the Birstall post Y O U R
C O M M U N I T Y
SEPTEMBER 2018
N E W S P A P E R
www.birstallpost.co.uk
No. 422
300 new homes added THE NUMBER of houses planned for the Broadnook Garden Suburb north of Birstall has increased from 1650 to 1950.
Float’s last delivery THE KIRBY & West electric milk float will be making its final delivery in the village this October and Birstall milkman Richard Kilby will be sad to see it go. Richard (57) has been delivering milk for 41 years and will be switching to a
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Pic: Richard Kilby delivering milk in his electric float on Station Road
uncomfortable and draughty, but fantastic at the job it has to do” He added: “They have such easy access from both sides so I can walk through the cab and they are simple to drive with just a footbrake and an accelerator.” Continued on page 2
The plans have been changed to provide more smaller two and three bedroom properties and remove larger homes from the development. A retirement village with 170 dwellings is a feature of the plans, to address the rising proportion of elderly people within the population. The changes have come about because of the findings of a report that looked into the requirements for housing and employment land in the county over the next 20 years. The report, The Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA), was published in February 2017, The Broadnook Garden Suburb is planned for a site between Birstall and Rothley and will be looked after and managed by a trust. Parish boundaries are expected to be moved and a new parish council created for the site. The development site has not been enlarged to accommodate the additional 300 homes – they will be provided within the original planned settlement boundary. The commitment to a high quality garden suburb model remains, say the landowners, who have been taking advice from the Bourneville Village Trust in Continued on page 2
Birmingham. The increase in the number of homes has required a new transport assessment of the impact of the development of local roads – this is being done now. A comprehensive set of revised plans is expected to be submitted to Charnwood before the end of September and will go out for public consultation. A Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson said: “The applicants have informed the Council that they are investigating increasing the number of homes on the application from 1650 to 1950 due to issues including viability, affordable housing and the housing mix. “If the applicant does submit an amendment like this then we will consider if it can be accepted under the current application or if a new application will be required. If it can be accepted under the current application then it would be a material change to the application and therefore consultations with residents will be required in line with our planning polices and procedures. “It will then continue through the usual planning decision process.” Since the proposals for the site were first announced more than two
years ago, residents of both Birstall and Wanlip have expressed their concerns about the impact of the development on local roads. Chair of Birstall Parish Council, Ann Marshall, said: “My concerns are traffic and pollution and we have to look at the wider picture with Ashton Green being built at the top of Greengate Lane. GreenContinued from page 1 The floats run on solid rubber tyres and there is only one supplier left in the country, in Southampton, with replacement tyres costing £300 but lasting eight years. Built by Kirby and West, there are only six electric floats left with the majority of routes delivered in a diesel van – Richard will continue his Birstall deliveries using one of these from October.. Kirby & West are relocating from Richard III Road to a new site on Melton
Pic: the pedals & steering wheel of the electric float
gate Lane can’t accommodate any more traffic. We need some sort of alternative route, a bypass.” Chairman of Rothley Parish Council, Percy Hartshorn, said: “We should have been told earlier about these 300 new homes being added. This development will have a horrendous effect on local roads, with Rothley more affected than anybody.” • Planners and the highways department are currently considering whether a £500,000 pedestrian/cyclist underpass from the development under the A6 and across the fields to Wanlip should be added to the scheme. It would provide a safe route to school for Cedars’ pupils who otherwise would have to negotiate the interchange
ro undabout (A6/A46). • The proposed start date for the necessary highway changes is autumn 2019. The first houses could be occupied by mid 2020. Pic: the 2016 plans for Broadnook
Road where there won’t be room to keep the electric floats and their spare parts. Kirby & West garage manager Rob l’Anson said the floats continued to be built up to 1996 but as shopping habits changed, milk rounds got larger and the electric floats did not have the range to cover them, except for the few remaining compact rounds like Birstall. One of Kirby & West’s floats is being sold to a milk delivery service in another part of the country but the rest are being retired; going to museums, or semi-retired; off to Pinewood studios where they will be used for films and TV. Switching to diesel vehicles from electric runs counter to modern transport trends but garage manager Rob says there aren’t any suitable electric vehicles currently on sale. Although Richard will be sad to see the floats go, he’s looking forward to the comforts of a modern vehicle. “It will be nice to have a heater in the winter months and driving over potholes in an electric float – that really shakes you to bits.” He added: “People use supermarkets these days, that’s where the competition is, and the milk round is a part of life that is fast disappearing, which is a shame – but we are holding our own! My working day is driving round Birstall chatting to people – it’s great!”
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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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Hazel’s 90th birthday celebration FRIENDS, FAMILY and fellow bowlers helped Hazel Andrews celebrate her 90th birthday at Birstall Bowls Club on July 30. “It was wonderful to share my birthday with all my friends” said Hazel, who has been playing bowls at the club for 24 years. After playing 12 ends of bowls, Hazel and her guests enjoyed a birthday meal in the clubhouse and together raised £228 for LOROS. Hazel, who lives on Whiles Lane with husband Ron, said: “Having my friends there and seeing that everyone enjoyed themselves made it a special day.” Pic: Hazel (far left) with bowlers at Birstall Bowls Club
Birstall canoeist wins bronze medal A WILD WATER canoeist from Birstall has won a bronze medal at the Masters World Championships in Switzerland. Richard Vincent (60) was competing against canoeists from all over the world and completed the 4.4km course in 14mins 11secs, securing third place. “I think it’s my best ever achievement in the sport” said Richard, who has been canoeing since the age of 11 and trains at the Outdoor Pursuits Centre near Red Hill island with the Soar Valley Canoe Club. Richard, of Kilby Avenue, began canoeing with the Scouts in Thurmaston, raced in South Africa last year and is now preparing for his next competition, the Liffey Descent in Ireland. “I love the speed, the adrenalin, the excitement and navigating the rapids” said Richard, who has dislocated his shoulder twice while canoeing.
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Birstall branch of Legion welcomes you
THE BIRSTALL branch of the Royal British Legion is set to hold an open day on Sunday September 30 as part of a bid to raise the profile of the charity. The event will be held at the Legion club on Front Street between noon and 5pm, and offers the chance for people to find out more about the Legion, which opened in 1948. Officials say they are also hoping to attract more members to help realise some of the aims of the branch, which is also the headquarters of the RAFA and the local poppy appeal collections. Club steward Karen Comery said: “Everyone is welcome to our open day, you can bring the whole family. “ There will be a free buffet and a live vocalist, Colin Kacey. It’s so easy to join the Legion, it’s not just for ex-servicemen, it’s open to all.” Birstall Royal British Legion serves a wide range of beers, lagers, wines and spirits, as well as cask ales and weekly guest ales. There is entertainment every Saturday night and meals are served on Saturdays at lunchtime and on bank holiday Mondays.
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Day trips and weekends away are organised and the club has thriving darts, skittles and pool teams and is home to Birstall WI and Birstall Running Club. There is bingo on Tuesday nights, regular quiz nights and for the musical, there is a monthly Sunday acoustic night where you can bring along your instruments and have a play. Members also enjoy free room hire for functions such as birthdays, christenings and wakes. “The club is a great way of meeting new friends, catching up with old friends and belonging to the community where we live” said Karen. “As steward it’s very rewarding seeing everyone dancing and enjoying themselves on a Saturday evening and seeing the community gathering for lunch, some who live alone, where they meet their friends and neighbours. “As a club the committee and myself care very much for them, and we are there for them.” The Royal British Legion was formed in 1921 and provides financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, as well as their families. It also operates the annual poppy appeal in the run-up to remembrance Sunday, which led to around £18,000 being raised by the Birstall branch last year.
THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
“It’s so easy to join the Legion, it’s not just for exservicemen, it’s open to all.”
CCTV project for Sibson Road: council votes not to help fund it A DECISION by Birstall Parish Council not to support a project to provide six CCTV cameras along Sibson Road has been criticised by a local business group. Charlotte Foy, co-founder of the Birstall Business Co-operative (BBC) group, said: “I’m very disappointed. It’s clear that when the community of Birstall does speak, if it’s something the Parish Council doesn’t want to hear, they don’t listen.” BBC is a group of local shops and businesses that aims to promote retail businesses in the village. It’s proposal was to provide six CCTV cameras along Sibson Road that it would pay for through fundraising and grant aid, and to ask the Parish Council to support it by paying for the annual costs of monitoring, service and maintenance, estimated at around £1000 for the first year and £2000 per annum for subsequent years. At a meeting of Birstall Parish Council, councillors debated the issue and voted 9 to 3 not to support it. BBC say the CCTV is needed because: • there have been 13 burglaries or attempted burglaries to business premises along Sibson Road in the 12 months to February 2018. On average the police say there are about 10 burglaries every 12 months along the parade of shops • the community of Birstall benefits from local shops that are prospering and CCTV would help encourage empty shops to be taken on by new businesses • CCTV would give residents a greater sense of security, and could help reduce antisocial behaviour • CCTV would deter crime and help police catch offenders, which is shown
by evidence provided by the police. • CCTV has public support, with 362 people having signed an online petition [as at Aug 21, 2018] • most of the shops have their own CCTV and security measures in place but these cameras would be monitored 24/7 by the Charnwood Borough Council monitoring team.
Birstall Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall said: “Parish councillors took a long time to come to a decision, we debated it and decided it was not the right thing to do.” At their meeting on August 13, points raised by councillors included: • supporting CCTV is something the Parish Council can do, but it is not required to do it • it would set a precedent – other shopping areas in the village might come forward with similar proposals for support • CCTV is not a silver bullet for pre-
THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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venting crime and catching criminals • would it be value for money for council tax payers? • businesses, not the Parish Council, should be responsible for their own security measures Chair Ann Marshall said: “The main issues for me, and I believe other councillors felt the same, were that it would set a precedent for other shopping areas to request CCTV and that it was a proposal that had come to us from local businesses, not a parish council project reacting to concerns raised by residents. “I appreciate it isn’t much money that is being asked for but it is setting a precedent, and businesses should be responsible for their own security. “I applaud the efforts that BBC are making, their events are a good thing to do, but CCTV is not the answer to encouraging a sense of community”. Charlotte Foy said: “From the very first, we’ve wanted to work on this together with the Parish Council, as partners, but it hasn’t happened. At the council meeting it was clear councillors didn’t seem familiar with the project, and as Shona was removed from the room, and couldn’t answer questions, it opened the door for information that was incorrect and other points being omitted. “I only had three minutes to explain something complicated and after a few questions were asked, I couldn’t say any more to clarify and explain things. When it came to the vote it was rushed and not given due consideration.
“I think we are the victims of some political infighting, that is not of our doing.” She added: “We would be prepared to gift the cameras to the council if that would be helpful. “At the end of the day we want to work with the Parish Council, to try and find a way – we still feel we could persuade them to support us - but we are investigating other ways of delivering the CCTV, because we believe in it.” Comments left on BBC facebook page were all supportive of the project. One posted by Adrian Dingee said: “Surely shopkeepers and the parish council need to be working as a team to help each other make Birstall a good place for business and for people to visit. If shopkeepers don’t feel supported by the parish council it will be hard to attract new business to the village.”
Car crash: two fatalities TWO PEOPLE died when two cars collided on the A46 near Wanlip on Saturday August 18. The accident happened at 10.49pm and a section of the A46 between Hobby Horse Island and the A6 interchange was closed for 16 hours, causing long tailbacks as traffic was diverted. The collision involved a silver Citroen Picasso and a black Ford Fiesta. Two people in the Picasso died at the scene. During the road closure an investigation was carried out by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit and Highways England repaired damaged parts of the road. The police subsequently arrested a 26 year old man from Northamptonshire on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and of driving while being over the legal drink-drive limit.
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Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on August 13. Cllr Shona Rattray had applied for a dispensation but was informed that she would need to leave the room during the discussion of CCTV due to having a pecuniary interest in the matter. In public participation, Charlotte Foy spoke to councillors about the benefits of the CCTV project to provide six CCTV cameras along Sibson Road that was being planned by the Birstall Business Co-operative, and to urge councillors to vote to support the project by paying for the annual service and maintenance contract. She was joined at the meeting by several local shops and business owners. Mrs Foy said the scheme would help local shops prosper, give a sense of security to residents, help reduce antisocial behaviour, deter burglars and help the police catch offenders. 294 people had signed an online petition in the last 72 hours supporting the project. A member of the public reported that a freezer was dumped on Lambourne Road and asked if it could be removed.
The parish clerk said it had been reported and she would chase it up. Councillors then considered a request from Birstall Business Co-operative (BBC) to take financial responsibility for the annual ongoing costs for CCTV along Sibson Road, the cost of the cameras and installation costs to be met by BBC. The cost to the Parish Council for year one would be £1039 and the estimated annual cost for year two and three would be £2021 and £2082, according to BBC. Before the meeting councillors had received a 20 page briefing document containing a request from BBC setting out the benefits and costs, a report from the local police team about burglaries on Sibson Road and the effectiveness of CCTV, and a report from the parish clerk identifying issues for councillors when making a decision [this document can be viewed on the Parish Council website] Chair Ann Marshall commented that the crime figures for Sibson Road showed there had been no attacks on the public, crimes had been shop breakins, or attempted break-ins, often through the glass panel of the front door, overnight or in the early morning. Charnwood Borough Council’s CCTV team monitor the cameras at a reduced rate for parish councils (£123pa per camera) compared to the rate businesses are charged (£739pa, per camera). Cllr Ann Marshall said the higher rate for businesses helps pay for the reduced rate for councils and that taking on the Sibson Road CCTV would undermine this pricing model. Cllr Ann Marshall said evidence from the police showed that CCTV was not a silver bullet when it comes to reducing crime or catching offenders and that agreeing to six cameras on Sibson Road would set a precedent. Kingsgate Avenue, Wanlip Lane, Went Road and Hallam Fields shops could all request cameras. She said the Parish Council has 13 CCTV cameras. The most recent camera, installed on the Sibson Road car park to deter antisocial behaviour, had been ineffective and that the problem had been solved by installing a barrier gate. The council’s budget for the year had been set she said, and there had to be exceptional circumstances for this to be increased. Cllr Sheila Alcock said CCTV was not preventing fuel thefts at the Shell petrol station and said crime can rise when CCTV has
been introduced and is not cost effective. Cllr Tony Fowler said CCTV was not effective, requests from other shopping areas to extend it would be expensive, due to staff shortages the Police would be unable to respond quickly enough to catch burglars red-handed, and that the council would be making a long term financial commitment and won’t know the effectiveness of the cameras for at least a couple of years. Cllr Julian Howe said a working party should have been set up to sit down with BBC and to discuss all the possible options. Because we don’t know the exact costs, the council cannot make a decision, he said, although the sums being asked for were a tiny fraction of the council’s budget. Cllr Ed Marshall said nine out of ten times, businesses were burgled because they did not have sufficient security measures in place. Local businesses need to beef up their security, he said. It is businesses, not the parish council, that are responsible for their security. Some councillors commented that a decision could be deferred until some issues regarding costs, planning permission and public support for the proposal had been clarified. A vote was taken on the proposal not to approve the request which was carried by nine votes to three. Cllr Ann Marshall said the decision could be re-visited in six months and that discussions could continue in the interim. The members of the public then left the room expressing dissatisfaction with the decision, Charlotte Foy describing it as “absolutely ridiculous” and that BBC had tried from the earliest stages to involve the parish council in discussions regarding the project., It was agreed to approve a grant aid request for £501.80 to the Little Bird School of Stitchcraft, provided the money is spent in Birstall. The Allington Drive memorial bench has received permission in principle
from the County Council. The contract to build the Hallam Fields community hall has been put out to tender. The proposed start date is February 2019 and the building could be completed by July 2019. A picnic bench with a memorial plaque will be sited within the School Lane playing field outside the pavilion in memory of Dylan Campbell who was killed on the A6 following a collision with a vehicle. It was reported that a resident on Elmfield Avenue had complained about the noise from Birstall gala. Comments made by the public at the last council surgery included a complaint that there were no litter bins near the balancing ponds at Hallam Fields, noise on Sibson Road when the pubs close, dog waste in the cemetery, dogs off the lead on School Lane playing field, a request for a dog park area on School Lane, litter bins always full on the park, and a rusty sharp piece of metal on the children’s slide. The council has received a letter of thanks from a resident who fell over near the Meadow Lane allotments and was helped by three members of the council estates team, and a letter from a girl guide who received grant aid to attend a jamboree in Ireland.
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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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YOUR SAY...
The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
Democratic process At the end of the last century, a sleepy market town just north of the capital rebelled against ‘big Borough’ imposing ‘things’ on the town with the result that the incumbent town council was taken over by 11 residents replacing all but two of the 13 councillors. Within a year ‘big Borough’ decided that CCTV would solve all the antisocial behaviour problems within the Borough by installing cameras in the three main towns outside the main town centre retail areas. Mindful of what happened the last time they tried this trick, the new town council was asked on their views. According to my records, this was immediately passed to the Finance and Policy committee who promptly formed a working group of three to consider the what, where, when and how who also liaised with the Borough project team to ensure any problems were
email. More details about the meeting can be found at the Birstall Shop local FaceI would like to thank everyone who book page. responded to the Change.org petition Charlotte Foy which I started to show community supFounder Member, Birstall Business port for the CCTV on Sibson Road Co-operative project. In response to the letter sent to the Over 300 of you signed the petition in 72 hours and the numbers are still grow- Birstall Post by a representative of the Birstall Business Co-operative, the Clerk ing. to the Council feels that an answer is Unfortunately, these numbers and the testimonials that so many people helpful- required to address some of the comly added in the comments, did absolutely ments and clarify the facts. Firstly, I think it should be made nothing to persuade the Parish Council known that it is not a statutory duty for that this is what the people of Birstall the Birstall Parish Council to provide would like. CCTV. I believe this is the largest public The petition mentioned in the letter consultation response that the Parish was never presented to Birstall Parish council has ever received but it was Council, so it could not have been igignored in the meeting about the CCTV nored. The Parish Council have a policy project and no follow up on the matter for receiving petitions and this has not has taken place. been followed, the petition was not I was of the opinion that the memmade available to be checked, verified bers of the Parish Council were there as or considered. It should also be recog'custodians' of our village and that they nised that a petition is not the same as a are in place to act on behalf off and Mobility scooter public consultation. implement the wishes of their Parish Councillors are indeed caring parishioners. The reality, at the meeting Increasing numbers of people with and unpaid custodians of the village and on Monday August 13, was far removed, poor mobility are turning to Age UK do their best to deliver and maintain with political infighting, personal Leicester Shire & Rutland asking if the services for the benefit and enjoyment of interest, individuals’ personal opinions, charity can provide them with some all residents. and bullish leadership getting in the way means of transport. Parish Councillors were provided with Despite many people living to much of sensible decision making for the good comprehensive reports and information of all. greater ages some of them are extremeThe debate on the matter was an utter prior to the meeting. These reports are ly frail and struggle in accessing public all available to view or download by farce, with unprepared councillors, mistransport. For many of them a mobility anyone who wishes to read them from information, and no right to reply. scooter would transform their life. the Parish Councils website, they can be There was little sign of a democratic Do you have a mobility scooter in found on the Council Meetings page for process and the ‘No to CCTV’ decision good condition in your garage that is August 2018 or a hard copy can be was clouded in confusion and chaos. gathering dust because you or your provided upon request from the Parish This is a missed opportunity for the family no longer use it? If so then Parish Council to show they can listen to Council offices. The Birstall Business think about donating it to Age UK. Co-operative representative states that the wishes of residents in Birstall, that Parish Councillors were unprepared and If you can help please call 0116 they are ‘in tune’ with the community 299 2233 to arrange a time when we who want a thriving, safer Birstall for all misinformed, these remarks cannot be substantiated and are a personal opinion. can collect your scooter. to enjoy. After a substantial amount of time was Anthony Donovan I would like to urge everyone who afforded to this matter, during both Executive Director, Age UK Leicester feels strongly about this matter to Sign Public Participation and at the meeting, the Change.org petition or contact the Shire & Rutland the vote was taken democratically by a Parish council via letter, phone call or
resolved early on. Camera sites slightly altered and additional ones suggested. About a year later, the group reported to F&P who in turn reported to full council for approval. Several years later, complaints were received regarding antisocial behaviour around the skateboard park. Community Action committee looked at the problem. The CCTV working group was revived and decided another camera was required. A report went to F&P for funding (if required) before going to full council. Now all skateboard parks within the Borough are covered by CCTV. The above is a very simplified description on the difficulties and solutions for installing CCTV in a town centre environment. It was made easier by the Borough initiative, but the democratic process was followed and success was the result. Name & address supplied
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show of hands, it was a clear majority Lane. vote by the Parish Council not to provide As a resident on that road I see many ongoing funding for the Monitoring and vehicles each day travelling at more than the Servicing/ Maintenance & Repairs the speed limit of 30mph so any police Contract for CCTV cameras on the public checks taking place (are they?) are not highway, namely Sibson Road. being effective. The 30mph signs are a In the Chairperson of Birstall Busijoke and an even bigger joke are the ness Co-operatives written submission it signs requesting/suggesting that drivers stated that Birstall Business Co-operative travel at no more than 20 mph about would “respect the Council’s decision”, 100 yards each side of Highcliffe School. unfortunately, this has not been followed Also, although there are signs at each through. After the vote had taken place end of Greengate Lane stating there is a Parish Councillors were subjected to weight limit for vehicles of 7.5 tonnes, expressions of anger, insults and threats these signs are being ignored by a lot of from some of the members of the public drivers. An increasing number of very present, which escalated afterwards to long, very high lorries obviously over the the commencement of a stormy on-line weight limit, even when carrying no campaign which was intimidating, harass- goods probably, are going up and down ing and disrespectful to several Parish Greengate Lane, sometimes in the early Councillors. hours and some of them seem to shake This was a request which was submit- my house a bit. Another offence taking ted, debated and voted upon in the norplace at the time of writing is that almal way. Members of the public were though there is a sign at the bottom, A6 afforded ample opportunity to speak, end of Greengate Lane stating “No acand the democratic decision made cess for construction traffic” (presumashould now be respected. bly this refers to vehicles carrying supplies to the new Ashton Green estate Sue Coulson being built) this sign is being ignored by Clerk to Birstall Parish Council a lot of vehicles. One afternoon recently I saw five huge lorries which carry Greengate traffic mixed concrete go past my house in a Wow – it is a pleasant but great surperiod of less than two hours! prise to read in the August NeighbourOf course all the over-weight vehicles hood Watch newsletter in the item “No and the construction lorries with their Punches Pulled” that the police conduct large, mainly diesel engines, are adding regular roadside checks for the Fatal greatly to the air pollution which is Four driving offences. present on the road. As regards the offence of speeding I We have heard recently that further don’t know on which roads in Birstall research into the effects of air pollution checks are taking place but they do not (particularly the deadly nitrous oxide) seem to be taking place on Greengate on the human body are more harmful
than thought hitherto. Even small amounts of air pollution breathed in are now known to damage the heart, can trigger the onset of asthma and can cause diabetes. One has to feel sorry for all the children walking and cycling to and from schools along Greengate Lane especially during the so-called morning rush hour. Children are much more vulnerable to air pollution than adults as their bodies are growing and organs such as lungs, kidneys etc, still developing. There seems no doubt that some children, if not all, will suffer health problems from breathing in air pollution. In future years not only will such problems have an impact on their lives but any treatment required will have an impact and place an added strain on the NHS. It would be interesting to know the amount of air pollution outside Highcliffe School and indeed along the whole of Greengate Lane during the morning rush hour. Also during the day when there is an increasing amount of traffic some air pollution probably drifts into the grounds of that school. If I were still a parent with a child at Highcliffe I would want to know the amount of air pollution that is present. It has been a bad decision to locate a school alongside a main road. Obviously and unfortunately the police are pulling their punches regarding the traffic offences taking place on Greengate Lane. In their defence a police spokesperson might state that because of austerity measures leading to a reduction in police staff there are more important and urgent priorities to deal
with. What is more important and urgent than having regard to the health and safety of our children when these are under threat and trying to make their lives (and futures) as safe and as healthy as possible. Now that this letter has made public what is happing on Greengate Lane, hopefully Birstall Parish Council and our MP (who failed to reply to a letter from me) will pull no punches and properly represent both the residents and all the children who walk and cycle along the road by putting pressure on the police to make some checks to deter overweight vehicles and construction lorries using the road. Roll on the day when all vehicles are electric powered. It is estimated that by 2040 there will be an increase in traffic of at least 60% - what an awful thought. J Woods
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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
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 & 1 child, 50p additional children £1 additional adults This includes snack for the children & unlimited juice, also unlimited tea & coffee for the adults Craft table For further information please contact us on 0793 455 1563 Hope to see you there
Bradgate Sewing Circle
Open Day Tuesday October 16th 2018, 10-12noon Rothley Ctr, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Displays of members work Items for sale, tea, coffee , light refreshments. Members available for questions, happy to explain about our group, invitation to those wishing to join. For further information contact Glenise Bowyer 0116 2871758
North Leicester MG Club
have 150 children!
Birstall Methodist Monday Women’s Group September – October 3 Sept: Our first night back – Chat and Fun 10 Sept: Mablethorpe Holiday Home 17 Sept: Every home should have one! with Felicity Austen 24 Sept: A.G.M. please send apologies if you cannot attend 1 Oct: Harvest Pudding & Poems with Harvest Table Please contact Eileen (0116 2929670) for further details
Want to join a choir? Community Bible Study starts again at Birstall Methodist Church Thursday Sept 6, 9.45-11.30am The group will be studying The Acts of the Apostles All welcome. Details: phone Brian 0116 2674339
The club for all lovers of the MG marque in the north of Leicestershire. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at Lingdale Golf Club, Joe Moores Lane, Woodhouse Eaves LE12 8TF at 8 pm. Visit our website for information about the next meeting: www.northleicester-mg.org.uk Join our 270 followers on Twitter: @NorthLeicsMGOC
Coffee Morning
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Lots of opportunities to perform throughout the year Dance for fun or train to a pre- professional standard in a friendly, welcoming environment Graded Examination classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Acrobatics from aged 2 upwards. Vocal coaching • Tumbling Skills
Call
0116 2355495
Saturday 22nd September 10am-12 noon Birstall Methodist Church The Bark Foundation Raising funds in support of Hotpec Orphanage, Cameroon Jewellery Stall, Raffle and Tombola Life is currently very difficult for the English speaking sector in Cameroon. Our orphanage family work hard to grow as many vegetables as possible but they do not have the capacity to be self-sufficient. They are very grateful for the support we are able to send thanks to our wonderful supporters. Come and enjoy a good cup of coffee and home-made scones and cakes. Every 50p raised feeds an orphaned child for one day – and we
Rothley Gospel Choir is a local community gospel choir who rehearse on Thursday evenings 6:30-8pm at Rothley school. We are always open to new members and you don’t need any previous experience or be able to read music. So if you enjoy singing, are aged 16+ and looking for a new hobby why not come along and join us? It’s a great way to unwind and meet local people. Rehearsals resume in Septemberplease see our Facebook page or contact Kaine Management on 0116 2616840 or email info@kainemanagement for more information Belgrave Cemetery
Heritage Open Day Sunday 9th September 10am12noon Guided Walk 11am. Cemetery Records and refreshments available. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. www.friendsofbelgravecemetery.o rg.uk
Birstall & District Local History Society The Society recommences its monthly meetings on Thursday 13th September in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics commencing at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Sandy Leong who will give a talk entitled "A
For a
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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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Nice Cup Of Tea - A Tea Potted History Of Tea". How did the British love affair with tea start? It is a tale of adventure, taxes, criminality, temperance, rationing and a moral booster in World War 1 and 2 and of a Duchess who established the ritual of afternoon tea. 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
Drawing & Painting classes with Peter Singleton start again in Rothley Village Hall on Wednesday Mornings 10-12 from September 26th 2018 or Thursday mornings 10-12 from September 27th 2018. All abilities and new members welcome! £85 for ten weeks. Please call Peter on 07980 525871.
Birstall Flower Club 26th September 2018, 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Beverley Artis “Name That Tune” Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary: 07704398017
that her husband is having an affair. She has to move to live with her sister who is her exact opposite and lives on a council estate. A seniors dance class provides new hope for Sandra who meets many colourful characters. This film is hilarious and yet endearing. "The Post" Oct 5 (116 mins) Steven Speilberg's 1970's political thriller is a true story about the famous newspaper "The Washington Post" and stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. This film depicts not only gender inequality but also how women can become empowered in their work. Katharine Graham was the first female publisher of a major American newspaper. She risked her family business and criminal prosecution regarding government papers about the Vietnam War. "The Post" won six Golden Globe Award Nominations and many accolades. Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5 which will includes 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
Featuring: painting, illustration, printmaking, textiles, photography, ceramics and more. By Ruth Chalk, Elaine Gerrard, Ann Goodger, Traci Howard, Deb McCallum-White, Conrad McEwan, Johnny Paramor, Sushila Pillai, Tony Sumpter, Andy Sunbeam and Jane Sunbeam Launch Event - Sat 8th Sept, 12pm - 2pm All are welcome to join the artists for drinks and nibbles. Meet The Artist Day - Sat 22nd Sept, 11am – 3pm A chance to meet the artists for a peek into sketchbooks and a chat about their processes, techniques and what inspires them. For further details about the Wanderings exhibition contact: Conrad McEwan 07919 844629 / conradmcewan@gmail.com Charnwood Orchestra
Concert Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Barrow upon Soar, LE12 7HP Saturday the 15th September 2018 at 7.30pm. The Orchestra will be conducted
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Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council
"Finding your Feet" Sep 14 (111 mins) Many rural cinemas, like us, have booked this warm British comedy, starring Imelda Staunton and Joanna Lumley. A middle-class snob, called Sandra, discovers
by their Musical Director, Nic Fallowfield Hebrides Overture – Mendelssohn Clarinet Concerto No 2 – Crusell – Solo Clarinet, Neil Aston Symphony No. 2 – Beethoven Tickets for the concert are available for purchase as follows: onlinewww.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk the Post Office Barrow Upon Soar, Barrow Library, on the door Tickets £13 – Adult, £11 – Concessions, £3 Under 16’s.
on the theme of ‘Wanderings’ From Mon 3rd Sept to Sat 29th Sept Eleven Leicester(shire) artists present work on the theme of ‘Wanderings’ in a variety of styles and media. At The Old Library Galleries Basement Gallery, 54 Belvoir Street, Leicester, LE1 6QL Open Mon - Thurs 9am - 8pm, Fri - Sat 9am - 4.00pm Free entry.
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Rothley/Birstall Birdwatching Club presents The Reedbeds of Watermead by Dale Osborne. The first meeting of our Winter/Spring programme is an illustrated talk by Dale Osborne Senior Ranger of Watermead Country Park. Dale has managed the reedbeds since 1990. We will learn how they were created, the importance of this habitat, what wildlife they attract and what the future holds for this fragile system. Tuesday, 9th October at 7.30p.m. The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members are free. Visitors £2.50. New members and visitors are always welcome. Ample free car parking on site. Sri Lanka – Leviathans and Leopards by Andy Smith. Andy is a keen birdwatcher and ringer. We are used to Andy taking us around his local patch, Thornton Reservoir, so this illustrated talk is something completely different. Sri Lanka is a lovely destination for birdwatching but he is going to give us a slightly different twist on its natural history. Tuesday, 13th November at 7.30. The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members free. Visitors £2.50. New members and visitors are always welcome. Ample free parking on site. Further information from Jack Wootton on 0116 2692480
Sunday afternoon 30th Colin Kasey 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 9th and 30th Sept starts 9pm Acoustic night Sunday 16th Food available Saturdays 12 till 2pm Wakes catered for Free WIFI New members very welcome easy to join ask inside
Birstall Tea Dances Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DH Fridays 7th & 14th September 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
Birstall Royal British Legion Club 1st The Time Machine 8th Kerry Jean 15th Laura Church 22nd Linzi Hardy 29th Neil James
Soar Valley Artists Members extend a cordial invitation to members of the public to
their 16th Annual Exhibition of Paintings Sat/Sun. 13th/14th October 2018 At The Rothley Centre 12 Mountsorrel Lane Rothley LE7 7PR 10am till 5.00pm Admission Free
Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 18th September, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, to watch renowned professional artist Peter Millward giving a demonstration of producing “Chines flowers/birds” using ink. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Newcomers and visitors most welcome. Demonstration ends at 9pm Members £1; Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access Birstall Methodist Church
Christmas Festival 2018 Crafts & Table Top Sale Friday 23rd November 2018 2 – 6pm Saturday 24th November 2018 10am –2pm Tables @ £10 each – 0116 2671181 (Tables are selling fast – book early)
Cedar Care Circle If you know anyone who is caring for someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia please tell them to come and join our group. A cuppa and a listening ear. Shared experiences and ways to cope. Don't let loneliness and isolation add to the misery of these dreadful conditions. We all understand. September meetings are 3rd and 17th. Lambourne Cafe, Lambourne Road, Birstall 2 pm. Contact Barbara on 07905760556 for a chat
Attention all small business and craft stall owners Birstall Highcliffe Primary School PTA are excited to announce we will be holding a Christmas Fair on Sunday 16th December between 2-5pm. As well as stalls, there will be a spectacular Santa's grotto and festive refreshments. We are looking for people who would like to have a stall to get in touch with us - we hope to make this a truly festive and fabulous event for the whole community and to do this would love to fill our hall with
wonderful wares, so if you'd like to be a part of it then please email highcliffepta@outlook.com for further information
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 19th Sep and 17th Oct 2018 Please contact Birstall Library on 0116 3058756
The Mindfulness Toolkit How to let go of stress and negativity. Monday 3rd September 7.30 – 8.30pm with Resident Teacher Kadam Chris Heyes Transform Your Life: Meditations For A Meaningful Life Learning to develop inner peace through meditation. Tuesday 4th September, 7.30 – 8.45pm with meditation teacher Lorraine Quinn Meditation & The Art Of Positive Thinking Thursday 6th September, 7 – 8pm with Resident Teacher Kadam Chris Heyes The venue is Nagarjuna Kadampa Meditation Centre, 17 Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ Everyone is welcome, whether beginner or experienced. Admission: FREE For more details visit http://www.meditateinleicester.o rg/ or phone 0116 2620317
The October issue of
THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 28. The copy deadline is Sep 14.
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THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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Leicester City legends at special day for club LEICESTER CITY legends including Steve Walsh were special guests as Birstall United Juniors FC unveiled their refurbished changing pavilion last month.
Your dream home
provides opportunities for the physical, social and emotional development of approximately 300 children from Birstall and surrounding areas. The club is delighted that it can now support this with a modern, comfortable changing facility at Meadow Lane. Jon Sutton, the club’s Funding Officer, said: “We’re hugely grateful to the Premier League & the FA Facilities Fund, and also to other local funders including the Edith Murphy Trust, Birstall Parish Council and Charnwood Borough Council. We’ve even had Birstall locals making one-off donations. And this is just the start - we need to make further improvements to the site, so our fundraising efforts will continue. For example, we’re looking to have a ‘Wall of Fame’ in the new clubhouse.” Birstall United Juniors FC was awarded a £79,383 grant from the Premier League & the FA Facilities Fund towards the project. The club worked alongside the Football Foundation and Leicestershire FA to compile a five-year Football
“YOU CAN’T price that moment when you put a smile on someone’s face when their house turns into their dream home” says Fatima Safdar of F&S Curtains. She is celebrating her first year in business, supplying curtains and soft furnishings. After working in the furnishing and tailoring industry for more than 25 years, Fatima started her family run business last October. “It’s been hard work and challenging but I’ve enjoyed every moment and each and every project” she said. To celebrate her successful first year she is offering a 10% discount on all bespoke self-furnishing produce and services. These products and services include: curtains, blind, roman blinds, cushions, lampshade, bedcovers and all other self-furnishing needs. “I love turning a house into a dream home. If you want to go through that journey contact F&S Curtains today” said Fatima
THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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F&S Curtains 0116 296 1032 Free home visit & quotation Give us a call today www.fscurtains.com enquiries@fscurtains.com
Pic: Steve Walsh officially opening the clubhouse with Pete Cross, Steve Carr and Kevin Glover
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Pic: (l-r) Steve Carr (Secretary), Sophie Brucki, Ash Brucki, Alex Goodrich, Stefan Brucki, Kevin Glover (Chair) and Pete Cross (Vice Chair)
Development Plan, which is a vision of how sport will be played on site with an emphasis on increasing participation. It is predicted that the upgraded changing pavilion will result in a 67% boost to overall football participation at Birstall United Juniors FC. The club also expect to introduce a total of 10 new teams, taking their total to 25, which will include establishing a new side in the Under-18 age bracket as well as two new girls’ teams. Since 2000, the Football Foundation Funding Partners’ investment has provided 251 grants worth over £15.5m towards grassroots sports projects worth almost £28m across the whole of Leicestershire. Jim Lennon, who lives on Allington Drive and has volunteered as groundsman at the club for more than 30 years, said: “I never thought I’d see the day! It’s amazing how the club is always looking to improve and expand. It’s worth all the effort we put in when you see the kids enjoying their football.” Kevin Glover, Chair of Birstall United
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Juniors FC, said: “We firmly believe that the improved facilities will help us to cement our position in the local community for years to come. Our annual events, including the tournament and Bonfire night, have become increasingly popular. We can now be proud of our Meadow Lane site and look to host more of these.”
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As part of the opening a team of former Leicester City players took on a ‘Coaches XI’ from Birstall United Juniors FC to mark the occasion. The new facility was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League & the FA Facilities Fund, which is delivered by the Football Foundation. The grant enabled Birstall United Juniors FC, an FA Charter Standard Community Club, to refurbish their existing clubhouse. They now have vastly improved changing rooms and showers for both players and officials, spectator toilets with disabled access, a clubroom and a servery area with viewing over the pitches. Birstall United Juniors FC currently
NHW news
& crime report New Phone Number Please note that we have changed our phone number to 0756 2422 756. Protect your Valuables None of us wants to be burgled or robbed but, unfortunately, these crimes occur on a regular basis. The trauma of the event can overshadow the actual loss of property and we often hear victims saying just that. Except when it is something of sentimental value, they are sometimes less concerned about what was taken than the fact that they have had their home invaded or have been threatened themselves. This is quite understandable but it would always be nice to get things back. There is a way to protect your property and increase the likelihood of it being returned to you. The Immobilise National Property Register is run in cooperation with the Police and allows you to register almost any item so that it can be traced back to you. Identification marks like serial numbers on equipment or photographs of items such as jewellery can be entered into your secure account. This has two advantages. Firstly, the Police will know who to return the property to if it is recovered. Secondly, it means
that they can identify it as being stolen in the first place. This is important because, while they might suspect that an item is stolen, they have to be able to prove it in court. If they cannot do so, the thief will probably get away with it and hold on to their ill-gotten gains. Opening an Immobilise account is easy, just go to the website: www.immobilise.com. To make it even easier, we have prepared a kit for anybody who wants detailed guidance on how to use the register. This comes in a pack with full instructions, two official Immobilise warning window stickers to deter thieves and ten uniquely numbered security stickers for individual items. The pack costs just £1 and is available from our monthly Advice Shop, open every third Saturday of the month in the Parish Council Building, 10 Sibson Road (opposite the Garden Centre), 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The next date is Saturday September 15. From Birstall & Wanlip NHW
Crime update We have had a total of 37 crimes reported during July, which is slightly down on June, when we had 41. We have had eight reports of damage to property (two of which related to vehicles being damaged), three house burglaries and one non-dwelling burglary. Unfortunately we have seen a slight rise in the number of vehicles being broken into in July, with four reports compared to just two in June. This is obviously a lot less that we were having earlier in the year, however please continue to make sure you are locking your car at night and removing anything of value from it as we do not want to start to see a rise in
these offences again. Lastly, there has been a total of 11 ‘other thefts’ reported (including four drive-off’s from the petrol station) however aside from this, the number of other crimes reported has remained relatively low with only one or two reports being received. For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice During this period of hot weather that we have been having, many people are spending more time outdoors in their back gardens, however remember that this is an ideal time for thieves to enter houses, especially porches and hallways to steal car keys and other items that have been left lying about, such as mobile phones and wallets etc. A burglar can be in and out in a matter of seconds and you may not even realise that items are missing for several hours, so if you are out in the back garden, remember to keep your front door locked and your windows closed to ensure that you don’t become a victim of burglary. Neighbourhood update The beat team have been out this month dealing with several people who were wanted for not turning up at Court when they should have done. We have also located a vehicle that was being used without tax, insurance or an MOT, which we subsequently had towed away. The Police now have powers to remove vehicles if they have no tax or are notified as being off-road and still being used, so if you have concerns about vehicles being use without road tax please call us on 101 to let us know. You can even check vehicles your-self and report any that are out of tax directly to the DVLA at
www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax Meet your local police team Sibson Road Beat Office. Sat September 15 (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)
Cricket Corner THE LONG hot summer has been a challenging one for the 1stXI with six victories and seven defeats. The team are currently in mid table. Due to injuries, weddings and holidays the team has never been a settled side. One bright note is the bowling of young Dillen Edwards who has taken fifteen wickets in three games and looks very promising. The 2ndXI are doing very well and currently sit in fourth position with ten wins and five defeats. Wickets and runs have been shared about and with three games against teams above them to play an exciting finish to the season beckons. 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 From Birstall Village Cricket Club
THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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Birstall Tidy-up bake off team are AS THE schools go back and the nights get a little longer it can only mean one thing - it’s time to don your aprons and prepare for The Great Birstall Bake Off! The baking competition returns for its sixth year of raising money for cancer charity Macmillan. Charlotte Foy from the White Horse said: “Over that time you wonderful bakers and cake eaters have helped to raise nearly £5300 for the cancer charity that helps so many families and no doubt has touched the lives of many in Birstall. “So we need local people - or anyone that’s willing to travel with their bakes we have had entries from all over the country - to enter one or more of our categories of cupcakes /traybakes, cakes, biscuits, savou ry bake, bread, free from, best decorated and best under 16. There is also a prize for the best in show!” She added: “We have a children’s category too and love all the entries we get from the kids so why not get the whole family baking and have a family competition too. Wooden spoons at dawn!” The baking entries needs to be bought to The White Horse pub between 9-12 on
pick of the village
HALLAM FIELDS residents got together for a community litter pick on a sunny Saturday in August.
Pics: residents about to start their litter pick at Hallam Fields; (left) some of the rubbish they collected
The event was organised by Borough Councillor Roy Rollings. Mum of two Lorraine Cobley came along with her husband and children. She said “I’ve lived here for four years and the problem is very bad, I see it every day, walking the dog. It’s a new estate and it really does annoy me.” Cllr Rollings said: “A huge thank you to everyone who came along. We had people from all parts of the community
and even a four legged friend! The most interesting thing collected was a child’s bike. New bins have just been installed around the One Stop shop, let’s see if it makes a difference.” • Birstall Parish Council can loan out litter picking tools to anyone that would like to organise a community litter pick
THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
DE MONTFORT Saturday September 22 where it all gets judged in the afternoon by a panel of experts including last year’s winners. Charlotte said: “On Sunday 23rd from 11am, we need even more people to come to the pub and buy and eat all the cake as part of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. The cake sale has a wonderful garden party atmosphere with music, a raffle, bunting and entertainment for children and the winners are given their rosettes and prizes. “Everyone that enters tells us how much fun they have had getting involved and many categories have been won by complete baking novices in the past so please don’t think being new to baking is an excuse - let this be your moment to shine and discover and new hobby! We love to make up some super hampers for the prize winners and raise some extra money via a raffle so if anyone or any local businesses would like to donate something suitable for this then you’d be helping out too!” For more information or entry forms please visit the White Horse website www.thewhitehorsebirstall.co.uk to download one, or collect one from the pub.
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Late night shopping this September the villagers of Birstall who are not engaged in social media can have their say too. Charlotte said: “The group are also looking into other ways we can achieve our aim of getting CCTV for the village. We hope to have more information on It will take place on Thursday Septem- these plans next month.” ber 6 from 5 to 8pm. The group arranged a deep clean of “The event is designed to engage shop- Sibson Road last month. “This was done pers who might not be able to make it to improve the shopping experience in during the daytime and the group plans Birstall” said Charlotte. to run these evenings three or four times She added: “To ensure we can move per year” said Charlotte Foy from BBC. forward with the CCTV project the BirThere will be many shops open late, stall Business Cooperative felt the need along with stalls, food, facepainting, to formalise the group. A Management vintage cars and another theme night at Committee, a group constitution and a Rt’s Café. bank account have now been set up.” “It’s a great way to get to know your The group has a £15,000 fund target village if you are new to the area, or to to buy and cover initial costs for the six visit and support your favourite local CCTV cameras along Sibson Road. business” said Charlotte. These cameras will then be gifted to the The last two meetings of the Shop Local group have focussed on plans for the late night shopping event as well as finalising details for the meeting regarding CCTV. Charlotte said: “Very close to the TWO BOWLERS from Birstall Bowling Club were part of the meeting on Monday August 13 the counLeicestershire team that won the Middleton Cup – the cil suggested that they would need to men’s National Inter-County Championship. gauge public opinion regarding CCTV for John Hurst and Andy Wye played in the village. The BBC quickly responded singles competition with victory in the the three group matches and the quarter final against Aylestone Hall’s Bill Newand organised a petition via Change.org, final against Norfolk before finals day in an on-line, credible service which was bold. He also teamed up with Eric Leamington Spa. A 113-103 semi final then shared via social media to those North to win the senior pairs, beating a win over Yorkshire set up a final against involved in Shop Local, both residents pair from Oadby in the final. Devon, who had won the title for the last and through businesses. Finally, the club finished second to three years. In a dramatic match, the “Over 300 signatures were added to Blaby in the Leicester League First Diviscores were tied at 119-119 after the sion, and runners up in the Leicester the petition in the 72 hours prior to the scheduled 21 ends, with an extra end League knockout cup, losing to Counmeeting. The petition is still open if required on all six rinks. Leicestershire testhorpe in the final. anyone would like to sign it, it’s quick Pic: John Hurst & Andy Wye with the Middleton won those extra ends 9-1 to secure the and easy to do. Unfortunately, the ParCup title for the first time since 1964. ish Council did not have a favourable Three Birstall ladies were involved at response to the CCTV project and voted village. Charlotte said: “Due to the Paragainst it going ahead. The BBC will do ish councils’ decision we cannot current- the National Championships, which also took place in Leamington Spa. Di Hurst more work to put forward the case ly afford to get them monitored GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS again when we are allowed in six ourselves. The Parish council receives a reached the quarter final in the National months’ time.” very large reduction and we were hoping Two Wood Championship, losing out to Brickwork • Patios In the meantime physical petitions in to add these cameras to their bank of 13 Terrie Wombell (Nottinghamshire). In Re-pointing the Junior Singles, Noi Walker reached the shops will be made available so that already in existence around the village. the third round (the last 16 in the counTiling • Plaster “Business contributions are totalling try) before losing to Katie Sturtridge Patching • Fencing etc £3625 so far with 26 (Cornwall), while younger sister Deam businesses getting inNo job too small lost out to Lauren Coles (Berkshire) in Friendly Reliable Service volved. We expect to get Free Quotations • Fully Insured to the £4000 target previ- the first round. There were two successes for Birstall ously discussed. Tel: 0116 260 7716 players in Leicester City and District “The BBC did have an Mob: 07770 785400 Parks finals. Grahame White won the additional £3000 grant Email: dave@dave-hutchings.com funding pledged by BorWebsite: www.dave-hutchings.com ough Councillors Bentley, “Other fund raising plans are still in Roy Rollings and David place and we will continue to pursue Gaskell but unfortunately these if we are able. The biggest issue this will be lost due to the we are up against is we cannot fund Parish Council’s decision raise without knowing how or if the and the six months timecameras will be serviced, maintained frame before the matter and monitored. This decision is the can be discussed again. linchpin of the project and the rejection PAINTER & “Additional funding has now left us with quite a problem. DECORATOR could come from sponsor- We will continue to investigate all possiship and letters have been ble solutions here. Over 30 Years Experience sent to 14 of Leicester“I hope you can see that there is a lot Free Quotes & Advice shire’s largest businesses of work going on, especially with the requesting sponsorship CCTV project. We are confident that we Tel: 0116 2941336 for CCTV. There are also will still be able to bring the CCTV Mob: 07989 451048 two nationwide grants that project to fruition at some point in the we are planning to pursue. future.” 39 Copeland Rd, Birstall
THE BIRSTALL Business Cooperative have organised a second late night shopping event, after the success of the inaugural event in June.
County recapture cup
DAVE HUTCHINGS
ALAN CHAMBERS
THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
16
Monday Rider wins first club news place in nationals OUR USUAL meeting in August was replaced by our coach outing to Stamford on Friday August 17. According to Sir Walter Scott it is "the finest stone town in England" and was declared a conservation area in 1967, with over 600 listed buildings in the town centre. Looking forward to September we will be having a talk by Sheila Roberts on 'Multifaith spaces and unusual places of worship' which, in our present society of many faiths and beliefs, should prove very interesting. We are planning a lovely festive preChristmas event for November, as well as the usual meeting, to raise funds for our Charity of the Year - the Baldwin Trust. Watch this space for further details! We are aiming to provide a defibrillator for one of the canal boats. If you would like to know more about us, we meet in the Day Centre at the bottom of School Lane on the second Monday of every month at 7.30pm and we welcome visitors and new members. From Birstall Monday Club
BIRSTALL RIDER Ellis Holdaway has had more success in dressage, taking first place at the National Championships held in July. Ellis rides with the Wenlo Riding for the Disabled Association group which is based near Loughborough, and was one of six riders competing at the event, held in Gloucestershire. Ellis and another Wenlo rider, Jonathan Rigby, have been invited to ride at the British Dressage Summer Silver and Bronze Para Championships at Solihull Riding Club on September 1. Pic: Wenlo’s national champions Ellis Holdaway (left) and Jonathan Rigby, with Wenlo head coach Dawn Whitmore-Kirby and Wenlo’s Mascot, Dalmore.
TV detective drama on the GCR THE GREAT Central Railway is set to be the location for a new TV detective drama. This autumn a short film will be made featuring the heritage steam railway by a production company that is adapting the popular Inspector Vignoles railway detective novels into a TV drama series. The producers hope that the 10 minute film, to be shot in October, will
Golfers reach finals ON A VERY hot sticky night at Kirby Muxloe Golf Club Birstall Ladies took on Luffenham Heath in the semi-final of the Ladies’ County Fours. The dry fairways made the course particularly challenging and Birstall’s lead couple of Katie Underwood and
Clare Bailey soon found themselves behind after Kirby’s tough start. At one point they were three behind their Luffenham opponents who were playing very steady and accurate golf. However an outstanding back nine performance saw the Birstall pair wipe out the deficit and finish the match 2 up. There was no such problem for Birstall’s other pair, Ama Uprichard and Chris Hyde who played outstanding golf throughout to finish their match 6 up. Overall Birstall finished 8 up to comfortable qualify for the final for the first time in many years. The final itself will be played on Sunday September 2 at a venue to be decided. Pic: Birstall Ladies celebrate reaching the final of the County Fours: (l-r) Katie Underwood, Ama Uprichard, Clare Bailey, Chris Hyde
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convince commissioning editors and production companies to commission a full length TV series. The project to bring Inspector Vignoles and his railway world to the small screen has been several years in planning by the novelist Stephen Done, producers Philip and Robert Ettinger, and publicist Peter Elson. The stories are set in post-war Britain around the life and crimes facing Detective Inspector Charles Vignoles and his (fictional) railway detective department, in a period still deeply embedded in the steam train age. Novelist Stephen Done said: “We had a really productive initial visit. It really is the most welcoming place and just about everyone I spoke to has read all the books! “This lovely railway is literally a film
set just waiting for the cameras to roll and animate Vignoles. In this first trip we accomplished a lot of good work. It is very exciting indeed to think that before long we will see the character on film after he has lived in my mind’s eye or print on paper for years.” Philip Ettinger said: “Everyone at the GCR was extremely welcoming and we were blessed with magnificent weather on our visit. We were treated to a series of magical sights, sounds and experiences that indicate we have a very evocative set which will we hope lead to an excellent taster film when we return in October.” Richard Patching, GCR chairman, said: “As an avid reader of the Inspector Vignoles novels, to say the prospect of their being brought to the screen is exciting, would be an understatement.”
All welcome to sing MEN, WOMEN, boys and girls are being welcomed to learn to sing at a free course starting in Birstall this month. The free ‘Everyone in Harmony’ course is being held by Heart of England Chorus at the Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Spokesman Jan Hunt said: “Aimed at both newcomers and those who have not sung for a while, the course is to encourage more men and women young and old to take up singing, which is increasingly acknowledged as being an aid to a healthy lifestyle. “There are many men who would love to sing but most never get around to trying, don’t have the opportunity or
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maybe are too self-conscious to give it a go but the simple fact is that just about everyone can sing. Attendees learn within a group which makes it less daunting, there are no embarrassing public auditions and it’s free.” With the professional help of Musical Director Ian Phillips and Assistant MD Jim Pollock participants will be helped to discover their voice, learn the techniques of making the most of it and how to use it in four-part acappella harmony with others. Jan said: “There’s no need to worry about reading music as the teaching methods employed are designed to help quickly learn specially-commissioned songs. “For men and women who haven't sung for a few years this course is the perfect way to ease their vocal chords back into action. Regular singers may also find the course useful to learn different voice parts, in a relaxed and friendly environment.” The course will run from 7.30 to 10pm, from Monday September 3. All the material will be provided with access to course teaching materials. www.heartofenglandchorus.co.uk Contact: P.J.Hunt Secretary 0116 2675 339 email: jansbolt@btinternet.com
Club hosts cricket event Pic: (l-r) Henna Patel, Pooja Patel, Dunni Patel & Radha Patel
AROUND 100 girls and women were introduced to cricket when Birstall’s Asian Sports Cricket Club held a women’s softball cricket tournament at their ground on the School Lane playing field. The day began with a bhangra warm up and featured matches, prizes, presentations, food and drink and a bouncy castle. Participant Henna Patel (23) came from Evington for the day. “I’ve never played cricket before and I hope today will be fun – I think our team will win!” she said, Club secretary Ashwin Patel said: “We felt the whole day was a real success, had a fun vibe and a relaxed family atmosphere. “The feedback from everybody was really positive with many asking if we would run it again next year.”
Local Carers’ election support THE NEXT Borough Council elections will be held in May 2019, but a by-election will be held this month due to the resignation of a councillor. The by-election will be held in the Birstall Wanlip ward on September 13, due to the resignation of Conservative councillor Renata Jones, who was elected in 2015. There are four Borough councillors representing Birstall at Charnwood: David Gaskell (Con), Iain Bentley (Con), Roy Rollings (Con) and the new councillor who will be elected on September 13. David Gaskell, a former Mayor of Charnwood, has said he will not be seeking re-election in May 2019. The candidates seeking election on September 13 are: Charlotte Clancy (Green) Norman Cutting (UKIP) Abe Khayer (Lab) Shona Rattray (Con) Carolyn Thornborow (Lib Dem)
CARING FOR a member of your family can be stressful and a workshop held in Birstall this month aims to help. Age UK in Partnership with Cedar Mews are holding another Family Carers Workshop on Wednesday 26 September between 2 & 4pm at Cedar Mews in Hallam Fields Road, Birstall. The Workshop will give Carers an opportunity to take time for themselves, Network with other Family Carers and give them an opportunity to experience ways to destress and relax mind and body from the demanding role of Caring. Age UK spokeswoman Jeanette Silver said: “Through their vast experience of working with clients, Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland know only too well the stresses of caring for a family member and ultimately, how this can affect the carer’s own health.” To book: Contact Jeanette Silver-Age UK Charnwood Office on 01509 260327 or alternatively Cedar Mews on 0116 267 4835 to secure your place.
Red Hill open day VISITORS TO Red Hill allotments were able to purchase home grown produce as well as find out about renting an allotment plot at an open day in July. There were activities for children, cream teas and a scarecrow trail.
Flower club’s plant sale BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB held a Plant Sale and Coffee Morning in the village. The weather was kind and the event was very well attended and enjoyed by several members of the village and beyond. Our next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Wednesday September 26 at 7.15pm. The NAFAS demonstrator for the evening will be Beverley Artis and her title is “Name That Tune". Come and join us for an evening watching a qualified demonstrator create five to six arrangements – one of which you could win if you buy a raffle prize. From Birstall Flower Club Pic: Birstall Flower Club’s plant sale & coffee morning
THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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ers’), staged from Wednesday October 24 to Saturday October 27. The play centres on a married couple and the problems that occur when the husband “loses the plot” due to pressures at the end. Theatre is a brilliant medium for public entertainment and story telling work, goes walkabout for three months and returns to find his long suffering in both the comic and tragic genres. It wife has written a successful comedy will hopefully give local people an evening out to see good quality perform- all about his foibles and quirky behaviour. A book which then threatens to ances that are often financially prohibibe made into a TV sitcom! tive if you have to go to a Leicester or “Come and see how they cope with Nottingham venue. The new auditorium life, marriage and the thorny problems is stunning and provid of artistic expression in es everything for a this fun but thought theatre production to provoking production” be a success”. said Ingrid. The first play to Tickets available from be staged at MountMountsorrel Memorial sorrel’s auditorium Centre reception. will be ‘Losing the Tel: 0116 2304877 Plot’. A comedy by Email: John Godber, (the reception@mountsorrelm creator of such comemorialcentre.co.uk edy classics as ‘Teechers’ , ‘April in Pic: Ingrid-Kleins Daniels Paris’ and ‘Bounc-
New company stages first play A NEW theatre company based in Mountsorrel is preparing its first production this October, staged in the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre. “Blanc Canvas Theatre” has been started by Ingrid Kleins-Daniels who for many years has been an actor and a director with “The Festival Players”. She said: “Seeing a wonderful new
opportunity in the form of the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre’s new auditorium, I’ve decided to venture into uncharted territory, bought the rights for the first two plays and started rehearsals with gusto.” She added: “This is a scary venture because you never know whether people will come and support us and it is an expensive business. However, I love doing this type of thing and although a gamble, I feel it is worth it in
Now a year old, our ‘new Trinity Circuit’ has a mission statement which ‘aims to inspire and enable its people to love and serve God made known to us in Christ, and likewise God’s people’. In Summer Fayre John Ward (Our Lady and St. Nichothe light of the mission of the church, it las) (e-mail: jfw001@aol.com) After all the fantastic (and not always is opportune to remind all who read Half of the money raised will go to welcome) hot weather of the past couple these notes that anyone is welcome to the Leicestershire Historic Churches of months (please don't hold me to that the Methodist Services of worship. There timescale, as my sense of time and space Trust, to help save and protect some of our most beautiful and historic churches. are no pre-conditions, no need to be is practically non-existent!) we are hop‘perfect’ (none of the existing congregaThe other half you can donate to the ing for good weather for the Summer church, chapel of meeting house of your tion are!), and there is even no obligaFayre on Monday 27th August, being tion to put anything on the collection choice. The churches will be staffed for held on the Church lawn and in the plate (but if you attend more often, your the day to welcome visitors. Church. This year's charity which will From Birstall Parish Church contribution will be appreciated) and if, benefit from the proceeds is "Save the as many do, you attend with lots of Children". doubt, you are still very welcome. Shoebox Appeal 25 Years in Methodist Ministry 10.30am every Sunday on Wanlip Lane. Children will also benefit from this In September this year, Rev Paula From Birstall Methodist Church year's Shoe Box Appeal. Items are being Hunt, minister at Birstall and Rothley collected to make up gift boxes to send Methodist Churches celebrates 25 years Sunday Services to children who otherwise would have as a Methodist Minister. There will be a We invite you to join with us for our no other gifts at this special time of year. celebration lunch at Rothley on Sunday Sunday worship through September. We If you would like to contribute to, or September 2 (after their Covenant Servwill be meeting each week in Room PT1, make up a box, forms for completed ice) and a bring and share lunch at The Palmer Tomkinson Centre, The Ceboxes will be in the Church in SeptemBirstall on September 9 after morning dars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall ber. If you need further information, worship. (LE4 4GH), the services beginning at please contact Sylvia Simes or Doreen Outdoor Events 10.45am. Our visiting speaker on 23rd Wilson, both of St. James. In 1753, it is believed that John Weswill be a welcome return visit by Roger Flowers ley preached in the open air to the peoPendleton (from Nottingham). We have Sylvia is also, together with Marjorie ple of Rearsby. The village had a a Sunday School for children during the Bonshor, part of the Birstall and Wanlip Methodist Church until 2003 when the second half of the service. Looking flower arranging teams. If you have a premises were sold and were restored ahead, our Harvest Thanksgiving this special occasion or wish to remember a as offices. The congregation moving to year will be held on October 7. special person by having a flower display, Syston. On Sunday September 9, a CirCurious about Christianity? they and their teams will make a beauticuit Picnic and ‘Songs of Praise’ is to be You may have been wondering what ful arrangement for you to place in the held on the park at Church Lane, Rearsbeing a Christian means and how a perChurch. Donations for the cost of the by, at 3pm. Syston Town Band will acson becomes one. September is the flowers are always welcome. company the singing. A Circuit Service, time for new courses, so you may like to Ride & Stride also on the park, will follow on at 4pm. consider joining us for a short series of Saturday September 8 sees a great Should it rain, the ‘Songs of Praise’ informal discussions answering these fund-raising event, the 'Ride and Stride' service will be in Rearsby Parish Church. questions. To express an interest or to to raise funds for the Historic Churches On the day before the Rearsby event, find out more, then please ring the Trust and our two Parish Churches. By Birstall Methodist Church will be open phone number below. Similarly, if you walking, cycling, roller-skating or even to receive those taking part in the ‘Ride would like to join us for our mid-week by bus, the challenge is to visit as many and Stride’ event, who are walking or Bible Studies, then please contact us. churches, chapels and meeting houses cycling around historic churches in Enquiries about BIBC: please ring as you can in one day. A lot of fun, Leicestershire. 0116 221 4883. especially if you can do it with friends, At the end of the month, Aigburth From Birstall Independent Baptist and is also very healthy! Friends, neigh- Methodist Home for the Aged (MHA) are Church bours and relatives can be asked to seeking volunteers to tidy up their large sponsor your efforts. If you would like garden and plant bulbs - September 29 St Theresa’s 30th Anniversary a full list of participating venues and a at their premises on Manor Road, Oadby. This year sees the 30th anniversary of sponsorship form, please contact: More details are on a notice in the Birthe opening of the church in Front St, Andy Proud (St. James) (e-mail: stall Methodist Coffee Shop. and there will be a display of pictures, asproud@gmail.com) or Mission Statement written reminiscences and other memo-
THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
News from the churches
rabilia documenting the move from the original temporary church in Wanlip Lane to the present site. If you have any items which you think would be of interest, they can be sent to the church office. Please include your name and address to ensure the safe return of your items. Walsingham Members of our parishes joined with those from other Leicester parishes for the annual Our Lady Queen of Peace Pilgrimage to the national shrine at Walsingham at the end of August. Social activities The Monday Club recently held a very successful summer buffet and food was the theme again for the Tuesday Ladies Group at their recent Fish and Chip Supper. Details of future meetings of both groups can be found on the parish website. Members of the Youth Group recently enjoyed trips to Alton Towers and Skegness. We all look back on our own school holidays and remember long, hot days (whether they were or not!) but this year the glorious sunshine was truly perfect for days out with friends. As our young people return to school or move on to higher education, we offer them our best wishes and support. Future dates for your diary 21st September 6.30 pm at St Theresa’s - Healing Mass Monday 1st October, - Skittles Night in Syston Conservative Club Friday 26th October. - Quiz Night at Birstall Social Club Friday 9th November - Quiz Night St Theresa’s Sunday 18th November - Helpers Mass at St. Theresa’s at 10.00 am Thursday 22nd November – Fish and Chip Supper at Rothley Sacred Heart Saturday 8th December – Christmas Bazaar at St Theresa’s Friday 25th January – Murder Mystery Evening at St Theresa’s Thursday 28th February - Horse Racing Evening at St Theresa’s For further details, contact the Church Office on 011 2929939 From St Theresa’s Birstall & Rothley Sacred Heart
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Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Cancer Screening The UK has a comprehensive evidence based cancer screening program. The opportunity for screening isn't available in all countries especially not free or through an automated state ran call up system. Birstall BAGs urge people to ensure they take up any cancer screening opportunity available to them, it really could save your life. Here are a few facts about Cancer Screening that may be relevant to you. Cancer screening is meant for healthy people with no symptoms at all. If you have symptoms, you should tell your doctor. Screening looks for early signs that could mean cancer is developing. It can help spot cancers at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful and the chances of survival are much better. In some cases, it can even prevent cancers from developing at all, by picking up early changes that can then be treated to stop them turning into cancer. This is how cervical screening prevents cervical cancer.
What screening programmes are available? In the UK there are national screening programmes - for breast, cervical and bowel cancer. Breast screening is offered to women aged 50-70 in all UK nations. In England there is a trial in some areas to see the effect of inviting women aged 47-73. Cervical screening is offered to women aged 25-64 in the UK. It is offered every three years for women aged 25-29, and every five years for women 50-64. Bowel screening is offered to men and women aged 60-74 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, men and women aged 5074 are offered screening. In England, another type of bowel screening called Bowel Scope is also starting to be offered to people at age 55. You will only be invited for screening if you are registered with a GP. What about people with a high family risk of cancer? Some people may have a higher risk of certain cancers, perhaps because of a strong family history or certain medical
conditions. Their doctor may recommend they have tests that are different to screening for the general population or have them more often. What if I’m not eligible for screening? If you are older than the age range for breast screening, or for bowel screening in England and Scotland, you can still be screened if you want. But you won’t get an automatic invitation. You can make your own breast screening appointment, or request a bowel screening kit. How to do this depends on your local area, but your GP surgery can tell you who to contact. There are also lots of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer in the first place. Should I be screened? Whether or not to go for screening is your choice. You will be sent information with your screening invitation about the benefits and harms of the test. You should read this information to help you make a decision; you can also ask your doctor if you have any questions. Benefits of screening Cancer screening saves thousands of lives each year. Screening can detect cancer at an early stage. If cancer is picked up early, it means that treatment is more likely to work and more people survive. Some screening programmes can also
CHURCH DIARY
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prevent cancer. The cervical screening programme, as well as the new Bowel Scope test, can detect abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer. Treating these early changes can prevent cancer from developing in the first place. So please take up the opportunity to be screened, it may prevent cancer by picking up changes in your body that have potential to turn into cancer or pick up a diagnosis early. If you have concerns please talk to your GP. For more information please visit: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/aboutcancer/screening/understanding-cancerscreening 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
Planning P/18/1697/2: 12 Queensgate Drive – alterations to rear elevations to include the replacement of previously proposed bi-folding door with glazed double doors and new window and full height window to be reduced in size. Internal reconfiguration is also proposed to create a ground floor bedroom and wet room P/18/1691/2: 59 Oakfield Ave – single storey rear orangery and side extension P/18/1682/2: 46 Gwendolin Ave – extension to rear P/18/1681/2: 10 Hawthorn Ave – rear extension constructed larger than as per approved drawings P/18/11668/2:1 Hill Rise – retrospective planning application of replacement of detached garage P/18/1648/2: 37 Lambourne Road – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/18/1571/2: Coed Uchel, 144 Birstall Rd – construction of retaining garden wall, patio and steps to elevated rear garden P/18/1630/2: 17 Clarke Grove – erection of new raised pitched roof to dwelling, erection of two single storey extensions to rear and alterations to windows to front P/18/1601/2: 70 Queensgate Drive – erection of single storey extension to side of dwelling P/18/1550/2: land adjacent 44&48 Kiln Orchard Way – change of use of public open space to residential garden land P/18/1525/2: 11 Cliffwood Ave – erection of roof extensions to side & rear of dwelling P/18/1565/2: 48 Greengate Lane – erection of 1st floor side extension to dwelling & single storey rear extension and insertion of roof light to side elevation P/18/1587/2: 113 Wanlip Lane – installation of roller shutter to front elevation of existing retail unit P/18/1576/2: 54 Elmfield Ave – conversion of integral garage to habitable accommodation P/18/1544/2: 28 Wanlip Lane – erection of single storey extension to rear & side of dwelling P/18/1543/2: 130 Birstall Rd – erection of 1st floor extension to rear of dwelling
The October issue of
THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 28. The copy deadline is Sep 14.
THE BIRSTALL POST SEP 2018
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