Birstall Post (393) April 2016

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

APRIL 2016

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 393

Birstall surgery ‘good’ GREENGATE MEDICAL Centre in Birstall has been rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

The inspection was carried out in August 2015 and inspectors rated services as good in all five key areas: being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led.

The report states: “The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.

“Patients said they were treated with compassion, dignity and respect and they were involved in their care and decisions about their treatment.”

60 per cent of patients said they found it easy to make an appointment with a named GP, and 91 per cent described the overall experience of their Continued on page 6

Greengate Lane traffic calming A PROPOSAL by Leicester City Council to put traffic lights on the Greengate Lane bridge, reducing traffic to single file across it, has been criticised by some local residents.

The criticism has extended to the City Council’s consultation exercise, which saw around 10 Birstall homes receive a letter about a proposal which will affect the whole village.

The City Council says the traffic lights will act as a traffic calming measure to

mitigate the impact of the Ashton Green development – 3000 new homes planned for Beaumont Leys. The City Council says work on the first residential phase is about to start soon.

Birstall Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall said: “It’s not much of a consultation exercise is it? They hadn’t

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bothered to notify the Parish Council either.

Continued on page 2

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“Congestion on Greengate Lane is bad enough, people are saying this proposal will make it worse.”

The City Council also intends to provide a new cycle path across the bridge.

Ashton Green Development Manager Mr Geoff Mee met with Birstall County Councillor Iain Bentley and Cllr Ann Marshall on Greengate Lane at 8am on Tuesday March 15 to discuss the proposal.

Cllr Bentley told the Birstall Post: “It was a positive meeting. Mr Mee said whatever they decide to do they will trial it first on a temporary basis and if it’s unsuccessful they won’t do it. He did concede that the consultation had not been wide enough.”

Cllr Marshall said: “He was prepared to listen and we made it clear how the proposal had resulted in a lot of concerns from the public. He said they would look at all the comments received and were prepared to consider other options. He also said he was prepared to attend a Parish Council meeting to discuss the proposal.”

Former Birstall Borough councillor Simon Sansome has started a petition objecting to the proposals which has 142 signatures.

The Birstall Post asked Mr Mee to explain why the proposals were necessary, when they would be implemented and if he thought the consultation exercise was adequate. We received this response from a City Council spokesman: “We’re currently considering proposals for highway changes in relation to the Ashton Green development. However, nothing has been finalised, and we are still gathering people’s views through a public consultation. Once the consultation has closed we will be analysing people’s views and considering any suggestions raised. We will then keep local people fully informed of any next steps.”

In its outline planning application document for Ashton Green, approved by the City Council in December 2010, the City Council said: “The very nature of introducing traffic signals may increase journey times along Greengate Lane. However the signals are unlikely to result in significant build up of queues and on balance it is considered that they will act as an effective traffic calming measure, ultimately reducing the attractiveness of Greengate Lane for general traffic whilst at the same time increasing its attractiveness for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Comments made by residents on Simon Sansome’s petition on change.org “I live in Birstall and this will cause even yet more congestion on an already busy road. Traffic will be queuing right back past Highcliffe school making access to the school more difficult. It doesn’t hurt cyclists to share the road with cars for a few metres to get over the bridge. They are trying to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.”

Phil Hughes “I don’t see the need for traffic lights at this location as the current road layout is sufficient for the amount of cars using it.”

Stephen Lewin “It’s already a nightmare getting on to Greengate Lane. This is a stupid proposal, clearly no thought on the impact it will have on locals, not to mention the safety of our children going to Highcliffe school.”

Claire Alderson “I use this route daily and recently experienced the mayhem temporary lights on Greengate Lane caused. Traffic was backed up not only on Greengate Lane (right down to the school at peak times) but also on Leicester road. In my opinion lights on this stretch of road would cause more problems that it would solve.”

Tracey Anderton

Award May Day winning ducks firm IT’S ONLY another month until the 8th annual White Horse Duck race which this year will be in aid of the Birstall BAGS cancer charity.

BIRSTALL Double glazing The BAGS have benefited from the Duck contractors, Conservatory & Race once before back in 2010 and since Window Concepts Ltd, has then the Duck Race has grown into a large been handed a prestigious event, firmly on the Birstall social calendar award for the sustained with around £25,000 raised so far for quality of its customer service local causes. by leading consumer interest Charlotte Foy of the White Horse said: “We are hoping that this years Duck race organisation, the Consumer will have even more stalls and games to Protection Association.

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keep everyone entertained. So far Birstall The CPA, which helps the United junior’s football club, The Guides, public to identify safe reliable the Scouts, Acorn Under 5’s and Highcliffe contractors to carry out and Riverside PTA have committed to holdhome improvements, awarded ing stalls. The funds their stalls raise will its 5 year Member- go directly to their own charities, after a donation to BAGS, thereby spreading some ship Achievement of the fundraising into the wider communiAward to CWC. ty” Membership The event is at 12 noon on Mayday of the CPA means Monday May 2. Attractions lined up so far are a penalty shootout and tuck shop, a that customers have their depos- tattoo and nail bar, craft activities, toy tombola, splat the rat game, donkey derby its and guaranand hook at duck, a book stall, a card stall, tee underwritten by the bouncy castle, kindly donated by Kaines organisation. castles, face painter, duck memorabilia, Mandy Manning from CWC cake stall and a teddy tombola. The Duck race itself will begin at 2pm and organisers said: “We put the interests of say there could be a very special guest to the customer first and we start the race. won’t compromise on our Emma Shaw, representative from Birattention to detail or the stall BAGS, said: “Birstall BAGS are delighted to be this year’s charity for the duck quality of the materials we race, it's a great day out for all ages and a use. chance for local people to come along and “Everything is carefully see what we are all about.” If you would project managed by us perlike to donate a prize or offer cakes, tedsonally and we do everything dys or other items for stalls, please call and leave a message for Charlotte at the we can to ensure the work we do enhances your home.” White Horse on 0116 2671038.

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

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Street dance show LOCAL PERFORMING Arts company Faces Arts, based at Highcliffe primary school, performed their yearly Street Dance Show at Groby College in March.

The children from Birstall and surrounding areas performed in the show and Faces Arts director 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 ‘Bugsy’ will be performed by the Saturday Theatre School children in May at Groby College.

Faces Arts will also be staging their yearly Summer School, a fun packed week of art, dance, and drama with lots of fun and games, from Monday Aug 1 to Friday Aug 5 for five days at Highcliffe Primary School.

The cost is£75 per week, with a discount for two siblings. For more information on the variety of sessions or performances, please visit www.facesarts.co.uk or contact Jody@facesarts.co.uk 07971423201

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New speed gun for Birstall A NEW speed gun has been provided for the sole use of the Birstall Police team.

Pic: PC Dave Jaeckels holding the new speed gun with Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall (left) & Evelyn Holden from Birstall & Wanlip NHW

than we would have done otherwise. Before we would have had to book in advance for use of the equipment, now we can decide ourselves when to use it.

“We do issue tickets when speed is excessive, but mostly we stop motorists and have a word with them.

The main aim is to educate about the dangers of speed.”

Birstall Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall said: “This is a good example of partnership working between the council, the Police and Neighbourhood Watch. The speed gun will be for our beat team exclusively, it won’t be going out of Birstall, and we will expect reports back on its effectiveness” Ed Chambers, Secretary of Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Speeding is dangerous and a major issue on our local roads. Providing our Beat Team with continuous access to

the equipment they need to address it is an important step in improving our road safety.

“Neighbourhood Watch is very pleased to join with the Parish Council on this project. The speed gun has to be regularly checked and certified as accurate, if it is to be used by the Police to prosecute offenders, and we have taken on the responsibility of paying for this maintenance.”

Bowls club THE NEW outdoor bowls season starts later this month, and Birstall Bowling Club are looking to repeat the successes of last year.

Last season the club and its members reached a national final and won a total of 11 county, parks and league trophies.

The club play ladies, men’s 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 Jan on 0116 2122578 and men can contact Andy on 0116 2677969.

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

Birstall Parish Council have paid £2100 for the new laser device, and Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch have agreed to pay the annual calibration fee of £165 Birstall Beat Officer PC David Jaeckels said: “We’ve already been out using it on Greengate Lane and Birstall Road and have got positive feedback from residents.

“Speeding has been identified as a beat priority, and we will now be doing more speed checks

Fund raising trek A FORMER member of Birstall Girls’ Brigade is planning a fundraising trip to Machu Picchu in August.

Zoe Hodgson (19), a student at Southampton University, is raising money for Action Against Hunger, a children’s charity.

She hopes to raise £3000 with a variety of fundraising activities culminating with a trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in August.

“I am really looking forward to pushing myself to tackle the challenge of the trek” said Zoe. “It will be incredible to be in such a beautiful ancient location, made even more rewarding, not only by the physical task of walking the trail, but also knowing that it is all for such a great cause.”

Students organise coffee morning A LIVE jazz band entertained guests at an Easter coffee morning organised by a class of students at the Cedars Academy.

Around 25 elderly people were served food and drinks prepared by class 9TR, as part of their citizenship curriculum. The students organised the entire event including booking the venue, sending out invites and

preparing the refreshments.

Mary Downs brought several members from the Methodist Lunch Club.

She said: “We were really impressed, the students were wonderful, they were welcoming, serving us tea, coffee, and hot cross buns and so polite, telling us about the academy and the courses they were doing. We are very appreciative.”

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She added: “At the moment my main challenge is reaching my fundraising target. I’ll admit it’s high and it’s not going to be easy but I’ve been chipping away at it with various street collections and events so hopefully I’ll get there.

“I’d really like to be able to give Action Against Hunger as much as I can because the work they do really is fantastic.

“In terms of the actual trek I think what I will find hardest is how physical it is. I am asthmatic so the combination of intense exercise and high altitudes is not ideal. Hopefully doing some training in the few months left before I go will help get me ready for Macho Picchu.

I’m determined to do the walk to I’m not going to let this stop me.”

Visit Zoe’s fundraising website: tinyurl.com/h56cllr

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Volunteers wanted for litter clean up LITTER PICKING volunteers have been helping to clean up Birstall.

Clean for the Queen is a nationwide community campaign that aims to inspire people to organise their own litter picks in their local area.

Birstall Parish Council have registered with the campaign.

Parish Council chair Ann Marshall said: “What a good way to celebrate her Majesty’s 90th birthday and improve our environment at the same time.

“Your parish councillors are appealing for the community of Birstall to join in with this activity. We are sure you can identify ‘grot spots’ which would benefit

from a clean up and restore pride in Birstall.”

The Parish Council has equipment which can be used to pick up litter and

Pic: with some of the litter they collected are (l-r) Dave Amey, Julian Howe and John Towson

Lamont

Street Dance

is happy to loan it out to individuals or groups.

Birstall allotment holder Julian Howe has organised a litter pick. “I thought it would be a good idea to clear the sides of Meadow Lane and the footpath behind Worcester Avenue before the undergrowth starts growing and the birds start nesting.”

He was joined by six volunteers from Birstall Allotment society, family members and Jim Lennon from Birstall United Juniors Football Club on March 22 who spent a couple of hours filling 25 bags with litter.

Contact Birstall Parish Council on 0116 2676191 or email admin@birstal lpc.org.uk if you would like to borrow the litter picking equipment.

GP continued from page 1 GP surgery as fairly good or very good, compared to the national average of 85 per cent.

Greengate Medical Centre’s Dr Sue Ford said: “The report reflects the hard work of all members of the practice team, and is testament to the practice’s commitment to provide high quality and efficient care for our patients.

“We have been developing a more streamlined approach to dealing with patients living with multiple chronic conditions and also for vulnerable patients who have complex needs, thereby enabling them to attend one comprehensive assessment.”

Jo Merchant, Practice Manager, said: “The report will enable the practice to build upon this achievement, but we recognise that we can’t be complacent and we must continue to strive for further service improvements to achieve the best for our patients.

“We have a very supportive Patient Participation Group and we are working with them to improve communications with our patients.

“There is an open culture within the practice, which encourages input from the practice team as well as patients, and we are working with the PPG to improve ways of capturing the patient feedback to improve patient care even more.”

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

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Runners graduate with 5k run BIRSTALL RUNNING Club’s successful Couch to 5k programme came to an end in March as the team formally “graduated” with their inaugural group 5k run at Braunstone parkrun.

50 members of the team ran on a beautiful day, supported by BRC Club members. The team celebrated afterwards with cakes aplenty in the Birstall tent. The event contributed towards a record attendance at Braunstone parkrun of almost 500. Some of the team were unable to do the group graduation due to holidays and illness but these too have since made it to parkrun to achieve their goal.

“For many of the team, this was a significant personal achievement and for some, a life-changing event, having never ran before” said a club spokesman.

The Couch to 5k programme saw the team doing 27 runs in total (three per week) with the intensity gradually increasing week-on-week.

The team will now move onto the club’s advanced 10 week “5k to 10k” programme in May which will see them train up to distances in excess of 6 miles.

Governor gets MBE THE CHAIR of Governors at the Cedars Academy in Birstall has been awarded an MBE.

Pic: Birstall Running Club runners at the Braunstone parkrun

Between now and May the team will continue to meet on Monday evenings to run social 5ks.

For anybody wishing to join the formal “5k to 10k” programme, the minimum requirement is to be able to run for about 25 minutes.

Further information can be obtained from Scott Brownlow (scottpbrownlow@gmail.com) or via the programme’s Facebook page (Birstall Running Club C2-5K #AwesomeMonday-

ers).

The team meets at the Pavilion, School Lane, Birstall, each Monday at 6.45pm.

For more seasoned runners, the normal BRC Club nights are Monday and Friday evenings, also 6.30pm, and from the Pavilion. The Monday Club sessions are generally between 6 and 8 miles in distance and the Friday ones 4-5 miles.

More information can be found on the BRC website (www.birstallrc.org.uk) or simply turn up on the night.

Mrs Chris Swan (pictured) has received the MBE in the New Year Honours list in recognition of her work in education and for local charities, including leading on interfaith community work.

Chris is also chair of Governors at Beauchamp College in Oadby and the chair of the Lionheart Academies Trust, which includes all Birstall’s schools.

Chris has worked for many years with the Oadby and Birstall Stakeholders groups. This work involves supporting a diverse number of faith and community groups in the region and has led to the formation of women’s friendship groups, interfaith showcases like the annual Together events and support for Oadby’s mosque and community centre. Chris also runs regular interfaith coffee mornings and support groups.

Chris said: “I’m delighted and humbled to have been awarded the MBE which came as a lovely surprise.

It’s a huge privilege to be working among such inspiring and amazing people where the common thread is a commitment to make the world the best that it can be for children, young people and their communities.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

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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

Greengate Lane

Bowls

The one and only access road to the The bowls season is with us again and Gates estate, is Greengate Lane. Those nine every year around now my good lady says hundred houses, averaging two cars per she notices a certain friskiness, and a house, need to be able to get to work, quickening of the pulse. I'm not sure if she schools, and in an emergency hospitals, means me or her but she seems very keen despite the impending roadworks. The last to get down to the bowls. I think is must time there were road works seriously affect- be the fresh spring air and the lighter days. ing traffic flow on Greengate Lane, resiAt first glance, bowls looks a very dents of the Gates estate were trapped straightforward matter. All you have to do fuming in their cars for well over an hour, is get your bowl as near to the little ball as inching their way to the Lane. Forewarned possible. The trouble is, the little ball is is forearmed. It could happen again on the about 30 yards away and the bowl rolls in first couple of days of the City Council's a curve which you must allow for when Ashton Green related changes to traffic flow taking aim. over the Lane's old railway bridge.

As you can imagine there is an art to it.

If the commuter through traffic using There is an old saying 'practice makes Greengate Lane to bypass the bottleneck at perfect' which I have to say, has no bearRedhill could be removed however, it ing whatsoever on anything to do with might help. bowls. I have proved this many times to my For the duration of the work on the own satisfaction. bridge, until it reopens with the permanent I am sure your readers will agree that one way traffic lights, might traffic planners there is no point trying to do something close Greengate Lane to everything except which is plainly impossible. Well, not access to Gates residents? quite true. Impossible it may be but we The residents of the network have great fun trying. of roads to the south of If you would like to have a try at bowls Greengate Lane may be used please give my good friends John and Caroto using it, but they do have lyn a ring on 2675947. alternative ways to and from The club takes players of all abilities their homes. For Gates estate and can offer coaching where needed. We residents Greengate Lane is do a short course of four sessions for their only access. beginers which can be arranged at a time I hope traffic light timings to suit. There is no charge and no obligawill be adjusted, Police on tion and best of all, the first year fee to hand, and good preparations new bowlers is only £20. That's good made, because people on the value fun in anybody's book.

Gates are depending on well Roly Green thought out, safe arrangeSt Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club ments being put in place in Birstall Road advance of what appears to be a looming danger.

Personally. If I needed to drive anywhere in the rush I was please to read that In the Birstall hour that first day, I would Parish Council minutes held on be seriously considering 25/02/2016 at the Estates and Recreation where I could park up overmeeting, a proposed perimeter fence is to night off the estate. be erected around the popular Harrowgate H Edwards Park, to the cost of £16,195. Also mentioned was a possible breakthrough entrance between the Gates and Hallam Fields

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Trip to library I wonder if senior citizens of Birstall are aware that, once a month, there is free transport to Birstall Library, when a minibus will pick them up at their home.

Here they can chose books, large print if their sight is not good or talking books.

There is also a good non fiction section, and greetings cards for sale.

A librarian is there to give advice, and two volunteers, coffee and biscuits are available, it is a nice social occasion.

Ring Birstall Library 3058756 for further information.

Come on pensioners “Use it or lose it”.

A user of this facility

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

Thanks to our fantastic band of knitters, last year we received an incredible 47,000 little hats and need your help to match this challenging total which will assist our winter warmth campaign 2016. Innocent drinks will donate 25p for each little hat which will adorn the smoothie bottles sold in supermarkets early in 2017.

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

Hats can be dropped off at any of our shops or Resource Centres (or sent direct) in time to be at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester, LE1 7LA by the end of October.

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

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Dog waste The area between Lambourne Rd and Blenheim Rd is constantly covered in dog poo mostly squashed in. How about getting a few signs put up, even the odd camera, then hopefully the persons may pick it up, or get caught!

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Angels Wednesday 9th March was a very wet day - remember? You would if, like me, you were stuck in a flood on Anstey Lane, leading towards Thurcaston. The engine had died just a few yards away from dry land, so there I was, stuck in a foot of water, on a cold, wet day, in a lifeless car and without my mobile phone. All the makings of disaster, but surprisingly good things were about to happen!

As I sat there pondering what to do, a large car rolled up beside me and the young driver leaned out to ask what help I needed. He then said he would drive to his father's house where he knew he would find a rope to tow me out. This was my first angel.

No sooner had this man gone to fetch the rope than a Severn Trent lorry appeared on the scene and stopped. The two occupants were keen to help me, put on their wellington boots to wade into the floodwater and then proceeded to push me out and on to dry land - no mean feat! So these were my second angels. Before they left, I was able to use their phone to ring my Britannia Car Rescue Service, who explained that I might have to wait quite a long time due to the high number of people in similar predicaments. Very understandable, of course.

While waiting, l observed a lady parked nearby who was encouraging her young daughter, exercising a pony trotting up and down the water-filled road. They were having fun together. I left my car to ask this lady if I might use her mobile to phone home, as my wife would be wondering where I had got to. She was happy to

help, and this lady was soon to become Angel number three!

At this time, my Angel One reappeared complete with rope, ready to tow me, but of course by then I was already on dry land, courtesy of Angel two. So now I was left on my own, cold, in the gathering dusk, observing the comings and goings of other travellers, some taking the risk of the flood but most wisely deciding to go back and find another way, and all the time wondering how long I would have to wait to be rescued. Then, joy, as the rescue vehicle hove into sight and Mister Fixit got out to perform his miracle work. The engine didn't really want to go, but he managed to persuade it and eventually we were back in business. Leaving me with a few words of advice, off he went to his next casualty, while I kept the engine running, getting ready to go. Then, lo and behold, a familiar car parks nearby and out pops Mrs Pony-lady and comes up to my car window holding a flask of lovely hot coffee. Now, wasn't that nice - she had gone home, thought about my discomfort, and decided to do something about it - so yes, she had confirmed her position as Angel number three.

Through my own stupidity I had got myself into a pickle of bother, but three kindly Leicestershire folk and one efficient car mechanic had combined to help me in such a way that I realised my near-disaster had instead turned out to be a truly heartwarming experience. Thank you, my Angels, and I promise also to do my best to help a stranger in need, when the opportunity comes my way.

Robert Walker, Birstall

Greengate Lane Leicester City Council is proposing to carry out highway infrastructure works and support public transport improvements to enable the delivery of the first residential phase of the Ashton Green development.

They include cycle/footway improvements, speed restrictions and traffic calming measures to Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester Road and Greengate Lane.

“the ultimate fitness class for mums and babies�

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Classes take place at Watermead Country Park Thursdays @ 10:30am

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

Contact sarah.woodhouse@hotmail.com for details www.thismummycan.co.uk

If the changes proposed for Greengate Lane were to happen it would have a dramatic effect for all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who travel along this road.

Despite this fact only the 15 houses at the top end of Greengate Lane have received from the Ashton Green Development Manager a letter giving information and a copy of the concept design drawing indicating the proposed changes. This is a very poor and inadequate public relations exercise as the letter and drawing should have been sent to every house in Birstall. Even Birstall Parish council were not sent the information: amazing!

The main changes proposed are to place traffic signals at each side of the bridge, to restrict the road space on the bridge to a single carriageway and to widen the existing pavement on one side of the bridge to give more space for pedestrians and cyclists. These changes would cause long queues to form at each side of the bridge and greatly slow the flow of traffic. We have seen on some days in February when work has been taking place at the side of the road in the city area of Greengate Lane and traffic signals have been in operation that vehicles travelling out of Birstall in the very busy morning period when commuters are going to work that long queues have formed and have stretched alongside the cemetery and down almost to Highcliffe School. If traffic signals were to be placed a few yards from the bridge the queues would no doubt go down to the school and beyond it.

With the large number of vehicles using Greengate Lane air pollution from vehicle exhausts is present throughout the day. A Channel 4 programme on 22 February informed viewers of the dangers to health from air pollution which was horrifying.

The part of pollution being most dangerous is nitrogen oxide, NO2 (called by some, the hidden killer) and the main culprit producing this is the diesel engine. NO2 can cause lung problems, heart problems and it can affect the brain and lead to strokes and dementia. The most vulnerable victims are young children as NO2 can cause asthma; it is a pollutant that inflames the lungs stunting their growth and

throughout life with smaller lungs the chil- 9 dren affected can have respiratory problems and diseases. Air pollution must reach its peak on Greengate Lane at approximately 8.45am which is more or less at the end of the period when commuters are travelling. Thus the period from about 8.15am when pollution is steadily rising to its peak is exactly the period when a lot of young children from the Gates estate are walking to Highcliffe School and older children from other villages and from Leicester are going to Stonehill and Longslade schools. Young children walking to Highcliffe School are having to breathe in pollution which will be that much greater with more NO2 if traffic signals are placed before the bridge and there is a long queue of stationary vehicles at frequent intervals pumping out their exhausts in the vicinity of the school. Drivers of vehicles are not immune to pollution as it can seep in through air vents and windows.

Surely the City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby must take into consideration the health and safety factors especially in regard to young children and other aspects when deciding whether to proceed with the proposed road works.

Those of us in the 15 houses sent a letter and drawing were invited to send in our comments by March 20 and these will be reported to Sir Peter Soulsby in April. I have sent mine.

The advice for anyone walking along a pavement beside a very busy road is to walk as far away from the kerb as possible, and not to linger on the pavement. Keep windows shut and close air vents if in any vehicle. To try to protect against the effects of pollutants eat more antioxidants: fresh fruit and vegetables Mr J Woods

The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 30.

The copy deadline is Apr 15.

Noticeboard all details printed free St James Parish Church Social Group Join us on May 18 for a

Day Trip to Staunton Harold Leaving at 10.30am from outside Birstall Social Club and returning from Staunton Harold at 4.30pm Tickets £10 per head Please contact Leigh on 0116 2676550 or Gill on 0116 2675086 to book

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 6.30 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 d-woods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 Web site – www.birstallrc.org.uk Mountsorrel Methodist Church Celebrating fifteen years of Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals on Sunday April 17 at 8pm

by Ivan Linford Oakham Organist Admission is free Donations for Church’s Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, April 12 at 6.30pm for a 7pm start You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Road, Birstall LE4 4GH to watch professional artist Dave Woolas demonstrate the techniques used to create an oil pastel of a ‘Bluebell Wood’. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby.

Demonstration to end at 9pm. Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

The Hot Potato Syncopators This is a fast-paced, action packed, high energy show featuring music from the 20s, 30s and 40s.

Three eccentric gentlemen present a modern oldtime new Vaudeville show with delightful comedy, surreal moments, comic clowning and sublime music from the days of real tunes with real words and real music performed in the most unusual and eccentric fashion!

(Vaudeville means a variety show that mixes comedy and music) Ripping ukulele, spiffing musical saw, sweet harmonious voices, thumping tea chest bass, bell hooters, popguns, whistles and ridiculous dance: all played in black and white!

Friday April 22, 7pm Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow Tickets from £9 www.busca.org.uk 0771 815 3117

The Friends of Charnwood Forest

Fracking, our new neighbour?

Talk by David Bridge Monday 25th April at 7.30 p.m.

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall David Bridge qualified as a geologist in 1968 and has spent his entire life in the field.

He spent many years with the British Geological Survey, at home and abroad. He retired in 2007.

Fracking, the extraction of natural gas from deep in the ground, by various means is a highly topical subject. It is widespread in the United States and is making a major contribution to energy supplies there. The British Government is very supportive of projects here. A licence for prospecting North of Loughborough has already been granted.

The subject has provoked major controversy. Our speaker will give the facts and explain doubts by various groups.

Members are free. Guests are welcome, £3 at the door. Refreshments included.

Further information: Peter Bertram 01162 100 572 or www.focf.org.uk Advance notice. There will be a visit to Ulverscroft Woods and Herbert’s Meadow led by Neil Pilcher of Leicester & Rutland Wildlife Trust on June 8th.

Details later.

Leicester Lions Bluebell Day On Sunday May 8th 2016 Leicester Lions invite you to Walk Among the Bluebells in the grounds of Heyday Hays, 240 Markfield Lane, Markfield LE67 9PS. Open from 11am to 3pm.

Wander through more than 14 acres of beautiful woodland along wellmarked trails amongst the bluebells.

Bring the children, grandchildren, the whole family! Afterwards, sit and en-

MDW FIREPLACES 2a Wanlip Avenue, Birstall, LE4 4JP 0116 2676601 • www.mdwfireplaces.co.uk

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joy a cup of tea/coffee and a cake, or buy some plants, books or home made produce. There is plenty of free car parking space, and admission is only £2 for adults, £1 for children (under 5’s free).

All proceeds to Parkinsons UK. The Bark Foundation In support of Hotpec Orphanage

Charity Sale Saturday 9th April 10.00 am-1.00 pm Birstall Methodist Church Hall Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4 4JS Mega Jewellery Sale (40ft table length of recycled/handmade costume jewellery, from 50p to £60) Other Charities Raising Funds For: ‘Clash’-Comm. Leics. Arthritis Self Help ‘Motor Neurone Disease’ (Gillian Bowler) ‘Hedgehog Rescue’ (Birstall Group) ‘Heart Link’ (Birstall Quilters) L.O.R.O.S. and other charitable groups Filter coffee 80p, tea 50p, home-made scones and cakes from 60p, available in The Methodist Coffee Shop, 10.00 am12noon

Birstall Royal British Legion 2nd Kim (F/V) 9th Double Trouble (Duo) 16th Shindig Disco 23rd Claire Martine (F/V) 30th Carl Gibson (M/V) Dancing every Saturday night with live entertainment Bingo, Free beer raffle and not forgetting Open the Box Every Tuesday night Bingo starting at 9.15pm Sunday Quiz nights Sunday 10th and 24th April starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday 17th April at 8pm Wednesday quiz every week from 8.30pm Food available every Saturday 12-2pm Wakes catered for Free Wi-Fi available New outside seating area

Vacancies: Window Fitters needed We are looking for qualified window installers, MTC card holders preferred.

We offer good rates of pay with flexible arrangements, working for a well established family business based in Birstall.

For more details contact us on: 0116 2674205 or 07973 799667

Stoves, Fires, Fireplaces, Accessories & Installation

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

10

Red Hill Allotments A6 Loughborough Road, just north of Red Hill Circle If you are Interested in taking on an allotment, we currently have plots available (large and small) on our lovely, friendly site Phone Rita on 0116 299 3056 for more information

Birstall & District Local History Society The Society’s next monthly meeting is to take place on Thursday 14th April 2016 in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics commencing at 7.30pm.

The talk will be given by Brian Johnson on the subject titled "Joseph Roberts A Grocer of Distinction". This is about Joseph Roberts who from humble beginnings went on to build the largest firm of wholesale grocers in the Midlands.

Visitors are very welcome to join us for this event and parking will be available on the night on Birstall Playing Fields through the School Lane entrance.

Birstall Methodist Monday Women’s Group Programme for April 4 April A trip around Japan – Stuart Howe 11 April National Trust, Calke Abbey – Alan Tyler 18 April Cats and Superstitions – Sandy Leong 25 April Members Evening – Bake Off We meet at 7.30 every Monday evening at Birstall Methodist Church Coffee Shop.

All women welcome to join us.

Birstall Tea Dances St James, Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road, Leicester LE4 4DH Fridays 8th & 22nd April 3.30 - 5.30pm £3 each All Welcomed Tea / Coffee & Cake Included Further Information Contact Jackie: 0116 2248278 / 07908607405 Email: jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

Syston Syclers We are an enthusiastic group of mixed age and ability riders based in Syston who have been 'up and cycling' for just over two years now. We cater for those who are new to cycling right through to those who want to push the boundaries competitively.

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

M&G Plumbing Services All Plumbing & Heating work undertaken Sycamore Rd, Birstall

0116 2677905 07834 600384

If you are looking to meet like minded people or just want to enjoy Leicestershire’s finest countryside, why not come along and join us.

All our sessions start from The Green, High Street, Syston LE7 1GQ Winter meeting times: Saturday -9,00 am advanced rides (30 - 40 miles) or 9.15 gentle ride (approx. 20-25 miles) Sunday - 9am for beginners.

Spring/summer meeting times from 1st April Saturday 8.30 am advanced rides 9.00 gentle ride All our rides incorporate a well deserved café stop!

Midweek ride: Wednesdays -10am touring pace, generally 30-35 miles but increasing during summer months (including lunch stop) During the summer months we have time-trials and also meet on Thursday nights for faster training rides. We also have an active social calendar with a variety of events during the year.

For more information contact Phil phil@systonsyclers.com or 0771 778 1501 Find us on facebook too or visit our website - systonsyclers.com

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council "Lady in the Van" (April 8, 104 mins).

This British comedy drama was written

by Alan Bennett in whose house the story was filmed. It was written originally for the stage. It tells the true story of an elderly woman called Mary, played by Maggie Smith. She lives in a dilapidated van on Bennett's driveway for fifteen years. Funnily enough, they form an unexpected bond. April's film is a masterpiece and not to be missed.

This film is almost sold out!

"Brooklyn" (May 13, 112 mins) Nominated for three Academy Awards, "Brooklyn" stars Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent. Set in the early 1950's, this historical drama was adapted for the screen by Nick Hornby. A young Irish woman named Eilis emigrates to Brooklyn where she finds a happy life.

However, when she needs to visit her mother back in Ireland, she faces a dilemma. Should she stay with her family and return to her previous existence or return to her new life in the United States?

"The Dressmaker" will be shown on June 10 Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets will cost no more than £5 and concessions will still 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.

Birstall Flower Club April 27th 2016, 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Jean Fordham “A Jewellery Collection” Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary Linnett: 07704398017 Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society Spring Play.

“Allo Allo” Come along and see HATS Spring Play 2016.

This year HATS will be celebrating our 25th anniversary, wow, what an achievement.

We needed to find something special to make it memorable and our Director for the Spring Play has chosen a classic, (sometimes a little cheeky), comedy. “Allo Allo”. A special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd ,

by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft. This play is more suited to adult audiences.

I am sure that for those who remember ALLO ALLO, you will also remember how funny it is, the humour is quick and continuous.

For those of you who don’t know “Allo Allo”, then it is time for you to experience this first hand, I am sure you will have a fabulous time and will be laughing long after the show has ended.

Why not put a reminder in your diary now, come and join in the fun.

Dates: May 19th, 20th and 21st at 7.30 p.m. doors will be open at 7.00 p.m.

Venue: Highcliffe Primary School Birstall Leicestershire.

LE4 3DL Tickets: Adults £6.00 Concessions £5.00 Discounts for group bookings (price available at time of booking) Contact details: 0116 2209594 0116 2216019 Email: hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk Don’t delay, book today Birstall Youth Café Appeals For 3 New

Youth Workers Birstall Youth Café are looking to recruit three new Youth Workers to work on a rota basis on Wednesday and/or Friday evenings.

The Youth Café is open: Wednesday evenings - 6-8:30pm for 8 to 11 year olds – 8:30pm Friday evenings - 6-8:30pm for 11+ year olds The young people have an amazing time, the Wednesday evenings in particular are proving extremely popular.

The Youth Workers, together with the young people, organise their own fundraising for trips, social evenings, discos, cooking, and crafts. During the summer months our qualified Sports Coaches/Youth Workers organise and participate in numerous outdoor activities and competitions.

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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

219 .00

11

They have their 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, and Cooking If you are interested in applying or require any further information, please contact the Council Offices on 0116 267 6191 or email: admin@birstallpc.org.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you.

CLASH 2012 Dock - Arthritis information Drop in: Monday 4th, 11th, 18th & 21st April 10.00am - 12.00pm i-Pad Training Drop-in Thursday 7th, 14th & 28th April 1.00 - 3.00pm iPad Barclays Digital Eagles training (members only) Wednesday 20th April 9.30-11.30am Peepul Enterprise Monday: YOGA 11th, 18th & 25th April, 11.30am-12.30am Wednesday: Seated/General Exercise session, 13th 20th & 27th April 1.002.00pm Tesco Express Shelthorpe Community Room Wednesday General Exercises, 6th & 20th April 2.30-3.30pm Alternate Wed Drop-in Arthritis Information session, 13th & 27th April 2.30-3.30pm Sunday Club Children & Young People’s club Animation Workshops and Fun Activities 10th, 17th & 24th April 10.00am 12.00pm Monthly Meeting Dock Wednesday 13th April, Lynn Moore, Pain Management 6.00pm 8.00pm Birstall Methodist Church Hall Coffee Morning, Saturday 9th April, 10.00am to 1.00pm - The Bark Foundation Orphanage in Cameroon. CLASH 2012 will hold a Table sale event on that date to raise funds for our charity Hydrotherapy at Leicester General Hospital 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th April

Elizabeth Park

10.00am - 12.00pm For further information: Call 03333 444 611

Students’ art chosen

Birstall BAGS

FOUR STUDENTS from the Cedars Academy have their paintings in the Open 27 annual Exhibition at the New Walk Gallery in Leicester.

Forthcoming events Vicky Vernon running the London marathon April 24 to raise money for Birstall BAG’s Birstall White Horse Duck race: May 2 Birstall BAG’s Charity Golf day @ Birstall golf club: Sunday June 26 Take That Tribute evening – Birstall Social Club: Friday September 23 Ceri DuPre: TBC December, Birstall Social Club In addition to these events Birstall BAG's are delighted that Birstall Golf club's newly appointed captain Mr Richard Smith has chosen the BAG's as his charity for his year in office. A number of events are going to be taking place throughout the year and the Captain, committee, staff and members would like to welcome people to support the following events taking place.

BAGS Open Golf Day Sunday June 26th BAGS Swing Evening Saturday October 22nd

Pics: (from top left) Byronie McCarthy; Charlotte Edwards, Mia Duckham, Mrs Catherine Kinder (teacher), Emily Harris; Charlotte Edwards

200 club winners for Feb and March February 2016 1st Mrs J Fisher 2nd Mrs J Merrick 3rd Mrs G Davies 4th Ms Sandra Robinson March 1st Christine Suffolk 2nd David Bark 3rd Mrs B Howard 4th Mrs J Folland

The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 30.

The copy deadline is Apr 15.

Trouble with your figures?

April 24th, 10am-3pm

Wedding Fayre Over 20 exhibitors with both unique &traditional ideas for your big day, including photographers, caterers, bridal wear, jewellery, photo booths, wedding cars & lots more!

Plus the beautiful indoor marquee at Elizabeth Park is on show all day long, the ideal venue for your special occasion

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For more information please call 0116 2602519 Elizabeth Park Sports & Community Centre, Checkland Road, Thurmaston LE4 8FN

Leicester Arts & Museums Service invites artists from across the East Midlands to submit their artworks to compete to be shown in the 2016 Open Art Exhibition and win a range of artist prizes including the £2000 Attenborough Prize.

A group of invited independent judges select the very best works from the hundreds of works submitted.

Post 16 pupils, Charlotte Edwards, Mia Duckham, Bryonie McCarthy and Emily Harris have had their work accepted. It will be exhibited in the gallery between March 11 and May 8.

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SERVICING & REPAIRS to all makes of vehicle

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

12

Parish Council notes New club captains A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on March 7.

Birstall’s new PCSO Mohamed Musa 6552 presented the Police report. He said there had been a rise in damage to motor vehicles and that the description of the suspects was vague at this stage.

He reported an incident of robbery where a man had forced his way into a shop and had stolen a mobile phone.

It was reported that the council has officially registered with the Clean for the Queen litter picking campaign. Any resident who would like to use the council’s litter picking tools is invited to contact the office to arrange borrowing them.

At the Council’s Estates and Recreation committee meeting on January 25, the council agreed to spend £2100 on a speed gun for the local police team, and £16,195 for palisade security fencing for the perimeter of the Harrowgate Drive playing field.

It was reported that a drain is being installed in the cemetery’s Garden of Remembrance to alleviate flooding of the area.

It was agreed to spend £4391 on a new large area cylinder mower.

At the Council’s Estates and Recreation Committee meeting on February 22, it was agreed to spend £1585 on new double doors for the Council building at 10 Sibson Road, and £1550 on redecorating.

To ensure compliance with electrical regulations, it was agreed to spend £2080 on remedial electrical work in Council buildings.

It was reported that there had been complaints of antisocial behaviour on the Sibson Road car park, with groups gathering most evenings and leaving behind litter that took at least 30 minutes every morning to clean up. Councillors discussed a suggestion that the height barrier be lowered and locked during the evenings. It was agreed that CCTV be trained on the car park and the Police be asked to deal with the matter.

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

Victorian cemetery VISITORS TO Belgrave Cemetery are being offered the chance to find out more about this Victorian cemetery.

The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery are holding their annual Open Day on Sunday May 8 and will be offering visitors two guided walks. Join the 10.30am walk to learn more about the symbols and meanings of memorials or take part in the 1.30pm walk to find out about the yew trees and their place in the history of the cemetery.

Members will also be laying a floral tribute to mark the anniversary of the first burial in the cemetery, of a baby, 135 years ago.

Tea, coffee and cake will be available, and members will be on hand to help locate family headstones. www.friendsofbelgravecemetery.org.uk

It was agreed to investigate the costs of a new multi-use games area on the School Lane playing field.

A meeting of the Estates and Recreation committee was held on March 21.

It was agreed to accept a revised quotation of £19,725 for the perimeter fencing at Harrowgate Drive playing field.

Councillors discussed the ditch on Meadow Lane and the danger it presents to motorists. The County Council have refused permission for the ditch to be piped and filled in. It was agreed to ask the County Council again to adopt the road.

Ben Rafferty, the designer of the BMX track on the Meadow Lane playing field, reported that the modifications to the track are almost complete and a final surface dressing needs to be applied. He said that users of remote controlled cars were damaging the surface and that he hoped to talk to them to explain the situation.

Ben was thanked for his work on the project.

Councillors discussed the provision of access from Harrowgate Drive playing field to the Hallam Fields estate and the new primary school which will be built on the northern boundary of the site.

The new school will have a secure perimeter fence and Jelson are building a footpath between the school and the Harrowgate Drive playing field boundary.

Comment was made that the footprint of the school had recently been altered, that a planning application for the school will be submitted shortly, and that more talking needed to be done with the County Council and Jelson about the options for access.

The Council has previously agreed to install a perimeter fence at the Harrowgate Drive playing field with an option to remove a fence panel and install a gate.

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NEW BIRSTALL Golf Club skipper Richard Smith expects to exploit his business experience and connections to help the club create greater corporate activity over the next year.

Richard runs The Headline Group, a specialist events and hospitality company that works around the world organising events, many of them assoicatied with global sporting brands like Formula One. He said: “Everybody brings their own set of skills to this job. I believe my background in marketing and the event industry can help the club meet the challenges that all golf clubs face on the commercial side.

“I have been a member at Birstall for a decade and joined because I was so impressed with the friendly welcome I received when I first visited the club”.

That friendly atmosphere is crucial to attracting new members, believes new ladies captain Stephanie White. “We are a very happy, welcoming club with an excellent course and facilities, and look forward to meeting anyone who wants to join us” she said.

The club has a big reputation to live up to, having won the English Club

Pic: New captains Richard Smith and Stephanie White are accompanied to the first tee by junior member Kalum Patel on the dhol

Championship last year and represented England in the European finals in Cyprus, where it finished 15th.

The club will again play host to the Midlands PGA, with the KCC Open being staged at the course on Friday August 12.

Professionals from all over the Midlands will compete over 36 holes on the day in an event won by Ryder Cup star Peter Baker (Staffordshire) last year, which is one of the five tournaments on the PGA’s Midlands Order of Merit. The Pro-Am part of the competition will be held on Thursday August 11.

13

NHW news

& crime report

join us for a few hours during that period, either during the day or early evening.

The more people who are available, the more traffic we can monitor. Please email or phone us if you are interested or just want more information about what is involved.

Email: watch@villagewatch.co.uk Phone: 0116 267 6397 Website: www.villagewatch.co.uk From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

Speeding is Dangerous Crime Report : Birstall & Wanlip, Feb Speeding is one of the Fatal Four dan2016 gerous motoring offences identified by the Assaults 6, burglary dwelling 2, burPolice; the others are drink-driving, not wearing seatbelts and using mobile phones. glary non-dwelling 4, damage 6, damage to motor vehicle 13, drugs 1, robbery 1, While many motorists do not exceed the theft cycle 1, theft from motor vehicle 4, speed limit by more than a few miles per theft from store 4 hour, there are enough who do to cause serious concern about our safety.

Our local Police Officers conduct THE NUMBER of crimes reported in Febspeed-checks and issue tickets to offending ruary has unfortunately risen again, motorists. However, they have been restrict- up to 42 from just 33 in January. ed by their limited access to the speed gun Once again, it is damage to motor that they have to share with other areas. vehicle offences that has been a signifiBirstall Parish Council has now purcant factor in this increase with another chased an officially approved speed gun for 13 vehicles being damaged this month. the exclusive use of our Beat Team. NeighThe majority of these incidents have hapbourhood Watch has undertaken to pay for pened on the main Loughborough Road, its annual maintenance and calibration, so that readings can be used to support prose- near to Red Hill Circle, where buses, taxis and cars have again had stones thrown at cutions. Our local officers have many calls them, however there have also been a few on their time but they will now be better able to plan ahead, knowing that the equip- incidents where car wing mirrors have been kicked off. Unfortunately, the dement is always available to them.

Last June, Neighbourhood Watch organ- scriptions that we have been given of the person(s) responsible are vague however ised a highly visible Community Speed we do know that in most cases it is young Watch programme and logged over twopeople that have been involved in these hundred-and-fifty vehicles exceeding 37 mindless acts of vandalism. mph on roads in Birstall with a 30 mph Several of the buses that have been limit. Nobody can be prosecuted as the damaged do have CCTV fitted, so we are result of being logged by Speed Watch but reviewing this to try & identify the young letters were sent by the Chief Constable warning offending drivers of the dangers of people involved & I have also asked for speeding. A survey conducted by the Counsome extra patrols in the area during the ty Council Road Safety Unit showed that night as a lot of the incidents have octhis reduced the number of speeding drivcurred between the hours of midnight ers but that the effect wore off after a while. and 5am. With this in mind, please can I We have arranged with the Road Safety ask that if you are regularly out and Unit to run another Community Speed about during these times, that you keep a Watch programme between 2nd and 15th look out for any groups of youths who May. We would welcome new volunteers to

07717132564 or email us on mail@birstallmethodistpreschool.co.uk

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).

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Birstall Methodist Pre-school are now offering free 3 & 4 year old places from September 2016.

The pre-school is a well-established setting providing high quality childcare in a nurturing, safe environment with qualified, experienced staff.

We provide a healthy snack/ lunch for a little extra cost.

Register with us for a Monday and Friday and take advantage of our specialist Messy Mondays (creative session) and our Fun Fitness Friday sessions. Also our 'Getting Ready For School activities on a Monday and Friday sessions.

For more information or to arrange a visit please call us on

may be hanging about and give us a call on 101, so that we can try and establish if they are the ones involved.

On a more positive note, I am pleased to report that house burglaries and motor vehicle thefts have both fallen. Please ensure that you are continuing to secure your homes and vehicles at all times and that you are not leaving anything on display in your car in order to reduce the risk of it being broken into.

Earlier this month we conducted a street consultation event on the Hallam Fields Estate, where we spoke with a number of residents about Policing in the area and about any concerns that they may have. A number of residents reported various issues to us which we will do our best to resolve and it is our intention to hold similar events in other parts of the village in the coming months.

This month we have also taken possession of a new Speed radar gun, which the Parish Council have very kindly purchased for us. The Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch have also agreed to pay for the annual service cost and so we are very grateful to both for agreeing to fund this. We hope to get out very soon and start using it so remember to keep a check on your speed at all times!

Lastly, PCSO Fiona Lacey is unfortunately leaving the Birstall beat this month to take up a new role in Rothley. Fiona has been a great asset in the time she has been with us and her enthusiasm and commitment will be sadly missed. We all wish her the very best in her new role and for the future.

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.

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Birstall man is new Mayor A RETIRED policeman and former Birstall parish councillor will be the next Mayor of Charnwood.

David Gaskell (76), who lives on Roman Road, said: “I am both excited and fearful.

Excited because I will be meeting more of the people of Charnwood, many of whom are involved in little known projects which achieve amazing results and fearful because I am aware of the heritage of the position and I hope that, at the end of my year of office I will have lived up to the demands set by my predecessors.”

David has lived in Birstall since 1957 and was married to wife Jan in Birstall Methodist Church in 1962. He has been a Charnwood Borough councillor since 2011.

“The reasons I entered politics were the same reasons that I joined the police force, I enjoy helping people and I enjoy trying to make a difference when things are not going right” said David.

“In my Mayoral Year I hope to visit as many groups of people as possible and to be able to highlight to anybody and everybody, all the great things which are happening and have happened in Charnwood.”

During their year of office each Mayor attends over 500 engagements, including chairing eight meetings of the full council, attending around 45 religious services of all different faiths, congratulating several centenarians, opening and touring round a vast array of different businesses and buildings, welcoming many foreign visitors to the Borough, declaring garden fetes and festivals open, and escorting visiting members of the Royal family. They will also host receptions and give talks to a large number of local community groups and be photographed by the local press often several times a day.

Pic: New Mayor David Gaskell with his wife & Mayoress Jan Gaskell

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

14

15

News from the churches Has Spring sprung?

The weather forecasters told us that spring arrived on March 1 but the cold winds of March seemed to tell us otherwise! Now that April is here perhaps we can start to feel the cold, wet winter has really departed.

The annual church meeting for St James and Our Lady and St Nicholas churches took place at the end of March, when the church’s accounts were scrutinised, new members of the church council were welcomed and “officers” (such as churchwardens and sidespeople) were elected, and others thanked for their hard work during the past year.

The solemnity of Lent ended on Easter Sunday with the celebration of Jesus’ rising from the dead.. This is always marked in both our parish churches with joyful singing and the churches decorated with beautiful flowers.

We now look forward to the festival of Whitsuntide in May. Come and learn some history!

St James Monday Group has arranged a very interesting talk for their next meeting on Monday April 11 at 7.30pm. Felicity Austin, a popular and entertaining local speaker on a variety of topics, has chosen “Life in Tudor Leicester” as her subject. Visitors are always welcome to these meetings. The men, at their bi-monthly meeting in the British Legion on Sunday April 10 at 7.45pm, will hear from local historian Colin Crosby about the early Christian saints who have given their names to Leicestershire churches. Again, all are welcome to come and hear Colin.

The healing touch Not every one of the 180 plus church members on the electoral roll of our churches may be aware that there is a healing service approx every two months at St James, as part of the 10am communion. The Rev’d Kerry Emmett leads this service, in which there is opportunity for anyone with health problems, physical or spiritual, to be prayed with, privately, by two members of the church’s healing group. This opportunity is available to all, not just the regular congregation, and is entirely confidential. The next healing service will be on Sunday May 29 at 10am.

From Birstall & Wanlip parish churches

Birstall Methodist church will be celebrating the Easter season with worship led by a variety of preachers on Sunday mornings at 10.30am, with the Sunday Breakfast Club offering a different menu every week.

In the evenings we'll finish our series looking at the "Holy Habits" of a practising Christian, at 6.30pm in the Coffee Shop.

We hope to make progress on employing a part-time person to work with our Messy Church and local schools from September.

On Sunday April 24 we'll be cheering on church member Vicky Vernon, as she runs the London Marathon in aid of Birstall BAGS. From Birstall Methodist Church

Queen’s birthday book On April 21 Her Majesty will celebrate her 90th birthday and, as you may have seen in the press, to mark this event the Bible Society has published a book entitled: The Servant Queen and the King she serves.

It focuses on the Queen’s own words to draw out the central role of her trust in Jesus Christ in shaping her life and work. As she said in 2002: “I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad… I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.” In the foreword Her Majesty writes: I invite you to join me in reflecting on the words of a poem quoted by my father, King George VI, in his Christmas Day broadcast in 1939 … ‘I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.”’ We have a few copies of this book, so please contact us if you would like one.

April Sunday Services We are unable to use the Community Room on 3rd and 10th, so please ring for venues for these dates. Our services on 17th and 24th, held in the Community Room, Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane (LE4 3DL) start at 10.45am and the evening service on 17th starts at 6pm. You are warmly invited to join with us for these services.

There is a Sunday School available. For further information please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

Showroom’s birthday

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2016

FAMILY RUN business MDW fireplaces on Wanlip Avenue will be celebrating its second birthday this month.

“Our company has been trading for over nine years, but it’s our Birstall showroom’s second birthday, it has been an amazing two years and we would like to thank all our customers who have supported us” said company owners Mark and Hayley Warner.

Hayley added: “We are a small family company who live locally, and have built up a rapport with all of our customers – we know a lot of our customers by name, even customers that we installed for years ago. We pride ourselves on our customer service and we offer free honest advice.

“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” Some of MDW’s frequently asked questions: How do I know what KW stove is correct for my room size?

In most cases a 5kw stove will be ideal for most rooms, but please meas-

ure your room and we can calculate the exact KW for you.

What fuel can I put on a multi-fuel stove?

This is dependent on the stove manufacturer, but most multi fuel stoves are approved for seasoned or kiln dried wood and smokeless coal.

Will having a solid fuel stove installed cut down on my gas bills?

This is all dependent on how much you use your stove. Most of our customers turn down/off their central heating whilst using their stove, which would therefore mean that you are using less gas, which would have a positive effect on your gas bills.

How do I know if the appliance I like would be suitable for my house type?

We offer a free home survey service.

One of our trained installers will visit and check if your new appliance will be suitable for you.

Do you have your own installer team?

Yes, we have our own team of installers, which are fully trained and registered, so you don’t have to worry having multiple companies visiting your home.

BIRSTALL WATERMEAD tennis club’s Men’s Vets team recently won the Division 4 title.

Our picture shows the team receiving their award from Mark Cox (left to right) Simon Lester, Spencer Wesson, Mark Stones and James Berry. Men’s Vets tennis is for the over 45s and is very popular among clubs within Leicestershire.

The club, located on Birstall Road, is holding an open day on Wednesday April 13 from 6.30pm. A spokesman said: “Whatever your age or ability, we welcome new members. Come along for a free hit, equipment will be provided and there will be discounted memberships.”

Pic: PCSO Mark Butler with children from Wanlip pre-school

CHILDREN AT Wanlip pre-school learned about road safety at a cycling proficiency workshop.

Led by Birstall PCSO Mark Butler, the children were taught safety lessons, the importance of wearing a helmet and how to cross a road safely.

Officer in charge Louise Webster said: “They enjoyed it and carried on with the role play even after Mark had left.”

Wanlip pre-school is based at 10 Sibson Road.

WI news IT WAS a full house on March 7 for Birstall and Wanlip WI’s meeting.

39 ladies met at Highcliffe School to hear motivational speaker and author John Flanner talk of “Fear, Fun and Faith”. He told us that one of the secrets of a happy life was to face your fears as he had to when he suddenly became blind at the age of 19. His talent for speaking was discovered by his managers whilst working as a typist at the Inland Revenue and led to him eventually becoming a published author and a MBE. Christine Burne won the competition with her ‘Tactile Craft Item’.

On March 10 we hosted the Bradgate Group Social at Belgrave Rugby Club and the entertainment was supplied by lady morris dancers, ‘Black Annis’. A ploughmen’s supper,

lots of cake and presentation of the Skittles cup completed a merry evening.

On March 12 several members attended the Annual Council Meeting where the guest speaker was Michael Portillo.

Preparations are well underway for our annual fundraising Coffee Morning on April 30, with our usual, unbeatable cakes, crafts and plants. Our next meeting is on April 11 when Judy Marshall tell us about Corn Dollies and the competition is a ‘Teacup of Spring Flowers’.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

HANNAH CLARKE FOR ALMSHOUSES The Charity has a vacancy of a one bedroom flat, well situated with an open outlook over the golf course, and is maintained to a high standard by the Trustees.

The property is of a sheltered nature and is suitable for a lady of 60 years plus. It is situated in Park Road, Birstall.

Apply to Andrew Atkinson 07973 309 987 or 0116 2675446

16

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas.

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is a gland and part of your digestive system. It is quite high up in your abdomen and lies across your body where your ribs meet at the bottom of your breastbone, just behind your stomach. It is about 6 inches (15 centimetres) long and shaped like a leaf. The wide end of the pancreas is called the head. The thin end is called the tail. The bit in the middle is called the body.

The pancreas has 2 important jobs in the body. The first is to produce the pancreatic digestive juices.

The second is to produce insulin and other hormones to do with digestion.

Incidence and Causes Around 8,800 people in the UK get pancreatic cancer each year. Almost half of all new cases are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over. Pancreatic cancer is uncommon in people under 40 years old. 1 in 3 pancreatic cancers (about 30%) may be linked to smoking and 7 in 10 are linked to heavy alcohol con-

sumption. Your risk is also increased if you have a history of long term inflammation of the pancreas, stomach ulcer, helicobacter pylori infection, diabetes, tooth or gum disease and hepatitis virus.

Symptoms The symptoms vary depending on where in the pancreas the tumour is.

About 75 out of 100 pancreatic cancers (75%) start in the head of the pancreas. The symptoms vary depending on where the cancer is in your pancreas but the common symptoms include pain in the stomach area or back, jaundice and weight loss. Symptoms can be vague - do see your GP if you are at all concerned. They won't think you are bothering them unnecessarily.

Treatment Treatment may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, symptom control and radiotherapy. The type of treatment you have for cancer of the pancreas depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of pancreatic cancer you have and your general health and level of fitness. if caught early enough some treatments are able to cure pancreatic cancer. Early diagnosis really does

save lives!

For further information: www.cancerrese archuk.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

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

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

Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.

TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV. Over 25 yrs experience. John 2675132, mob: 077 91788331 AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy.

Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 / 07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk PUBLIC SPEAKER Title of talk ‘Reading and Writing Purely for Pleasure’. Forget about reading to pass exams or writing for publication. This talk remembers how it used to be and asks why we should not recapture that wonderful early magic. Tel: Mrs Smith 0116 2677285 LADIES DAWES Mojave town bicycle 21 gears, little used. Good condition £55 ono 0116 2674362, 07874 989693 CANE CONSERVATORY chairs. Set of three £10. Computer keyboard, speakers and Microsoft wireless mouse. All unused £5.

Central heating radiator (2250 x 290mm) unused £5 tel: 07973 309987 SMOKELESS FUEL in a full 60 litre bin, only £10! Tel: 07973 309987

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,

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