Birstall Post (419) June 2018

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

JUNE 2018

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 419

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Pic: On the Girlguiding Birstall stall are (l-r) Pooja Lad, leader Gemma Jeffs, Hannah Ludlam, Katie Mason & Martha Girgensons

Duck race goes swimmingly A LARGE crowd enjoyed the ninth White Horse Birstall annual charity duck race on bank holiday Monday May 7.

“I am really happy with this year’s event, the sun shone and the stalls, games and activities were bustling and the Duck Race crowds along the towpath was a sight to be seen!” said Charlotte Foy, Duck Race organiser.

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Continued from page 1 “It really was a community effort, with lots of people helping to make it a special day and also the funds raised will benefit more than one community group.”

The winning duck was number 744 and two winners each received £100.

1900 ducks raced and there were more than 30 other prizes most with a value over £30.

A grand total of £4003 was raised: £3,546 was for Riverside School PTA’s school Pool fund and over £457 was for other local causes.

Gemma Jeffs from Girlguiding Birstall said they made £107 at the event and the money will be split between the Guides selected to go on various International camps they are attending. “It’s going to be an awesome experience for the girls!” she said. Birstall United Juniors Football club also raised over £100.

Acorn under 5’s playgroup created Duck Wands for the younger children and raised £10. “We loved the day seeing many ‘grown up Acorns’ and doing something for the community” said Jackie Bateman.

Hema Mistry, chair of Hallam Fields School PTA, said: “The Duck Race was a fantastic community event enjoyed by local families. It was a great fundraiser for Hallam Fields School PTA, we raised £240. As a new school it was lovely to be part of the wider Birstall community and be supported by those who attended” Leah Russell chair of Riverside PTA said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Charlotte, Jenny and all the Staff at the White Horse pub for helping Riverside PTA raise much needed funds to fix and reopen the swimming pool! The day was fabulous, with an amazing turnout, helped greatly by the sunny weather! Everyone seemed to

Parish Council notes have a brilliant time and all of the contributions helped move us £3546 closer to our goal – thank you to all who came and supported us!”

The White Horse and Riverside PTA would particularly like to thank the other PTA’s of each of the primary schools, this year including Hallam Fields, who helped facilitate the hook a bag prizes and the selling of ducks.

They would also like to thank all those who generously donated prizes, namely:Henry Smith and Hamilton - £189 designer Sunglasses voucher, Zig Zag Photography – £250 family photo shoot, Leicester Tigers - 2 game and goodies packages, Riders – Family game pass, 2 lots of Grosveners casino meal and Wine vouchers, TGI Fridays - £25 Voucher, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits centre- Family session voucher, Stonehurst Farm – Family pass, Snow Dome – toboggan pass, Birstall Parish Council - free room Hire, Dining room- 2 course meal for 2, Ma’s Kitchen - £30 Voucher, Twin Lakes – Pass for 2, Birstall Garden Centre - £25 Voucher, TJ Cycles – Bike service, Medivet – free consultation, Megazone passes, Gorse Hill farm - animal sponsorship, Aroma Spice - £20 Voucher, Glenn Lewin butchers - £20 meat voucher, Café on the corner – cream tea, Ruby Tuesday Café – 2 meal for 2 Vouchers,

THE ANNUAL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on May 14.

Pics: crowds line the riverbank and canoeists guiding the ducks

Glenwood Interiors – Frame and candle, Birstall Fisheries - Meal voucher, Anne El Marie Hairdressers – Voucher, DM Hair – treatment and Blow dry, Head Rush Hairdressers - £10 off Voucher, Dance Academy – Month dance pass, Silly prices – Toys, Fusion Leisure – 2 x week passes, Filigree Heart – Cuddly Toy, Birstall Dog Groomers – Pet set, Dan's Barbers – Hair cuts Charlotte said: “Thanks also to Steve at Graphic solutions, Nik Loach , DJ, for his commentating, Kaine’s Castles for the bouncy castle and a special thank you to Paddle Plus without whom the Duck Race wouldn’t be possible and of course to everyone who bought a duck!”

Cllr Ann Marshall was elected as Chair of the council for the ensuing year and Cllr Tony Abbey was elected as vice-chair.

Chair Ann Marshall reported there had been two resignations from the council: Mary Allen and Becky Thorpe.

The council voted to co-opt Carl Gunns to join the council.

A member of the public thanked the council for agreeing to progress the project to erect a memorial bench on Allington Drive in memory of Janet Jasper, who lost her life following the gas explosion in December.

PC Dave Jaeckels was unable to attend the meeting and the chair read out his report. Thefts from motor vehicles in the village are continuing and in the vast majority of cases there are no signs of a forced entry. Police advice is to ensure there are no valuables left in your car and to keep car keys at the back of the house in a metal tin.

PC Jaeckels gave a talk to Wanlip residents at Wanlip Parish Meeting following a rise in burglary and vehicle crime in the village.

The council agreed to make arrangements for the installation of a memorial bench on Allington Drive, following a request from the Jasper family. The council will take on the maintenance of the site where the bench will be located, near the junction with Worcester Avenue.

It was reported that £18,714 of section 106 developer contributions have been received for the new Hallam Fields community hall. An agreement with Jelson has been reached that will allow the builders of the community hall to occupy an area of the car park next to the site while construction takes place.

Chair Ann Marshall reported that the first parish council surgery had been a success and that seven issues had been raised including access to the police office at 10 Sibson road, parking on Hannah Parade, the stainless steel planters on the Sibson Road car park and disabled access to Watermead Country Park.

Cllr Vipul Shah reported that residents on Hallam Fields were asking for access to Harrowgate Drive playing fields from the estate.

Chair Ann Marshall said that the deeds required that the site be fenced and have a single point of access that is locked at night.

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

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Gas explosion: issues raised at meeting MORE THAN a hundred people affected by the Allington Drive gas explosion attended a public meeting to share information and raise their concerns.

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

The meeting, held in the Village Hall, was organised and chaired by Paul Allen whose parents, now in their 80’s, lived on Allington Drive for 55 years. They were one of several households that were evacuated following the explosion.

Speaking at the meeting he said: “This has been a life changing event for many, none more so than the Jasper family.” Janet Jasper (79) lost her life due to the injuries she sustained following the explosion. A minute’s silence before the meeting began was held in her memory.

Mr Allen added: “We are not here tonight to point the finger of blame – the Health and Safety Executive is still investigating the cause of the explosion and we are a long way from finding out what happened.

“We are here to give everyone affected a bit of support, help and to answer any questions we can.”

The meeting included a panel consisting of Birstall’s MP Edward Argar; Parish Council chair Ann Marshall; David Roberts from Rich & Carr Solicitors, Sgt Leon Kirkpatrick and Chris Trail, Strategic Director from Charnwood Borough Council.

The explosion was caused by a spark igniting gas from a pipe leak under the floor.

Julian Howe lived opposite the blast with his family and now lives in temporary rented accommodation. Speaking at the meeting, he said: “I wasn’t aware of any issues about the safety of the gas supply to houses in the area before this incident”.

He added “I’ve now been made

aware of other incidents of gas leaks due to the deterioration of pipes. I’ve seen rusty pipes lifting up kitchen floor tiles. I’ve now had my gas supply diverted, but what about others? It worries me that no-one is advising us – is the gas supply safe? We need to prevent this happening again.”

One residents raised concerns about the force of the explosion damaging underground services such as water, sewage, electricity and gas – have they all been checked?

Another said children were able to access the damaged properties and that taps had been turned on flooding her garden and there was glass and debris everywhere. The houses need to be made secure she said.

Sgt Kirkpatrick said the road was on the police patrol plan and that there had been no reported crimes or incidents of ASB related to the explosion site. The police would work with the relevant parties to secure any properties he said. A CCTV camera has been erected in the street by Charnwood.

One resident said that the gas compa-

ny should be checking the supply to put people’s minds at rest, another said his had been checked a week after the explosion and the engineers had told him they were doing it for everyone.

A member of the public said her elderly mother lived in Keswick Close.

Her mother has no sense of small and she worries about gas leaks. Properties should be checked and have their gas supply diverted, she said.

Other issues raised were cracks in the road that need repairing, the street needs to be cleared of broken glass and

debris and construction vehicles are causing an obstruction.

Paul Allen concluded the meeting by saying he hoped the meeting had been useful and that another would be arranged as soon as more information was available.

A total of around 50 homes were damaged in the explosion on December 11. One property was demolished by the blast and two others were so badly damaged they had to be taken down. In some cases, damage to properties only became evident several weeks after the explosion.

Gas Company Cadent is responsible for the gas mains in the street and the gas service pipes, which go from the mains in the street up to the gas meters of each individual property. It said in February that these had been tested and found to be sound.

Pics: (top) Edward Argar MP addresses the meeting; (ctr) Julian Howe presenting flowers to Jo Murray and Leah Russell(left) for their fundraising efforts for the victims of the explosion; (bottom) the aftermath of the explosion

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Charity celebrates anniversary & raising £100,000 BIRSTALL BAGs, the local cancer charity, hosted a black-tie ball to kick off its 20th anniversary celebrations and mark £100,000 of fundraising.

The evening, which raised £1,490, saw Birstall Golf Club transformed for the glamorous occasion which included a raffle, casino and entertainment from Brandy Connection, the same band who performed at the charity’s first fundraising event twenty years ago.

Birstall BAGs organised the event to celebrate its 20th anniversary and as a thank you to the local people and companies who have supported the charity over the years.

The charity, which works in and around Birstall and Leicestershire, seeks to bring people together to raise funds to support cancer services used by the local community.

Over the last 20 years it has managed to raise £100,000 with the help and support of many local people and businesses. It organises fundraising events which involve the community such as golf days, duck races, sponsored walks, ladies’ nights, and shopping events.

The Leicester Royal Infirmary, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester General Hospital and LOROS Hospice have all received donations from Birstall BAGs. Birstall BAGs also works with other local charities such as Coping with Cancer in Leicestershire and Rutland, to provide support services for people living with a diagnosis of cancer.

Emma Shaw, a trustee of the charity, said: “The ball was a fantastic way for us to thank our biggest supporters and raise some money.

“Over the last 20 years we’ve had such amazing support from our community, both businesses and individuals.

“Of the £100,000 we’ve raised around £85,000 has been used for

things such as medical equipment at hospitals and hospices, running support groups and refurbishing rooms at hospitals.

“We’re really proud of what we, as a small charity, have achieved and we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support so we really are extremely grateful to anyone who has donated or taken part in our events.”

The charity is planning more events to mark its anniversary throughout the year and hope that many of its loyal supporters will be able to come along.

Details will be posted on www.birstallbags.co.uk and on Twitter @Birstallbags1 and Facebook @BAGSBirstall Pics: (left) Guests enjoying the casino and (top) speeches by the BAGs team l-r: Jo Preston, Emma Shaw, Helen Carnan, Liz Darlison & Rachael Boyall

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Birstall United: club celebrates in style

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

BIRSTALL UNITED FC officially opened their improved facilities at their Meadow Lane ground in May with a fundraising event.

The day centred on a veteran’s football match where the Birstall Legends took on a select 11 from around the county.

That game was followed by a juniors match in memory of Gail Evans-Hay, who was a valued friend and club member who passed away last year.

The event was a resounding success which pleased Chairman Gary Fox. He said: “Well over 200 people turned out for the day in glorious sunshine to help us celebrate our new facilities which we are immensely proud of, as well as remembering Gail who helped so much with various chores around the place ranging from kit washing to painting changing rooms. She is sorely missed.”

As well as celebrating ground improvements, the club also managed to raise lots of money for the Birstall BAGS by donating all gate receipts as well as organising a raffle and BBQ, which was managed by Ian Hay, Gail’s husband.

Gary said: “The BAGS girls haven’t confirmed how much we raised but it was a great effort by all concerned.

Special thanks go to the Football Foundation, the Edith Murphy Foundation and to Carl Gunns for funding the development, as well as to Phil Boyall and his band of helpers who undertook countless voluntary hours to get us over the line.”

Another unsung hero at the club is Secretary Sandra Plumb, who also manages the bar and puts in so much work.

“We are a small team” said Gary, “and days like Sunday make the whole thing worthwhile.”

As well as the funders, also in attendance were Chair of the Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall and her husband Councillor Ed Marshall who helped to officially open the facilities.

Gary said: “It was great to meet Ann and Ed, as it gave me the chance to thank the parish council for the help they gave during our development by giving us sole access to the ground as well as extending our lease to 24 years. I know they are often criticised, but Sue Coulson and her team were there when we needed them.”

Ann Marshall said: “Birstall Parish Council has been really pleased to work with BUFC in order for them to meet the requirements of their funders.

The Council was able to get the club’s lease re written so that it extends to 24 years and also re-sited the track to Worcester Avenue allotments so that the ground could be completely enclosed.

“It was a pleasure to attend their celebration and see the improvements to the ground in place. The Parish Council is always pleased to support sport in Birstall and this has been an excellent and worthwhile project.”

The Edith Murphy Foundation provided £28,500 to help fund the im-

Pics: (top, left) Club Chairman Gary Fox (left) with Christopher & Elizabeth Blakesley from the Edith Murphy Foundation; (above)Gary with Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall and Cllr Ed Marshall officially opening the new stand

provements and trustee Christopher Blakesley attended the event. He said: “Edith Murphy lived in Birstall for most of her life and was a great supporter of the area. I think the improvements at the club are wonderful for all of Birstall.”

The event was such a success that the general feeling was to make the match an annual event.

Pic: Diesel Toon thwarts the oncoming Craig Tansley with Phil Boyall looking on, during the Birstall United veterans charity match “I think it will take the players a year to recover” said Gary. “But it was so nice to see familiar faces reminiscing about the good old days as well as embracing a positive future.”

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Birstall late night shopping event

A LATE night shopping event in Birstall this month will see 17 shops staying open, some with special offers, and will feature vintage cars and stalls.

Charity event at school A BIRSTALL mum organised a fundraising event at Riverside school.

Michelle Chesterton was raising money for the Children’s Trust as she has a son with a rare brain condition and the charity has supported her.

The event featured a raffle, cake stall and a card stall and raised £980.

Michelle and her friend Ann also did a fundraising l0k run in London on Bank Holiday Monday, May 28.

still working on the CCTV project, aiming to get CCTV fitted along Sibson Road.

They currently have £6175 pledged by local business owners and from three Borough Councillors. They are planning to apply for more grant funding over the next few months and are looking at holding fundraising events later in the year.

If any local businesses want to get involved in Birstall Business Co-operative please contact shona@filigreeheart.co.uk or Charlotte at The White Horse Pub. Alternatively you can message or follow their facebook page, @ShopLocalBirstall

Club wins trophy BIRSTALL BOWLING Club has won their first trophy of the season by retaining the Greenwood Cup. Having qualified out of the area with a 44 shot victory against Evington, a 74-23 win over Burbage in the semi final set up a final against Leicester which Birstall won 57-33.

Final scores: John Andreae, Jan Everitt and Dave Smith won 22-14. Pa Walker, Steve Bacon and Andy Wye won 18-9. John Walker, John Hurst and Di Hurst won 17-10. Birstall won all nine

triples that were played in the three matches.

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 (details below) or contact Steve on 07870 327568 or Diane on 0116 2676245.

For the latest news about the club go to www.birstallbowlingclub.co.uk where you can register to receive the latest updates by email.

Pic: Birstall Past President John Jenkins (left) receives the Greenwood Cup from County men’s President Jeff Lewitt

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

Birstall Business Co-operative (BBC) has organised the event on June 7 along Sibson Road and the surrounding area.

17 shops and businesses have all agreed to open late from 5pm – 8pm to allow people who can’t always get into the village during the daytime, or at weekends, to visit the shops.

“It is also a great way for new residents of Birstall to see what there is on offer in the local village” said Shona Rattray, Chair of BBC. The shops that are involved in the event are Henry Smith & Hamylton, Filigree Heart, Birstall Jewellers, Prospecs Eyewear, Shortt & Lunn Hair, RT’s Café, New World Florist, NTL Computers, Wool Obsession, Silly Prices, Beautylicious, Woodside RSPCA, Birstall Pet Suppliers, Lotus Hair and Beauty, MDW Fireplaces, DMH Salon and Glenwood Interiors.

Shona said: “As well as the shops being open, RT’s Café will be having an Italian themed night, there will be a few stalls, and vintage cars on show. Some of the shops will have demonstrations and some special offers too.”

She added: “We are looking at different ways to get people involved in the local community and to support the local businesses. We are really pleased with the reaction we have had since launching our Shop Local campaign for Birstall.”

As well as the late night shopping event, Birstall Business Co-operative are

Teenage Prison for cocaine drug gang boy killed in Birstall collision

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

DETECTIVES INVESTIGATING a collision in Birstall which left a 16 year old boy dead are appealing for witnesses.

Dylan Campbell of Birstall was killed following a collision with a grey Audi A3 at 12.30am on Sunday April 29 on the A6 close to the junction with Johnson Road.

Dylan was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, but he died later that day.

The driver of the Audi was not arrested.

Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the collision or who saw either Dylan or the Audi before it happened.

They have also appealed for the occupants of a dark coloured car to come forward. The car officers wish to trace was travelling on the A6 towards Loughborough at the time the collision occurred and the occupants of the car may have vital information that will help the investigation. The car can be seen approaching the junction with Johnson Road in CCTV footage and again near to the junction with Greengate Lane.

Detective Constable Seamus Burns said: “Extensive enquiries have been carried out since the collision and the people in this dark coloured car we’ve identified might have key information about the incident.

“I would like to stress that the people in the car aren’t in any trouble, but may have witnessed something – however small and insignificant it may seem to then – that will give me that vital piece of information for my investigation.”

Call 101, asking to speak to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit and quoting incident 10 of April 29.

• A plaque in memory of Dylan Campbell will be erected in Gunns’ boxing gym, where he was a member.

Gym owner Carl Gunns said: “After speaking to Dylan’s father, we are going to put up a plaque for him in the gym, he was a good member and we had lots of laughs together. The family have said that instead of flowers at his funeral, donations should be made to the gym which shows how much he thought of us.

“We are also going to rename our annual fundraising run the Dylan Campbell Run, in his memory.”

A DRUG dealer who lived on Wellgate Avenue, Birstall has received a nine year prison sentence.

Nicky Hughes (39), along with five others, has been jailed for his part in supplying the class A drug cocaine across the East Midlands.

The operation to catch the gang was carried out by officers from Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire as well as the National Crime Agency.

Police say an organised crime group had been in existence since 2014. In November and December 2015, 18 addresses were searched across three counties and 25 arrests were made.

Richard Walker (39) of Bond Lane, Heage, Derbyshire was the ringleader and was sentenced to 12 years at Derby Crown Court on Friday April 20.

Hughes received his sentence at the same hearing, along with Darren Sweeney (40) of Little Barn Court, Mansfield who was sentenced to eight and a half years. Ashley Bramante (33) of Parkhouse Road, Lower Pilsley, was sentenced to 12 years, Lewis Mosley (30) of Enfield Road, Newbold received six years and eight months in jail and

Pic: Clockwise from top left, Darren Sweeney, Richard Walker, Nicky Hughes, Lewis Mosley, Glen Jarvis and Ashley Bramante.

Glen Jarvis (32) of Lincoln Way, North Wingfield was sentenced to six years.

Detective Inspector John Roddis of Derbyshire Police said: “The sentences that were issued at court on Friday reflect the scale of the conspiracy.

“This cross border operation has successfully dismantled an established or-

ganised crime group that was supplying large amounts of class A drugs for large financial gain.

“As a police force we are determined to continue our fight against organised crime groups who supply drugs and have a subsequent corrosive impact on our communities.”

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The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Democratic process In response to J Howe’s letter in the May issue of the Birstall Post, it seemed necessary to clarify to all residents the two equally democratic processes for becoming a Parish Councillor, which is set in legislation.

Birstall Parish Council has 20 Councillors when all available places are full. It is not a political Council and therefore not affiliated to any political party. The Councillors prefer that party politics do not become involved with Parish business. Parish Councillors are unpaid and try to work purely for the good of the

community.

There are two ways to join a Parish Council, either by election or co-option, both separate, but equally democratic process.

1) Elections: Parish elections take place every four years and the next election will be in May 2019. At that point all current Councillors stand down. They can renominate themselves for a further fouryear period in office by obtaining the support of two residents. Any other resident interested in becoming a Parish Councillor, is at liberty to stand for election onto the Parish Council at the same time.

An election is only necessary if a ward place is contested, if there is no contest those nominated are elected unopposed. If there are not enough residents to fill the 20 council seats following an election, or there are vacancies occurring between election years, the Parish Council has the power to co-opt to fill the vacancies.

2) Co-option: Co-option is a power granted to Parish Council’s, and the process is, that a resident can apply to be co-opted by completing the required form available from the Council offices or download it from the Council’s website. They need to complete this and evidence that they meet the qualifying criteria.

When a candidate is being considered for co-option at a Council meeting, they must receive an absolute majority vote of all of the Councillors present at the meeting. If they do not obtain an abso-

lute majority vote the vacancy remains unfilled and the Parish Council can continue to advertise the vacancy to fill the position.

This is exactly what happened on the two occasions mentioned in the letter.

It should be known that Parish Councillors are not duty bound to accept all applications for co-option.

Two vacancies for the Goscote Ward were advertised as per procedure, no election was called, therefore, the Council were able to proceed to fill the vacancy by the co-option process.

When a third vacancy arose in the Riverside Ward, 10 electors residing in that ward wished to exercise their democratic right to call for an election to fill the vacancy and because the nominee was unopposed they were duly ‘elected without contest’ onto the Parish Council.

The Clerk would like to quash all rumours that the refusal of the Parish Councillors to co-opt and the call for an election did not cost the residents of Birstall a single penny, Charnwood Borough Council did not impose any charges.

The moral of this story is that different groups of people were able to express their preferences by exercising their democratic rights and that should not be seen to be a negative thing.

There are currently vacancies on the Parish Council and it is hoped that residents who are interested in serving their community will apply.

Sue Coulson Clerk to the Parish Council

Thanks Thank you so much to everyone who stopped to help when I tripped over a speed hump on Meadow Lane and landed on my face. I am especially grateful to Jason and Joseph from Syston , who stopped, rang for an ambulance, and stayed with me and my nephew until the ambulance came. Also the couple from Lambourne Road who were on their way to their allotment. I made a mess of my face, and injured my back , but no bones were broken, and I am on the mend.

Stephanie Houlden

Duck race I would like to commend the White Horse for their annual duck race, which not only raises funds for worthy causes, but brings the community together annually, for a truly Birstall experience.

However, as a resident of Front Street, I feel that we, as a community, may be missing a trick.

For the last two years, the streets of Front Street and Whiles Lane have been burgeoned with vehicles, on both sides of the street, on duck race day, forced to park on the pavements, such that people in wheel chairs, or with pushchairs, are forced into the road.

All this, while the car park of the Catholic Church of St Theresa lies empty with a ‘private property’ sign across its gate.

Can I suggest, that the Church is approached, to request whether car

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

YOUR SAY...

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

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Continued from page 8 parking space could be made available for this important event? Even if it was at a cost of £1 to park? That would help towards this worthy cause.

Just a thought.

Donna Mills

Garden find I think at least some readers will be interested to learn the history of some rock-like objects which I found whilst digging in my garden (at the top part of Greengate Lane).

The first one I came across, whilst it was almost a cylinder in shape, I thought was just a random piece of rock and I took it to a tip with some rubbish.

Then I gradually came across a few more similar objects: similar in size, in shape and in colour and I thought they must have a connection and have a geological or perhaps a biological significance.

Eventually I decided to take two of them plus the shell of an ammonite (plenty of those found in my garden) to New Walk Museum to ask its assessment of them. I soon received a report from the Assistant Keeper of the museum at that time, Mr Peter R Crowther which stated: “The two cylindrical rocks are not fossils but are the products of the activities of once living animals. Such remains are called ‘trace fossils’ and are commonly tracks (like dinosaur footprints), trails (like worm trails on the beach) and burrows. Your trace fossils are thought to have been made by a type

of sea anemone. It has been given the scientific name Kulindrichnus Langi and is found in rocks called the Blue Lias.

These are best known from the cliffs at Lyme Regis in Dorset but they also make up the bedrock of a band of country running from the south coast through the Midlands to Yorkshire passing through Leicestershire on the way. You can see that the burrows have been filled with broken shell fragments. The Blue Lias rocks formed originally as a lime mud on the floor of a warm sea which covered much of England during Lower Jurassic times (some 180-195 million years ago.

“Yours are good specimens and we would be pleased to see them in our reference collections here at New Walk Museum if you wish to dispose of them.

The third small fossil is part of the coiled shell of a fossil ammonite, which has the scientific name Arnioceras, an ammonite found in rocks of the same age as Kulindrichnus. Ammonites are now extinct. During life their spirally coiled shell was hollow and filled with gas, enabling them to float above the sea-bed.”

I did donate these two specimens to the museum.

The average measurements of the small number of burrows I found are: length 3¼”, diameter at one end 2½” and 1¾ at the other end and weighing 1lb, 6oz. The surfaces are rough, mainly of a light sand colour mottled with small patches of grey (presumably lime mud) and embedded with very small fragments of shell.

A sea anemone is stated to be any of

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Gala Saturday June 30

– 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 School Lane playing field Bands on stage from 12noon Fairground rides, charity stalls, trade stalls, free attractions Hot food available (BBQs not allowed) Proms in Park Concert at 7.30pm with firework finale Admission £1, children free Organised by Birstall Parish Council

Birstall Running Club Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.15 for 6.30 run Birstall School Lane playing fields numerous flower-like Coelenterates; a coelenterate is any invertebrate animal characterised by a radially symmetrical body with saclike internal cavity and including the jelly fishes, hydras and corals.

J Woods

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

Cheeky Cherubs Parent & Toddler Group 0-4 yr olds Birstall Methodist Church rooms 9.30-11.30am Open every Monday term time Separate baby section No weekly commitment £2 for l adult and 1 child, 50p additional children £1 additional adults This includes snack for the children & unlimited juice, also unlimited tea & coffee for the adults

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

10

Craft table For further information please contact us on 0793 455 1563 Hope to see you there Mountsorrel Methodist Church Centre presents Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals on Sunday June 17 at 8pm

by Thomas Keogh, Holy Cross Priory, Leicester Admission is free Donations for Church Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Summer Festival Eastfield School, Thurmaston A celebration of 50 golden years Saturday July 7 Stalls galore and entertainment by both former and current pupils Tours of the school, which has changed dramatically since opening in 1968 will be available, also tours of the Eastfield Farm.

Parish Councillor Surgeries The first parish council surgery was held on Sat May 5 in the old Council Office building on the Sibson Road car park. Councillors were very pleased with the response that this received and were very glad to be able to help in a number of the concerns raised by residents The Parish council agreed to trial the surgeries for six months and for them to be held on the first Sat of every month from 10am12noon, the dates for the remaining five are: June 2, July 7, Aug 4, Sep 1, Oct 6 The councillors look forward to meeting you there Saturday 23rd June

Birstall Scouts & Guides Gala 2pm - 4pm at Birstall Methodist Church.

Public welcome. Lots of fun stalls and refreshments

Open Church

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

At St Leonard's Swithland You are welcome to come and visit this beautiful church during the summer months.

We are open from 2 to 4pm serving tea and cakes on Sat 9th June Woodhouse Eaves & Quorn SfF Choirs with guest Performers; New Leicester Youth Chorus, Hall Orchard Choir & Hall Orchard Recorder Ensemble present a

Summer Gala Concert Wednesday 20th June, 7.30pm Holy Trinity, Barrow-upon-Soar: Church Street Barrow upon Soar

Loughborough LE12 8HP Entry fee: £5.00 Retiring collection, supporting Hale & Kindu Charities – working in Ethiopia.

Refreshments served!

Rothley & Thurmaston SfF Choir with guest Soloist, Olivia Thornber present a

Summer Gala Concert Monday 25th June, 7.30pm Rothley Parish Church Church St, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7PD Entry Fee: £5.00 Retiring collection, supporting Rainbows Hospice

Birstall Royal British Legion Club 2nd Simon 9th Lucy Sian 16th Gary Marshall 23rd Paula Burrows 30th Jimmy Needes Dancing every Saturday night with live entertainment 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 10th and 24th June Acoustic night Sunday 17th June Food available Saturday 12 till 2pm Wakes catered for Free WIFI New members very welcome

Big Birstall Yard Sale Saturday 7th July 10-4 Supporting https://mydonate.bt.com/charitie s/birstallbags Birstall Breast Cancer Awareness Group A village full of Yard Sales!

Maps of stalls available from the Co-op & Lambourne Café To take part & be on the map text Fiona on 0754 7293545 by Friday 22nd June. Further details can be found on our Facebook Page "Big Birstall Yard Sale"

Birstall Flower Club 27th June 2018, @ 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Emma Remmington - “A Life of Flowers” Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary : 07704398017 After school club

“Happy Hour” in the Birstall Methodist Church Coffee Shop every Tuesday in term time between 3 and 4.

Games and colouring sheets available and juice. Tea and coffee available for parents and carers

Birstall Methodist Monday Women’s Group Programme For June 4 June Fun night – Games etc 11 June Gorse Hill City Farm – Speaker Dave Hurst 16 June Saturday Coffee Morning And Stalls – to raise money for our Project – Bamboozle Theatre 18 June Beetle Drive with Pauline and Sue 25 June Final Fling – Evening Buffet at Birstall Golf Club 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) Leicester Civic Society

Guided Walks Saturday 16th June 2018 Radical Leicester A New Guided Walk by Cynthia Brown From the Clock Tower at 10.30 am From the 18thC Leicester acquired a reputation as 'radical'. There was considerable protest about social and political conditions and attempts to reform them. At the root of this discontent was a conflict between the unelected Anglican/Tory Borough and the Non-Conformist/Liberals who were creating Leicester's new wealth but were excluded from its government. Join local historian Cynthia Brown as she identifies some of the places associated with this radical history in an intriguing new walk around the city centre. £4.50 Two hours City Streets — Level Advance Booking Only As Places Are Limited: Visit Leicester. Gallowtree Gate (Cash or Card) or direct to Stuart Bailey. 48 Meadow Avenue, Loughborough, LE11 1JT. 01509-266818. Cheques payable to LEICESTER CIVIC SOCIETY

the A563 We shall be acknowledging the restoration of the Alderman Richard Hallam stone by placing a floral tribute at the memorial at 11am followed by a guided walk

by Sandra Moore.

Burial Records/ refreshments available.

All are welcome Enjoy a

Summer Of Music in Queen's Park The bandstand in Queen’s Park, Loughborough will play centre stage to performances by local talent this summer.

Free afternoon concerts by a number of bands and choirs will be staged on the bandstand from May 27 until July 22.

The concerts all start at 2pm: Sun, June 3 – Loughborough Salvation Army Music Sections Sun, June 10 – Charnwood Concert Band Sun, June 17- Melbourne Town Band Sun, July 1 – The Newhall Ensemble Sun, July 8 – Loughborough Concert Band Sun, July 15 – The New Orleans Hotshots Jazz Band Sun, July 22 – Hathern Youth and Concert Brass

Birstall Tea Dances St James Village Hall Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DH Fridays 8th & 22nd June 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 Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council "Darkest Hour" June 8 (125 mins)

Birstall Methodist Monday Women’s Group

Coffee Morning

for Bamboozle Theatre Co. (our Charity for 2018) Saturday 16 June from 10am – 12 noon at Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop Cakes, Plants, Tombola, Books and Jigsaws and Good As New Stall Please come along and support us...

Belgrave Cemetery

Open Day Sunday 10th June 10am-2pm Situated near Red Hill Island on

Starring Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas, June’s biographical drama is set during the early part of World War II. Winston Churchill

11

must decide whether to negotiate peace with Hitler or fight against him. He displays an extravagant sense of humour but how much is his wife responsible for whom he became? This film has won Golden Globes, six Academy Award nominations, Oscar nominations and actually won the Bafta Award for Leading Actor.

"Finding your Feet" September 14 This warm comedy, starring Imelda Staunton, will be an ideal film in Thurcaston, after the summer break.

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

Honk!

A musical comedy.

Soar Valley Music Centre, a music charity based in Belgrave, are pleased to announce that tickets have now gone on sale for their annual musical theatre production.

This year’s show is ‘Honk! A musical comedy’ which is based on the well-known story of the Ugly Duckling. Produced and performed by staff and students and with a live orchestra, the heart-warming, ‘quacking’ show will be fun for all the family and you are sure to go home singing along to its catchy tunes.

Performances are at the Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall on

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Saturday 14th July at 7pm and Sunday 15th July at 1.30pm.

Advance tickets are available from SVMC on 0116 266 4153 and cost £11 for adults, accompanied children under 12s are £8.50 Soar Valley Music Centre

Summer Music Weeks If you are looking for ways to keep your children entertained over the long summer break, SVMC’s summer music weeks may be the solution.

There are 3 different courses available this year: Monday 23rd July - Friday 27th July: ‘Music is Fun’ Week. For children aged 6-12. Come along and find out more about traditional orchestral instruments, compose your own music, learn to play an instrument and arrange a concert for your family and friends.

Monday 30th July - Friday 3rd August – Techno, Rock & Pop Week.

Aimed at 9-14 year olds, this week will teach children about the music industry. They can learn to play a band instrument, produce and record, and put on a gig for family and friends.

Monday 6th August – Friday 10th August – Musical Theatre Week.

Aimed at 8 – 16 year olds, this week will focus on singing, acting, dancing and general stage craft.

The week will culminate with an informal performance for family and friends.

All the courses run from 10am – 3pm daily (although children can be dropped off from 9am) and take place at Soar Valley Music Centre’s base in Belgrave. Children will need to bring drinks, snacks and a packed lunch. Each week costs £75 per child per week (£60 per child per week where 3 or more siblings enrol.)

Places are limited so if you are interested, please call 0116 266 4153 or e-mail office@musicentre.co.uk for more information and a booking form

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Thursday 14th June in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics commencing at 7.30pm.

The speaker will be Kath Reynolds and she will be talking on the subject of "Gymslips And Chalkboards". This will be an interactive reminiscence session recalling the highlights of the "best days of our lives" - uniforms, books, poems, time tables, inkwell and playtime.

Please come along and join us for this talk visitors are always very welcome.

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

Learn about

Oral History & Sound Heritage at the University Library Practical sessions on how to collect memories of your local community, or preserve sound recordings for future generations Have you ever wanted to collect memories of your local community, or preserve sound recordings for future generations?

You can learn how to at a public conference on Monday 9 July, hosted by the University of Leicester Library.

Practical sessions will show you to how run an oral history project and organise the material you collect. Speakers from the British Library will introduce a new initiative to preserve rare sound recordings in the Midlands. The Leonard Cheshire Archive will talk about their work preserving the history of those who have lived and worked in Leonard Cheshire charity.

The Library is hosting the event on behalf of CILIP Local Studies Group, an organisation that promotes local studies libraries.

The conference is for anyone involved in oral history and sound collections, or who would like to work in this area in the future.

The programme is designed to help attendees keep up to date with best practice, find out about new initiatives, and meet other people in this field.

Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.

For further information, please email William Farrell: wjbf1@le.ac.uk or telephone 0116 252 2018 Saturday June 16th St Aidans Church, New Parks LE3 6RJ

Concerts by international choir - Choros Amici - the choir of friends Sainsbury's Choir of the Year 2000. Programme will include music to commemorate the end of WW1. This is the opening concert of the St Aidans Music Festival.

Tickets on the door for a 7.30pm start. also Saturday July 7th Stoneygate Baptist Church, London Road, LE2 3ND CANTAMICI featuring Baroque music by Vivaldi, Charpentier, Monteverdi, Bach and Handel. Organ solos by Simon Lumby. Tickets on the door for a 7.30pm start

Family Carers’ Workshop Thursday 28th June 2.00–4.00pm Come along to our FREE Information Workshop at Cedar Mews Care

Home, Birstall and get the chance to speak with providers of help and support, designed to ease the burden of those caring for a family member, whatever their condition.

Refreshments will be available.

In association with Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland.

Alternatively, contact us at: Cedar Mews Care Home Hallam Fields Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3LX E: cedar.haa@cinnamoncc.com | T: 0116 267 4835 www.cinnamoncc.com To book, contact Jeanette Silver – Age UK Charnwood Office on 01509 260327

Cedar Care Circle Because of the Bank Holiday our next meeting will be on 4th June.

Come and see what we're about and whether you think you know someone who would benefit from our informal meetings. We just enjoy relaxing and chatting with other carers of Alzheimer and Dementia sufferers. Chat over a cuppa at the Lambourne Cafe, Lambourne Road, Birstall. 2 pm or earlier if you would like to have lunch. Contact Barbara on 07905760556 for further information Midsummer

Musical Evening At St Leonard's Church Swithland Saturday 23rd June at 7.30pm Featuring Edward Capewell - Organ, Nicola Fairbairn - Oboe, Clive Fairbairn - Keyboard Adults £10 Children £5 including interval refreshments.

Tickets available from 01509 890551 or 01509 890600 Proceeds in aid of St Leonard's Church Bell Restoration Fund

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 12th June, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, to watch famous professional artist Peter Clayton giving a demonstration entitled “Calmness and Drama” using acrylic paints. Come along and be amazed and inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby! Newcomers and visitors most welcome. Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration to end at 9.00 p.m. Members £1; Guests £3.

Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access

The July issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on June 29.

The copy deadline is June 15.

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

12

NHW news

& crime report HAVE YOU booked your holiday- keep your home safe whilst away!

Signs of an Empty House Grass not cut and plants not watered, mail hanging out of the letter box, car not on drive, milk bottles lining up, A sign asking for delivery to be left somewhere else. These are all clear signs of an empty house. So consider giving a trusted neighbour a spare key so that they can pick up post. Alternatively, Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service can hold your mail for up to two months, but can take five days to set up .Cancel your milk deliveries and any other deliveries.

Turn everything off at the socket Turn off every single appliance except for your fridge/freezer. This can reduce the risk of fire. Check your central heating and turn off any automatic time-sets.

Your still home- whilst away Buy a TV stimulator and timing switches for your lights which can be set to turn on and off at specific times, giving the impression you’re home. Find someone to park their car outside your house while you’re away.

Locks and keys Its obvious, but check all doors and windows are closed and locked properly.

Check the garage and shed too. Lock away any tools accessible in the garage.

Avoid having a ladder in garage or garden, if you have to leave it out then make sure it's securely shackled to a

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

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permanent fixture. Ensure the keys are completely out of sight and reach of any windows or your letterbox. Remove any spare keys from your hiding place.

Don’t broadcast your absence Many of us like to post pictures, update, tag or check in on social media.

This could be a big mistake. In the excitement it’s easy to publicise that your home is empty. Also, don’t disclose expensive jewellery or valuables on your photos. Don’t show photos of the rooms in your house as this can detail your floor plan. Ensure items are removed from background prior to taking pictures or edit before posting.

Wait till your back from your holiday to post any holiday picture.

If your a NHW member please contact us or attend the Saturday Advice shop –where you are able to purchase most products to secure your home.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW Crime update There has been a total of 59 crimes reported in April, which is slightly up on the figure for March, when we had 55.

Unfortunately, thefts from vehicles appears to have been the main problem again with a total of 18 reports, eight of which occurred between the 27th and the 30th at a number of different locations across the beat. In the vast majority of cases there was yet again no damage & no sign of a forced entry, suggesting that the vehicles had either been left insecure or some kind of device had been used to gain entry? Please make sure you are locking your vehicle & removing all valuables so that even if they are able to get into them, there is nothing inside worth stealing.

We have had 3 house burglaries this month and 5 ‘non-dwelling’ burglaries reported, which have mainly been sheds & outbuildings, with pedal cycles and gardening equipment being taken. If you own a bicycle, please consider making a

Robbers burn car ROBBERS LEFT a burnt out getaway car on Meadow Lane after fleeing from Rothley Post Office where they had stolen cash after threatening staff.

The robbery happened at 8.30am on Monday April 30 when two men entered the post office and convenience store on Woodgate, Rothley.

They threatened the member of staff who was not injured and left with a quantity of cash in the car that was later found at the bottom of Meadow Lane, in the country park car park.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 101 and quote incident 582 of April 30.

note of the frame number so that if it is recovered we will be able to return it to you, as this is the only way that we can be 100% sure that the bike belongs to you. Similarly, consider marking lawnmowers & expensive gardening tools with your postcode & house number so that they can be more easily identified.

Aside from this there have been no other major crime trends. We’ve had a total of 5 reports of criminal damage, 3 public order offences and a total of 12 theft reports, three of which have been thefts of fuel from the petrol station.

For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice As stated above, we have had a few incidents this month where garden sheds & outbuildings have been targeted in order to steal pedal cycles & garden tools etc. By taking these simple steps you can hopefully avoid your shed being broken into: 1) Fit an alarm and a good quality padlock to your shed & make sure you lock it!

2) Fit anti-theft screws to the door hinges so that these cannot be unscrewed, which in turn allows the whole door to be removed!

3) Fit secure mesh grilles behind the windows so that entry can’t be gained through these.

4) Make it difficult for thieves to get into your garden in the first place by locking your back gate.

Neighbourhood update This month the beat team has delivered burglary alert leaflets around the whole of Wanlip village following a spate of incidents, including an attempted burglary and a few incidents where sheds & outbuildings have been targeted.

In conjunction with the Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch, we also arranged for our cyber-crime expert to give a presentation at their Annual General Meeting. This was very well attended with over 30 local residents present, all of which gave positive feedback as to how useful and informative the talk was.

Meet your local police team Sibson Road Beat Office. Saturday 16th June (10am – 12pm).

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

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

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Acorn Under Fives ACORN UNDER Fives has moved to the Youth Centre at The Cedars, Wanlip Lane in Birstall.

It is a community preschool and provides for all children in Birstall.

Opening times are from 8.15am until 3.45pm and children can attend for morning, afternoon sessions or a full day. Government funding can be used as payment,

including the 30 hours for those parents who are eligible.

Based in the Youth Centre, the new setting offers a large indoor space for the children to play and explore with opportunities for them to access the outdoors.

“The established team of staff remains the same and continues to build good relationships with parents and provide stimulating care for the children, making learning fun” said spokesperson Jackie Bateman.

Acorn is now offering places for the autumn term. If you are interested in applying for a place for your child, please call 0784 200 6199.

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Ellis is highest scorer Girlguiding volunteers Muddy GIRLGUIDING BIRSTALL recruited two new Brownie Leaders following a request for volunteers in the Birstall Post.

“The two new leaders are enjoying spending time with the girls and will be able to continue running Brownie meetings when the current leaders retire this summer.

“We are still in need of two more women to become assistant leaders at our Rainbow groups. Rainbows are girls

Ellis was one of the riders from Wenlo Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) competing at the North Midlands RDA Regional Dressage Qualifiers.

Ellis and two other Wenlo riders qualified to represent the North Midlands Region at the RDA National Championships in July.

Competing in the Junior class, Ellis secured first place in two classes and also received the ‘One in a Million’ trophy for the highest score in the juniors section.

Pic: Dressage judge Jane Atack of Transitions Dressage Coaching presents Wenlo’s Ellis Holdaway with the ‘One in a Million’ trophy for the highest score in the Juniors section (Image: North Midlands RDA)

age 5-7 years and are lots of fun to be with. You can find out more about Rainbows and what an assistant leader does on the girlguiding website.”

To register your interest in volunteering visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved, then a local member of Girlguiding Birstall will contact you with a view to arranging an informal meting.

Library: new hours

puddle cash

LILIANA KOMRSKA-CLARK (3) of Orchard Road joined thousands of people around the UK by getting muddy to raise money to help save children’s lives.

BIRSTALL LIBRARY is one of 14 in the county that are being converted into ‘Smart Libraries’.

Self access technology will see extended opening hours, so that people who are members of the library service will be able to enter the library and use the facilities when there are no staff on site, using their access card to enter the building.

Community groups that would like to use the library as a meeting space will be able to do so outside staffed hours.

The move is expected to see a reduction in staffed hours at the library, and a reduction in staff numbers.

Richard Blunt, cabinet member for libraries, said: “To begin with, the proposed self-access technology will be operational outside of existing staffed

hours, but due to the demands on the council’s budgets we will be looking at reducing staffed hours in libraries. Once this happens, the availability of self-access technology will increase. However, details on this won’t be clear until we’ve engaged with the public and determined the opening arrangements for each library.”

Once the self access technology is working it will be available outside the current staffed hours as follows: • Monday 8-10am and 5-7pm • Tuesday 8-10am and 5-7pm • Wednesday (current closed day) 8am-7pm • Thursday 8-10am and 5-7pm • Friday (current closed morning) 8am1pm • Saturday 8am-10am The library will remain closed on Sundays, although there is an option to extend smart library hours to Sundays at a later date.

Residents interested in registering for the service should contact the library – inductions will be taking place from June onwards.

Liliana led her family and friends through Bradgate park on April 29 in search of muddy puddles for her sponsored walk. Liliana gave out her sticker afterwards and received a certificate to congratulate her on raising £57 for Save the Children.

Mum and dad are very proud of her and enjoyed teaching her about doing things for people who are less fortunate.

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

HORSE RIDER Ellis Holdaway from Birstall was a top scorer in a dressage event at Wymeswold in April.

Student detectives reach finals

15

FOUR STUDENTS from the Cedars Academy impressed judges with their analysis of a crime scene.

The Science Detective challenge was organised by 3M in Loughborough. Leah, Vishy, Amy and Denusha are Year 10 STEM stars at Cedars and had to use forensic observation, analytical chemistry, social media analysis and suspect profiling to unravel the clues to solve a crime scene scenario.

After presenting their findings to a team of expert judges, the group progressed to the final of the challenge.

STEM Stars is a programme at the Pic: Cedars’ STEM Stars: Leah, Vishy, Denusha & Amy

Cedars Academy that promotes science, technology, engineering and maths and takes students on visits to large organisations that use STEM to show them potential career options.

Year 5 pupils from Riverside and Highcliffe primary schools also took part in STEM challenges set by 3M which involved them making slow motion marble runs.

Paul Shepherd, Assistant Principal at

the Cedars Academy, said: “Well done to Highcliffe whose run lasted for 7 seconds and Riverside who managed 4 seconds.

They also then had to present their learning about STEM subjects to the judges.

Unfortunately they were not able to reach the finals, but a big well done to Ditaan, Dylan, Ethan and Amir from Highcliffe and Shivam, Jacon, Zanib and Ruby from Riverside.”

Artists recreate paintings from 1928 LOCAL ARTISTS are recreating paintings that were first exhibited in the village in 1928.

The list of 72 paintings is printed in a programme from an exhibition in June 1928 at the Village Hall, part of the ‘Old English Fair’.

Bill Benbow from Birstall & District Art Society says the paintings have “very interesting and imaginative titles” and asks: “does anyone in Birstall know

what became of the original pictures and does anyone have a piece of original work?”

Now the society has set its members the challenge of painting their own version of the titles – these will be exhibited on the society’s website www.badas.co.uk.

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Some of the more unusual titles from the 1928 exhibition are: “A Regular old Screw”, “Family Jars” and “The Staff of Life at the Point of Death” while some are more conventional such as “Birstall from the Soar” and “A Lovely View of Blackpool”.

The 72 titles will be placed into a hat and members will draw one out at random. The Society will then exhibit the paintings at the Village Hall on Saturday June 23, exactly 90 years after the original exhibition. This exhibition will only be open to members and invited guests, but the paintings can be viewed on the society’s website.

The 1928 programme was passed to the society by local historian John Kilby.

Bill said: “With such interesting titles to the pieces originally shown, it will be a real challenge.”

Baby group birthday ACORN BABIES celebrated its first birthday on Tuesday April 23 with balloons, banners, cakes and lots of babies!

The Mum and Baby group started a year ago and has seen nearly 100 new mums, as well as some dads and grandparents, come through the doors in that time.

Acorn Babies was started by Charlotte Foy and Beccy Kay, who met at a post natal group with their now 7 year olds.

“The intention is to provide a welcoming and nurturing space where new mums can meet others, make new friends and share their stories” said Charlotte.

“Cedar Mews Care home kindly offers the use of their beautiful lounge room with warm and comfy furnishings and several of the residents like to pop in and see the babies” she added.

Beccy Kay said: “We aim to provide a comfortable space and a friendly face to all who come along, we have lots of playmats, babies toys and nursery rhymes and a good pot of tea too!”

During the first year there have been visits from the Library Outreach Service,

Pic: Chalotte Foy (left) & Beccy Kay

Splashbabies - baby swimming lessons, Rose Tinted Photography for some Halloween themed and Mother’s day photos and even a beach-themed day with sand and a paddling pool.

Acorn Babies meets on Tuesday afternoon 1-2.30pm at Cedar Mews Care Home, Hallam Fields Road, Birstall, LE4 3LX. The sessions are aimed at babies up to the age of 1 and cost £2 a session which includes drinks and biscuits.

“For further information visit the Facebook Page - Acorn Babies Birstall or just come along and say hello!” said Charlotte.

Children out and about

Wet walkers ramble WALKERS FROM Birstall took part in a sponsored five mile ramble around the Hambleton peninsula at Rutland water.

Around 40 walkers were raising money for the Leprosy Mission, a charity that

CHILDREN FROM Half Pints Childcare on Loughborough Road have been out and about to improve their learning.

“It is a proven fact that children absorb more information when it is exciting, practical and first hand” said a spokesperson from Half Pints.

“Being out and about they learned about road safety, fire safety, care of their pets, the wonderful job the Birstall charity shops do, bakers and even how the farmers milk a cow. Half Pints would like to say a very big thank you to the exceptional support received from the Birstall Fire Station, Birstall Medivets, Margaret our fantastic Lollipop Lady, Birstall bakers and Gorse Hill City Farm for inspiring our children, who will definitely shop locally … when they are a little older!”

Pic: Sylvia Taylor, Stephanie Houlden, Peter Molesdale and Eileen Molesdale

Councillor retires BIRSTALL PARISH Councillor Mary Allen has retired aged 82.

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Mary, who has lived in the village for more than 50 years, joined the council in 2009.

“I’ve just loved doing what I could to help the village and be a part of the parish” she said. “I do like Birstall. I was bought up in Belgrave and as a family we would walk along the towpath to Birstall and The White Horse.”

Mary was a co-founder and organiser of the Birstall Gala in 2000, and was coopted as a member of the public onto the Parish council’s gala committee. She got involved in producing the gala programme, booking bands and has been volunteering at the gala every year since then.

At the meeting of Birstall Parish Council on May 14 Mary was presented with a bouquet of flowers. She said: “I had a lovely evening and I’d like to thank everyone, they were so good to me.

Pic: Birstall Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall (left) presents a bouquet to Mary Allen

“I’m having problems with walking now and I feel that I’ve done my stint.”

Chair of Birstall Parish Council, Ann Marshall said: “Mary has given many years to service to Birstall Parish Council. She also worked hard every year from the Millennium to ensure that Birstall Gala was staged.

“It was a pleasure to present her with flowers and a card from the council and to share a glass of wine with her in recognition and thanks for her contribution.”

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Eileen Molesdale said: “Our enthusiasm was not dampened in any way while we walked in the rain and ate soggy sandwiches on a wet bench! We had the added bonus of seeing the amazing display of bluebells on our walk. Thanks to the generosity of friends at Birstall Methodist Church, St Hilda’s Friendship Club and various donations which we have received, we have sent a cheque for £229.46 to the Leprosy Mission. Why not join us next year? – it may have stopped raining by then”.

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

16

Student builds global brand Air pollution

A 25 year old former Longslade student has grown a t-shirt making business he ran from his bedroom into a global fashion brand with a turnover of £24million.

AIR POLLUTION in Leicester is at its lowest recorded levels in ten years, according to the latest figures released by the city council.

Liam Green is the co-founder and creative director of Hype Clothing which has 1350 stockists in 17 countries and also sells online.

Liam was a student at Longslade studying photography, graphics, fine art, business and design, leaving in 2010 to start a Graphic Design degree at De Montfort University in Leicester.

While there he won a t-shirt design competition and through mutual friends involved in clothing design, began designing clothes and Hype was born.

The company grew so quickly he quit university after one year to run the business full time.

Pic: Liam Green (right) with Co-director Bav Samani

The latest recorded levels – collected from monitoring stations at five key locations across the city in 2017 – show that Leicester is meeting all current national air quality guidelines except for nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

European and national guidelines set a limit of 40micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) for nitrogen dioxide levels in the air.

Like other UK cities, Leicester still exceeds this target in some areas.

However, average levels of NO2 across the city are at a ten-year low and show a reduction of almost 33 per cent since 2010, when the highest levels, of up to 80µg/m3, were recorded.

Leicester’s Air Quality Action Plan, launched in 2015, is leading the delivery of improvements by introducing a citywide low emission zone for buses backed by £25milllion investment from local bus companies in new and retrofitted fleets, and later implementing an ultra-low emission zone that would cover all vehicles larger than a motorcycle.

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A WARM spring evening saw 40 ladies attend our meeting on May 14 at Birstall British Legion where Ian Retson talked passionately to us about the work of the Woodland Trust.

Hype is based in Wigston and has recently launched a shoe range which is available in all 135 Schuh stores.

The brand has a following of famous fans including Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Cara Delevingne, Tom Hardy and Ellie Goulding.

Now run by co-directors Liam, Bav Samani and Vin Patel, Hype clothing can be bought in hundreds of stores including Topman, John Lewis and Selfridges.

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They care for over 1300 woods and we heard about their ambitious plans to plant 64 million trees by 2025. This is approximately one tree for every person in the United Kingdom. They also work to protect our woodlands including the 24 woods currently threatened by the HS2 Phase 2.

Our annual fund raising coffee morning was held on May 19 in direct competition to the Royal Wedding! We continue to celebrate our centenary year with a 100th Birthday Garden Party on 9th June. It will be a really special occasion and the gazebos are ready should the weather prove to be unkind.

During this memorable year we have been keeping a diary of our every day lives. It is passed to a different member each week and will be kept in our archives in the hopes that it will be of interest to the ladies of Birstall and Wanlip WI celebrating their 200th Birthday in 2118!

Our next meeting at the British Legion is on July 2 when we welcome Gareth Batchelor from the RAF and our competition is to make and fly a paper plane.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

17

Free natural history event A FAMILY friendly event at Bradgate Park this month will feature activities for children and adults about natural history.

The event is free and takes place on the meadows by the Deer Barn Tearooms and Visitor Centre the weekend of Saturday June 16 and Sunday June 17.

Club’s new flowers EVERYBODY LOVES flowers and St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club has recently been brightened up by the donation of two planters full of flowers from the charity, Men in Sheds.

Between 10am-4pm there will be activities, information and displays about wildlife, nature, the environment and the great outdoors. Natural history and conservation groups from across the county will be joining the day, with stalls raising

Shop needs helpers AGE UK’S charity shop at 105 Sibson Road, Birstall, which sells furniture , home wares, clothing and books is desperately looking for new volunteers.

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is a local charity providing a range of services to meet the ever increasing needs of vulnerable older people and their carers. The charity has 26 charity shops across the county selling donated goods to raise the much needed money required to provide a free Information & Advice Service and support/develop other services aimed at improving the lives of older people allowing them to remain living independently in the local community.

Duties for volunteers at the Birstall shop include serving customers and operating the till, preparing goods for sale and general house-keeping. The shop is open from Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Hours can be arranged to suit commitments.

Commenting the Executive Director of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, Anthony Donovan, said: “The charity would be lost without it’s team of dedicated volunteers – they not only support our services they also play a major role in the day to day workings of our charity shops. Please if anyone has a couple of hours, half-a-day or even one day a week to spare we would be so grateful of your support.”

If you are interested in volunteering please either call into our charity shop in Birstall and ask to speak to Jan or Linda or give them a call on 0116 2674876.

awareness of the work they do.

Carolyn Holmes, Engagement Manager at the Bradgate Park Trust said: “This year, thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will be bigger than ever with two marquees and a photo and

Cricket Corner AT LAST the rain has stopped the sun has come out and the cricket can begin.

Although the first matches were lost to rain it has been an encouraging start for the clubs two sides. Captain Josh Saye took six wickets as Electricity Sports were dismissed for just 50 after Max Vincents 49 had seen the Village make 149. Steve White and Kahil ManKerr then made fifties as Birstall set Barrow 186 but the rain spoilt the game with the visitors on 51-1.

The second XI only made 89 against Burbage, but veteran seamer Steve Findley took 7 – 19 to dismiss Burbage for just 39.

Captain George Ager made 35 out of a total of 109 against Bombay but unfortunately the hosts won by five wickets.

Next up were Anstey & Glenfield and superb all round efforts saw John Clayton take 5 wickets as A & G only made 68 as once again George Ager saw his side home with 29 not out to win by seven wickets.

New players are always welcome at the club so just pop along to any of the home games on Saturdays. For any information about the club please contact Ian on 07949380010 9th June: 1stXI v Maher Stars 16th June: 2ndXI v Maher 23rd June: 1stXI v Quorn 30th June Gala Weekend 7th July: 1stXI v Electricity Sports Presidents’ Day is on Sunday June 17 From Birstall Village Cricket Club

artwork exhibition in the Meeting Room above the Park’s Visitor Centre. The weekend will also be celebrating creative inspiration that the nationally important landscape and wildlife of Bradgate Park provides with poetry readings and photography walks.”

Throughout the two days local experts will be running activities for children and adults alike, with guided walks exploring wild flowers, birds, dragonflies, butterflies and moths.

On the evening of Saturday 16th at 9.30pm there is also a bat walk, meeting at the Newtown Linford gates. This will cover 2.5km and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Participants need to bring a torch and stout footwear. Places on this walk are £5 a place. Tickets for this walk, which is suitable for 12 year olds upwards can be purchased from the Trust website at https://www.bradgatepark.org/Event/batwalk

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The photo shows Peter Allen, a keen bowler, presenting the planters on behalf of the charity to club Chairperson Carolyn Foster.

Peter spent his working life in carpentry and joinery and passes on his skills to everyone involved in woodworking projects. St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club is extremely grateful for the donation.

Men in Sheds, an offshoot of Age UK, provides opportunities for friendship while doing 'man' things with wood and of course resting, chatting and drinking lots of tea. The charity very much depends on donations of unwanted timber.

St Margaret's Bowls Club is just starting a new season and welcomes new bowlers of all ages and abilities.

St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club, Co-op Sports Ground, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DE More details at www.smcbc.com or ring Don on 0116 2873783 or Sam on 0116 2677372

Heritage day A MIDSUMMER heritage day at Rothley Parish Church in June will give visitors a glimpse of what life was like in the Victorian workhouse.

‘Echoes from the Workhouse’ features a 12 panel diorama telling the story of how the relief of poverty has been managed from 1601 to 1930. Visitors can hear the imagined voices of workhouse paupers in 40 short video clips. All that and the new see-through model of the workhouse, with the option to try the workhouse chore of Oakum Picking. A workhouse master and matron will be on hand to ensure good behaviour.

At the other end of the church will be the Rothley Handbell Ringers showing off their new set of bells. They will add tuneful melodies to the air and will be happy to let visitors have a go. And for those unfamiliar with the church building itself, the oldest building in Rothley, a chance to follow the stunning 360deg virtual tour on their smart phone or tablet.

All that excitement can be topped off in the Old School Rooms next door over a delicious cream tea.

The event is on Saturday June 16 from 1-5pm and admission is free.

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

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Shop’s charity evening FILIGREE HEART on Sibson Road held a charity shopping evening on May 3 to help raise funds for charities Adapt and MIND. During the charity evening customers purchased specially reduced price handbags, with 10% of all sales taken on the evening donated to the charity fund by Fligree Heart. Customers also got involved in a couple of different raffles which helped raise the total to £250 which was split equally between both charities.

Adapt is a small local charity that

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

News from the churches LIFE IN our churches continues apace, reaching out to and including other, neighbouring churches in Birstall and Rothley, with prayer services being held each evening during the week of 11th-19th May in Wanlip Church, St. Theresa's, Birstall Methodist Church and St. James, as well as the normal services.

A new, regular monthly time of worship is being planned to take place by the 'Nearer' group, and will be open and welcoming to all. If you would like more details of this, please contact Gill and Peter Chester on 0116 212 0236.

On May 23 our Church Wardens will be 'sworn in' by the Archdeacon at a special Visitation Service at St. Mary's Church, Rothley, and they will be supported by everyone in all the work they do for our two churches.

Thanks to a lot of hard work, determination and imagination, the Church and Community Hall in Wanlip is surely one of the best in Charnwood. However, there are some bugs and beetles who take a similar view, so this year, proceeds from the Wanlip May Fayre will go towards providing a new floor.

Birstall and Wanlip Mother's Union are meeting in St. James Community area at 10.15 a.m. on Monday May 21 and will have a talk by Rev'd Michael Webb, which promises to be very interesting. All will be welcome to attend.

The church social events prove very popular, with an illustrated travel talk on Japan (accompanied by tasty nibbles and drinks) and a trip to Mount St. Bernard's Abbey with a light lunch at the nearby St. Joseph's Tearoom. To stay with the subject of tea and cakes - Old Nick's Coffee Shop (held on the second Tuesday of each month) in Wanlip Hall, is proving still to be very popular and is a lovely place to meet friends, old and new.

The Monday Group, which meets on the second Monday of the month at the Day Centre, School Lane, is hosting quite fascinating talks this year, ranging from the 'History of Bras' to 'Helping Hedgehogs' (excuse the unfortunate juxtaposition!), as well as hosting events to raise money for the Baldwin Trust to instal a defibrillator in one of their boats.

St. James Church is always welcoming to our young parishioners at the Sunday School, with singing, music and stories; much drawing and painting and making

models, and generally enjoying being in Church in a warm and safe environment.

On special occasions, there is also Birthday cake!

On our information sheets it states: “Our vision is to be an open Christian community where people feel loved, respected, and free to be fully themselves” If you would like to know more about the Church and activities, please drop in. As well as for normal services, the Church is open every Saturday morning from 10 to 12 noon. We would be happy to see you and to make you a cup of tea or coffee.

From Parish Church of St. James, Birstall, and the Church of Our Lady and St.Nicholas Wanlip

provides support to families with premature and unwell babies on the neonatal units at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital.

MIND provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Sunday Services We are meeting each Sunday in June in Room PT1, The Palmer Tomkinson Centre, The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall (LE4 4GH) from 10.45 a.m. and we extend a warm invitation to you to join with us. Graham Bunkall will be taking these services and we are currently following studies from the Gospel of John. There is a Sunday School available for children during the second half of the service.

London conference in July The Metropolitan Tabernacle in South London will be holding its 43rd annual School of Theology between 3rd and 5th July. The theme this year is ‘Depth and Scope of God’s Truth’. Joining the Pastor and Assistant Pastor at the Tabernacle (Dr. Peter Masters and Ibrahim Ag Mohamed) the visiting speakers are Dr. Kurt Wise (Professor of Natural History at Truett McConnell University, Cleveland, Georgia), Dr. Scott Aniol (Associate Professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas), Dr. Nick Needham (Pastor of Inverness Reformed Baptist Church and lecturer at Highlands Theological College), Pastor César Garcia (from Pereira, Columbia) and Pastor Richard Clarke (Plymouth).

These School of Theology sessions are always much appreciated by those attending. If you would like to listen to the talks, the sessions are recorded and CDs & DVDs are usually available from August. Further details can be found on the Tabernacle’s website: http://www.metropolitantabernacle.org.

Enquiries about BIBC: please ring 0116 221 4883.

District Chair at Rothley Friends at Rothley Methodist Church are looking for support on Sunday June 3 when Rev Helen Cameron, Chair of our Northampton District, is leading the worship at Rothley at 10.30am. If you’ve never visited this delightful slate built church, which is almost 200 years old, then this is a good opportunity.

There is a new car park just before Hallfields Lane crosses Rothley Brook.

Walk over the brook and turn left into Town Green Street. The Methodist Church is tucked away in Howe Lane only a few steps along, on your right.

Bamboozled Coffee On Saturday June 16 The Womens’ Monday Group at the Methodist Church From Birstall Independent Baptist are holding a Coffee Morning in aid of Church their current fund raising project. This is for the Bamboozle Theatre Project based The Ibstock Brass Band made a welat Burnmoor Street in Leicester. This come return to St Theresa’s on May 6.

Theatre group works to offer a variety of Their varied programme was greatly multi-sensory experiences for children enjoyed by all and proceeds went to the and young adults with disabilities. The Diocesan Retired Priests’ Fund.

Coffee Morning on 16th will include a Some of our young parishioners variety of stalls including cakes, plants, made their First Holy Communion on books, jig-saws and a ‘Good as New stall’ May 20. It was a joyful and memorable all open from 10am to noon. occasion for them and their families.

Decorators & DIY skills Needed !

The congregation at Sacred Heart Every July, after the schools break up, celebrated their parish Feast Day on most of the premises at Birstall MethodJune 8 with Mass followed by refreshist Church will be closed for the ‘Annual ments.

Maintenance Fortnight’ which, this year, Future events for your diary: will start on Monday July 14. The ProperParish concert at St Theresa’s, Sunday ty Stewards are always looking for volun- July 1st at 7pm. teers who can help with minor property Bishop Patrick will celebrate Mass repairs, decorating, and cleaning. If you and Confirm candidates on Friday July 6 can offer a few hours, or a few days, at 6pm please contact John on 2675128.

From St Theresa’s Birstall & Sacred Heart, From Birstall Methodist Church

Rothley

Shop owner Shona Rattray said: “I really wanted to support a local based charity and Adapt was suggested by one of my customers. I also think that MIND do such good work that it seemed right to split the money raised between both charities.”

Shona said the evening was a great success and might be repeated again next month due to such good feedback from customers.

Pics: (far left) Shona handing over the donation to Lindsay from ADAPT; (top) Michelle Norwell, Vicky Vernon and Sharon Norwell with their many purchases from the evening; (above) Ruth West and Maureen O’Connor, winner of the Katie Loxton raffle

The July issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on June 29.

The copy deadline is June 15.

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Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Brain Cancer and the Power of Telling Your Story Birstall BAGs wanted to build on the flurry of media interest in brain cancer since the very brave Dame Tessa Jowell went public with her own personal story.

Despite being terminally ill she campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness about the need for investment in research into brain cancer. Sadly Baroness Jowell recently passed away.

Her influence in terms of generating interest and funding has been phenomenal, £40million pounds from government and £25million from Cancer Research UK. Investment on this scale will undoubtedly improve outcomes and give hope to those living with a brain tumour.

Brain tumours are quite rare with approximately 12,000 people diagnosed each year in the UK and there are about 130 different types of brain tumours.

They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from. They can also be named after the area of the brain they are growing in.

Less than 1% of brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumour cases each year in the UK are linked to major lifestyle and other risk factors.

The causes of brain, other CNS and

intracranial tumours are not well understood, despite substantial research.

Brain tumours can either be a primary or a secondary: Primary brain tumours start in the brain. Tumours can start in any part of the brain or related structures.

Secondary brain tumours are cancers that have spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body. Cancers of the lung, breast, kidney, stomach, bowel (colon), and melanoma skin cancer can all spread to the brain. This happens because cancer cells break away from the primary cancer and travel through the bloodstream to lodge in the brain.

There they can begin to grow into new tumours.

Symptoms of Brain Cancer Brain tumours cause symptoms because: • they take up space inside the skull when they grow - headache especially when you wake or more often than usual, sickness, drowsiness, visual problems, feeling of pressure in your head, fits or seizures.

• they cause specific symptoms due to their position in the brain - changes in personality, forgetting words, difficulty speaking, poor co-ordination.

Treatment for Brain Cancer

There are a range of treatments available to treat brain tumours including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

The treatment you have depends on: • your type of brain tumour • where your tumour is • how abnormal the cells look under a microscope (the grade) • your general health and level of fitness The benefits of treatment vary. Survival depends on what type of tumour you have. Some types are very rare and it can be difficult to find survival statistics for all of the types. In general about 14 people out of every 100 diagnosed will survive 10 years.

If you are worried or concerned about any of the symptoms described then please consult your GP or Practice Nurse.

You may not be a Baroness but your story is interesting and it will always convey a message. Please do not ever underestimate how powerful your cancer story can be and tell everyone and anyone who will listen.

For more information please visit:www.cancerresearchuk.or Or contact: University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189 For more information on the funds we

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

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

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P/18/0933/2: 424 Loughborough Rd – amendment to application P/15/0416/2 to substitute garage door design P/18/0967/2: 21 Park Rd – retrospective crown reduction of a red horse chestnut by up to 3m

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2018

20