Birstall Post (381) April 2015

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APRIL 2015

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Meadow Lane litter

No. 381

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Pic: filling a bag with litter are Steve White and his daughters Keira (8) and Georgia (11)

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A LITTER pick on Meadow Lane saw volunteers fill 22 bags with litter.

Organised by Birstall Parish Council with the support of Birstall United Football Club, parish councillors and club volunteers were joined by Birstall Police officers PC Dave Jaeckels and PCSO Fiona Lacey.

Amongst the rubbish collected were hypodermic needles and two car tyres.

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

Vandals damage site VANDALS HAVE attacked the Greengate Lane travellers’ site.

Leicester City Council is building six

Park disabled access CONCERNS ABOUT access for disabled people at Watermead Country Park have been raised with local councillors.

A gate near to John Merrick’s lake is not big enough to allow wheelchairs or mobility scooters to pass through it.

Birstall resident Helena Edwards (pictured above) said: “I’ve contacted the County Council but they will not do anything as they say you can get through another gate using a radar key.”

Birstall Charnwood Borough Councillor Simon Sansome, Birstall Parish Councillor Julian Howe and Syston Town Councillor Paul Turner visited the site with Helena to see for themselves the difficulties she was having.

Cllr Sansome said: “Anyone visiting the site in a wheelchair or mobility scooter who starts at the main car park and goes round the lake would have to go all the way back round when they get to this gate if they don’t have a radar key. It’s stopping people who are not able bodied accessing the lake and something needs to change.

“I have contacted the Borough Council who will work with the County Council to see if they can sort it out.”

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

PC Dave Jaeckels reported on speed checks he had recently conducted in the village. Young people responsible for antisocial behaviour had signed Acceptable Behaviour Contracts – these have been breached on two or three occasions. PC Jaeckels said their behaviour had improved but needs to improve further, and they will continue to be monitored.

The Council agreed to uphold a decision taken by the Estates & Recreation Committee not to allow pedestrians to use a gated track across the Meadow Lane playing field. The track was laid for vehicle access only and the council has received advice that for health and safety reasons, vehicles and pedestrians should be kept separate.

The position of a pedestrian track was suggested as an item for a future agenda.

The council has received two requests for grant aid. It was agreed to donate £250 to the Girls’ Brigade for equipment and £165 to Gunns’ Gym for boxing gloves. Application forms for grant aid are on the Parish Council’s website.

It was reported that work on building a new community hall at Hallam Fields could not be progressed as the design prepared by an architect commissioned by the Parish Council had not been approved by the Palmer Tomkinson Trust.

The Trust had been made aware that the Parish Council wanted to proceed with the build quickly.

Cllr Melanie Coley reported that she would not be seeking re-election in May.

the unit was scheduled to finish on March 30.

A City Council spokesman said: “There will be some groundwork to be completed after this. Offers have been made to potential residents, but we are still talking to each of them individually about when they move in. We expect most people will be in by the middle of April.”

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units on the site for a permanent travellers’ site, which was scheduled to open at the end of March.

A number of attacks have seen £40,000 work of damage done to the site. Vandals have sprayed graffiti and damaged the roofs of some of the buildings.

Leicester City Council said their contractor introduced 24 hour security following the incident, and that work on

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THE BIRSTALL POST

APR 2015 PHOTOS: ASHLEY HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY

Faces Arts’ performance FACES ARTS, the locally based and well established performing arts company for children, performed their yearly street dance show at The Wreake Valley Academy in Syston.

Sixty children from Birstall and the surrounding areas participated in the show, aged from 4 to 18. Faces Arts proprietor Jody Chesterton was full of

admiration for the performances of the children.

“Faces Arts is about providing opportunities for local children to discover their performing talents. The development in their ability

and self confidence of the children has been outstanding. A huge well done to all the children who took part” she said.

Faces Arts next performance, ‘Twist’, will be performed by he Theatre School children in May at Groby College.

Faces Arts will also be staging their Summer School during August at Highcliffe Primary School. For more information on the variety of sessions or performances, visit www.facesarts.co.uk

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The CPA, which helps the public to identify safe reliable contractors to carry out home improvements, awarded its 5 year Membership Achievement Award to CWC. Membership of the CPA means that customers have their deposits and guarantee underwritten by the organisation.

Mandy Manning from CWC said: “We put the interests of the customer first and we won’t compromise on our attention to detail or the quality of the materials we use.

“Everything is carefully project managed by us personally and we do everything we can to ensure the work we do enhances your home.”

Youth burglary problems ONE IN three residential burglaries are committed by under-18s according to police statistics.

The figures, released by police forces under the Freedom of Information Act for the Take No More campaign, show that nearly 100,000 break-ins in England and Wales were known to have been carried out by young people , 32 per cent of the total number of burglaries identified.

Nottinghamshire, Greater Manchester and London had the highest proportion of burglaries committed by juvenile offenders, with police forces reporting under-18s involved in 43 per cent, 41 per cent and 37 per cent of break-ins respectively. In Nottinghamshire offenders under the age of 18 were responsible for 2,232 out of a total of 5,116 burglaries.

Only four police forces recorded the proportion of burglaries committed by minors as less than 15 per cent of the total offenders. The police force area with the lowest percentage of burglaries by under-18s was Wiltshire, at just three per cent.

Although progress has been made on reducing the number of burglaries committed by young people in the last few years, HM Inspectorate of Probation released a report this year finding the rate of reoffending in 10 to 17 year olds is as high as two thirds within 12 months.

John Hayward Cripps, Director for Victim Support, said: “From supporting thousands of burglary victims every year, we know that what they want most is for no one else to suffer like they have. It’s sad that the young people committing these crimes are detrimentally affecting their peers the most. People aged 10 -16 years old are much more likely to be the victim of a crime than at any other time in their life.”

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

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Ofsted rates Longslade a ‘good’ school STAFF AND students at Longslade College are celebrating after Ofsted removed the school from Special Measures and rated it as ‘Good’.

Acting Principal, Jason Smith said: “We’re delighted that Ofsted recognised that educational standards at Longslade are good. The turnaround at the College is due to the commitment of the staff and governors to providing the best education we can for young people in Birstall.”

Since an Ofsted inspection in 2013 rated the school as inadequate and placed it in special measures, the school has transformed its peformance - in 2012 only 39% of students achieved 5 A* to C GCSEs including English and Mathematics but in 2014, despite students at the College starting below the national average, 59% of students passed, which is better than the national average.

Ofsted inspectors visited the school in

Fresh water supply A PLAN to drill a borehole to provide a reliable water supply to an African orphanage is the latest project of a charitable foundation based in Birstall.

The Bank Foundation has so far built a baby unit and a volunteer house and training centre at the Hotpec Orphanage in Cameroon.

Pic: Longslade Acting Principal Jason Smith with staff and students of Longslade College

March. Their report states that the school is good due to “the unflinching vision of the Acting Principal and the senior leadership team” which has driven improvements in the quality of teaching which is now “consistently good.”

The report says that teaching is “good and improving strongly as a result of decisive action taken by senior leaders following the last inspection. Leaders’ skilful use of tailored training and coaching, using the best practice in the college and from the National Support school has led to improved progress for all the different groups of students.”

Student behaviour in lessons and around the college is good. They are “polite, motivated to achieve well and they attend regularly” said the Inspec-

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Mectric Now the foundation, set up by David and Joy Bark of Queensgate Drive, is raising the £20,000 needed to provide a water supply.

David said: “There are more dry season months than wet, and the current ration for the orphanage is two trickling taps, not all day and not every day.

“Water is carried around in buckets for cooking, personal and clothes washing, and flushing toilets. We are very concerned at the health and safety issues this brings.”

The borehole on site would provide a plentiful supply of water at a good pressure, and fundraising for the project has already reached £7500.

To find out more or to donate go to www.barkfoundation.org.uk

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Inspectors found that Sixth form provision is good, well led and well managed. The report stated that the school is not yet outstanding as not all teachers check that students act on the advice given to them to improve their work, and that not enough students attain the highest GCSE grades.

Mr Smith said: “The students here are fantastic, they have high expectations about what they can achieve and have responded well to increasing challenge and hard work.”

Daniella Fabricatore is a student in Year 11. She said: “Teachers work really hard to cater for your individual needs and make sure every student understands and makes good progress.”

Kiah Hurn in Year 11 said: “The teachers at Longslade have really helped me have a positive outlook towards my learning. I get extra one to one help in Maths and English. Due to my teachers’ help and support, I have set high goals for my exam results in the summer.”

Longslade Community College will merge with Stonehill High School and in the new academic year will open as The Cedars Academy, a new school for students from age 11 to 18, which is part of the Lionheart Academy Trust led by Executive Principal Hugh Howe. The full Ofsted report is available on the Longslade Community College website, but due to the Easter holidays will not be available on the Ofsted website until April 14, 2015.

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

Ducks are ready to race THE WHITE Horse charity duck race takes place this year on Bank Holiday Monday May 4.

Showroom celebrates second year FAMILY RUN business MDW Fireplaces on Wanlip Avenue will be celebrating its first birthday this month.

“Our company has been trading for over 8 years, but it’s our Birstall showroom’s 1st birthday.

“It has been an amazing year and we would like to thank all our customers who have supported us” said company owners Mark and Hayley Warne.

“We will have some amazing hot offers and discounts which will run throughout April at our showroom, there has never been a better time to buy your new fireplace or stove” they added.

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The proceeds from the event, which has raised £20,000 for local charities since it began in 2009, will be donated to the Parent Teacher Associations of Highcliffe and Riverside Schools.

Charlotte Foy from the White Horse said: “Both schools’ PTAs will jointly run all stalls, games and activities that take place throughout the day, and they will equally share the money raised.

These organisations are responsible for raising much needed additional funds for equipment and activities for the children of Riverside and Highcliffe to take advantage of on a daily basis.

“The level of interest that this has already accrued in and around Birstall ensures that there will be a bigger and better variety of stalls and games than ever before. Leicester Tigers will once again be reprising their role by providing rugby-related challenges for the

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budding egg-chaser. The bouncy castle will once again take pride of place in the White Horse’s garden, accompanied by games and challenges such as ‘Splat the Rat’, ‘Donkey Derby’ and the ever popular football ‘keepy uppy’ game, amongst others. And the usual mix of craft and traditional fete stalls are set to complete the attractions, these always provide a perfect gift opportunity.”

The day will come to a climax in the afternoon when the main attraction – the race itself – will kick off at the bottom of White Horse Lane on the River Soar. Charlotte said: “Rumour has it that someone special from the Frozen town of Arandelle will be in attendance to start the race, but hopefully the weather on the day will be slightly better that what they’re used to.

“The usual refreshment selection will of course be provided by the White Horse, with the bar opening at midday and a large barbecue in operation throughout the afternoon.”

Ducks are available to purchase from the White Horse and both schools from April 1.

Linda Kimberley-Brooks (ACMA)

The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on May 2.

The copy deadline is Apr 17.

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Methodist preschool is good A BIRSTALL preschool has been graded as ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The Birstall Methodist preschool on Wanlip Lane was inspected in January. Inspectors found that the children formed secure emotional attachments with their key person and were settled and confident in their surroundings.

The report stated that the preschool had strong leadership and that staff received good support.

The preschool was not rated as ‘outstanding’ because staff do not consistently encourage parents to share information about their child’s learning at home which means staff do not have a full and clear picture of what children can do.

The inspectors also found that the range of equipment in the outdoor play area does not always challenge the physical skills of more able children.

Chair of the Management Committee, David Bark, said: “On behalf of the church and the management of the preschool, I would like to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication by providing excellent care for all the children.”

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

New deli on Sibson Road opens

Birstall bowls THE NEW outdoor bowls season starts later this month and Birstall Bowling Club are preparing for a special season ahead.

John Jenkins, one of the club members, has the honour of being Leicestershire Men’s President this year, with several county fixtures and celebration matches being played at Bistall during the season.

The club play men’s, ladies and mixed friendly matches against other clubs in Leicestershire, as well as league matches and national, county, parks and internal club competitions. The club also has a good social side with various events taking place throughout the year.

New members are always welcome, and for more information about the club, ladies can call Diane on 0116 2675457 and men can contact Andy on 0116 2677969.

Vacant allotments BIRSTALL PARISH Council currently have vacant plots on their Worcester Avenue, Meadow Lane and the Greengate Lane site.

There isn’t a waiting list, so if you are a resident of Birstall or Wanlip, you could have an immediate start for producing fruit and vegetables at a relatively low cost.

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

OWNER AND food lover Wing Ma (30) is serving up gourmet food at Birstall’s new deli on Sibson Road, near the Triangle roundabout.

The Little Red Deli is a traditional delicatessen and opened in March.

Wing said: “We stock everything from jam, chutneys and relishes to herbs, spices, oils and dressings.

“We also have a fresh deli counter

Extra school places THR PROVISION or a new primary school and recreation centre at Hallam Fields was part of the section 106 agreement negotiated when planning permission for the development was granted.

The agreement stated that £2million would be provided for the school upon occupation of the 101st dwelling. Over 400 homes are currently occupied.

The Birstall Post invited Leicestershire County Council, the local education authority, to explain whey there was a delay in providing a school, what was delaying a decision and when an announcement was likely to be made.

The County Council’s response was: “We are involved in ongoing discussions with the various parties involved in the section 106 agreement for primary provision in relation to Hallam Fields. We’ll be able to provide an update when the discussions, which will clarify how many primary places are needed, where they would be provided and the funding arrangements, are complete”.

The Birstall Post understands the County Council is giving consideration to the expansion of Riverside school for September 2016 admissions, and it expects the discussions regarding the section 106 agreement will continue for a considerable time yet.

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Pic: Wing Ma behind the counter of the Little Red Deli

and stock local Sparkenhoe cheese, Walker’s pork pies and sausage rolls, fresh olives, quiches and lots more. We also bake our own cakes, but our must unusual product has to be the squirrel pie from Nice Pie near Melton Mowbray.”

Originally born in Hong Kong,Wing and his family have lived in Leicester for the last 27 years. As the son of a chef,

Wing has been around food retailing all his life. “We’ve opened Little Red Deli as quite simply, we’re passionate about good food, said Wing who also owns China Red next door.

“We’ve been open a few weeks now and already we’re starting to understand what our local customers are looking for, and the feedback so far has been great.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

YOUR SAY...

world’s poorest people please ring me on 2675154.

Mary Bruce, Christian Aid Coordinator

Good luck

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

Christian Aid Would you like to help a family get out of poverty?

Well now you can, if you join our group of volunteers in the Christian Aid ‘House to House’ collection.

This year it will take place between Sunday May 10 and Saturday May 16.

The collection involves spending a short time delivering envelopes in a given road and then a bit longer collecting them whenever you can during that week.

All you need to do is ring the doorbell and smile, and most people will be kind enough to hand over an envelope containing some money.

However small or large that donation may be, it will be wisely invested in tools and livestock to help a poor community.

Christian aid never sends money to governments and spends very little on administration costs.

If you feel you can join our volunteers in bringing hope to some of the

Good luck to Briargate Drive on their application for a grit bin.

If they are successful, I hope the council installs the bin in a sensible place.

Unlike the bin that appeared on Fielding Road - this has been left on the grass verge smack bang on the corner of the road. Visibility coming up past the school, around the corner is now restricted due to the yellow bin. Thank you to Charnwood council for ignoring my request to move the bin to a more sensible location. Further more, what happens at grass cutting time? How will the mower cut around the bin? I am guessing it won't ! Thus leaving a mass of long messy grass around the bin!

At least we had some grit to throw on the road during those icy days in January!

Jeanette Douglas

New bowlers We all like a quiz and my good lady always says I am Universally Challenged.

So, who said, "The answer lies in the soil"? My answer was Rambling Sid Rumpo sometime in the 60s. My good lady looked at me blankly. She had a quick dabble on the computer and came up with Arthur Fallowfield. Neither of us knew that, so it was obviously Beyond our Ken. I said, "We have got to tell everyone at the bowls club." to which she replied, "That's pointless - what's that got to do with bowls?" I then said, "Don't you know dear, Pointless is good these days. I have just heard on the radio that the secret of a long and healthy life is to spend as long as you can out of doors. It's all to do with bio diversity and microbes that live in the soil. Science has proved that the more

time we spend playing bowls, the healthier we will be and the longer we will live which means only one thing, we can play more bowls."

My good lady thought about this for a while then said, "I am following your logic darling. This Arthur Fallowfield was clearly way ahead of his time and medical science is only just catching up with him."

We are always looking for new bowlers. All abilities welcome. Contact my good friend John on 2675947.

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Thanks May I thank all those who signed the petition to try to persuade Birstall Parish Council to allow pedestrians to walk the length of the new track that runs along the Western side of Meadow Lane Playing Field.

Although the chair of the Parish Council did agree that as 6 months had elapsed, the matter could be aired again.

I am disappointed to say that the Council would not change their policy on the grounds of Health & Safety and the possible conflict between vehicles & pedestrians.

Next time you use a Supermarket car park, do compare the danger you face as you walk to the Supermarket entrance and the danger you face by walking on the new track.

However the Council may now consider installing a new surfaced track alongside the vehicle track for use by pedestrians.

Tony Moore

Photo Several years ago I loaned a school photograph to a Mr & Mrs Knight (which included their son Ian). I would dearly love this photograph back as it is the only one I have from Stonehill. I believe they lived on Curzon Avenue or Roman Road.

My contact is: 0116 2120658

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

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 d-woods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 Website: www.birstallrc.org.uk

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday April 14 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade College, LE4 4GH where renowned artist Tony Cowlishaw will be giving his appraisal of our members’ work, which should be an enlightening experience!

If you think you might have some artistic talent but would like to hear the opinion of a professional, come along and learn from Tony’s comments. Appraisal to end at 9pm. Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Loughborough Lions 3 C’s

Cycle Ride Sunday April 26, 2015 In aid of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

and Rutland Air Ambulance Loughborough Lions first cycle ride The route will start and finish at Loughborough University and go through Shepshed, Belton, Long Eaton, Worthington to the Cloud Trail and on to Trent Lock, Dishley and back to Loughborough. A refreshment post will be available at the halfway point at Breaston.

This is a really enjoyable ride, not a race, through our lovely countryside and will suit both experienced and keen amateur cyclists at around 50 miles.

It will cost £5 per cyclist – each one receiving a t-shirt and a medal. Each entrant is asked to raise sponsorship of a minimum of £50.

The route/entry forms will be on: www.loughborough.lions105e.org.uk or from Ann Parsons, 91 Farndale Drive, Loughborough LE11 2RG Tel: 01509 232422: mail@charnwoodties.co.uk

Big Birstall Yard Sale Saturday July 4 10am to 4pm Do you fancy having a car boot sale stall but from the comfort of your own driveway?

On Sat July 4 members of the public will follow a map around Birstall to find stalls and hunt for bargains and unwanted clutter.

Last year’s event was a huge success and also raised over £2000 via a charity raffle.

If you fancy having a clear-out while generating some spare cash at the same time, you can register your address so buyers can find you on the map. There is no cost involved.

Facebook www.facebook.com/BigBirstallYardSa le Tel or text Fiona on 07547 293545 www.bigbirstallyardsale.co.uk Twitter: @bbirstallydsale If desired, you can make a donation towards advertising costs here: www.gofundme.com/BigBirstallYardSa le

Continental Market Wed Apr 8 – Sun Apr 12, 9am to 6pm (Sun l0-5) Continental Market at Leicester Market Flavours from across the globe plus Crafts, jewellery, knitwear, gifts

Girlguiding in Charnwood Meet & Greet Event Find out about volunteering for the Girl Guides By volunteering just one or two hours a week, volunteers can help local girls and young women to enjoy a wide range of exciting activities as well as acquire new skills and experiences Sat April 18 10am-12 : Syston Community Centre 1-3pm : Barrow upon Soar Conservative Club www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

Open 26 Exhibition The annual art exhibition showcasing the work of local artists at Newarke House Museum, Leicester until May 4

revelations reveal Dave’s dubious past and guests are left to ask themselves whether they ever really knew the ‘real’ Dave and who would have the last laugh?

Tickets are available from Anna Lacey on 0116 2362692

Dementia Friends Leicester Sketch Club Past & Present

Art Exhibition Aril 25 – August 1 New Walk Museum 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA An exhibition of paintings and drawings by current members of the Leicester Sketch Club alongside the work of past members selected from the Museum’s historic collection dating back to the 1900s This highly regarded club, founded in 1898, has encouraged and inspired local and regional artists for over 100 years, through a series of professional demonstrations, workshops, sketching days and monthly meetings.

A wonderful opportunity to see some of the talented work of Leicestershire based artists Free admission to the museum and exhibition The Latimer Players present

Wife After Death A Comedy by Eric Chappell The Memorial Hall, Thurcaston Thurs 23rd / Fri 24th / Sat 25th April 2015 All tickets £7.00 Described as a ‘terrific evening of love and laughter’. This raucous black comedy sees the friends and colleagues of the late, comedian and national treasure, Dave Thursday, gather beside his coffin to pay their last respects. His widow has arranged a funeral to remember, complete with horse-drawn hearse and attendant dog. When an unexpected guest turns up, a series of

Creating dementia friendly communities Dementia Friends gives people an understanding of dementia and the small things you can do that make a difference.

Please join us on Sunday 26th April 2.30pm – 4.00pm in Birstall Village Hall The information session is being offered by Stephen Frew, a Dementia Friends Champion for the Alzheimer’s Society

Birstall Flower Club April 22nd 2015, 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Roma Berridge “Hop, Skip and Jump “ Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary Linnett: 0116 2672247

Wreake Runners Are a small friendly club, welcoming runners of all abilities and all ages from the fastest to the not so fast.

We meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:45pm at The Hub, Roundhill Academy, Melton Road, Thurmaston, LE4 8GQ Why not come along and give us a try? contact: Scott on 07828674061 or email run@wreakerunners.co.uk

Table Top Sale sponsored by Taylor Bourne Estate Agents 25th April 10am - 2pm at

Syston Methodist Church.

Tables £10. Contact 07973 479844

Recently Separated?

Divorced some time?

At whatever stage following the breakup of a long term relationship.

This Workshop helps people to better understand what they are going through and provides support from others in the same situation.

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 01162101702, Liz 07932748249 or Sue 07554122910 6 Tuesday evenings starting on 14th April

Leicester Symphony Orchestra De Montfort Hall Saturday 25th April 19.30 Conductor: John Andrews Cello: David Cohen Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3 Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1 Brahms Symphony No. 1 6.30pm FREE pre-concert talk with soloist David Cohen Retiring collection in aid of The Lord Mayor's Appeal Tonight's soloist, David Cohen, is no stranger to the LSO. Four years ago his sonorous and majestic playing impressed so much that we had to invite him back. On his return he will perform Shostakovich's First Cello Concerto, a piece written for Rostropovich and one that will truly showcase Cohen's talent.

The concert begins with the heroic Leonore Overture No. 3 from Beethoven's opera Fidelio. With its distant trumpet call and frantic string lines it is high drama from start to finish!

The composer of the evening's symphonic work, Johannes Brahms, was

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10

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

BELGRAVE

Bowling Club Thurcaston Road, off Abbey Lane, Leicester LE4 2QG

Welcome Are you looking to take up a sport?

Bowls is a game played by all age groups.

Play for fun, competitively: it’s up to you.

Our club provides teams for men, ladies and mixed matches.

We are a friendly club with social events throughout the year, so why not join us for a drink in our clubhouse.

We have two greens available for play and a full fixture list for our 2015 season, April to September.

First year is free, COACHING IS AVAILABLE, all you need are trainers or a flat pair of shoes.

New to the game or experienced, if you are interested telephone Janet 0116 2394970 or Steve 0116 2870787

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

himself heavily inspired by Beethoven - so much so that the piece has been referred to as 'Beethoven's Tenth Symphony'. Brahms was a master of the classical form and his First Symphony will give the Leicester Symphony Orchestra a chance to be at their expressive best.

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: 7.30 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 Find us on facebook.com/hatsamdram Don’t delay, book today.

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council “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 and two awards at the Cannes Film Festival. 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. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Friday May 8 (99 mins) This film traces the history of the hotel from 1932 to the present day through the eyes of two lovers who are involved with a stolen painting.

The characters are eccentric, with Bill Murray in a comic role and Ralph Fiennes performing brilliantly. Even the young lobby boy received an inheritance. Remarkably, this beautifully crafted comedy received four Oscar Awards and five BAFTA's.

“The Theory of Everything” will be shown on Friday June 12.

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. Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office 0116 236 7626, or at the door.

CLASH 2012 We are moving from the Peepul Centre to Dock from April: Dock, Pioneer Park, 75 Exploration Drive, Leicester, LE4 5NU. Free General Exercises on Tuesday 12pm classes and free seated Exercise classes on Wednesday 1-2pm will continue during term time at The Peepul Centre starting again after Easter on Tuesday 14th April and Wednesday 15th April. Yoga classes for members will continue at The Peepul Centre from Monday 13th April at 11.30am12.30pm, cost £2.50 per class. Yoga is not a drop-in class.

There will be no more Computer classes at Longslade Community College from April. A Drop-in Workshop will be held from 10am-3pm at Dock on Sunday 19th April. Please can everyone who has been attending the iPad classes come along at any time during this day? Please call Conrad to confirm a time on 07919812520.

A secretary is wanted for CLASH 2012 charity number 1151899. This voluntary trustee position is required as soon as possible. There are usually four trustee meetings per year. A confident person is required who is prepared to occasionally contact local media on general health and well-being matters relating to the charity.

(CLASH - Community Leicestershire Arthritis Self Help) If you are interested in this position, please contact Chris on (07751) 072612.

Thank you

Birstall & District Local History Society The next meeting of the Society is to be held on Thursday 9th April 2015 in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DH. The Society will be celebrating its 30th anniversary and the subject of the talk will be "Birstall Recalled".

The speaker will be by local historian Mike Smith and the talk will commence at 7.30pm.

All visitors are very welcome to join us for this talk on our special anniversa-

Can we help with:

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

ry.

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

•

Red Hill Allotments Viewing Morning Saturday April 18 10am – 12 noon We currently have plots available, large and small, so if you are Interested in taking on an allotment, here’s a chance to look at our lovely site. Alternatively, phone Rita on 0116 299 3056 for more information.

Please wear sturdy footwear Entrance off A6 Loughborough Road, just north of Red Hill Circle

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Bluebell Day at Heyday Hays 240 Markfield Lane, Markfield LE67 9PS

on Sunday 3 May 2015, 11am to 3pm Refreshments, Cake Stall, Plants, Raffle & Tombola Admission: Adults £2.00 Children £1.00 (under 5 free) Free Car Park All proceeds to Parkinson UK

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Saturday, 2 May 2015, 7.30pm Early Music at Rothley Parish Church LE7 7PD "From Leipzig to London" Nicolette Moonen (violin), Medea Bindewald (harpsichord) Programme: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carl Friedrich Abel, Johann Christian Bach, Jacob Kirkman, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Ludwig Krebs, Johann Sebastian Bach Admission free, retiring collection Parking facilities at Victoria Mills, Fowke Street LE7 7PJ www.medeabindewald.com On Your Bike! For Charity Sign Up Today!

Sponsored Cycle Leicester To Skegness Sat 6th June 2015 6:00am Start From Leicester Clock Tower Part Of An Organised Charity Ride Register your interest at 07954 584 402 or email info@clashgroup.org.uk If you want to help raise money for a local charity by getting sponsored to ride to Skegness please contact us for more information.

You can also support CLASH 2012 by donating to: Localgiving: www.localgiving.com/charity/clash2012 Registered charity no. 1151899

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

Charity cycle ride in Charnwood THE CHARNWOOD Forest Cycle Ride returns this May for its fifth year, supporting local charity Alex’s Wish.

OUR PICTURE shows the cast of Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society’s spring play.

The group will be performing the comedy farce “Cheeleaders” by Dorothy Cooke at Highcliffe school on May 14, 15 and 16. See the noticeboard page for more details (page 11).

NHW news

& crime report Something to complain about ?

Don’t just grumble to your friends and neighbours about the things that annoy you in the areas where you live.

Making a complaint to the relevant authority, whether it is a major or minor issue, has never been easier. Don’t be a moaner who just leaves it to someone else, take a pride in you street/village and do something about it, you will feel better yourself for making the effort.

Monthly Police Beat Surgery.

Pop in for an informal chat with one of the local officers. They cannot be everywhere in the villages to see what is going on all the time and they really do want to know if you have any problems in your street. Typically issues such as anti-social behaviour, vehicle obstruc-

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tions, vandalism etc, are things that they may not be fully aware of but can have an effect on you enjoyment of where you live.

Birstall Parish Council.

The office is open each weekday morning except Wednesday for any callers. Any problems on the car parks, playing fields, cemetery, allotments etc, they would like to know about. They will also be happy to advise you as to which authority to contact for matters that they themselves are not responsible for.

Charnwood Borough Council.

Our elected councillors hold a monthly open surgery in the village on the last Saturday. They are keen to know of any problems regarding the Charnwood Councils responsibilities and will also give good advice on the responsibilities of other organisations.

Telephone Unlike in the past, we now all have easy access to telephones and making a call to report a problem may only take a few minutes.

Online Apart from sending an email to a responsible authority individually, a very useful service is provided by fixmystreet.com. On this website you can make a simple report of a problem and identify the location by using a map and it will automatically be forwarded to the correct responsible authority. Typically this is useful for graffiti, fly tipping, broken paving, potholes, street lighting etc.

So you see, don’t just grumble, make that effort and report the things that are affecting where you live. You will feel better for making the complaint and a lot better when you see that the problem has been solved, it’s your village.

Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch.

Organisers are looking for people to register to take part in theevent, held on Sunday May 10. You can choose between a 20-mile ride or a 40-mile ride and families are welcome – although anyone aged 14+ will need to ride with an adult.

Open to everyone, the 20-mile ride is for those that want a challenge and a reason to get back out on their saddles over the spring whilst the 40-mile is a challenging ride for the more experienced rider.

Crime Report : Birstall & Wanlip, Feb 2015 Assaults 3, burglary 2, burglary nondwelling 5, damage 3, damage to motor vehicle 1, theft 1, theft from motor vehicle 1, theft of motor vehicle 1, theft from store 4

I AM pleased to report that we have seen a substantial decline in recorded crime in February, down by over 30 offences from the previous month.

This is mainly due to a large reduction in theft from Motor Vehicle offences which has fallen from 17 in January to just 1 in February & I hope that this trend will continue. In last month’s report I mentioned that two males had been arrested in relation to some of these motor vehicle thefts.

Unfortunately there was insufficient evidence to charge them with any of these crimes however I am hoping that the fact they were arrested will act as a deterrent to them and make them think twice before returning to the area in future.

You may be aware that February saw some big changes in the way Leicestershire Police works, with various new departments being created in order to streamline the service. The upshot of this is that Neighbourhood Officers will now be given more time to concentrate on local issues and will have more time to be out patrolling the beat, which can only be a positive step forward.

Earlier in the month we were made aware of an incident outside Riverside Primary School where a young girl was almost hit by a vehicle. Fortunately she wasn’t injured, however please can I remind all parents of the need to pay extra attention when driving & parking near local schools. We get many complaints about dangerous & inconsiderate parking outside the schools, especially on the bad bend near to Highcliffe Primary & at the junctions of Greengate Lane & Ambergate / Woodgate Drive. As such, this week we have been patrolling these areas, issuing both verbal and written warnings to anyone found to be parking dangerously. We will continue to conduct these patrols in the future and if the situation does not improve will look at issuing Fixed Penalty Notices for obstruction or dangerous parking offences.

We have also been out conducting some further speed checks on Greengate Lane this month. In an hour and a half we recorded just over 260 vehicles through the site, 6 of which were issued verbal warnings for travelling in excess of 36mph with 2 more being reported for travelling above 40mph.

PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels, PCSO’s 6611 Mark Butler and 6391 Fiona Lacey. http://www.leics.police.uk Tel: 0116 2677355 (Please note this is an advice line only – Please use 101 or 999 to report crime).

Spokeswoman for Alex’s Wish Emma Hallam said: “The ride is on open roads and takes you through the beautiful Charnwood forest countryside with marshals cheering you on at every corner.

There is a half way refreshment stop and freshly made hot bacon and sausage cobs and complimentary homemade cakes and drinks to look forward too at the end of the ride. It’s a great excuse to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a morning of fun with friends.

“Activities will be available for the little ones throughout the morning at the Rothley Centre so be sure to bring your family along to greet you in at the finish line. They will be able to grab a roll and hot drink in the comfort whilst waiting for you. Soar Valley Cycles is on hand to service your bike before the ride and available throughout the morning.”

The ride starts at the Rothley Centre with registration opening at 8.30am followed shortly by a fun warm up session.

Elizabeth Raouf took part last year.

She said: “I was so impressed with the organisation in general and especially with the marshalling on the course. I was on my own and not really clear where I was going – I was a bit nervous to be honest! But I soon relaxed when I realised how clearly marked the route was. The people marshalling the route were so friendly and encouraging they all had something nice to say to me and were very smiley. The event is definitely going to be a yearly event for me now, and will be encouraging friends to come along next time – a route and ride not to be missed!”

Emma Hallam said: “Whatever the weather each year we see around 100 cyclists taking part in this wonderful ride, it’s got a really great feel to it and everyone enjoys the ride knowing they are supporting a worthwhile cause. We

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

also encourage cyclists to raise some sponsorship for this great cause. We would love to attract more cyclists this year and so have extended the ride to include a 40-mile ride too.”

“We’ve almost reached our first milestone of £250k since we launched Alex’s Wish and the Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride is one of our popular events. All money raised will be go towards new clinical trials to help bring about new promising treatments that will help to extend the lives of children and young adults living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Recently, Alex’s Wish has pledged $70,000 into a promising new steroid drug treatment that offers the same benefits but without the serious side effects.”

To register for this event visit www.charnwoodforestcycleride.co.uk or email Emma at emma@alexswish.co.uk a full event pack will be sent to you once you’ve registered.

Local band release second EP A LOCAL band who have been playing together for three years have recorded their second EP, called Shots.

Featuring five of their own songs, the EP by 8MilesHigh will be launched at the Soundhouse in Leicester on Friday April 24 – entry is £5, there are three support acts and everyone gets a free copy of the EP. The band – Josh Pears, Oli Kidd-Martin, Harry Clarke and Elliott Schlapoff – are playing Glastonbudget again this year, and headlining at Birstall gala on Saturday June 27.

Birstall mum loses fight with cancer A FUNDRAISING night at Birstall Social Club has raised £1650 for Leicester Royal Infirmary’s chemotherapy suite.

Funding for homes EMPTY AND derelict properties could be brought back to life thanks to a council funding pot.

Charnwood Borough Council has around £45,000 up for grabs for homeowners looking for cash to prepare their property for the rental market.

The Partnership Grant can be used to pay for essential work including re-wiring, new windows and doors and is designed to bring properties that have been empty for longer than six months back into use.

The homeowner has to contribute towards the costs and also agree to rent out the property once the work is completed.

Councillor Jane Hunt, the council’s Cabinet member for Housing, said: “Partnership Grants are a great way for us to support the housing market by bringing much-needed homes back into use.

“We’d especially like to hear from owners of two bedroom properties because we know there is a shortage of these homes across Charnwood.

“Our Housing team is committed to working with homeowners and landlords to ensure the private rented sector is the best it can be.”

In the past five years, the Council has awarded four grants, worth a total of £40,000, to support people looking to revive homes. These have covered work including the installation of new windows and doors and replacement kitchens and bathrooms.

A maximum of £15,000 can be awarded at once, to cover 50 per cent of the cost of building and restoration work.

Properties must have been empty for at least six months.

For more information on partnership grants and how to apply visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/grants_for_own er_occupiers, email private.housing@charnwood.gov.uk or call 01509 634651.

13

Pic: 8MilesHigh

Speed checks LOCAL POLICE have been conducting speed checks in the village.

Greengate Lane : Wed Feb 25, 12noon to 1.30pm. 264 vehicles passed through the site, 6 were travelling above 35mph (verbal warnings issued) and two above 40 mph (reported for excess speed),

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Greengate Lane : Sat Mar 14, 2.203.10pm. 171 vehicles, 4 were travelling between 36-39mph and were issued with written warnings. One motorist caught at 42 mph was reported for consideration of prosecution.

Birstall Road : Sat Mar 7, 230 vehicles, 4 were exceeding 35mph (verbal warnings given). No vehicles were recorded above 40mph.

Anita Asawla, who lived in Birstall, lost her fight against cancer and died aged 33 in September last year.

Before she passed away she began to organise the event at the Social Club with her friend Paula Clifford. “She worked so hard to get things organised for the night” said Paula.

“The chemotherapy suite could not thank us enough and the money will be used for patients receiving treatment to be more comfortable while they are there” she added.

Anita’s daughter, 10 year old Eva, presented the cheque to the hospital on behalf of her mum. “Anita would have been so proud of her” said Paula.

Another fundraising event is planned for September, in aid of LOROS where Anita was cared for in her final days.

Pic: (l-r) Tracy Johnson, Beth Johnson, Paula Clifford, Morgan Clifford-Foxon, Eva Norrish, nurse John Protheroe and Sister Lorraine Granger

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

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14

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

Gym secures future THE GUNNS boxing gym on Birstall Road has secured its financial future after recently receiving donations and a grant.

“They’ve saved the gym” said Carl Gunns. “Without all these lovely people I wouldn’t be able to keep going after 13 years.”

Charnwood Borough Council have awarded the gym a grant of £3000, a local man has paid the insurance for the gym and made a donation and a fundraising concert by the upBeatles at Birstall Social Club was held in March.

Carl was recently the guest speaker for the Rotary Club of the Soar Valley at the Red Lion in Rothley, where he entertained the audience with recollections of the personalities he has met including Mohammed Ali and Henry Cooper.

He spoke about the work he has done with young people at his gym, fostering self respect and a sense of achievement and “keeping them off the streets”.

Rotary Club president Alison Porter presented Carl with a cheque for £500 for the gym’s running costs.

The grant from the Borough Council has come from its Community Safety Partnership. A spokesman said: “We chose to fund this particular initiative,

recognising the positive impact of this provision, in respect of diverting young people away from committing crime and anti-social behaviour. This project delivers to young people, in hotspot areas for youth related anti-social behaviour and crime. It succeeds in engaging some of our most hard to reach young people.”

Pic: (l-r) Rotary’s Alan Meredith, Victoria Brackenbury from Charnwood Borough Council, Carl Gunns and Rotary Club President Alison Porter

Work Club’s new captains place BIRSTALL PARISH Council has embraced a new opportunity to help a young person by providing a place for work based experience with the Estates team.

The trainee is undertaking a work based study programme in horticulture and after attending a taster day with the team the trainee’s response was “it’s been wicked”.

He will be working three days a week for 20 weeks and during this time his progress will be monitored and assessed.

BIRSTALL GOLF Club’s new captains are keen for the club to contest for the major team titles again this season.

New men’s captain Sunil Patel wants the mens team to recapture the Men’s Scratch League title that it last won in 2013, while ladies captain Karen DalzellPayne says the ladies team is looking forward to playing in Division Two of their scratch league after gaining promotion last year.

Sunil, who lives in Curzon Avenue, has been a member at the club for nine years. With his brother he runs Unique Window Systems, based in Parker Drive, Leicester, which makes and installs windows for house builders and commercial customers.

Karen has been a member at Birstall since 2000, lives at Paudy Lane, Six Hills, and is a programme manager for a global IT services company: “I hope we

will both be able to increase awareness of Birstall Golf Club as a great club of which to be a member”, she says.

“We are a very friendly club with a great course, a highly successful junior section thanks to Sue Bailey and Matt Stephens, our assistant professional, and an amazing social side thanks to our dedicated social committee”.

Birstall Golf Club will host the top Midlands professional golfers twice this year – firstly when it stages the Mark Group Charity Pro-AM on Friday May 15, and then again on Thursday and Friday July 30 & 31, when it hosts the Mark Group Midlands Open – part of the Midlands PGA Order of Merit schedule.

Pic: Sunil Patel and Karen Dalzell-Payne prepare to ‘drive in’ at Birstall Golf Club.

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

Spring fair GIRLGUIDING BIRSTALL held a Spring Fair at their Johnson road HQ to raise money to take all their girls on a trip to Conkers in the summer.

A spokesman said: “We had a teddy tombola which was very popular with the children, cake stall, lucky dip and even a human fruit machine, which everyone thought was brilliant.

“We also had a raffle with lots of prizes donated to us, many thanks to the Co-op, Next and Lily & Grace and also Tesco Beaumont Leys for supplying the refreshments.

We raised a tremendous amount so we are well on our way to funding the trip to Conkers.

Girlguiding Birstall are looking for new leaders to help run units and if you would like to be involved register on the website www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested Both Helen Sibson and Marie Upton, District Commissioners for Girlguiding Birstall will be happy to meet anyone who is interested in volunteering.

Church tower restored

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ROTHLEY PARISH Church has secured a Heritage Lottery Fund grant for tower restoration and a heritage project.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the Church of St Mary and St John, Rothley a grant of £56,600 towards a project totalling £82,000 for essential repairs to the stonework, the roof of the 15th century tower and for initiatives intended to improve sharing of the church heritage and village history.

The project will include an annual events programme aimed at increasing the appreciation of Rothley’s past involving talks, music, bell ringing and village walking tours. Enhancements to the church’s electronic and printed media are also being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

These include a web-based virtual tour with 360 degree photography, making archive material available for schools and researchers through the website and creating new displays and leaflets.

The largely 13th century church has features of interest from the Saxon, Norman, Medieval, Tudor and later periods.

Planning P/15/0580/2: 32 Worcester Ave – replacement and repositioning of fence to the property boundary P/15/0402/2: 28 Curzon Ave – erection of detached dwelling with double garage

Public sign petition HUNDREDS OF Birstall people have signed a petition objecting to the plans to build 1650 new homes in ‘North Birstall’.

The petition has been set up by Birstall Borough Councillor Simon Sansome.

The Broadnook Garden Suburb is a

proposal to build 1650 homes on land off the A6, north of Birstall. Cllr Sansome set up a stall on Sibson Road on Saturday March 21 and invited passers by to sign the petition.

“I’m quite overwhelmed by the response” he said. “We’ve had 3-400 signatures in the first hour or so.”

Miss Louise Burnett stopped to sign the petition. She said: “I don’t think Birstall has the infrastructure to cope with it. The Hallam Fields estate still doesn’t have the facilities we were promised, so more development will add even more pressure.”

Miss Lisa Jonczyk has lived in Birstall for 33 years. She said: “I think we have enough houses here – what about local schools, there aren’t enough here in the village.”

Pic: a member of the public signs a petition on Sibson Road, objecting to the planned 1650 homes at ‘North Birstall’.

The

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16

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

Cricket Corner THE NEW season is just about upon us and players from Birstall Village Cricket Club have been training hard in the pre season ready for another successful year.

Club’s fundraising BIRSTALL FLOWER Club raises funds throughout the year for charity and recently presented a cheque for £800 to their chosen charity ‘The Alzheimer’s Society’.

Wife after death AN EVENING of love and laughter is on offer when Thurcaston’s Latimer Players present ‘Wife after Death’ at the village’s Memorial Hall on April 23, 24 and 25.

This fast paced and raucous black comedy sees the friends and colleagues of the late comedian and national treasure, Dave Thursby, gather beside his coffin the pay their last respects. His widow has arranged a funeral to remember, complete with horse-drawn hearse and attendant dog.

When an unexpected guest turns up, a series of revelations reveal Dave’s dubious past and guests are left to ask themselves whether they ever really knew the ‘real’ Dave and who would have the last laugh?

This sparkling comedy is written

by Eric Chappel, BAFTA award winning author of the TV hit ‘Rising Damp’ as well as much loved TV comedies such as ‘Duty Free’, ‘Home to Roost’ and ‘Only When I Laugh’.

Tickets are £7 and available now on 0116 236 2692.

Birstall Flower Club meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The members watch a NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Society) demonstrator, who brings her own containers, flowers and foliage and demonstrates around six arrangements. At the end of the evening, the arrangements are raffled off and the lucky winners take home a beautiful prize. There is a plant stall at the meetings and there is an opportunity to buy some rare and interesting plants. During the year the club organises outings for members and their guests to places that are of interest, some close to home, and others are a day trip out.

The squad looks similar to last season with previous players returning after absence including Amol Vase and Mark Forknall, also Max Lewin and James Toon are our new big name signings.

Training will continue during April at the ECB nets at Loughborough University on Epinal Way from 8-9pm on a Wednesday evening. New and old players still welcome to join us! Hopefully BVCC will do better than England did in the recent World Cup! The BVCC committee are meeting regularly and working very hard this season to look to the future and move the club forward. There are big improvements ready to be made to the clubhouse, BVCC junior set up and linking the club to the local community which is very exciting for the club. Keep an eye for what’s going on as the season progresses.

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Tattoo studio’s raffle A BIRSTALL tattoo studio that was started with support from charity is celebrating its second birthday by organising a charity raffle.

MEMORIALS

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Pic: (l-r) Sylvia Simes, Janet Mason, Maureen Green and Margaret Drury (committee members)

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Things happening in April Saturday April 18 – First league matches for 1st XI (vs Earl Shilton Town CC) and 2nd XI (vs Shepshed Messengers 2nd XI).

Saturday April 25 – Second league match for 1st XI (vs Leicester Bank 2nd XI) and 2nd XI (vs Sapcote CC).

Don’t forget the QUIZ NIGHT on Saturday May 2 at the club house after the 1st XI’s match against Ratby 1st XI. All welcome!

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Vintage Ink on Sibson Road is run by Adam and Hayley Belcher and received grant funding from The Prince’s Trust and the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity to enable it to open in 2013.

Hayley said: “As we were supported by charity we believe in giving back to the community, supporting both local and national charities. Since we opened we have raised about £1000” The raffle will be launched on April 1 and the winners picked on May 1. Tickets are £1 a strip and can be bought from the studio, 115 Sibson Road www.vintageinktattoo.com Pic: Tattooist Adam Belcher working on a client

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

Wanlip water pressure RESIDENTS IN Wanlip will enjoy improvements to their water pressure after Severn Trent Water announced a £0.25million programme of improvement works.

The problem in the village has seen sudden drops in water pressure, caused by households sharing the same water mains with the Severn Trent Sewage Treatment site nearby.

Resident and former chairman of Wanlip Parish Meeting Pauline Harrison said: “In April 2011 we undertook a village wide survey, with many households sampling the time taken to draw down a litre of water. His results showed times varying from seven seconds and 32 within the same household at times when there was no other water use in the house. After several successive days of a failed shower, one overseas visitor was heard to say ‘I thought the UK was a first world country’.

“The most common complaints arose from the inconsistent time taken to fill kettles and baths, or showers turning freezing cold mid-shower or not operating at all. At times, households were reduced to turn-taking for showers, filling a kettle or flushing the loo. Many

Pic: the route of the new pipe Pic: The Severn Trent exhibition in Wanlip Village Hall

people paid for engineers to check boilers and showers and equipment was sometimes replaced unnecessarily.

“One resident was treating their mother to a hair makeover but when it came to rinsing the colour tint, the taps ran completely dry. They were reduced to searching the garden for a watering can that had gathered rainwater and the treat ended in tears.”

After investigating residents’ complaints, Severn Trent’s response was that the Sewage Treatment site was taking up

News from the churches The Easter season The sight of so many budding daffodils and the TV adverts for chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies, along with some very early hot cross buns in the shops, must mean that Easter is almost upon us (or perhaps already gone, by the time you read this!)

At St James, and Our Lady and St Nicholas at Wanlip, we have been exploring the meaning of the events leading up to Jesus’ Crucifixion in a Lent discussion course. For us, along with members of the other local churches, these events are proclaimed publicly, in the Walk of Witness around Birstall we make together on Good Friday morning, following the Cross, finishing this year at St. James (with hot cross buns).

Then, each in our different ways, on Easter Sunday we all celebrate the coming to life again of Jesus Christ. The earliest of these celebrations is probably the Easter Vigil at 6am at Wanlip, where the rising sun shining through the stained glass of the East window is an uplifting sight. This is followed by a service of Holy Communion also in St. Nicholas’ church at 7am and an informal family Communion service at 10am at St James Is this a record?

If you were in the vicinity of Birstall village on the morning of Monday March 16, you may have been surprised to hear the cheerful sound of the church bells ringing out from St. James. Not this time for a wedding, but this special peal was to celebrate the 50 years that Clive Mobbs, the captain of bells, has served as a ringer. The art of bellringing is still active in churches around Leicester and Clive (on 2677156) would always be glad to hear from anyone who would like to learn this skill.

Events coming up Our Social Committee has been plan-

ning some interesting excursions and events for the spring and summer.

There will be a Parish lunch at Birstall Golf Club on Sunday April 19 (names on the list in either of the churches please) and a coach trip to Newark and a nearby Garden Centre will take place on Saturday May 20. On Saturday May 30 the Cossington Voices will bring their summer concert to St James. On Saturday June 20, a trip to Camden Market in London is being planned. There will be more details available of this and other events, in next month’s Birstall Post.

From Beryl McHugh, Parish Churches Easter Day at Methodist Church If your Birstall Post arrives in good time, you are reminded that this Sunday (5th) is Easter Day when the worldwide Christian church celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Rev Rachel Parkinson will lead the 10.30am service which will include a Baptism and Holy Communion to which all are invited.

If you miss Easter!

Whether or not you are able to join us on Wanlip Lane this Easter, a reminder that there will be no service at Birstall the following week, April 12. There will be a Circuit Service at Syston Methodist Church which is in at 10.30am.

Fencing the Play Area The outdoor play area at the back of the church premises is used by the Pre School and the by the playgroup for children with special needs. Alas it has suffered damage by intruders. The low fence will be replaced with higher more secure fencing.

Charnwood Hike The 2015 hike takes place on Saturday April 25 and is organised by ‘Old Boys’ of the Birstall Boys Brigade (2nd Leicester).

A one day competitive event, walking

to 600 per cent more flow at times than normal.

Severn Trent will be laying a new water pipe that will separate the supply for the residents from the supply to the sewage treatment site.

The work will start on April 20 and will be completed by mid July. The new pipe will be laid along Wanlip Lane starting at the junction with Orchard Road and through to the village.

A hole will be dug down every 100 metres ands a boring machine will excavate a hole for the plastic pipe which it then threads through.

Severn Trent Water Programme engiover the Charnwood Forest area.

At checkpoints along the route teams will be required to participate in map reading and incidents involving physical obstacles, various skills and quizzes.

Teams consist of three boys or girls aged 11 to 17, or veterans aged 18+.

Age points are given to the advantage of younger teams.

Points are awarded for map reading, time taken between checkpoints, incidents and observation.

Trophies are awarded to the top three teams, the two highest placed girls teams, and the highest placed veterans team. All who complete the course will be awarded a certificate.

See Web-site for details or phone Steve on 07888763377 or 07736 082940 Bluebell Walk Whilst you are likely to get quite muddy on the Charnwood Hike a cleaner alternative is on offer on the same date. Sylvia is inviting you to join her at the Rutland Water Bluebell Walk in aid of Leprosy Mission Ring Sylvia 2671420 for more information – or to sponsor her.

Church Annual Meeting The Annual Church Meeting is to take place on Sunday May 4 at 4.30. It will be incorporated into an act of worship.

All members & friends are welcome.

17

neer said: “This work is really important to improve water pressure in Wanlip. We know that local people have experienced problems – this should help to make them a thing of the past, so showers are more enjoyable, baths fill more quickly and most importantly, our customers have a service that can be relied upon.

We'd encourage anyone who has any questions or concerns to get in touch with us on 01332 288047 from 8am5pm from Monday to Friday.”

The work will be carried out by Severn Trent Water’s contract Partner, Laing O’Rourke.

Pauline Harrison said: “Our thanks are due to Severn Trent’s Duncan McLoud, who has taken such a personal interest in finding a solution for the village and has been exceptional in his response to our complaints .”

Claire Myles, chairman of Wanlip Parish Meeting, said: “ Low water pressure has been a long standing issue for the village. We’re very pleased that Severn Trent is making this considerable investment to resolving this issue.”

The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on May 2.

The copy deadline is Apr 17.

Christ just hallucinations? We will examine the historical evidence (which counters these theories and supports the miracle of the Biblical account) and then conclude by seeking to understand what the Resurrection has to say to us and why it is crucial to Christianity. 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 any of our Sunday services. On April 19 and 26 we will meet in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane (LE4 3DL), starting at 10.45am. We are unable to use the school premises during holiday periods, so please ring for venues for April 5 & 12(and May 3). On Good Friday, April 3, we shall be joining with other churches at Holywell Church, Berkeley Road, Loughborough, (LE11 3SJ) at 7.45 p.m., when the preacher will be Hugh Collier from Great Ellingham, Norfolk.

Further information please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

From Birstall Methodist Church

Advertise in

Easter Meetings Following on from March’s examination of the Cross of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, this month we will be discussing the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday. In the second part of this twopart series of special meetings on Easter we will consider the main theories which have been put forward to account for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, such as: Was it an invented story? Did someone (disciples, Jews, Romans) steal the body? Was it the wrong tomb? Had Jesus simply swooned?

Were the reported sightings of the Risen

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

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18

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

WI news Belgrave bowling

PHOTO: LIBRARY PIC BY PETER TRIMMING

31 MEMBERS of Birstall and Wanlip WI gathered in the hall at Highcliffe School on March 2 as we needed plenty of arm and legroom for chair exercising with Claire Orbell.

Otters raise cubs OTTER SPOTTERS from the City Council have captured the famously shy mammals on camera in Leicester city centre.

Riverside rangers discovered the photos after checking wildlife cameras at secret locations where anecdotal evidence of otters had been reported.

Adrian Lane, senior riverside officer at the council, said: “We were really excited to discover these pictures, which show that despite the hustle and bustle of the urban environment, a female otter has managed to raise three cubs almost to maturity.

“It also confirms that years of sensitive habitat management have created the conditions that allow the animals to flourish.

“The presence of the otter, being an apex predator at the top of the food chain in waterways, signifies that every-

thing from their preferred fish diet downwards is healthy and abundant, so it's a great sign for us.

“After decades of decline, the otter is now established in the urban environment and it seems to suit them. It’s an encouraging example of how even the rarest, shyest creatures will happily coexist with humans, if we give them the space and habitat they require.”

Senior parks officer Barry Ingram, whose cameras took the pictures, added: “The cameras detect heat and movement and that triggers them to take a photograph. The technology of these cameras has improved rapidly in recent years and they are a very important survey tool in modern conservation”.

We certainly worked up a head of steam as we pumped those limbs to music. It was surprising to see how effective simple chair exercises could be to help with posture, muscle tone and balance but Claire never pushed anyone too hard and we could all work at our own rate.

There was extra excitement as we heard that there will be a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the centenary of the WI in June and every WI in the country can have one representative. Ours will be Beverly Blackburn whose name was pulled from the hat.

We have been on yet another trip to the Curve to see the hilarious Adrian Mole musical and have a new skittle tournament starting in April. There will be another session of ‘Crafting and Chatting’ where new skills will be shared at Maxilyn’s House. Our Summer outing will be to Stratford On Avon and includes a tour behind the scenes of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

On a more serious note the results of our Resolutions Initiative showed that over 86,000 votes were cast proving that the WI really are a force to be reckoned with. Our resolution concerning the Integrated Care of the Elderly will now be put to the Government.

Our next meeting is on April 13 at 7pm when Denise Taylor will talk to us about Medical Detection Dogs and the competition will be a ‘Doggy’ photo.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

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 Advertise in

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

BELGRAVE BOWLING Club on Thurcaston Road, near Red Hill way, welcomes new members.

A spokesman said: “Are you thinking of doing more exercise, starting a new hobby or meeting new people? Bowling is a great way of doing all three. It is gentle exercise in the fresh air among friendly people.

“We have good and full fixture cards for both men and ladies, and with two bowling greens members are able to bowls at any time. Out ladies team played about 30 matches last year and competed in Cunty Competitions and a Friday Triples League.

“Our men have two teams playing on Saturday afternoons. They also have a Thursday team and play in County Competitions and an Over 60s League. We also have several mixed games.

“Anyone interested in joining us would be very welcome. Several of our members are qualified instructors and would willingly help you with the game.”

For further information contact either Janet on 0116 2394970 or Steve on 0116 2870787.

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

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

Phone numbers count as one word.

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

Fast track service for older people A 78 YEAR old woman from Birstall was one of the first people to benefit from Loughborough Hospital’s new older persons’ unit.

The aim of the unit is to help older people avoid admission to hospital.

GPs, ambulance services and district nurses in Leicestershire and Rutland can now refer patients to Loughborough Older Persons’ Unit at Loughborough Community Hospital for a range of tests and diagnostics directly targeted at older people.

One of the patients to use the service recently was Marjorie Smith (78) from Birstall who attended the unit following a series of falls. Her GP was unable to find anything clinically wrong with her, but was still concerned, so referred her on to the unit for further tests.

Marjorie said: “I fell last week and

couldn’t get up and it wasn’t the first time, I’ve had a couple of falls in the last few weeks. I went to the doctor this morning, and he couldn’t find anything wrong. He wanted a more in-depth examination though, he’s been my doctor for a long time and he thinks I’ve fallen too often. I came straight to the unit and I’ve been seen really quickly. I didn’t expect that, there’s been no waiting.”

Marjorie was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee which was causing her knees to give way, explaining why she was falling over. The centre prescribed pain medication and contacted her GP with a recommendation for Marjorie to be referred to a specialist osteoarthritis clinic.

Marjorie added: “It’s great to be able to make use of the unit, I had no idea that they had this kind of thing here. I think it’s wonderful, everyone has been very kind and helpful. So often older people aren’t dealt with properly, and they’re not given enough time. But this time I was treated right, this is much better. I felt really reassured by everything, it’s a really good service. It should

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be available for everyone.”

The unit is part of the Better Care Together five year strategy to transform health and social care in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and is funded through Leicestershire’s £38m Better Care Fund (BCF) programme, to provide better care, closer to home.

The unit provides a comprehensive assessment, as well as onward referral to specialist services. Following referral to the unit patients can be seen on the same day, or offered an appointment within 48 hours depending on their needs. Transport from St.John’s Ambulance Service is available for those patients who are unable to reach the unit by other means, ensuring the unit is accessible from anywhere in the two counties.

An NHS spokesman said: “Any patient who requires diagnostics and further assessment can be seen by the service.

Although the unit can see any older person, the most common type of referrals are for those suffering from a chest infection, unexplained falls, urinary tract infections and heart problems. Loughborough’s unit can test for and organise support for all these conditions, avoiding the need for people to go to A&E when their condition worsens or have overnight stays at hospital while tests are carried out.”

On arrival at the unit they will be clinically assessed by an advanced nurse practitioner, who will perform a comprehensive assessment of the patient including blood tests, observations, ECG and bladder scans and x-rays. If required they will then be assessed by a specialist consultant who will review the findings and make a management plan.

The results of the assessment and the consultant’s recommendations will be made available to the referring GP, who will make a decision on the action need-

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

ed to be taken to address the problem.

Despite the comprehensive nature of the assessment, the average time taken to complete diagnostics and treatment is under two hours.

Ernie White, the county council’s cabinet member for health and chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “This unit is making a massive difference to older people – providing timely help and avoiding the need for people to stay in hospital. That’s got to be better for people’s care.

“It shows how the Better Care Fund is making a difference, joining up health and care services to help people stay at home.”

Nick Willmott, GP Clinical Lead at West Leicestershire CCG said: “The Loughborough Older Persons’ Unit has already seen over 140 patients, and is invaluable in helping older people to receive the care they need, as soon as they need it, without needing to access emergency care through A&E. Ensuring patients are seen with 48 hours means that they can get the right treatment plan arranged as soon as possible, preventing their conditions from worsening and enabling them to remain at home where they tell us they would rather be.”

Mental health help A TELEPHONE helpline for those suffering a mental health crisis has been set up by Leicestershire NHS. The number is 0808 800 3302 and it offers support to those with urgent mental health needs. It is free from most mobile networks and is open between 2pm and 1.30am, seven days a week.

A face-to-face service has also been set up. These are delivered in three locations. No appointments are necessary for the Leicester City sessions which are:: • Thursday and Friday, 10am-5pm at Apex House, Charles Street • Saturday, Sunday & Monday, 10am10pm at The centre Project, Granby Street An appointment-based service operates in Ratby from 8am-8pm seven days a week Dr Mohammed Al-Uzri, Clinical Director for Adult Mental Health and Learning Disability Services, said: “These new services are part of our commitment to providing more support in the community instead of hospital. The telephone helpline and face-to-face sessions will help us provide care to those people whose needs would otherwise intensify, and possibly end in a hospital admission.

“If you know of anyone who is struggling with their mental health and would benefit from talking to someone confidentially, please share with them the details of these new services.”

These services are part of a wider programme to improve crisis services, which includes the commissioning of

19

Makeover for your venue WATES LIVING Space along with staff from Charnwood Borough Council will host a Dragon’s Den style event in which the local community can ‘pitch’ for a helping hand with their projects.

Wates, the Council's housing contractor, is looking for local charity groups, schools, church groups, voluntary organisations and local clubs to apply for a ‘makeover’ to a venue or outside space that they use. It is part of the company's Community Day. Applications need to be submitted

by April 25, 2015 and will be considered by a panel of judges. A group of finalists will be invited to pitch their bids to ‘the dragons’ at a presentation in May. The dragons will include staff from Wates, the Council and a tenant of Charnwood Borough Council. After the presentations, a winning bid will be selected for a makeover which will include labour for a day and materials required to complete the project.

The team at Wates will down tools in June and spend a day refurbishing the winning venue.

Cllr Jane Hunt, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is a great opportunity for a local group to bid for a makeover that will make a difference to a space used by members of the local community.

“We are pleased to be working with Wates on this fun project and hope many groups apply to take part in the event.”

Andrew Brown, from Wates, said: “We want venues where we can make a real difference to the environment and the people who use these locations.

“We’re very excited about this competition and feel it’s very important to support local groups in any way we can.

“Wates Living Space is committed to giving something back to the areas in which they work and this is another example of the community work we do.”

If you would like to apply please email Charnwood@wates.co.uk Box Tree Farm in Ratby, which opened at the end of February. This will provide short-term support for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis and is an alternative to hospital admission.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust have worked with mental health charity the Richmond Fellowship to provide these services.

The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on May 2.

The copy deadline is Apr 17.

20

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2015

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Teenage and Adolescent Cancer Care in Leicester Teenage and young adult (TYA) years are amongst the most fun and challenging in our lives. Imagine the catastrophic addition of cancer in these precious years.

Many will have read Stephen Suttons inspiring story last year.

Stephen was an exceptional young man who made a huge impact as a Teenage Cancer Trust ambassador and fundraiser.

Stephen was first diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was just 15 years old. Despite a terminal diagnosis, Stephen remained positive and determined to make a difference up until his death in May 2014. To date Stephen’s Story has raised over £5 million for young people facing cancer. Birstall BAG’s would like to shed a little light on cancer in young adults and inform readers about our local health care facilities.

In 2009-2011, there was an average of 2,234 new cases of teenage and young adult cancer per year in the UK. The incidence of all cancers in 15-24 year-olds increases with age with the majority of cancers being diagnosed in those aged 20-24 (62% in the UK between 2000 and 2009) compared with 15-19 (38%). The three most common cancer types in teenagers and young adults are lymphomas, carcinomas and germ cell tumours.

Thankfully survival is good with more than 80% of teenagers and young adults surviv-

ing cancer for at least five years.

Cancers in teenagers and young adults probably do not have lifestyle/environmental causes in the same way most adult cancers do. This is because the duration of, and time since, risk factor exposure is much shorter in teenagers and young adults compared with adults. Gene mutations – perhaps in combination with lifestyle/environmental factors – probably play an important role in development of teenage and young adult cancer.

Overall, the evidence on teenage and young adult cancer risk factors is limited, mainly because of the relative rarity and diversity of this group of cancers.

Evidence shows that adolescents diagnosed with cancer are far better cared for in facilities suited to meeting their ‘young’ needs. In 2005, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) published the Improving Outcomes Guidance (IOG) for children and young people with cancer in England and Wales, and this was subsequently followed by the National Cancer Action Team Guidance for England in 2008. Both documents recommend for the delivery of cancer services in 16-24 year-olds: • There should be designated principal treatment centres for teenagers and young adults (TYA PTCs).

• All care for children and young people aged 18 and under must be provided in age-appropriate facilities. Young people aged 19 and over should have unhindered access to age-appropriate facilities and support where needed.

The provision of teenage and adolescence facilities is thankfully being addressed by a national charity called the Teenage Cancer Trust. Teenage Cancer Trust units are charity funded and are designed to meet the needs of teenagers and young adults by ensuring that “the young person is treated as a young person first and a cancer patient second”. The Teenage Cancer Trust units are built with input from young people so that the envi-

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ronment feels as much like home as possible, they have social rooms with gaming equipment, TV’s, kitchenettes and jukeboxes, a variable amount of side rooms, and a bay of beds.

The Ward 27 Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary was opened in November 2012. The unit is for 13-24 year olds and all bedrooms are equipped with soft furnishings, bespoke furniture, TV, DVD and gaming facilities, and there is dedicated Teenage Cancer Trust Wifi with laptops provided. The unit has a 5 beds, a social zone with a coffee bar and beverage bay and dining and gaming areas, a quiet room with soft furnishings a day care facility and a family kitchen. The unit employs a number of specialist TYA Cancer Care specialists.

For further information: www.cancerresearchuk.org or www.teenagecancertrust.org/get-help/howwe-can-help/our-units/leicester-royal-infirmary University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189.

For more information on the funds we have raised, projects we support and forthcoming events see www.birstallbags.co.uk Contact the BAG’s by email birstallbags@hotmail.com Birstall BAG’s Registered Charity Number 1160190 Thank you all for you ongoing support.

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

GET A QUOTE FROM US BEFORE YOU BUYYOUR NEXT PAIR OF SPECTACLES Same day service on most plastic lenses Top quality lenses including Varilux, Nikon, Zeiss DESIGNER FRAMES

Contact Mike or Teresa Keily on 0116

237 6098

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Covering Leicestershire

0116 2672583 Mob: 0796 7 191975

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