Birstall Post (389) December 2015

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

DECEMBER 2015

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 389

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Pic: Talented runners Lexie McLoughlin (right) and Olivia Bonshor

TWO YOUNG runners from Birstall organised their own five mile charity run for Children in Need. and are pupils at the Cedars Academy, are members of Charnwood Athletic club and have been running competitively for just over a year.

They are both ranked in the top 10 in the country for their age at 1500 metres – Olivia’s best time is 5:25 and Lexie’s is 5:23 Continued on page 3

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Girls’ charity run Olivia Bonshor (11) and her friend Lexie McLoughlin (11) ran circuits of King Lear’s Lake in Watermead Country Park on a drizzly Saturday morning in November.

Lexie said: “We want to support Children in Need because they pretty much help everyone, all over the world”.

The girls, who both live in Birstall

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

Continued from page 1 In Year 6 both students participated in the school’s Cross Country held at Prestwold Hall and won third place, they were also picked to represent Leicester and Rutland in the Counties Sports Competition and their team won first place.

This year competing in the Secondary Schools Cross Country Lexie has been placed 3rd, 3rd and 4th whilst her running partner Olivia has been placed 7th,

6th and 8th. In the secondary school cross country relays they competed and their team won first place.

Both girls said they would like to compete in the Olympics and to one day run a marathon.

Lexie’s dad Tom said: “I’m proud of her. She runs not just for herself but for friends, and both girls have gone from strength to strength. Olivia’s dad Phil said: “They run for each other. It’s rare to see two girls of such a high standard.”

The January issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jan 9.

The copy deadline is Dec 18.

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Plan allocates site for 1500 homes CHARNWOOD COUNCILLORS have voted to approve a planning document that recommends building 1500 new homes north of Birstall.

The Broadnook Garden suburb is one of the areas suggested for development in Charnwood Borough Council’s Core Strategy, which is the council’s blueprint for where new housing, employment land and infrastructure should be built until 2028.

At a meeting of the full Charnwood Borough Council on November 9, 39 councillors voted to adopt the Core Strategy and eight voted against.

Birstall councillor Iain Bentley was legally required to declare an interest and could not vote. Birstall’s three other councillors, Renata Jones, Serinda Shergill and David Gaskell, voted in favour of adoption.

The main areas of proposed development are: • 1500 homes and 15 hectares of employment land on land to the north of the A46, between Birstall and Rothley.

The land is in the parish of Wanlip.

• 4500 homes and 13 hectares of employment land to the north of Hamilton/east of Thurmaston.

• 3000 homes and 16 hectares of employment land to the west of Loughborough The Core Strategy also sets out how the Council aims to help boost economic recovery in the area with plans for the regeneration of the Watermead corridor within the Thurmaston and Syston area, support for further development of the Loughborough Science and Enterprise Park and a regeneration plan for Shepshed.

The Birstall Post understands that the developers of the Broadnook Garden Suburb are planning public exhibitions of their plans in January or February of 2016, prior to submitting an outline

planning application.

Birstall Parish Council’s chairman Ann Marshall said that the Parish Council objected to the inclusion of the Broadnook Garden suburb at the earliest possible stage. She said: “We objected on the grounds that the strategy was unsound and that the local infrastructure couldn’t cope.

“The village tried so hard to stop the Hallam Fields development and it made not one jot of difference and realistically I don’t think we could ever stop this one. Charnwood has its housing targets to meet – that’s good for them, but what about the residents!

“This new development will have 1500 cars at least, plus the employment land, so anybody can see what the impact will be. The A6 is already terrible and we in Birstall will be the most badly affected. My worry is what they can do to mitigate the impact on the roads and I hope that Charnwood will engage with the developers to address these con-

cerns and that they will involve the parishes at each stage in the process. We want to be consulted about everything – traffic, section 106 money, everything.”

In a statement, Birstall’s Conservative Borough councillors said: “… whether you like it or not, more houses are needed and you only have to look at the present speed of house sales and the reported demands for new houses to realise that this is the case.

“Without a plan to control and direct such needs we would face the prospect of developments taking place not where we want them but rather where developers see fit to locate them.

“We believe that the Broadnook Garden Suburb would enhance our area by providing additional facilities for the area. We, as councillors, are committed to ensure that the development’s infrastructure is front loaded, carefully put in place and monitored as the development proceeds.”

The full statement is published on the Your Say page.

Former Birstall Borough Councillor, Lib Deb Simon Sansome, has started a Continued on page 4

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THE BIRSTALL POST

DEC 2015

Pic: a 2014 map of the Boroadnook Garden suburb

ST WATER TREATMENT WORKS BROADNOOK GARDEN SUBURB

WANLIP

Continued from page 3 petition on change.org to oppose the development. It currently has 289 signatures. He says Birstall cannot take this amount of new houses.

Borough councillor Eric Vardy, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “This is a significant moment for us as a council and I am delighted that the Core Strategy has finally been adopted. This document not only says where significant new developments should go, it also says to developers where they should not go.

“I know some elements of the strategy are not universally supported, but I hope people will accept that we have taken every step to consider all views before reaching a conclusion. I am confident the Core Strategy will help control future growth and preserve the character and beauty of the borough as a whole.”

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

PCSO Mark Butler reported there had been an increase in thefts including a number of incidents of bilking – filling up at a petrol station and driving away without paying. Stolen number plates are often used to fit on the car before stealing petrol in this way.

A high value vehicle stolen from Curzon Avenue has been recovered and two men from Birmingham arrested in connection with the offence.

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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.”

Youths caught outside St James’ Church in connection with damage to the church roof have had their parents spoken to and have had restorative justice applied, doing work in the churchyard and paying for repairs to a damaged window.

The council agreed to adopt children’s play area two at Hallam Fields which has recently been completed by developer Jelson but has not yet been opened to the public.

It was agreed to provide £550 to the Birstall Royal British Legion Football club for new kit.

It was reported that the Parish Council had received no news from the County Council regarding the County’s plans to install traffic calming measures on Birstall Road.

It was reported that the St James’ Bible Study Group had donated £50 to the Parish Council’s youth café. New white LED lights will be fitted to the Christmas trees erected on the shop fronts along Sibson Road this year, saving £800.

The council has agreed to spend £2052 for the Village Hall floor to be scrubbed and sealed.

The Council is considering projects for the next financial year. Suggestions put forward by councillors include: complete refurbishment of the Village Hall toilets, a tree warden scheme, palisade fencing along the perimeter of the Harrowgate Drive playing fields, the adoption of Meadow Lane and new play equipment

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Shanghai teachers share world class approach TWO TEACHERS from Shanghai have been teaching maths at a Birstall school as part of an exchange project.

Wang Yagi and Pansheng Nan spent three weeks in November at The Cedars Academy teaching maths ‘Shanghai style’ to specially chosen pupils in Year 7 and 8.

The Shanghai approach has the class sitting in rows with all the students working together on the same material with a lot of repeated recitation by the class until the concepts are understood and embedded.

Maths teacher Anne Beckett said: “I particularly like the emphasis that they place on making pupils show clear steps in working out and getting children to explain how they arrived at their answer.

“The Shanghai teaching style seems very formal and old fashioned compared to maths lessons being delivered every day at The Cedars – pupils are encouraged to write down definitions and explanations and chant them out loud together.

The Shanghai teachers place a strong emphasis on using correct vocabulary and they expect working out to be laid out step-by-step. This is a good habit for pupils to develop which will hopefully

Pics: Shangahi teachers Wang Yaqi (left) & Pansheng Nan; (inset) teaching students at the Cedars Academy

earn them extra marks when they take their GCSEs. In Shanghai, all children have learned their times tables before they leave primary school – this

knowledge helps them to develop a deep understanding of other topics.”

Anne was one of 70 maths teachers from across England who travelled to Shanghai in September where she spent two weeks in Chinese schools watching teaching taking place in secondary and primary classrooms.

“It was fantastic to see some amazing maths lessons and watch children learn in a different say” she said.

Students at the Cedars Academy have been enthusiastic about the Shanghai style, says Anne. Tanja Eidsdottir (12) said: “The teachers have explained things in more detail, they’ve repeated things so they get glued in our heads.

We’ve been reading things out together, taking part in the teaching ourselves in

a way, and they don’t move on until they are one hundred per cent sure we all understand.”

Jake Parrott (12) said: “I’ve always enjoyed maths but it’s been really fun with the Chinese teachers because it’s really interactive, it’s almost like a conversation with lots of quizzes and games.”

Chinese teacher Wang Yaqi said: “The students at The Cedars are very active, much more so than in China.

They are not afraid of talking to their teacher, about the problems they are having in the lesson, and I enjoy talking to them.

“The students have been interested when I’ve given them a new definition, and they have made progress with their learning.”

Shanghai is one of the top performing jurisdictions in the Pisa global education league tables, which suggest that by the age of 15, children in Shanghai are up to three years ahead of their English peers in maths.

The government has invested £11million in a two year programme to boost England’s performance in maths and the teacher exchange is part of the Department for Education’s Maths Hub programme.

Head Teacher at The Cedars Academy Jason Smith said: “It is cutting edge maths teaching and is a great opportunity for us, we are really proud to be chosen to be a part of this exchange project and to have the two teachers from Shanghai here.”

Anne Beckett said: “When the Chinese teachers have gone home we need to meet as a department and identify the elements of their teaching which we feel will have most impact on the progress of our pupils and then see how we can introduce these changes into lessons and schemes of work.

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

Music at switch on A LOCAL musician will perform his charity Christmas single when he performs at Birstall’s Christmas lights switch on event on December 4.

Pic: musician James Plimmer

James Plimmer (23), a former Longslade student, has written a song called ‘A Christmas Without You’ and fifty per cent of the money made on every download from his website or from iTunes will go to the Leicester based charity Loubob’s Legacy.

It was founded in 2014 by Aylee Penn to raise money for brain tumour research and is named after her son who died after a 10 year fight with cancer.

“The money raised will go to raise funds for a new research centre to help fight the disease, and to develop new medicines” said James.

James’s performance is at 5.30pm on December 4 at the Sibson Road car

Christmas gifts for all at shop THE CHRISTMAS shop at Birstall Garden Centre is now bigger than ever and is packed full of Christmas decorations, trees and gifts.

“It’s unique to Leicester, has everything for the holiday season, all under one roof in a dedicated show house” said Jordan Lee, who together with sister Jo Henderson are the second generation to run their garden and leisure business that was started 45 years ago.

Jo said: “We have decorations covering themes from sumptuous traditional reds, golds and tartans to Scandinavian reindeer. We sell gifts and toys for everyone including a huge selection of scented candles, throws, chocolates, soft toys and novelty stocking fillers and much, much more.”

The Christmas shop is located at Birstall Garden Centre on Sibson Road. The shop celebrates the village light switch on with a late night opening on December 4. On Sunday December 6 and December 12 & 13 Santa pays a visit each afternoon handing out sweets for the children and hot chestnuts and popcorn too. “Customers can choose their freshly cut, locally grown Christmas tree and get into the Christmas spirit” said Jo.

Trouble with your figures? park, where he will be playing his single as well as a few Christmas songs. Also performing will be Alyshia Dhakk. James will be singing at 13 other Christmas lights switch on events throughout Leicestershire.

Birstall’s Christmas lights switch on event will feature a Christmas market (from 4.30pm), fairground rides, refreshments, a visit from Santa and a free mince pie and mulled wine for visitors. www.jamesplimmer.co.uk

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

Hundreds gather for Remembrance service BIRSTALL REMEMBERED all those who have lost their lives in war at the annual Remembrance Day service and parade.

Pic: Students from the Cedars Academy at Birstall war memorial: Tom Mills, Amber Sudra, Zoe Stead, Josh Faull, Taylor Dempsey, Tamzyn Hadley-Mace and Barney Sutton

The parade comprised units from the Birstall branch of the Royal British Legion, the Women’s Section of the Birstall branch, the Royal Airforce Association, the Air Training Corps (1947) unit, the Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Brigade and a support unit from the Fire Service.

The Union flag and a standard from the Royal British Legion led the column which marched to St James’s church via Front Street, Birstall Road and Church Hill.

The service was conducted by Birstall clergy under the direction of the vicar, Rev Vince Jupp. Afterwards the parade marched to the

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war memorial where a two minute silence was observed. Mrs Rosemary Conley, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant, laid the first wreath.

On November 11 at 11am there was an act of remembrance at the war memorial Pic: Rosemary Conley attended by laid a wreath members of the public including a group of seven students from the Cedars Academy. One of them, Thomas Mills, said: “The memorial service was very thoughtful. We gave a thought to those who had fallen in conflicts that we maybe were not able to recall.

They made us think about recent conflicts and to those who have lost loved ones.

“This was an experience which I will remember and every year I will think of the fallen solders and families who have had to live through the pain of talking to them but they will never respond.

“This makes you think what it will be like if you were in their shoes, what your life would be like. We will remember them.”

First lady BIRSTALL’S LISA Spence was the first woman home at the Braunstone park run on October 31 with a time of 21.46.

Lisa, a busy mum with three children and a full time nurse, belongs to Birstall running club.

Pic: Birstall Running Club’s Lisa Spence

Red Hill TREE TRUNKS placed around the edge of Red Hill island in November were the first stage of work to completely block access to the island by travellers, says Leicester City Council.

Within a few hours of them being put in place, several caravans and a camper van set up camp on the island.

The City Council began the process to remove them and says that once they are gone they will block the perimeter of the roundabout with soil embankments.

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

Celebrating 70 years together Clock plaque A BIRSTALL couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at a lunch with friends and relatives at Birstall Golf Club.

The platinum pair, Stan and Marjorie Heath, live on Wellgate Avenue and were married on November 10, 1945.

The couple, both 92, met at the Blackpool Tower ballroom in August 1944.

“I was there with a friend but he was not a dancer so I went on my own while he went down to the beach” said Stan.

“I saw this young lady on her own and thought ‘I recognise that face’, I’d seen her riding her bike on Blackbird Road in Leicester at lunch times.

“Well I went over to her and asked her to dance and she told me she came from Leicester and worked for the British Thomson-Houston Company, which I also worked for, on Blackbird Road.

Well, we stayed with each other all afternoon and went back on the train to Leicester and talked all the way back.”

“We couldn’t really meet at work and a month went by when I saw her friend and asked her if she would ask Marjorie if she would go to the pictures with me – her friend came back and the answer was yes.”

“It was at the Odeon, something with Glenn Ford and Rita Hayworth” said

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Pic: married 70 years: Stan & Marjorie Heath; (inset) on their wedding day

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The couple married 12 months later at St Paul’s church on Fosse Road. They have lived in Birstall for 38 years.

Stan said: “What did I like about Marjorie? Well, she was intellectual, knowledgeable and well

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spoken – she had a bit of class.”

“He was just lovely” said Marjorie.

The couple have always enjoyed doing things together and have many shared interests such as ballroom dancing, going to the races and gardening – they have been members of Brooksby Gardening Club for 30 years.

They have three children, four grand-children and three great-grandchildren.

“It’s not been perfect, we’ve had our fallings out, but never go to sleep on it, never go to sleep on a thorn, that’s what I call it – we always made up before bedtime.

“We’ve never been afraid to walk down the street hand in hand, we still do it today, that’s how we’ve always been.”

Mayor Cllr John Capleton was invited to unveil a brass plaque erected beneath the clock, which was installed by the Parish Council in July.

The Mayor and Mayoress Meg Jenkinson were joined by Mr John Holden, President of Birstall’s Royal British Legion; Mrs Adrienne Topley, representative of Birstall’s History Society who donated the clock to Birstall; the chair of Birstall Parish Council, Councillor Ann Marshall and Councillor Ed Marshall.

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 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

Speed I am writing to ask when we can have the speed checks on Wanlip Lane?

Certain times of the day it’s like a race track with speeds of around 50-60 mph.

Also who decided on having a blue Christmas tree for Birstall? There is nothing wrong in the traditional green with more lights.

Mrs A Davis

Disappointed I have to say that I am so disappointed with Charnwood Borough Council and the local Conservative Councillors.

Charnwood Council have approved 1500 homes to be built in Birstall, when Hallam Fields is still under construction.

Leicester City are planning another massive housing development at the top of Greengate Lane. I am worried that Birstall will be overran and over developed.

We don't have a leisure centre, school places are hard to come by, car

parking in the village is a nightmare, I spend 30-40 minutes every day trying to get in and out of Greengate estate.

I’ve lived in Birstall for two decades and love the people who live here.

I know there are a lot of politics in Birstall and most of the time I don't vote, but I feel ashamed that we have such bad councillors in Birstall.

I don't know the full details just what's on spotted Birstall but from what I've seen we have a councillor on the planning committee at Charnwood Borough Council who can't talk or represent residents on the 1500 home development. I found out its Mr Bentley our County and Borough Councillor.

I may have missed this but is it not their job to represent our views?

I think Birstall may have missed I trick here. I have never voted liberal in my life and don't intend to but I would vote for the person. I honestly believe that Birstall has shot itself in the foot by not electing councillor Sansome. I met him he was the only councillor to knock on my door in the 20 years living in Birstall. I have to say he was lovely and annoying, but he tried, worked hard and put out regular leaflets to keep us informed, and when I needed advice he emailed me back the same day.

Nothing in Birstall is going to change unless we change our votes. From my point of view Birstall Councillors are not representing us in Birstall or Wanlip.

I would feel embarrassed if I was a councillor in Birstall.

Please Birstall lets get together and try to stop the over development of the village as we're not going to get any help from our elected representatives.

Name and address supplied The Birstall Post invited Birstall’s Borough Councillors to respond to this letter, and received this statement:

The person making these observations is obviously unaware of the reasons behind the Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy, of which the proposed development north of Leicester is but a part. It is a fact that, by the year 2028

which is the time frame of this strategy, Charnwood will need 14,000 new homes and 12,000 new jobs. These figures, which have been accepted by the planning inspector, are not plucked out of the air but rather arrived at after careful discussions with the community, our partners in Leicester and Leicestershire and their planning authorities and after taking careful note of the views of independent experts in the science of predetermining such anticipated needs. It is a strategy i.e. a plan, a vision, for delivering growth for Charnwood up to 2028.

Without such a plan to control and direct such needs we would face the prospect of developments taking place not where we want them but rather where developers see fit to locate them. Financial considerations could therefore take precedent over local needs. Charnwood Borough Council wishes to retain control over Charnwood’s destiny.

It would appear to be common and to a certain extent understandable, that all local authorities experience a degree of animosity whenever any proposed new developments are proposed, local objections will be vociferously raised.

We all want to retain our green spaces but nimbyism (i.e., not in my back yard) has now moved on to wigwam (i.e., where it goes won’t affect me.) This is certainly true in Leicestershire but whether we like it or not, more houses are needed and you only have to look at the present speed of house sales and the reported demands for new houses, to realize that this is the case.

So, the Core Strategy is a general plan for the future, it will not happen overnight. The developers will have to comply with this strategy when submitting their individual plans and those plans will have to go through the Charnwood Planning Committee. It is at this stage that the infra structure, such as leisure centres, schools, surgeries and the like, will be determined and it is at that stage that we all will be able to make our views known.

One of the many problems of the

Hallam Fields development was that under the then Labour administration, it was required that as many houses as possible were built in a limited area.

This has changed and now much more attention is given to the aesthetics of the development. So the proposed Broadnook development speaks of boulevards, playing areas and the like and of course, Charnwood Borough Council has made a conscious decision, repeated in the core strategy, to continue to raise the standards of design throughout all future development proposals.

We believe that the proposed Broadnook garden suburb development, would enhance our area by providing additional facilities for the area. We, as councillors, are committed to ensure that the development’s infrastructure is front loaded, carefully put in place and monitored as the development proceeds.

This will hopefully, avert the problems experienced on Hallam Fields where we councillors have had to threaten and cajole the developers and the local authorities to provide the necessary infrastructures such as schools and community facilities and this has been very much a ‘catch-up’ exercise. That said, because of the involvement of your local councillors and their determination to ensure that all the promised funding by the developer was forthcoming, a further £1.6 million has been provided and is being used to facilitate the infrastructure.

Councillor Bentley, because he lives and works on the proposed site of the Broadnook development, in order to comply with the legal niceties, has ‘declared an interest’ and therefore must abstain from any discussion. However, because we have three other councillors, they can and do raise issues as they manifest themselves. Hence we have had the proposed Wanlip By-Pass being dropped and the proposed industrial development to the east of the A6 abandoned. We work tirelessly as a team and have achieved much for Birstall in consequence during our time in office,

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

most recently getting the parking restrictions on Sibson Road extended to one hour.

What really saddens us is that people like your anonymous correspondent thinks that we are not representing the views of Birstall and Wanlip. Has he/she attended our surgeries to articulate their views? If not, why not? We would love to speak with them face to face and explain just what we do for the people of Birstall. There are many people who have attended our surgeries and have expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes achieved.

Presently, your Birstall Conservative councillors are actively involved in working with the Cedars academy to ensure a suitable primary school is provided on Hallam Fields estate. Working with the Leicester City Council to prevent gypsies and travellers camping on Redhill Island (and we are opposed to the present use of large logs as a barrier, rather seeking a more permanent earth bund or metal barriers around the whole circumference of the island). We continue to monitor the progress of the £32.m refurbishment of Riversdale Court. We are in contact with our M.P. to try to provide a post office for Hallam Fields. We are voicing our concerns about traffic on the A6 and Birstall Road. We are working with the residents of Burley Houses to ensure that they have an adequate security procedures in place. Other issues which have been brought to our notice, such as replacement boilers and bathrooms in council owned property, street parking and the state of pavements have all been dealt with or are being subject to further examinations by the relevant departments. These are just some of our involvements. The people of Birstall can be assured that we will continue to listen to all complaints and work tirelessly to seek solutions.

Cllrs Renata Jones, Serinda Shergill, David Gaskell and Iain Bentley

Thanks I would like to thank all the people who stopped to help me on Sibson Road on October 29 when my husband collapsed especially the lady from the tattoo shop who helped to get him on to a chair and got him a drink of water and the lady who went to the garden centre for umbrellas to keep us dry until transport arrived to get us home. It’s people like this that makes Birstall a lovely place to live. My husband’s leg is a lot better now but he still doesn’t walk very far without a walking stick. Thank you.

Dorothy Oswin

Noticeboard all details printed free

Thanks Please let me thank your readers for letting me have their used stamps and foreign money.

Fred Savidge, 18 Rose Tree Avenue

Crazy Reading November Post’s letters, I strongly agree it's crazy, how can we be expected to believe that £7995 is spent on a false tree. Can I suggest planting a large fern of finest quality, that is dressed each year £500 at the very most, surely!

And would look perfect. (And please no fence around it .)

Dean Spencer

Thanks Thank you to everyone who has supported CLASH 2012 during the past year.

The charity wishes you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2016.

If anyone with good administration skills can give a few hours to support CLASH 2012 starting in January 2016, based at Dock (LE4 5NU), this will be a great help for our growing arthritis charity.

Thank you! For further details, please call me on 07751072612 or email info@clashgroup.org.uk.

Christine Thomas

Oliver! is the Christmas production at Curve, Leicester Let us transport you to Victorian London this Christmas for this timeless tale about the boy who asked for more…

After escaping the workhouse, young orphan boy Oliver quickly finds himself alone on the bleak streets of London. When he befriends the mischievous Artful Dodger, Oliver is introduced to the art of pickpocketing, but could his new lifestyle lead him to discovering his mysterious past?

Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Oliver! is one of the most successful musicals of all time and has a sensational score that includes such classics as Food Glorious Food, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, Where Is Love? and I’d Do Anything.

In Curve’s brand new production of Lionel Bart’s multi-award winning musical, director Paul Kerryson will be joined by choreographer Andrew Wright, Musical Director Ben Atkinson and Set Designer Matt Kinley, to bring you another must-see family favourite. Consider Yourself in for a treat this Christmas!

Tickets £42* – £18.50* Discounted Tickets** £16* Under 16s

11

£4 off for 16 – 26 yrs £15 Under 18s school groups £2.50 off over 60s and registered unemployed £5 off for Groups 10+ **Discounted tickets are subject to availability and are restricted to certain areas and performances. *Plus a transaction fee of £3 for all card payments. Excludes Members, Groups 10+ and customers printing tickets at home. Discounts are subject to availability and are only available on certain performances.

Birstall Christmas Lights Switch On & Christmas Market Friday 4 December - 5:30pm on Sibson Road Car Park Festive performances

by James Plimmer and Alyshia Dhakk from 5:30pm Switch On event will take place at 6pm on the Sibson Road Car Park Fairground attractions on the Sibson Road Car Park from 3:30pm Hot Dogs, Burgers, Hot Potatoes, Roasted Chestnuts Santa has confirmed that he is able to drop by and be with us from 5:30pm Christmas Market in the Village Hall from 4:30pm Tea, Coffee, Soup and cold drinks available from the Day Centre kitchen on Birstall Road If you or your organisation are interested in having a stall at the Christmas Market, please contact the office for further information or download the forms on the

Come along & join in the fun!

With the Age UK

Birstall Dental Practice wishes all our patients a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

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Fun & Simple to follow THURSDAYS 11.45-12.30pm starting 14th Jan 2016

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Help loosen your joints, to keep you active, healthy & feeling good!

For more information contact Phillipa

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12

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

Council’s website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.ouk And don’t forget your FREE Mince Pie and Mulled Wine also available for collection from the Day Centre Kitchen on Birstall Road from 6:30pm

Want to know more about breastfeeding your baby?

Be in the company of like minded mums?

Pop along for a cuppa.

Babies and toddlers welcome La Leche League Birstall Breastfeeding Group Second Thursday of the month 1pm - 2.30pm Birstall Village Hall for more info call Jackie 0778 7130801 or find us on facebook

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council "Far from the Madding Crowd" Dec 11 Thomas Vinterburg has assembled a superb cast for his new version of Thomas Hardy's "Far from the

Madding Crowd". Carey Mulligan stars as Bethsheba, a landowner who attracts attentions from three different suitors. This is a gorgeous costume drama. Watch out for the breath-taking cinematography in this enthralling film.

"My Old Lady" Jan 8, 2016 (107 mins) "My Old Lady" is January's British comedy starring Maggie Smith, with her well-timed witty comments. In Paris, Mathias inherits a valuable apartment which he intends to sell in order to pay off

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some debts. However, Mathilde, played by Maggie Smith, lives there and she causes serious complications. He is obliged to pay her a costly life annuity. This delightful comedy is ideal to cheer us in the new year.

"A Little Chaos" will be shown on Feb 12.

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

Starting at 7.30pm. Tickets will cost £5 and concessions will be £4.50. There will be refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advanced tickets may be purchased via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door.

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

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

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

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

St James Monday Group invite you to

'Are You Having A New Bike for Christmas?'

Afternoon Tea

Help Refugees/Assylum Seekers get about by donating your old Adult Bike(s) and any Cycle Accessories or Parts.

Collection Date on a Saturday January 2015 10 - 4.00 at the Catholic Church Car Park. (Details to be finalised).

Please look out for Posters in the Village and details on our Church Website on www.Birstall.org or speak to Rose Parrott (St James Church) 07811662235 for further information. Birstall and Wanlip Church(es) support Leicester City of Sanctuary.

Christmas Vintage Tea Party & Handmade Craft Fair

Come and Sing

Carols For All Now enrolling new students in all age groups:

and 22nd December cost £5 each.

Santa will have a present for all children 12 and under drinks and a mince pie for everyone else to book ring his hotline on 0754 8813168.

Including Free Seasonal Refreshments at St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall Wednesday, Dec 16 at 7:30pm

Santa’s Coming Santa will again be visiting The Baldwin Trust’s narrowboat St.Clare It will be sailing from The Hope & Anchor Wanlip every Saturday and Sunday starting 28th November until 20th December and also 21st

at St James Church Social Area, School Lane, Birstall on Saturday 12th December 2.30pm to 4.30pm. There will be a Christmas themed bring and buy stall, surprise Christmas parcels and a raffle.

Please come along and support The Alzheimer's Society. We should love to see you.

Birstall Methodist Church on Saturday 5th December from 10am2pm Vintage tea party including festive treats and bakes. Gifts and Decorations perfect for Christmas including handcrafted quality wooden and fabric decorations, textile wear and home deco and paper craft and gift cards. Vintage fashions, jewellery and shabby chic deco. Contact info for stall availability and enquires: LettersandStitch@gmail.com 07811069007

Birstall Royal British Legion 5th Colin Powell (M/V) 12th Bravo (Duo) 19th Neil Timothy (M/V) Xmas Eve Steve Sinatra & Disco 26th Free and Easy New Years Eve Lesley (F/V) Dancing every Saturday night with live entertainment Bingo, Free beer raffle and not

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

forgetting Open the Box Every Tuesday night Bingo starting at 9.15pm Sunday Quiz nights Sunday 13th and 27th December starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday 20th December at 8pm Wednesday quiz every week from 8.30pm Food available every Saturday 122pm Wakes catered for Free Wi-Fi available New outside seating area We wish all our members a Very Happy Christmas

Belgrave Cemetery Christmas Celebration Sunday 20th December 10am-1pm The Friends invite you to come along to the cemetery and celebrate the festive season with mince pies/coffee.

All are welcome Churches Together in Birstall & Wanlip Thursday 31st December 2015 8.00pm start

New Year's Eve Party at Birstall Village Hall Party games, Dancing,Quizzes Bring & Share Buffet Supper Bring your own drinks Tickets @ £3.00 Tel: 0116 2672606

Birstall & District Local History Society The next meeting of the Society takes place on Thursday 11th December 2015 in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics.

The subject of the talk is "Victorian Christmases" and the speaker will be Cynthia Brown.

The talk commences at 7.30pm.

There will be parking available on the night on the Birstall Playing Fields via the School Lane entrance.

Visitors are very welcome so please come and join us for our last talk in 2015 before we commence in 2016 another new year of interesting talks Raise the Roof

Singing for Fun Concert St James the Great, Church Hill, Birstall Friday 11th December at 7.30pm Singing for Fun invites you to Raise the Roof for the Children’s Society and Church funds with them in another family-friendly hour of seasonal fun at St James the Great on Friday 11 December at 7.30. There will be the usual happy mix of much-loved songs with plenty of carols and seasonal songs. AND we love you to join in!

FREE entry with a retiring bucket collection

Birstall Tea Dances held at St James Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DH

Friday 11th December Christmas Dance 3.30 until 5.30pm £3 each on the door Tea / Coffee & Cake included Further information : Jackie Lucas 0116 2248278 / 07908607405 email: jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

The NEARER group meets on Sunday 13th December from 3:30 to 5pm at Wanlip Community Hall.

This will be the second session in our series on "Issues that affect us all" and we will be creatively exploring the subject of 'Forgiveness'.

All are welcome!"

St James the Great, Birstall December 6th at 10am

Christingle All Together Service

A favourite for all ages. Come and celebrate the coming of Jesus with sweet laden oranges and candlelit fun.

In aid of the Children’s Society Refreshments after the Service.

All Welcome

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

13

to discuss any issue of local concern

Birstall Running Club Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.20 for 6.30 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 Web site – www.birstallrc.org.uk

Jack & the Beanstalk A pantomime by Thurmaston Showstoppers Fri December 11, 7.30pm Sat Dec 12, 7.30pm Sun Dec 13, 2.30pm Tickets are available from Thurmaston Print Shop and from the Community Centre (Thursdays only) or by telephone from Jack’s Box Office on 0116 3192 117 priced at just 5 each.

Jack and the Beanstalk is a family pantomime and is suitable for all ages, the show is a laugh a minute, fully costumed production with songs galore to send the audience home with a smile, just a great warmup for the Christmas festivities

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14

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

Birstall Scouts flee zombies

Looking

Back

BEFORE THE Birstall Post and the Leicester Mercury reported on people and events in our village, earlier 19th century newspapers like the Leicester Journal and the Leicester Chronicle, both long defunct, carried news items about Birstall, then a much smaller place with a population below five hundred.

Local historian, Mike Smith, has been researching these early papers and a monthly selection of the more interesting and amusing of these news items will be appearing in the Birstall Post.

Lieut A L Crisp Clarke of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, the son of Mr J Crisp Clarke of Birstall Hall, has been invalided home after serving throughout the whole of the South African campaign.

He fought in thirteen engagements including the disastrous reverse at Magersfontain and the surrender of Cronje’s army. As commander of a machine gun party he was frequently exposed to heavy fire. Unwounded except when he lost the tip of a finger he had close calls when a bullet passed through his kilt and a man at his side was killed. Once a party of Highlanders were besieged for two days and nights on a mountain top. One officer and ten men died from bullets or exposure before relief came. Lieut Clarke contracted pneumonia as a result. This was complicated when his hospital train was isolated for three days when General DeWet cut the rail tracks.

There was a triumphal return to Birstall Hall. At Belgrave the horses were taken out of the shafts and men pulled him back to the Hall which was an open house and a crowd of 2000.

Leicester Chronicle: Oct 20, 1900

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Welcoming refugees A BIRSTALL teacher has launched a project to help refugees who arrive in Leicester.

Ruth Sinhal is a teacher at Glebelands primary school, Beaumont Leys. Her project, Leicester Schools Welcome Refugees aims to put together welcome packs for the hundreds of asylum seekers in Leicester, and for the five families of Syrian refugees that the City Council has agreed to take before Christmas.

She said: “I couldn’t live on £5 a day, could you? That’s one reason asylum seekers need support, they are often fleeing war and everyone deserves to live safely.

“As for the five refugee families arriving from Syria to live in Leicester before Christmas, surely they deserve a warm welcome after all they’ve been through.”

The school is aiming to fill four or five large plastic storage boxes with items including toiletries, cleaning products, baby items, food, pens and paper.

These will then be distributed by the Red Cross in Leicester.

Ruth said: “As well as donating these items the children are writing welcome letters to be included in the packs so

the refugees or asylum seekers will feel personally welcomed to Leicester.”

Ruth’s project has the support of Leicester City Council and by raising awareness of the issues regarding asylum seekers she hopes that the school will be the first in Leicester to be awarded City of Sanctuary status.

She said: “There have been lessons across the school and all the children have taken part in Circle Times on the issue to develop their empathy with refugees and understand why they are in this situation. We have had a visiting speaker from Leicester City of Sanctuary speak in an assembly, informing us of their work and explaining the problems that face asylum seekers and refugees living in Leicester. Children have produced some incredibly thoughtful work on the issues too.”

For more information: www.leicester.cityofsanctuary.org Twitter: @leics_refugees

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BIRSTALL SCOUTS braved a zombie apocalypse to help them learn tradition scouting skills in a night time challenge this October.

Nine scouts and four explorer scouts took part in the event which saw them trek beneath the Wanlip wind turbine, out to Cossington Lock then back to Birstall via Watermead Country Park.

Scout Leader Gareth Woods said: “This was a really unique opportunity for the scouts to experience simple survival skills with a twist as well as learning and demonstrating the core values of scouting all from a different perspective of undertaking these challenges in darkness.”

Fleeing zombies, each team comprised a navigator, medic and an engineer and set out into the night to meet up at an evacuation point over four hours away. They were guided by a voice of a commander over radios who provided a series of co-ordinates that had to be navigated to.

The challenge called upon navigation skills, hiking, dressing wounds, tying knots and communicating via Morse Code.

Scout Leader Ben Moore said: “Teamwork, communication, leadership, friendship and fun are key tenets of the Birstall scouts and this event typifies the ethos of this progressive group, merging the traditional with the modern to provide an experience that is both relevant and exciting to today’s culture while retaining the values and traditions of the scouting movement. It’s also entertaining and different for the leaders!”

Comments from the scouts included: “running around the countryside was awesome”, “it was amazing even if very tiring”, “it was tough”.

Scores were provided for all checkpoints which determined whether team mates survived or got infected. Of the original 13 who set out on the challenge five managed to survive.

The 53rd Scout group offers opportunities for people of all ages and abilities either participating in sections, section leadership roles, administration or fundraising. For details and to contact the group go to www.53rdbirstallscoutgroup.com

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

15

Playgroup’s Kingsgate defibrillator installed A THIRD defibrillator for top Birstall has been installed at the Mace store on Kingsmarks gate Avenue.

A BIRSTALL playgroup has been rated as outstanding

by Ofsted.

Birstall Highcliffe Under 5s at Highcliffe school was inspected in October and received Ofsted’s highest award in all areas: effectiveness of the leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcomes for children.

Jackie Bateman, leader of Acorn under 5 playgroup said: “We are all thrilled to bits! Acorn owes its success to the dedicated and conscientious team of staff who deliver the best possible care and education for all children and their families.

This personalised approach prepares them well for the next stage of education as they move on to primary school”.

Provided by Birstall Parish Council at a cost of £2000, the fully automatic device can be used by a member of the public to assist should someone collapse with heart failure.

Chairman of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall said: “I’m really pleased that this third one has been installed, especially since there was a recent news article about a man who collapsed in Oadby and was saved because of a defibrillator.”

Raj Patel, owner of the Mace store, said: “I’m happy to have the defibrillator

Pic: Raj Patel and Anne Marshall beside the new defibrillator

installed here, this part of the village is getting bigger and if it can save somebody’s life, that’s great.”

The other two defibrillators are located at the Methodist church on Wanlip

Lane and on the School Lane playing field car park behind the Village Hall.

The Parish Council has also organised free first aid training sessions, the latest being held on November 26.

ALARMS Established 25 years

The report noted that: • The well-qualified staff team are extremely motivated and work well together.

Children become highly engaged in play and benefit from the outstanding teaching and support they receive.

• All children make consistent progress based on their starting points. A very successful system to observe and record children's development is established which enables staff to plan for children's next steps in learning.

• The dedicated and passionate staff team provide a fully inclusive environment.

The very effective organisation of resources ensures children's enjoyment in both the inside and outdoor environments.

• Effective daily routines prepare children extremely well for their move on to school. Children have very regular opportunities to visit the adjoining school. They often meet and speak with teachers and children who have previously attended the playgroup.

• Tracking of children's progress is rigorous and targeted. Any gaps in children's development are quickly identified and interventions are developed and put in place.

• Parents are extremely complimentary about the playgroup and the staff.

Birstall Acorns Under 5's Playgroup was registered in 1983. It is a committeerun organisation which operates from a self-contained room within the community wing of Highcliffe school. The playgroup employs eight members of childcare staff.

Of these, all hold appropriate early years qualification at level 2 to 6, including the manager who holds Early Years Professional status and Qualified Teacher Status.

The playgroup opens from Monday to Friday term-time only. Sessions are from 8.30am until 11.30am and 12.30pm until 3.30pm. The playgroup provides funded early education for two-, three- and fouryear-old children. For more information visit the Acorn website www.acornunderfives.co.uk.

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Run for BAGS SARA LORD ran the Leicester half marathon in October for Birstall BAGS and has raised £1151.

A spokeswoman for the Birstall based cancer charity said: “We are all very proud of her achievement and delighted with the donations, the generosity of all our supporters is overwhelming. Sadly cancer touches nearly all of us at some point, whether it’s a friend or family member, and BAGS would like to promise you that we put all your hard earned money to good use in helping those who are in need.”

For more information on the charity go to www.birstallbags.co.uk

S.L. Mason

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16

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

NHW news

& crime report WITH IT now being dark very early, we all need to be a lot more alert and not make it easy for opportunist burglars and thieves.

Sheds and garages should be made as secure as possible and tools and ladders should not be left out (unless your ladders are secured).

If you have high hedges and shrubbery, now is an ideal time to cut them right back. High hedges and shrubs can shield a burglar from the view of passers by and make it a lot easier for them to gain entry to your property. There are many security items that are available and timers for lamps are cheap and make it look like someone is in.

If you are going to be out at night please close your curtains and leave a light on, don't make it obvious that you

are out. Security lights are a good idea and need to be placed high on a wall to prevent a would be burglar tampering with it.

Christmas will soon be here and there are many things that you can do to prevent a burglary. Please do not leave gifts on view, we have all seen curtains open and a huge pile of presents under the tree. Another give away is leaving boxes out for recycling when you have bought yourself a new tv or laptop for example. If you can, rip the box up and put it in the bottom of your recycling bin. You can also get a second recycling bin for free from Charnwood Council, ideal if you have a lot of recycling laying around in bags.

Ideally you should remove all addresses and personal details from mail, before you recycle it. Opportunist thieves sometimes go through recycling looking for your details to steal your identity don't make it easy for them!

Our next advice shops are December 19 and January 16 (10am until 12, opposite the garden centre on Sibson Road) where you can have cycles coded for free and buy security items at cost price. We wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

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Crime Report : Birstall & Wanlip, October 2015 Assaults 6, burglary dwelling 3, damage 2, damage to motor vehicle 8, fraud 1, public order 1, theft 11, theft cycle 1, theft from motor vehicle 7. theft from store 3

REPORTED CRIME for October has remained at the same level as in September, with 43 offences being reported during the month.

We have seen a slight rise in theft offences this month, with both theft from motor vehicle & ‘other theft’ offences increasing. This has been mainly due to several ‘drive-offs’ from the Shell Petrol Station (six in total) as well as due to a number of vehicle number plate thefts, of which we have had four. If possible, please consider fitting anti-theft screws to your vehicle number plate to make these more difficult to steal.

Burglary dwelling has remained fairly low again this month, which is obviously good news. I am also pleased to report that in relation to one of these, two males from the West Midlands area have been arrested and are currently on Police bail whilst enquiries continue. An expensive vehicle stolen in the burglary was also recovered by Police, which is a good result.

Unfortunately we have had a couple of incidents this month where buses have had stones or rocks thrown at them, resulting in windows being damaged. I am sure you will agree that this is both a stupid & dangerous thing to do and would urge anyone who witnesses this kind of behaviour to take a description of the person(s) responsible and get in touch with us on 101, as if these incidents continue it will only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or a serious accident happens.

This said, the number of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) incidents reported to us continues to fall, however we are continuing to work with a number of other agencies to address these issues, many of which are unfortunately youth-related. I am aware that young-people often get a bad press these days and are blamed for a lot of ASB issues, however the fact remains that when we are called to these incidents it is often young people who are responsible. Please can I ask all parents to remind their children about their behaviour when out in public, so that we can try and reverse the negative attitude that a lot of adults seem to have about young people.

Thanks for reading and as always please remain vigilant and report any crimes or suspicious activity to the Police on 101. You can also contact your local NHW co-ordinator for advice on noncrime matters.

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

NL60 – Birstall Police Office. http://www.leics.police.uk Tel: 0116 2677355 (Please note this is an advice line only – Please use 101 or 999 to report crime).

Planning P/15/2258/2: 48 Kiln, Orchard Way – erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6m with a max height of 3.380m and height to the eaves of 2.62m P/15/2158/2: 108 Curzon Avenue – erection of two storey extension to side, single storey extension to rear and dormer extension to rear of dwelling (Revised scheme P/15/0145/2 refers)

WI news BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI held their AGM at Highcliffe Primary School on November 2.

We recapped on the past year including all our outings, charity craft making and outstanding skittles team. The Centenary Garden Party at Buckinghan Palace was a highlight for Beverley and we are pleased to have adopted a Leicester long wool sheep given to us by our charity Gorse Hill City Farm. As usual it has been an action packed year with lots more planned for 2016. Most of the old committee was voted back except for Kath who has relinquished some of the many responsibilities involved in being our secretary. We welcomed Liz in her place. Kath, Rosalie and Val were presented with flowers in appreciation of their work.

We are planning to see Oliver at the Curve and a Christmas dinner in December. There is also a chance to visit the Sandringham Christmas Fair.

Last month we were sampling local wine from Rothley's Kingfisher Vineyard and this month it was gin from Northampton. Is there a pattern forming? Our speaker was Sion Edwards from Warner Edwards distillery based at Falls Farm who gave us an inspirational talk about his new and thriving gin making business.

We sampled his plain, elderflower, rhubarb and sloe flavoured gins. They are all made using local ingredients and tasted wonderful. He told us of the many awards they are receiving and how they are beginning to be stocked by some big names on the High Street and no wonder! There were lots of pink faces and happy smiles by the end of the night!

Our December meeting is on December 7 when we will be making Christmas crafts and sharing Secret Santa gifts. The best craft item made on the night will win the competition cup.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Decorating Tesco BIRSTALL’S TESCO Express store on Sibson Road is inviting the local community to help them decorate the store this Christmas.

“We would like to invite children to make snow flakes, Santas, snowmen, robins or any other Christmas themed picture and we will display them in the store” said a spokeswoman.

She added: “The idea is to make the store as cheery as possible whilst having fun and showing some of the talent that the community holds. Just get your little ones to design away and drop it into Tesco at the tills or hand to a member of staff.”

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

17

Children in need PUPILS AT Highcliffe primary school raised £1300 for Children in Need with a fundraising event they organised themselves.

The school hall was packed with stalls selling cakes, nail painting and offering quizzes and games. Putting in a special appearance was Pudsey the bear.

Bumper total at event A CHARITY EVENT at Birstall Social Club raised more than £5000.

Organiser Paula Clifford said: “I’ve never seen such an amazing turnout. It was a great night enjoyed by all the kids who loved dancing with Spiderman and Ninja Turtle, Leonardo.”

The event featured auctions, cake stalls, games, face painting, nail painting and a raffle, with an ipad donated by Hastings Direct.

Paula said: “A huge thanks to Birstall Social Club, Jackinthebox Hire, Kimmy’s Fun Faces, Lisa’s Nails, Malcolm Denningberg for his Fantastic Hulk Stall, Graham Limmerick and everyone who

Come to the café!

YOUNG PEOPLE aged 8 and over are being invited to come and enjoy the many activities at the Birstall Youth Café.

Located in the pavilion on the School Lane playing field and run by Birstall Parish Council, the youth workers are keen to welcome any newcomers.

A spokesman said: “If you wish to come along and join in the fun, get your parents to bring you down to the Youth

Café! We’re in the sports pavilion in the middle of School Lane Playing Fields, your parents just need to sign you in

donated towards the raffles, prizes and auction. Also, all my friends and family for the time and effort they put into the night, it was overwhelming!”

The event raised money for Jade’s Retreat and LOROS. Pic: at the cheque presentation to Jade’s Retreat are (l-r) Lisa Kolade, Manny Sanghera, Paula Clifford, Jackie Ward, Donna Jordan and Michelle Clifford

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and collect you at the end of the evening, it only costs 50p entry fee!

“We have our own tuck shop, which sells hot and cold drinks, chips, burgers, hot dogs and many other treats and snacks. There are also many activities to be enjoyed, such as: table tennis, air hockey, karaoke, arts & crafts, hair & beauty, sports & games, cooking and many other things for you to do.”

Youth workers recently organised two narrowboat trips and the young people enjoyed navigating the canal, sleeping on the boat and cooking their own meals.

At Halloween they made pumpkin lanterns and are now preparing for their Christmas party on December 23.

During the summer months there are outdoor activities led by qualified sports coaches.

The Youth Café is open Wednesday evenings, 6-8.30pm for 8 to11 year olds and Friday evenings, 6-8.30pm for 11+ year olds.

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

Social New unit tennis morning

A NEW £4million intensive care unit is being built at Glenfield hospital.

LADIES DAY at Birstall Watermead Tennis Club saw 25 women enjoy a social morning of tennis.

Exhibition BIRSTALL & DISTRICT Art Society’s annual exhibition of paintings was officially opened by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr John Capleton.

The Society’s 21st exhibition featured 133 paintings and more than 300 visitors attended the three day event held in the Village Hall.

“A variety of techniques were displayed including watercolour, acrylics, oils and mixed media covering categories from portraits, landscapes, animals and flowers and abstract works” said a society spokesman.

Artist Sue Wakerley won the Norman Sims trophy for best in show, selected by the judges at the preview evening. Other category winners were: Gemma Vissani, Michael Joyce, Mary Pepper, Pauline Brindley, Charlotte Stephenson, Sylvia Alexander and Patricia Scaysbrook.

The exhibition raised £300 from a raffle and quiz, which will be donated to LOROS and Rainbows.

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Women from Birstall and Upper Broughton gathered to play doubles, enjoy homemade cakes and have a bit of fun.

A club spokesman said: “The sun was shining and it proved to be a glorious morning at the club, with £200 raised for LOROS. Thanks to everyone who baked, donated, played tennis, set up gazebos and helped out on the day.”

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It will be located in a two storey extension near the front entrance at Glenfield, will have 11 beds, and is expected to open in October 2016.

It will replace the intensive care facilities at Leicester General Hospital and is part of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust’s plans to create two new super units at Glenfield and Leicester Royal Infirmary.

A report published earlier this year found that there were an insufficient number of critically unwell patients at the General to justify an intensive care unit. It will now have a high-dependency unit.

The expansion and transfer of the intensive care unit is part of a £320million development plan for Leicester’s hospitals over the next few years It is also a component of the Better Care Together programme, which is looking to shake up health services across Leicestershire.

Other changes include a new A&E department and an outpatient and day care centre at the General or Glenfield.

School leaders HIGHCLIFFE PRIMARY school has made some new appointments to its leadership team.

Scott Fewster has been appointed to the post of Executive Head Teacher for Highcliffe and Riverside Primary Schools. Mr Fewster is currently a Head Teacher in Leicestershire and worked in a number of schools. He will start in January 2016.

Katherine Renshaw has been appointed as Head of School at Highcliffe and will be responsible for the running of the school on a daily basis as well as leading teaching and learning and raising standards at the school.

“She brings wider leadership and teaching experience as well a s good understanding of the locality. We warmly welcome both Scott and Katherine to the Lionheart Academies Trust” said a spokesman from the school.

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

News from the churches Advent Have you lit your Advent candle yet?

By the time you read this, when we’ve been subjected to weeks of TV adverts (often with jingles set to the tunes of real Christmas carols), we are at last in the season of Advent (the “coming” of the baby Jesus into the world) which started on November 29. The lighting of the candle every day from Advent Sunday to Christmas Eve is one of the few Christmas customs, which has not been tainted by commercialism and one which gives children much pleasure.

Another event, especially enjoyed by children, is the Christingle service, at St James at 10am on Sunday December 6, reminding us all that there is another side to Christmas for the less fortunate in our world. On the same day the Scouts and Guides have their annual Carol Service at 3pm at St James.

Can the children teach us something?

Perhaps as a parent or grandparent you are invited to view a Nativity play at your offspring’s school, and view the Christmas story with misty eyes, as the children act out the holy birth and sing the favourite carols. So why not re-kindle your own inner child and join us at Wanlip for a Carol Service by candlelight, with readings, on Sunday 13th at 6pm, or come to informal “Carols round the tree” at 7.30pm on Monday 14?

There will be plenty of opportunity for joining in and singing.

At St James on Wednesday December 16 at 7.30pm, the informal “Carols for All” will give you a chance for your voice be heard in celebration (and no-one will mind if you can’t sing in tune!). Seasonal refreshments will be on offer at all these events.

So what’s it all about?

Perhaps one of the most popular, and for many people most meaningful, Christmas services at St. James is the family Crib service at 4pm on Christmas Eve, when children are invited to come

dressed as angels, shepherds or kings.

Christmas Eve Communion at 11pm is for many the heart of Christmas and, for a while, all the hype and meaningless frivolity are forgotten.

Finally, a sardonic verse to ponder on: How curious is the Christmas card: Victorian invention To celebrate the birth of Christ, Who scarcely gets a mention!

A very Happy and Peaceful Christmas to all in Birstall and Wanlip, from the clergy and people of the two parish churches!

From Birstall Parish Churches Christmas Services At The Methodist Church The Christmas Nativity Story will be told at the Nativity Service at 10.30am on Sunday December 20, a service that will include a Baptism. In the evening at 6pm there will be the traditional Candlelight Carol Service. Revd Rachel Parkinson will lead both services.

On Christmas Eve, there is to be an ‘open church’ from 4pm to 6pm. At 11.15pm Revd Dave Warnock will lead Midnight Communion.

Christmas Morning service, which is a family service, will be led by Revd Rachel Parkinson.

The Giants Are Back The Giant Puppets will be out again this year, on Friday December 4 at the Birstall Christmas Lights Switch- On, at the Sibson Road Car Park, and again on Saturday 5th when they will take part in the Leicester Cathedral Christingle service.

Methodist Changes The six Methodist churches (three in Belgrave, plus Syston, Rothley & Birstall), which form the ‘Leicester North Circuit’ are currently looking for a new Methodist Minister to replace Revd Rachel Parkinson (who moves to be

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chair of the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury Circuit) next August. The ‘Stationing’ process is quite complex, especially as there are more vacancies in churches than there are Methodist Ministers. The present thinking is that the Circuit may be allocated a Probationer Minister, a newly appointed Minister with responsibilities for Rothley & Birstall, and Revd Dave Warnock, based at Syston, would take responsibility for the other four churches and become Superintendent.

In the longer term talks are in progress to link the Leicester North Circuit with Leicester Trinity Circuit.

From Birstall Methodist Church Christmas Market Early December is the time for Christmas shopping and there will be the usual Christmas Market in the Village Hall on Friday December 4 as part of the celebrations for switching on the Christmas lights. Doors open between 4.30pm and 7.30pm BIBC will have a stall to sell craft items together with original-design Christmas cards, all made by the people at the Lodge Trust at Market Overton, Rutland. This is a Christian charity which provides care and training for adults with learning difficulties. There will also be some calendars and Christmas books (mainly for children). We do hope that you will come along and support this worthwhile charity.

Carol Service Our traditional Carol Service will be held on Sunday December 13 in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane (LE4 3DL) and begin at 10.45am. The speaker is Dr Simon Harrison, who will give a short talk on the meaning of Christmas. The service, which lasts about an hour, will be followed by tea/coffee and time for a chat. Please come along and join us: you will be most welcome.

Sunday Services Our usual Sunday morning services are also held at Highcliffe and start at 10.45am. We are not able to use the school premises during holiday periods, so please ring for venue for December 27 and January 3. We are scheduled to return to the Community Room on Sunday January 10, 2016. See next issue of the Post for details of new evening services. Please note that there is a Sunday School available for youngsters aged seven to twelve during the sermon part of the service if requested.

All at BIBC wish you a very happy Christmas.

For further information please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

19

Criminal damage THE POLICE are appealing for information following a spate of criminal damage in the village.

Incidents of stones being thrown at buses, houses and cars, and criminal damage to motor vehicles, have been reported to police.

Birstall Beat Officer PC David Jaeckels said: “Overnight [Nov 11/12] we received a number of reports about buses, cars and house windows being damaged by stones being thrown at them. To date we have received 12 reports from residents of Loughborough Road, Poplar Avenue, Beechfield Avenue and Sibson Road.

“From the descriptions we have been given we believe that local youths are responsible for these mindless and dangerous acts and we are currently reviewing all the reports and following up on any lines of enquiry that we have.

“At this time no arrests have been made and we would ask anyone with information to get in touch with us.”

The local policing team can be contacted on 101, to leave a message for PC Jaeckels, his collar number is 1759. facebook : loughboroughpolice twitter : @charnwoodpolice

Damage repaired A YOUNG person who was climbing on the roof of St James’s church in Birstall has paid for the damage he did to a skylight window.

Police were called to the church on Tuesday September 15 at 6pm by a resident who had seen someone climbing on the roof.

Two young people were caught at the scene and a third was identified – all were taken home by police to their parents and spoken to.

The boy who damaged the window paid £55 for repairs and after the Police consulted the churchwarden, all three of them spent some time working in the churchyard – varnishing a seat and tidying up. All three were 13 years of age.

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2015

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Cancer Research Cancer is a general term used to describe over 200 different types of the disease. This broad variation means it is unlikely ‘one drug’ or ‘one single treatment’ will be found to cure the ‘cancer’. It is more likely, through medical research, that small incremental improvements in what drugs and treatment achieve will result in better survival and quality of life for those diagnosed.

Clinical Trials Medical research studies involving people are called clinical trials. They are divided into different stages, called phases. The earliest phase trials may look at whether a drug is safe or the side effects it causes. A later phase trial aims to test whether a new treatment is better than existing treatments.

Phase 1 are usually small trials, recruiting only a few patients. The trial may be open to people with any type of cancer.

When laboratory testing shows that a new treatment might help treat cancer, phase 1 trials are done to find out • How much of the drug is safe to give • What the side effects are • How the body copes with the drug • If the treatment shrinks the cancer Phase 2 trials may be for people who all have the same type of cancer or for people who have different types of cancer. Not all treatments tested in a phase 1 trial make it to a phase 2 trial. Phase 2 trials aim to find out • If the new treatment works well enough to test in a larger phase 3 trial • Which types of cancer the treatment works for • More about side effects and how to manage them • More about the best dose to use Phase 3 trials compare new treatments

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with the best currently available treatment.

They involve many more patients than phase 1 or 2. This is because differences in success rates may be small. So, the trial needs many patients to be able to show the difference. (the standard treatment).These trials may compare • A completely new treatment with the standard treatment • Different doses or ways of giving a standard treatment • A new way of giving radiotherapy with the standard way Phase 4 trials are done after a drug has been shown to work and has been granted a licence. The main reasons for running phase 4 trials are to find out • More about the side effects and safety of the drug • What the long term risks and benefits are • How well the drug works when it’s used more widely Most phase 3 trials, and some phase 2 trials, are randomised. This means that there are at least 2 different groups in the trial and people taking part are put into one or other group at random. This 'randomisation' is usually done by a computer.

Each group in the trial has a different treatment. This random decision of who receives the research drug can sometimes be off putting to patients when deciding whether or not to take part. Regardless of which group patients are assigned to taking part usually means the patient will be very closely monitored and any concern about poor response to treatment or side effects are spotted promptly and treatment adjusted to ensure the patient receives the best available care even if this means leaving the clinical trial. Taking part in a clinical trial is always voluntary.

The University Hospitals of Leicester run a number of Cancer Clinical Trials mostly through the HOPE unit based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. For more information about the trials they have available please visit www.hfcr.org For further information: www.cancerresearchuk.org and as always 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 Birstall BAG’s are establishing a Home Visiting Service in collaboration with LOROS and initially we are looking to recruit LOROS volunteers from the Birstall and surrounding area willing to support families in their own home in our community – for more information please contact Andrew Lowden andrewlowden@loros.co.uk tel 0116 2318470 Tickets for the Ceri Dupree evening are now completely sold out. If you have ordered tickets please collect and pay ASAP.

The January issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jan 9.

The copy deadline is Dec 18.

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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Merry Christmas!

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