Birstall Post (417) April 2018

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

APRIL 2018

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 417

need an

electrician?

“Local, Reliable,Clean & Tidy” That’s what our customers are telling us! see our web site for more testimonials.

• Fuse board upgrade/Rewires • Additional sockets & lighting • Landlord safety certificates • All work guaranteed • Free call out for elderly people

SO Electrical Contractors Ltd 18 Cliffwood Ave • Birstall • Leicester

0116 2672675 or 07816 288765 www.need-an-electrician.co.uk

Pic: WI President Beverley Blackburn cuts the anniversary cake with the Mayor of Charnwood, Pauline Ranson

WI celebrate centenary BIRSTALL & WANLIP WI kicked off their centenary celebrations with a coffee and cake morning at Birstall Methodist Church.

A celebration cake in the suffragette colours of violet and green was cut by WI president Beverly Blackburn.

Visitors enjoyed a comprehensive display of memorabilia, put together by Bethan Cooper, which gave an insight into the wide variety of WI activities over the years – including having their own cricket team and raising money for Mrs Churchill’s ‘Aid to Russia’ fund during the war.

Spokeswoman Andrea Scott said: “Although we probably confirmed a lot of preconceived ideas about the WI it is hoped that some visitors might have been surprised by the breadth of our

Electrician Registered part P Fuse board upgrades Garage/Shed supplies Garden/Security lighting Extensions • Rewires Additional sockets/lights Landlord certificates • P.A.T. testing All work guaranteed

Mectric Electrical Services Jon Bradshaw Hill Rise, Birstall, Leicester

0116 2108591 or 0780 8259437

activities apart from the jam, the socialising and crafting.”

Guests at the event included the Chair of Birstall Parish Council, Ann Marshall, the Mayor of Charnwood Pauline Ranson and Birstall’s MP Edward Argar. He said: “I am delighted to be invited to join the WI’s centenary celebrations.

“As you would expect, the WI ladies were incredibly welcoming to everyone on this important occasion. The branch has been through some ups and downs since 1918 but today it is still as energetic and active as ever, bringing people together, socialising, sharing and learnContinued from page 2

2 Continued from page 1

100 years of the WI 'Singing for Pleasure' group was still THE WOMEN’S Institute began in the United Kingdom in 1915, regularly performing concerts, getting together to visit new places, make new with the Birstall & Wanlip friends and try new activities. As the group starting just three years new millennium dawned membership was dwindling to single figures but a later as WI member Bethan number of appeals resulted in a graduCooper explains:

there are over 220,000 members who have the power of numbers to raise important issues on a political level.

“We leave behind us a well documented century of involvement in Birstall and we hope that the next 100 years will be just as successful.”

No time to clean?

Now cleaning in your area

Let Dusty make it gleam! Call 0741 112 3208

Full DBS checked & insured dustydoris@yahoo.com

Cole Decoration Quality Decorating For all your Interior requirements

Full Central Heating Boiler Swaps & Upgrades Fully Fitted Bathrooms Wall & Floor Tiling ALL WORK GUARANTEED Local Business • Call Rob Scott:

al increase to our current total of over 40.

Birstall & Wanlip WI is part of a

shire and 40 ladies enrolled at the first meeting held at Birstall Reading room a talk entitled 'Women as Nation Builders' reflected the growing position of women in society. By 1922 membership was up to 89, reaching 120 in 1920; we had our own cricket team - playing against teams such as Cossington and Bardon Hill, and practicing on a field lent by Mr Fielding Johnson. Mrs Richardson captained our team but Nurse Gilbert led the bowling.

By 1930's members were active in singing and drama, which remained a feature of the institute until the 90's.

Throughout WWII our members were involved in knitting for the forces, the preservation of fruit and vegetables, raising money for Mrs Churchill's 'Aid to Russia' fund, the Red Cross and Birstall & Wanlip Nursing Association. Membership in 1940 was at 123 and in 1948 we celebrated our 30th birthday in the garden at Holly Hayes. Minutes and other documents from WWII emphasise the value of the WI as it provided local women with an important opportunity for women to meet and engage in social activities - a role it continues to fulfil.

During the 1950's meetings took place in the Church Hall and in the latter half of the 20th century the

nationwide organisation which has always used the power of its membership to campaign on a range of issues from the environment to health, animal welfare to pensions; our current campaigns include Alleviating Loneliness 'End Plastic Soup' raising awareness to tackle the release of microplastic fibres

Pics: (top) visitors looking at the exhibition, guests Edward Argar MP, Mayor Pauline Ranson & Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall

Dusty Doris

All Domestic Plumbing

In 1918 Birstall & Wanlip WI was one of 13 institutes formed in Leicester-

Special Effect Décor French Polishing Paper Hanging Furniture Restoration Gilding Furniture Painting General Home Repairs For estimates & advice call Anthony Cole

Tel: 0116 2209311

0776 9314826

Mob: 0796 7695631

coledecoration@gmail.com

from clothing when they are washed and 'Food Matters' - tackling food waste and food poverty.

Over the 100 years members have been involved in raising monies for local charities and organisations, attended science lectures, theatre productions, taken part in ghost walks, skittles tournaments, crafting from knitting to millinery.

We have recently moved from Highcliffe Primary School to the British Legion, where we welcome new members who would like to join this historic yet forward -looking organisation. We also have our own Facebook Page which provides more details of our activities. We meet again at 7 pm on April 9 where we have a clog dancing demonstration and talk led by Tessa De Ville.

Pics: Birstall & Wanlip WI through the last 100 years

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

ing crafts and skills and, like so many clubs and organisations in Birstall, playing its part in creating the strong sense of community that helps make Birstall so special.”

He added: “I want to thank all the members for a lovely morning and wish Birstall & Wanlip WI a very happy hundredth birthday!”

Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall said: “I was delighted to be invited to join Birstall &Wanlip WI at their centenary coffee morning where in best WI tradition, there was a fantastic array of cakes! What a wonderful achievement that they have been in existence as a group for 100 years. It was really interesting to view their history and progress, showcased in an excellent exhibition. The community of Birstall & Wanlip can be very proud of this amazing group of women who are still so relevant 100 years from their inception.”

WI spokeswoman Andrea said: “The main aim of the WI is to educate and inspire women and on a national level

3

More Girl gets long hair break-ins cut for cancer wigs on Sibson Road A SEVEN year old girl from Birstall had her long hair cut off in aid of Cancer Research UK.

A SIBSON Road charity shop and Birstall Post Office were broken into on March 16.

DA Roofing & Building Tiling • Slating • Repointing Guttering • Fascias • Soffits ALL WORK GUARANTEED • NO VAT Over 25 Years Experience

Tel: 0116 4315689 Mob: 07789 116726 61 Worcester Ave, Birstall

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

Thieves broke into the Air Ambulance shop and the Post Office by smashing the lower glass panel.

Charity boxes were stolen from both shops.

Birstall Beat Officer PC David Jaeckels said: “CCTV from the Post Office shows a red car believed to be an Audi A3 pull up outside at 2.50am and then two people wearing hooded tops force their way in. Unfortunately the registration of the car is not visible and neither are the faces of the suspects.

“Our Forensic Officers have attended both shops and the Force Investigation Unit are currently completing the outstanding enquiries.”

Between January 2017 and January 2018 there were 13 break-ins or attempted break-ins of businesses in the Sibson Road area. All occurred overnight and entry was mostly by breaking glass panels in the front doors. Suspects have been identified for two of the break-ins.

Abigail Armstrong, a pupil at Highcliffe School, will donate her hair to a charity that makes wigs for people hav-

M&G Plumbing Services All Plumbing & Heating work undertaken

Faulty locks & handles replaced

Midland Window Installations

Sycamore Rd, Birstall

0116 2677905 07834 600384

Misted up double glazing ?

Replace with new clear sealed units

ing treatment for cancer.

Hair stylist Giovanna Bouchard from Anne-el-Maria in Birstall cut Abigail’s hair and re-styled it with a graduated bob.

As she took her seat in the salon Abigail said: “I’m a little bit nervous, but really excited.”

Pics: Hair stylist Giovanna Bouchard with Abigail Armstrong

Call Colin Wright for a free quote LOCAL BUSINESS 07765635505 • 01162209573

Specialist in PVC-U Windows, Doors, & Conservatories 29-33 Thurcaston Rd, Leicester LE4 5PG Tel:

2676167

ROOFLINE PRODUCTS INCLUDING GUTTERING

Birstall food hub now open Annual parish meeting

BIRSTALL FOOD Hub officially opened in March and is a collection point for local people in need of food parcels.

“People wishing to use the service will receive a warm welcome” said spokesman Peter Molesdale.

“They will need to register personal details with us and give us information about their circumstances so that we can appreciate their need. We hope that people will accept the hospitality we offer in the Methodist Church Coffee Shop and stay for a drink and chat.”

Birstall Food Hub is located in the Birstall Methodist Church coffee shop on Wanlip Lane, opposite Riverside school.

Peter said: “Having recruited over 20 local volunteers to staff the project, carried out training and written procedures and rotas, we have finally turned the idea into a reality.”

There are various ways in which people can access the service: • referral by professionals such as GPs or Social Workers • self-referral by using the dedicated mobile phone number 07305093791 by Sunday evening for collection on the following Tuesday

ASK QUESTIONS and give your views at Birstall Parish Council’s Annual Parish meeting on Monday April 16 at 6pm in the Village Hall on School Lane.

Pics: Food Hub volunteers Peter Molesdale, Peter Chester, Elaine White & Margaret Briggs; (below) the Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop

• self-referral by a personal visit to our base on a Tuesday morning when the Food Hub is active between 10-11.30am. If anyone visits from Wednesday to Friday they use a facility to request a food parcel for the following Tuesday Peter said: “Without prior notice we will only be able to supply a limited amount of food on a Tuesday as we are not a food

bank. The food parcels are supplied from the Soar Valley Community Food Project at Rothley Baptist Church - they are made up to meet our order based on requests received by each Sunday evening. We will always try to carry a small additional stock.”

Birstall Food Hub is joint venture between the Anglican and the Methodist churches in Birstall. It is supported by the Soar Valley Community Food Project started in 2014 and is based at Rothley Baptist Church.

There are currently around 20 local people using Rothley food bank and the Birstall Food Hub will enable them to continue receiving food parcels without having to travel to Rothley. It will also support new clients in the village not currently using the service.

Anyone willing to donate food items to the Food Hub can leave then at a designated trolley in the Co-op supermarket or at Birstall Methodist Church coffee shop.

Suitable items include: cereal, soup, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, tea/coffee, tinned fruit, biscuits, toiletries, sanitary towels, tampons, and baby supplies.

The Food Hub will need to hold a small amount of cash in order to purchase food items such as fresh milk and bread. A fundraising coffee morning is planned on Saturday June 2 from 10am to 12noon at Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop.

• The Trussell Trust is one of the largest organisers of food banks in the UK. It has 400, and gave out 1.1million food parcels in 2016/17.

The Trust analyses the reasons people are using food banks. The main factors are low income, delays in receiving benefits, and changes to benefits. Other reasons include debt, homelessness and ill health. The Trust is not associated with Birstall Food Hub.

The meeting will start with reports from the Chair of Birstall Parish Council, the Police, Borough and County councillors and Birstall & Wanlip NHW. “The remainder of the meeting is set aside for you the public to express your opinions on what the council are doing and to offer suggestions for future consideration by Birstall Parish Council” said Parish Clerk Sue Coulson.

“It is your meeting and the parish councillors would be pleased to see you on the night, please try and come along, if only to view the displays and presentations from the above mentioned organisations – sometimes there are some ‘freebies’ to be had – and to receive the first copy of the Parish Council’s Annual Report. You will also get ample time to put questions to your parish councillors directly.”

The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 27.

The copy deadline is Apr 13.

Specialist Wedding Gown Cleaning Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9-5pm Wed & Sat: 9-1pm

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

4

Business group growing BIRSTALL BUSINESS Cooperative held their fourth meeting at The White Horse on March 20.

The group now comprises 37 local business’s as VapeHQ and GD Beauty have recently joined. It is now looking into registering as a not for profit organisation.

“The groups intention is to encourage local business’s to work together to support each other” said spokeswoman Charlotte Foy. “One of these areas is to improve communication.

As well as the informal meetings each month at the White Horse which give the business’s chance to network, there is also a social media link between the members which facilitates any day to day matters.”

The group also helps each other with marketing support - an advertorial about Hannah Parade can be found in this edition.

The new Facebook page ‘shop local Birstall’ has nearly 500 followers.

Charlotte said: “This page is incredibly useful for Birstall residents to find out what is happening in the village and is the place to get information about all the latest promotions and offers available. Look out for the forthcoming Spring Offers.”

Dream comes true for Birstall fan A DREAM came true for a young Birstall man with a life-limiting condition when he met two of his all-time sporting heroes - thanks to Rainbows hospice and Superstar Speakers.

Shivam Nathwani, (19), is pictured with former Manchester United footballing legends Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke at an event at Leicester’s King Power Stadium.

The evening, part of the 'Treble Winners Tour', featured Yorke and Cole, who were with the Manchester United team which won the Premier League title, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League Pic: Shivam with Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole during the 1998/99 season.

Alea Casino on Thursday (8 March) and Brother Pritesh commented: “Shivam promises an entertaining evening of is football mad and to meet and chat anecdotes and conversation with the with legends like Andy Cole and Dwight Liverpool hero and Sky Sports pundit.

Yorke was a dream come true. He had And a further date, featuring charismatic an evening to remember and treasures former Red Devils striker and French the football shirt they signed for him.” international Eric Cantona has been Shivam has a condition called Duchadded later this year at the Nottingham enne Muscular Dystrophy and requires a Royal Concert Hall. tracheostomy to help him breathe. His Laura Hemmings from Superstar life has been an endless treadmill of Speakers, said: “These events are a must operations, physiotherapy and medicafor any lover of football – these guys are tion. He almost lost his life twice on the legends of the game - and we are deoperating table and has been confined to lighted that these exclusive evenings will a wheelchair since he was 10-years-old, also feature fundraising for Rainbows, says his family, which is supported by such an amazing charity supporting Rainbows Hospice for Children and youngsters with short lives and their Young People. families.”

Superstar Speakers is working in The celebrity events company said it partnership with the charity to offer a hoped the evenings would raise a 'signifiseries of VIP evenings at which Manchescant' sum for the Loughborough-based ter United legends Dwight Yorke, Andy hospice. There will also be an opportuniCole, Denis Irwin, and Liverpool's Jamie ty for families supported by Rainbows to Carragher will appear 'in conversation'. meet the iconic footballers.

The second event, 'A VIP Evening With Rainbows spokesman, Nishil Saujani, Carragher' takes place at Nottingham's added: “We are so grateful to our

friends at Superstar Speakers for their generosity. We know the footballing heroes involved in the events will draw major interest and help raise vital funds for the hospice.”

Tickets for the forthcoming events are available online at www.superstarspeakers.co.uk

Trouble with your figures?

Want someone to walk you through a self assessment?

Let me help get your books in shape… & keep them trim

Linda Kimberley-Brooks (ACMA) Final accounts • Self assessment Taxation • Bookkeeping • VAT Payroll • Management accounts www.twyf-accounts.co.uk Email: Linda@twyf.co.uk

Companies & individuals call now on

0116 23 66 345 A friendly service tailored to your needs

Lots of opportunities to perform throughout the year

• Burglar Alarms • CCTV • Access Control • Fire Alarms

FOR A

FREE SURVEY & QUOTAT ION CALL TO DAY

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

25 Years Experience • OAP Reduced Rates All Work Guaranteed

She added: “Following another four local break ins this last month, the CCTV project continues to be a major focus for the group. The businesses are actively taking advice to improve security and limit the risk of break in. We are also looking to fund the installation of CCTV ourselves by pledging money and pursuing funding opportunities such as grants and charity opportunities.”

Other matters discussed at the meeting were to offer a late night opening evening and to improve signage to the Main Edith Murphy and the Crossways car parks in the village to encourage more people to shop locally in Birstall.

The next meeting will be on April 24 at the White Horse.

For All Your Security Needs contact: Kevin O’Connor, Lambourne Rd, Birstall

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

Call birstall.alarms@ntlworld.com

MOT VEHICLE TESTING STATION

TESTING

PETROLS • DIESELS MOTORCYCLES CROPSTON GARAGE 37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363

0116 2355495

For a

FREE first lesson Hadrian Road, nr Birstall Leicester LE4 2PQ starlighttheatre@me.com

5

Parish Council notes

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on March 12.

Chair Ann Marshall reported that 10 residents had called for an election to fill a casual vacancy on the council, there had only been one candidate, Mr Norman Cutting, and he had been duly elected unopposed.

A member of the public commented that in the police report the figure for drug crimes for the previous month was zero when everybody knows drug misuse was common in the village. PC Dave Jaeckels replied that the function of the crime figures was to detail the number of crimes reported to the police.

A member of the public requested that copies of the draft minutes be made available to the public and press.

PC Dave Jaeckels reported there had been 50 crimes reported in February and 26 crimes so far in March. He said shed break-ins were a police priority and the police were giving out crime prevention advice.

In response to the Strategic Growth Plan for Leicester and Leicestershire, Cllr Julian Howe commented that now was the time for the parish council to put pressure on the County Council to ensure they include cycle and pedestrian routes to link up Hallam Fields the rest of Birstall and Ashton Green.

Chair Ann Marshall reported on the difficulties in negotiating with J Jelly & Son Ltd to obtain their agreement in siting a works compound on the Hallam Fields Road car park. The compound is essential for the construction of the

Parish Council’s new community hall on the adjacent plot of land.

A new parish council noticeboard has been erected at Hallam Fields.

The council has received a letter from a relative of one of the people affected by the Allington Drive gas explosion, asking if there is anything the parish council can do to provide support for the people affected,.

Chair Ann Marshall reported that the clerk has passed on to the affected parties all the Borough Council help and contact numbers that were set up in the aftermath of the explosion, and that the council would be willing to assist in any way if it is told what is required.

Cllr Julian Howe, who had to evacuate his badly damaged home on Allington Drive following the explosion, said the situation has now moved on, the people affected did have concerns but they were not the responsibility of the

parish council. He said 14 homes had to be evacuated, three needed to be rebuilt and there were serious concerns about the safety of the gas supply to all properties on the estate. Some houses were only now showing the first signs of damage, he said.

The Council agreed to hold a monthly surgery to encourage dialogue with residents. Two councillors will be present to meet the public at the 10 Sibson Road building. The times and dates are to be arranged, with the first surgery taking place in May. Cllr Julian Howe said that if people came to the surgery with requests and concerns, these should automatically be placed on the agenda of the next meeting. He recommended that a parish plan would result in a greater engagement with the community.

Cllr Sheila Alcock said that people are saying to her that the parish council is remote and doesn’t listen, this surgery will help to open up dialogue.

Cllr Ed Marshall said the surgery will show to the public that the council is listening and open to ideas and suggestions.

Stylist loves her job A NEWLY qualified hair stylist from Birstall loves her job.

18 year old Hannah, a former pupil at Riverside, Stonehill and the Cedars Academy, has completed her apprenticeship at Gavin Taylor Hair in Rothley.

Hannah said: “The best thing about being a hairdresser is the people you meet and get to know. There’s no better feeling than walking down the street and a client wave at me saying ‘that’s my hairdresser’. My ambition is to carry on doing what I love. I feel so happy and content now that I’ve qualified, everything is in place and I couldn’t fault my life right now.”

Salon owner Gavin Taylor said: “The energy Hannah brings to the salon is infectious and we feel now is her time to shine. Seeing the apprentices grow into young stylists is amazing as this is just the beginning for them. Hannah will become a great asset to the team and will add a very good dimension to our ever growing salon.”

Pic: newly qualified stylist Hannah

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

6

Woman neglected ponies A WOMAN who neglected 16 ponies - which led to the deaths of four of them - has been disqualified from keeping horses for four years.

Kathryn Showell (60), of Charles Street, Sileby, was sentenced at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Friday March 9 to 14 weeks in prison, suspended for a year, after pleading guilty to 31 Animal Welfare Act offences.

The court heard that the defendant kept ponies at Greengate Lane, Birstall; Leicester Road, Thurcaston; Cotes Road, Barrow; Farnham Close, Rothley and Station Road, Cropston.

The offences related to causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of 16 ponies, over a period of five months between August 2016 and January 2017.

The court heard that Showell was known to local RSPCA inspectors who had previously given advice on improving the animals’ welfare - however the advice was not followed.

The RSPCA and a vet visited the site where the ponies were kept - in Leicester Road, Thurcaston - on 22 June 2016, where there were around 20 ponies.

They returned a few weeks later, in August, and issued a warning after it was found Showell had not sought veterinary treatment for two Shetland ponies called Bobby and Pixie, who were emaciated and were suffering from dental problems.

When examined by a vet, they were found to have diarrhoea and were passing worm balls which were the size of tennis balls.

RSPCA inspector Sally Kearns said: “Bobby and Pixie were in a terrible state -

Need an EPC? If you sell or let a property you will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) The standard charge is just £60 To arrange your EPC call Carl on M: 07872 516786 T: 0116 212 3843 Carl Kaeppner-Smith ACCREDITED ENERGY ASSESSOR

EP C s

£60

www.epcleicester.com

A MAN who was rejected twice by Birstall Parish Council has been elected and attended his first parish council meeting on March 12.

Pics: (top) ponies that were in the care of Kathryn Showell, & (below) one of the fields she used

their teeth were so rotten that they could not eat properly, and they had ulcers and infections in their mouth.”

Two more of Showell’s ponies named Stella and Pearl, who were kept in a field in Cotes Road, Barrow-uponSoar - had to be euthanised after they were so emaciated that they were just about able to stand up.

A pony named Bella was also put to sleep on humane grounds, and a pony named Jonathan was found dead on site

by RSPCA inspectors.

On 19 January last year, 13 further ponies were removed from Showell’s care after they were also found to be suffering.

As well as a four-year ban on keeping equines, Showell was given a 14-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay £150 costs and a £115 victim surcharge. A deprivation order was made on Showell’s remaining 29 horses, who will now come into the RSPCA’s care.

In mitigation, Showell’s solicitor told the court that the ponies were her “whole life” but that she had been living beyond her means, often going without food herself so she could feed the horses.

I. Wardle Maintenance Services (Birstall DIY) THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

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: Painting LANDSCAPING: Gravel Drives & Paths Laid FLOORS: Concrete Laid

Free estimate with no obligation • 0116 2676478 Email: imwardle@yahoo.co.uk • Mob: 0776 8233552

New councillor elected

Inspector Kearns said: “This was a case which involved a large number of ponies which had been left to suffer because of neglect.

“We worked with Redwings, Blue Cross, World Horse Welfare and Bransby Horses to ensure the welfare of these horses and we'd like to thank them all.

As a result of the court case, we now have 13 horses in our care, with an additional 29 on their way, who will go on to find loving new homes.”

Nic de Brauwere, head of welfare at Redwings, said: “I was one of three Redwings vets who attended the multiagency rescue in January and on arrival it was clear that the ponies were in a state of suffering.

“There were simply too many horses and not enough resources to meet their needs. Consequently the animals were not receiving the basic care they needed with the majority suffering from lice and several in an emaciated condition. It was very upsetting to see and an extensive rescue operation.”

Showell was also ordered to pay £150 towards costs, a £115 victim surcharge and a further order was issued to remove the remainder of her ponies and find them new homes.

Ian Newstead FITTER • FASTER • STRONGER

Mobile Personal Trainer

Train in the comfort of your own home I specialise in Strength & Conditioning, Functional Training & Weight Loss FREE Consultation

Mobile: 07921 851 352

Mr Norman Cutting (71) of Rectory Road, Wanlip, initially sought to join the council by co-option on two occasions when there was a vacancy, but after considering his application councillors voted each time by a majority decision not to accept him.

When a vacancy on the parish council arose due to the resignation of councillor Daniel Withers, 10 parishioners called for a by-election.

Parishioner Julian Howe, who is also a parish councillor, facilitated this process and before doing so consulted Mr Cutting and confirmed that if an election was called, Mr Cutting would nominate himself as a candidate.

As Mr Cutting was the only person nominated as a candidate, he was declared as ‘elected without contest’ on March 8.

Mr Cutting has previous experience of being a town and borough councillor in 1995 when he was elected and served a four year term in Birkhamstead. He said “I learned an awful lot during that time and I thought it was a shame it was going to waste.”

There are currently two vacancies on Birstall Parish Council. There are details on the parish council’s website on who is eligible to become a councillor, what the role involves and an application form. All parish councillors are unpaid volunteers.

G E GAMBLE & SONS INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS —–––––––––– ESTABLISHED 1830 —–––––––––

57 HIGH STREET, SYSTON LEICESTER LE7 1GQ TEL: 0116 2607500 A FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS OFFERING A PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 24 HOURS A DAY FUNERALS ARRANGED IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME OR AT OUR UNIQUE 17TH CENTURY THATCHED COTTAGE PROPRIETOR MR RICK ASTILL, RESIDENT OF BIRSTALL

www.gamblefunerals.co.uk MEMBERS OF SAIF AND NAFD

LET OUR FAMILY LOOK AFTER YOUR FAMILY FOR FREE ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

7

now beneath the managers to correct it?

I worked in many butchers’ shops throughout the years where we saw it as our daily duty to clean our shop fronts.

So come on show some pride and get your areas up to a higher standard!

Concerned Birstall resident

Bench

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 I would like to express sincere thanks to family, friends and neighbours for their kind messages and cards on the recent loss of my dear husband Harold. Also for the generous donations in his memory, that enabled £400 to be sent to Vista.

Mrs June Baum

Poor housekeeping I've noticed that some shop fronts are littered consistently, even the banks’.

This to me is poor housekeeping...is it

We have lived in Birstall for many years and have always appreciated the opportunity to enjoy walking and cycling along the river and through Watermead Park. Now that we are elderly we have to be satisfied with a short walk and we were so grateful to be able to sit down for a while on the only bench provided.

We were, therefore, so disappointed to find that this has now been removed.

Admittedly it was a very poor, damaged little bench but at least it was somewhere to sit for a while.

We loved just sitting there enjoying watching the birds, ducks and boats passing by. Now there is nowhere to sit.

Can anyone explain what the position is for possible provision of seats? Whose responsibility is it? The council, the River Soar authorities or any other body.

Would it be possible to have a scheme for residents to donate a bench in memory of family members as has happened at Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill? We think it would be a very welcome amenity to the area. Even young people like somewhere to sit after a walk.

We realise that vandalism of seats can be a problem and that any seats provided would have to be sturdy.

What do other residents think about this? We feel it would greatly enhance

the enjoyment of this lovely area.

Margery & Eric Orton

Thanks I would like to say a big thank you to the two ladies, I believe one was Sarah and the other was the lady from the green grocers on Stonehill Avenue, who came to my rescue when I had a fall on the footpath outside the shop on the 6th of March at lunchtime. It was a big thump when I fell on my face and hand, and broke my glasses. I would also like to thank the lady in Henry Smith and Hamilton opticians who kindly repaired my spectacles without any charge. Sarah walked with me to the shop and made sure I was OK, which was very nice. I am recovering well from my stumble and the kindness of these three women is much appreciated. Thank you again.

Dr Suneeti Raivadera

Burglary It’s a shock to return home to find that your house has been burgled in your absence. This is what happed to me in early January.

I read so many articles criticising our police and emergency services, that I felt I should write and thank our local police officers for the care and support given to me in my situation. PC Jaeckels and his colleague were with me within ten minutes of my telephone call and I couldn’t have asked for more thoughtful and considerate attention. The following day I was visited by our two local PCSOs, Mark Butler and Mohamed Musa, who again gave me lots of support and sound advice. My friends and neighbours have been equally supportive and I feel privileged to have settled in this caring community of Birstall. Thank you.

Valerie Skeffington

Thanks Thank you Birstall Parish Council for the installation of a second notice board on Birstall Meadow Road, close to Hallam Fields Primary School. We had discussed this with the Chairperson Ann Marshall last year. We were told this would be done but first of all permission was required from the developers and this may take some time. Yes it has been a long time in coming but it has arrived as promised. This amenity will help more residents of Birstall to be kept informed and included. Thank you once again.

Mr and Mrs Reynolds Hallam Fields Residents

Far flung Post Eric Cook sent us this photo of the Birstall Post being read in Hong Kong.

But it’s travelled much further - see page 23 of this issue to read about how it was taken to Tasmania.

Jerry Jackson: Editor

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

YOUR SAY...

8

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

9

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Running Club 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 dwoods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 www.birstallrc.org.uk

Councillor Surgery Last Sat of every month 10am to 12noon 10 Sibson Road, Old Council Office Talk to your District & County Councillors to discuss any issue of local concern Mountsorrel Methodist Church Centre Presents The 4th in the 17th series of Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals on Sunday April 15 at 8pm

by organ students of Roxy Gull Admission is free Donations for Church Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Adults.

Craft Table.

For further information please contact us on 07934551563 Hope to see you there.

The WEA Rothley Branch are offering the following courses starting in April

Birstall Flower Club

Practical Art: Luminosity Starting on Monday 9 April 1-3pm at The Rothley Centre – 7 meetings, tutor Anna Michalska-Tomajer. Fee £53.90 (course free if you are in receipt of an income related benefit).

Enrol online at enrolonline.wea.org.uk quoting course ref. C2339093 or telephoning 0300 303 3464.

For further information, please contact jill.williams151@hotmail.co.uk

Cheeky Cherubs Parent & Toddler Group 0-4 year olds Birstall Methodist Church Rooms 9.30-11.30am Open Every Monday term time, Separate Baby section, No weekly commitment £2 for a Adult & 1 child, 50p additional children £1 additional adults.

This includes snack for the children & unlimited juice, also unlimited Tea & Coffee for the

25th April 2018 at 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Barbara Collins demonstrating “Floral Moments”.

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

Coffee and Cake event Syston Methodist Church, High Street, IG7 1GP 14th April between 11am-2pm in aid of the Church Hall Roof Fund

Travel Hunt Treasure Hunt with a fun twist and prizes to be won Apr 5, 2018, meet 10am The Curve, Rutland St, Leicester Adults £2, Children £1 U14s must be accompanied by an adult Brought to you by the Carers Centre, Leicestershire & Rutland www.thecarerscentre.org.uk

Cedar Care Circle Caring for someone with Alzheimer's and Dementia?

Don't feel isolated and alone.

Join our informal support group.

We share information and discuss problems.

Carers and cared for are most welcome We meet fortnightly. The next one is Monday 9th April 2pm at the Lambourne café Lambourne Road, Birstall.

Contact Barbara 07905760556 for more information

Wanlip May Fayre Saturday May 19, 2018 2 - 4pm Church & Community Hall in Wanlip Proceeds to floor repairs Any help with cakes, raffle prizes, tombola etc gratefully received Phone Julie 0116 2677600 Birstall Parish Council’s

Annual Parish Meeting Monday, 16 April 2018 6pm - Birstall Village Hall, School Lane Birstall Parish Council would like to inform all residents of the forthcoming Annual Parish Meeting.

The Annual Parish Meeting is a meeting where the Parish Council invites the public and press to first hear reports from the Chair of

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

10

Birstall Parish Council, Leicestershire Constabulary, Charnwood Borough Councillors for Birstall, your Leicestershire County Councillor and Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch.

The remainder of the meeting is set aside for the you the public to express your opinions on what the Council are doing and to offer suggestions for future consideration by Birstall Parish Council.

It is your meeting, and the Parish Councillors would be pleased to see you on the night, please try and come along, if only to view the displays and presentations from the above mentioned organisations (sometimes there are some ‘freebies’ to be had) and to receive the first copy of the Parish Councils Annual Report, you will also get ample time to put questions to your Parish Councillors directly.

Look out for the Notices on the notice boards and on the Parish Council’s Website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk or make a note in your diary now for: Monday 16 April 2018, 6pm in Birstall Village Hall The Friends Of Jewry Wall Museum

A Glimpse Of Anglo-Saxon England

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

St. Nicholas’ Church St Nicholas Walk, Leicester LE1 4LB Sunday 8th April 2017, 11am to 3.30 pm Saxon Games. Saxon Food. Saxon Leicester. tour of the ancient church & churchyard. Easter egg &

spoon race fun for all the family

taken from someone’s garden, then dumped.

Please telephone: 0116 2672332 if you think this may belong to you

Birstall Methodist Women’s Group Programme for April 9 Apr Puddings and Poems – Amongst Ourselves evening 16 Apr The Great Plague – Sally Henshaw 23 Apr The Story of Dunkirk – Derek Holloway 30 Apr Food Project – Tim Jackson 7 May Bank Holiday Our Women’s Group meets every Monday evening at 7.30pm at Birstall Methodist Church Coffee Shop. We are a friendly group of women so why not come along to our meetings and perhaps meet new friends or catch up with old friends? For further information please contact Eileen (0116 2929670)

when and pay using the PayPal pool link, which you'll see after completing the booking, or use my details to pay me directly! All information is on bookwhen! https://bookwhen.com/leicesterlisa If unable to attend, please feel free to donate using my Just Giving page! justgiving.com/leicester-lisa In aid of SANDS, stillbirth & neonatal death charity

St Theresa’s Social Group

Birstall & District Local History Society

June 21st Ely flower festival July 26 th Cotswold tour August 14th Liverpool These are just a few of our 2018 trips For booking or further details contact 07971 721927 All trips depart and return from Birstall

The next monthly meeting of the Society is to take place on Thursday 12th April 2018 in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall commencing at 7.30pm.

The subject of the talk is "The Country Railway Station" and the speaker will be Brian Johnson.

Visitors are very welcome to join us for this talk.

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

Ceri Dupree Friday 24th August 2018 Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Leicester LE4 4JS Please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment, as this is going to be a night, to remember, with the fabulous Ceri Dupree! £15 per person, book using book-

The Friends of

Belgrave Cemetery

Found Large garden ornament / sundial, this was found near to St James Church It looks like it make have been

Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 12th May 10am-12noon At Birstall Methodist Church.

Wanlip Lane Birstall. LE4 4JS All are welcome Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council

"Breathe" (Apr 13, 117 mins) This extraordinary true story, told over three decades, tells us about Robin who, in 1950, contracts the devastating disease, poliomyelitis. He actually escapes from hospital and, encouraged by his wife, leads a full and passionate life, with the aid of a wheelchair that was invented specially for him.

Continued on page 14

11

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Shopping on Hannah Parade HANNAH PARADE is named after the brave John Hannah who was presented with the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions in World War II.

Today the street has some hidden retail gems of well-established and new shops!

Here’s the lowdown…

Gurmeet from GD beauty has a friendly salon specialising in eyebrows, threading and waxing.

LETTINGS MIDLANDS LTD

6 Hannah Parade Birstall LE4 4JE

Silly Prices 5 Hannah Parade, Birstall • 0116 2675989

Tel: 0116 2677890 www.acornlettings.com Acorn Lettings has been in Birstall for almost 25 years now, the majority of it being spent at 6 Hannah Parade, the little parade of shops in the middle of this thriving village.

We offer extensive Lettings and management service, as well as rent collection & tenant find only services. We cover the whole of Leicestershire, but we also cover Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. We also offer a free rental appraisal service and all of our properties are listed on Rightmove.

Our dedicated, knowledgeable staff at Acorn will be able to help you should you have any questions about letting your property, so please pop in to speak to Richard, Sarah & Sophie.

We can uniquely offer a service covering both residential and commercial property advice to include residential apartment block management.

Through the director Richard Hopwood’s (FRICS) links with the surveying practice of Homesurv UK we can offer capital valuation advice to include investment analysis and reports on condition.

Birstall’s One Stop Discount shop 1000s of £1 lines Huge range of GREETINGS CARDS • 3 for a £1 range GIFT TAGS • PARTYWARE HELIUM BALLOONS: large numbered balloons, rose gold, hot pink, blue & silver - INFLATED for you BABY SHOWER & HEN PARTY ITEMS TOILETRIES • SWEETS • HARDWARE • TOOLS • GARDENWARE

Birstall

Great Range of Products at

GREAT PRICES Plus follow us on facebook & you will be able to get all our current offers straight to your phone facebook.com/bargainboozebirstall/

95 Sibson Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4NB Tel 0116 2676451

Gents £9 • OAP £6 •Boys u16 £8 Under 5s £6 • Beard trim £6 OPEN: Mon & Tue 8 - 5, Wed 9 - 5, Thur 8 - 6.30 Fri 8 - 5, Sat 6.30 - 5 Hannah Parade, Stonehill Ave, Birstall • 0116 2673993

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

12

Richard at Acorn Lettings can arrange all your residential and commercial letting needs.

Sandra at Wool Obsession is expanding her offering with more haberdashery items as well as Knit and Natter events and lessons on knitting and crochet.

Lorraine at Silly Prices, is an Aladdin's cave of party-ware, an abundance of balloons, household items and much more.

Demi at Birstall Fruit, Veg & Salad Suppliers has a varied selection of fresh items, here you can buy as much or a

4 Hannah Parade

little as you like and they now provide a free delivery service Birstall wide.

The bustling post office offers pass-

Stonehill Avenue LE4 4JE

Birstall Fruit, Veg & Salad SUPPLIERS

For all your fruit & veg

port checks and photos and many other 13 services as well as stamps and stationary.

At Dan’s Barbers you will get the full barber experience with traditional shaves and on trend hair cutting.

Bargain Booze has a large selection of beers, wines and spirits and there’s always some great offers to be had.

Hopefully this will inspire you to take a stroll down and discover the great shops and businesses on Hannah Parade.

3 Hannah Parade, Stonehill Ave, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4JE

birstall post office

As well as offering normal Post Office services, we can offer you the following So come down & get everything done in one place, let us sort out everything for you

FREE RANGE EGGS • HERBS • FLOWERS ONLY THE BEST QUALITY

FREE Home Deliveries for all customers

5

0750 7040492 birstallfruitandveg@gmail.com

NEW WOOL SHOP NOW OPEN

9 Hannah Parade Stonehill Ave Birstall Leicester LE4 4JE Tel: 07875 495 672

Come & chat to our friendly, helpful staff www.gd-beauty.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

Eyebrow Threading • Waxing Facials • Manicure/Pedicure Eyelash Extensions Lash Lifts Waxing Massage Over 14 years of experience…

Stockists of the most beautiful Yarns & Knitting Patterns, Haberdashery & Hand Made Gifts

WOOL OBSESSION: A PASSION FOR ALL THINGS WOOL Open: Mon - Fri, 9am until 4.30pm, Sat, 9am until 5pm

7 Hannah Parade, Stonehill Avenue, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4JE. Find us on facebook

Continued from page 11

"Breathe" is a moving British romantic drama starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. "Whisky Galore" (May 11, 98 mins) Our audience enjoys comedy so May's British film is a comedy drama based on a true story, written

by Compton Mackenzie. Set on the northern coast of Aberdeenshire during World War 11, there is a shortage of food and alcohol.

However, a wrecked cargo vessel is carrying 50,000 cases of whisky. Not only the crew but the whisky needs rescuing. Where can the villagers hide the whisky and how can Mrs Campbell's son court the postmaster's daughter? This film will be a pleasure to watch.

"Darkest Hour" will be shown on June 8.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost £5 which will include refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advanced tickets may be purchased via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door

Lunch Club

Birstall Tea Dances

Why not join us on a trip to

St James Village Hall Birstall Road, Birstall LE 4 4DH Fridays 13th & 27th April 2018 3.30 pm- 5.30pm £4 each on the door Tea / Coffee & Cake included Further information Contact Jackie: 0116 2248 278 Mobile: 07908607405 Email: jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

at Birstall Methodist Church on Wednesdays 11.30am onwards Meet in the lounge for a chat 12.30pm Two course meal plus a hot drink £6.50 Come along to make new friends or re-new old acquaintances For more information or to book a meal contact: 0792 8864586

Birstall Library Omni Service 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 Wednesday 2nd May and 30th May 2018 Please contact Birstall Library on 0116 3058756

Barnsdale Gardens Thursday June 7th 2018 Pick up from Glenfield Coop at 9.30am and The Rothley Centre at 9.50am 38 Beautiful gardens to view, Cafe on site - Price £19.50 per person to include entry to the gardens. Coach will return at approximately 4 - 4.30pm.

Money raised will go to Cancer Research UK (Breast Cancer Research at Leicester

University/Hospitals.

To Book – ring Glenise Bowyer, Leicester CRUK Committee on 0116 2871758

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 10th April, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy to watch an exciting watercolour demonstration by well-known professional artist Chris Tkacz entitled “Landscape towards abstraction”. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby.

Newcomers and visitors are most welcome. Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration ends at 9pm Members £1; Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access

Bingo free raffle and not forgetting open the box Bingo every Tuesday starting at 9.15pm Quiz every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm Sunday quiz 8th and 29th April Accoustic night Sunday 15th April Food available every Saturday 12 till 2pm Wakes catered for Free WIFI New Members very welcome

Lost Cat

Found A ring & a pair of gloves were found in Wanlip Hall on 24 February after Mothers' Union 'Soup & See the Snowdrops' event. If one of the items belongs to you, please phone 0116 2677493.

Many thanks to all who supported this event. £455.50 was raised towards Mothers' Union projects, registered charity no. 250038

Birstall Royal British Legion Club 7th Simon Lee 14th Tony Rutherford 21st Neil Evans 28th Charlie Grace Dancing every Saturday night with Live entertainment

Jim, brother to Elsie who is missing him Last seen on the evening of the 6th February 2018, Harrowgate Drive, Birstall He is a nervous cat with a “dribble” on his mouth and toe socks on his front paws. He is chipped.

If you find Jim please phone 07914524924 We miss him and want him home

Flower Power Enjoy the spring-time blooms at Belgrave Hall & Gardens on Wednesday 4 April, 11am - 4pm and celebrate Flower Power with the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Fun activities will reveal the hidden powers of the flowers and plants that grow in your garden – and show you make your own flower hat and nature mobile. Car parking is free but there is a £3 charge for craft activities Abbey Pumping Station

Easter Railway Day from 11am on Tuesday 3 April. If the weather is nice, bring a picnic and enjoy the museum’s grounds. Admission is free of charge, but there’s a small charge for craft activities and railway rides

appledore Carpentry & joinery

Carpentry & joinery, kitchens, bedrooms, building work Insured City & Guilds Qualified Please call for a free quotation

0781 1391510 0116 3322438 gcrane665@btinternet.com

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

14

NHW news

& crime report Why Tell the Police?

Most of us would know instinctively when to dial 999 to get help from the emergency services.

While we hear about such calls being made for inappropriate or stupid reasons, you should never hesitate if you believe that you are dealing with a genuine emergency. You should always call the Police on 999 if you witness a crime being committed or believe that somebody is in imminent danger.

However, there may be times when you become aware of something that looks suspicious but could equally well be innocent. You then have to decide whether to report it straightaway, make a note to report it later or just ignore it.

Neighbourhood Watch regularly receives reports of such incidents, often some time after the event. We always welcome these messages and forward them on to our local Beat Team but the cumulative delay usually means that there is little they can do. Sometimes they are able to link reports together to form a bigger picture, especially where some of them are about actual offences, such as burglaries. The problem is that, by then, the perpetrator will be long gone from the area.

The Police will always urge you to report anything that concerns you as soon as possible, whatever the time of day or night. They have a non-emergency number for just these circumstances – 101.

Although they have limited resources and will always give priority to 999 and similar emergencies, they will respond to 101 calls whenever possible. This could lead to the arrest of somebody still in the area and in possession of stolen property. Even the sudden appearance of the Police in a street could scare them off before they have committed a crime.

We often hear people say that it is not worth reporting such things because nothing happens. But nothing can happen if the Police are not made aware of them. They have to make decisions about what priority to give to each report but, please, do not make those decisions for them.

While you may not be aware of it, your information could turn out to be a key piece in completing a puzzle that leads to arrests or the prevention of crimes that would otherwise be committed.

So remember, day or night, dial 101 if you think something is suspicious and let the Police decide how to deal with it.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

REPORTED CRIME for February has remained at a similar level to January, with a total of fifty crimes being reported.

We have unfortunately had another nine vehicles broken into this month, several of which were vans and which resulted in tools being stolen. If you do own a van, consider fitting additional locks to the doors, parking it in a garage or reversed against a wall or another vehicle and if possible remove any expensive tools from it each night.

Also, keep a record of any serial numbers on expensive tools or mark them with your name or postcode so that we stand a better chance of returning them to

you should we find them.

Over the weekend of the 24th and 25th February, we also had four sheds broken into in Johnson Road & Walker Road, with cycles being stolen from two of them. Two people were seen acting suspiciously in the area in the early hours, however unfortunately this was not reported to the Police at the time. If you do see people who appear to be up to no good, please call us on 101 (or 999 if you suspect a crime is actually in progress) so that we can try to get officers to the area and locate them.

Aside from this, no other significant crime patterns have been identified.

For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice This month we’ve had another attempted fraud reported to us. A resident was contacted over the internet by a male claiming to have a parcel that he needed to send. He asked the victim to transfer a large amount of cash into a bank account however thankfully, when she went to the bank to do this the alarm was raised and so no money was actually transferred.

Criminals are becoming ever more brazen in their attempts to obtain money fraudulently. At the next Neighbourhood Watch meeting on the 26th April we have a cyber-crime expert attending to give a presentation, so if you can attend it will be well worth it. In the meantime, follow this basic advice to prevent yourself becoming a victim: 1) NEVER disclose your PIN numbers to anyone.

2) NEVER transfer money into a bank account unless you know the identity of the person.

3) NEVER disclose any of your passwords to anyone.

4) ALWAYS trust your instincts, NOT the caller or the e-mailer.

Neighbourhood update The beat team have conducted a number of consultation and crime pre-

vention events this month on Curzon Avenue, outside the Co-op and on Kingsgate Avenue where they gave out crime prevention advice along with window alarms, light timers and various other crime prevention items. Further events are planned for March, details of which are below.

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

NL60 – Birstall Police Office. http://www.leics.police.uk Tel: 0116 2677355 (Please note this is an advice line only – Please use 101 or 999 to report crime Crime Report: Birstall, Feb 2018 Assault: 4 Burglary of dwelling: 3 Burglary (other than dwelling): 5 Damage: 4 Damage to motor vehicle: 0 Drug offences: 2 Fraud: 1 Public Order offences: 6 Robber: 1 Sexual offence: 3 Theft from store: 3 Theft of cycle: 1 Theft from motor vehicle: 9 Theft of motor vehicle: 1 Theft of fuel: 3 Other theft: 4

• Re-wires • Fuse Board Upgrades • Extra Sockets & Lighting • New Builds & Extensions • Landlord Safety Certificates/PAT Testing • Garden & Security Lighting • Electric Showers • Burglar Alarm Specialist ALL WORK GUARANTEED For a FREE quote:

M: 07970 893250 T: 0116 2303166 Saxon Drive, Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7SR kevrawson@hotmail.com

15

Allington Drive support group Bowling club news

RESIDENTS AFFECTED by the Allington Drive gas explosion in December have started a closed facebook group to share information and support.

The ‘Allington Drive Residents’ group is sharing information about general issues including insurance claims and the gas supply to properties.

A spokesman for the group said: “The main concern of residents affected is the lack of information or support with regards to potential problems with the gas supply to houses as they don’t want a similar problem to occur in the future either locally or nationwide.

“It’s known there’s a full enquiry taking place but its results may not be known until next year and currently residents have no idea who is doing it or what input they will be allowed to make so the local MP has been contacted and it’s hoped to hold a meeting with him in April.”

14 households affected by the blast have had to move to temporary accommodation, although it is hoped most will be back in the spring. Three houses need to be rebuilt totally.

The spokesman said: “Dozens of other properties have been affected, some a considerable distance away and signs of damage are still appearing as the weather changes. Half a dozen or so cars were written off.

“Because of the weather at the time as well as blast damage some houses have suffered from rain ingress as a lot of houses didn’t get their roofs fully repaired for a couple of months.”

Fundraising collections were made by Jo Murray and Leah Russell, the Lam-

THE NEW season starts later this month at Birstall Bowling Club and members will now be focusing on the outdoor game following an indoor season during the winter.

Pics: the aftermath of the explosion and homes being repaired

bourne Café and many others including local churches. Some of the money has been passed to those made homeless by the explosion and the rest will be donated to the Air Ambulance Service.

The spokesman said: “All of us affect-

ed by the explosion would like to thank the people who joined in the rescue effort and offered help, local businesses, and those who donated food, clothing and money.

“Thanks also go to the Fire & Rescue Service, the Red Cross, the Air Ambulance, the borough council for securing properties and the local police team for fitting CCTV and running regular patrols.

Our thoughts are with John Jasper for his tragic loss and we wish Roger a speedy and full recovery.”

Those who do not use facebook and would like to contact the support group can write c/o 59 Allington Drive, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4FD The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 27.

The copy deadline is Apr 13.

PALLATT BROS. Ltd Corgi Gas Reg. Installers

New members are always welcome and coaching is available for bowlers who have never played the game before. For more information, please visit the website www.birstallbowlingclub.co.uk or contact Steve on 07870 327568 or Diane on 0116 2676245.

This year’s presidents, Diane King and Rick Everitt have chosen Birstall BAGS as their charity for the year.

Various events will be taking place throughout the season to raise money for the very worthwhile local charity.

Birstall BAGS, launched in 1998, is a charity committed to supporting the local community in Birstall and surrounding areas through cancer awareness initiatives and the funding of equipment and services for the benefit of people living in the community with cancer. Money is raised from donations and local community events and challenges. For more information please visit their website www.birstallbags.co.uk The club has donated £50 to Visually Impaired Bowls England (VIBE).

VIBE was originally formed in 1975 to provide, or to assist in the provision of, facilities to encourage visually impaired persons to play the game of bowls so that their conditions of life may be improved. The organisation is run by volunteers who are responsible for organising bowls tournaments throughout England and is the official body for selecting teams to represent England in international events.

In 2021 VIBE will be sending a team to the Gold Coast, Australia, to compete in the IBBA World Blind Bowls Championships. In many other sports, international competition is paid for but, for VIBE members it has always been the case that individuals have had to pay for the privilege of representing their country. Each team member for Australia will be looking at something in the order of £3500.00.

They are hoping to raise as much money as possible in the next three years to help with the costs, and Birstall - who have had several visually impaired bowlers at the club over the years, including Sue Smith who has represented the British Isles team – have promised to donate £50 for each of the next three years to assist with the fundraising. More information can be found at www.vibowlsengland.org.uk From Birstall Bowling Club

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

16

Charity supports elderly A LEICESTER charity has joined a new scheme that aims to address the care crisis in the UK. Sahkar, established in 2014 to promote cultural understanding and diversity, has partnered with Give & Take Care, a volunteering befriending service. It aims to support the elderly in remaining independent and feeling less isolated in their homes.

Give&Take Care is made up of CareGivers and CareReceivers.

CareGivers (volunteers) can be family carers or someone to support the community. CareGivers must be over 18 and specify what skills they can give to CareReceivers. CareGivers can also start a Care Saving Account which means they can bank the hours of care they have given and take it back for the future.

CareReceivers (people who receive the care) must be over sixty to be enrolled into the scheme. To join the scheme, it’s a £5 admin fee and then £1 for every one-to-one care they receive from the CareGiver. The fee helps pay towards keeping the Give&TakeCare scheme going.

If you are interested please call 078846516017 or email: leicester.locality@giveandtakecare.co.uk

HATS’ spring play

Race a quacking day out PLANNING FOR the White Horse Duck Race is in full swing and is lining up to be a great family day out.

The event starts at 12 noon on Mayday Monday May 7 with the Duck Race beginning at 2pm.

The 10th Annual White Horse Duck race is in aid of Riverside Schools PTA’s fund for their School Pool. The duck race will be part of the fundraising activities to mend and repair Riverside school’s pool, which is used by the school and the community, and repairs are estimated to cost around £15,000.

There will be lots of activities to entertain the kids such as a cake stall, tuck shop, book stall and traditional games such as, hook at duck and the Ducky Derby, a trio of tombola’s, bottle, chocolate and a teddy tombola for the children. A bouncy castle, kindly donated

by Kaine’s castles, face painter, a tattoo and nail bar and duck memorabilia.

There will also be Duck related crafts inside the Pub provided by Acorn Under 5 preschool.

Riverside is well known for their infamous ‘hook a bag’ game and children from all 3 schools can take part.

Leah Russell, head of Riverside PTA, said: “The children really enjoy decorating the bags, this time there will be a duck theme, they then put in a few sweets or toys and bring them back to school. We’ll have a big stall on the day and often the children aim to ‘hook’ their own bags!”

If anyone would like to decorate and fill a bag, these will be given out at Hallam fields and Riverside Primary schools or please pop in to the White Horse to collect one.

Charlotte Foy of the White Horse said: “This year’s Duck race will have a great variety of stalls, activities and games to keep the children entertained as well as a few drinks and BBQ for the grown ups! The White Horse would also like to

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

call Charlotte at the White Horse on 0116 2671038.

#believe in change

No ordinary salon

HATS’ SPRING play will be performed this year at their new venue, Birstall Social Club.

‘What a Mix Up’ will incorporate two one-act comedies about a double booked wedding reception causing havoc and a newly opened B&B establishment and its bizarre guests.

Performances are on Thursday May 17 and Friday May 18 at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm) and tickets cost £6 adults, £5 concession, £20 family (2 adults/2 children).

Tickets from 0116 2216019 or 07963 432020 or email: hatstickets@hotmail.com

teddies or other items for stalls would still be welcome, please contact Leah Russell at Riverside Primary School or

Reservations online at

www.gavintaylorhair.uk thank all those who have generously donated prizes or their skills to make the event happen, particularly Paddle Plus who collect all the racing Ducks back in safely each year” ‘Webster’ the Duck Race mascot will be in various places around the village to sell ducks ahead of the Duck Race day, already confirmed is Riverside school on April 13 and of course there will be loads of ducks to buy on the day itself!

Any donations of prizes or cakes,

or why not speak to one of our team on

0116 230 2071

If you already have a great hairdresser please feel free to show this to someone you know

10 Fowke Street, Rothley, LE7 7PJ t: 0116 230 2071 w: www.gavintaylorhair.uk e: info@gavintaylorhair.uk

17

United celebrates ground improvements AFTER FIVE years of hard work Birstall United are holding a celebration event to mark the completion of improvements at their Meadow lane ground.

The event will be a charity veterans football match with Birstall legends taking on a select 11 from old foes around the county.

Chairman Gary Fox said: “It will be a great opportunity for old faces to meet up and also thank the funders and volun-

teers who have made the whole project possible.”

He added: “It all started with Carl Gunns, who kindly donated money for us to fence off our ground to reduce vandalism. After that Sue Coulson and the team from Birstall parish council

Pics: ground improvements at Birstall United

moved the path to the allotments to give charity to help with their ongoing battle us sole access, as well as working tireagainst breast cancer awareness. We lessly to extend our lease on the ground. have close links with the charity and From there we have had funding from cannot think of a better cause to help numerous sources including Sport Engthan them.” land, the football foundation, the Edith The game will take place on Sunday Murphy Foundation, as well as countless May 13 at 2pm and Gary is encouraging donations of equipment, supplies and as many old and new faces to come hard labour. along and make it a day to remember.

“The ground is unrecognisable from “We would like people to spread the when we started, we now have covered word to old members who may have left standing and seating areas as well as the area to come and join us in what tarmac paving around three sides of the will be a memorable occasion” he said. ground, as well as a new alternative “The admission cost will be just £3 for entrance and upgraded changing rooms. adults which will be worth it to see Phil Boyall has overseen all of the work some old legs being put through their undertaken and deserves special praise paces.” but the whole project has been a great Gary said: “We are obviously looking team effort. to raise as much money as possible and “We are very proud of the ground and so if anyone can donate raffle prizes see this event as a great way to show off then that would be most appreciated.” If our facilities and make some money for anyone can help in any way they can a well worthy charity. All gate and raffle contact Gary on 07730676719 or email proceeds will go to the Birstall BAGs him on gary.fox@sypp.co.uk

Charity clothes bank A NEW clothing bank on the Sibson Road car park has been installed.

All proceeds will go to the Air Ambulance service, a charity which relies solely on public donations.

The Air Ambulance Service contacted Birstall Parish Council asking them for a site in the village for the clothing bank.

Parish Clerk Sue Coulson said: “We were pleased and proud to be able to assist with the fundraising for this valuable and worthy cause and agreed a space central to the village on the Sibson Road car park.

The Air Ambulance Service operates the recycling service, the banks are

emptied and maintained by them and 100% of the proceeds raised from the sale of these items goes directly back into the charity.

Every day of the year, Derbyshire, Leicester & Rutland Air Ambulance and Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance are helping to save more lives. Their critical care paramedics, trauma doctors and pilots fly an average of three rescue missions per service per day, delivering lifesaving care within minutes to those in the greatest need. Each mission costs £1,700 and the charity receives no government funding.

The items that are accepted in the clothing banks are YES: Clothing, towels, sheets, blankets, curtains, paired shoes; NO: soiled rags, carpets, rugs, glass, metal & paper, rubbish, duvets.

Pics: the new clothing bank & (inset) an Air Ambulance crew

ALAN CHAMBERS PAINTER & DECORATOR

Over 30 Years Experience

Free Quotes & Advice Tel: 0116 2941336

Mob: 07989 451048

39 Copeland Rd, Birstall

Elliott & Ball Plumbing & Heating Est 1968

General Plumbing Bathrooms & Tiling Landlord Certificates POWER FLUSHING

211637

New Installations & Upgrades Gas Boilers/Fires Serviced & Repaired LOCAL BUSINESS • CALL GARY ON

Tel: 0116 2692167 Mob: 0792 1703 765

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

18

Club appoints new captains New council surgery A NEW parish council surgery starts in May and aims to improve communication between the public and the parish council.

Birstall Parish Council agreed at its March meeting to held the surgeries for a trial period of six months.

Dates and times are yet to be confirmed but the surgery is expected to take place between 10am-12noon at the old council office, 10 Sibson Road, once a month on a Saturday.

Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall said: “The aim is to try to improve community engagement between residents and the parish council by making councillors available to the public to hear their suggestions, complaints and concerns.”

Gill’s charity walk

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

BIRSTALL’S GILLIAN Bowler will be taking part in a two week charity walk in September.

Gill will be walking the 192 mile LOROS Coast to Coast walk, devised

by Alfred Wainwright, which crosses three national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors.

Gill said: “As part of my Pic: Gillian Bowler fundraising I am holding a Charity Fashion Show on Saturday June 9 at the Queen Victoria Pub, High Street, Syston. I can also be sponsored at www.virginmoneygivingcom/GillianBo wler I can be contacted on 07929 572278 if you require any further information or for tickets please ring 07982 333035 between 9am and 9 pm” On June 23 Gill will be holding another Coffee Morning at the Birstall Methodist Church between 10am-12pm as further fundraising.

LEICESTER TIGERS winger Mick Newton is the new Men’s Captain at Birstall Golf Club, with Christine Hyde being installed as the new Ladies Captain, five years since she previously filled the role.

Newton played for Tigers for six seasons, the highpoint being appearing in their first John Player Cup Final victory – over Moseley in 1979. He then moved on to join and captain Syston RFC. He has been a member at Birstall GC for 12 year and predicts a bright year for the club. “The course is looking excellent. The greens staff have done a remarkable job this winter and I think we’ll all enjoy playing this year” he said.

He lives in Park Road, Birstall and having just retired after over 40 years working for BT expects to have plenty of time to follow the club’s teams.

Christine, a retired school bursar who lives in Rothley, steps into the role for a second time and says the club is ideal for new members and people taking the sport up for the first time. “It is such a friendly place, everybody is very welcoming” she said.

Birstall will again play host to the Midlands Professional Golfers Association when it hosts a major Pro-Am at the course on Wednesday May 23.

Pic: Mick Newton switches sports

Parked cars obstructing fire crews ing reduces visibility and makes it unsafe to pull out of the car park.

Leicestershire County Council is proposing that double yellow lines are laid either side of their car park acConcerns have been raised by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service cess and that further double yellow over on-street parking in close proxim- lines are put around the access opposite and the junction of Coal Cart ity to its car park access on Geoff Monk Way. The service says this park- Road and Geoff Monk Way to try to

NEW parking restrictions are being planned outside Birstall Fire Station.

avoid displaced parking causing the same issue.

This order would see the introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions on a section of Coal Cart Road near the junction with Geoff Monk Way. Pic: The entrance of the Fire & Rescue service headquarters on Geoff Monk Way

19

Bright new look at Birstall nursery WORK IS nearing completion on a refurbishment project at a Birstall nursery.

Children 1st at Park Road, Birstall, formerly the Woodlands Day Nursery, has been given a top to toe, internal and external makeover to create a bright and stimulating learning environment for the children and to provide better, safer access for families.

Part of family run nursery group Children 1st Day Nurseries since June 2017, the nursery has been given a major facelift to bring the standards of provision in line with those of other nurseries in the Children 1st group.

Director, Adrian Mason said: “As well as the need for a general refurbishment, it was evident that there were safety issues with the car park and wasted space that could be put to better use for the benefit of the children’s learning experience.

He added: “The transformation starts outside with rearranged parking facilities which has created more space for outdoor learning.

The remodelled entrance, not only makes for a warm and inviting reception area but importantly has improved security, with its additional electronic access.

“Once inside, the world of children’s learning and development takes over with all areas benefiting from being redesigned to promote independent learning and a sense of adventure whilst also providing areas for quiet times and relaxing. The removal of some internal walls has created an open plan environment which improves safeguarding as sight lines have been improved.”

There is a dedicated baby suite, and areas for growing toddlers to explore such as the art studio, the role play area, the ball pool and the woodland reading area.

Adrian said: “We’re delighted that this project has proceeded at pace with this

major refurbishment taking just 6 months. Keeping the nursery open whilst the work was ongoing was a challenge but what we have achieved is a reflection of the cooperation and understanding shown by everyone involved.”

Children 1st @ Birstall is now welcoming new registrations and free registration is available. For further information and to book a visit please go to www.children1stdaynurseries.com.

Footmedics UK Ltd www.footmedics.co.uk

State Registered Podiatrists BSc (Hons) Podiatry MCHs SrCH Birstall Medical Centre, 4 Whiles Lane, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4EE Tel: (0116) 442 2678 E: happysoles@footmedics.co.uk

Athletes foot • Arthritis • Sweaty feet • Diabetes •Verrucae Calluses • Tired feet • Painful feet •Poor Circulation Painful joints • Ill fitting footwear • Cracked heels • Heel Pain Hard Skin • Orthoses • Nail Surgery under local anaesthetic

Remember your feet have to last your lifetime!

Dressing up day ONCE A year children are encouraged to ditch their smartphones and tablets, dress up as their favourite fictional character and pick up a book, thanks to World Book Day. Teachers are also encouraged to don fancy dress costumes and join in, as they did at Highcliffe school where this year the theme was ‘Science’.

Executive Headteacher Scott Fewster said: “Lots of activities were linked to science texts and we had a visit from the author of the Horrible Science books who led two assemblies full of exciting science experiments.”

Pics: Highcliffe pupils and teachers dressed up on World Book Day

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

20

Heritage centre plans new educational facility

Pic: an artist’s impression of the new building

A NEW £850,000 building is planned for the Mountsorrel and Rothley Heritage Centre on Swithland Lane.

The Discovery Centre will have a heritage display space, a local history library and study centre and will host school visits.

A spokesman said: “On the ground floor the building will provide three times more display space than we have at present.

“Cutting edge technology will be utilised to present information as effectively as possible and to capture the imagination of general visitors and

schoolchildren, ensuring that what they see and learn leaves a lasting impression.

“On the first floor there will be a flexible space that can be used as a classroom for school visits, a lecture theatre, and exhibition area, or it may be hired for business meetings and seminars.

“The local history library will house historical collections related to the local area. These may be used for research in the adjacent study centre.”

The Heritage Centre opened in 2016 and is a project delivered by the volunteers who restored the Mountsorrel railway. The Swithland Lane site features a display space, tea room, nature trail, quarry demonstration space and a garden railway.

The Discovery Centre has been planned over the last 18 months working with Leicester and Loughborough universities, local schools, the county council and other stakeholders. A funding application was made in February 2018 and a planning application will be submitted in April. It is hoped the building will be completed in 2020.

To get a better idea of what the building will look like you can view a

Village hall improvements

Come and try bowls THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

THE NEW outdoor season gets underway in April and the weather will have improved, or so we hope! If you have ever fancied having a go at bowls, now could be the ideal time.

Our club is looking for new members.

It may interest readers to know that in this country, over 9000 people have started playing bowls in the last couple of years. Our club takes players of all ages and abilities and offers free coaching.

The club atmosphere gives great opportunity for plenty of fun and friendship, with a little light exercise thrown in.

The club will be holding an open day 2pm Sunday May 13 and all are wel-

come. There is, however, no need to wait for this. If you would like to have a try at bowls, with no obligation, please ring Sam on 2677372 or Don on 2873783.

Oh, and just to remind readers what real bowling weather looks like, here is a photo of last year's Open Day. From St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club

Co-op Sports Ground, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DE www.smcbc.com

BIRSTALL PARISH Council installed new fire doors in the Village Hall and installed some new double glazing units to improve the thermal efficiency of the building.

Worn carpet in the St James Day Centre has been replaced with new laminate flooring.

The flooring in the main room of the Village Hall has been recoated and in the next financial year, new ceiling tiles and improved lighting are planned.

The public toilets on the School Lane playing field are currently being refurbished and made more vandal resistant.

virtual tour of the building on the centre’s website.

The centre spokesman said: “The Heritage Centre site has brought so much benefit and enjoyment to so many people but there is much more potential to be unlocked. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a much larger heritage display space, a local history library and study centre, and to be able to host school visits, so our younger generation are able to learn about the local history, ecology and the very special geological history of the Charnwood Forest?”

DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS

Brickwork • Patios Re-pointing Tiling • Plaster Patching • Fencing etc No job too small Friendly Reliable Service Free Quotations • Fully Insured

Tel: 0116 260 7716 Mob: 07770 785400 Email: dave@dave-hutchings.com Website: www.dave-hutchings.com

ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WORK

Extra Points Alarms Rewiring Security Lighting Electrical Testing Part P Registered

Control Electrics Ltd Lodgewood Ave, Birstall, Leicester

Tel: 0116 2682910 FREE ESTIMATES

21

Lions’ annual dinner Bill’s life on fire THE FORMER president of the Great Central Railway will be talking about his life and times and what he calls the shabby way he was removed from the board of the GCR at the launch of his autobiography, A Life On Fire.

ROTHLEY AND Soar Valley Lions Club held their 41st Annual Charter Dinner in March at Birstall Golf Club.

Lion President Steve Hickling welcomed members, partners and guests to the dinner, held to celebrate the activities and achievements of the last year.

The Lions Club support and help many local organisations either by contributing to their funds or by helping with and organising events such as the Rothley 10k Race held in June for the last 30 years. The dinner was attended by members of local Lions Clubs and District officers of Lions Clubs International and also representatives of various charitable organisations.

During the evening donations totalling £12,750 were presented to LOROS, VIS-

TA, Air Ambulance, Syston Volunteer Centre and Admiral Nurses. The money had been raised by the dedication to service by the Clubs Members very much aided by all the people and other local organisations. A big thank you was expressed by Lion Steve to everyone involved in these activities.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Bright Stars Pic: Rothley and Soar Valley Lions Club Annual Charter Dinner

Haymarket re-opens AFTER a £3.6million refurbishment and a programme of works that has taken around 10 months to complete, Leicester’s Haymarket Theatre has re-opened to the public.

More than 10 years after it closed its doors, the revamped theatre will once again be welcoming visitors, with the first of several test events taking place on Friday March 2.

The theatre has a new entrance that’s been created under the building’s overhanging roof.

From the piazza at the top of the steps, automatic doors lead into a remodelled lobby area, with glazed walls now flooding the space with light to create a bright and airy vestibule.

The theatre’s two bars – the main foyer bar and the upstairs bar – have been refurbished, and new toilets and baby-changing facilities have been installed.

Inside the revamped auditorium, 901 seats have been installed, and the Haymarket’s stage remains the largest in the UK. Behind the scenes, production facilities and backstage areas have been refurbished, and a new ‘green screen’ room and TV gallery have been provided. With

brand new lighting and sound systems in place, the building has been refurbished and upgraded to provide a versatile venue for a wide range of events and live performance – including the rapidlygrowing e-sports industry.

The handover of the building to the Haymarket consortium marks the completion of the first phase of works. Phase two – which will provide new lift facilities and a permanent ticket office and cloakroom – will continue on site until next winter.

Works to refurbish the theatre steps and refresh the piazza area are being carried out by the owners of the Haymarket Shopping Centre.

The Haymarket Theatre opened in 1974 and closed in 2007, leaving the city council tied into a 99-year lease and responsible for an annual bill of around £180,000 in service charges and costs.

From 2020, the Haymarket consortium will take over responsibility for those charges.

Bill Ford, tells his life story with the hardback book being launched on Tuesday 1st May at the Rothley Court Hotel. A spokeswoman for the event said: “Prepare for a journey of more than three and a half million miles.

He’ll travel to every continent on earth; do business with companies with household names and with directors in Africa, Sheiks in Arabia, Mayors in Leicester, politicians in Westminster and councillors in Charnwood.

“We’ll be with him as he leads an automotive empire of 11,000 people. We’ll fly aeroplanes over the top of Kilimanjaro, join the Mile High Club, buy and sell trucks from Lord Stokes, acquire a railway from British Railways and become friends with Lord Lanesborough. We’ll buy and run Steam engines on BR Main Lines.

Flower club BIRSTALL FLOWER Club held their first demonstrator’s evening in February.

Despite the very bad weather by the “Beast from the East” the demonstrator arrived safely and there was a reasonable turn out of members.

Gill Mills the NAFAS demonstrator, showed the members 6 beautiful arrangements which were of bright colours and made us all aware that Spring is just around the corner.

Birstall Flower Club have organised a day trip outing to visit Whitcombe House gardens in Overbury, Evesham and Meadow Farm Feckenham. The coach will be leaving Birstall on Wednesday July 11. If anyone is interested in joining members from the Birstall FC please contact Sylvia Simes on 011602674206 for more details. This is always a good day out, well organised with a good opportunity to buy specialised plants if you wish.

Bring a friend and have a great day out.

From Birstall Flower Club Pic: one of the demonstration pieces

Charity run WREAKE VALLEY and Syston Rotary Clubs are holding the eighth Watermead Challenge charity run at Watermead Country Park on Tuesday July 3, 2018.

The fairly flat three and five mile course around the park’s attractive lakes offers experienced and novice runners the opportunity to set a personal best time.

Full details of how to enter can be found at www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk.

Chris Battye, Race Director said: “Last year we had nearly five hundred entries for this popular event. This year’s proceeds will be shared amongst three charities: Dementia UK, Leicestershire Children’s Holiday Centre and HCPT pilgrimage holidays. Venue restrictions mean numbers are limited to 500. Please enter early to avoid disappointment.”

“We’ll cruise on Her Majesty’s liners to Cape Town and drive legally at over a hundred and eighty miles per hour on English roads in Ferraris, Aston Martins, E Type Jaguars and Austin Healeys, and travel sedately in Rolls Royces, Bentleys, narrow boats and more.

“We’ll make and spend millions of pounds along the way, become a tax exile in The Isle of Man, live in halls and manors in splendid countryside and bachelor pads in London.

“The book concludes with Bill’s time at Great Central Railway and asks the questions as to where the railway might go from here.

Journey with him over 44 years as he saves the railway track from being ripped up in 1976, creates order out of bankruptcy several times, forces corporate changes to release locked up trust funds, and sets the GCR on a path to profitability and sustainability when he becomes both President and Managing Director in 2007. He proves himself to be an inspired leader of people yet again, encouraging growth and development of individuals, teams and departments who lacked self-belief and prudent organisation. Join him as he moves mountains to make real the dream of the unification of the two halves of the severed GCR. “At the end he discusses the ignominy he feels about the shabby way he was removed from the board and offers advice and warnings to those who follow him.”

The book launch is at Rothley Court Hotel, Westfield Lane, Rothley on Tuesday May 1 at 5pm. Parking is plentiful and free of charge.

Cricket Corner BIRSTALL VILLAGE Cricket Club start their new season on Saturday April 21 and continue until September 15.

New players are always required for both teams which play in divisions 4 & 7 of the Leicester & Rutland league.

The Thursday evening league starts on May 3.

Officers elected at the AGM are: President, Ian Hunt; Chairman, Andy Merry; Vice Chairman, Andy Lord; Secretary, Chris Tinbergen; Treasurer, Ian Bartlett; 1stXI Captain, Josh Saye; 2ndXI Captain, George Agar.

Andy Lord was made a life member after 35 years of service to the club.

Once again lots of social events are planned so why not become a member of the club for just £1.

The clubs work day will be on Saturday April 7, so if you are interested just pop along.

For any information about the club please contact Ian on 07949380010 From Birstall Village Cricket Club

DE MONTFORT MEMORIALS • MONUMENTAL SCULPTORS • NEW MEMORIALS • CLEANING & RESTORATION • QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP • BROCHURE ON REQUEST

www.demontfortmemorials.co.uk Showroom:

3 BROOKBRIDGE COURT, SYSTON LEICESTER LE7 2JT

Tel: 0116 2601851

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

22

Local papers thriving A COPY of the Birstall Post made its way to the other side of the world where it was read by a Tasmanian couple who are publishing their own community newspaper.

Shelley and Robert Laing are the editors of the Central Coast Voice which is delivered to 20,000 homes in the north west of the island.

Their friends, Birstall couple Peter Merritt and Ben Cooper of Elmfield Avenue, took along a copy of the Birstall Post when they visited them in Tasmania last Christmas.

Ben said: “I always enjoy having a read through the Birstall Post and the Central Coast Voice is very similar,

working with locals to build a strong local economy and community connectedness.

“We took along the December issue of the Birstall Post and suggested they run a story about the Birstall Post and the local area in the Central Coast Voice”.

Shelley Laing, editor of the Central Coast Voice, said: “What a lovely connection to reach out to another community voice on the other side

News from the churches

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

THE PAST month will be remembered for the terrible weather we have had, and this has caused some of our local events to be cancelled.

It was very disappointing to have to postpone the scheduled Travel Talk on Japan at Wanlip, but our speaker has agreed a new date of Friday May 11 at 7.30pm, so we hope that people will come along to Wanlip and enjoy the illustrated talk on ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ as promised!

Churches Together in Birstall &Wanlip are now planning ahead for Easter.

There will be the annual Walk of Witness on Good Friday when people from all the churches gather together to sing and pray their way along Sibson Road, remembering Christ’s walk to Calvary and his crucifixion. This will start at 10am at the Tesco end of the road and finish at St Theresa’s (with hot cross buns for all).

The Birstall & Wanlip Mothers Union held a very successful ‘Soup and see the snowdrops’ event at Wanlip in February which raised £455 for their charity. The church of Our Lady and St Nicholas celebrated the 625th anniversary of the rebuilding of the church. There will be two special services for the patron saints, the first will be on Monday April 8 at 7.30pm dedicated to the Virgin Mary. All are welcome to this Holy Communion.

new community session for after school, starting on April 10. There will be a colouring corner, games including table football, table skittles, bagatelle, creative Lego, cars etc. There will be drinks for sale, and children can bring their own snacks.

We have a small team of helpers, but additional helpers are always welcome providing they are DBS checked.

From Birstall Methodist Church

Sunday Services and Easter Our meetings from April 8 are held in Room PT1, The Palmer Tomkinson Centre, The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall (LE4 4GH) and begin at 10.45am. A Sunday School for junior children is available during the service.

You can be assured of a warm welcome at any of our services. The visiting speaker on 15th is Roop Chopra (Wolverhampton).

On Good Friday March 30, we will be joining with others at Holywell Church, Berkeley Road, Loughborough (LE11 3SJ) for the service at 10am. The speaker is Luke Jenner (Halifax). We are not able to use the school premises on Easter Day itself (April 1), so please contact us for our arrangements.

Find Out The events commemorated at Easter are central to Christianity. Why not find From Birstall Parish Churches out the facts for yourself? You may say, “rubbish” or “irrelevant” but is this true?

Church weekend at Willersley Castle If you would like to find out, we invite The 29 people that attended this had you to contact us so that we can arrange a fabulous time. There was some conto have an initial chat about the facts cern about travelling in the snowy weath- and then, if you wish, there is a short, er, but we need not have worried as the free series of meetings called “Introducroads were clear. The hotel was very tion to Christianity” which you can atcosy and the food was delicious. There tend. Please email us at was a lot to do and see in the area with birstallibc@gmail.com or contact the plenty of different walks, and everyone number given below. had the chance to really get to know one Enquiries: please ring 0116 221 4883.

From Birstall Independent Baptist another. Also there was a game of ChanChurch nel Island cricket, and a quiz organised by our minister Paula Hunt. Many thanks to Joan for organising the whole weekTHE THEME of this year’s Women’s end, it was a lot of work!

World Day of Prayer was “All God’s Happy Hour Club Creation Is Very Good” and was orTuesdays 3-4pm in Methodist Church ganised by the ladies of Suriname. coffee shop Despite all that Storm Emma could We have managed to organise this

of the world.”

She added: “One aspect of this part of Tasmania that we really value is the sense of community and the Central Coast Voice becomes a platform in which to honour that.”

Ben and Pics: (above) Shelley & Robert Laing, editors of the Central Coast Peter took the Voice & (left) Peter Merritt & Ben Cooper nine hour ferry from Melbourne to arrive in Tasmania, elled across Australia from Perth to 10,689 miles from Birstall, having travAdelaide aboard the Indian Pacific.

Ben said: “First impressions were that the countryside surrounding us was very English. It was very green throw at us, there was an admirable turn compared to the Australian mainout of ladies from the Birstall churches land and if you didn’t know otherat St Theresa’s on March 2. wise you’d think you were driving A simple but delicious lunch was the Leicestershire roads. followed by a slide show presentation by Peter Molesdale about the country of Suriname. We learned something of the country’s geography and economy, exotic flora and fauna, social and political history and the various religious traditions practised which reflect the diverse ethnicities of its peoples.

During the service of prayers and hymns, we reflected on our delight in God’s creation and the way in which we use (or abuse) the world’s precious resources. We each promised to make one small change in our life which would make a positive difference to our world for the benefit of future generaPic: a Tasmanian street scene tions.

Our thanks go to the ladies of Suri“While larger than Birstall, Devonname for making the resources available port is a vibrant town, port and coastand, of course, to our local group of al oasis all rolled into one. Wider organisers. streets with much less traffic and a A Passover meal was held on March generally slower pace of life was no25. Fr Saji led the prayers which were ticeable.” said between each course, recalling the exile and flight from Egypt of the Jewish people in the Bible. Each foodstuff (which would have been served at the Last Supper) held a special significance Australia and are still eaten at the traditional Jewish Passover meal.

We celebrated the most important season in the church’s calendar during Easter Triduum of Services.

Tasmania ► On Maundy Thursday the readings at Mass recalled the events of the Last Supper. Fr Saji bathed the feet of twelve The Central Coast Voice is a parishioners, commemorating Jesus’ act monthly community newspaper and of service for His disciples. like the Birstall Post is funded by its The Good Friday service was a solemn advertisers. Editor of the Birstall Post, commemoration of Christ’s Passion and Jerry Jackson, said: “I’m pleased Crucifixion which left us in reflective Shelley and Robert are making a mood as we exited the church in silence. success of the Central Coast Voice.

The Easter Vigil, held on the Saturday It’s heartening to know that small evening, commenced with the lighting of community newspapers delivered the new fire, from which the Paschal through your door still have a place Candle was lit. As we each lit our own in the 21st century. candle, so the darkened church became “They do help to foster a sense of light, as the risen Christ illuminated our community by showing readers what darkened world. The sombre mood of local people are achieving and doing, Good Friday gave way to the joy of the and by keeping them informed of Resurrection. As with Mass on Easter community news and events.”

Sunday, the church was bedecked with beautiful spring flowers.

From St Theresa’s, Birstall and Sacred Heart, Rothley

23

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Exercise and Cancer Birstall BAGs would like to explain a little about why we should all exercise regularly.

Many of us know that exercise is good for us but understanding how is impacts on cancer risk isn’t obvious.

Being physically active isn’t just good for your heart: there is lots of evidence that it can also reduce the risk of developing breast, bowel or womb cancer Cancer Research UK suggest that keeping active could help to prevent around 3,400 cases of cancer every year in the UK. Activity and Hormone levels Hormones are chemical messages that get carried around our bodies in our blood.

They help tell our bodies and cells what to do. Being physically active can change the levels of some hormones, including oestrogen and insulin.

In women, physical activity can lower the level of oestrogen. Oestrogen is thought to fuel the development of many breast and womb cancers, so reducing the levels of this hormone

ALARMS

could help to reduce the risk.

Activity and Bowel Cancer Physical activity helps food move through our bowels. When food moves through our bowels quickly this reduces the amount of time that the inside lining of the bowel is in contact with any harmful chemicals, like those released when you consume alcohol or red and processed meat. So there’s less chance of them being able to cause damage that could lead to cancer.

Being active also helps control levels of inflammation in the bowel.

Inflammation is a normal part of the way our bodies react to injury or infections.

But it can sometimes cause even more damage, particularly when it keeps happening in the same place.

This can lead to the cells multiplying much more frequently than usual, to replace dead and damaged cells, increasing the chances of mistakes that could lead to cancer.

Activity and weight management

The Midlands Co-Operative

Sports & Social Club

Established 25 years

Birstall Road

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL BURGLAR ALARMS

The ideal venue for for

CCTV • Access Control • Fire Alarms Data Cabling • Nurse Call Systems UKAS Accredited • SSAIB Approved Installer

Please Phone for a NO OBLIGATION QUOTE ALL WORK GUARANTEED & CERTIFIED 375 Loughborough Rd, Birstall

0116 267 3737 Mob: 0785 066 2323

Weddings • Parties Christenings etc Large Function Room with use of Kitchen

Separate bar for that quiet moment

Car Park with CCTV coverage Disabled facilities Mid Week Functions taken

Being physically active, along with a healthy, balanced diet can also help you manage your weight. And keeping to a healthy weight is another great way to reduce the risk of developing cancer and other diseases.

But physical activity has benefits above and beyond weight control, and it doesn’t only reduce the risk of cancer through its effects on weight.

Activity and Cancer Patients There is also good evidence that being active can help people during and following cancer treatment. If you are a cancer patient and want to be more active, discuss with your doctor what would work best for you.

A few years ago to help local residents use Watermead Country park as a place to exercise Birstall BAGs installed a number of benches around the park.

If you can think of ways Birstall BAGs can help local folk engage in more exercise do please contact us.

For more information please visit:www.cancerresearchuk.org Or contact: 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 BAGs by email birstallbags@hotmail.com

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 NEW wool shop now open. Wool Obsession, Hannah Parade, Stonehill Avenue, Birstall, Leicester.

Beautiful yarns to suit all budgets.

Friendly and helpful staff. Join us for a Knit and Natter with like minded souls The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 27.

The copy deadline is Apr 13.

THE BIRSTALL POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising

Planning P/18/0633/2: 32 Henson Close – Single storey extension to size of dwelling P/18/0480/2: 514 Loughborough Road – erection of single storey extension to side and rear of dwelling

0116 4422067 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Birstall Library or to our office: Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings Leicester LE4 3BR,

editor@birstallpost.co.uk www.birstallpost.co.uk

The

Odd Job Man No Job Too Small Gardening • Slabbing Painting • House Painting Gutters Cleared

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

FREE QUOTES • CALL HARRY

0116 2674703

Covering Leicestershire

Give us a call at Birstall Rd on

24hr answerphone

2674059 or 07753 400 905

9 Kedlestone Ave, Birstall

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

0116 2672583 Mob: 0796 7 191975

Roy Morris Plumbing and Heating Installation, Upgrades & Servicing Of Gas Cookers, Boilers and Fires

Servicing of Boilers £35 General plumbing, shower & bathroom installs. Tiling & electrical work also undertaken

Landlords – don’t forget your Safety Certificates: from £45 Call now for a FREE no obligation quote www.raktailorhomeimprovements.com

0116 2841076 / 07860 551820

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2018

24