Birstall Post (425) December 2018 by The Birstall Post

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

DECEMBER 2018

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No. 425

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Lit up for Christmas A DAZZLING display of decorated trees filled Birstall Methodist church for its Christmas festival. Local groups, businesses and individuals had come up with some clever design ideas to decorate their trees at the event, which also featured stalls selling Christmas gifts and decorations. Pics(right): Evan Jackson (5) receives a packet of reindeer food from Santa’s helper; (bottom) Noah Smart (3) meets Santa

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Birstall remembers at armistice centenary HUNDREDS OF people came together in Birstall to mark the centenary of the armistice on Sunday November 11. Birstall Royal British Legion organised a parade which set off from the Legion club on Front Street, led by Legion standard bearers and comprising former and acting servicemen and women as well as uniformed youth groups. The parade ended at St James Church where Rev Vince Jupp led a Service of Remembrance. Once the service was concluded the congregation joined a large crowd around the war memorial to remember the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and to watch as wreaths were laid to honour them. Participants in the parade were: Parade Marshal, Chris Joyce; RBP Birstall Standard & Queen’s Colour; RBL Birstall Forget-Me-Nots (formerly Birstall RBL Women’s Section); RAFA Royal Air Forces Association Leicester; RBL Birstall Members, other ex-servicemen and families; 1947 (Birstall) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC); Leicester Sea Cadets, TS Tiger; Birstall Scouts (53rd Leicester); Girlguiding Birstall; Cubs, Brownies and Rainbows; 1st Birstall Girls Brigade; Birstall Boys Brigade (2nd Leicester); Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service, Birstall Station, complete with fire engine; Birstall RFC, who also provided traffic marshals for the event. Pics: (top left) The parade on Front Street; (bottom left) wreath laying at the War Memorial; (bottom right) Lt Cmdr Mark Stant (39) plants a Remembrance cross watched by his grandfather Rupert Stant (98), who served on HMS Newcastle during WWII

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

Birstall War Memorial NOVEMBER 11, 2018 marked the centenary of the armistice that ended World War I. The men from Birstall who lost their lives in that conflict were: A Aubrey Adnitt, Walter Bayliss, Arthur J Davenport, Arthur R Dawson, Edward Endall, Walter Gladding, Herbert Greasley, William J Greasley, Tom Henson, H A G Fielding Johnson, Frederick W Liquorish, Arthur Dawson James E Reed, W Kingsley Reynolds, J William H Smith, John A Toon, William Walton and Arthur Pritchett. The biographies of the fallen are given in ‘Names Around Birstall’ a book by Stewart Liquorish and John Kilby. To help us remember these men, that they had wives and parents and children, we have picked one of those brief biographies to reproduce here. Arthur R Dawson Arthur Dawson was born in Wanlip in 1889, the son of Robert Dawson, a farm worker/carter and his wife Helen. He was baptised at Wanlip church on May 25, 1890. By 1891 the family had moved to Birstall and were living on Front Street.

BIRSTALL WAR Memorial was funded by public subscription amongst the people of Birstall, and was dedicated in a ceremony held on March 5, 1921. Constructed of limestone and standing 14 ft in height, it was inscribed with the names of the men of the village who died in the first world war. In 1949, Birstall British Legion raised the funding to provide a panel for the memorial, bearing the names of the fallen from the second world war. With the support of his fellow councillors, Birstall Parish Councillor Ed Marshall led a project to renovate the war memorial in time for the centenary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. The memorial was steam cleaned, the lettering re-gilded and the granite wall re-pointed. A new set of hand rails was installed and safety strips were put on the steps leading up to the memorial. Two flower beds facing the memorial were cleared, then re-planted by Birstall Flower Club. All the railings and gates at

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After completing his schooling Arthur worked as a gardener but also found time to play football with the Birstall United football team, as this picture from 1909 shows. On September 10, 1910 at St James Birstall, Arthur married Rosetta Taylor and on April 2, 1911 their son Arthur was baptised at St James. By this time Arthur and his family were living on White Horse Lane. Arthur enlisted in Leicester with the Leicestershire Regiment and in 1917 was in action during the third battle of Ypres which culminated in November 1917 with the capture of Passchendaele. Arthur died in action on Monday October 8, 1917 aged 27. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zannebeke, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. It honours some 35,000 men who have no known graves.

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Pic: Sylvia Simes (left) & Maureen Green (right) from Birstall Flower Club with Birstall Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall and Cllr Ed Marshall

entrances to the church have been painted black with bronze spears by Cllr Marshall, who also planted the fence bordering the churchyard. Cllr Ed Marshall said: “I was motivated by the desire to see the War Memorial and its surroundings improved for the centenary of the Armistice of WWI. I am grateful that, due to the willing support of the people who engaged in the project, it was completed in time for Remembrance Sunday.” Wanlip Parish Meeting provided a donation of £200 for the work and a further grant of £1500 was received from the Edith Murphy Foundation. Work still to be completed is the re-pointing of the memorial, and the parish council also intends to install a commemorative bench on the Edith Murphy car park, as a permanent memorial of the centenary of the ending of World War I.

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New £2million bridge in country park Around 245,000 people have visited Watermead Country Park since April this year.

A NEW £2million bridge for pedestrians and cyclists is being planned for Watermead Country Park. The bridge will connect the southern section of the park, owned by Leicester City Council, with the County Council owned northern section. The bridge will be located near to Bridge Business Park. It will be 0.25miles away from an existing bridge across the River Soar at Thurmaston lock. A new footpath connecting the bridge to the southern section of the park will run across private land to the west of Leicester marina. The city and county councils are each proposing to contribute £750,000 to the scheme, with the remaining £500,000 coming from the River Soar/Grand Union Canal Environment and Access programme, a wider programme of work being delivered by the city council with the Environment Agency and the Canal and River Trust funded through the Local Growth Fund. County Council leader Nick Rushton said: “We want the park to be better connected as well as increasing people’s levels of physical activity which is a major public health priority for both authorities. We want to encourage people to either walk or cycle in our country parks.

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“We’re facing pressure on our budgets, but we have to promote the economic benefits of both the county and city. The footbridge will provide that physical link between the two sites and raise its profile to more people.” Cllr Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The new bridge would help stitch together the north and south areas of this wonderful country park, which many people don't realise are connected. Taken together, it really does make Watermead a fantastic destination and we want to ensure that we are making the most of this incredible asset.” Chairman of Thurmaston Parish Council Mark Lowe said: “It would be nice to have been consulted about this scheme. On the face of it, it looks as though the

money could be better spent elsewhere, such as a visitor centre in the park.” Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall said: “We have been hoping for better access from Birstall to the country park because access at the moment is pretty awful, so I am surprised at this time of austerity that they are considering putting in a bridge there – who is going to use it? There are already good connections from the park to Thurmaston.” She added: “Couldn’t this money be better spent on park rangers or more urgent priorities, like addressing the traffic on the A6 and Greengate Lane?” Subject to a successful planning application, the construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2020.

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

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Hair cut to help give wigs to children with cancer AFTER DECIDING two years ago to grow his hair and donate it to charity, ten year old Felix Ince of Birstall had his hair cut in front of his whole school at Hghcliffe primary. Felix said he was a little bit nervous about having his hair cut but now it’s done he’s proud of himself. His hair had

grown to 11 inches long and will be used by the Little Princess Trust to make a real hair wig for children having cancer treatment. Felix also raised £907 for the charity by setting up a justgiving page. Pic: Felix before, during and then admiring his new hair cut with dad Paul

Loyal donors recognised DAVID WATSON and Peter Molesdale from Birstall were among 22 loyal blood donors from Leicestershire who were invited to a special awards ceremony hosted by the NHS. Held at Stapleford Park, blood donors were presented with a commemorative medal for having donated 100 units of blood. David said: “Blood donation is such an important thing to do, it’s quick and easy and saves lives, like my mother who has regular blood transfusions for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.” Another donor Carl Michael Mills from Leicester, said: “Giving an hour out of your day every three months, you’re giving people who need blood a life and a chance to spend hours and months with their loved ones. One unit of blood

Pic: David Watson receiving an award from Libby Harris

donated can save or improve the lives of up to three people so 100 donations has potentially helped save the lives of up to 300 patients in hospitals through donating blood.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

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Fun at youth café GAMES, COOKING, crafts and fun are all promised at Birstall Parish Council’s Youth Café, which welcomes new young people to come and join them. Currently planning their Christmas party and disco, the young people have recently held their own Halloween event and made posters and ban-

ners for Remembrance Sunday. The café is for 8-11 yr olds and is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-8pm. It is located in the sports pavilion in the centre of the School Lane playing fields, next to the basketball court. Fully DBS checked youth workers are in attendance and they invite all newcomers to come along and see what activities they do. For further information take a look at the Birstall Youth Café facebook page, email: admin@birstallpc.org.uk or call the Parish Council office on 0116 267 6191.

Birstall guides complete sponsored walk TWO GIRLS from 1st Birstall Guides organised a five mile sponsored walk around Swithland Wood. Freya Oldcorn and Isabella Moore, both 12, created their own flyers to drum up support from fellow guides, family and friends, designed sponsorship forms and planned their route. Girlguiding’s new ‘Skills Builder’ programme is designed to give girls core life

skills and Freya and Isabella decided to work towards the ‘Take Action ‘part of the programme and raise money for a cause that would make a difference in their community. As Isabella’s grandfather lives with Parkinson’s Disease the girls decided to raise money for Parkinson’s UK. On October 21 the duo completed their walk, raising £135. Isabella said: “I felt a sense of achievement and pride. When me and

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Freya decided on doing this for my granddad, I felt happy as we were fundraising for a charity that is close to my heart. In the new programme, I feel we have a sense of freedom – we get to pick what we’d like to do, carry out activities with people in our guiding group that we may not have done many activities with before, explore our wider world and experience new things.” “We are very proud of the independence and maturity the two girls have shown while completing this new badge” said Guide Leader Gemma Jeffs. “They’ve really taken the challenge to heart and demonstrated that when girls put their

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minds to something they can achieve anything!” Girlguiding is the largest voluntary organisation in the UK for girls and young women. They are always in need of people to help them run their weekly unit meetings in order to keep giving girls the opportunities to learn and grow as individuals. Full training is offered for leaders for what is a very rewarding role in the community. If anyone is interested in learning new skills, making now friends and having a whole lot of fun, then visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved to register your interest.

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BIRSTALL BOWLS club presented local cancer charity Birstall BAGS with a cheque for £2000 at a dinner dance held at Birstall Golf Club on November 3. The club had chosen Birstall BAGS as its nominated charity for the year and Rosie Houldsworth, Trustees Secretary, was invited to represent the charity at the event. She said: “We were made so very welcome and it was a pleasure to be invited to join the Bowls Club evening as their nominated charity for 2018. Thank you for choosing us as your charity and supporting us.”

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

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

Thanks I would very much like to thank all the readers who got in touch with me following my letter in last month's edition about the memorial plaque to the employees of Corah's. I was informed that the original memorial, with flag pole and plinth, was half way between the bowling green and the tennis court on the old Corah sports ground. This was moved when Corah's closed (1989 or so) and the further advice given led me to the churchyard of St Margaret's church where there are in fact two plaques, one for WW1 and one for WW2. There is also an inscribed stone to the right indicating that the line of trees was planted in memory of those killed in WW2. Sam Dobson - St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club

Quilters Concerned May I suggest that parents/carers refrain from allowing children from using the School Lane play area nearest the car park whilst a football match is in progress. Following a recent parish council meeting, where the majority of councillors felt there was no concern, I had a look and the football pitch is about 10 feet away from the play area with no protection. I expressed concern at the meeting and in spite of assurances that there was no problem, my concerns remain. Norman Cutting

Birstall Quilters thank everyone who supported their Coffee Morning on October 20. Just over £700 was made to add to their 2018 charity, Rainbows. The winners of the Raffle were 1st (the quilt) Mrs Lewin, Mr Bates, Mr Hendrie, Mrs P Carter, Mrs V Clements and Mrs J Tinley. Christine M Hewson

Traffic I am concerned about the increase in traffic from the Ashton Green development.

There are already great difficulties getting onto Greengate Lane from adjoining roads without extra traffic from Ashton Green. The traffic from Ashton Green Road should be encouraged to continue towards Beaumont Leys Lane/Red Hill Roundabout. Name and address supplied

Steamy memories I have a host of steamy memories of the old Belgrave and Birstall station when the Great Central Railway was a main line (Post, November). Until I reached the age of six I lived in Goscote Hall Road, Birstall, only a short walk away from the station. I was born just before the start of World War Two and can still recall train rides when I was aged three. Once each week, after a lunch of soup and bread, my mother took me to visit my grannie, who lived on Swithland Lane at Rothley. We were often late leaving our home, and Mum would walk as fast as she could to the station. I was dragged along and my feet hardly touched the ground. Once or twice, after we had descended the steps and our tickets had been bought, I was pulled on board as the train was starting to move off. My friend, David Evans, lived in Went Road. On sunny summer days our mums often took us to the meadows beyond the Fielding Road foot crossing so we could enjoy a picnic. After David and I had celebrated our fifth birthdays we were allowed a lot of freedom. This gave us the opportunity to

secretly walk to the crossing unaccompanied so we would play risky “games,” including placing pennies on a rail. Definitely not to be recommended. We were also keen train-spotters. Together with other boys we would sit on a fence near the station, armed with small notebooks, and record the number of each loco that went past. When a loco with a nameplate (a “namer”) came through we all whooped with delight. Happy days. John Rippin

Bus user I agree with the comments of Paul Goodfellow in his letter (the Birstall Post, November) about the failings of the Centrebus services. In recent weeks on the 22B service, which I use, buses have been several minutes late on many occasions. On three occasions I have waited for buses which did not arrive and I have had to wait over an hour each time for the next scheduled one. The drivers never apologise for being late. Once I did ask why a previous one had not arrived and the reply I got was: “I don’t know, nothing to do with me mate.” It seems that most local authorities are trying to encourage more people to use buses to travel to and from work instead of using cars especially in the morning rush hour when there are awful gridlocks in many places. Obviously the encouragement to use buses needs to be backed up by providing comfortable, clean, efficient, punctual buses at suitaContinued on page 10

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

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

Continued from page 8 ble locations but just as important is the provision of bus stop shelters which are fit for purpose in providing protection from inclement weather (the meaning of the word shelter). Alas this does not appear to be the policy of Charnwood Borough Council or Leicestershire County Council or at least in regard to present and potential bus users in Birstall. Throughout the village there are about thirty bus stops but as far as I know only four shelters – one on the 22A route being kindly provided by Iain Bentley the Borough and County councillor, It is reasonable to think that such a small number of shelters would be well maintained, fit for purpose. Sad to say this is not the case with the shelter about halfway along Sibson Road, it is in a shocking condition, a disgrace. Like the other one, opposite the Garden Centre, the seat is quite narrow, slopes slightly down from the rear and is placed too close to the back wall. The sides of the shelter are not wide enough – they don’t extend to the same width as the roof. The shelter has been placed too low into the ground with the result that the tarmac forming the footpath outside slopes down away from the kerb and so taking rainwater onto the floor, thus when it rains a puddle quickly forms inside the shelter. There is a gap between the rear wall and the ground and grass on the verge behind has started to grow into the shelter. The roof is comprised of three sections and one section has lost most of its material and so there is a large gaping hole in the roof letting in the rain. Until some months ago bus stop shelters were the responsibility of Charnwood Borough Council and I know at least two regular users of that shelter who contacted the Borough Council more than once informing it of the hole in the roof. They were fobbed off by being told the situation would be looked at! When Leics County Council took over responsibly for bus stop shelters, did they bother to inspect them. It seems unlikely. The hole in the roof of that disgraceful shelter has been there for about THREE AND A HALF YEARS! I know the shelters are not the responsibility of Birstall Parish Council but on the main shopping street in the village with five bus stops and just two shelters can councillors be content that one of those shelters is in such a shocking state? We are paying more council tax each year but bus users at least are receiving less consideration and respect and less reliable services. J Woods

wanting to improve Contact Deryk on d-woods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 www.birstallrc.org.uk

Mountsorrel Wellbeing Café We meet every Friday 12.30-2.30pm at Studio 2, Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Kingfisher Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7FG Lots of fun activities including arts & crafts, board games, badminton, boccia, new age kurling & lots more Bring along a friend or carer £1 per week inc refreshments

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 and 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

Christmas Attractions

every day until 22 December. Daily from 5pm – 10pm • 16 December: Art at Christmas. Leicester Market Find the perfect original gift created by local artists at our special Christmas market 11am-4pm • Now open: The Jägerhaus. St Peter’s Square, Highcross Enjoy the finest festive food and drink at Leicester’s Germanthemed outside bar. Open daily from 10am-9pm until 24 December

Cedar Care Circle in Leicester this December • From 6 December: Christmas Ice Rink. Jubilee Square Skate on our spectacular real ice rink, whatever the weather! Tickets from christmasinleicester.co.uk and Visit Leicester on Gallowtree Gate From 11am daily (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) until 6 January • From 8 December: Santa in the Square. New Market Square Visit Santa in his snow-covered grotto, every day until 23 December. Free admission – and free small gift for every child. Monday-Friday: 1pm-6pm; Saturday: 10am-6pm; Sunday: 11am4pm • From 13 December: Christmas in the Gardens. Cathedral Gardens Add your own face to LightWeight – a unique interactive illuminated sphere – or just soak up the festive atmosphere in the beautifully lit gardens. Brought to you by BID Leicester and St Martins House

Seasons greetings to you all. Hard to believe we've been meeting now for over 12 months! Our December meeting is 10th December and our Christmas meal is 17th December. January dates are the 7th and 21st ,2019. Please pass details to anyone who is interested in joining our group. We offer support and friendship to carers and sufferers of Alzheimer's and Dementia. We just natter over a cuppa share problems and information where we can. We meet at Ruth's Lambourne Cafe. Lambourne Road Birstall at 2pm. Contact Barbara on 07905760556. Look forward to seeing you

Friends of Belgrave St Peter's On Monday 17th December at Claremont Street Methodist Church Leicester, we will be holding a get together from 6.30pm to 9pm. At 7pm we will be tuning in to Radio Leicester for their annual Sing Christmas, refreshments will be served afterwards.

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

£2.50 payable at the door. Members and non members are welcome enquiries 0116 2666531

Birstall & District Local History Society The December monthly meeting takes place on Thursday 13th December 2018 in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall at 7.30pm. The speaker for the night will be Kath Reynolds who will give a talk entitled "Tis The Season to be Jolly". A look back at some of our Christmas traditions, celebrations and favourite toys! Enjoy a few carols and a look at the films we've watched at Christmas time. We will also have our usual Christmas Raffle and proceeds will go the East Midlands Air Ambulance. Visitors are very welcome to join us for this talk. Parking will be available on the night on the Birstall Playing Fields through the School Lane entrance

Cheeky Cherubs Christmas Party Tickets Now On Sale 17th December 9.30-11.30am Birstall Methodist Tea Rooms. This year we have Party with James (Mr Tumble look alike!) Santa will be in his grotto! Tickets are priced at £2.50 per ticket (inc 1 child 1 adult) if you would like any more information contact Paula 07934551563

St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall A concert of

Birstall Library Omni Service

Facepainting in the Village Hall from 6.30 - 8.30pm

Christmas music

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 on Wednesday 12th December and 9th January. Please contact Birstall Library on 0116 3058756

Birstall Food Hub

by the Ratcliffe Chorale - always excellent and always popular. Admission (to include light refreshments) £5.00 and £3.00 concessions (over 60's and under 16's). 8th December at 7.30pm

Birstall Tea Dances St James Village Hall Birstall Road,Birstall LE4 4DH Fridays 7th & 14th December 2018 3.30 pm- 5.30pm £4 each on the door Tea / Coffee & Cake included Further information Contact Jackie: 0116 2248 278 Mobile: 07908607405 jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

Birstall Parish Council

Christmas Lights Switch On

Christmas Market & Festive Tea Party Saturday 8th December 10am 1pm at Birstall Methodist Church LE4 4JS Come along for a fantastic morning of shopping, Christmas craft making and a festive tea party with plenty of festive treats! A beautiful array of stalls for your Christmas shopping. Free admission. To book your place onto the craft making, book a stall or for more info visit FB: 'Christmas Market and Festive Tea Party!' or 'Letters and Stitch 2'

Coffee Morning 10 - 12noon Saturday 8 December Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane We are holding a coffee morning to raise funds for the food hub as fresh goods are only bought on the day of collection. We also pay for tea or coffee out of our funds and this is the only way of replenishing that money. So do please come along to give your support and meet some of the volunteers. We will have a raffle, potted hyacinth and daffodil bulbs - ready to flower, craft table, cakes and books all at very reasonable prices Contact Margaret 0116 2671181 for any more information Christmas Stallholders wanted Friends of Hallam Fields PTA are hosting a

Community Christmas event

Friday 7th December Attractions and the Fair including Rodeo Reindeer & a Human Snowglobe From 4pm "Countdown" on Sibson Road Car Park at 6pm Ho,Ho,Ho! Santa will be in the Village Hall from 6.30- 8.30pm Don’t forget to come and get your free mulled wine & Mince Pies in the Village Hall from 6.30 8.30pm

and we are inviting local small businesses and craft stall holders to have a stall at the event for a small fee. Our Community Christmas Celebration event will take place on Thursday 13 December from 4.30pm-7pm and is an opportunity to everyone in the community to come and see the new school and get in the festive spirit. There will be stalls, festive refreshments, face painting, etc and a magical Santa’s grotto. All funds raised will support the newly established PTA and school. If you’d like to have a stall to sell your festive goods, get in touch

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by email hallamfieldspta@gmail.com for more information. Rothley/Birstall Birdwatching Club Tuesday, December 11th, at 7.30 Members D.I.Y. & Christmas Cheer The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 at 7.30

Birds Of Southern Portugal By Carl Baggott. A new destination for us to start our 2019 programme and one that is easily accessible from the U.K. Carl will show us the countryside in the south of Portugal and the birds that we are likely to see. Could be just the place to add to your to do list in the Spring. The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members free, visitors £2.50. New members and visitors are always welcome. Ample free car parking on site. Further information from Jack Wootton on 07913129497

NYE Tom Nicholson Dancing every Saturday night with live entertainment Bingo free raffle and not forgetting open the box Bingo every Tues starting at 9.15pm Quiz every Wed starting at 8.30pm Sunday quiz 9th and 30th December 9pm Food available Saturdays 12 till 2pm Wakes catered for, Free WIFI New members very welcome easy to join ask inside Poppy quiz on Thursday 6rh December, names on the board please Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council "The Greatest Showman" Dec 14 (105 mins) Our December musical film is ideal to prepare for Christmas joy. Hugh

Birstall Royal British Legion Club 1st Colin Kasey 8th Lesley 15th Michael J Jackson 22nd Dave Massei Xmas Eve Tammy 29th Sharma

Jackman sings so well as P.T. Barnum who is a politician, businessman and showman in the Barnum

and Bailey Circus. This “rags to riches” story is touching at times and such a pleasure to watch. "Edie" Jan 11 (102 mins) Having been advised to go into a residential home by her daughter, the 85 year old Edie decides to climb Scotland's remotest mountain instead. The stalwart Sheila Hancock, who is the same age as her character, sublimely plays this determined widow, to fulfil her dream. "Mamma Mia-Here We Go Again" will be shown on Feb 8. 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

Tomkinson Centre, The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall (LE4 4GH) Birstall Independent Baptist Church: Enquiries: 0116 221 4883

Wanlip St Nicholas Fayre Sat 1st Dec, 11.30am - 2pm Wanlip Church and Community Hall Please come and support this social and fundraising event. Soup, teas, raffle, cakes, bottles, tombolas etc.

Sun Dec 9, at 10.45am You are warmly invited to join us for our

Christmas Carol Service Come and join with us for: Traditional Carols Bible readings about the Birth of Jesus Short talk on the meaning of Christmas (Speaker: Paul Linnell) Seasonal refreshments Venue: Room PT1, The Palmer

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

Cerys receives top award

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A FOURTEEN-year-old girl who attends Gunns’ Gym on Birstall Road has won the gym’s highest award for the quality of her training.

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Cerys Andrew has been coming to the gym on Monday nights for the last six months and has been progressing through the training programme devised by former trainer Dean Spencer. It assesses the candidate’s abilities, skills, fitness and efforts, awarding bronze, silver, gold and platinum certificates as progress is made. Carl Gunns said: “Cerys has earned the platinum award which puts her amongst the very best in the gym. She is great, she does everything I ask her to do, she’s sharp, has good reflexes and she hits her target spot on every time.” Cerys, from Scraptoft, said she likes coming to the gym, that she also enjoys athletics and dancing and that the gym has improved her fitness a lot.

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Parish Council notes

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on November 12. PCSO Mo Musa reported that six cars were stolen in October and most of these were left unlocked. There had also been five burglaries in the first 12 days of November, and two thefts of number plates. A man had been arrested in Thurmaston in connection with thefts of motor vehicles in the area. It was agreed to award a grant of £1000 to the Acorn Under Fives nursery school. It was agreed to pay £4265 for a replacement boiler in the old changing rooms. It was reported that work on the Allington Drive Memorial Garden was progressing and the design had been approved. Councillors discussed a request by a resident that a football pitch next to the children’s play area on the School Lane playing field be removed as it was too close to the play area and there was a risk that children playing there would be hit by a football. Comment was made that there had been no complaints or injuries in 20 years and that the pitch was used for only 90 mins every two weeks. The council agreed to refuse the request. The council has been providing a monthly council surgery for the public once a month for the last six months on a trial basis. Chair Ann Marshall said it had been a useful exercise but had not attracted visitors. It was agreed not to continue the surgeries for now but to re-consider in May 2019.

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Care home’s Christmas market RESIDENTS AT the Cedar Mews Care Home have been preparing a fundraising Christmas market to be held on Saturday December 8. Supported by Activities Manager Su O’Neil, around forty residents have been involved in designing games, baking cakes and making Christmas decorations for five Christmas trees within the

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Christmas shopping fair at Highcliffe A CHRISTMAS shopping fair on Sunday December 16 at Highcliffe School will be the perfect opportunity to find gifts for loved ones as well as having a look at the school’s new Greengate building.

WHAT HAS two holes for the eyes and a slit for the beak? A Robin Hood! Prepare yourself for more jokes this January at HATS performance of ‘Babes in the Wood’, coming to Birstall Social Club this January. Rehearsals are now in full swing and this year’s panto villain the Sheriff of Nottingham is one of the nastiest ever and will need plenty of audience boos and hisses to put him in his place.

Book your tickets now for the performances on Jan 10&11 at 7.15pm and on Sat Jan 12 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets £7. £6 conc, £23 family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) Box Office: 0116 2216019 or 07963 432020 Hatstickets@hotmail.com Facebook.com/hatsamdram Pic: the cast of Babes in the Wood

Items left on graves ITEMS LEFT on graves at Greengate Lane cemetery are becoming a concern for Birstall Parish, who are responsible for the site. A council spokesperson said: “It has been brought to the council’s attention that items have been, and are being, placed on graves in sections that are kept and maintained as a lawned cemetery. The items include small fences, stones, ornaments, and trees. This practice is not permitted under the Burial

Authority rules which are agreed, accepted and a copy included with the deeds, at the time of purchasing the grave space. Any such items must be removed to comply with the rules and enable the Parish Council to maintain the area as it should be for all “In instances where the Council Staff have been unable to contact or trace the owners of some graves, notices have been placed on the headstones asking for the items to be removed by a specified date. Any items remaining will be removed by the Parish Council by the end of January 2019. The items removed will be kept for six months and if the items are not claimed they will be disposed of. “The Parish Council understand that this is a very sensitive subject and it certainly is not the intention to cause any upset and stress to persons who visit and tend the graves. It is to ensure that the Cemetery remains a well-managed and safe area for all visitors, therefore, the rules need to be applied and adhered to.”

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

Panto cast preparing to take to the stage

The £3.3million building has 23 classrooms and a variety of specialist rooms including music and food technology, non-teaching areas and two double height halls for sport and dining. It was opened on October 23 – Head Teacher Katherine Renshaw said: “We are very proud of our school’s history and it is now wonderful to have a building that reflects the great work that goes on within it.” The school’s PTA have organised the Christmas Fair, which will be in the Elmfield Avenue building as well as the new Greengate building. A PTA spokeswoman said: “With over 30 handpicked stalls selling goodies such as gin and handmade candles plus everything in between, you’ll be sure to find great gifts for loved ones and treats for yourself! ing you all!” “But we couldn’t forget the little ones Entrance £1 for adults, children free. so with a festive film room to keep the The event is from 2-5pm. kiddies occupied whilst you do a spot of Pics: (top) a classroom inside the new Greengate Lane building; Headteacher shopping, why not stop and rest, and Katherine Renshaw outside the building enjoy some of the festive tipples and with pupils Felix Ince, Ewan Diyar, Katherwarming foods on offer to keep you ine George and Neya Raivedera, all aged going. With lots for the whole family to see and do, we look forward to welcom- 10.

Swan deaths in country park THREE SWANS have died in the last year after getting their heads trapped in rocks in Watermead Country Park South, says Leicester City Council. The Council, who manage the southern section of the park, told the Birstall Post they have now addressed the problem by moving the rocks near the feeding station further apart and by filling any gaps with pebbles and gravel. Julie, from Watermead Swans has been pressing the council to take action. She said: “Quite a few have died like this and it’s been going on for years.” Volunteer Julie says there are also issues with swans being caught up in discarded fishing line and poor management resulting in a loss of natural food for the swans.

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A BIRSTALL woman whose life was saved by NHS blood transfusions attended a celebration event to mark the opening of Leicester’s new blood donor centre.

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

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Lisa Booth (50) was one of the guests at the newly opened centre on Guildhall Lane. In 2002 Lisa was involved in a head on motorbike collision with a car in Spain, resulting in a fractured pelvis and a blood clot in her lung. She was ferried back to Leicester Royal infirmary hospital and received three live saving units of blood. A few years on, Lisa started struggling with aches and pains in her body, fatigue, and became breathlessness, struggling to say a whole sentence without gasping for breath. She was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia and ended up in intensive care with her

Pic: Lisa Booth received life saving blood transfusions

family being told to say their goodbyes. Lisa stunned the people around her when she pulled through and recovered, as her family were told ‘it was a near certain demise.’ In recovery, her haemoglobin levels kept dropping too low and she had to receive blood transfusions. Lisa said: “Before each blood transfusion, I struggled to put one foot in front of the other, but afterwards, I felt like I came out bouncing. “The energy that the transfusions gave me was remarkable. I felt amazing and picked up straight away. “Blood donation is an amazing thing and it’s fantastic to know so many people in Leicester have decided to become blood donors.” NHS Blood and Trans-

plant is appealing for 5,900 people to become new donors in Leicester over the next two years. NHS Blood and Transplant has invested in the new centre because Leicester has a high number of young people and Asian people, and particularly needs to recruit more people from these communities because they have priority blood groups. Currently 23% of Leicester’s active donors are Asian. People form the same ethnic background are more likely to

excellent, a much better, modern and spacious place for donors to give blood. “We invested in Leicester because it’s a vibrant, young, growing city and we want people who have never donated before to step up and be our future donors, particularly students and people from the black and Asian communities. “Giving blood is quick and easy – the actual donation will take no more than 15 minutes and the whole process from arrival time to completion should be an hour. “If you are a new donor who can’t find an appointment straightaway, please don’t worry, and make an appointment for the New year. We’re currently prioritising existing donors to help build stocks for Christmas. But we need donations throughout the year.” To register as a new donor in Leicester and book an appointment to donate, call 0300 123 2323 or visit www.blood.co.uk The new donation centre is at Mansion House, 41 Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ.

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Shop local promoting Birstall A GROUP of local businesses joined together a year ago to promote shopping in Birstall. The Birstall Business Co-operative is celebrating its first anniversary - the initial meeting of the fledgling group was held on November 21, 2017 at the White Horse pub with 15 businesses attending. That first meeting established a clear message that the businesses saw value in working together and more closely with the wider community of Birstall. In December a poster campaign encouraging residents to 'Shop Local this Christmas' was created and distributed to the Shops, and a Facebook group was set up. By January over 410 people were engaging with the group on social media and businesses were able to help each other to create promotions and share with each other their customer base. The January meeting was attended by members of both the Parish and Borough Councils and the proposal for CCTV along Sibson road was launched. The group grew to 32 members in February and a monthly meeting pattern was established. In March the group presented a spe-

cial focus of the Hannah Parade shops in advertising and editorial in the Birstall Post. Much work continued to go on behind the scenes in April and May, gathering pledges towards the cost of the CCTV from local businesses themselves, monies pledged by Borough Councillors and investigations into grants and costing for the CCTV project which would cover not only the 50 businesses along Sibson Road but public spaces too.

Eye tests at Prospecs PROSPECS EYEWEAR on Sibson Road are now offering private and NHS eye tests. “Since relocating to Birstall in March this year, we have enjoyed a considerable increase in trade as the word has got around that we offer great customer service, expert advice and a great range of frames and lenses” said Teresa and Mike Keily, who own and run the business. Between them Mike and Teresa have over 70 years experience in the manufacture and dispensing of spectacles. Traditionally the business has been a dispensing only practice with an on-site lab where your spectacles are completed. Teresa said: “We soon realised there was a demand for us to offer eye tests. “There were lots of regulations to comply with, documents to be completed and eventually an inspection by NHS England before we were awarded the contract to carry out eye tests. Initially we will only offer tests one or two days a week until we build our patient base.” She added: “The majority of our orders still come from customers who choose to bring us their prescription from wherever they normally get their eyes tested but we anticipate that many may choose the convenience of getting their next test with us once they realise that we now offer tests.” Another development is that Prospecs now have a new range of children’s frames. Many are available free on an NHS voucher. They have also added to their designer

June saw the first of the late night shopping events, with a number of the shops on Sibson Road open on a balmy summer’s Thursday evening. In August the group prepared to make their proposal for CCTV to the Parish Council. Prior to the meeting a Change.Org petition was set up to ascertain public interest in the proposal. 294 names were gathered in under 72 hours. The Parish Council said 'No' to the proposal. In September, undeterred, the group held a second late night opening event, unfortunately the weather wasn't quite so kind this time but the event was enjoyed by those who attended. The group contacted Charnwood Borough Council for a clean up of the Sibson Road area and it looked all the better for it. October saw the group grow to 37 members and is set up formally as a 'Not for Profit' organisation. Paper copies of the petition for CCTV on Sibson road are distributed to a number of the members for the public to sign. These can be found at, Fairways Lettings, Henry Smith & Hamylton, Filigree Heart, Birstall Pet Suppliers, MDW Fireplaces, RT's Cafe, Silly Prices, Woodside RSPCA and the White Horse. In November the group are in full planning for the Shop Local Birstall Christmas Shopping Mega Weekend, small business Saturday and shops open on Sunday with stalls, food and contributions from the local community, such as the Fire Service, children singing, a visit from Santa and a dog show. The Facebook following for the group is now over 650. December sees the Shop local group getting involved with another local community event - The Methodist Tree festival. 36 businesses each presented themselves with a bauble on the Shop Local Birstall tree. The decorated tree is now in the White Horse. Please ‘Shop Local’ in Birstall this Christmas and here's to 2019! If you are a local business and would like to join email Charlottelfoy@hotmail.co.uk or visit Shona at Filigree Heart From Birstall Business Co-operative

ranges with Kate Spade and Kath Kidston offering some colour and smaller sizes for women. Our ranges now include Ted Baker, Silhouette, Ray-ban, Michael Kors, Armani, Hugo Boss as well as the new range of state of the art Adidas sports glasses which have just arrived. “In summary we want to offer the best ranges of frames and lenses and the best service in your local village and now we can offer an eye test too” said Mike Prospecs, 121 Sibson Road, Birstall www.prospecs.co.uk

NHW news

& crime report Nuisance Burglar Alarms Faulty burglar alarms that sound incessantly for long periods can be very annoying to those living nearby. The Police will only respond if a burglary is in progress because they are not the body responsible for dealing with noise nuisance. That responsibility lies with the local authority, in our case Charnwood Borough Council. Following enquiries from members, the Watch contacted the Council for guidance on how to report a problem alarm, especially at night or weekends. They have replied: “Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (CNEA), the local authority has the power to enter premises in order to silence nuisance alarms where key-holders cannot be reached or are not expected to return within a reasonable time. For an external intruder alarm an officer can enter premises to silence an alarm if it has been ringing continuously for more than 20 minutes or intermittently for more than one hour and is causing an annoyance to persons living or working in the area. In most cases this will involve disconnecting the wires inside the external alarm box. Officers would attend site and speak to immediate neighbours. They would then make an assessment of whether the alarm meets the above criteria. Once satisfied that the alarm was unlikely to be silenced within a reasonable time either due to occupiers being absence or no key holder being identified etc. a formal notice would be served and works undertaken in default to silence the alarm. “For an internal alarm or an external intruder alarm where we cannot disconnect the wires on the outside box or we cannot get safe access to the external intruder alarm box we can obtain a warrant from the magistrates’ court authorising us Continued on page 17

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

Continued from page 16

to enter a premises, using reasonable force if necessary, to silence the alarm. The legislation allows councils to recover from the responsible person any expenses reasonably incurred in connection with any works undertaken to silence an alarm. “We will usually take reasonable steps to establish contact details of the property owner/occupier/key holder or their whereabouts. However, in cases where we cannot establish the imminent return of a key holder we will silence the intruder alarm. We would generally recommend that house alarms are serviced on an annual basis and the system checked regularly to identify any potential faults. Preventatives maintenance should be undertaken as soon as reasonably practical to avoid unnecessary disturbance or further annoyance to neighbouring residents. “It is generally recommended that alarms should have a cut-off time (ideally 15-20 minutes) to prevent it ringing continuously, especially overnight. We would also recommend that occupiers arrange to leave a house key with a family member, neighbour or friend who can attend in case of problems, and inform other immediate neighbours of their contact details. “Whilst we do not currently operate an out of hours or weekend service, residents can advise us of nuisance alarms during these time via our on-line forms available on our website at: https://vof.charnwood.gov.uk/form/auto/ eh_report_noise Alternatively a message can be left on our answerphone, on 01509 634626. We would look to respond within 24 hours of receipt of such a report or the next working day, whichever is the earliest.”

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

Crime update We have had a total of 51 crimes reported in October, which is similar to September when we had 53. Thefts from vehicles has once again been the largest category with 17 reports being received. We are still having reports of sat-navs, bank cards, money and mobile phones being stolen from cars – please remove these kinds of items from your vehicle when you park it up at night as

if the thieves are continuing to find them, they will continue to target the area. On a positive note, a male has been arrested in relation to several thefts from vehicles just across the border in Thurmaston and we believe that he may have also been responsible for some of the offences in Birstall. He has been released at this time whilst further enquiries are made. We have had seven reports of assault this month, 6 reports of vehicles being stolen, six Public Order offences and three reports of vehicles being damaged. There have been two non-dwelling burglaries reported, but more positively, no reports of any actual house burglaries this month, which is obviously good news. For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice As mentioned above, we have had six vehicles stolen this month, compared to just one in September. As modern cars are very difficult to steal without the keys following these simple steps can prevent you from becoming a victim: 1. Never leave your car keys in the ignition. Even if you are just getting something from the boot, thieves can jump in and drive away before you have time to react. 2. Don’t leave your engine running & your car unattended whilst defrosting it in the morning. In cold weather, thieves will be looking out for vehicles defrosting & can steal them in seconds. 3. If possible, lock your car in a garage

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at night or park it on a driveway. Vehicles left on roads are more likely to be stolen than those on drives or in garages. 4. Hide any ‘spare’ keys for your car in a good hiding place so that they are not easily accessible if someone breaks into your house. REMEMBER – Your insurance may not pay out if you have been negligent with your car keys! Neighbourhood update The beat team have been doing a lot of work this month in conjunction with Charnwood Borough Council following complaints about Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) occurring at various addresses in the village. If you are experiencing ASB, please report it to either the Police on 101 or Charnwood Borough

Council on 01509 263151. Meet your local police team One Stop Shop – Hallam Fields Rd. Sun 9th Dec (4pm – 5pm). Sibson Rd Beat Office - Sat 15th December (both 10am -12 midday). Kingsgate Shops – Monday 17th Dec (11am -12 midday). Co-op, Wanlip Lane. Sunday 9th December (2.45pm – 3.45pm). Tesco, Sibson Road – Thursday 20th December (4pm – 5pm).

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)

Art on show

Children in need

OVER 100 paintings were on display at Birstall and District Art Society’s 24th Annual Exhibition, held in the village hall in November.

Governor vacancy HIGHCLIFFE PRIMARY school has a vacancy for a community governor to bring breadth of experience to the existing team of governors. A spokesman said: “We would particularly appreciate someone who has a finance background, but who has the ability to meet with the school leadership during the day when required and attend meetings. “We would prefer to extend the number of governors who do not have a child at the school, bringing an external viewpoint to the local governing board. “Being a governor is a rewarding role, supporting the school in ensuring the best possible academic and holistic outcomes for all pupils and supporting the school in making positive community and business links. “The commitment is less than one may think. The governing body meets approximately three times per year with a focus on teaching and learning with other meetings taking place involving other governing bodies from the rest of the Lionheart Academies Trust.” If you are interested in becoming a community governor for Highcliffe, the first step is to express an interest in the role to Bernard Saunders, Chair of Governors by emailing chairofgovernors@highcliffeacademy.org.uk. More information about Highcliffe can be found on the school’s website www.highcliffeacademy.org.uk and the wider trust can be found at www.lionhearttrust.org.uk.

Monday group ST JAMES Monday Group had an evening with Colleen Powell in November, our hedgehog rescuer, finding out how to help hedgehogs.

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She made us aware of the dangers in our gardens for these busy, but nearly blind, useful little creatures; ponds they cannot escape from; open drains; over-zealous gardeners! We must all be more aware of other users of our gardens, leaving a little of our ground to provide shelter for hedgehogs especially. Plastic netting and, of course, discarded fishing lines and string are all dangerous for animals and birds alike (we have seen so many examples of this, haven't we, on wildlife programmes). Colleen brought one of her 'guests' along, and he took the attention in his stride, a real gentleman! And who knew they like chicken-based cat biscuits! On December 10 we will be having our Christmas Party, contributing to and partaking CHILDREN AT Riverside Primary School of food, fellowship and fun, the most imporcreated a poppy memorial for Remem- tant being the fellowship and the friends we meet in our Monday Group in the Age Conbrance Sunday. Each child made a cern rooms at the Village Hall. Please come poppy which were combined to build and join us, on the second Monday of every the whole display (pictured above). month at 7.30pm

Riverside poppy display

BIRSTALL METHODISTS Church Preschool staff would like to say a big thank you to the parents and children who helped raise £42.93 towards Children in Need (top pic). They held a ‘wear something yellow’ day and made Pudsey headbands and biscuits, enjoyed by parents and children alike. At Highcliffe school Pudsey made an appearance (below) and the new school hall was full of fundraising stalls organised by pupils.

PHOTO: ROSE TINTED PHOTOS

The exhibition was formally opened by Cllr Ann Marshall, Chair of Birstall Parish Council. and over 300 visitors attended over two days. A variety of techniques were displayed, including watercolour, acrylics, oils, abstract, experimental and mixed-media, covering categories from portraits and figures, landscape, urban and rural life, animals and flowers. Junior members (under the age of 18) were well represented. Entry was free to all visitors, who were asked to vote for the ‘Best Painting in the Show’. The result of this vote will be announced at the Annual General Meeting of the Society on December 11, 2018. A donation from catalogue sales will be forwarded to LOROS. This year the Mary Houghton Rose Bowl (donated by the Birstall Parish Council) for Abstract/Experimental work was presented to Betty Chamberlain for her painting entitled ‘Waiting for Tulips’. Joe Crowther won the Water and Boats category, as well the Norman Sims Trophy for best painting selected by the distinguished panel of Judges at the Preview Evening for ‘Waiting to Sail’. Gemma Vissani won the ‘Beholder’. A full list of the winners, as well as photoJunior category and the Stuart graphs of all the framed entries can be viewed on the Jones Trophy with her offering, website at www.badas.co.uk

WI news BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI held their AGM on November 5 and afterwards they were entertained by the fabulous ‘Cocktail Shaker Boys’. Beverly our president recapped on a wonderful centenary year. In February we met with other Birstall Groups for a social morning and display of our history. In June we held a Garden Party with guest Edwina Currie, in August there was a coach trip to Leamington Spa and the Guide dog training centre and in October we hosted Radio Leicester’s Down to Earth gardening programme. Add to these numerous other activities including training events, a coffee morning and theatre trips we agreed it had been a very busy and enjoyable year. Our speakers Steve and Andy then told us with about the history and components of cocktails. We then sampled the delicious four “centenary” cocktails especially named for the evening and departed home in a merry mood. We meet again on December 3 at 7pm at the British Legion for our Christmas Supper and Quiz night. We would also like to thank the British Legion for ‘taking us in’ at the beginning of the year and for all their ensuing support. From Birstall & Wanlip WI

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

News from the churches The 100th anniversary of the end of the 1st World War was marked in our Parish church of St. James by a dignified and lovely service of remembrance. The Church was packed with people, each of whom were there to remember someone, friend or family, who has been lost in conflicts past or in more recent times. Then, of course, was the short ceremony at the war memorial and the parade of members of various organisations. We are now, of course, heading towards Advent and Christmas, with the St. Nicholas Christmas Fayre in Wanlip Hall on Saturday 1st December from 11.30am to 2pm. There will be food and drink and plenty to fire your imaginations for presents and gifts for friends and family. Also in Wanlip Hall will be a Children's Advent afternoon tea-party on Sunday December 2 from 2.30 to 4pm (games and jellies! Yeehaa!!) For people who would like help in managing their money and tips about budgeting, St. James Church is running another CAP course. If you would like to know more about this, please call Gill Chester (0116 2120236) for further information. Gill is also the person to approach in connection with the Birstall Food Hub, an increasingly important place for many people, especially now that winter is starting to grip. December 2 will also see our Christingle All-together service in St James, and later that same day, Advent carols in the lovely church in Wanlip at 6pm. December 3 sees a Stained-glass visit in St James at 10am and also a rehearsal by the Ratcliffe Chorale at 7pm, ready for their concert in the church on December 8 at 7.30pm - a date for your diary. The concert will be 'accompanied' by light refreshments. From Birstall Parish Church

Join us at Christmas Everyone is welcome to all our Advent and Christmas services at the Methodist Church on Wanlip Lane. December 2 in the morning is an opportunity to donate children’s toys to those locally who are less fortunate. Steve and Yvette Sansom from Toys on the Table will attend to receive unwrapped gifts of (ideally) new toys and we are asked not to forget older children. The service will be led by Sheila McGowan. On the morning of December 9 we have an opportunity to share bread and wine in Holy Communion. In the evening, Roger Wilson, one of Birstall’s own Local Preachers, will lead the evening worship. The Nativity Service (ideal for adults as

well as children) takes place on December 16 in the morning. Rev Fran Rhys, minister at Bishop Street, leads morning worship on December 23. A ‘candlelight’ carol service with a brass band starts at 6pm. At 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, a midnight Holy Communion service takes place. Christmas Day worship starts at 10am. Finally, a reminder that on December 30, there is a United Service at Rothley. The Methodist Church is in Howe Lane & there is plenty of parking just before the brook bridge on Hallfields Lane. All services will be led by our own minister, Rev Paula Hunt, except where shown otherwise. The offering on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & the money given in lieu of postage stamps for Christmas cards will all be donated to World Mission of the Methodist Church. Thank You Birstall Methodist Church is very grateful to all who helped in the Christmas Festival in November. To those who helped on stalls and in the coffee shop, and especially those whose creative talent in forming the many trees in the church, thank you. To those who came and enjoyed the visual display, having a snack and spending on the stalls, thank you too. From Birstall Methodist Church

these meetings is free and all are welcome. (A lift is available.) The chapel is situated on High Street, Evington, LE5 6FH. Refreshments follow the lecture. Enquiries about BIBC: please ring 0116 221 4883. From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

During November, traditionally the month of the Holy Souls, we remembered those who have gone before us. At Sunday Mass on November 11, the centenary anniversary of the Armistice, we observed a period of silence to those who fell. We then listened to the famous and very moving line from Laurence Binyon’s poem for the fallen, followed by the last post. The Care Group organised a Bereavement Mass on November 16 where parishioners remembered their own departed family and friends. This was followed by refreshments and a chance to socialize. Social Events The Fish and Chip supper organized by the Ladies Group recently, was a great success as ever. Another sell out! There will be a Christmas party for the children of both parishes on Sunday December 2 at St Theresa’s. Further details can be found in the Church Newsletter. Church Bazaar. Stuck for ideas for your Christmas Gift list? There come alone to our Bazaar at St Theresa’s on Saturday December 8, 10-2pm where you can browse, shop socialize and support the Parish Funds! Carol Service and Sundays in DecemChristmas Concert ber To really get you in to the Festive Our Carol Service this year will be on December 9 and held in Room PT1, The Spirit, there will be the annual Christmas Concert at St Theresa’s on Sunday Palmer Tomkinson Centre, The Cedars December 16 at 7pm. This year our Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall (LE4 recently formed Children’s Choir will be 4GH) at 10.45am We would really love performing Carols which they have been for you to join with us in singing tradidiligently rehearsing. There is no entry tional carols. The visiting speaker, who charge but donations can be made will give a short talk about the meaning which will go to charity, including the of Christmas, is Paul Linnell (Wigston). Diocesan Retired Priest Fund and MenAfter the service there will be seasonal phys. refreshments. The other Sundays when An evening of fun and games for all we will be meeting in PT1 are 2nd and ages is planned at the next Care Hub on 16th when a children’s Sunday School is Friday January 4. available. We will make other arrangeAnd finally, amid all the celebrations, ments for 23rd and 30th, so please ring let us not forget those who really strugfor details if you would like to join us. All at BIBC would like to take this oppor- gle to feed themselves and their families by making a donation to the Food Bank. tunity to wish you and your family a Why not pop in some chocolates or othhappy, blessed and peaceful Christmas. er non perishable seasonal treats. ConEvington Winter Lectures tributions can be left in the Church The second of these lectures, on the Narthex. theme ‘A Taste of the Puritans’, will be From all at St Theresa’s we wish you on Saturday December 8, starting at 7pm. all a very happy and holy Christmas. The subject is: “’The Bruised Reed’: From St Theresa’s & Rothley Richard Stibbes” and the speaker is to Sacred Heart be Paul Watts (Coventry). Admission to

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2018

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TLC Birstall is one of eight campuses that make up Trinity Life Church. On November 4th, the whole church family gathered for our Nations Day at Leicester Arena. We celebrated 60 nations that are part of our church as we prayed for the world and also ate food from many different cultures! As December approaches, we are anticipating an amazing Christmas production – PEACE – there will be two different performances at 5.30 p.m. and 7.15pm on Saturday Dec 8 at the Village Hall. The production involves a band, drama team and creative delights. It’s funny, powerful and moving and there will be something for everyone- a great time for the whole family. There’s also a free gift for every child under 11, plus a free Christmas café. The perfect way to start your Christmas season. For more details, email Andre.timothy@trinitylifechurch.org.uk We have been so thrilled with the first three months of TLC Birstall, with dozens of guests, new people joining the church, and many arriving to find more about Jesus. There is a place for you at TLC and you are always welcome. www.trinitylifechurch.org.uk From Trinity Life Church

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Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Cancer Treatment and Gut Bacteria There has been research published over the last year or so that suggests the make up of your gut bacteria may influence your response to some cancer treatments. Researchers specifically looked at a type of cancer treatment called immunotherapy which involves stimulating the immune system to attack cancerous cells. It is well known that some people respond better to this cancer treatment than others. The researchers wanted to see if the make-up of gut bacteria influenced the outcome of treatment. Studies The studies involved looking at the gut bacteria of people who'd received immunotherapy for different types of cancer, some of whom had also taken antibiotics .Researchers found gut bacteria differed between people who responded well to immunotherapy and

those who didn't. People who had a positive response tended to have more of a bacteria called Akkermansia muciniphilia. In addition transplanting gut bacteria from these people into mice with tumours seemed to improve cancer outcomes in the mice. Results The results of the different studies were as follows: Mice with melanoma or sarcoma that were treated with antibiotics were less likely to survive after immunotherapy compared with those who weren't treated with antibiotics. People who took antibiotics around the time they started immunotherapy had less positive outcomes from their cancer treatment than those who didn't take antibiotics (lower rates of overall survival and lower rates of survival without cancer progression). People who responded well to treatment were more likely to have a particu-

lar bacteria called Akkermansia muciniphila in their gut. Mice given stool transplants from people who responded well to immunotherapy had slower-growing tumours than those who had transplants from people who had a poor response. Further research first needs to clarify whether the gut bacteria directly influences people's responses to immunotherapy, and exactly how this happens. Next Steps The next step would be to investigate whether treatment to change the gut bacteria could improve people's responses to cancer treatment. Overall, it's likely to be some time before we see whether this early study eventually leads to any changes in the way immunotherapy is given. These findings shouldn't cause any concern for people with cancer who need to take antibiotics. The risk of not taking the antibiotics you need to treat an infection is likely to be far greater than any potential effect the medicines may have on the cancer or how you respond to treatment. This research is in its very early stag-

es and the reasons behind these observations are unknown. Clearly though our diet has the potential to impact on developing cancer but also how individuals might respond to treatment. For more information https://www.nhs.uk/news/2017/11Nov ember/Pages/Cancer-treatment-responsemay-be-affected-by-gut-bacteria.aspx Cancer treatment response may be affected by gut bacteria - Health News NHS Choices - NHS Choices Home Page Friday November 3 2017 "Gut bacteria 'boost' cancer therapy," BBC News reports. The news comes from research into whether people with cancer might respond differently to cancer treatment depending on the bacteria in their gut. www.nhs.uk 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

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P/18/2338/2: 78 Roman Road – proposed single storey side extension, covered area at rear and external rendering for disabled person P/18/2325/2: 74 Oakfield Ave – single storey rear extension, front & side single storey porch and WC extension P/18/2298/2: 14 Colindale Ave – extensions, summer house and internal alterations P/18/2246/2: 71 Moorgate Ave – single storey, side & rear extension P/18/2200/2: 158 Birstall Rd – erection of a single-storey rear extension, erection of a 1st floor rear extension and replacement cladding and fenestrations to all elevations P/18/2212/2: 81 Sibson Road – change of use of rear part of building from travel agents shop (Use Class 1) to form separate accountancy office (Use Class A2) and alterations to shop front P/18/2159/2: 46 Whiles Lane – erection of 2 storey extension to side of dwelling, canopy to front and single storey extension to rear P/18/2137/2: 10 East Rd – erection of single storey extension to side of dwelling P/18/2260/2: 20 Dalby Ave – erection of single storey extension to front of dwelling P/18/2113/2: 8 East Rd – the erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.05m, with a max height of 3.85m and height to the eaves of 3.0m P/18/2131/2: 59 Sibson Rd – increase in height of existing store & replacement of windows with roller shutters to front elevation to create three additional service bays

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