20 years.

When complete, the Ashton Green scheme will include a wide range of family houses, including rental and lower-cost affordable homes, as well as employment land for new jobs, new schools, community and health facilities, Continued from page 1 news for families and the community as a whole. The next stage is for the Department for Education to send advisors to support the schools in deciding how to get the best value for money from the grant and a plan will then be put in place to make sure that the work is the least disruptive possible to teaching and learning."

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retail and public transport improvements. A third of the site will be kept as green space.

The site will be well served by buses from an early stage, say the Council, and travel planning for residents, schools and workplaces could include schemes such as car clubs.

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It’s great news that a housing developer has been secured for this section of land, following a lot of infrastructure work by the city council to open up Ashton Green to prospective developers.

“Creating 100 new homes will certainly help meet the need for housing in the city, and also gets development of the site off on the right footing. I look forward to the council working with Morris Homes to help bring their plans to life.”

Regional managing director at Morris Homes, Adam Knight, added: "We have a strong history of building quality homes in Leicester, and award-winning properties that boast cost-saving sustainable features, and we are proud to be the first housebuilder to start work on this landmark scheme.

"The emission-reducing features will help reduce energy bill costs for buyers, and the design of the properties will reflect the contemporary, sustainable homes available across our portfolio."

Birstall Parish Council, and many local residents, have expressed concern about the impact the development will have on traffic on Greengate Lane.

Birstall Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall said: "It has ben a long time coming but this development is going to be absolutely huge. We are being closed in on all sides in Birstall by development, we are really surrounded.

"The traffic that comes down the A6 is unbelievable, and people coimg down Greengate Lane from Ashton Green will be joining that.

"These developments on all sides make it increasingly difficult for us to remain a community. As everywhere melds into everywhere else we are all

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In 2010 a traffic impact assessment produced by the City Council said that measures to deter traffic from entering

Greengate Lane would result in “no material impact on Greengate Lane with the traffic from Ashton Green”.

The City Council have proposed the following traffic mitigation measures for Continued on page 4

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THE BIRSTALL POST

MAR 2015

Continued from page 3 Greengate Lane: • one-way signal controlled shuttle working at the railway bridge. The bridge is owned and maintained by the GCR. Traffic lights will control traffic on either side of the bridge, alternating the direction of traffic: east/west then west/east.

The City Council says: “the very nature of introducing traffic signals may increase journey times along Greengate Lane. However the signals are unlikely to result in significant build up of queues and on balance it is considered that they will act as an effective traffic calming

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measure, ultimately reducing the attractiveness of Greengate Lane for general traffic whilst a the same time increasing its attractiveness for pedestrians and cyclists.”

• speed humps • a shared footway/cycleway from Leicester Road to beyond the bridge. One option considered is utilising the verge as far as the junction of Woodgate Drive before cyclists rejoin the carriageway.

The City Council are also proposing speed humps on Leicester Road between Ashton Green and Thurcaston, and a ‘gateway entry feature’ for traffic approaching Ashton Green from the north that will reduce the speed limit to 30mph.

The Ashton Green development is part of the City Council’s plans to find 20,000 new homes in the next 15-20 years. The City Council says it will offer: • employment on 5 hectares of employment land • an ‘all-age school’ from 3-19 years, located at the western end of Greengate Lane extending eastwards towards the GCR bridge • safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists • good public transport links • community facilities • 49 hectares of green space • energy efficient homes with renewable energy sources • an on-site Energy Centre More details at www.leicester.gov.uk/ashtongreen

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on February 9.

PC Dave Jaeckels reported on a recent increase of thefts from motor vehicles in the village. He said he had researched where the crimes had taken place, and exactly half were in areas where street lights were turned off at night and half where they were left on.

Antisocial behaviour had recently become a priority because of a group of young people on Sibson Road, Wanlip Lane and Whiles Lane.

Four young people have been identified and visited by the Police and Charnwood’s Community Safety Team. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been agreed to.

A member of the public requested that at their next meeting, the council reconsider their decision not to permit pedestrian access along the new track in Meadow Lane playing fields.

Cllr David Gaskell reported that there were plans to change land

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RESIDENTS IN Charnwood are being encouraged to help the recycling effort by not using black bin bags in their green recycling bins.

Charnwood Borough Council’s collection crews need to be able to see the recyclable materials in the bins to ensure that there are only items that can be recycled.

If recyclable materials are placed in black bin bags the crews cannot check them and unfortunately will not be able to take the bin away.

A Borough Council spokesman said: “We recommend residents simply put their recyclable items loose in the recycling bin. Thank you for helping Charnwood recycle.”

If people are struggling to fit all their recycling in the bins, they can order an additional bin free of charge.

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levels near the River Soar near to the Co-op sports ground in order to reduce flood risk.

He said that the quality of the design of the housing planned for the Broadnook Garden suburb was exemplary and that additional housing is needed, but only if it is better designed and delivered then Hallam Fields. There were concerns about extra traffic on the A6, he said He reported that the proposed Wanlip bypass was no longer considered necessary and had been “kicked into touch”, and that he had been actively involved in attempts to get the Post Office to open a branch at Hallam Fields.

Cllr Iain Bentley reported that the redundant bus shelter on the Triangle roundabout would be removed before the end of April by its owner, but not resited anywhere in the village.

The Council agreed on the wording of an application form for grant aid to be made available to local clubs and organisations.

It was reported that notification from Charnwood about Listed Building Consent was needed before the plans to install a commemorative clock above the entrance of the Village Hall could be progressed.

The operators of the Skylink bus service have written to the Council saying they will not provide a stop on Loughborough Road near Red Hill Circle because it would have an adverse effect on journey times and punctuality.

Following a request from a resident, a grit bin will be installed on Briargate Drive.

Plans for the new community hall at Hallam Fields require the approval of the Palmer Tomkinson Trust before a planning application can be submitted.

The money allocated for the £350,000 hall is from Section 106 developer contributions and can only be spent on the hall.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

5

D-Day veteran dies aged 96 WANLIP’S FRED Sharpe has died, aged 96.

Born in Rothley, he worked in the Leicestershire shoe industry becoming a ‘clicker’, a skilled job that involved cutting out the correct quality of leather for each part of a shoe.

He was called up in 1939 and on June 5, 1944 set sail from Portsmouth for the D Day landings, part of the largest invasion force in history that liberated Europe and helped to end the war.

On the morning of D Day, June 6,

Plans for new hall AN ARCHITECT commissioned by Birstall Parish Council has drawn up plans for the new Community Hall at Hallam Fields.

Before a planning application can be submitted the plans need approval from the Palmer Tomkinson Trust .

The £350,000 building will contain a hall, meeting room and kitchen. The funding was negotiated as part of a Section 106 agreement associated with Hallam Fields, and the money can only be used for this purpose.

Monthly updates on the progress of the project will be given at Birstall Parish Council’s monthly meetings.

1944 Fred was in the third wave of troops to jump down from their boats and make their way up Sword beach, near Caen, all the while under enemy fire.

Interviewed by the Birstall Post in 2005, Fred said: “I didn’t feel frightened because we were all so keyed up, I had my friends with me and I had been sick on the boat and was desperate to get off it!

“The Commandos and Marines were in the first wave and they had taken a lot of enemy machine gun positions but the beaches were still being shelled. I jumped from my boat but was up to my neck in water with all my kit on and I couldn’t swim.

As I got on to the beach an enemy aircraft flew over and dropped a bomb, but I took cover behind a knocked out flail tank which took the blast. I looked on as our ships shot down the plane.”

Fred stayed with the Allied invasion force as it moved east through France and Germany before finally reaching Berlin from where he was demobbed in 1946.

Fred was first married to Connie with whom he had Marlene and Robert. In the early 60s he moved to Wanlip and married Dorothy and over the next 46 years made a major contribution to village life.

Each February Fred and Dorothy would sow

birstall post office

seeds that would be nurtured for a fundraising plant stall at the annual May fair.

This and other fundraising schemes saw thousands raised for Wanlip Church and the Hall.

Many villages will remember Fred as Father Christmas each Christmas Eve. Ever generous with his time and hospitality, he will

be long remembered as one of Wanlip’s characters.

Fred died following a short illness and the funeral was on December 12, 2014 at Loughborough Crematorium.

Pics: (left) Fred en route to Berlin in 1944 and (below) on Sword beach in 2005

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Ratby band THE RATBY Co-operative Brass Band are set to host their annual Musik Fest event at Groby Community College on April 24/25.

The weekend will feature performances from all bands in the Ratby Organisation, as well as Enderby Wind Band, Soar Valley Music Centre Big Band, Groby College Group, Wigston

Enterprise Band, Heart of England Chorus, Lutterworth Town Band and N’ukes Ukulele Band. This musical extravaganza promises to showcase a great variety of Leicestershire talent.

Children can attend the festival for free with tickets for either the Friday or Saturday evening costing £8 for adults and £7 for concessions. There are also full weekend tickets available at £12.

Contact Malcolm Pounder on 0116 2386749 or any Ratby Band members for tickets. For more information about the Ratby Brass Band Organisation, visit www.ratbyband.com

NHS concerns raised with MP BIRSTALL’S MP Stephen Dorrell visited Birstall Medical Centre in February to talk about the future of the NHS. Mr Dorrell, the Secretary of State for Health from 1995-1997, listened to points put to him by the chairman of Patient Participation Groups from the area.

They reported that there was a lot of pressure on GP services, more staff were needed on the front line, there is a shortage of GPs and nurses, and that patients are afraid that the NHS is in crisis and are anxious about their immediate care needs.

Mr Dorrell said that the NHS needs structural reform and not more money being put into existing structures. NHS Services need to be better integrated and

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 4.

The copy deadline is Mar 20.

Pic: Stephen Dorrell MP speaking at Birstall Medical Centre

include social care and the emphasis should be on treating people at home, and not in hospital.

NHS Services are already provided by a mixture of public and private, so what, what matters is what works, he said.

Mr Dorrell said he was optimistic about the future of the NHS as all the main political parties largely agreed to the future direction of the NHS, a direction of travel that had been pursued for the last 10 years and is set to continue.

Village gets set for duck race THE WHITE Horse's annual charity Duck Race will this year be held on Monday May 4.

All the proceeds from this popular event on the Whiles Lane riverbank will be donated to the Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) of Riverside and Highcliffe Primary Schools. Since the inaugural Duck Race in 2009, £20,000 has been raised for local charities and community organisations.

Charlotte Foy form the White Horse said:" We are pleased that both schools are involved in the funds raised from the Duck Race, it will benefit so many of Birstall’s children".

The PTA's will jointly run all stalls, games and activities that take place throughout the day and will share equally the money raised.

Speaking on behalf of the Highcliffe PTA, Reshma Kukadia said: "The school is proud to be working alongside the PTA of Riverside School and our share of funds raised will be put towards multiple school projects including the school library, sports equipment and the

music department ".

Carole Gutteridge of the Riverside PTA echoed Reshma's sentiments. "At Riverside we are currently raising funds to provide a wooden bespoke climbing fort for the children" she said. "A small group of parents, staff and friends work very hard fundraising to support the school and the help and support from the White Horse and the Birstall community will help them accomplish our fundraising goals."

There will be more detailed information in the local press in the coming months. Ducks will be available to purchase from the White Horse and both schools from the April 1, 2015.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

7

BAG’s charity status A LOCAL fundraising group that supports cancer services has been awarded charity status.

Founded in 1998, Birstall Breast Awareness Group (BAG’s), has organised dozens of community events and raised tens of thousands of pounds.

Money raised has been spent supporting cancer care including the Time Out support group at Wanlip Village Hall and the purchase of a bladder scanner for University Hospitals Leicester

Library day Spokeswoman Liz Darlison said: “Being recognised as a charity has many benefits in terms of the governance of the organisation and tax benefits for those donating to us. The BAG’s hope to see the charity’s work in Birstall and the surrounding area go from strength to strength.

“If anyone would like to hold an event to support the charity in any way, if you would like us to talk to a group or meeting about our work or anything related to cancer or if you have any ideas about initiatives you would like to see your local charity support please do contact the BAG’s Board of Trustees by email – birstallbags@hotmail.com or write to us c/o Peter Astill & Co, Hannah Parade, Stonehill Avenue, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4JE “Thank you for your ongoing support.”

OUR PICTURES show visitors to Birstall library on National library day in February.

There were craft sessions and an introduction to the library service’s free digital e-Resources.

Sienna Earle (9) enjoyed making a hedgehog from paper. “It was easy, I made six” she said.

Pic: (top) Claire Lines, Sally Pople, Sienna Earle (9), Jade Pople, Kelis Earle (5) & Jen Tiisler

Local grant funding LOCAL GROUPS are being invited to apply for grant funding from Birstall Parish Council.

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The Parish Council has budgeted £2400 for the financial year, to help support local clubs, groups and charities.

Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall said: “The Parish Council has set aside a small pot of £2400 so that non-profit making parish based community groups can apply for grants.

“A simple application form is available on the parish council website or from the council office, this will be widely publicised and one group has already indicated an interest.” www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

YOUR SAY...

The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Four years It is almost four years since Birstall elected Iain Bentley, Surinder Shergill, Stuart Jones and I to represent the people of Birstall at Charnwood Borough Council.

Tragically Stuart died but the three of us have carried on fighting your causes.

Well over one hundred of you will remember ( because you have used the facility) that we started holding monthly

surgeries in the old Council Offices on Sibson Road on the last Saturday of each month. One of the first complaints we received concerned excessive noise emanating from The Trees public house on Stonehill Avenue. After months of remonstrating with the owners and after many broken promises on their part, we had the pub closed. On the site now is a small housing development.

We have handled many, many complaints about Charnwood borough housing stock. These mostly concerned repairs. It soon became apparent that the designated repairer was not up to standard. We brought this to the attention of the officers at Charnwood Borough Council who changed the repairer and now our complaint rates have dropped substantially.

On one of our visits to the Riversdale Court Residential Home, we recognized that residents were having difficulties storing their disability scooters. We chased round and managed to find funding to purchase and erect such a store, complete with power points, the first in the Borough.

Since then we have managed to acquire over £2.0 million pounds to have the home completely refurbished. It has always been a lovely home, in a lovely setting but once these refurbishments are complete it will be magnificent.

When Iain Bentley successfully stood as the County Councillor for Birstall, the centre point of his campaign was to fight for a new primary school for Hallam Fields.

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Surinder and I have continued to strive with Iain and we have been assured that we will soon have another school. The question is whether it will be to the east or the west side of the A6, i.e. will it be on the Stonehill campus or will it be on Hallam Fields. We are fighting for Hallam Fields but it is nice to know that our efforts have been rewarded and we are going to get another primary school for Birstall.

The developers and planners have identified a site for extra houses, north of Birstall. Using the current legislation, it soon became apparent that it was futile to try to stop it and in any event, the quality of the houses on that development are better than usual, so we decided to object only to the traffic arrangements. We are proud to state that, because of our efforts we have managed to stop the proposed Wanlip bypass.

We listened to the objections of the people of Wanlip, as well the views of Birstall Parish Council and the residents of Wanlip Lane. We took those concerns to the planners and we were obviously listened to because the plan has now been dropped.

We are continuing to object to the proposed arrangements for the additional traffic from this development which would travel along the A6. That is unless serious alterations are made to the present road system to mitigate the potential problems.

The planners are aware of our objections and we will re-iterate them when the plans come up for public examination as well as before the planning committee. We are sure that this will be the best course of action and we know that the Parish Council has similar objections which they will air.

We have recently been joined by Renata Jones, who replaces as our candidate for the Birstall Wanlip ward, the much missed Stuart Jones (no relation). She will bring with her a wealth of experience in the business world and will work closely with Surinder. They will make a ‘ dynamic duo’ on the west side of the A6 and Wanlip and will work closely with Iain and I on the Watermead side .

There would appear to be two types of people in politics; the ‘ gunners’-i.e. those who are gunner to do this and gunner do that and the ‘ dunnits’ i.e. those who have done it. We like to think that the Birstall Conservatives have done it and our record tends to prove it. With your continued support, we will continue to do it, taking up the issues you identify to us. However, it is impossible for us to visit you all in your homes but we are always available either by email, phone or letter.

Cllr David Gaskell

Bowls Our club has weathered the winter very well. Bowls is not just a game.

Joining a bowls club has a big social side. Me and my good lady have always said, "If we did not enjoy the social, we would not play the game."

Well, over the winter we have had plenty of social. Coffee mornings, games evenings and events around Halloween, New Year, and a Valentine's candle lit supper. All of these were very well attended with fantastic food at unbelievable prices. We do have outside entertainers which we enjoy but most things are just by the members, for the members and it is amazing what a few friends getting together can do. I take my hat off to them all.

There has been some good weather recently and the sap is starting to rise.

They say a young man's fancy turns to love but that was a long time ago and these days we have other things to get excited about. I was tidying the ladies changing rooms the other day and found

a book under a bench - Fifty Shades of Grey, quite well worn. My good lady explained what it was all about. I never knew there was so much interest in black and white photography. She said not to bother reading it, as it won't be long before the film comes on the telly.

Only a few weeks to go and it will be April when the season starts. Then we will really get rocking and rolling! Anyone interested in bowling please contact my good friend John on 2675947.

Roly Green St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club, Birstall Road

Despondent Is it any wonder that the electorate is despondent over national politics when the Charnwood Conservative Constituency selects a Westminster city councillor to stand for election!

Mr Argar will contest the seat that is being vacated by Stephen Dorrell after his revelation that he will stand down at the May election.

Mr Hanif Asmal, the Charnwood Conservative Association Chairman, says that Mr Argar has not been "parachuted in" to contest a 15000 Tory majority. However, Mr Argar is a candidate who does not know Charnwood, has probably never been here, and presumably, has no connection with the Borough!

He will also succeed Mr Dorrell who has taken a job, whilst still being an M.P., with K P M G, a company which has everything to do with the privatisation of the N H S. It is no wonder at all that people are despondent, especially younger people, who have 'turned off' from voting for politicians who do not care who represents local democracy!

William Hill - Birstall

Timetable Well there you have it fellow miffed bus users, the new and improved (giggle giggle) bus timetable issued by Centrebus is not worth the paper it is written on. They consider a bus that is due at 8.05 is not late until it arrives at 8.10!

Sorry but in my (and fellow travellers) book it is. As previously advised by me the next Centrebus to get us into town anywhere near 9 o'clock is the 8.29 22A on Sibson Road. If we on the gates need to catch it, then we have to start to walk down by 8.10. We cannot afford to wait until after then.

My comments re their GPS checking, it seems as dodgy as their bus timetable, they don't match my spreadsheet I am keeping. I wonder what as a company they do if an employee was constantly late, I don't think they would be so understanding as they seem to think my employers should be, due to buses turning up late!

I don't expect to see any newer buses on our route, they simply don't care about customer service on the 22B route.

Having checked with the council, Centrebus receive a subsidy on the 7.05 from Birstall and 7.40 and 18.20 from Leicester. Therefore is anyone other than the 8.05B have problems with them, please contact the County Council, they will be pleased to hear from you.

There was no mention from the council of a subsidy on Saturdays!

You will have noted from Ms Mistry's

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

reply to my complaint that Centrebus operate the Birstall buses on a commercial basis, so must be making a profit as they would soon stop the route if they were not. Therefore, if there are any representative's from other bus companies reading this take note, If you can supply a bus on time then we on the gates would love you to run them. We think it is lack of competition that allows Centrebus to get away with poor service.

Sue Hitchcock, extremely miffed bus user.

Thanks A thank you letter to Birstall Quilters for all the work they did to help our Leicester Branch of Parkinsons. I looked after my dear husband Peter for 14 years with this illness and hope the future will bring a cure.

Our group and committee and choir are all working for this so thanking you again for your support.

Mrs Pam Hulme

Highway code Yet again I feel I must assault your columns because of the ignorance (or selfishness) of car drivers at the traffic lights at the Bentley Road junction with the Loughborough Road.

For those who either have not read the highway code – which is required before a driving licence will be issued – or have forgotten (or are too old for these new-fangled changes) it is permissible to use a bus lane ONLY when the continuous white line which defines the lane becomes a dashed line at the lights.

It will no doubt come as a surprise to some readers that this is NOT the case on the south-bound lane of Loughborough Road at that point. Yet when I looked out of my upstairs window this morning I saw no less than five private vehicles in that lane, held at the lights.

These were joined by a taxi and a bus as I watched. When the lights finally changed in their favour, three vehicles turned left, the next two drove straight on and the last two and the bus were caught by the lights.

When I came out of my drive despite the proximity of the lights I always cross the bus lane before I proceed to the junction (guess who would be most likely to be caught if I did otherwise). At this rate I shall not be able to get out of my drive.

As a last thought – one of those professional-looking cyclists recently used the bus lane, and set off when the lights for the main road changed, despite the fact that those for the bus lane were still on red. He was lucky to have survived

S.L. Mason

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Hallam Fields Good luck Simon Sansome with your forthcoming campaign to become an MP. Thank you for acknowledging the lack of facilities on the Hallam Fields development, for which the residents are still waiting.

The proposed school and community centre appear to be wrapped in red tape, which hopefully will be removed within the next ten years. The shops and central hub? Well, let us see what happens.

The population of Hallam Fields has grown over the last nine years and people live there by choice. Is there really a need for ‘Community Workers’ to enhance the spiritual lives of Hallam fields residents? Community workers representing St James the Great (Birstall) and Our Lady and St Nicholas (Wanlip) churches have been appointed to introduce the Christian ethos to Hallam Fields.

To proudly announce this in the Birstall Post (Feb 2015) is divisive and demeaning to the hardworking people of Hallam Fields, who come from all walks of life.

If people wish to follow an ideal or seek spiritual assistance, they all have the capability to obtain this for themselves as they see fit.

In these current times of global unrest, faith, tolerance and understanding of other people’s culture and diversity is essential.

Birstall Resident, name & address supplied

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 4.

The copy deadline is Mar 20.

Noticeboard all details printed free

Demonstration to end at 9pm.

Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Women’s World Day of Prayer

Mountsorrel Methodist Church presents the 14th series of Sunday Night @ Eight

St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church, Front St, Birstall Friday March 6 Beginning with lunch at 12noon followed by a PowerPoint presentation on the Bahamas and culminating in a service at 1.45pm approximately and ending at about 2.45pm

Organ Recitals

Charnwood Orchestra The Banks of Green Willow Concert All Saints Parish Church, Loughborough Saturday March 21 at 7.30pm A programme of music by Butterworth, Howells, Duparc, & Vaughan Williams Dedicated to the memory of the fallen Concert followed by overnight peace vigil Tickets £10 (£9 con) 07718 153 117 www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

Birstall & District Art Society

Sunday March 15 at 8pm Eric Chan Student at Ratcliffe College Sunday April 19 at 8pm Roxanne Summerfield Assistant Organist at St James the Greater, Leicester Sunday May 17 at 8pm Father Simon Lumby, St Aidans, New Parks Sunday June 21 at 8pm Ron Berry, Organist, St Lukes, Thurnby Admission free Donations for church’s development fund Buffet from 7.30pm Birstall Ladies Bowling Club

Coffee Morning Saturday March 21 10am-12noon Cakes, books, tombola, raffle etc at Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall All welcome

Councillor Surgery

Tuesday March 10 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade College, LE4 4GH to watch renowned artist Tim Fisher asnd good friend of Birstall Art Society giving a demonstration of watercolour/pen & ink painting, the subject is Staithes Landscape’.

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

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10

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

Birstall Running Club Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.20 for 6.30pm run Birstall School Lane playing fields – showers & toilets available Wednesday night beginners group at Birstall Legion 7pm Speed work sessions also available on Wednesdays for those wanting to improve Contact Deryk on dwoods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 Website: www.birstallrc.org.uk

Guided tour of the Houses of Parliament Monday March 16 Coach leaves 7.30am Returns early evening From outside Aroma Spice, Sibson Road, Birstall Nest door to Birstall Garden Centre Please contact Mary Allan on 0116 2673941 or David Gaskell 0116 2674746 Just a few seats still available, just £25 per seat

Birstall Royal British Legion 7th Warren Dewitt (M/V) 14th Paula Burrows (F/V) 21st Tammy (F/V) 28th Retro (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 8th and 29th March starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday 22nd March at 8pm Food available every Saturday 122pm Wakes catered for New outside seating area Wi-Fi available

Birstall Flower Club March 25th 2015, 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Linda Smith “Amazing Places” Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary Linnett: 0116 2672247 •

Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society Spring Play Come along and see HATS Spring play, a comedy farce you are sure to enjoy and that will leave you laughing.

“Cheerleaders” a comedy by Dorothy Cooke, produced in association with

comedyplays.co.uk.

Set in Dave Thornton’s disgustingly untidy flat, Cheerleaders tells the story of Dave and his neighbours Ken and Norm and their involvement with the local amateur football team. In an attempt to boost support for the team they consider auditioning some cheerleaders but confusion follows as Dave also needs a char lady to clean up his flat so he can persuade his girlfriend Sharon to move in with him. Norm gets the wrong end of the stick and things go from bad to worse for Dave and Sharon. Further trouble lies ahead in Act 2 when Sharon’s amorous mother arrives and sets her sights on Norm.

Dates: Thursday 14th, Friday 15th and Saturday 16th of May Time: 7.15 p.m. (doors open at 6.45 p.m.)

Venue: Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Birstall, Leicestershire LE4 3DL. Tickets: £6.00 adults, £5.00 concession.

Discount for group bookings.

Contact details: 0116 2209594, or 0116 2128757. Email hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk Don’t delay, book today.

Birstall & District Local History Society The next meeting of the Society is to be held on Thursday 12th March 2015 in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics LE4 4DH. The subject of the talk is "Their Name Liveth Forevermore" and the speaker will be Brian Johnson.

The talk will commence at 7.30pm and all visitors are very welcome to join us.

Parking will be available for cars on the Birstall Playing Fields through the School Lane entrance.

Richard III & the Battle of Bosworth A talk by Richard Knox For the Friends of Charnwood Forest At Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on Monday March 16 at 7.30pm Richard Knox has been involved in Leicestershire archaeology for 24 years, working in a number of different roles for Leicestershire County Council. He first became involved at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre in 2005, when work started on a survey to find the actual battlefield and he led the reinterpretation of the Heritage Centre on Ambion Hill. He is currently engaged, with colleagues, in organising the County’s elements of King Richard’s reinterment in March.

All are welcome.

Further information--Peter Bertram 01162100572 or www.focf.org.uk

Saturday 14th March 2015 10.00am - 1.00pm at Birstall Methodist Church

Mini-Market & Table Top Sale (tables @ £10 each) (contact 0116 2672606) Good-as-New Clothes, Home made cakes, Preserves, Plants, Books, Crafts, Tombola, Refreshments Girlguiding Birstall's

Spring Fair Saturday 21st March 11am to 2pm Birstall Guide HQ, Johnson Road.

Stalls, cakes, raffle and light lunches. Meet the Easter Bunny.

Come along and find out more about Guiding in Birstall.

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council "The Hundred Foot Journey" Friday March 13 (124 mins) This uplifting comedy drama, star-

ring Helen Mirren, charts the battle of wits between two restaurateurs in a close-knit French village. Circumstances necessitate Papa Kadam, with his Indian family, setting up his business across the road from the eating establishment of Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). They eventually learn to see eye to eye over the simmering saucepans and as they lovingly stir their thick sauces, our mouths water.

"Mr Turner" Friday April 10 (149 mins) Timothy Spall actually learnt to paint to play the complicated character, JMW Turner. Spall certainly deserved the British Independent Film Award nomination for Best Actor. There was also a nomination for a BAFTA in Cinematography. Turner spent years in London with his beloved father but he led an unusual life. He had a relationship with a Margate landlady, while his impressionist works of art caused wrath at the Royal Academy of Art. We see in this beautiful film how Turner created his masterpieces.

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" will

If you have an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Child Care or the equivalent and a real interest in the serious business of childplay, we have two vacancies and we would very much like to hear from you.

During Term Time Birstall Playgroup for Children with Special Needs provides play sessions on Monday and Friday mornings in Birstall Methodist Church Centre.

We believe that every child • needs to grow in confidence and gain a sense of their achievements • needs to learn tools to help them communicate their choices and ideas • should enjoy being who they are and have fun!

We are proud to be a BBC Children in Need project and also proud of our 40 year history!

Our team of Volunteer Helpers are the linchpin of our success and we have high expectations of our paid staff who support them.

Assistant Playgroup Leader: 8.30 am to 12 noon Monday and Friday, during Term Time Rate of pay: £9.22 per hour.

Playgroup Worker: 8.30 am to 12 noon Monday and Friday during Term Time Rate of pay: £7.20 per hour.

A limited number of hours are available in school holidays for maintenance and administrative tasks For more information please ring:

Deborah Hoggar 0116 2606309 email: d.hoggar@btconnect.com We look forward to hearing from you. Closing date 14th March

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

11

be shown on Friday May 8th.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall.

Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £5 and concessions are £4.50.

There will be refreshments and a lucky prize draw. Advanced tickets can be purchased via the parish office - 0116 236 7626 or at the door

200 Club winners February 2015 1st John Todd 2nd Cynthia Chapman 3rd Thelma Lane 4th Jennifer Field

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As a past participant I can thoroughly recommend this course as a means to grow, rediscovering yourself as an independent being, in a supportive and sociable group. See our national website www.drw.org.uk. Or book with: Val 011622101702, Liz 079932748249 or Sue 07554122910 6 Tuesday evenings starting on 14th April

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 4.

The copy deadline is Mar 20.

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Pic: (l-r) Rob Grabowski, David Moore & Charlotte Grabowski

CD recorded in Birstall studio A BIRSTALL music studio has helped a Loughborough mother record a charity CD. David Moore is a producer and sound engineer and runs Studio3Zero, based in Birstall. He helped create a CD of songs written by Charlotte Grabowski (27) that she wrote for her three year old son, Billy.

Billy had a cardiac arrest when he was 13 months old at the family home in Loughborough. A paramedic saved his life by shocking his heart with a defibrillator and Billy recovered at Glenfield hospital. Charlotte was supported throughout by the Heart Link charity and has recorded the CD with her dad Rob

Wanlip lead theft METAL THIEVES stripped 160 sq ft of lead from the roof of Wanlip Church in November.

Tarpaulins were later placed over the roof to prevent serious water damage to the church interior.

Leicestershire Police say three men from the West Midlands have been arrested following lead thefts from five other county churches including Cotesbach, Husbands Bosworth and Wigston.

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity near the church should contact the Police, John Ward 07885 669707 or Vince Jupp 07840 855030.

Francis – proceeds from sales will go to Heart Link.

David said: “The CD is a combination of lullabies and children’s songs that Charlie has written, based on songs that she used to play and sing to Billy at night. They came to the studio at the end of the year and worked along with myself both singing and playing to create a fantastic collection of children’s songs.”

David has also produced a CD for Leicester Amika choir and has worked

on a CD for a vocalist raising funds for the Rainbows Children’s Hospice. “It’s very rewarding to work with musicians to help such good causes” said David.

Charlotte’s CD costs £5 and is available from charliefrancis@hotmail.co.uk

Open Day, Saturday 21st March, 1 - 4pm

Adult membership £75 on the day (half price) for new members Come and play on our six courts, try out coaching, measure the speed of your serve, jump on the bouncy castle, have some refreshments and meet our friendly members.

The club offers social and competitive opportunities for all as well as coaching for juniors and adults.

See our web site and Facebook or call for more details and timing of coaching sessions during the afternoon.

The club is located behind the Library off Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

Longslade: standards continue to rise AN OFSTED inspection of Longslade College in January reported that the school is making "reasonable progress" towards the removal of special measures.

The inspection was the fourth monitoring inspection since the school became subject to special measures in June 2013.

Inspectors found that: "Standards are continuing to rise and there is a sustained trend of improvement...this reflects the work that leaders in the college have done to improve the quality of teaching."

Inspectors found that the gaps in progress made by disadvantaged students and others in the college are narrowing.

There is now no inadequate teaching and Inspectors found that "students have positive attitudes to learning and are experiencing better teaching on a more regular basis." This was also a view expressed by students who met Inspectors.

The report states: "Students in their

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discussions with Inspectors confirmed that behaviour in lessons has improved considerably, so that learning can carry on without interruptions."

Longslade College expects to gain academy status on April 1, 2015 and to merge with Stonehill school to create the Cedars Academy in September 2015, an all through 11-19 college.

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New welcome signs NEW SIGNS featuring a well-known Charnwood landmark have been unveiled, with the first being erected in Birstall.

The new “gateway” signs have been placed at nine places on main roads leading into Charnwood by the borough council. They feature a picture of Old John Tower at Bradgate Park.

Councillor Hillary Fryer, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said: “The new road signs give a really warm welcome to Charnwood and feature one of the borough’s most well-

known sights. I am delighted to see them being put up.”

Road signs for the entrances to Loughborough are also planned.

Pic: (l-r) Councillor Hilary Fryer, Councillor David Gaskell, Councillor Iain Bentley, Charnwood Borough Council Leader David Slater, Leicestershire County Council Senior Engineer Mark Palfreyman and Councillor Serinda Shergill

Student’s organ recital AN EIGHTEEN year old student at Ratcliffe College will be giving an organ recital at Mountsorrel Methodist church on Sunday March 15 at 7.30pm.

Eric Chan has been awarded an ATCL associate diploma from the Trinity College of Music and a grade 8 distinction level in the organ and piano.

Eric says: “When I first heard the sound of the piano I thought it was simply beautiful and I couldn’t wait to start playing. My piano teacher then recommended the organ which is now my favourite instrument to play”.

Eric has recently accepted a place at the Royal College of Music, focussing jointly on piano and organ.

Les Longmire, who organises the recital programme each year, said: “We are extremely privileged that Eric has

accepted our invitation to visit Mountsorrel and we look forward to him playing to a full house as everyone is welcome to attend”.

Further information is available by e.mail: mountsorrel2310@btinternet.com or by telephone: 0116 237 6979.

Admission is free.

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 4.

The copy deadline is Mar 20.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

13

General election candidates THE LABOUR and the Conservative Party have announced their candidates for the Charnwood constituency at the May General election.

Labour’s candidate is Sean KellyWalsh (23). Mr Kelly-Walsh was born in Birmingham, the son of a teacher and a city council worker.

Coin collection to be sold Pic: Sean Kelly-Walsh

A graduate in history and politics from the University of Leicester, he lives in Leicester and is the full time Executive Officer of Leicester Students Union.

The Conservative candidate is Edward Argar (37). Mr Argar studied history at Oriel College, Oxford University. He has served on Westminster City Council since 2006 and is currently cabinet member for city management, transport and infrastructure.

Mr Argar is a self-employed management and communications consultant.

A COLLECTION of over 100 coins found by a Wanlip family are being sold to help pay for repairs to the church roof.

Recently featured in the Wanlip Village News, Meirion Reynolds tells the story: Imagine turning the soil in your garden and spotting something sparkling in the frost. Ernest Shuttlewood and his son Monty, did just that, regularly. Arriving here in 1920, they were tenant farmers, at both Manor Farm and Home Farm.

Over the years, whilst ploughing local fields, they gathered a fascinating collection of over one hundred coins.

They were thought to include Roman

coins, they certainly date from the reign of Edward IV, and include coins from as far afield as France, Tunisia & Australia.

There are several limited edition 1797 ‘Cartwheel’ Twopence coins, the heaviest British coin ever minted. That same year, when it was calculated the value of the metal far outweighed the value of tuppence, production stopped.

We can only imagine the ‘who and how’ of their fall into Wanlip soil and their relevance to the history of the village. Perhaps they were dropped by a visiting cleric, an itinerant merchant or a landed gent, perhaps by a Roman legionnaire, a soldier returning from the fields of Flanders or a World War II Land Girl.

Worse, they may represent the hungermaking loss of the weekly wage of one of

the many ‘Ag.Lab.’ listed in the 1841 Census for Wanlip. We will never know.

What we do know is that the Shuttlewood family have decided, very generously, that they would like this collection to be sold and the proceeds to be given to the church towards the shortfall on the insurance claim for replacing the lead stolen from the roof last November.

It would be good to think that, in June this year, when one of Ernest Shuttlewood’s great-grandson marries in Wanlip church – the roof won’t leak.

Sadly, the arrival of the metal detector and the growing popularity of field walking has diminished the rarity and monetary value of this collection, but if the coins themselves could answer the ‘who and how’ of their fall into Wanlip soil – they would be priceless!

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

NHW news

& crime report Keep Your Vehicle Safe There has been a peak in thefts from motor vehicles over the past few months.

Whether this is linked to the streetlights being turned off overnight is still a matter for debate but, whatever the reason, there are steps that YOU can take to make your vehicles less vulnerable.

Surprisingly, a high number of thefts are from cars that have simply been left unlocked. Get into the habit of physically checking that the doors are locked, rather than just relying on pressing the

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remote control as you walk away.

Opportunist thieves will look around for easy pickings, trying doors as they walk past. But it can take only seconds to break a car window. It does not help much to hide items under coats or blankets on the back seat, since thieves are used to this. They will often break in just to check whether there is anything under them. Then, even if you have lost nothing, your car is damaged.

If you have to leave items in your car, make sure that they are completely out of sight or locked in the boot. Leave nothing on view, even if it is of little value. Thieves are less likely to run the risk of being caught if the car appears to be empty.

Your satnav is always a very tempting thing to steal, so always take it with you when you leave the car. But remember also to remove the bracket and cables and put them out of sight. Do not forget to wipe off the tell-tale circle left on the windscreen by the rubber sucker. Remove all clues to the fact that you use a satnav.

Make sure you car is properly locked and that the alarm is set. Park whenever you can in a well-lit area or secure car park. Tell potential thieves that you are one step ahead of them by displaying a notice that all items of value have been removed.

These notices and other items, such as special screws to protect your number plates, are available free of charge to members at our Advice Shop, where you can also purchase other security items at near to cost price.

It is open every third Saturday of the month in the Police Office on Sibson Road Car Park (opposite the garden centre) between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. It is

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run in conjunction with the Police Beat Surgery where you can speak to a local Police Officer, in complete confidence, about any matters that are causing you concern.

The next date is Saturday, 21st March, so call in to see us for advice, a friendly chat and even a cup of tea.

Contact us at: watch@villagewatch.co.uk 0116 267 6397 See our website: www.villagewatch.co.uk and sign-up for our email alerts about local crimes.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

Crime Report : Birstall & Wanlip, January 2015 Assaults 6, burglary dwelling 5, burglary non-dwelling 3, damage 4, damage to motor vehicle 1, robbery 1, theft 7, theft cycle 1, theft from motor vehicle 17, theft of motor vehicle 1, theft from store 6

AS YOU can see from the above figures, recorded crime has unfortunately increased quite considerably this month, with a total of 52 crimes in January, up from 40 in December.

The main reason for this is due to an increase in Theft from Motor Vehicle offences, of which we have had 17 in January. We are obviously very concerned about this and have responded by doing leaflet drops in the areas that have been affected, as well as by asking for extra patrols in Birstall and Wanlip during the night, which is when the vast majority of these crimes have occurred.

Furthermore, I have asked one of our crime analysts to look at the data to see whether the rise in theft from motor vehicle offences coincides with the street lights being switched off, and I will be sending a report to Leicestershire County

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Council with the results of this in due course.

On a positive note, we have had 2 males arrested in relation to some of these crimes and these persons are currently on bail while enquiries continue. The message remains however to make sure that you are locking your vehicle at all times and not leaving anything on display as in some cases vehicles have been broken into in order to steal something that has been left out on view.

We have also had several vans broken into in order to steal power tools which appear to be highly sought after at present. If you do own a van and it is possible to do so, please try to remove any tools when leaving it overnight or consider security marking your tools with your postcode so that they are more difficult to sell on and therefore less likely to be stolen in the first place.

Our new Problem Solving Plan looking at Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in the village is gathering pace and we have held a number of joint meetings with the Council, local schools and other agencies to discuss the best way to tackle this issue. A number of local youths who have been highlighted as the main ringleaders will be receiving joint visits from the Police and Council in due course with a view to placing them on the first tier of the ASB process.

Please can I urge all residents to remain vigilant at all times and report any behaviour deemed to be suspicious to either the Police or your local NHW co-ordinator.

PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels, PCSO’s 6611 Mark Butler, 6048 Adam Loydall and 6391 Fiona Lacey.

L05 – Birstall Office Leicestershire Police http://www.leics.police.uk Tel: 101 or 0116 2677355 (Please note this is an advice line only – Please use 101 to report crime).

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015 15

World War I servicemen buried in cemetery DO YOU have family members who lost their lives during the First World War and are buried in Belgrave Cemetery?

Finding good news CHILDREN AT Birstall Methodist church used old copies of newspapers to make their own - but with only good news.

‘Wouldn’t it be lovely to open a newspaper which only had good news articles and photographs?” said Peter Molesdale from Messy Church.

“Well we decided to design just such a newspaper at one of our sessions in January. With the help of Jerry Jackson from the Birstall Post, who gave us some back copies of the Birstall Post, we got the children to read through the papers and choose only items of good news!”

Then they cut out and pasted them into their own version of a Good News newspaper. It was a very enjoyable afternoon when we talked about receiving and giving good news to people and how we are uplifted when we hear about positive things happening.”

Pic: (top) Rhys Weeks, Leah Blower and Lily Wall

Are you tracing your family roots and have you found someone from Belgrave who was killed in action during the Great War? A new book, published by ‘Friends of Belgrave Cemetery Group’ may provide just the information you are looking for.

‘World War I Servicemen – Belgrave Cemetery’ is a 120 page book that contains details of 109 servicemen, either buried or commemorated in Belgrave Cemetery.

The book is illustrated and includes facsimiles of servicemen’s wills, their census and service records, together with details of any medals or decorations awarded.

These and a number of photographs donated by the families of the men remembered in this book provide a window on the First World War for the casual reader, and will prove useful to the enthusiast wanting to build up a picture of the lives and deaths of those who paid the ultimate price a century ago.

Some of the servicemen are remembered on family headstones in the cemetery. Others never came home and their names are commemorated abroad, but all of them are recorded.

WWI Servicemen – Belgrave Cemetery, edited by Joy May and Robert Horner is published by Friends of Belgrave Cemetery Group. Copies, price £15 + postage are available from: Mrs Joy May, 0116 3678068 or email mayjoy@talktalk.net, Birstall Library and Birstall Garden & Leisure Centre.

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16

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

Changes to policing

Pic: The Environment Agency’s draft proposal

CHARNWOOD AND Loughborough Police merged in February, as part of a cost cutting drive by Leicestershire Police.

Charnwood Police were based at Syston Police Station, covering Mountsorrel, Rothley, Birstall, Sileby, Cotes, Barrow-uponSoar, Anstey, Syston, Woodhouse Eaves, Wymeswold and Prestwold.

The areas will now be looked after from Loughborough Police Station and Syston Police station will close.

The force’s 15 Local Policing Units have been reduced to eight Neighbourhood Policing Areas (NPA).

From Monday February 9, beat officers will be known as Dedicated Neighbourhood Officers. A police spokesman said: “Offices working in this new role, along with Police Community Support Officers, will be patrolling streets and dealing with issues relating to public protection, community engagement and antisocial behaviour.

“They will no longer routinely carry out duties such as crime investigation, planned arrests and attending incidents – these will now be dealt with by other specialist units.”

The Police say less than 25 per cent of a neighbourhood officer’s time is spent working on ‘Core Community’ activities and that by shifting these duties to other areas of the force it will free up their time to work more closely with local communities.

Non-emergency calls that require a police response will be dealt with by a new Managed Appointment Unit. This will enable the public to book an appointment to see an officer at a convenient time and location, usually on the same day that the incident has occurred.

The changes will result in £10million of savings. £20million has been removed from the budget in the last four years by reducing operating costs.

Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “The transformation is the latest in a series of ongoing changes in response to reducing budgets and changing public expectation and demand.

“This new way of working will allow the teams based in our communities to dedicate their time to working closely with neighbourhoods and partners to resolve issues at a local level.”

A new Commander, Inspector Tracey Willetts, will take over the running of Loughborough and Charnwood.

Project to reduce flood risk WORK ON a project to reduce flood risk on Birstall Road is expected to start this summer.

The Environment Agency and Leicester City Council are working together to reduce flood risk to approximately 4,700 properties within Leicester in a £8million project.

The project has identified several areas in the city where improvements to flood flow routes can be made that will reduce potential flood levels and therefore reduce flood risk. These ‘conveyance’ improvements include the removal of areas of high ground, the de-silting of bridge arches and the construction of new flood culverts.

As part of this project wider infra-

structure improvements will be delivered such as new cycle routes and footpaths, resolving erosion issues and the creation of areas of wetland habitat.

The work is being delivered in three phases. The first phase started during September 2014 and involved the clearance of the Great Central Way bridge arches at Aylestone Meadows. The first phase of works has reduced flood risk for approximately 250 properties.

The second phase of works will include works at both Abbey Meadows playing fields and the Co-op sports club on Birstall Road. It should start in summer 2015 and is likely to continue for approximately 6 months.

At Abbey Meadows playing fields, next to the former John Ellis School in north Leicester, the work will involve lowering areas of high ground within the flood

plain, creation of a new wetland to store floodwater and an area of community woodland.

The Environment Agency (EA) are currently in discussion with the Co-op sports club on Birstall Road about lowering the football pitch that is located close to the River Soar on an area of high ground. This pitch will be reconstructed away from the river, improving the capacity of the floodplain and reducing flood risk to a significant number of homes. On completion of the works the sports club will have the same number of football pitches available for use but will benefit from improved access during periods of flooding, say the EA. This second phase of works will reduce flood risk to approximately 2,000 properties.

An EA spokesman said: "We are trying to contain the work at both sites to minimise the disruption. However the sports club will be unable to use the sports pitches for the summer and the Abbey Meadows playing fields will also be closed for the duration of the construction works and while the new grass seed becomes established."

The third phase of works is looking to install new flood relief culverts close to Thurcaston and Loughborough Road bridges. This phase of works is still being designed and is likely to be delivered during 2017 once the design is completed and the required statutory consents, such as planning permission, are achieved.

You can find further information about the scheme at the schemes website https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ons/leicester-flood-risk-managementscheme/leicester-flood-risk-managementscheme

New chairman WANLIP PARISH meeting has elected a new Chairman.

Dr Claire Myles succeeds Pauline Harrison, who has retired.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015 17

WI news WITH 36 ladies attending the Birstall & Wanlip WI meeting on February 2 we found ourselves short of chairs! We are obviously becoming very popular.

After a particularly lusty performance of Jerusalem Dorothy Gregory was presented with a card and flowers to mark her 60 years as a WI member. She told us how as a young wife in London her mother in law introduced her to the ‘Institute’.

Pics: Cubs equipped as Vikings & (below) the burning of the longboat

Birstall Cubs’ Viking adventure GIVE KIDS the chance to learn a little history and folklore and you wouldn’t be surprised to get a few grumbles and groans.

Pic: WI member Dorothy Gregory

Our speaker Lisajane Gooden, Regional Legacy Manager for Cancer Research UK talked about their work and her own and her family’s experiences with cancer. We learnt of the great progress being made in cancer treatment and that 50% of cancer drugs are developed by the charity despite receiving no Government funding. During the talk we conducted a simple but fascinating experiment of extracting DNA from strawberries.

Two of our members will be attending the Centennial WI meeting at the Albert Hall and we discussed a summer trip to Stratford on Avon.

We are holding a Crafting and Chatting afternoon at Maxilyn Geary’s house to further progress our crafting skills.

Rosalie Morling won the competition “A Valentine Memento".

Our next meeting is on March 2 when Claire Orbell will be trying to help us ‘Keep Young and Beeyoutiful” and the competition will be Your Best Beauty Tip. From Birstall & Wanlip WI

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On the other hand, give them Vikings and longboats and it’s a whole new adventure, says Scout Leader Ged Sessions.

“When presented with the challenge, Birstall Cubs took on the mantle, making their own shields, swords and axes.

Couple that with a little training for battle and building a Viking Longboat, followed by a ceremonial Valhalla burning, and you have the making of a very exciting history lesson” said Ged. So it was that the Cubs knuckled down over a couple of weeks and created their own weapons and headgear, which they coloured and decorated themselves. At the same time they made a Viking longboat complete with mast, shields and oars, as well as a dragons

Grit bin A BRIARGATE Drive resident has successfully applied for a grit bin.

It is expected that the bin will be installed by Leicestershire County Council in the summer. It is the first of two bins budgeted for by Birstall Parish Council in the 2015/16 financial year.

The procedure to request a bin can be found on the Parish Council website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk

Currency UNWANTED FOREIGN currency can be donated to support the Royal National Institute for the Blind Contact: F Savidge, 18 Rose Tree Avenue, Birstall

head and tail.

Ged said: “The scene was set, so all we needed now was a suitable venue.

Johns Lee Wood, the district campsite beckoned.

“Being Cub Scouts we didn’t want to make it too easy for them so we set off on foot and hiked 7.5 miles via Thurcaston and Bradgate park, stopping on route for a much needed hot chocolate before heading on to our final destination. With compass and map the Cubs learnt many new skills along the way, earning themselves more badges to add to their uniforms.

“On reaching our overnight campsite it was all hands on deck to rebuild the Viking longboat ready for the ceremonial burning.

“It took all of the Cubs to carry the boat

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down to the lake (ok it was the campfire circle in reality), chanting out a rhythm to move in unison, where it was ceremonially put to the torch in true Valhalla style.

“A camp of “adventure” enjoyed by Cubs and leaders, in this, the year of Adventure, within the Scouting movement.”

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18

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

News from the churches At work in the community Even though the end of February saw the beginning of Lent – not usually regarded as the most exciting time of year – some very interesting events have been taking place in our churches, of St. James at Birstall and Our Lady and St. Nicholas at Wanlip.

On the 15th February the parish was delighted to welcome to Birstall the newly appointed church worker for Hallam Fields, Stephen March and his wife Sharon at the services in both churches. With very good humour they allowed themselves to be quizzed about their previous experiences and how they hoped to get to know their new neighbours and find out about their needs.

We all wish them well in the coming months.

Something for everyone March always brings the hope and expectation that Spring is on its way, and the promise of Easter ( Easter Sunday is on April 4th). This year the annual Women’s Day of Prayer – a day, when women around the world are invited to come together to pray for a different country each year – is on Friday 6th March. The service takes place at St. Theresa’s church and has been devised by the women of the Bahamas.

It starts with a simple shared lunch, at 12 noon, and a talk about the country, followed by the joint service at 1.30pm.

Tickets for the lunch can be obtained at each of the churches, but anyone is free to attend the service.

The Men’s Group meet on Sunday 1st March at the British Legion at 7.45pm when Stephen March will be sharing his experiences of working with churches in France and Britain over the last 25 years.

From Beryl McHugh, Birstall Parish Church

Birstall Methodist Minister appointed to be Chair of District Rev’d Rachel Parkinson, Methodist Minister at Birstall Methodist Church has been appointed as Chair of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District. The best comparison with the Anglican community would be that of being appointed a bishop. Whilst the regular worshippers at Birstall will be very sorry to see Rachel leave us they are delighted (but not surprised) at this prestigious appointment. Rachel does not take up this new role until September 2016.

All Methodist Ministers fulfil an itinerant role and ‘moving on’ is very much a part of their calling to the Presbyteral Ministry.

Mini Market in March Don’t miss the Mini-Market and Table-Top-Sale at the Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, on Saturday March 14.

There will be stalls for Good-as-New clothing & accessories, home-made cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, books & Tombola. Starting at 10am the Coffee Shop will be open throughout. The minimarket will close at 1pm. Proceeds will go to church funds to provide a ‘float’ for the 2015 Christmas Festival.

Easter film & Services At the beginning of Holy Week, Sunday March 29 a film will be shown at Birstall Methodist Church starting at 6pm. The film is a black comedy with a ‘whodunnit’ which stars Brendan Gleeson as the Irish Priest based in County Sligo who learns he is about to be killed. Behind the grille, a shadowy parishioner explains that he was abused as a child and is hell-bent on revenge.

Father James, as a representative of the church, has been selected to take the fall; the good priest parachuted in to deputise for the bad.

From Birstall Methodist Church

Can we help with:

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All gifts and donations gladly accepted at the ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

• Garden Maintenance • Landscaping • Fencing & Gates • Patios, Paving & Driveways Please call Michael on: 0116 2675309 0798 0811737

Indian Work Report In mid-January, we were able to arrange an unexpected extra visiting speaker, Roop Chopra, who provided us with a challenging yet encouraging message in the morning’s service. We then met again in the afternoon for a time of fellowship and to hear about Christian work in NW India. There the drug problem is a major issue, leading to much violent crime. Christians have been working with the drug addicts and many have been helped, finding God’s Word to be a blessing. We gave thanks to God for His work in this area. As the Bible says: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all.” (Galatians 6, v.10) Easter Meetings (1) During March we shall be considering the meaning and significance of Jesus Christ’s Cross on Good Friday in the first part of a two-part series of special meetings on Easter. We will seek to answer such questions as: What is the historical evidence for this event?

What are meant by such terms as ‘mediator’, ‘redeemer’, ‘reconciler’ and ‘substitutionary sacrifice’? What has this event to say to us and why should we regard it as important? If you would like to attend, then please contact the number given below. These meetings are open to all, whatever denomination or religion or none, and are free of charge.

Services You are warmly invited to join us for our Sunday services, which are held in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane (LE4 3DL), starting at 10.45am On Good Friday, April 3, we shall be joining other churches at Holywell Church, Berkeley Road, Loughborough, (LE11 3SJ) at 7.45pm when the preacher will be Hugh Collier from Great Ellingham, Norfolk.

Further information Please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

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

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Cricket Corner BIRSTALL VILLAGE Cricket Club are preparing for the new season.

We have gained some new players to the club and have also welcomed back some old members.

The 1st XI are looking forward to the challenges they will face this season with their promotion to Division 4. Jon Gaydon will again take on the challenge of 1st XI team captain with Ashley Coulthard supporting as 2nd XI team captain.

BVCC has made the exciting decision to make this a huge season in regards to pushing the club forward through making improvements to the clubhouse and facilities, getting involved in community initiatives and rebuilding our Junior club set up. We encourage any members of community who would like to speak to us about getting involved in these or any other avenues of support for our club.

Our cricket nets have begun and we train every Wednesday evening from 8-9pm at the ECB training nets at Loughborough University. Any further information about this please contact Jon Gaydon on 07717533690.

Birstall Village Cricket Club: Presentation night / Pre season get together Birstall Village Social Club, Saturday March 21, 7pm start £5 per person including a curry.

Please contact Jon Gaydon on 07717533690 to secure your attendance From Joshua Saye, Birstall Village Cricket Club

Badminton open night AS BADMINTON continues to enjoy a post Olympic and Commonwealth Games boost in popularity Melton Old Grammarians Badminton Club (OGs) are opening up their facilities to both new and returning players via an Open Night.

OGs are based at Long Field Academy in Melton and are holding the Open Night on Thursday March 5 from 8 to 10pm.

The club will provide rackets and shuttlecocks as well as coaching at the Open Night and all visitors need to ensure is that they have suitable footwear.

The Open Night builds on the programme of optional coaching for both adults and juniors which OGs offer to the local community.

Anyone interested in attending one or more of the Open Nights and requiring further information should contact the Club Secretary Christine Stanley on 01664 565292 or by email at christine.s@talktalk.net http://www.meltonogbc.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015 19

Get the right treatment

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.

Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that can be easily resolved without a doctor's appointment.

It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete's foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.

• Self-care Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter.

Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.

Around 80% of all care in the UK is self care. The majority of people feel comfortable managing everyday minor ailments like coughs and colds themselves; particularly when they feel confident in recognising the symptoms and have successfully treated using an overthe-counter (OTC) medicine before.

On average, people in the UK experience nearly four symptoms every fortnight, the three commonest being feeling tired/run down, headaches and joint pain and most of these are managed in the community without people seeking professional healthcare.

What happens when people give up on self-care?

Despite people’s willingness to initially self-treat, there are still 57 million GP consultations a year for minor ailments at a total cost to the NHS of £2 billion, which takes up, on average, an hour a day for every GP. Research shows that people often abandon self care earlier than they need to, typically seeking the advice of a doctor within a period of 4-7 days. The main reasons for this are: • Lack of confidence in understanding the normal progress of symptoms (e.g. a cold can last up to 14 days) • The perceived severity and duration of symptoms • Reassurance that nothing more serious is wrong • A prescription to ‘cure’ the illness, even though the same medicine may be available over-the-counter • Your Local Pharmacist Pharmacists offer professional free health advice at any time - you don't need an appointment. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses.

They can answer questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.

Your local pharmacist can also advise on healthy eating.

Pharmacists can also advise on health eating, obesity and giving up smoking.

Some pharmacists have private areas where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest you visit your GP for more serious symptoms. It is possible to purchase many medicines from the chemist without a prescription.

NHS 111 service Call 111 when it's less urgent than

999. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

When to use it You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation.

Call 111 if: you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call you need health information or reassurance about what to do next For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.

If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you are concerned about your condition, continue to use that number.

For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.

How does it work?

The NHS 111 service is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers, supported by experienced nurses and paramedics.

They will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, then give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you straightaway to the local service that can help you best. That could be A&E, an out-of-hours doctor, an urgent care centre or a walk-in centre, a community nurse, an emergency dentist or a lateopening chemist.

Where possible, the NHS 111 team will book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to.

If NHS 111 advisers think you need an ambulance, they will immediately arrange for one to be sent to you.

Calls to 111 are recorded. All calls and the records created are maintained securely, and will only be shared with others directly involved with your care.

• Your GP GP practices are normally the first point of call for ongoing illnesses or injuries when self care has not relieved the symptoms.

General Practitioners (doctors) can provide a wide range of family health services. Practice nurses and Health Care Assistants often work alongside the GPs to help support patients’ everyday health.

The types of health services provided

by GP practices include: • Diagnosis and treatment of all medical problems • Planned care of all long term illnesses such as heart disease, epilepsy, diabetes • Treatment of minor injuries • Prescriptions and repeat prescriptions for medicines • Preventive immunisations • Travel vaccinations • Contraceptive and sexual health advice • Mental health and emotional wellbe-

ing • Advice on any health problems or concerns • Advice and guidance on healthy lifestyle choices and local groups/services • Advice on, and referrals to, other health and social services • NHS Walk-In Centres NHS Walk-In Centres offer convenient access to a range of NHS services for patients based in England only. You can receive treatment for many ailments including: • infection and rashes, • fractures and lacerations, • emergency contraception and advice, • stomach upsets, • cuts and bruises, or • burns and strains.

NHS Walk In Centres treat around 3m patients a year and have proved to be a successful complementary service to traditional GP and A&E services. Some centres offer access to doctors as well as nurses. However, they are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems.

Accident & Emergency (A&E) Major A&E departments assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as: • loss of consciousness, • pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia, • acute confused state, • persistent, severe chest pain, or • breathing difficulties.

If you're injured or seriously ill, you should go, or be taken, to A&E. If an ambulance is needed you can call 999, the emergency phone number in the UK. You can also dial 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union.

Major A&E departments offer access 365 days a year and usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.

SSAFA Care CIC Health & Walk In Centre Telephone: 0116 242 9450 Address: The Merlyn Vaz Health & Social Care Centre, 1 Spinney Hill Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE5 3GH Open: 8am -745pm, 7 days a week No appointment needed Loughborough Hospital Urgent Care Centre Telephone: 01509 611600 Address: Hospital Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5JY Open: 24/7 Leicester Urgent Care Centre Telephone: 0300 303 1573 Address: Infirmary Close, Leicester, LE1 5WW Open: 24/7

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Planning applications P/15/0281/2: 12 Fieldgate Crescent – erection of single storey extension and canopy to rear with various other alterations to dwelling P/15/0264/2: Birstall Parish Council, Council Offices, Birstall Road – installation of clock to front of building (Listed Building Consent) P/15/0272/2: 6 Station Road – raising of roof, formation of 1st floor and extensions to front, sides & rear of building to form two storey dwelling P/15/0261/2: 30 Sycamore Road – erection of a single storey extension to side of dwelling P/15/0145/2: 108 Curzon Avenue – erection single and two storey extensions to side/rear of dwelling

THE BIRSTALL POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising

0116 4422067 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Birstall Library or to our office: Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings Leicester LE4 3BR,

editor@birstallpost.co.uk www.birstallpost.co.uk Advertise in

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20

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2015

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Half of us will develop cancer...

Recent headlines have made alarming news for those who live in fear of cancer. The reports have outlined that by 2020 half of us will develop cancer in our lifetime. Birstall BAG's would like to explore these headlines in a little more detail and offer a little more hope and positivity.

The new figures, analysing existing data, found that the proportion of people in the UK who will get cancer in their life has increased by more than a third over the past 20 years. In 1992, around one in three people (32%) who died that year had been diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life. By 2010, this had risen to more than four in 10 (44%).

And the proportion will continue to rise to be almost one in two (47%)1 by 2020.

Today, more than one in three (35%) of those people who die having had a cancer diagnosis will now die from other causes. This is up from one in five (21%) 20 years ago. By 2020 this will improve further to almost four in 10 people (38%).

This means the number of people who get cancer but die from another cause has doubled over the past 20 years. In 1992, around 45,000 cancer patients died from other causes; by 2010 this increased to around 90,000. The

most common other causes of death aside from cancer are as follows: one in five (20%) die from ischaemic heart disease; another one in five (20%) die from respiratory disease; and around one in eight (12%) die from cerebrovascular disease such as stroke.

The growth in the number of people getting cancer is due to overall improvement in life expectancy (i.e. as the population ages the incidence of cancer rises). The reduction in the proportion of those diagnosed who die of their cancer is because of a greater focus on early diagnosis, advances in cancer treatments and better cancer care.

The extraordinary advances and developments in treatment that we are seeing was very well explained in a recent BBC Panorama documentary.

"Can You Cure My Cancer" was first screened on February 11th at 9pm. It is available on Iplayer and the BAG's would urge you to watch it if you have access.

The documentary reports on the cancer patients who are pioneering a new generation of drug treatments. Patients given just months to live are keeping the disease at bay for years; for some there is even talk of a cure. Huge advances in genetics are transforming our understanding of the disease and how to combat it. Panorama was given unprecedented access to trials at the Royal Marsden and Institute of Cancer Research and talked to patients old and young as well as their families and medical teams.

The program really did give excellent insight and explanations into the progress being made and clarified why there is this current 'air of optimism' in cancer care.

Although on a smaller scale the University Hospitals of Leicester has a simi-

lar cancer clinical trials unit to the Royal Marsden one focused on in the documentary. The Hope Clinical Trials unit is based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The Unit is a partnership between the University of Leicester, University Hospitals of Leicester and a local charity called Hope Against Cancer. The unit opened in 2012 and it is the first of its type based outside of London. With the motto “Where there's Hope, there's Life” to date HOPE Against cancer has raised over £3 million which has funded 31 research projects into many cancers including bladder, ovarian, prostate, melanoma, liver, bowel, leukaemia, colorectal and breast cancer together with nursing fellowships relating to patient care.

For more information on HOPE contact them direct on:- Telephone:- 0116 2700101 or email: enquiries@hfcr.org.

Their website is www.hfcr.org For more information on “Half of us will develop cancer” – see Macmillan Cancer Support website www.macmillan.org.uk or contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 There is also a local Cancer Information Centre you can contact based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary Phone: 0116 258 6189 email: cancerinfo@uhl-tr.nhs.uk www.birstallbags.co.uk

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