Birstall Post (404) March 2017

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

MARCH 2017

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 404

Day to remember for Cerys AFTER SENDING an encrypted email to the UK’s intelligence agency at GCHQ, a Birstall girl was invited to London to meet the Queen.

Spy bosses at Government Communications Headquarters were impressed with Cerys Ives’ email enquiring about the agency’s Cyber First competition, which aims to get girls interested in careers in intelligence.

GCHQ cryptographers set to work decrypting Cerys’s email and replied, inviting her to the opening of the new National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in London where she met the Queen, who was opening the facility.

“Cerys really impressed us when she

Thieves ditch caravan A STOLEN caravan was abandoned on Wanlip Lane during a Police pursuit.

Between 1-2.45am on Saturday February 11, a caravan was stolen from a house in Worcester Avenue. Police were called and the caravan was recovered after it was unhitched during a Police pursuit. The offenders got away.

Around the same time an unsuccessful attempt was made to steal another caravan from a house in Allington Drive.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious that night can contact the Police on 101.

responded to our Cyber First girls competition launch by sending an encrypted blob [binary large object] “ said NCSC Technical Director Dr Ian Levy.

“It had the title ‘have fun decrypting this’. What a great way to get attention! Her reward was she got to meet the Queen today,

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST Pics: Cerys Ives, with her mum Anne-Marie, meets the Queen; (bottom left) the National Cyber Security Centre

which was great.”

Cerys (13), a student at Humphrey Perkins School, was accompanied by her mum Anne-Marie Ives on an all expenses paid trip to London which included an overnight stay

in a hotel.

She said: “The highlight of my day was getting to meet all the great people who work at NCSC and GCHQ because they inspired me to keep going and do what I love.

“I want to study cyber security and I love that you can do anything you set your mind to in the world of cyber.”

Cerys was introduced to the Queen who asked her how she first got interested in the world of cyber security. Chancellor Philip Hammond and Home Secretary Amber Rudd also attended the event.

Cerys’s dad David said: “We are very proud of her, she has always loved problem solving and working out how things happen. She will remember this forever.”

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a part of GCHQ and is the UK’s authority on cyber security.

It’s main purpose is to reduce the cyber security risk to the UK by improving its cyber security and cyber resilience.

During her visit the Queen was shown how hackers could target the UK’s electricity supply – political and democratic processes are also thought to be targets.

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Plans postponed for Greengate Lane PLANS TO put traffic lights on the Greengate Lane bridge, reducing traffic to single file across it, are set to be postponed by Leicester City Council to 2021.

First announced in 2010, the traffic lights are designed to act as a traffic calming measure to mitigate the impact of the Ashton green development – 2700 new homes planned for Beaumont Leys. They attracted widespread public opposition following a consultation exercise in 2016.

Outline planning permission for Aston Green was granted in 2010 and the trigger point for the ‘priority signalised gateway’ on the railway bridge was set at ‘prior to the occupation of the first dwelling’ – this is expected in July 2017.

Now the City Council want to postpone introducing the Greengate Lane traffic lights. In a document that amends the planning application, the City Council says: “A public consultation exercise in February 2016 demonstrated overwhelming objections and considerable hostility to the proposed scheme from Birstall residents, the Parish Council and County Councillors.

“It is proposed that City and County highway authorities will need to work closely to review the merits of the scheme … the signalised gateway at the Great Central railway bridge crossing clearly needs time for further consideration, having regard to the strength of local objections and the time lag since the original conception of the scheme in 2010.”

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The CPA, which helps the public to identify safe reliable contractors to carry out home improvements, awarded its 10 year Membership Achievement Award to CWC. 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.

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ing to move the trigger point for implementation to the occupation of the 501st dwelling, expected in 2021.

Chair of Birstall Parish Council, Ann Marshall said: “I am encouraged that the City Council are looking again at these changes to control traffic on Greengate Lane, and I’m hopeful there will be a consultation with residents in due course.”

Birstall County Councillor Iain Bentley said: “This is good news, I’ve not come across anyone who supports these traffic calming measures.”

• Ashton Green originally had 3000 dwellings planned – this has been reduced to 2728 and the amount of employment land increased.

The phasing of the construction of homes is: • 2017-2020 : 300 homes • 2020-2030 : 1325 homes (1625 cumulative) • 2030-2036 : 1103 homes (2728 cumulative)

Church’s special guest A SPECIAL guest said mass at St Theresa’s church on February 25.

Don Vito Nardin (pictured), who is based in Rome, is the Father General of the Institute of Charity (Rosminians).

His last visit to the UK was in 2013 just after he had been elected General.

Since then he has visited communities in the Unites States, Ireland, Venezuela, Kenya, Tanzania and India.

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A FIVE year old girl from Birstall has had her long hair cut for charity.

“She is over the moon with her new trendy style” said Sienna Chauhan’s mum, Asha.

Sienna had her hair cut at the Head Rush salon on Kingsgate Avenue – it will be donated to the Little Princess charity which makes wigs from real hair for children undergoing cancer treatment.

Asha said: “Last year I spoke to Sienna about having her hair cut and the prospects of donating it to charity. I had explained to her that it would go to children who didn’t have hair due to certain medication or health problems.

She was very interested in helping children and giving them the chance to enjoy hair that was as lovely as hers.”

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Introduction of 30 hours FREE funding The Hunny Hive Day Nursery have been open since November 2016 and are pleased to announce that their team is expanding and the family of Hunny children and parents is growing rapidly. The children have settled superbly and are making rapid progress within their learning and development due to the rich, varied and imaginative experiences planned by the staff.

Due to the introduction of the 30 hours free early education entitlement, the Hunny Hive have planned to open their large, purpose built preschool room to accommodate parents wanting to take advantage of the increased hours of funding. If you would like to know if your child is eligible for the 30 hours funding please contact Sian, Nim or Mel at the setting on 0116 2672039.

The Hunny Hive are also proud to announce that they have listened to the feedback from their parents and the local community and they have decided to hold a holiday club for primary school aged children and an afterschool club from September 2017, picking up from the new Hallam Fields Primary School.

The holiday club will consist of a range of fun, engaging activities and within the larger holidays will include trip days. A booking form will be available prior to the holiday to enable parents and children to see the range of activities on offer. The Hunny Hive would like to take this opportunity to thank their parents for their continued support and look forward to welcoming and supporting more children and families within Birstall and the neighbouring villages.

Here are a few words from the Hunny Hive parents: “Very friendly staff and great environment for the boys, they love it!”

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Pics: (top) Carl Gunns celebrates in the ring with members; a thank you letter sent to Carl; a juior member training with Carl

Gym celebrates birthday

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

CARL GUNNS’ BIRSTALL boxing gym celebrated its 15th anniversary in February.

Carl’s gym on Birstall Road has seen 110,000 visits since it opened in 2002.

“We had hundreds that first night” said Carl (71), it got so busy the police had to close the road off.”

World Champion Robbie Reid was the special guest that evening and the gym started off as a place for professional boxers to train - Carl had a licence to manage and train fighters, looking after more than 20 in his career, including Leicester’s world title contender Tony Sibson.

A few weeks after opening while locking up the gym one night, Carl was asked by two young boys if they could come and watch the boxers train. “When I got home I thought – that’s what I wanted to do when I was a kid – watch the fighters” said Carl.

From that day he closed the gym to the professionals and opened it up to young people on a turn up and pay basis. “It’s a pound, always been one pound – I think that’s good value” said Carl.

Thousands of young people have now been through the doors, from the age of three upwards, the gym has won more than 25 awards and has been visited by British and world champion boxers.

Help was offered when it was feared the gym might close in 2015.

Carl said: “Geoff Bullock helped pay the insurance, we had a grant from the Edith Murphy foundation and Samworth Brothers sponsor us, so the future’s looking rosy for the next 15 years.”

He added: “Jim Garner has also done a tremendous job repairing and restoring the gym – many thanks to him. I also get tremendous support from the parents.”

Alicia McLaren (13) has been going to Gunn's Gym for about 2 years now.

She said: “I'm 13 years old but I train with the over 16's because I feel more comfortable and know more people. I

attend Gunn's Gym because it's good value for money, a great way to exercise, an amazing way to meet new people and just an all-around fun experience. The gym works by turning up and giving a £1 every week, from then on a trainer will give a warm-up and then he will give you a boxing session including pads, punch bags, weights, trampoline, simple sparring, shadow boxing, skipping, flabelo and lots more equipment and activities. Anyone can use the gym ranging from toddlers to children to teenagers to adults to elderly. Any gender can use this gym- there is a certain night for women so that they can feel comfortable boxing in their own environment with the same gender. The gym believes in equality. Boxing affects my life because every week I meet incredible people; help the gym more and more and just have fun getting out the house. Gunn's gym has a very bright future ahead and I recommend it to anyone I come across it's truly a fantastic gym. Carl Gunns is truly an

inspiration and a great role model to everyone including me and his community!”

Looking back over the last 15 years Carl says what pleases him most is the impact the gym has made on young people.

“It’s a wonderful atmosphere, all working together, bonding together, it’s built a real friendship up, a community friendship” said Carl.

“It gives kids self confidence, keeps them fit, as soon as they start coming you notice them change. They might be

having difficult times at school, being bullied.

They tell me how much it’s helped them – I’ve got the letters to prove it!

“It’s been a wonderful experience running this gym, a gym’s only as good as its members and we’ve got fantastic members – I’m grateful that I’ve been able to help them.”

Fields. He said: “On certain days when the weather conditions are unfavourable the smell is clearly evident and not very pleasant at all.

“Fortunately it doesn’t happen that She said: “To date I’ve only received often, but any amount of times is too just one complaint from a local resident, many. You’d think in today’s world with indeed another wrote to compliment modern plant and chemistry we wouldn’t current operations, in light of press have to put up with sewage smell in the coverage. I’m pleased to see practices streets wouldn’t you.” do currently seem to be working, and Sarah Carr posted this comment on working well in and for our area. A the petition: “I have lived in Birstall for small fraction of the site is leased by just over 20 years and the past few years another business, and Severn Trent site the smell has gotten FAR worse. Surely managers as landlords have said they something can be done to stop such a are happy to help identify and redirect horrible stench. It's sometimes so bad any similar enquiries relating to that that you are actually heaving!” operation. I’m told by internal and exterIn a letter to the Birstall Post in Denal sources the company has reached cember, the Chair of Wanlip Parish Meetout to and worked with local residents, ing, Claire Myles, said: “Sadly, it seems well, and for some time.” to be areas of Birstall that are still experiencing strong smells - certainly not Wanlip.”

A spokesperson for Charnwood Borough Council said: “We’ve had complaints from five residents over the last 12 months about the odour at Wanlip and officers Pic: (l-r) Paul Rothera, Andy McParland from Charnwood Environmental have visited the Health & Sven Brown from Severn Trent with Cllr Renata Jones site to investigate.

“While it would not be possible to An online petition at eliminate all odours from the sewage change.org.StoptheStench, has been treatment works, we’re working with signed by 95 people complaining about Severn Trent Water and we have asked the smell. them to provide information and moniSteve Wenlock is Managing Director of printing firm Flexpress at Hallam Continued on page 8

Sewage treatment site tour A BIRSTALL councillor has been given a tour of the Severn Trent Sewage treatment works in Wanlip following publicity about the smell from the site.

Borough Councillor Renata Jones was accompanied on her tour by a representative from Charnwood’s Environmental Health department.

She said: “I was driven around the site, windows down, sniff testing as we went, seeing and smelling the plant in

action.”

Cllr Jones visited each section of the plant where the different stages of sewage treatment are carried out, and only noticed a slight smell when she was within one metre of some of the equipment or stored compost.

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

Shona Rattray was co-opted to fill a vacancy on the council.

A member of the public complimented the council on the recent improvement works at the cemetery. He suggested that the Parish Council consider taking over litter picking as the litter in the village was an eyesore.

PC Mo Musa reported that a man had been arrested following a robbery – cash had been stolen from a takeaway delivery person who was threatened with a knife.

It was agreed to award a grant of £300 to Birstall Methodist lunch club

to pay for food hygiene and first aid training.

Chair Ann Marshall reported that the funding for the new community hall at Hallam Fields had been secured. The £500,000 building will be owned and managed by the Parish Council and will include a hall, kitchen and meeting room. A parish council working group will be set up to consider potential uses. The parish council website will include updates on progress and will invite potential users to express their interest.

It was reported that pot holes on Beechfield Avenue and Loughborough Road will be repaired soon and that a public bench on Whiles Lane has been removed as it was unsafe.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

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Duck race this May THE WHITE Horse duck race this May will be in aid of the Girlguiding and Scouting groups in Birstall.

Continued from page 6 toring records to us so we can ensure that all measures are in place to minimise these problems.

“We’d also ask people to contact us if they are being affected by the smell so that we can look at each individual issue.

People will need to provide details of when the smell occurs, how long it lasts and the effect it has on them.”

To report odour from the sewage treatment works contact Charnwood Environmental Health on 01509 634 636 or email env.health@charnwood.gov.uk.

To contact Severn Trent directly call 0800 783 4444.

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Hair stylist now a colour specialist er the best in themselves. In Birstall, Girlguiding runs seven units, Rainbows (age 5-7), Brownies (age 7-10) Guides (age10-15). The Senior section is currently dormant due to a lack of leaders.

Nick Farnham from Birstall Scouts said: “This is an excellent opportunity to raise money for much needed equipment to give our young people experiences and life skills – please come and support us.”

Scouts are the UK’s biggest mixed youth organisation, offering 6-25 year olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that they make a positive impact in communities. Birstall Scout Groups, 53rd Leicester Birstall St James’, include Beavers (age 6-8) Cubs (age 8-10) Scouts (age 11-14) and Explorers (age 14-18) Both Groups are very popular in the Village and more volunteers are desperately needed to help run groups, if anyone would like to volunteer please register your interest at www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or centre@leicestershirescouts.org.uk for more details.

A BIRSTALL hairdresser has received a Redken certified hair colourist award.

Jonathan Smith (pictured above) successfully completed the intense training programme, funded by his employer Shapes, where he has worked as a hairdresser for the last nine years.

Luke Halford from Shapes said: “Jon has made amazing progress in the last nine years achieving four promotions, an assessors qualification and now becoming a Redken Certified hair colourist, we are now working with him to take on a more active role in our Academy in developing functional skills helping train apprentices in Maths and English from our own salon, other salons and private NVQ courses so we are really excited about the future possibilities”.

Jonathan spent over four weeks down in London during 2015 and 2016 train-

ing with the New York city brand Redken used by many celebrity stylists in the UK such as Andrew Barton, Lee Stafford, Leo Bancroft together with Guy Tang and Tracey Cunningham over in the United States.

Jonathan said: “It was a great experience and I’m so pleased I’ve had the opportunity to do it. As a colourist you think you know everything about colour but this course proved that there is still loads to learn and master. I’m really looking forward to delivering the knowledge I’ve gained to the rest of our team.

It’s also given me a great sense of achievement knowing that I am now considered a Redken colour specialist along with a small percentage of hairdressers in the hairdressing industry.”

Chorus lifts spirits THE HEART of England Chorus came to entertain the Monday Group and friends in February.

Group spokeswoman Eileeen Molesdale said: “Many thanks to everyone involved, the singers, those who provided refreshments in the Coffee Shop afterwards, David for ensuring that our church was warm and welcoming, Charles for sorting out the sound system, Pete for operating the microphones on the night. They say that 'Music lifts the Spirit' and it certainly did that night!”

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

The Duck Race is now a firm fixture on the Birstall social calendar with nearly £30,000 raised so far for local causes, and this year it takes place on Monday May 1 from 12noon.

Charlotte Foy of the White Horse said: “So many of Birstall’s youngsters have been involved with the Guides or Scouts, it’s great to be able to support the voluntary work they do this year” Ducks will be on sale from April 1, available at all of the Girlguiding and Scouting groups and the White Horse.

There'll also be plenty of Ducks to buy on the day.

Helen Sibson, District Commissioner, said.“Girlguilding Birstall are very pleased to be asked to take part in The White Horse Duck Race this year. We hope to sell lots of Ducks and have a variety of stalls that will raise money that can be put towards equipment and activities for the girls in Girlguilding Birstall.”

Girlguilding empowers girls to discov-

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

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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

Enhancing So the Parish Council have voted against installing and maintaining further bus shelters, what a surprise!

Chair Ann Marshall says “We should be giving parishioners things that enhance their lives, like the outdoor gun equipment, trim trail, zip wire, the gala and Christmas event, that's what parish councils are about, not services like drains, roads and lighting.'”

Well, I think it's about time that the parish council asked parishioners what would enhance their lives. I regularly walk down Meadow Lane to access Watermead Park and have yet to see anybody using any of the new equipment on the playing field, very occasionally there might be young children on the swings.

What would enhance my life would be clean streets free from litter and dog mess, I pick up after my dogs so why can't others. If you don't like picking up don't have a dog.

Also, the state of the pavements on Wanlip Lane near the lovely new bus shelter, are an absolute disgrace with mud and grass from cars parked on the grass frontage to the flats. I have lived on the lane for over thirty years and in the last ten years or so it has got progressively worse. I realize that this is not within the parish councils remit but surely they should be challenging the Borough Council to get things done.

I could go on but, I'm sure that's enough for now.

S Frost Birstall Parish Council shares the writer's concerns about litter, dog mess and churned up grass verges, and has indeed passed these issues on to the appropriate and relevant authorities on more than one occasion.

Perhaps the writer may find it helpful to speak to their County and Borough Councillors at their regular surgeries for residents held in the Sibson Road building on the car park on the last Saturday of every month, as they have direct access to the appropriate departments and officers to deal with these issues.

Birstall Parish Council

Thanks A very big thank you to all my family, friends and acquaintances who have called, phoned and sent cards to me after my recent stay in Glenfield Hospital, where the care and treatment were absolutely wonderful.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone.

James Garner (Jim)

Thanks We wish to thank Cate Mobbs for all the care she has given since the St James Day Care Centre started, when the church owned the village hall. When Mandy and I were the first managers.

Ever since then she has never let us down, unless through ill health.

So now Cate it is time to take it easy and live a more relaxed life enjoying the freedom of retirement. God bless from everyone, and peace be with you.

Betty Howard

Thanks I would just like to thank Mr Bentley for the lovely bus shelter he so kindly donated to the residents on Wanlip Lane.

Thank you.

A grateful resident (name & address supplied)

Upset

Step down

Dog lovers like nothing better than to let their pets off the lead in a safe environment and see them enjoy a good run around.

A favourite spot used to be a large, L-shaped field at the back of houses in Worcester Avenue. But now, due to a Public Spaces Protection Order created

by Charnwood Borough Council, dogs must be kept on leads at all times.

As a dog walker I am among the many people whom the order has upset and inconvenienced.

It has to be admitted that dogs can occasionally be a nuisance on playing fields. A small minority of owners fail to clear up faeces and, in the case of aggressive canines, do not keep them under under close control.

But most dogs do not cause problems.

And, for thousands of people in the borough, taking their pets out for exercise and letting them off the lead is their main hobby. So surely the sensible answer is for spaces to be set aside for our four-legged friends to have a good run.

Why should a large, grassy area be entirely devoted to a pastime such as football or cricket? Why could not part

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be fenced off for use by pets?

In the case of the field referred to above, football regularly takes place there. But the field is so large that the area nearest to Watermead Park could easily be reserved for dogs.

I am sure there are many other such open spaces in Charnwood where similar provision could be made.

It’s worth adding that ordering dog owners to keep their pets on leads will not, unfortunately, solve the disgusting fouling problem, which seems to be getting worse in Birstall. The thoughtless minority will continue to refuse to clear up the mess.

Name and address supplied.

Borough Councillors are not employees they are individuals who represent us and in return we pay them an allowance. These payments are not wages they are to cover the costs they incur representing our interests.

Personally I feel that in view of Councillor Shergill's attendance record prior to her re-election in 2015 (when she had another break of over six months) she should not have stood again.

Leaving that on one side I feel she should have at least stood down in July 2016 as by then she’d had a further absence of six months To make matters worse she claimed allowances when David Slater himself admits that her colleagues were acting on her behalf. The basic allowance to councillors is £4926 a year.

It must also be remembered that attendance at full Council meetings is the barest minimum requirement and that the majority of her colleagues on exactly the same allowance are actively involved in local issues on a day to day basis.

I agree with author of the previous letter that Councillor Shergill should immediately step down and also return the money possibly by making a substantial donation to good causes in Birstall.

Finally if we can manage so long with three rather than four Councillors couldn’t we reduce the numbers to save money?

Name and address supplied

Bus shelter It does seem that the Parish Council is slightly ‘out of touch’ with the people who live here. There are quite a lot of people over the age of, what, 25 say, who would not find their lives enhanced by outdoor gym equipment, trim trails (?) or zip wires, but whose lives would be enhanced by decent bus shelters.

You see, Council, there comes a time in everyone’s life when a zip wire just doesn’t cut the mustard, but a decent seat in a shelter does.

K L Reid (Mrs)

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The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 1.

The copy deadline is March 17.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

YOUR SAY...

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Noticeboard all details printed free 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

Charnwood Walking for Health Group

Sunday May 7th at 7pm An evening of popular music with

Mountsorrel Twice monthly walks at 10.30am on the1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month At Sorrel Youth Café on the Green Walks are around 2-3miles long All welcome - free Contact 01509 634673

At St Theresa's Church 53 Front Street, Birstal Pay on the door £5

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 Mountsorrel Methodist Church Centre presents Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals Sunday March 19 at 8pm

by Simon Headley, Leicester Cathedral Admission is free Donations for Church Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Down Memory Lane This group meets every two months at Birstall Methodist Church Coffee Shop. It is for anyone with memory problems to come along with family or friends for Afternoon Tea, Coffee and Homemade Cakes in a relaxed & friendly atmosphere.

DE MONTFORT MEMORIALS

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

The group is run by volunteers, there is always time for a singalong which is usually appreciated by everyone. The group has grown over the last two years, and we welcome anyone in the community to come along. It is intended for anyone who can no longer continue with their usual, every-day commitments and activities.

So if you have a family member or friend that would enjoy afternoon tea & the company of others please feel free to come along.

You will be assured of a warm welcome.

The next event will be Saturday, 1st April, 2017 - 2.30pm – 4.00pm

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The Ibstock Brick Brass Band

Birstall Birdwatching Club

“Wildlife In The Home”

By Nigel Slater Tuesday 14th March 2017 at 7.30pm Every house in the world attracts wildlife either for taking shelter, looking for food or attracted to heat and light. Tonight, we will look at birds, mammals and even what the cat brings in! Of course, there are creepy crawlies, but they have interesting lives. This evening, wildlife comes to your doorstep with Nigel’s usual enthusiasm and his love of all things in nature.

“Living Wild In South America”Part 2

by Mike and Paula Webster Tuesday 11th April 2017 at 7.30pm Mike and Paula now spend most of their year in South America as part of a project to study wildlife in the Andes. This evening, they will update us on what more they have been doing in this exciting part of the world The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Members free. Visitors £2 Children free. Free on-site parking

I. Wardle Maintenance Services (Birstall DIY)

and easy access.

Further information Marion Vincent 0116 2375156

- “Infinite Possibilities”.

Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary: 07704398017

Charnwood Orchestra

Concert All Saints Parish Church, Steeple Row, Loughborough, LE11 1PL Saturday 18th March, 7.30pm.

There will be an interval bar.

The works consist of Beatrice and Benedict overture by Berlioz, Hungarian Dances nos.17-21 by Brahms, Concerto for Clarinet and Viola by Max Bruch, Symphony no.1 ‘Spring‘ by Schumann.

Tickets cost £12, £10 (concessions) and £3 for accompanied children under 16. They can be bought via Paypal from www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk ; from the Box Office (07718 153117); or judithrodgers155@gmail.com or on the door.

Birstall Flower Club March 22, 2017 at 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Pauline Foster

“Mambo Jambo in Concert”

A show that mixes music of all types and styles: Frankie and Pete give you “musical sunshine” and in March, that’s just what the doctor ordered. This friendly and exceptionally talented duo takes you on an exciting and joyously vibrant musical journey, mixing styles and rhythms from around the world. There’s infectious music from Cuba, New Orleans, Brazil, Eastern Europe as well as blue grass, boogie and their own inspired compositions. They mix saxophone, vocals, clarinet, flute, guitar, banjo, percussion, ukulele, accordion and even a suitcase!

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It’s a feel-good show and the audience is guaranteed to come out smiling at the end of the night.

Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, 7.30pm and tickets can be bought from the Paper Shop or by Paypal from www.busca.org.uk Bought in advance of the show they cost £10, £9 (concessions) and £5 (children under 16). With a feel of cabaret, you can enjoy our well stocked bar while you watch the show. Disabled access is good and the venue is warm and inviting.

• The Eye Exhibition Project 2017 presents 'Urban/Rural' themed

Art Exhibition Thursday 23 March - Wednesday 19 April 2017 The Old Library Galleries: Basement Gallery 54 Belvoir St, Leicester, LE1 6QL

and established artists, showing paintings, original prints, textiles, digital collage, and more.

Gallery opening – term time Mondays -Thursdays: 9am - 8pm Fridays and Saturdays: 9am - 4pm Easter variations to opening times 8 – 19 April CLOSED: Saturday 8 April and Easter Weekend Friday 14 April – Monday 17April Mondays – Thursdays: 9am – 5pm Fridays: – 9am - 4pm website: theeyeleicester.wordpress.com/ev ents

ets may be purchased via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door.

Birstall Social Club AGM Wed March 22, 7.30pm Membership cards must be shown

The Little Mix Experience Friday 24th March 2017 Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane , Birstall

Birstall Beat Surgeries Meet your local Police team and raise issues of local concern 8th March 2017 - Kingsgate shopping parade @ 1200 to 1300 15th March 2017 - Co-op, Wanlip Lane @ 1500 to 1600 21st March 2017 - Tesco, Sibson Road @ 1500 to 1600 5th April 2017 - Kingsgate shopping parade @ 1400 to 1500 21st April 2017 - Tesco, Sibson Road, @ 1300 to 1400 25th April 2017 - Co-op, Wanlip Lane @ 1600 to 1700

Film Presentations Free Admission Launch Thursday 23 March 5.30pm – 7.30pm Drinks and nibbles, All welcome The Eye Exhibition Project is delighted to present 'Urban/Rural', the third in the series of art exhibitions where groups of 12 artists each explore a particular theme.

'Urban/Rural' features emerging

remote shack with the loving Bella and husband Hector. Tragedy suddenly appears so Ricky and Hector, with their dogs, have to disappear into the bush, ahead of a man-hunt. This is a warm-hearted, yet consistently clever film.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" (Mar 10, 101 mins) This comedy drama, the most successful film ever produced in New Zealand, with director Taika Waititi, is based on Barry Crump's beautiful novel, "Wild Pork and Watercress". Rebellious foster teenager, Ricky, is dumped at a

"The Girl on the Train" (Apr 7, 112 mins) Starring Emily Blunt and Justin Theroux, this thriller has twists that will have us hanging on the edge of our seats. Having lost her job, Rachel still travels daily by train from which she watches familiar people. Some characters have dark ulterior motives and Rachel becomes involved in the disappearance of her neighbour Megan. Will there be a satisfying final reckoning?

"A Street Cat named Bob" will be shown on May 12 Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost £5 which will include refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advanced tick-

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One of the UK's leading tribute group s providing an evening which promises breathtaking dance moves and some of the finest vocals in the UK. It's a high energy show from beginning to end, packed with Little Mix's greatest hits.

Suitable for all ages!

Doors open at 7:30pm.

Tickets £10.

Contact Victoria Vernon Tel: 0116 2121273 In aid of Teddies for Loving Care

Travel Talk Sue Ablett: Around the World in 80 days Become an armchair traveller for the evening as you enjoy another of our travel talk presentations This time with a literary twist “Around the World in eighty days” Friday March 31st at 7.30pm Wanlip Community Hall, Church Road, LE7 9PJ Tickets £4 (including wine & nibbles) available from Beryl McHugh 2674913

Birstall Royal British Legion

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4th Tammy 11th Terry Carey 18th Nicky 25th Neil Evans Dancing every saturday night with live entertainment Bingo Free beer raffle Not forgetting open the box Every Tuesday bingo starting at 9.15pm Quiz every Wedneday starting at 8.30pm Sunday quiz 12th and 26th March

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

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starting at 9pm Acoustic night on 22nd March starting 8pm Food available every Saturday 122pm Wakes catered for Free WiFi available The St James' Community Gospel Choir

Concert Friday 17th March in St James' Church Birstall at 7pm.

There will be a selection of songs old and new, and perhaps even an opportunity to sing along!!

Children from Riverside Community Primary School in Birstall will also be taking part.

Entrance is free; there will be a bucket collection and a donation will be made to RAINBOWS, a local charity.

Non-members welcome; £5 at the door.

The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. Further information Peter Bertram 01162 100 572

Birstall & District Local History Society

Coffee Shop & Table Top Sale

Thursday 9th March 2017 Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall at 7.30pm.

The subject of the talk "The Home Front in World War One" Speaker - Nick Marshall All visitors are very welcome to join us for this talk.

Parking will be available on the night on the Birstall Playing Fields through the School Lane entrance

Raising funds for LOROS Saturday 1 April, 10am-1pm Birstall Methodist Church All types of stalls so come and support this wonderful Charity, as well as having a coffee and a chat!

200 club winners February 2017 1st Mr J Thompson 2nd Mrs G Davies 3rd Mrs J Burton 4th Ms G Green

The Friends of Charnwood Forest English and Welsh Wine: the local connection Talk by Liz Robson of Kingfisher’s Pool Vineyard, Rothley & Annual General Meeting Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Monday March 20 at 7.30 p.m.

We have been pleased to invite Liz Robson, who will explain how she first became interested in viniculture.

Having taken over a 5 acre property in Rothley, she planted the first

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

6 rows of vines in 2008. More vines were planted and Liz joined the Mercian Vineyard association.

She also became editor of “ The Grapevine”.

Until then the cultivation of vines and the production of home-made wine had been a mere hobby. After winning several trophies for her wine, Liz took retirement to concentrate on Rothley Wines Ltd. 2016 was the first year of commercial production of red, white and sparkling wines.

At this meeting members and visitors will be able to taste a selection of the excellent sparkling wine and their best-selling white wine, King Richard.

CLASH Group, Leicester MSK Health Promotion Hub, get Healthy Leicester Thursday 2nd, 9th,16th, 23rd, 30th March 2017 - 11.00am - 12.00pm please book beforehand At DOCK 218, 75 Exploration Drive, Pioneer park, Leicester, LE4 5NU Tel:0333 344 4611 CLASH Table Tennis - For anyone between the 11yrs & 23yrs living with a family member with arthritis

Monday Evenings at Rawlins Academy 7.00pm - 8.00pm Loughborough Road, QuornLE12 8DY Friday Evenings at Peepul Enterprise, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP Cafe on the corner - Pop in for coffee with Mark and bring your iPad queries. Please ring mark if you have a query beforehand on 07801 718908 Thursday March 9, 2017 2-3pm CLASH Digital Eagles Wednesday March 15, 2017:9.30 -

11.30am At DOCK 218, 75 Exploration Drive, Pioneer Park, Leicester, LE4 5NU

Leicestershire & Rutland Dowsers April 1st Helen Cross from Nationwide's Birstall branch will talk on recognising and avoiding financial scams, followed by short sessions on 3 different aspects of dowsing including some practical work - bring a pendulum + rods if you have them.

Members £3, visitors £5. 10am - 1pm Wanlip Village Hall June 3rd Shawell dig update with Mike Southall August 5th sound & health - including a sound or gong bath. details tbc October 7th health dowsing - plan is a morning talk + afternoon workshop (separate charge) with Barry Witton & based on his workbook on dowsing lifestyle changes for health and well-being.

December 9th a Seasonal miscellany All meetings: 10am - 1pm Wanlip Village Hall. Members £3, visitors £5.

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 14th March, at 7.00 p.m.

A special ‘appraisal’ evening! You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, to watch renowned professional artist Tim Fisher appraising the works of our members in various media from Watercolour, Acrylics and Oils, as well as ‘Mixed Media’. This is a perfect opportunity for visitors to come along and see the work of our members and to find out more about our Society. We are all amateurs, painting purely for pleasure. Newcomers and visitors will be most welcome to come and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Refreshments available at the interval, when you will have the opportunity to chat with members and Committee. Demonstration to end at 9pm Members £1; Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

New bus & drivers NEW VOLUNTEER drivers and a new minibus will help Syston and District Volunteer Centre continue providing services to elderly, infirm and lonely people in the local area.

The Centre is about to take delivery of a new 12 seater minibus, thanks to a grant from the Department of Transport.

The Centre’s volunteer drivers also use their own cars to drive service users to doctors, hospitals and other kinds of appointment for those in need of transport.

A Centre spokesman said: “In addition to individual and group transport, we offer a range of disability aids for hire, we organise a monthly community lunch and a regular programme of excursions to places of local interest.

Our small staff are always available to listen to problems and to direct those involved to specialist support services in appropriate cases.”

Planning for the development of a community garden also continues.

Anyone interested in volunteering their services to help meet community needs should contact Centre Manager, Mark Smith, for full details, 0116 2607 888. Full details of centre activities and services can be found on our web site: www.syston-vc.org.

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Couple’s diamond wedding A BIRSTALL couple have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Neil and Jeanne Coleman of Harrowgate Drive met in 1953 at the Belgrave branch of the Young Conservatives – Neil offered to walk Jeanne home.

Jeanne (84) said: “My first impressions were, he’s very interesting, I’d like to go out with him.”

Neil invited her to the pictures. “We saw ‘Black Eagle’ in the balcony double seats and the rest, as they say, is history” said Neil.

The couple were married at St Peter’s church in Belgrave and the wedding reception was at the Goscote Hall hotel. There were 60 guests and Neil remembers the bill was £39.

Their daughter Jane was born in 1966

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Pic: Neil & Jeanne Coleman & (inset) on their wedding day

but sadly she died in 1967 – their son Nigel was born in 1968 and they adopted their daughter Helen in 1972, who has given them two grandchildren with husband Paul.

The couple celebrated their anniversary with family and friends at the Eastern Spice restaurant in Loughborough.

“I proposed to Jeanne on top of a bus” said Neil (84).

“I thought when I met her she was a very sweet thing, we got on well together, never argued, never were unkind to each other. I always felt we were made for each other.”

Stoves Gas Fires Fireplaces Installation Service Service & Maintenance Visit our showroom at 2a Wanlip Avenue LE4 4JP 0116 2676601 www.mdwfireplaces.co.uk

Equipment donated to infirmary NEW EQUIPMENT worth £8457 has been provided for Leicester Royal Infirmary thanks to local cancer charity, Birstall BAGS. Supporters of the charity have helped raise enough funds to purchase three new hysteroscopes for the gynaecology outpatients clinic at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

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The £8,457.75 donation from Birstall BAGS paid for the much needed hysteroscopes which are used by medical staff to investigate and diagnose conditions for patients.

The new hysteroscopes are the latest in design and much smaller, therefore more comfortable for patients. They also produce better quality images than the older ones. In total, the hospital received funding for five new scopes which means patients can be seen and diagnosed much sooner, reducing long waits for diagnosis and delays in treatment.

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stall BAGS said: “We were delighted to be able to provide the funding for three hysteroscopes. They will hopefully make a big difference to patients, making the diagnosis process quicker and more comfortable. We’d like to thank our supporters for their efforts in fundraising and attending our events – they have made this donation possible.”

Debbie Adlerstein, Head of Business Development for Leicester Hospitals Charity, said: “ We are truly grateful to all involved at Birstall BAGS for their overwhelming support for patients in Leicester. Their continued generosity is making such a difference by enhancing the care and environments within our hospitals.

Thank you ” Birstall BAGS operates in and around Birstall and Leicestershire and seeks to bring people together to raise funds to support cancer services used by the local community. The charity also takes every opportunity to raise the profile of cancer, particularly with regard to the signs and symptoms, recognising that early diagnosis of cancer really can save lives. Birstall BAGS works with other local charities to provide services that support members of the local community who are living with a diagnosis of cancer.

Pic: Hysteroscope (the piece with the green and black end) and associated equipment used in the investigations.

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

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Club makes awards

Pic: the new community building

BIRSTALL RUNNING Club recognised the achievements of their members at a presentation night in January.

New community hall A NEW community hall costing £500,000 will be built in Birstall, on the Hallam Fields estate.

Pics: (left) Lisa Spence & Tristan Snutch & (top) Tim Tickner & Chris Willmott

Lisa Spence and Tristan Snutch were the top female and male runners.

Achievement of the Year went to Tim Tickner and Chris Willmott was the Most Improved Runner, voted by club members.

Club Person of the year went to Scott Brownlow, for his leadership of the successful Couch to 5k programme

Mayor’s curry night THE MAYOR of Charnwood hosted a fundraising night at Birstall’s Aroma Spice restaurant.

The building, owned and managed by Birstall Parish Council, will include a 119 metre square hall, a fully equipped kitchen and a meeting room.

The cost of the hall was part of the Section 106 agreement with developer Jelson. Discussions about whether or not the original sum of £350,000 should be index linked to inflation have taken more than a year to conclude. This has now been agreed, increasing the sum to be handed over by Jelson to £500,000.

The Palmer Tomkinson Trust, the original landowners of the Hallam Fields site, were instrumental in these negotiations. Parish Council clerk Sue Coulson said: “The council thanks them for their much valued support and assistance.”

Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann

Marshall said: “I am immensely relieved that we have come to a satisfactory conclusion over the funding, and that we can move forward.

“The hall will be for the residents of Hallam Fields as well as the wider Birstall community and I hope it will encourage use by new groups and offer new activities.”

Potential uses of the new building include playgroups, childcare, social events and adult education.

Progress of the project will be updated on the Parish Council website, where potential users of the hall can express their interest or ask questions. A planning application for submission to Charnwood Borough Council was being prepared at the time of going to press.

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

Mayor David Gaskell and the Mayoress, his wife Jan, were joined by 38 guests who enjoyed a meal and a raffle, raising £350 for the mayor’s charities : Birstall Playgroup for children with Special Needs and Cancer Research (Charnwood Branch).

The Mayor, who lives in Birstall, said: “I am grateful to the proprietors of the restaurant who provided us with a wonderful meal which was much appreciated by all, at a discounted price which contributed greatly to the amount raised.

The Mayor is organising another fundraising night at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane on March 18 at 7.30pm. It will be an

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police and other authorities would respond and take action. Remember, this would not be an increase in crime but an increase in crime reported by a caring community.

How about we all join in and do exactly this. Do not accept that any crime is normal in our village regardless of the perceived seriousness of it. Don’t be a silent victim, report it, and then you also have the right to ask what has been done about it.

NHW Advice Shop and Police Surgery Held on the third Saturday of every month, 10am until 12noon at 10 Sibson Road (opposite the Garden Centre).

Crime prevention advice, coding etc. and security aids sold at cost price. Everyone welcome and you could even have a free cup of coffee. We, and the local beat team, look forward to meeting you.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

NHW news

& crime report Is the level of crime in Birstall normal?

Should we all accept that crime happens? The resounding answer in our opinion to these questions is NO. According to statistics, Birstall is a relatively low crime village but this is based on levels in other areas and not solely on what happens in Birstall. Why should we be satisfied and content with our crime levels simply because some other areas have more?

Once people begin to accept a level of crime, it can easily become the start of a downward spiral in the way the whole community is viewed and the ‘don’t care’ attitude spreads.

Even after being involved with Neighbourhood Watch for many years, it still comes as a surprise that many victims, both residents and businesses, do not actually report crimes. They are happy to tell the Watch, discuss it with friends or even publish the details on ‘Facebook’ etc. But not report it!

The usual reason is given that ‘the police won’t do anything anyway’. Just imagine if in the next few months every crime and problem of all levels was reported and recorded as and when it happened. This would immediately result in a sudden and possibly dramatic increase in the police crime statistics, headlines would be written and the residents would rightly demand action. The

Crime update We have seen a small rise in the number of crimes reported in January, up from 38 in December to 43 this month.

Thefts from vehicles continue to be a problem, as despite the arrests I spoke of in last month’s report we have had another 13 in January. In the early hours of the 17th we had several vehicles targeted in the Church Hill & Whiles Lane area, with two vans being broken into and three sets of number plates being stolen. A silver ‘Transit type’ van was involved in this incident which made off from the Police and enquiries are ongoing to try and identify the users of it, as they were believed to have been involved in a number of other similar incidents across the County during the night.

On a more positive note, we have had no reports of any burglaries this month, which is obviously very good news. There have also been some arrests made in relation to a burglary that happened in December with the sus-

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pects being released on bail while enquiries continue. Please ensure that you are securing your property whenever you go out so that we can try to continue this trend.

For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice As stated above, vehicle crime continues to be the main problem in Birstall, with either number plates being stolen (usually so the criminals can fit them to their own vehicle then use this to steal fuel or commit crime) or vehicles being broken into to steal loose change or small electrical items etc. Please consider fitting anti-theft screws to your number plates to avoid these being taken and ensure that whenever left, your car is locked and secured with any items of value being removed from within it. Also, make sure that if it has a ‘keyless’ entry system the key is kept a sufficient distance away from the vehicle so that it cannot operate the locks.

Neighbourhood update We are aware that we have started to see a slight rise in the number of AntiSocial Behaviour (ASB) type incidents being called in to us, especially around the Sibson Road shops and Front Street areas. The beat team is working hard to identify the people responsible for these incidents, who we believe to be youths from outside the Birstall area. Please contact us on 101 if you witness ASB being committed so that we can follow these reports up quickly and effectively.

From PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels, PCSO’s 6611 Mark Butler and 6552 Mo Musa.

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).

Crime Report : Birstall January 2017 Assaults 1, theft from vehicle 13, damage to vehicle 6, other damage 4, thefts (inc store thefts) 14, burglary dwelling 0, burglary other than dwelling 1, robbery 1, public order 1.

The robbery relates to a theft of some takeaway food on Whiles Lane where the delivery driver was threatened by some youths. A male from Beaumont Leys has been arrested and is on bail.

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Cadets join service BIRSTALL AIR Cadets joined in a service at St James’ Church, Birstall on February 5 to mark Air Training Corps (ATC) Sunday.

Civilian Instructor Bhavesh Chouhan said: “ATC Sunday is marked annually by Air Cadets around the nation, generally it is commemorated on the closest Sunday to when the Air Training Corps was founded, this year however it fell on the actual 76th anniversary of the Birstall Air Cadets which made it more memorable.”

He added: “It gives an opportunity to Cadets to reconsider the promise they made at their enrolment and often to renew the promise and also to reflect on the values of the Air Training Corps.”

After the service, many of the cadets had the opportunity to speak with members of the local community and share experiences.

Birstall Air Cadets, meet weekly at

Pic: Cadet Amelia Pancholi at the service

Riverside Primary School, Wanlip Lane on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 7pm and 9.30pm They are currently recruiting cadets and adult volunteers. For more information call 0116 2672868 or email:1947@aircadets.org

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

16

Students’ Birstall karate club welcome dance day A KARATE club that meets in Birstall welcomes new members.

CHILDREN FROM Riverside school participated in a cultural dance day at the Cedars Academy.

The children from year 6 experienced dancing in many different styles as well as developing their understanding of why dance is so important to different cultures. A small group of children then volunteered to take part in the charity dance show that took place at the academy.

Mrs Chelsea Norman, Head of School, said: “I was immensely proud watching our children on Friday night dancing ‘Bollywood Style’!

Thank you to all children who took part. A special mention must go to Ellie Gurney who also performed a solo and a duet during the show. She was spectacular!”

Flower club

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

IN JANUARY Birstall Flower Club held their Annual General Meeting in the village hall and combined this with a ‘giant picnic’.

Each member of the club brought food to the meeting, and a wonderful feast was eaten by all. During the course of the evening it was announced that during the year of 2016 the club had raised £600 towards their chosen charity –Aid Dogs. This money is raised through plant sales, handmade jewellery made by Mrs Sylvia Simes and a food hamper raffle at the Christmas Open Evening. The money has now been donated to this very worthwhile cause.

Why not pop along and see what Birstall Flower Club get up to. This is a local group run by local people who have an interest in flowers. The demonstrator in March is Pauline foster (NAFAS demonstrator) and her title for the evening is ‘Infinite Possibilities’.

Who knows, you may even win one of the flower arrangements. Facebook: BirstallFlowerClub: http//nafas.org.uk/clubs From Birstall Flower Club

Stonehill Karate Club meets in the old Stonehill school’s gym on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7-8pm.

It’s run by Gordon Limmage, a sixth Dan who has 40 years teaching experience.

He said: “Come and give us a try, we’ve got all ages here, from 6-80 plus.

One of the regulars is 80 year old Brian Danson who comes with his great grandson, Brandon. Brian said: “I love the camaraderie. I feel shattered at the end of a class, it’s a great stress buster as you forget all your problems and I always leave on a high.”

For more details contact Gordon on 01530 249263 or 07966 094718.

Pic: (l-r) Gordon Limmage, Brian Danson and his great grandson Brandon

Planning applications

Knitted space Gang suit for duck show 36 LADIES including three new ladies braved the driving rain on February 6 for our monthly meeting.

We started with a tuneful Jerusalem and then talked about our lively trip to Warners at Bodelwyddan Castle in Wales. We heard about available future activities including Leicestershire and Rutland Federation outings to Harrogate Flower Show and a Science Question Time.

Three of us went to the opening of the new Cedar Mews Care home and we will hopefully be starting a monthly crafting and chatting session for members and residents there.

Our speaker Sue Drage showed us her amazing collection of recycled items. No discarded item is safe from her creative hands. Carrier bags, tin cans, newspapers, magazines, crisp packets, old books, CD’s, plastic forks and ring pulls are plaited, knitted, crotched and moulded into useful and beautiful new items including jewellery, lampshades and fans.

She even knitted a space suit out of carrier bags for Camilla, a rubber duck used by NASA for measuring the power of the sun's rays! We were all inspired to look at our rubbish in a new light!

At our next meeting on March 6 we welcome Louise Brooks from Mountsorrel for a talk on “A Day in the Life of a Modern Milliner” and we are going to wear our favourite hats.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

BACK IN 2006 Birstall Scout Group Celebrated its 75th anniversary and as part of the celebrations put on a gang show.

Now they have decided, after 11 years, it’s time they did it again.

On Saturday May 13, 2017 at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre they are putting on a good old fashioned Scout Gang show with songs, sketches and jokes.

Two performances one matinee and one evening performance tickets £5 adult £2.50 under 14s under 5s free. For tickets and further information phone Sarah on 0770 8804445.

So “ Be Prepared” to come along and have some fun.

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Cricket Corner THE CLUB recently held its AGM where Chairman Andy Merry reported that although there had been a mixed season on the pitch the social side of the club goes from strength to strength with several events taking place and more planned for the summer.

The club are always on the lookout for new players and have recently started the winter nets at the ECB facility Loughborough University. Just pop along if you are interested, we have a one hour net on Wednesday evenings from 8 till 9.

Elected officers at the AGM are: President: Ian Hunt Chairman: Andy Merry Vice Chairman: Andy Lord Secretary: Chris Tinbergen Treasurer: Ian Bartlett 1st XI Captain: Josh Saye 2nd XI Captain: John Clayton Midweek Captain: Grant Wright If you require any further information on anything to do with BVCC then please contact Ian Hunt on 07949380010.

From Ian Hunt, Birstall Village Cricket Club

Market is a winner Players visit school PLAYERS FROM basketball team the Leicester Riders visited Riverside school to talk to pupils about health and wellbeing.

As part of the HoopsforHealth programme, the children also took part in a basketball coaching session with some of the players as well as participating in a riders’ promotional video.

The visit was organised by school secretary Linda Williams, who is secre-

Pic: players from Leicester Riders at Riverside school

tary of Leicester Riders ‘supporters’ club.

The school’s association with Leicester Riders goes back 10 years – players come into the school every week to coach children in years 5 and 6, and to lead assemblies.

LOUGHBOROUGH MARKET has been crowned best large outdoor market at the British Market of the Year Awards 2017.

The market was praised for supporting traders with its ‘Try a Trade’ offer, which allows people to have a free stall on the market for a day and 50 per cent off a stall for three months, to help local entrepreneurs grow their business.

The awards were held by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) and saw markets across the country battle it out to win a coveted award.

Councillor David Hayes, Lead Member for Regulatory services and Two Centre said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won best large outdoor market! Loughborough market is a fantastic part of our town centre and provides not only the Thursday and Saturday retail markets, but also vintage, farmers and festive markets throughout the year too.”

Loughborough’s markets are held every Thursday and Saturday, between 7am and 5pm in the town centre.

There is also a vintage market every Friday between 8am to 4pm and a monthly farmers market which is held on the second Monday of each month.

Bowlers’ Norfolk trip A GROUP of bowlers from the Birstall area visited the Bowls England Week at Potters near Yarmouth early in February.

We are already planning next year's trip.

Can't wait!” said the spokesman.

The trip was organized by St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club. www.smcbc.com Pic: Bowlers from St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club at Potters

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

“The week is a great opportunity to meet and compete with bowlers from all over the country” said a spokesman for the group.

“Our most successful team came topped their group and passed through the next round of the knockout stages before being eliminated in a quarter final. Congratulations are therefore due to Roger Bartlett, Marlene Corrall, Joan and Keith Breward.”

The event falls in the week following the World Indoor Bowls Championships and the group were able to see demonstrations and talk to some of the stars who stayed over. Local bowls hero Tony Allcock, 15 times world bowls champion, gave his unique insight on different aspects of the game in several masterclasses.

“The days were rounded off with an excellent sufficiency of seriously good food, lots of alternative activities and high quality live evening entertainment.

News from the churches What's on in March? of wine at the interval is included in the The diary for St James in Birstall and price of £.4 (obtainable from Beryl St Nicholas at Wanlip seems particularly McHugh or ring 2674913 or 2674550). full this month.

From the Parish Churches The first day of the month is Ash Wednesday - the beginning of Lent, Did you know we have a number of traditionally a period for abstention and group meetings during the week, and reflection before the joys of Easter, A they are usually open for anyone to service takes place at Wanlip at 9.30am come along. and another at St. James at 7.30pm on Our Monday Group have some interthat day. There are other opportunities esting meetings this month. 6th - there is for study and discussion for those joina chance to meet our new minister Rev ing the Lent course, starting on Monday Paula Hunt, and her beloved dog Sandy. evening, March 3 at 7.30 at St James.

13th – it is all about saving our bees, Looking at the wider world, there are one of the most vital species for our some Interesting events to give us food farming community, and they are under for thought: threat of disease. 20th – a representative Friday March 3 is Women's World from the Dogs Trust will be telling us Day of Prayer. Each year the women of a about their important charity work. 27th different country prepare a presentation – a talk about ‘abandoned places’, well of life in their own country and devise a there’s bound to be some interesting short service. In Birstall, the churches locations in the locality! take it in turn to host this day and this During March we will be starting the year it is at St James where we will hear replacement of our pews with the new about life in the Philippines. There will stackable chairs. This will enable us to be a lunch at 12 noon followed by the use the worship space for other events / presentation and a service There is no seating layouts. Let us know if you would charge, but you will need a ticket for the like one of the old pews, we will be lunch from Doreen Wilson on 2674680. letting them go for a nominal sum.

The Men's Group, meeting on Sunday Our main worship service is at 10.30 5th at the British Legion at 7.45pm, will on Sundays, with a smaller less formal be hearing Peter Briggs talking about the service at 6pm. On 19th at 10.30 our "Mercy Ships" - vessels, staffed by volunSuperintendent Rev Dave Warnock will teer Christian medical staff, who travel be taking the service, and as an avid to third world countries to bring their cyclist he usually manages to mention medical and surgical skills to people the two wheeled transport during his who have otherwise no access to medimessage! Our regular Sunday Club will cal care. All are welcome to this inspirbe offering an interesting menu before ing talk. the morning service each Sunday, and Looking further ahead, there will be they have a special time together for another of our popular travel talks with younger people during the main worship Sue Ablett at Wanlip Community Hall on – anyone is welcome, even with a mum Friday March 31 at 7.30pm, when the or dad! intriguing subject (with illustrations) will We are delighted when we can widen be "Round the world in 80 days". A glass the worship we offer to our multicultural

Birstall Parish Council BIRSTALL YOUTH CAFÉ 2 X Part Time Youth Workers Hours: Min. 3 per Week • Pay Rate: £8.50 per hour.

Have you the enthusiasm and energy we need to help us drive forward our commitment to delivering an educational and fun service for the young people of Birstall.

Birstall Parish Council is seeking to recruit two motivated people who are looking to play a key role within an existing team of youth workers and volunteers, helping us to manage and maintain the excellent standard and condition of the Birstall Youth Café, a facility which is delivered by the Parish Council for 8 - 11 year olds on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 5:30pm until 8:30pm in the Sports Pavilion on School Lane Playing Fields.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2017

For an informal discussion please contact Sue Coulson on 0116 267 6191 An information pack is available to download from the Parish Council's website on: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk Or you can telephone the office to request a hard copy of the application pack to be posted to you or for you to collect from the Council offices, or you can email admin@birstallpc.org.uk to request a copy.

Please do not send in your CV, they will not be considered.

Closing Date for applications is : 3pm - 13 March 2017

Christian community. We now have an Asian Church worship meeting each Sunday afternoon, held in the church lounge.

From Birstall Methodist Church

Prince Charles visits

Sunday Services We would be very pleased if you could join with us for a worship service this month. The morning service starts at 10.45 a.m. and is held in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School, PRINCE CHARLES drove a Greengate Lane (LE4 3DL). There is a Sunday School for junior children during steam train out of Mountsorthis service. Our visiting speaker on the rel station and met volun19th is Pete Harrison (Thurlaston). Our teers from the Mountsorrel evening service, held in Birstall and & Rothley Heritage Centre starting at 6.00 p.m., will be on 26th March: please ring the number below during a visit to the county for the venue. in January.

What is Christianity all about?

He was greeted by hundreds of local If you have ever asked yourself this school children from primary schools in question, then can we invite you to our free, short series of meetings which deal Mountsorrel, Rothley, Quorn and Swithland. with the basics of Christianity? Please Prince Charles was given a tour of the contact the number below for more Heritage Centre on Swithland Lane, details. walked along the heritage trail and unEvington Lecture veiled a plaque.

Last November Evington Chapel startCentre Director Steve Cramp said: ed its series of five lectures on the ‘Solas of the Reformation’. The last lecture in “My personal highlight of the day was seeing the Prince take control of the the series will be given by Richard regulator and drive the train out of Brooks (Catshill, near Bromsgrove), on Mountsorrel Station and up to the HeritSaturday 18th March and is entitled: ‘To age Centre. The look on his face said it the Glory of God Alone’. It will start at all, he was clearly enjoying himself!”

7.00 p.m. and be held in the Chapel’s lecture room. It is free of charge and refreshments will be served at the close of the meeting.

For further information on BIBC please ring 0116 2214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

Donate to foodbank SHOPPERS AT Birstall's Co-op supermarket on Wanlip Lane can now donate food items to a local foodbank.

A trolley has been placed near to the moving belt checkouts for shoppers who wish to make a donation.

All donations are being delivered fortnightly to Joseph’s Storehouse Foodbank, which is situated at the Carpenter’s Arms in Loughborough.

The Carpenter’s Arms has been a twelve-room residential addiction rehabilitation centre for men since 2008. Joseph’s Storehouse Foodbank is an associated facility on the same site and is run by a team of volunteers.

The Foodbank now gives out 25,000 food parcels a year to people who are on low income, including state benefit, and facing financial hardship.

“For a number of years Birstall residents have been able to donate food through a collection point at Birstall Methodist Church Coffee Shop, but this new venture has significantly increased the opportunity for people who wish to make a donation” said a spokesman from Birstall Methodist church.

He added: “The Prince spent a lot of time meeting and talking to the local school children who were with us to welcome him. He was very impressed with the design of the building itself, which is a great accolade as the Prince is very particular about architecture. He was most impressed though by the hard work of all the volunteers who have spent the past decade restoring the railway and creating the heritage centre site and all it has to offer. He even had time to sample our special Granite’s Afternoon Tea, which Lady Gretton referred to as “epic!”

The new Mountsorrel Railway Museum, quarry heritage building, a new nature trail, a den building area and a high level viewing area are all planned to be open by this Easter at the Swithland Lane site.

Steve said: “The site will remain free for general visitors. The income needed to operate and maintain the site comes solely from our Granite’s Coffee Shop, so we hope that visitors will stop by for something to eat and drink when they visit. We’ve worked very hard to ensure we provide high quality food at very good value prices and many visitors come just for Granite’s itself.

The next dates for the public to ride a train on the Mountsorrel railway are March 25 and 26.

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Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Breast Examination - who, when, how, why?

Recently a lady told me she doesn’t examine her breasts because she isn’t sure how to do it and she felt it was something that she needed training or another person to talk her through it. Birstall BAG’s want to shed a bit of light on self breast examination and give all women the confidence to do it routinely.

The most important thing to remember is that there’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts. But it is important to know how your breasts usually look and feel. That way, you can spot any changes quickly and report them to your GP. Be breast aware Every woman's breasts are different in terms of size, shape and consistency. It's also possible for one breast to be larger than the other.

Get used to how your breasts feel at different times of the month. It is not necessary to check them daily or weekly but understanding how they change through each month will help you spot something of concern.

How they feel can change during your menstrual cycle.

For example, some women have

tender and lumpy breasts, especially near the armpit, around the time of their period.

After the menopause, normal breasts feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme has produced a five-point plan for being breast aware: · know what's normal for you · look at your breasts and feel them · know what changes to look for · report any changes without delay · attend routine screening if you're 50 or over Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit.

You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.

Breast changes to look out for See your GP if you notice any of the following changes: · a change in the size, outline or shape of your breast · a change in the look or feel

of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling · a new lump, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that is different from the same area on the other side · nipple discharge that's not milky · bleeding from your nipple · a moist, red area on your nipple that doesn't heal easily · any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently · a rash on or around your nipple · any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it's a new pain and doesn't go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases) So getting to know your breasts and what they are like is important along with regular self examination covering all areas of breast tissue. MOST IMPORTANTLY IF YOU FIND SOMETHING YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT BOOK A GP APPOINTMENT. For further information: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1740 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 Home Visiting Service Birstall BAG’s has established a Home Visiting Service in collaboration with LOROS. To support this initiative we are keen to secure more LOROS volunteers from the Birstall and surrounding area to support families in their own home in our community . If you are interested please contact Andrew Lowdenandrewlowden@loros.co.uk tel 0116 2318470

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Quilters BIRSTALL QUILTERS have presented the charity Heartlink with a cheque for £168 on behalf of City Dance, who raised the money.

In the Feb Birstall Post it was incorrectly reported that Birstall Quilters had raised £168 for City Dance.

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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