Birstall Post (412) November 2017 by The Birstall Post

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

NOVEMBER 2017

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 412

STEM events inspire students LEARNING HOW the body produces energy and a tour of a factory that manufactures construction equipment were two recent STEM events for students at the Cedars Academy. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities aim to show students how these subjects are embedded in their lives. E.ON, the energy company, brought their Steam Ahead interactive workshop to the academy. Students in year 7 and 8 learned about how the body produces energy by mimicking the actions of blood, muscles and the brain. “The workshop, with its Future Energy Lab, really brought to life for them the way our bodies can produce energy, how we use it, and how this can be applied outside of the human body”

Pic: Cedars’ students taking part in an energy workshop

said Team Leader Paul Shepherd. The academy’s STEM Stars group of pupils visited the Caterpillar discovery centre in Desford, where they were

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treated to a tour of the factory floor. Paul said: “All pupils had the opContinued on page 2

Birstall councillor quits A BIRSTALL Parish Councillor has resigned from the council calling it a “troubled organisation” that is “struggling to function”. Roy Rollings joined the parish council in April 2014. “I saw it as an opportunity to simply do what I could to improve Birstall” said Cllr Rollings, who is also a Borough Councillor for Birstall Wanlip, having been elected in May 2017. “The parish council gets around £300,000 a year of tax payers money and we should be investing that back into Birstall, to maintain our assets and to improve the village” he said. “I have struggled to get things on the agenda, such as creating an access path from Harrowgate Drive playing field to the Hallam Fields school and play area. He added: “I can’t understand how the council has decided to turn down an offer of a free bus shelter and it is clear they are not keen on extending CCTV in the village – the stock answer being it is not our responsibility.” In January 2017, the council debated whether or not it wished to exercise the power to install and maintain bus shelters, and voted not to do so. Cllr Rollings said: “The parish council has the General Power of Competence which means it can do almost anything it wants to do, but when it is in a position to do things, it won’t” The General Power of Competence is a part of the Localism Act 2011, and aims to give parish councils an “enhanced role” to

Continued on page 2

Local shops struck

Cedars continued from page 1

portunity to sit in some of the large plant equipment that they make. During the day pupils also took part in various different STEM challenges, including making a break assembly and they learnt about production lines

ONE SIBSON road shop was burgled in September and there were attempted break-ins at three others.

through the use of LEGO.” “It was an eye-opener to see what engineering at Caterpillar consists of overall, it was an amazing experience and we would love to go again” said one student. Future STEM events at the Cedars Academy include a visit from the Armed Forces as well as maths challenges, a Christmas bake off and a family science night.

Burglars at the RSPCA shop were captured on CCTV but the offenders had their faces covered. The attempted break-ins were at Birstall Jewellers, Henry Smith & Hamylton and Paper Kisses. All four incidents occurred overnight. PC Dave Jaeckels said: “A van was seen leaving the scene following the incident at the opticians, which is believed to be linked to several similar shop burglaries in other parts of the county. Enquiries are currently ongoing to trace the users of this van, however at this time no arrests have been made.”

Pics: Students from Birstall’s Cedars Academy took a tour of the Caterpillar factory in Desford

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BIRSTALL Double glazing contractors, Conservatory & Window Concepts Ltd, has been handed a prestigious award for the sustained quality of its customer service by leading consumer interest organisation, the Consumer Protection Association. 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. “Everything is carefully project managed by us personally and we do everything we can to ensure the work we do enhances your home.”

Councillor quits continued from page 1

allow them “to do the things they have previously been unable to under their existing powers.” Cllr Rollings said: “A small group of members are deciding what direction the council should go in. If you don’t vote with the majority of the Management & Policy Committee you are viewed as an enemy of the council – but you might just have a different view. Good ideas are being ignored.” Cllr Rollings also feels the Parish Council is viewed poorly by many members of the community. He said: “It’s clear to me it is a troubled organisation. It should be serving its parishioners, engaging more with the people of Birstall on what they want, what would make the village better.” Another reason for Cllr Rollings’ decision to resign relates to issues surrounding the publication of a Conservative Party election leaflet before the May 2017 elections, which are still ongoing. He added: “The decision to resign has been a difficult one, I am disappointed it has come to this, but I feel I can better serve the people of Birstall as a Borough councillor rather than deal with the infighting at a parish council that is struggling to function.” The Birstall Post invited the Chair of Birstall Parish Council, Ann Marshall, to respond to the points made by Roy Rollings. She declined our invitation to respond.

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

Pic: an artist’s impression of the building

New school building A MULTI million pound investment in Highcliffe School will see the junior block demolished next year and replaced with a new building. Parents were able to see plans of the new building at a public exhibition in October. The project is part of the Government’s Priority School Building Programme, which aims to rebuild or refurbish those school buildings in the very worst conditions in the country. A detailed survey of the junior block facing Greengate Lane found that the building, built in the 1950s would be uneconomical to refurbish. There were problems with water tightness, draughts and thermal efficiency. The new building will have six classrooms, a technology suite and a studio. The playing field area will stay the same and there will be no increase in parking provision. Parents at the exhibition gave the plans a positive response. Paul and Lucy Lakin have a six year old daughter at the school. They said: “It looks like it's going to be good and a happy school to work in. It’s a shame that the school pool will be closed for a year though.” Charlotte Foy said: “It is much better than my expectations, with a library, technology suite and studio. It will all be fresh and new – the building here is falling to pieces – and it will be good for the pupils to have a physical space that matches the ethos of the school.” Chair of the Governors Shreekant Raivadera

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A BIRSTALL bicycle shop is celebrating its sixth year of trading. TJ Cycles on Kingsgate Avenue is run by Tony Goodman who has 26 years experience in the cycle trade. He sells new bikes from Scott, Moda, Claud Butler, Dawes, Python, Probike – all ready to ride with a free service after two months. New in are Lectro electric bikes, and there is always a selection of used bikes which are all serviced and come with a one month warranty. Tony does repairs and servicing and says he has built his business by providing good service that sees his customers coming back and recommending him to others. Pic: Tony Goodman servicing a bike in his Kingsgate Avenue shop

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new block which will start next February and finish in September 2018. A temporary kitchen will be provided during the build. The Elmfield Avenue building will be improved with the installation of new heating, air conditioning in the hall, internal modifications and it will be

re-decorated. The school pool has been closed but the intention is to re-open it next September. During the rebuild, pupils will be taught at the new Hallam Fields primary school.

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

said: “The new building will make a huge difference and is well needed, it will do everything we want it to do and will be a great place to work.” The infants’ building facing Elmfield Avenue will remain open throughout the building of the

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

Birstall boys save the world TWO BIRSTALL schoolboys who travel the world as secret agents feature in a newly published novel by a Birstall author. Pete Cross says he came up with the idea of writing a fictional story for his two sons as a Christmas present last year, but it then gained interest from the literary world resulting in its publication. “I’m excited by the upcoming release of the book, and even the adults who have read the story can’t wait for the sequel” said Pete, who is a finance director for the NHS and vice chair of Bir-

stall United Juniors Football Club. The book, which is aimed at children to young adults, is called The Rockwell Brothers, and is available on the Austin Macauley Publishers website Amazon, Waterstones and from many other book retailers. You can also get the latest on the book by following Pete on Twitter (@prfcross) and through Facebook.

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Birstall club’s George is black belt at 13 THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

A BIRSTALL student has achieved a first degree black belt at Tae Kwon Do. George Wright (13), a pupil at the Cedars Academy, has been training since the age of five at Birstall Tae Kwon Do club, based at Riverside school. In October he travelled down to Bristol to the Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain to be tested, achieving his first degree black belt. George said: “Tae Kwon Do has helped me gain self defence, self control, discipline and respect. “My strength is I always try to do my

best, but I do struggle with the jumps.” George’s instructors are Andy and Karen Freer. “The Birstall club is a fun, friendly place and keeps me active” added George. “I would like to thank Andy and Kaaren for running the club and all their help over the years.” Pic: George Wright with instructor Andy Freer

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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 how you can check your eligibility for the 30 hours extended entitlement please contact Mel 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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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

began and it has been a lifeline for me and countless others over the years. Once again a big thank you to everybody involved in the running of the group. Mrs Shirley Ball

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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

Thanks With the fast approaching closure of Age Concern Birstall and Wanlip Thursday group I would like to express my thanks to all the carers and volunteers who have run the centre over the last 25 years. The first organiser was Betty Howard and she is still there in a volunteer capacity so special thanks go to her, along with Savinder Palahey who has given her time as a volunteer for a good many years. I would also like to thank the committee who have administered the charity since its inception. I have attended the Thursday group since it

What is happening to Birstall, all the good shops are shutting down, what do we get in their place, food shops and charity shops (some of them are selling new stuff). On Christmas Eve another nice shop will be shutting (I will not name it at this time). Will the people who run Birstall please sit up and take notice, the village is going downhill fast and do something to make Birstall great again. S Barnwell

Thanks On behalf of mosaic: shaping disability services, I would like to give my grateful and heartfelt thanks to all those involved in the recent coffee morning organised by Cynthia Coltman and featuring her 663 ensemble performing music ‘Palm Court’ style. Special thanks to: Cynthia; to all the members of the 663 ensemble and friends, many of whom had travelled many miles for the occasion; to those who performed as soloists; to the helpers who provided refreshments and manned the raffle; and to all those who came to listen and support the event. The magnificent sum of £474 was raised which will be shared by mosaic:

shaping disability services towards the fundraising for the charity’s new custombuilt narrowboat providing day trips for the disabled, and Christian Aid. Karen Cane Trustee, mosaic: shaping disability services

Well done Well done Greengate Medical Centre, Greengate Lane, Birstall. On Saturday October 7 they ran a very efficient flu injection clinic. Our appointment was 10.40am, we arrived at 10.30am to a very full car park, the surgery was full, the receptionist was very friendly. There were five members of staff doing the injections, Julie, Dr Gokani and the rest of the team, all giving their free time to oblige! Barry and myself had our flu and pneumonia injections and were back home by 11.10am being greeted by our Jack Russell ‘Sparkle’. Thanks again Greengate medical team for your most excellent services, well done all of you! Anita J Gamble

Puzzling I write in case I have puzzled people over the last two years. Once a week over the summer months they may have seen a large blue Renault car parked near Barclays bank, a house near the Garden Centre and, this year, near the bicycle stands in the car park, all along

Sibson Road. This car would stay for almost exactly 15 minutes at each spot while the driver would gaze into space for long periods, then scribble frantically in a book. After 15 minutes he would drive to the next spot. This was usually at or near a weekend between May and early September. Over these two years the British Trust for Ornithology has run a survey of occupied house martin nests in order to estimate breeding success. Ideally the nests should have been inspected every day, but Barclays would have considered this suspicious, to say the least, and the house occupants may not have been too happy, so I had to record the times of the visits of martins to their nests - clearly more frequent if they are feeding young. Last year there were 4 nests on the bank, one on a house opposite the bank on Sibson Road, and 4 on two semidetached houses by the Garden Centre. This year the house opposite the bank and one of the semis had new plastic eaves which destroyed the nest sites. However, I found 4 nests on the houses which I believe are used by the Garden Centre for storage. Whilst I cannot give accurate figures (which are estimated by the B.T.O. and have not been published yet) I suspect that three of the nests on the bank, one of the nests on the 'original' semi, the three on the 'new' semis may have contained young at one time. As a footnote, a couple spent some time near the car gazing at a large bird circling in the sky over Sibson Road. If they read this - it was a buzzard. Dr D McNeil

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

YOUR SAY...

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Parish Council

Christmas Lights Switch On event Friday December 1, 2017 3:30 – 9pm: Ice Rink on the Sibson Road Car Park – FREE skating for all Fairground Attractions on the Sibson Road Car Park 5 – 8pm: Carol Singing and music from the stage on the Sibson Road Car Park Santa in his ‘Winter Wonderland’ in the Village Hall. There will be a £1 charge to visit Santa and to receive a small gift. FREE Mulled Wine & Mince Pie in the Village Hall

New Group for Birstall Retailers Meeting to be held at the White Horse, Birstall 6pm Tuesday November 21 A social networking meeting to see how we can all work together, discuss concerns, help promote each others business's, share contacts and action possible events. All retailers in Birstall are very welcome. Please contact Charlotte Foy at the White Horse or Shona Rattray at Filigree heart if you would like more details. charlottelfoy@hotmail.co.uk or shona@filigreeheart.co.uk

Hopefully see as many as possible there!

Tea Dance To support Alzheimer’s Research Sunday 26th November 2017 2 - 5pm St Patrick’s Parish Centre Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester LE4 2DB Dancing to: The Karl Boettcher Dance Band Tickets £5 per adult, £15 family (2 adults 2 children) Please contact Katy 07538493913 or parish.centre@saintpatrickleicester.co.uk if you intend to come so that we bake enough cakes!

Birstall Methodist Monday Women’s Group Programme for November 6 Nov Christmas Festival Preparations – theme The Spirit of Christmas 13 Nov Christmas Table + Jade to give a talk about our new Project ‘Bamboozle’ 20 Nov Talk about Bras and Pants fitting - Kay Lewin 27 Nov Dr John Sutton to talk about the 14/18 War – OPEN EVENING so ALL WELCOME 4 Dec No meeting as we will have our MWiB Christmas Carol Service on Thurs 7 Dec. We meet every Monday evening at 7.30pm at Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop

You will be assured of a warm welcome at our meetings. For further information please contact Eileen 2929670 The Latimer Players presents

Alice In Cuckoo Land a Christmas Pantomime, by Peter Nuttall. The evil Queen of Hearts is determined that Christmas will be banned from her realm and Santa ends up locked in the dungeons. Are Old Mother Wobbly, her daughter Alice along with some familiar friends from Wonderland, able to dissuade her and return the joy of Christmas to Cuckoo Land? Join Alice, The Cheshire Cat and The Mad Hatter and see if they can save Christmas. The Memorial Hall, Thurcaston. Leicestershire. Thurs 23rd Nov 2017 @ 7:30pm Fri 24th Nov 2017 @ 7:30pm Sat 25th Nov 2017 @ 1:30pm Sat 25th Nov 2017 @ 5:30pm Ticket prices; Under 5’s free with paying adult. 6-12yrs £4.00, Others £7.50 For tickets please email latimerplayers@yahoo.com or contact Christine on Tel: 0116 237 6855 Birstall & District Art Society For the first time our

Annual Art Exhibition will take place over two days, Saturday 4th November and Sunday 5th November, rather than the

three days of previous years. The exhibition will be formally opened by Cllr Ann Marshall, Chair of Birstall Parish Council. She will also be presenting the 'Mary Houghton Rose Bowl' in the Abstract & Experimental category (Mary's favourite genre), which has been generously donated by the Parish Council in memory of the late Mary Houghton, who was a well known and highly respected Councillor and active member of the community. Open 9.30am-5.00pm Sat & Sun. Free admission, wheelchair access, refreshments, free parking to the rear of the village hall. www.badas.co.uk Saturday December 2nd 7pm

Sweet Jesu

a Christmas concert at St James' the Great Church, Birstall LE4 4DN presented by Leicester Choir, CANTAMICI with pupils from Riverside Primary School. The programme will include Ben-

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

jamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols along with carols for everyone. Tickets £10, children £3 available on the door or from 0116 2412849. Cantamici are presently recruiting altos and tenors. Interested? For more info: 0116 2675518

Christmas Stallholders wanted Community Christmas Celebration event will take place on Thursday 14 December from 57pm Friends of Hallam Fields school PTA is hosting its first ever Christmas event at Hallam Fields primary school and we are inviting local small businesses and craft stall holders to have a stall at the event. It is an opportunity to everyone in the community to come and see the new school and get in the festive spirit. There will be stalls, festive refreshments, face painting, etc and a magical Santa’s grotto. All funds raised will support the newly established PTA and the recently opened school. If you’d like to have a stall to sell your festive goods, get in touch by email hallamfieldspta@gmail.com for more information

Rothley & Birstall Birdwatching Club Thornton Reservoir-My Local Patch by Andy Smith

10am – 12pm Birstall Methodist Church Raffle, Tombola, Cakes, Royal British Legion We will be observing the 2 minute silence at 11am to be led by the RBL

Birstall Royal British Legion Club 4th Leanne Disney 11th Dave Logan 18th Trevor Leeson 25th Anne Marie Dancing every Saturday night with live entertainment Bingo free beer raffle and not forgetting open the box Bingo every Tuesday starting at 9.15pm Quiz every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm Sunday quiz on 12th and 26th starting at 9pm Accoustics on 19th starting at 7.30pm Food available every Saturday 12 till 3pm Wakes & parties catered for Free WiFi Remembrance parade 10am on Sunday Nov 12 NEW MEMBERS very welcome Join the PTFA of Rothley Church of England Primary Academy for an evening of

Christmas Shopping Thursday 14th November 7.309.30pm. Tickets are £5 and include a glass of fizz. Delicious nibbles and canapes will be served and there will be a wide range of local stalls selling lovely gifts and produce

for Christmas. All monies raised by the PTFA will be used to enhance the school experience of our pupils. Tickets are available from the school office (Burrow Drive, Rothley, Leicester, LE7 7RZ) or we can be contacted through our Facebook page, Rothley PTFA Noticeboard Ratcliffe Chorale present a

Christmas Concert at Birstall Methodist Church on Saturday December 9th at 7.30pm Retiring collection for Church refurbishment

All Souls Service Sunday 5th November at 3pm St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall We will be holding a short service of hymns/readings/prayers and reflection, for those who have lost a loved one recently or in the past You will be very welcome Refreshments after the service Birstall Flower Club

Christmas Open Evening Birstall Village Hall, 22nd November 2017, 7.15pm Demonstration by National Demonstrator Tony Brown called “The Joy of Christmas” Entry by Ticket only - £10 includ-

ing refreshments, available from Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary : 07704398017 Rothley Bowling Club

Autumn Fayre Saturday 18th November 2017 10.00 am – 12 noon at Rothley Centre Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Admission 50p including tea/coffee. Craft items, homemade goods, jams, pickles, cakes, etc. books, bric-a-brac, bottle tombola; raffle, refreshments. Everyone Welcome Please Come & Give Us Your Support Ratae Co-Operative Players A warm welcome is extended to all to join them in their next production

“A Christmas Carol” By Charles Dickens Adapted and Directed by John Saw at The Leicester College of Performing Arts Garden Street (off Abbey Street, near St Margaret’s Bus Station) Leicester LE1 3UA from Wednesday 15th – Saturday 18th November 2017 Evenings 7.30 pm Sat. Matinee: 2.30 pm Tickets: £8 Concessions £7 Please call ticket phone line: 0777 567 9435 or visit our website www.rataeplayers.co.uk Wanlip Church And Community Centre

St. Nicholas Fayre Saturday 2nd December

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

Windows & Conservatories Andy is a keen birdwatcher and Ringer and enjoys all forms of natural history, especially cetaceans. Thornton Reservoir is on his doorstep so anything unusual in the area Andy is sure to know about it, if not being the one to find the rarity. This is a lovely spot with a great walk around the whole of the reservoir. Tuesday 14th November 2017 at 7.30pm The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Members free. Visitors £2 Children free. Free on-site parking and easy access. Further information Marion Vincent 0116 2375156

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11am-2pm To beheld in the hall in Wanlip All the usual stalls, cakes, bottles,Tombola, raffle etc Thanking you for your support Leicester Sketch Club

Art Exhibition 2017

gramme of professional demonstrations, workshops, sketching days and annual exhibitions. The Club has over 100 members ranging from professional full time artists to developing part time artists and aims to encourage the artistic development of all. Non-members are welcome to many of the events the club organises. They can be found on the website www.leicestersketchclub.co.uk Meet the Artists and Art Demonstrations Saturday 4th November 2017 – 11am-3pm A chance to meet LSC artists at work and pick up tips and tantalising techniques! Free entry with refreshments available. www.leicestersketchclub.co.uk enquiries@leicestersketchclub.co. uk

bottle stall. Chocolate tombola, decorations and much more. Father Christmas is also coming, bring along the children to say hello and post their letters Bar Open, Free Entry

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council

ed and produced by Clint Eastwood. Starring Tom Hanks as the American pilot, Sullenberger, the film follows the emergency landing on the Hudson River, saving 155 passengers and crew. The subsequent publicity and investigation accuse Sully of unnecessarily ditching the aircraft. Will he be found guilty of pilot error or did birds cause not one but both engines to fail? "Their Finest" will be shown on January 12th. 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. Advance tickets may be purchased via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door Birstall Methodist Church

Belgrave Cemetery Friday October 20th to Tuesday Nov 28th 2017 Mon – Sat 10am to 5pm. Sundays 11am – 5pm LASALS, The Old Library Café & Galleries, Leicester Adult Education College, 50-54 Belvoir Street, Leicester, LE1 6QL Free Admission Launch: Thursday 19th October 6pm – 8.30pm All welcome The Club is delighted to present its latest exhibition of original drawings, paintings and ceramics at LASALS, The Old Library Café & Galleries. For over 100 years, Leicester Sketch Club has encouraged and inspired local artists through a wide and varied pro-

Christmas Festival

Remembrance Sunday Service 12th November 11am Conducted by The Rev'd Pam Haynes. All are Welcome. Refreshments Available. St Patricks Church Parish Centre

Christmas Bazaar November 18th 2017, 10.301.30pm Come and start your Christmas celebrations. Hot turkey rolls, mulled wine, irish coffee gifts galore, toys, cakes and preserves, not forgetting Franks now famous

“Lion” (Nov 10, 120mins) Starring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel, as Best Supporting Actor, "Lion" won a BAFTA for Best Adapted Screen Play. Based on a true story about a 5 year old street-boy, who fell asleep on a train. He ended up on the streets of Kolkata, one thousand miles away, as an adopted Australian. Twenty years later, he amazingly remarks, "My mother saw my face after 25 years"! "Sully: Miracle on the Hudson" December 8 (96mins) This biographical drama is direct-

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Hot Dogs & Pancakes (Friday) Face Painting (Saturday) Santa’s Grotto Tombola Raffle

Your Bard Friday 10 November at the Rothley Centre.

William Shakespeare – the greatest playwright the world has ever seen? Or a fraud? In a superb and very funny oneman show, Royal Shakespeare Company actor Nicholas Collett will take the audience on a journey through the life of the world’s most famous writer: his childhood, his glory days at the Globe, his ardent defence of his reputation. Mingling biography with snapshots of Elizabethan life and snippets from his plays, and packed with emotional punches and entertaining punchlines, this is a piece of pure theatre magic. Don’t miss it! Limited tickets available! Doors open 630, 7pm start. Tickets in advance £10 full price, £9 concessions, £1 more on the door.

Limited number of seats. Simple ploughman’s £2.50. Bar. Book now – at the library, or at https://rothleycommunitylibrary.c o.uk/Live-shows.php using paypal. Highcliffe Primary School PTA are running a

Christmas Extravaganza which promises to be full of fun, food and festive fares! There will be a host of different stalls providing the perfect opportunity to buy some truly unique Christmas presents. A film room for the children will allow parents a bit of time to shop alone and maybe pick up one of two gifts for the younger members of the family! There will be crafts and activities for all the family to join in with and to satisfy your tastebuds a variety of food and drink will be available, including mulled wine and cider, as well as a gin stall from the local Burleigh's distillery. Carols and Christmas tunes will be performed by children from Highcliffe and other local groups. The fair is on Sunday 17th December from 2.00pm-5.00pm. £1 entry for adults, children free. We look forward to seeing you! Birstall Rainbow Nursery Wanlip Lane, Birstall

Winter Fete Sat Dec 2

Birstall Library Omni Service

Pay on the door £5 All welcome

Do you enjoy reading, but struggle to get out to the library? Birstall library offer a minibus collection and drop off service every 4 weeks. Our driver picks you up and returns you home after your visit to the library, where you can choose your books with help from our volunteers and enjoy a cuppa and a chat in a friendly, social atmosphere. Our next Omni visits are 15th Nov and 13th Dec. Please contact Birstall Library on 0116 3058756

Saturday December 2nd

Birstall & District Local History Society The November monthly meeting of the Society is on Thursday 9th November 2017 at 7.30pm in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics. The subject of the talk is the "Life of Coco Chanel". The speaker for this talk will be Julie Ede. Visitors are very welcome to join us for this talk. There will be available parking on the night on the Birstall Playing Fields through the School Lane entrance Sunday 26th November at 7pm

Ibstock Brick Brass Band Concert St Theresa’s Church Front Street, Birstall

Christmas Bazaar 10 till 2pm St Theresa’s Church Front Street, Birstall Raffle, Tombola, cakes, good as new clothes, To name a few

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 14th November, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, to watch renowned professional artist Julia Kent giving a demonstration in acrylics entitled “Still Life”. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Newcomers and visitors most welcome. Demonstration ends at 9pm Members £1; Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Christmas Tree Festival 2017 supporting the Sorrel Youth Café Christ Church, Rothley Road, Mountsorrel, LE12 7JU Sat 2nd Dec, 10am – 5pm, Sun 3rd Dec, 12.30 – 3.30pm Holy Communion at 11am, Messy Church at 4pm Refreshments served Mon 4th Dec School & Pre-school Visits & Evening Ladies’ Carol Service Lots of opportunities to perform throughout the year Dance for fun or train to a pre- professional standard in a friendly, welcoming environment Graded Examination classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Acrobatics from aged 2 upwards. Vocal coaching • Tumbling Skills

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Christmas Vintage Tea Party & Handmade Craft Fair! Saturday 9th Dec at the Birstall Methodist Church. Come along from 10am-2pm for Christmas shopping and a festive

with a range of embellishments and personalise with your own name! £8 per calendar created – Siblings could create one together if they wanted to! £4 per wooden tree decoration. This includes refreshments and other additional craft activities! Tea, coffee and cake will be available to purchase and there will be a few stall holders with complementary gifts and handmade crafts. For more information and payment details visit Facebook ‘Letters and Stitch – Half Term Crafting Fun!’ or ‘Letters and Stitch.’ williams.fayealicia@gmail.com or 07811069007. All children to be accompanied by adults at all times

Birstall Running Club tea party full of treats and bakes. Stalls include a lovely range of handmade crafts and inspired vintage stalls. Free Admission! Contact regarding stalls and more information: Facebook: ‘Christmas Vintage Tea Party and Handmade Craft Fair BMC’ or ‘Letters and Stitch’ or williams.fayealicia@gmail.com • Letters & Stitch presents

THIS YEAR’S White Horse Great Birstall Bake Off was the biggest and best yet say the organisers. “The whole event was an overwhelming success” said Beccy Kay. “We are in awe of the support from the local community, with an incredible standard of baking, 58 entries – far surpassing previous year’s numbers, fantastic donations of prizes and queues of people buying cake to help us raise over £1671.” The proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer support. All categories were well supported, with both genders and all ages competing for the most prestigious prize in Birstall’s bakery calendar.

Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.15 for 6.30 run Birstall School Lane playing fields – showers & toilets available We also meet on a Wednesday night at Sibson Road car park at 6.15pm for 6.30pm run Speed work sessions also available on Wednesdays for those wanting to improve Contact Deryk on d-woods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640

Christmas Crafting!

www.birstallrc.org.uk

Saturday 18th Nov 10am-12pm at Birstall Methodist Church. Pop along between 10am-12pm for plenty of Christmas fun! Preparing for the festive season where each child can create a wooden advent calendar and/or a wooden tree decoration. Decorate

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Beccy said: “The judging panel were astounded by the selection, in particular the ‘Best decorated’ category which caused much discussion between the judges. Entries were even more creative than ever and there were some fantastic tasty contributions from the young bakers in the under 16’s category.” Overall winner Faye North of Woodgate Drive was crowned Birstall’s Best Baker. She said: “I love baking and I feel elated to have won.” Once the competition was over, all the cakes were sold to raise money for Macmillan Cancers Support’s World’s Largest Coffee Morning in the garden of the White Horse. “The coffee and cake flew out in just over an hour and so far £1671 has been raiseda truly staggering figure” said Beccy. The carthorse themed raffle stand was also a success and bunting helped to create a rustic British village aesthetic, with a selection of prizes including a picture from Glenwood’s and afternoon tea vouchers from both Greenacres and Café on the Corner. This year there was also a lucky Dip, a bouncy castle, face painting, nail bar and Pic: best traybake winner Naomi Follows (7)

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

temporary tattoos for the children and some Sunday morning jazz. The cake bunting provided by the primary school children at Riverside and Highcliffe added to the ambience and fun of the day. The organisers wish to thank the following for their exceptionally kind contributions and donations; Amy Harrison - Graphic Designer, Kaine’s Castles, Kimmys funny faces, Gemma and Molly Evans from Dance Academy, Hannah’s, Glenwood's, Café on the Corner, Stonehurst Farm, Ringtons Tea, Birstall Garden Centre, One Stop- Hallam Fields, Boots, Pukka Pies, Little Red Deli, Tesco, Co-Op, Boots, Platform Café at Greenacres, Shishgo Mangal and Filagree Heart. Also to Glenn Lewin of Sileby, Brakes, Trust Inns, Creed, Matthew Clarke and Burleigh’s Gin, White Horse Suppliers. Special thanks also to the judging panel, Toby Milner and family from Milners Bakery, Mary Goodman, Margaret Hoskins from the WI, past winners Emma and Florence Sillet, Gwen Large, Lizzy Keeshan and Lilly Chamberlain as well as the White Horse Chefs Lastly, Charlotte Foy and Beccy Kay would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who took part, those who generously donated their baking and to everyone who came on the Sunday. Watch this space and the new Facebook page for details of 2018's Great Birstall Bake Off, but until then - keep baking! Up and coming White Horse events Children’s Halloween Party – Free – Traditional spooky games and Halloween disco Saturday October 28, 4-6pm and Grown ups Halloween Party 8 – late. Terrifyingly tasty Halloween 5 course meal and cocktails October 31st – see our website for details. Birstall bags meal Monday December 4 – contact Birstall Bags for details.

Full Winners List Cupcake / Tray bake: Naomi Follows Biscuit: Megan Bowles Best Decorated: Maria Stapley Best Under 16: Lilly Chamberlain Best Cake: Hayley Toon Best Bread: Joshua Smalley Best ‘Free From’: Lilly and Sarah Carter Best Savoury: Sue Bowles Sweet Pastry: Emma Sillet Birstall’s Best Baker: Faye Holmes

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

Pics: (top right) Winner of the Best Bread category Josh Smalley; (ctr) Lily Carter (5) winner of the ‘Free From’ category with her mum Sarah & (inset) her prize winning gluten free chocolate orange cake; (bottom right) Birstall’s Best Baker Faye North

NHW news

& crime report GOT A problem in your street? Wouldn’t it be good to be able to speak face to face with someone and explain exactly what the problem is? Good news, you can! Switch off the computer, close down your Facebook page and come out from behind your keyboard. Put down your mobile phone and talk to a real person that you are actually looking at. There are people in Birstall and Wanlip who would very much like you to do just that and speak directly to them. The Parish Council office in Birstall is open every weekday morning until 2pm and the staff will be only too pleased to answer questions, offer advice regarding

community problems and pass on your concerns to our elected councillors. Our County Council and Borough Council representatives are also available at a regular open event held on a Saturday morning each month. Members of our local Police Beat Team are available at a regular Beat Surgery held in conjunction with the Neighbourhood Watch on the morning of the third Saturday of each month. Other local organisations and businesses would also prefer you to approach them directly with problems so that accurate details can be established and solutions can be found. Surprisingly it is not that unusual for those people that can help to not know that there is a problem until a local resident actually tells them. An anonymous and sometimes confusing comment on ‘social media’ is not the quick way to solve community problems. Although these facilities are useful and do have their place, a personal approach and a polite discussion is always much more likely to result in a satisfactory outcome. Alternatively, if you really do want to have a grumble on the internet, log into fixmystreet.com. Briefly describe the problem and the location and it will automatically be redirected to the appropriate responsible authority. Almost anything can be reported, abandoned vehicles, uncollected rubbish, potholes, damaged footpaths, water leaks, overgrown hedges/trees, damaged public play equipment etc, etc. Don’t just be a ‘moaner’, let’s all be positive about any problems in our village. From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

Crime update Reported crime in September has remained at a similar level to August, with a total of 47 crimes being reported. Thefts from vehicles is yet again the main problem with another 11 during September (the same as in August) however we have also had a number of ‘non-dwelling’ burglaries reported (nine in total) several of which relate to shops on Sibson Road either being broken into, or attempts being made to break into them. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to these burglaries and some suspects have been identified as it is believed that they are responsible for several similar incidents across the county, however at the time of writing, no arrests have been made. We have had another three house burglaries reported this month and a total of seven ‘other theft’ offences, the vast majority of which relate to drive-off’s from the Petrol Station (of which we have had five). Damage to vehicles has also remained low this month with just one offence being reported during September, which is obviously positive. For further crime infor-

mation please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice Earlier this month I was at an event at Police HQ where we were attempting to re-unite a large number of power tools that had been recovered by the Police with their owners. Unfortunately the biggest problem we had was that the vast majority of people didn’t have any serial numbers for their tools or a way of identifying them, which made the process problematic. Please consider keeping a record of the serial numbers for any power tools that you own, or consider marking them with your postcode & house number etc. We regularly recover tools whilst conducting search warrants which we believe to be stolen, however if we cannot prove this we are unable to prosecute anyone, or return them to their rightful owners. The same also goes for any electrical devices you own, such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones (in which case you should make a note of the IMEI number). Neighbourhood update We are continuing to work on our Neighbourhood Priority looking at noisy vehicles around the village and I am pleased to report that the number of calls we have had about this issue has declined considerably, mainly due to the fact that several locations where they were congregating have had barriers or bollards installed & have therefore effectively been closed off. We are however aware that there are still issues in some areas, so if you are affected by this, please let us know by calling 101. If you are able to pass registration numbers it is helpful, however if not please let us know all the same so that we can try to pay some attention to the area and resolve the problem. Meet your local police team; Sibson Road Beat Office: Saturday 18th Nov (10am – 12pm). Tesco, Sibson Road: Thursday 9th Nov (3pm – 4pm). Kingsgate Avenue shops: Tuesday 12th Dec (11am – 12pm). Crime figures Sept 2017: Assaults – 5 Burglary Dwelling – 3 Burglary non-dwelling – 9 Damage to vehicles – 1 Other damage – 2 Drugs offences – 0 Fraud offences – 2 Public Order offences – 5 Robbery – 0 Sexual offences – 1 Theft – 7 Theft of cycle – 0 Theft from vehicle – 11 Theft of vehicle – 1

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

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Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on October 9. County Councillor Iain Bentley reported some forthcoming modifications to a section of fencing outside the Cedar Mews care home that will improve visibility for pedestrians crossing Hallam Fields Road. A member of the public requested a reply to the questions he asked at the last meeting regarding the council’s finances – why is more than the Financial Compensation Limit of £85,000 kept in single accounts, and why aren’t accounts paying a higher rate of interest chosen. Chair Ann Marshall said the accounts were audited properly, internally and externally, and no issues had been raised. There were no accounts paying a significant interest and that easy accessibility for withdrawals was a factor when choosing accounts, and less interest is offered on these accounts. Cllr Roy Rollings announced his resignation from the council and began explaining his reasons when Chair Ann Marshall said his remarks were inappropriate at a council meeting. Cllr Rollings said he would continue to serve as a Borough Councillor for Birstall Wanlip and left the room. PC Dave Jaeckels reported that thefts from motor vehicles were still an ongoing problem across the village with many victims of the crime saying they were certain they had locked their vehicles. There are no forced entries and often very little is stolen. Since the start of the year 130 cars and vans have been entered, all overnight. The police have circulated 1400 signs to be hung from the rear view mirror stating that all valuables have been removed from the vehicle. PC Jaeckels said that there had been two reports of assault so far this month. The number of complaints about vehicles driven noisily had dropped, although it is still a problem at Hallam Fields. The Sibson Road car park barrier had been effective at stopping antisocial behaviour in the car park he said. PC Jaeckels reported there had been a burglary at the RSPCA charity shop on Sibson Road, clear CCTV footage showed the offenders with their faces covered. Several other shops had been targeted, he said. It was reported that the council had 10 names on its list of people who will receive a Christmas hamper from the council this year. The council agreed to a recommendation from Charnwood that the parish boundary be extended to include a small area of land between the railway line and the land north of Harrowgate Drive. It is currently within the parish of Thurcaston and Cropston. It was reported that only two tenders Continued on page 17

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

Continued from page 16 had been received for the construction of the Hallam Fields community hall, so the deadline would be extended. A local business has requested a key to the new Sibson Road car park barrier. The Council resolved not to provide one. Chair Ann Marshall said that training courses were available for councillors, councillors were offered dates and invited to attend and that the intention was to increase the awareness of the training available and to promote its uptake. At a meeting of the Estates & Recreation committee on August 21, it was agreed to spend £5790 to replace a fire escape door in the Village Hall, one window in the hall, two fire escape doors in the lobby and two double windows in the lobby. It was reported that allotment rents had been increased by £1 with a view to bringing all full plots up to £30 per annum and all half plots to £20 per annum. An allotment tenant satisfaction survey will be circulated. There are currently 16 vacant half plots, two on Worcester Avenue, 12 on Meadow Lane, two on Greengate Lane. The committee considered a request to use the School Lane playing field for outdoor fitness classes during the months of July and August. It was agreed that permission to use the dip area of the playing fields be granted. The committee considered quotes for the installation of a multi-use games area (MUGA) on the School Lane playing field. These varied from £10,790 to £62,700, depending on the location. It was agreed to conduct a public consultation before committing to this project. The Estates Team manager reported he would be undertaking a full tree audit on all Parish Council land.

Children learning through play CHILDREN FROM Birstall’s Rainbow Nursery celebrated Diwali with a range of fun and creative activities to learn more about the festival. The interior of the nursery, on Wanlip Lane, was adorned with colourful lights and decorations to get the children and staff into the spirit of the festival and many came dressed in Punjabi suits, traditional dress or their most sparkly party clothes. Activities included making traditional Diva oil lamps, Diwali lanterns and Rangoli artwork using lots of different colours and materials. The children also drew around their hands, so they could take home mehndi patterns to their families. At lunchtime, the children enjoyed a chicken curry with rice, naan bread, poppadom’s and mango chutney. Paula Wright, Nursery Manager, said: “We always have fun celebrating Diwali and the children love the exciting decorations and activities! Whether they celebrate it at home or not, our parents appreciate how their child is supported by our experienced team to learn more about the festival. We believe in learning through play and these fun activities develop their knowledge of the world and their local community and helps them to become happy, social and confident learners.” She added: “We know that each child is an individual and develops differently, so we arrange a wide range of exciting Diwali activities for them to enjoy, such as stories, arts and crafts and dressing up. Not only are these activities great fun, we ensure that they’re designed to support the development need of each individual child – promoting areas such as their social, physical and communication skills.” The children also enjoyed a trip to the

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

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nursery’s allotment on Worcester Avenue. “It gave the six, 2, 3 and 4 year olds the chance to develop their understanding of the world around them and how fruits and vegetables are gathered by farmers” said Paula. Alongside the experienced Rainbow Nursery team, the children discovered the different colour leaves and enjoyed playing with conkers, acorns and helicopter sycamore seeds. Paula said: “We have been having a great time at Rainbow Nursery as the leaves have started to fall and harvest has begun. The children love our frequent trips, like this one to our allotment, which help them to become happy, social and confident learners and devel-

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Pics: (top) Paula Wright and EllieBeatrice make Diwali celebrations; (ctr) a trip to the allotments; (bottom) Adam makes an oil lamp

op their skills through play in a different environment. Every child develops in a different way and many children learn better outdoors, so our large outdoor play area at the nursery and trips like this area a great way to help each child reach their full potential while having fun.”

Earlier this year, Ofsted praised the nursery for the opportunities it provides children outdoors, saying: “Staff create a highly stimulating outdoor environment. This helps children of all ages to enjoy exceptional opportunities to develop their physical skills.” Paula said: “At the allotment, the children gathered their own harvest of apples, squashes and pumpkins ahead of Halloween later this month. The produce will be used to make delicious and healthy meals for the children, in keeping with the nursery’s philosophy of only providing nutritious, home cooked food.”

Support Running group club offers help

RUNNERS FROM Birstall Running Club participated in October’s Leicester Marathon, as marshalls and as runners.

Team top the league A TEAM of football mad girls are celebrating being top of their league.

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33 runners from Birstall RC ran the half marathon, some for the first time and seven runners from Birstall RC ran the full marathon. They were: John Orgill 2:59:22 who came 8th overall, an amazing result. Steve Hutton 3:38:51, Ian Wilkins 3:49:34, Elisa Whittlestone 3:59:13, James Stamforth 4:04:38, Oliver Barratt 4:05:32 and Anna Ward 4:26:01.

Birstall based photographer BIRSTALL’S OWN Rachael Ince Photography has rebranded to the very vintage-sounding Rose Tinted Photos. “Despite the new name, new logo and other changes to service, it’s still the The Birstall Bags Mayflower same old me” said Rachael. “You’ll still be made to feel welcome and relaxed for Group has met several times this summer at Birstall Social Club. your photoshoot, whether in the studio “It appears to have been enjoyed or out on location. “We’ll still have a by those who have attended, laugh and you’ll still love your images everyone has left with a smile on and want them hanging on every wall of their face and has made new your home.” friends” said counsellor Nicky Carling (pictured above). The aim of the group is to provide access to emotional support within a relaxed and informal atmosphere. One user said: “The Mayflower Group offers an opportunity to meet people to exchange and share experiences. I found this very supportive and helpful in coping with my own journey”. Nicky said: “As a qualified and experienced Counsellor and Holistic Therapist, I have been able to chat with people on a The Birstall-based photographer, who one to one basis and provide attended Highcliffe, Stonehill and Longsthem with self-help ‘tools’ while lade schools, photographs weddings and the rest of the group has a drink, portraits primarily as well as corporate shares their thoughts, worries, work for local businesses and organisaand experiences and has a few tions. She took the decision to revamp laughs at the same time. There is her business brand alongside realigning no pressure on anyone to talk her service offering which now focuses about anything, or at all unless on providing customers with the finished they wish to. product – beautiful wall art to hang in “If you have been affected by your home. cancer, either directly or otherYou can find out more about Rose Tinted Photos and view some of Rachael’s wise, why not come along and see what you think.” work at her new website: The group runs on the first www.rosetintedphotos.co.uk or on her Monday in the month from 1.30facebook page: facebook.com/rosetintedphotos. Her next 3.30pm and the third Monday day of studio portrait sessions is on Satur- from 6.30-8.30pm at Birstall Social Club. As numbers are day November 18. “An ideal opportunity to purchase gifts for the family for Christ- limited please book with Nicky on 07544 765091. mas” said Rachael. www.mayflowertherapies.co.uk

Birstall running club received their awards from the Leicester League Presentation night on October 6th. They collected 2 Team awards: - Senior Ladies - 3rd in Division 1, Vet Men Champions of Division 3. Also there were four individual awards going to: John Orgill - 4th Men's Senior, Tim Tickner - 3rd V40 Men, Elisa Whittlestone - 3rd V50 Lady and Jessica Eichel - 1st U20 Lady. Steve Ball ran two marathons in two weeks, first the Berlin Marathon on September 24 in 3:37:51 and then the Chicago marathon on October 7 in 3:45:14. Great times for one marathon let alone two in two weeks. Seven Birstall Runners also ran in the Nottingham half with Oliver Barratt coming in first for Birstall 1:38:47, closely followed by Steve Hutton 1:40:38 and Elisa Whittlestone 1:43:24. From Birstall Running Club Pics(top): (l-r) Kerrie Wilmot - Green, Charlotte Orgill, Elisa Whittlestone and Lisa Spence Bottom pic: (l-r) Marvin Smith, Tim Tickner, John Orgill and Steve Hutton

Lit up in red LOCAL LANDMARKS are being lit up in red this year to mark the November Remembrance period. Red filters across floodlights will illuminate the Village Hall, St James church and the war memorial. Paid for by Birstall Parish Council, the filters are fitted by Cllr Ed Marshall. “It’s something I started doing a few years ago” he said. “It’s something I feel very strongly about – we are showing our respect to the fallen.”

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

AFC Leicester Girls under 11s play seven a side football in the Leicestershire Girls League. “I love football because it’s fun and makes me feel happy” said team member Morgan Cockayne (10) from Birstall “I have made lots of great friends and learnt so many new skills, I enjoy working as a team and celebrating when we score. “It can be a bit slippy and really muddy but we train in all conditions, it doesn’t bother me as I get warm running around.” 11 year old Aniya Toon, also from Birstall, has been playing football since she was six. “I love everything about it” she said. The team train twice a week and play a game every Sunday. Coach Demi Carr said: “We are having a great start to the season. They are a great bunch of girls with really good positive attitudes and they are improving each week.” In May the team will be going on a tour to Great Yarmouth. They are looking for new players aged 5 plus – contact details www.afcleicester.com.

IF YOU have been affected by cancer, directly or otherwise, a free Birstall support group led by a qualified counsellor aims to help you.

Cricket Corner

Café closure dismays customers

CHALKY WHITE became the latest member of Birstall THE GREAT Central Railway 100 club when making 108 is closing the Greenacres not out in the final match of café this November. the season against Barrow The café is close to its southern terminus at Leicester North station. The deciTown.

This was a remarkable achievement as he had not previously scored a 50 for the club. The win cemented the 1stXI as 4th in the league. Not such good news for the 2ndXI as a terrible finish to the season mainly due to the unavailability of players saw the team finish bottom of division 6. Around 40 players, wives and children attended the annual presentation night held at Birstall United FC. A special presentation was made to club president Ian Hunt making 50 years since playing his first match for the club. Other presentations were made for: 1stXI Bowling: George Agar 1stXI Batting: Quasim Ali Player of the Year: George Agar 2ndXI Bowling: Dillon Edwards 2ndXI Batting: Ian Bartlett Player of the Year: Sunil Lasata

Over the season the club also raised £1,250 for two local charities, Birstall Bags and Carl Gunns’ Gym. Pic: (l-r) Chalky White, George Agar and Ian Bartlett

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sion has been taken after a review of its sustainability following a number of years of trading. In a statement the GCR say: “Despite the determined efforts of staff, while the business units have been filled, the café has struggled to turn a profit. This is of course a concern for any business and for the Railway particularly, which is sustained substantially by charitable donaPic: Closing - the Greenacres café tions and the efforts of unpaid volunteers.” Director and General Manager of the as a group, and whenever we come it’s Great Central Railway Michael Gough been busy.” said: “This is a difficult decision and not The closure will result in several staff one we have taken lightly. While the Greenacres café has proved to be popular with some visitors it has not attracted anywhere near enough custom to prove commercially viable. Following consultation with staff and Leicester City Council it will close November 1.” Customer Christine Linnett is unhappy with the closure. She said: “I’m really BIRSTALL FLOWER Club had an unhappy it’s closing, I’ve been coming exciting evening when a local every week with a friend. The food’s good, area demonstrator came to the service is nice, the prices are reasonavisit. ble and the car park is good. I’ll be exDue to work being carried out in tremely sad when it closes.” the Village Hall, the group were kindly Graham Orton and Ian Hewson visit allowed to have their demonstration in regularly with other members of their St James’s Church, for which we would walking group. Graham said: “After a like to thank the Vicar very much. walk around Watermead Country Park we It was the turn of Birstall Flower come to Greenacres for a coffee, I’m Club to do an arrangement in Leicester really disappointed that its closing. The Cathedral in September and below is a staff are so friendly, always letting us photograph of the arrangement done move the furniture so we can sit together by Mary Linnett. November’s meeting on the 22nd will be the last one this year and a Christmas special with a National Flower demonstrator coming to Birstall. Tony Brown will dazzle us with his

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

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being made redundant. The Greenacres site is adjacent to the Leicester North terminus of the Great Central Railway. This is where Leicester City Council, the Great Central Railway and the National Railway Museum are collaborating to build a new railway museum. The project has been earmarked for £10m of National Lottery funding. Michael said: “The exciting museum project continues apace and we are currently planning for the doors to open in 2021. In the long term, as befits a major new visitor attraction for Leicester, we expect to be able to provide a new catering facility at the museum. Subject to further planning that may well include reopening Greenacres café.” Visitors to the Great Central Railway will still be able to purchase tickets and light refreshments at Leicester North station itself. The other units on the Greenacres site are not affected by the closure of the cafe and will continue to be home to local traders and businesses.

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show called “The Joy of Christmas”. Entry is by ticket only (£10) and these can be had from Birstall Flower Club The club will be holding a wreath making workshop in the Village Hall on Wednesday December 6 from 79pm. This is always a popular evening, so hurry and book your place. £15 and everything is provided; including tuition, your wreath, foliage, a drink and mince pie. Contact Sylvia on 0116 2674206 or Mary on 07704398017 From Birstall Flower Club

I. Wardle Maintenance Services (Birstall DIY) Do you need any of the following work carrying out? If so, please phone or email me FENCING: Erection & Repairs: supply & erect or supply only GARDEN MAINTENANCE: Turf Laid, Mowed & Hedges Cut etc BUILDING REPAIRS/WORK: New Guttering & Repairs INTERIOR WORK: Mirrors Hung & Painting LANDSCAPING: Gravel Drives & Paths Laid FLOORS: Concrete & Laminate Laid

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Photo winner THREE STRIKING images by Birstall photographer Roger Smith have secured him a Certificate of Merit from Leicester Forest Photographic Society, for colour photographer of the year. Roger has been a member for more than 30 years and has travelled the world with his camera. “I love taking wildlife and landscape photos, but I’ll photograph anything!” he said. A recent trip took Roger (73) to the Galapagos islands. He said: “It was absolutely fantastic, so many animals and birds and many are not at all frightened of you.” For his next trip he hopes to travel to India to photograph tigers.

YOUNG PEOPLE who join the sea cadets can take part in sailing, power boating and kayaking.

Pic: Roger Smith & his prize winning photos

Charity champion BIRSTALL’S LINDSAY Rajczyk is celebrating winning the Charity Champion Award at the 18th annual Pride of M&S Awards. The awards recognise all types of accomplishments, from individuals who have gone the extra mile to help their local community, to the outstanding achievements of people who have joined M&S through its employability programmes. Comedian Ruby Wax made a guest appearance at the black-tie ceremony, at which the winners were welcomed to the stage to be awarded a £100 gift card and a £1,000 donation from M&S to a charity of their choice. Customer Assistant Lindsay has worked for M&S Oadby for three years and - in addition to her role at the store - works alongside Leicester charity, Adapt, running three weekly support groups for families of pre-term babies LOCAL CHARITY Birstall BAGS is inviting ladies and children. She to join them for an evening of shopping at Birwas nominated for the award due to stall Social Club on Friday November 17 at her commitment to 7.30pm. Adapt, where she is A wide range of gifts will be on sale including jewellery, also instrumental crafts, health and beauty, candles and festive decorations. in driving fundraisTickets are £3 each and, if bought in advance, include ing activities for a glass of wine. Email info@birstallbags.co.uk to book the charity, which your tickets. provides support Birstall BAGSseeks to bring people together to raise to families of prefunds to support cancer services used by the local commature or unwell munity. The charity also takes every opportunity to raise babies on the neothe profile of cancer, particularly with regard to the signs natal units at and symptoms, recognising that early diagnosis of cancer Leicester Royal really can save lives. Birstall BAGS works with other local charities to provide services that support members of the Infirmary and local community who are living with a diagnosis of cancer. Leicester General Pic: Mike Barry with Lindsay Rajczyk Emma Shaw, a trustee of the charity, said: “We’re Hospital. Lindsay looking forward to this shopping evening. It’ll get everyunderstands how lives can be turned upside down when a baby one feeling festive and ladies can treat themselves or get arrives early or is born needing emergency care as her own son, organised with unique Christmas gifts for others.” Alex, was born 18 years ago at 26 weeks, weighing just 1lb 6oz. A spokesman for M&S said: “ Lindsay’s compassionate, calm nature has provided invaluable support to many GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS parents and grandparents across the county as she shares her own experiencBrickwork • Patios es and highlights the importance of Re-pointing having other parents in similar situations Tiling • Plaster to talk to.” is still required if you Lindsay said: “I am overwhelmed to Patching • Fencing etc have won a Pride of M&S Award. The No job too small are selling or renting Friendly Reliable Service group I run with Adapt is something that out your house. Free Quotations • Fully Insured is incredibly close to my heart and if I can make an awful time a little more Call David Jackson on Tel: 0116 260 7716 bearable for the families of premature Mob: 07770 785400 0781 5519490 or unwell babies, then it’s all worthEmail: dave@dave-hutchings.com while.” to arrange your EPC

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Leicester Sea Cadets are based beside the River Soar in Belgrave and are looking for new cadets, aged 10-18, to join them. “It gives young people a great head start in life” said Petty Officer Ben Clayton, from Leicester Sea Cadets. “Across the UK 14,000 young people are challenging themselves and learning new skills based on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy” he added.

“We teach cadets these values: respect, loyalty, self-discipline, commitment, honesty and integrity. Teaching them and developing new skills such as sailing, boating, kayaking, power boating, meteorology, CIS, first aid, marine engineering, including Duke of Edinburgh awards and BTecs through CVQO. The list is endless and there are activities to suit all interest and abilities.” Leicester Sea Cadets on Ross Walk are celebrating their 80th anniversary with a special evening on November 14 where cadets will be demonstrating some of their skills. The cadets meet on a Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9pm and anyone who would like to join is invited to drop in. www.sea-cadets.org/leicester 0116 2662865

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

Pupils down pens for the day ALL 420 children at Highcliffe primary school celebrated national No Pen Day on October 4.

Birstall bowls THE OUTDOOR season finished at the start of last month at Birstall Bowling Club and many members are now turning their attention to the indoor game. During the year the ladies club welcomed a Bowls Leicestershire team for a match in celebration of their diamond jubilee. Club members reached a national quarter final, won two county competitions, were runners up in two others and won the Leicester & District Parks mixed pairs. The club also won the Parks Bramley Bowl, finished runners up in the Leicester League First Division and the Sands team won the Loughborough Triples League Third Division. The club competition results for the year are below. Ladies Winners: Championship: Pa Walker, Runner Up: Noi Pimprasan Handicap: Pa Walker, Runner Up: Cynthia Chapman Maiden: Joan Preston, Runner Up: Dawn Logan Three Wood: Noi Pimprasan, Runner Up: Angie Parkin Two Wood: Noi Pimprasan, Runner Up: Pa Walker Pairs: Joan Preston & Pa Walker, Runners Up: Deam Walker & Mary Gilbert Edith Smith Pairs: Pa Walker & Val Hollis, Runners Up: Adrienne Topley & Cynthia Chapman Fielding & Everitt Cups: Maddie Stuart-Reid, Runners Up: Joan Preston & Pat Davies

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

Gents Winners: Championship: John Hurst, Runner Up: Andy Wye Handicap: Dick Cooper, Runner Up: Steve Bacon Maiden: Barry Jarvis, Runner Up: Geoff Stock Three Wood: Stuart Hartop, Runner Up: Roger Savill Two Wood: John Hurst, Runner Up: John Stuart-Reid Pairs: Ken Smith & Steve Bacon, Runners Up: Malcolm Wright & Rick Everitt Club Night Cup: Dave Burton Mixed Competition Winners: Club Open: John Hurst, Runner Up: Pa Walker Saunders Cup: Pa & John Walker, Runners Up: Janet Wildbore & Roger Savill Sue Andrews Trophy: Dawn Logan, Mary France & John Andreae, Runners Up: Hazel Andrews, Gil Nall & Roger Bartlett. From Birstall Bowling Club

This date falls within dyslexia awareness week and highlighted the struggles some children and adults face. Assistant Headteacher Anna Rutherford said: “We enjoyed putting our pens, pencils and whiteboard pens down for the day to celebrate the use of language and learning in different ways. Each year group took their learning in different and exciting directions.” In year 1 the children learnt about Louis Braille. They made their names in Braille by using lentils. Children from Year 2 enjoyed continuing their learning on Victorian times and spent part of the day creating Punch and Judy style puppets. Year 3 children learnt the story of the little red hen and created actions to go with the story. “The highlight of their day was visiting Foundation Stage to orally retell the story with actions. The children did this brilliantly.” said Anna. Year 4 practiced giving oral instructions and using language throughout the day. Class 5JB told part of the story of King Midas using mime. They also played maths games, using mental maths strategies to find answers. During the afternoon the children were listening to and singing and playing along with Motown music. Class 5LW enjoyed painting winter pictures and the year 6 pupils played maths games and performed poems A SUPPORT group to help about their topic ‘Wolf Brother’ people with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s group disease has recently been formed in Syston to serve neighbouring villages including Birstall. It aims to offer information, friendship and support to local people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers to make sure that no one has to face Parkinson’s on their own. Parkinson’s is a neurological condition with no known cure, it affects 127,000 people in the UK, that is one in 500 persons, leaving people struggling to walk, sleep and speak. At present the group meets monthly at Syston Community Centre in School Street. To find out more about forthcoming meetings contact Jackie Conn on jconn@parkinsons.org.uk or telephone 0300 123 3673. Parkinson’s UK is the UK’s leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is, through research, to find a cure and improve life for those afflicted with this debilitating condition.

Ofsted AN OFSTED inspection of Birstall Methodist preschool has rated it as Good. A spokesman for the preschool, located at Birstall Methodist Church on Wanlip Lane, said:”we are now able to take on new 2,3 and 4 year old children and there are vacancies.”

WI news IN OCTOBER 32 Birstall and Wanlip WI members met at Elmfield Hall and we were joined by seven ladies from Thurnby and Bushby WI. Past events were discussed including outings to the Curve, and the judging of Birstall Bake Off held at The White Horse Pub. In November we will participate in the Birstall Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival where we will also have a craft stall. In December we will again be going to the White Horse for our Christmas Meal. The speaker for the evening was Leicester Blue Badge Tourist Guide Caroline Roberts. We so enjoyed her last talk that we invited her back again and this time she told us about the lives of notable characters in Leicester’s history dating from the 12th to the 20th century. These included the four men who are represented on the Leicester Clock Tower and Sir Jonathan North and Mr Corah. We then enjoyed the usual tea, coffee, home made cakes and chat. We meet again on November 6 for our AGM and a cheese and wine supper.

Sixth form choices widened THE CEDARS Academy in Birstall and The Martin High in Anstey are to offer their students a shared Sixth Form starting in September 2018. This will increase the number of post 16 courses on offer to students. The plans will provide Key Stage 5 teaching and learning at both the Birstall and Anstey sites with shared staffing and resources. The planned merger of Key Stage 5 provision will expand the number of pupils and increase the breadth of the Curriculum at Post 16 as well as sharing experience and facilities across the two schools, say the academy. There will be a launch event at Cedars’ Tara Palmer Tomkinson Centre on November 7 from 6pm where students and parents/carers can learn more about the plans, including the planned post 16 curriculum, transport details, and admissions. Head Teacher of The Martin High School, Laura Sanchez, said: “This is a great opportunity for both schools and the students. Martin High students will now benefit from working at Key Stage 5 with staff they have developed strong relationships with but will also enjoy working with new staff from Cedars. The region needs more provision at this level and these plans will support this need.” Cedars Academy Head Jason Smith said: “This partnership will offer students a much broader post-16 curriculum and will make full use of our excellent facilities and learning environments. Both schools share similar ambitions for the students so we can expect a very successful working partnership.” Parents have been informed of the decision and the launch event will give them the chance to learn about the opportunities the partnership will offer learners and ask any questions. There are no plans for The Martin High School to join the Lionheart Academies Trust. The Martin High converted to an 11-16 secondary school in 2013, teaching both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Students. In 2015 Longslade Community College and Stonehill High School converted to an 11-19 provider, renamed as The Cedars Academy.

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Panto promises adventure, action& fun HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR Theatrical Society’s next production has been written by two members of HATS, Phillip Walton and Elaine Hunt. ‘Paint the Town Red’ is an original script with a Wild West theme that will take you back to the days of the old westerns. The cast (pictured right) has been having the best time ever rehearsing for this amazing original pantomime” said HATS spokeswoman Sue Withers. “Forget about the traditional pantomimes and let your imagination transport you back to the ‘Wild West’. “This is a pantomime full of adventure, action and fun, with lots of different characters and some original songs too. “So what characters are you likely to see? No fairy godmothers I am afraid, no big bad wolf. You will be astounded at how clever the script writers have been in introducing characters to this play. Yes, there are some cowboys and saloon girls. But then, not forgetting this is a pantomime, there has to be some reference to Christmas doesn’t there. So look out for the unexpected characters, see how many different ones you can spot. Never in your life would you expect to see the people you will meet in this production. So now I have set the scene, all you have to do is buy your tickers, sit back and enjoy the show. Don’t delay, book your tickets now.”

Dates: Thurs Nov 23 and Fri Nov 24 at 7.15pm, Sat Nov 25 at 2.30pm & 6.45pm Doors open 30 mins before each performance Venue: Highcliffe Primary School, Birstall LE4 3DL Tickets £6, £5 concession, £20 family ticket

Discounts for group bookings, price on enquiry Box Office: 0116 2216019, 07963432020 and 0116 2259122 Email: hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/

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Charity fund raising BIRSTALL METHODIST Monday Women’s Group have raised £2300 for Motor Neurone disease charity MNDA. Group spokeswoman Eileen Molesdale said: “This wonderful amount was raised as a result of a lot of hard work and the dedication of our group of approximately 40 women. We had fund-raising activities such as a Saturday Coffee morning with stalls ranging from delicious cakes, plants, bric-a-brac, tombola, books, raffle etc. We had thrift stalls at our meetings when women brought along items to sell for our project, individual women ran fund-raising activities from their homes - the

list goes on.” She added: “Why not come along to our Monday Women’s Group? Join us as we have fun raising money for our new Project, Bamboozle Theatre Company which is based in Leicester. We meet every Monday evening at 7.30pm in the Coffee Shop at Birstall Methodist Church. We look forward to welcoming you.” Pic: Birstall Methodist Monday Women’s Group present a cheque for £2,300 to Paul Wilcox from the charity MNDA.

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THE GREAT Central Railway (GCR) has had 370 Christmas presents stolen from one of its carriages at Quorn station. GCR spokesman Michael Stokes said: “Sometime in the last two weeks, one of our carriages has been broken into and 370 presents have been stolen. The presents were to be donated to the Leicester Royal Infirmary children’s ward and Rainbows. All of them were wrapped ready for delivery. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those people who have donated replacement presents already.” The police are investigating the incident and have asked anyone with any information to contact them.

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

Bowls season closes THE OUTDOOR bowls season has now drawn to a close. The final event at St Margaret's Co-operative BC was held on Sunday October 1. We call this Memorial Day and we play for a trophy which was provided by the family of John Cort, who played for the club for many years. The format for the event was triples, with sides drawn out of a hat from the 36 players taking part. There were five matches spread over the day, each played to seven ends. The picture shows the winners; Liz McMillan, skip Jim Bass and Pat Dobson with the John Cort trophy. Over the season the club has supported our President's charity, the Brain Tumour Charity. In September an evening entertainment was held which alone raised £640. Many of the events organized by our President, Mrs Val Funnell, were not exclusive to the bowls club but Val and her husband Terry, also a keen bowler, have put in an incredible amout of work and the total raised in the year will be in excess of £10,000. From St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club

Pic (l-r): Liz McMillan, skip Jim Bass and Pat Dobson with the John Cort trophy

News from the churches THE MONTH of November is not the most appealing in most of our minds, but there are a number of events planned in our churches to pierce the gloom of the shortening days and dark nights! Leaving aside the fun of the November 5 celebrations for the children, we have a more sombre annual event on the same day this year: our All Souls' service at St. James at 3pm on Sunday November 5 is an occasion, to which everyone is invited , when we can remember and thank God for our friends and relatives who have passed away, both recently and in the past. The short service of hymns, readings and prayers includes the lighting of candles in their memory, and afterwards there will be a time to get together for refreshments. Remembrance Sunday will be on November 12 at 10.30am in St. James, with the march past and annual service of commemoration led by the British Legion. On a more light-hearted note, the St. James' Men's Group meet the same evening in the British Legion at 7.45pm to see an audio-visual show from Peter Watson entitled "Every picture tells a story". It's also a time for a drink and a chat, and any newcomers will be made very welcome. November 12 also sees one of our popular Quiz afternoons in the Village Hall at 2.30pm. There is a charge of £3 which includes a cream tea. Looking a little further ahead, don't forget to put Saturday December 2 in your diary, when the St. Nicholas Fayre will be held in the Wanlip Church and Community room from 11am to 2pm. There will be refreshments (including soup at lunchtime) a raffle., tombola and many stalls, so a good chance to start looking for your Christmas gifts!

THE BIRSTALL POST NOV 2017

From Birstall Parish Churches

Christmas Festival at Methodist Church “The Spirit of Christmas” is the theme for this year’s festival over the two days of Friday November 24 (10am to 6pm) and Saturday 25 (10am to 2pm). Admission this year is free, but there will be opportunities to donate towards church funds & the new ‘Defence & National Rehabilitation Centre’ at Stanford on

Soar. Stalls will include cakes, jams, chutneys, gifts and the very popular Christmas hampers which are so attractively presented, ideal for Christmas. Refreshments available throughout. In addition a ‘Table Top Sale’ of crafts & other items takes place on Friday from 2pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. Financial Support for Special Needs Playgroup Every Monday and Friday morning the ‘Playgroup for Children with Special Needs’ is set up in the hall and lounge of the Methodist Church. The group caters for young children from across the City & County who have a massive range of disabilities, most needing oneto-one care. At present there are 14 children attending with their parents. The group is run by three paid staff and 14 volunteers. It is a unique playgroup, one of very few in the whole country that caters for children coping with such serious disabilities. The group has had financial support from the Mayor of Charnwood, and the local boxing club, but the majority of funding for the next three years has come from the BBC Children-in-need appeal. Blind for Funeral Services When the new entrance to the worship area was built, under the theme of ‘Walk in the light’ it gave a new view of the Church from the new entrance, very visible through the glass doors. Many funerals take place in the church on weekdays, when the rest of the premises are being used. This gave the family mourners, who usually sit at the front, little privacy from those passing by to enter the hall, lounge, main toilets or fellowship room. To resolve the problem blinds are to be installed. These will be used at funerals so that family mourners cannot be seen from outside the worship area. From Birstall Methodist Church

Sunday Services We meet in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School, (LE4 3DL) at 10.45am and there is a Sunday School for junior children. The visiting speaker on November 5 is Peter Thackeray (East Leake). Please come along and join with us.

ON SUNDAY October 1, St Theresa’s Church and Sacred Heart Rothley celebrated the Feast of St Theresa. The service was led by the Bishop of Nottingham, the Right Reverend Bishop Patrick McKinney assisted by our Parish Priest Fr Saji Dominic and Fr John Bland who returned especially for this service, after illness. The service was attended by the Mayor for Charnwood, Councillor Pauline Ranson and Mr Trevor Ranson. It was a very prayerful atmosphere and red roses, the flower of St. Theresa were given out to all the members of the parish. As a gesture of thanks to parishioners who have show exceptional commitment and service, statues of our patron Saint were present to Janet and Brian Kennedy from Sacred Heart and Daphne Stephenson from St Theresa’s. And also, for her work on the website,

Brenda Bentham. Afterwards a reception was held in the Church hall and a cake and was cut by the Bishop and Fr John to celebrate the occasion. The new church website unveiled by Bishop Patrick McKinney is: www.st-theresa-sacredheart.co.uk On the new website you can find times for masses, upcoming events, pictures of past events as well as information regarding the sacraments such as baptism, and marriage etc and a history about both our parish churches Sacred Heart, Rothley and St Theresa’s, Birstall. Thanks go to everyone who worked so hard to make the Feast of St Theresa such a memorable occasion. From St Theresa’s Church

Free Bibles sage: Carolyn won two silver medals and We mentioned in September’s ‘Post’ Richard came seventh overall. Edward that the Reformation eventually led to played with the East Midland’s basketball the Bible being freely available for peoteam, which came fifth. Congratulations ple to read in their own language. Perto all involved. haps you have never read the Bible and Evington Chapel Lectures would like to see what it says for yourTheir series this winter is entitled: self. We are pleased to offer you a free ‘Stars of the Reformation’. The first, on Bible for personal study – just contact November 18 at 7pm is given by Tim the number below. Martin about Katherine Parr (1512The Lodge Trust Sale & Up-date 1548), Henry VIII’s last queen. AdmisThis Christian charity in Market Over- sion is free and all are welcome. The ton, which helps adults with learning chapel is situated on High Street, Evingdifficulties, is holding its Sale on 4th ton, LE5 6FH. November (10.30am-3.30pm). WoodLooking ahead work & hand-crafted products, plants, To note in your diaries, our Carol Christmas cards, gifts & decorations, Service this year will be on December jams, cakes and fancy goods will be 10. Details will be given in next month’s available. They will also be serving lunch- ‘Post’. es and other refreshments. For further information please ring You may remember that three resi0116 2214883. From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent dents from The Lodge were taking part Baptist Church in the Special Olympics held this summer in Sheffield. Two competed in dres-

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. About 46,400 people are diagnosed each year. More than 4 out of 10 people (44%) diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 and older. In the UK in 2014: • around 24,800 men were diagnosed • around 21,600 women were diagnosed • Smoking can be linked to 86% of people who are diagnosed with lung cancer. Other causes or risk factors include: • exposure to radon gas • exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace • a history of other lung diseases such as tuberculosis • a family history of lung cancer • cancer treatment for other types of cancer • a lowered immune system What are the signs and symptoms of Lung Cancer?

A cough that won't go away. You might have a cough most of the time. It might be worse at different times of the day. A change in a cough you have had for a long time Your cough might: • be more painful • have a different sound • bring up coloured mucus or phlegm Being short of breath You might get out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem. Coughing up blood This might be small amounts of blood. You might be coughing up rust coloured phlegm (sputum). Or your sputum might have flecks of red in it. It is more unusual to cough up larger amounts of blood. But see your doctor straight away if this happens. An ache or pain in the chest or shoulder You might have pain in your chest or shoulder. It could be a dull ache or a sharper pain. Loss of appetite You might have lost your appetite or may not feel like eating foods that you

normally like. Losing weight You might lose a lot of weight quickly when you are not dieting. Feeling very tired (fatigue) You might feel very tired a lot of the time. Ongoing chest infections You might have chest infections most of the time. Or you might have a chest infection that doesn’t get better with treatment. What to do if you are worried See your doctor if you notice a change that isn't normal for you or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of cancer. Even if you're worrying about what the symptom might be, don't delay seeing them. Your worry is unlikely to go away if you don't make an appointment. The symptom might not be due to cancer but if it is, the earlier it is picked up, the higher the chance of successful treatment. You won't be wasting your doctor's time. Try not to be embarrassed. What you tell your GP is confidential. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems and will try to put you at ease. For further information:http://www.cancerresearchuk .org 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

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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.

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 GARDENER WANTED Half a day a week. Roman Road, Birstall. Tel: 07860 951116

Planning P/17/2036/2: 37 Greengate Lane – proposed single storey side and front extension plus garage conversion P/17/2102/2: 267 Birstall Road – felling of 1 maple tree (conservation area) P/17/2100/2: 58 Roman Road – lime tree trimming back of overhanging branches, lime tree removal of dead limbs & lime tree removal of branches in contact with dwelling house P/17/1943/2: 383 Loughborough Road – formation of dropped kerb to create vehicular access P/17/1959/2: 11 Lime Tree Ave – erection of 2 storey extension to side of dwelling

The December issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Dec 2. The copy deadline is Nov 17.

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