Birstall Post (429) April 2019

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

APRIL 2019

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 429

Tower run boost for LOROS A TEAM of 28 from Birstall took part in the St George’s Tower Run in March, raising £5000 for LOROS. Each competitor was timed running up the stairs of the building’s 20 floors, a total of 351 steps.

They were led and coached by Tim Allen and all attend his SWEATBOX fitness studio on Front Street.

Tim said: “Some of my clients have never undertaken a challenge like this and I am so proud that they have achieved such great individual times with all the training they’ve been putting in. I hope they can try to beat their times next year if they’re up for a repeat which I think most have said they will!”

The Sweatbox team all made it to the top with individual times ranging from 1min 59secs to around 5 mins.

Tim said: “I managed to beat my run time from 2018 by 12 seconds with a timing of 2 minutes 13 seconds which I was happy with. The experience for

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for taking on the tower and chasing each other up all 20 floors. It really is incredible how much the team has raised and could cover the cost of providing care for one of our inpatients for an entire week!

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Electrician Registered part P Pic : Leanne Bramley exhausted but reaching the top in just 3 mins, 7 seconds

many was torturous for those few minutes, with most complaining of chest pain during and for a while after the run but everyone did themselves proud as well as supporting a much loved local charity in LOROS.”

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Andrew Ward from LOROS said: “A huge thank you from everyone at LOROS to the 28-strong team from SWEATBOX

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Development pressure on local GP services

A LOCAL GP practice has warned that plans for 1950 new homes north of Birstall would badly overstretch healthcare services in Birstall unless extra resources are made available. has resulted in significantly more of our GP time being spent at the care home; we run a half day surgery there each week as well as deal with daily requests for visits as necessary.

“Yet this unit is still not full, if it were full, our workload would be even higher.

“Because it is not full it questions the need for yet another 70 bed unit to be built in the proposed new development, only a short distance away.

“The assisted living village too will being additional workload pressures onto the practice. Residents there will generally have more chronic diseases and therefore require a higher level of ongoing healthcare support from GPs as well as nurses.”

The practice recognises that the plans for Broadnook include a new GP facility within the development but says it is likely it will need to be linked to another practice, which duplicates costs and stretches resources.

Greengate Medical Centre say that they received no Section 106 developer contributions from the Hallam Fields development. To accommodate the impact of Broadnook they say existing GP practices in the area, including Greengate Medical Centre, need Section 106 money to expand, and this funding must be received at an early stage.

The practice also says that Broadnook needs to be built in stages, to phase in the impact it has on services.

Sporting charity supports gym A CHARITY that supports community groups for young people has made an award to Gunns’ boxing gym on Birstall Road.

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Sports Traider was started by Lance Haggith – he established a chain of charity shops selling new and second hand sports equipment and clothing, making them affordable for young people.

The proceeds from the shops are distributed to local good causes that help young people access sport.

The charity sent a film crew to Carl Gunns gym to record a segment about the gym that was shown at a gala dinner in London.

“Lance has been to the gym a few times and has always brought stuff along for us” says Carl Gunns. He added: “He does a great job and he’s a smashing man.”

Sports Traider’s association with Carl Gunns goes back to 2017 when Lance Haggith, CEO, was handing out awards at an event at which Carl was present.

They got talking about each other's passion for sport and boxing. Carl told Lance about his boxing gym and how he had to sell his personal trophies in order to pay the electricity bills.

Lance said: “Carl is an extraordinary passionate person, now in his 70’s and has been involved in boxing for most of his life.

“The kids who attend his gym are five years and upwards. He charges them £1 if they can afford it and nothing if not.

“The gym is not only somewhere the kids can go and train safely but also a place where they can make friends and express their feelings to Carl without being judged.

Many of the kids who attend have been bullied or have difficult home lives and some of the girls were self harming.

The gym has the largest number of girls in any boxing gym in Europe. They all call him ‘Granddad’.”

Lance was invited to see the gym first hand. He said: It’s a small hall no bigger than a double garage which contains a ring and a few punch bags and not much else due to being so small.”

Lance decided that Sports Traider Charity should look to support Carl and his tireless work. The Charity then embarked on a project to raise the profile of the gym and help receive funding so that they could expand the good work already established.

Land said: “Thanks to the generosity of individual donors such as Stuart Roden and the support from PEP, makepositive and Salesforce for fundraising events such as Boxing Aid, we have been able to raise £10,000 in support for Carl and his gym so as to ensure that all he has to concentrate on now is delivering the sessions without the worry of paying bills. And the fight continues!”

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

Greengate Medical Centre on Greengate Lane has responded to the planning application for the Broadnook Garden suburb, saying: “the impact of 1950 residential dwellings, 175 assisted retirement units and a 70 bed care home will be hugely detrimental to the existing healthcare services without more thought being made at the planning stage.”

It has submitted a formal objection to the plans. The practice has six partners and 11,600 patients registered and has been adding patients to its list as the Hallam Fields development has grown.

In their response to the plans, the practice says: “Our building size, as it stands, means we are almost at full capacity with regards to taking on more patients, and indeed with the ever increasing demands placed upon us by patient expectations, we are unable to accommodate any more healthcare staff.

“We already have limited car parking spaces for disabled patients and those who need to drive, however we are at capacity for that now. Extra traffic could have impact upon the already busy junction near to our practice, especially if the car park is full.”

Greengate Medical Centre say the planned 175 assisting living facility and 70 bed care home at Broadnook will put extra pressures onto the practice.

Their response says: “Within the last 3 years we saw the opening of Cedar Mews Care Home, a 73 bed unit on Hallam Fields and we look after the majority of patients who live there. This

New kit for girls’ football team

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A GIRLS football team in Birstall played for the first time in their new kit last month.

“It’s the first girls’ team for Birstall and it has been very successful” said Natalie Manning from Birstall United Juniors.

“We now have over 19 girls attending and have formed two teams” she added.

“We started with nothing and the girls were training in old boys oversized dirty T shirts. After fundraising, a grant from Charnwood Borough Council and a new sponsor, VOS Construction, we how have a brand new kit for home and away matches for all the girls, new footballs, training items and everything needed to enable the girls to start playing.”

Lee Cocayne is the girls team manager.

He said: “Any girl can come along and train. The girls are keeping fit, staying active, they’re making new friends and at the end of the day it’s about having fun – they love it down here.”

Hannah Jackson (7) is the youngest girl on the team. She said: “I love playing football, I get to see my friends and play games.”

Morgan Cocayne (11) said: “I like it because it’s really fun and I’ve made new friends. It feels really good to have our own kit now, our first game is against the boys – I think we’ll win.”

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Air quality data for Birstall

AIR QUALITY data for Birstall show the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) are below current guideline limits.

NO2 is the main pollutant from traffic – it is a gas that irritates the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those suffering from lung diseases.

Charnwood Borough Council are required to monitor air quality. They have two detectors sited on the A6, one near the junction with Bentley Road and the other near the junction with Greengate Lane.

The air quality objective is 40 microgrammes per square metre and the latest figures (2017) from the two sensors are 33.7 and 32.4. The figures in 2013 were 39.5 and 37.9.

Other air pollutants are Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Particulate Matter (PM1O and PM2.5). These are not measured by Charnwood throughout the borough, but PM1O is measured near to Mountsorrel Quarry and there is a SO2 detector near the Great Central Railway.

All local authorities will be required to monitor and report on PM2.5 levels from 2020.

Chart shows NO2 concentration levels against year for Birstall sites; map shows location of detectors

In Leicester NO2 levels in 2018 exceeded the guidelines in three of the five

locations where air quality detectors are located – Vaughan Way (45.3), St Matthews Way (41.7) and Glenhills Way (49.4).

The figures for Abbey Lane are 31.6 and for Melton Road 38.7.

Average levels of NO2 across the city have been falling at all five locations since 2017 and represents a reduction of 35 per cent since 2010 when the highest level of 80 was recorded

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she was hopeful that it would be sorted out soon.

It was reported that work on constructing the Hallam Fields Community A member of the public reported Hall will start on March 18 and finish that an area of the cemetery, near the in mid September. The planned openentrance, was in a poor condition and ing date is October 1. needed attention.

Cllr Simon Oates reported that he There was no Police representative to had consulted Charnwood Borough deliver the Police report. Comment was Council for air quality data for Birstall. made that the level of policing in the Measurements of Nitrogen Dioxide village was unsatisfactory, now that one (NO2) on the A6 where two detectors of the two PCSO’s had been deployed to are located, showed a reading in 2017 another area. of 33.7 microgrammes per square It was agreed that quotes be obmetre – the target is 40. tained to put the Archery Field off MeadAt a meeting of the council’s Estate ow Lane back into an acceptable and Recreation Committee on January standard for junior football training, 28, it was agreed to spend £6730 on and to hand full responsibility for ongo- refurbishing the village hall kitchenette, ing maintenance and security to Birstall £7100 refurbishing the cemetery toilet United Juniors FC. The parish council’s and £3200 refurbishing the office toilet. estate team currently use this site to Councillors discussed 20 metres of burn rubbish which has resulted in unsecured fencing at Greengate allotsome complaints about smoke. Another ment site. It was agreed to spend site for the burning of rubbish has been £1105 on fencing. There is an 85 identified. metre section of insecure fencing at the The council received a quarterly Worcester Avenue site. There have been report from the Parish Council run a number of thefts. It was agreed to youth café that meets at the pavilion on obtain quotes for this section of fencing. the School Lane playing field. Cllrs Councillors considered a request Kirsty Haywood and Simon Oates report- from a parishioner to provide a ed that they had visited the café and dropped kerb on the Meadway. The been impressed with everything they clerk had consulted the County council, saw. Comment was made that the café who felt there wasn’t a need for the needed greater promotion within the work to be progressed as there were a village. number of dropped kerbs in this area.

It was reported that progress on the Councillors agreed with the County’s provision of a memorial bench and assessment and resolved not to progarden on Allington Drive in memory of ceed with the works.

Janet Jasper had been delayed after one Councillors considered a quotation resident had objected during the statuto- of £17,481 to improve a footpath in ry consultation process. The matter is the cemetery and of £8144 on new being dealt with by the County Council’s work to link footpaths. The path down legal department and John Jasper, Janto the Yew Haven is in a poor condiet’s husband has been informed about tion. This work would be the final this, and consulted about the design stage of renewing footpaths in the cemand planting. Chair Ann Marshall said etery. It was agreed to obtain further quotations for the work.

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on March 11.

Items placed on graves BIRSTALL PARISH Council is responsible for Birstall cemetery and wants to remind residents about the rules regarding items being placed on graves.

Items such as small fences, stones, ornaments, plants and trees are not permitted.

Sue Coulson, Birstall Parish Council Clerk, said: “This practice is not permitted under the Burial Authority rules that are agreed and accepted by persons when reserving a grave space. A copy of the Burial Authority Rules is included with the deeds to grave spaces, a copy is displayed in the cemetery on the notice board and is also available on the Parish Council’s website.

“All unauthorised items must be removed to comply with the Burial Authority Rules to enable the Parish Council to be able to maintain the area as it should be for all without it causing any Health and Safety concerns to visitors to the cemetery or the council’s staff, operatives or contractors.”

In instances where the council ctaff are unable to contact or trace the owners of some graves, notices will be placed on the headstones asking for the items to be removed.

The Parish Council are asking for all items to be removed as soon as possible.

Any items remaining on May 1, 2019 will be removed by the Parish Council staff.

Items that are removed will be retained for six months, after which they will be disposed of.

The clerk added: “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, but I am sure it will be realised and understood that we are taking these measures to ensure that the cemetery remains a well-managed and safe area for all visitors, and the staff who maintain it.” www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk/cem eteries

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Duck race returns this year on May 6 THE WHITE Horse's Annual Duck Race in May will be raising funds for Save the Children in the charity’s centenary year.

This year’s event is on May 6 and since the inaugural Duck Race in 2009, around £50k has been raised for local charities and community organisations.

Josephine Burgess works for Save the Children and hosts bi annual Charity lunches at the White Horse. She said: “We are thrilled that the White Horse Duck Race is in aid of Save the Children this year, the money raised will be a welcome contribution to help the charities work to help children both around the world and in the UK”.

Organisers say that this year’s event will feature a bigger and better variety of stalls and games than ever before. The bouncy castle will once again take

pride of place in the White Horse's garden, accompanied by games and challenges such as the Duck Egg race, 'Ducky Donkey Derby' and the ever popular Hook a Duck, among others. The usual mix of tombolas, craft and tradi-

Tennis club’s winter team challenge

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

MEMBERS AT Birstall Watermead Tennis Club have been warming up for the spring and summer tennis season by taking part in the Club’s Winter Team Shield competition.

Sunday afternoons (taking into account the Five teams of four players have been need to avoid clashing with Leicester City’s playing each other in a series of matches.

Sunday fixtures and also Mothers’ Day).

The 20 players (women, men and teenagers) are grouped into four levels of expe- At the present time, any of the five teams could still win the Shield and so there is rience and ability. Each team has one player from each level so that the teams are still all to play for.

One of the players, Steve Cooke, says: evenly matched. Each player plays three “It’s a great opportunity to play with a range sets with a different partner so that the of players and learn from each other about level fours, for example, play a set with a how to improve your game and, at the level two, a level three and a level one same time, get a great sense of achievement player against their corresponding oppowhen you win.” nents. This allows the less experienced The Winter Team Shield also represents players to play with more experienced the last competition before the new artifiplayers. Usually this means the matches cial grass courts are installed at the end of are competitive, closely contested and March and beginning of April. As soon as above all, very enjoyable. In a match, there the new surface is successfully completed a are six sets altogether, points being awarded for the number of sets won and a bonus date will be set for an open day in which everybody interested in tennis will be invitpoint going to the team that wins the fixed to try them out. ture.

From Birstall Watermead Tennis Club The matches are played over a series of

tional fete stalls are set to complete the attractions, with stalls by local charities raising funds for their own good causes.

There will also be activities aboard a canal boat for the younger children, hosted by the Baldwin trust, and a performance by the Dance Academy The day will come to a heady climax in the afternoon when the main attraction - the race itself - will kick off at the bottom of White Horse Lane on the River Soar at 2pm.

The White Horse will provide refreshments, with the bar opening at midday and a large barbecue in operation throughout the afternoon.

Ducks will be availa-

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ble to purchase from the White Horse from April 1, 2019 onwards. Unique Hairdresser are also selling ducks this year and ‘Webster’ the Duck Race mascot will be in various places around the village to sell ducks ahead of the Duck Race day - already confirmed are Riverside, Hallam Fields and Highcliffe schools and of course there will be loads of ducks to buy on the day itself.

Any donations of prizes or cakes, teddies or other items for stalls would be greatly welcome, please contact Charlotte at the White Horse on 0116 2671038.

Preschool moves back to new space at Highcliffe

NOW THAT building work at Highcliffe primary school has finished, Acorn Under 5’s preschool has moved back to a newly renovated space on the school site.

The empty mobile classrooms were offered to Acorn as their previous space was demolished in the school development. The new space is much larger both inside and in terms of the grounds.

The architect worked with Jackie Bateman, who runs the Acorn Under 5’s Playschool, to make the space fun and dynamic for the children.

The work has been carried out by PMR commercial Contracts. “They have a renovated the space to a very high standard. It includes a new kitchen with hatch access to both rooms and purpose built small toilets for the children. The decoration is neutral and calming with a safe non slip floor throughout” said Jackie.

She added: “We would like to thank

both Jim Morton, architect, who gave his services for free and to Alan Palmer, owner of PMR, who made the build as simple as possible and went the extra mile in everything during the project.

The fencing was also installed in super quick time thanks to local contractor Andy Adcock from A B Landscaping.

Acorn would also like to thank the Parish council, Charnwood council members and the Edith Murphy trust for their

contributions towards the cost of the renovations.”

Acorn Pre School has been running for over 30 years and was originally set up by a group of mums. It currently

holds an’ Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted.

Both Acorns and Highcliffe school are glad to have the playgroup back as both believe having the playgroup on site really helps the children's transition to 'big' school.

“Acorn children often eat their lunches in the school hall and being so close by means visits to the classroom are made in the summer term ahead for the start of school” said Jackie.

Katherine Renshaw, head at Highcliffe Primary School, said: “We are so excited to welcome Acorns back to the school site and look forward to many happy years enjoying the partnership that we had here previously.”

Jackie said: “The last few months have been very busy getting everything ready for the new site but we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. The space has been made especially for the

children and they all seem very happy with their new surroundings. The staff are really pleased with such a stimulating learning environment and wonderful outdoor space to be developed soon” Ceri Lowe, Mum to Maisie (3) said: “The new space at Acorns is amazing, Jackie and her awesome team have done a fantastic job. It feels homely and welcoming for both parents and children.

Maisie absolutely loves it. She asks to go every day!

“They have also been lucky enough to be able to get some lovely brand new wooden toys and new bikes. The outdoor space is lovely and spacious too, Maisie loves playing outdoors. Maisie did make me smile on her first day there, she was a little nervous, as expected, but

the thing she was unsure about were the small toilets, she likes it now though not needing to use a step at either the toilet or sink!”

The new purpose built space offers more flexibility and other groups, such as the Acorn Toddler group and Acorn babies have already begun meeting there.

Acorn runs week days 8.30am – 3.30pm Acorn Toddlers meets Mondays 9.30-11.30am: Dads, grandparents, childminders welcome Acorn Babies – Drop in group for mums with Babies under 1 – Tuesdays 1-2.30pm Call 07842006199 for more information

Constituent struggles to meet Birstall’s MP BIRSTALL’S MP has been criticised for not agreeing to meet a Birstall constituent outside normal surgery times.

Regina Ruhl of Paget Avenue wanted to talk to Edward Argar MP about the law relating to house sales.

“I work and couldn’t afford to take time off to see Mr Argar at the times he holds his surgeries” said Ms Ruhl. Mr Argar holds surgeries once a moth, in the mornings.

She said: “I contacted his office but was unable to get an appointment to see him outside a surgery. I don’t think it’s acceptable, I work and I’m quite angry at the end of the day, after all I pay his wages.”

Pic: Edward Argar MP Mr Argar said: “While, for reasons of constituent confidentiality and data promeeting swiftly. tection, I cannot go into the detail in “However, the vast majority of caserespect of individual cases, I and my work issues do not require a face-toteam always endeavour to assist any face meeting, and can be and are reconstituent with a casework issue, and solved much more swiftly by correspondto make myself available. I was sorry to ence/ emails. When an individual is hear about this particular matter as we unable to attend a scheduled surgery for have made offers to assist this constituany reason, they are asked to email/ call ent through a number of different routes. with full details of the matter they wish Constituents can contact me, and my to raise so that it can be acted upon, team, by phone, email or post at any and where appropriate a personal calltime, and I hold regular surgeries, adver- back from me as the MP is offered for tised on my website which sets out clear- us to discuss their case - and I have ly how to make an appointment to see done this on countless occasions, sucme. cessfully resolving constituents issues.

“As a local Charnwood resident, I am “In addition, in the course of every regularly out and about in the communi- year I also hold a series of village hall ty, however more formally I hold regular 'drop-in' surgeries around the constituenmonthly advice surgeries for constituents cy on Saturdays (normally over the sumwho need to see me to discuss complex mer) to make it even easier for people issues. Those surgeries, for a variety of to meet me, so there are many ways reasons, including to ensure a confidenconstituents can speak to me. tial and accessible environment, and “Since I was elected I have held over because it is often necessary for staff to 50 surgeries around the constituency, be present to take a note of the meeting including in Birstall, and will continue to are routinely during office hours and do so; and handle over a dozen detailed dates are scheduled in advance. cases each week, as well as receiving “While in exceptional circumstances, and endeavouring to respond to often for example if a constituent is houseover 100 emails/ pieces of correspondbound, we will try to find alternatives if ence every day, each of which I look at a face-to-face meeting is essential, given and respond to personally. While on the parliamentary timetable when Parlia- occasion I may inadvertently omit to ment is sitting requiring me to be in respond to a particular piece of correParliament during the week, and weekspondence, for which I apologise, I and ends generally being booked up months my team always seek to be available to in advance with constituency engageassist constituents, and to resolve conments, it is not always possible to arcerns in the most effective way we can range a separate, mutually convenient as we did in this case.”

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

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THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

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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

Petition My name is Gillian Bowler and until my Dad started to use a mobility scooter did I become aware of some of the issues he has getting across roads. One (3 really) road in particular I feel is very bad. The roads around Sibson Road, The Meadway and The Wayne Way are bad enough for people without disabilities but worse when you have difficult negotiating high kerbs.

I have asked the Parish Council to see if they would consider putting in a drop kerb at the point behind Papa John’s across to Ruby Tuesdays, New World Flowers and the Computer Shop.

People on mobility have to cross The

Wayne Way twice if coming from Papa John’s side of the road – over to Barclays bank, down a short way and then across again to get to the three shops named. This is a very dangerous section of roads anyway so having to cross them more than once is even more so.

This is the response I have received from Birstall Parish Council: “At the Estates & Recreation Committee meeting held on 29 October 2018, the Committee asked me to obtain further information from Leicestershire County Council and urge them again to consider installing the drop kerbs or to see if they would assist towards funding the project for the Parish Council to undertake the work and to also obtain quotes from independent contractors so that the Parish Council had an idea of how much it would cost.

“I received a response from Leicestershire County Council Highways Officer who had already stated that they didn’t feel there was a need for them to undertake the works and that drop kerbs where already in place albeit not where you would like them to be. They gave an estimated cost of £1,300 for the works and informed me that there would not be a requirement for us to apply for a licence.

“Independent Contractors were reluctant to quote for the works due it being work to the Highways and the red-tape involved obtaining licenses and permission.

“All of this information was taken back to a further Estates & Recreation Committee on Monday, 28 January 2019 where the Councillors considered all of the information that I had received.

their discussion indicated that they were is for anyone who was either involved mindful that this type of work was not with the group or would just like to the responsibility of, or the remit of the come along to find out what we did as Parish Council but that of the Leicesterwell as learn about some of the history shire County Council Highways Departof the nationally acclaimed heritage ment and the Committee concurred with railway which is situated so close to the the Leicestershire County Councils assess- heart of Birstall. ment of the area that there was not a Join us, for a look back at the Belneed for the work to be undertaken and grave & Birstall Action Group (BBAG) resolved not to proceed with the works.” and the Leicester Industrial Loco Group To help with the argument for getting as the 50th anniversary of the Main Line a dropped kerb installed for all resiPreservation Group is reached, with dents of Birstall, not just those who use presentations, photographic displays and mobility scooters but also those who other railway-related activities aboard have issues with steps, I am creating a the exclusive GCR Veranda Coach bepetition to put back to the Parish Countween Loughborough and Leicester North cil. Please could you sign the petition in (Belgrave and Birstall) on Sunday 18th Ruby Tuesdays, or write to me at 6 August 2019.

Moorland Road, Syston, LE7 1YJ and we For more information , please will see what we can do. email:Belgravebirstall@virginmedia.com And yes – it is the correct email adGillian Bowler dress this time!

Johns Bailey, Clayton, Powdrill Station anniversary and Harry Wheatley Belgrave and Birstall Station – 50th anniversary event!

Firstly - thank you to all those who Ashton Green Road have responded to my request for personal stories about Belgrave and Birstall Ashton Green Road - can someone Station, following my article in Birstall tell me how Leicester Council can justify Post in November 2018 “Railway Memo- spending thousands of pounds altering ries Photos Sought”. Many readers of an island, installing street lighting on a Birstall Post have been very generous stretch of road a few hundred metres with their time and have given me some long which has nothing on it but grass excellent material to work with. If anyand a trees so that it can be reduced to one has more to add, please contact me. 30mph? And now they have installed a Encouraged by this and other recentral refuge which does not seem to sponses, a group of us old BBAGgers serve any purpose together with speed (members of the Belgrave and Birstall humps. I am sure the people who live Station Action Group from 1969) are there are pleased with the noise and now planning to hold a 50th anniversafumes that they produce. ry event on the Great Central Railway. It John Tinley

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

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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 year olds Birstall Methodist Church Rooms 9.30-11.30am Open every Monday term time Separate baby section No weekly commitment £2 for 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 07934 551 563

Hope to see you there Mountsorrel Methodist Church presents the 4th in the 18th series of Sunday night @ Eight

Organ recitals on Sunday April 14 at 8pm

by Angela Sones Director of Music, All Saints Church, Lichfield Admission is free Donations for Development Fund The Latimer Players present

Love on the Beach

by Raymond Hopkins An action packed farcical comedy with various romantic entanglements that make a hilarious evening’s entertainment The Memorial Hall, Thurcaston May 2, 3 & 4 at 7.30pm Tickets £7 from 0116 2376855 christinedeavin@gmail.com Café style seating, bring your own drinks, glasses and nibbles

RNLI Coffee Morning Sat Apr 27, 10am - noon Methodist Coffee Shop, Birstall Bring & Buy stall, Quiz Please come along and support the Lifeboats Rothley/Birstall Birdwatching Club present: Tue April 9, 2019 at 7.30pm

Brentingby Meadows

by Julia Hawley Julia first gave us a talk 10 years ago about her family farm near Melton Mowbray. Tonight, she reflects on 18 years of involvement in Agri-environment

schemes. The family has a traditional mixed farm of cattle and sheep with a small area of cereals. It has been managed with wildlife and heritage in mind and boasts an array of wildlife. The River Eye, which is a designated SSI, runs through the farm. There is also an 18th. Century abandoned canal and acres of medieval ridge and furrow.

This meeting will be preceded by a short annual AGM. The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members are free, visitors £2.50.

Ample free car parking on site

Birstall Flower Club Birstall Village Hall, April 24 at 7.15pm Demonstrator : Eleanor Landy Title : Let’s Party Visitors welcome : £5 Contact : 01164206 or 07704398017

Stations Of Joy Come to St James The Great, Birstall for our Stations of Joy Journey from Easter to Pentecost with 16 Stations Clay, Paint, Pencil and Collage Saturdays 20th April to 8th June from 10.00 am – 12.00 noon Sundays 21st April to 9th June after our morning services Other times by arrangement.

Refreshments available You will receive a warm welcome.

Further information: 0116 319 4736 Charnwood Group of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Grounds Open at

the Brand Brand Hill, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8SS Sunday 19th May 2019 11am -4pm Adults £5 - Children £2 Refreshments, children’s activities, woods, gardens, ponds, guided wildlife walks, sales etc Please note - There are steep paths, steps, deep water & cliffs Dogs must be on a lead at all times The grounds are open by kind permission of Robert and Janie Martin

Birstall Tea Dances St James Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road Leicester LE4 4DH Fridays 12th & 26th April 2019 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm £4 each Tea / coffee and cakes included All welcomed Further information contact: Jackie 0116 2248278 / 07908607405 jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

Come and try bowls Have fun and stay fit.

St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club Open Days 6pm Friday May 10 and 2pm Sunday May 12 Co-op Sports Ground, Birstall Road Call Sam on 2677372 or Carolyn on 2675947 •

Birstall & District Local History Society The April monthly meeting takes place on Thursday 11th April 2019

Art Classes Mountsorrel Memorial Centre With INGRID

KLEINS-DANIELS Starting Thursday May 2nd Morning class 10.30am till 12.30 (8 weeks - £80)

Beginners Drawing & Painting Come along and learn new skills in how to draw and paint, how to use different media and how to see and record things in new and exciting ways. If you are unsure about your abilities, this is where you start!

Afternoon class 2pm till 4pm (8 weeks - £80) THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

Watercolour Workshop If you have had some experience and feel you want to progress with a better understanding of watercolour painting techniques, here is your chance to have time out to practice, improve and create. Full tuition in all aspects from experienced tutor/artist.

Contact Ingrid Kleins-Daniels:

07951 911699 or 01509 734467 Email: ingriddaniels@hotmail.co.uk

9

commencing at 7.30pm in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall,Leics.

The talk for the evening will be given by Kath Reynolds titled "Food Glorious Food". This will be looking at the advent and impact of convenience foods in our diet from Fish fingers, Angel delight, Camp Coffee, Spam to Salmon Paste. All things we have loved and some of those we have hated.

Visitors are very welcome to join us for this talk.

There will be parking available on the night on the Birstall Playing Fields through the School Lane entrance Birstall Parish Council’s

Annual Parish Meeting Monday, 15 April 2019 6pm - Birstall Village Hall.

Reports from Parish Council Chair, Local Beat Officers, Charnwood Borough Councillors, Leicestershire County Councillor, Birstall Youth Café, Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch.

The remainder of the meeting is set aside for the residents of Birstall to be able to express your opinions on the services provided by the Parish Council and to offer suggestions for future consideration by the Parish Council.

It is your meeting, and the Parish

Councillors would be pleased to see you on the night, please try and come along, if only to view the displays and presentations from the above-mentioned organisations and to receive the first copy of the Parish Councils Annual Report.

come at any of our meetings Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish

Wanlip May Fair Saturday 11th May 2019 2 pm - 4pm Church and Community Hall Wanlip All proceeds towards the Floor refurbishment Any help with providing cakes, raffle prizes , tombola etc would be greatly appreciated.

Contact Julie 0116 2677600

Birstall Methodist Monday Women’s Group Programme for April 2019 meetings held at 7.30pm every Monday in the Coffee Shop 1 Apr Pauline and Sue – Chocolate Bingo 8 Apr Jane Goode – The Joy of Painting 15 Apr - The Unknown Duo 22 Apr - no meeting (Easter) 29 Apr Quiz – Diane Thrift evening Don’t sit at home feeling lonely – come along to our Monday Group and make new friends!

All visitors will be made very wel-

"The Wife" April 12 (100 mins) Our April drama has many nominations this year for British Academy and Oscar Awards. The captivating Glenn Close plays Joan, the apparently perfect wife of a famous American novelist. In Stockholm, Sweden, Joan’s Husband is being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. However, as the film progresses, many dark secrets are unearthed ! This is a rich & riveting film.

"King of Thieves" May 10 (108 mins)

In May, we are showing this true British crime thriller, starring Michael Caine, uniting an incredible cast. A crew of retired crooks pull off a major safe deposit burglary in London's Hatton Garden.

This is a huge heist in the famous jewellery district. We see humour but will greed overtake the gang?

“First Man” will be shown on June 14.

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 Did you know that Glenfield has a weekly

Country Market A wide range of homemade cakes and preserves, quality crafts, plants and home-grown produce are on sale.

Refreshments are served Free entry.

Come along to see us and to support this local event. Where? St Peter’s Church Centre When? Each Friday morning 9am11am For more details contact: glenfieldmarket@gmail.com

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

10

Birstall Royal British Legion Club 6th Beyond x (duo) 13th Dave Mazzei 20th Dave Ross 27th Tom Nicolson 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 14th and 28th April at 9pm Acoustic night 21st April Food available Saturdays 12 till 2pm Open Easter Monday 22nd April 12 till 3pm Food available 12 till 2pm Families welcome Wakes catered for Free WIFI New members very welcome easy to join ask inside

Cedar Care Circle We've enjoyed two great meetings in March. If you know anyone who is struggling to find friendship, help and support whilst caring for someone with Alzheimer's and any form of Dementia please tell them about us. Our April meetings will be on the 8th and 29th. We meet at Ruth's Lambourne Cafe, Lambourne Road, Birstall at 2pm. It's very informal just a chance to unwind, share problems and information. Contact Barbara on 07905760556

Belgrave Heritage Trust: You Must Remember This In the last 40 years Claremont Street, the Methodist Church, and the surrounding area have changed out of all recognition.

With the help of some 300 plus newly re-discovered slides, let us show you how this part of Belgrave once looked When: Saturday 27th April 2019 – 7:30pm Where: Claremont Street Methodist Church. Tickets £6:00 available from Carolyn Hindocha 0116 266 6531

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World book day

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WORLD BOOK Day was celebrated in March at Birstall’s schools and pre-schools with children and staff dressing as their favourite fictional characters.

Children at Birstall Methodist preschool (pictured bottom right) shared stories together and made bookmarks. A spokeswoman said: “We would like to thank all our parents for the fantastic effort they went to in putting together their children’s costumes, we had Captain Hook, Willy Wonka, Alice in Wonderland and Where’s Wally to name just a few. We are already looking forward to next year’s World Book Day.” Also pictured are staff in costumes at Hallam field primary school and a story telling session at the school.

BAGs charity funds new couch SUPPORTERS OF local cancer charity Birstall BAGs have raised funds for a new examination couch in the scanning room of the gynaecology department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary Hospital.

The £8,890 donation from Birstall BAGs funded the couch to replace one that was over 12 years old and had the old ‘stirrup’ style leg supports. For some patients, this style of couch is difficult to get into and can cause embarrassment or discomfort at an already stressful time.

Neelam Potdar, consultant gynaecologist, said: “A huge thanks for the amazing, kind donation for the new therapy couch in Gynaecology. This will help to

and donation."

The foot rests on the new couch can be lowered right down to floor level, allowing women to sit in the chair and easily place their feet on the rests - the chair then gently tips the patient into a lying position and raises the feet automatically allowing for an easier and more comfortable experience.

Emma Shaw from Birstall BAGs said: “We’re delighted to be able to fund the Pic: the new examination couch new couch and we’d like to thank our improve the experience and care provid- supporters for their fundraising and supporting us at our events – it’s their ed to women undergoing diagnosis and generosity that has made this donation treatment of cancer, and other condipossible.” tions, immensely.

Birstall BAGs operates in and around “This couch offers patients who struggle with the older style couch the dignity Birstall and Leicestershire and seeks to bring people together to raise funds to they deserve. The UHL gynaecology staff support cancer services used by the sincerely appreciate Birstall BAGs’ help local community. The charity also takes every opportunity to raise the profile of cancer, particularly with regard to the signs and symptoms, recognising that early diagnosis of cancer really can save lives.

Birstall BAGs works with other local charities to provide services that support members of the local community who are living with a diagnosis of cancer.

Cadets bunker down on London trip AN OVERNIGHT stay in a cold war nuclear bunker was the highlight of a trip to London by Leicester Navy Cadets.

T S Cutlass and TS Sabre cadets, who meet at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre off Red Hill island, spent a weekend in London, staying at the Kelvedon Hatch nuclear bunker.

Summer Taylor (11), a student at the Cedars Academy, said: “The bit I enjoyed most was stopping in the secret nuclear bunker, I learnt if a nuke was dropped the bunker wouldn’t explode so everyone was safe but the air would be full of radiation so people outside wouldn’t be able to breathe.”

In the evenings the cadets played hide and seek in the bunker.

They visited the Imperial War Museum and HMS Belfast where they explored the battleship from the top deck all the way down to the ship’s engine room.

They finished the weekend trip with a mud run, where none of the cadets or staff escaped getting covered.

The Navy Cadets are for young people aged 8 to 18. Spokeswoman April Birt said: “We encourage young peo-

Pics from top: Cadets at HMS Belfast, two junior cadets at the Imperial War Museum; Cadets on the mud run

ple into responsible adulthood using the custom and traditions of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. We teach life skills they can use to further their education and chosen career, and many different

water sports.”

The fees are £2 an evening, with sessions from 7-9pm. www.tscutlass.com mob. 07495 959225

Your council meeting Opportunity to ask questions & offer suggestions BIRSTALL PARISH Council will be holding its Annual Parish Meeting on Monday April 15 at 6pm in the Village Hall.

The Annual Parish Meeting is not a formal Council meeting but an opportunity for residents to come to the meeting and receive a report on behalf of the Parish Council from the Chair about the Parish Council’s achievements throughout the past 12 months.

There will also be reports from: • Local Beat Officers - Leicestershire Constabulary • Charnwood Borough Councillors • Leicestershire County Councillor • Birstall Youth Café • Birstall &

Pic: Birstall Village Hall

Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch.

The remainder of the meeting is set aside for the residents of Birstall to express their opinions on the services provided by the Parish Council, and to offer suggestions for future consideration

by Birstall Parish Council.

“It is your meeting, and the Parish Councillors would be pleased to see you on the night, please try and come along, if only to view the displays and presentations from the abovePAINTER & mentioned organiDECORATOR sations and to receive the first Over 30 Years Experience copy of the ParFree Quotes & Advice ish Councils Annual Report” said Tel: 0116 2941336 Ann Marshall, Chair of Birstall Mob: 07989 451048 Parish Council.

ALAN CHAMBERS

39 Copeland Rd, Birstall

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

12

Café gets funny for money

13

YOUNG PEOPLE from Birstall’s Youth Café organised a Red Nose event for Comic Relief.

Held in the Village Hall, there was food and drink, craft activities and an obstacle race with the team coming last getting pied in the face.

Birstall Youth café is provided by Birstall Parish Council and based in the School Lane playing field pavilion on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6-9pm. It is staffed by youth workers and open to all young people aged 8-11 at a cost of 50p per session.

Recent activities have included making Valentine's Day cards and gifts, an animated film on a mobile phone, and a hovercraft from balloons and old CDs. Young people prepare and cook meals from scratch: recent dishes were meatballs with pasta, vegetable soup and muffins.

They enjoy the games room which has pool, table tennis, board games and XBOX. To find out more visit a session or call Birstall Parish Council on 0116 2676191

Pic: Ruby Hallam (10), Priyush Mistry (9) & Tireni Babalola

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.

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remains the highest category of crime them to pass to the Police. Bicycles can reported. Please continue to lock your also be locked together or locked to a vehicles and remove all valuables whenwall bracket. ever you leave them to make it as diffi3) Consider fitting CCTV cameras to cult as possible for those looking to your garage to act as a deterrent to steal from them. potential thieves & if your garage has a We have had four dwelling (house) clear window(s), consider replacing this burglaries this month albeit two of these with frosted glass, or boarding it over so were actually garages attached to houses that people can’t see items on display that were entered & not the houses them- inside. selves. One of the burglaries occurred Neighbourhood update during the evening when the occupants Another speeding operation was conwere at home, and whilst they were ducted in February on Birstall Road. In AS WE enter Spring, we can start to thankfully not threatened or harmed in just over an hour we had a total of 97 tackle gardening jobs. any way, it was still a frightening experivehicles through the site, six of which Weeds are easier to pull out in damp ence for them. Thankfully it is rare for were pulled over and given verbal warnsoil, shrubs need pruning and lawns this to happen and we are following up ings for exceeding the speed limit. Going need cutting. For these tasks, we need some potential lines of enquiry in relaforward, the plan is to conduct an operavarious tools such as a lawn mower, tion to this incident in order to try and tion every month at a different location spades, forks and clippers. identify the male responsible. & the results will be published in due It is important to keep these safe and Aside from this there are no other course. out of sight, as thieves could use them to major crime trends to report. There The beat team have also been out this break into the house. A shed with a have been six ‘Public Order’ offences month delivering leaflets on Queensgate lockable door is obviously the best place reported, five reports of criminal damDrive, Roman Road and Tempest Road to put them, but not all of us have one, age, five reports of assault and three fuel in relation to the thefts from vehicles so maybe they could go in a garage or a thefts from the Petrol station, which is a that have occurred at these locations, as garden bin, not just left outside. lot less than we’ve had in previous well as around Little Connery leys, PinSideways leading to the rear of the months. fold Close, Bridge Green and Keswick house also need to be secured with a For further crime information please Close in relation to burglaries in these lock to prevent access for intruders visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ areas. looking for items to use in order to Crime Prevention Advice Meet your local police team enter the property.

As stated above, we have had a couA member of the team will be at the We have locks available at our Advice ple of burglaries this month where garag- following locations: Shops which take place every third Satur- es have been broken into and during Sibson Road Police Office: Saturday day in the month in the Parish Council one of these, 2 high value cycles were April 20, from 10am to 12 midday (in building at 10 Sibson Road, from 10am stolen. There are some simple steps you conjunction with the Birstall and Wanlip until noon. can take to protect your garage / proper- NHW).

Please note that there will be no From PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels, PCSO ty: 6611 Mark Butler Neighbourhood Watch Advice Shop open 1) Ensure that your garage is locked NL60 – Birstall Police Office. in April because of the Easter Holiday. & consider fitting an alarm to the door. http://www.leics.police.uk From Birstall & Wanlip NHW These can either be simple ‘vibration’ Tel: 0116 2677355 (Please note this alarms that activate when the door is is an advice line only – Please use 101 moved excessively or more sophisticated or 999 to report crime) Crime update ‘beam alarms’ that activate when a light We have had a total of 38 crimes beam between two sensors is broken. reported in February, which is about the 2) If you keep expensive items such The May issue of same as last month when we had 37. as cycles / power tools in your garage, THE BIRSTALL POST The number of thefts from vehicles make a note of any serial numbers & will be published on May 4. has fallen from 20 offences in January to take photos of them so that if they The copy deadline is Apr 19. just seven this month, however this still should get stolen you have a picture of

NHW news

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Easter art event MANY PEOPLE will be familiar with the Stations of the Cross that many churches promote in the days leading up to Easter.

At St James The Great, Birstall, we are doing something a little different.

We are holding Stations of Joy – or Stations of the Resurrection - from Easter to Pentecost. We are inviting people to make a journey from Easter to Pentecost through the medium of art.

There will be 16 stations using clay, paint or collage. Those involved in the project range in age from our young people to those in their eighties. Some are experienced artists. Some are very new to art.

The first day for journeying through our stations is Saturday April 20 from 10am until 12noon. Refreshments will be available. There is no charge. It’s free.

The stations can be visited on Saturdays between 10am and noon from April 20 until June 8 and on Sundays from April 21 until June 9 after our morning services.

From St James the Great, Birstall

New bowls season THE NEW outdoor season starts later this month at Birstall Bowling Club with members hoping that the weather is as good as it was last year.

New members are always welcome and coaching is available for bowlers who has never played the game before.

The club plays friendly and competitive ladies, men’s and mixed matches against other teams in Leicestershire throughout the season, as well as members being involved in national, county, parks and club competitions.

There is also a good social side with numerous events taking place during the year.

For more information please contact Diane on 0116 2676245 or Steve on 07870 327568. You can also visit the club website which can be found at www.birstallbowlingclub.co.uk This year, the club are raising money for Heart Link a local charity based at Glenfield Hospital.

Since they were formed in 1981 as a support group for parents and families who have a child suffering from a heart defect, they have collected over £4 million in donations. They are committed to improving facilities for the patients and their families as well as providing much needed valuable medical equipment. More information about them is on their website www.heartlink-glenfield.org.uk From Birstall Bowling Club

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

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Shop local promoting Birstall business Shop Local engages with the commuices required by the people of Birstall nity and further afield.

CCTV on Sibson Road On Monday February 18, Charlotte Foy and Shona Rattray, founders of the The paper CCTV petitions have now Shop Local Birstall group were asked to been collected in and these will be addspeak at the Methodist Church Thursday ed to the online numbers and presented group. The meeting was attended by to the Parish council with a letter rearound 30 ladies who were interested to questing the opening of discussion and find out about the local project. Charpossibly a working party for this project. lotte and Shona explained why and how If you would like to sign the online petithe group was set up and the benefits to tion, it is still live and can be found at both the business’s and community. www.change.org. Search for Birstall The shop local group would like to CCTV project or via the Facebook Shop thank the Birstall Methodist Thursday Local Birstall page. group for their kind donation of £30.

Meetings This money was a pleasant surprise and The group holds a meeting once a will be used for marketing the next event. month at the White Horse pub. These Spring/Summer meeting are inforevents mal and offer IN MARCH Wanlip Sailing Club celebrated its annual Commodore information, assistShop Local Presentation evening. ance and encourBirstall are Special guest was honorary member Mr Les Pritchard, a founder member, who a age the business currently workfew days earlier had celebrated his one hundredth birthday. He presented a new owners to get to ing on their know one another. trophy named in his honour, to club champion Mr Pete Davies.

Spring/Summer “After a delightful meal provided by the club ladies and a sailing themed bingo One such trainevents, and game by the commodore Mr John Wynd, the evening was rounded off with a rendiing opportunity would like to tion of sea shanties by Mr Neil Burgess” said a spokesman. will be held on make contact Pic: Mr Pete Davies, commodore John Wynd and Mr Les Pritchard April 9, and is with any local about Facebook community for Business and groups that may is being conductwish to represent ed by local extheir group at the pert Paul Ince next event. The who is very aim is to have the kindly giving the shops along Sibseminar to the group. son Road area A SPELL of heavy rain on March 14 and found there to be a blockage in one How can you help? combining with stalls showcasing as of our sewer pipes. We’re sorry for any resulted in raw sewage escaping many of the local Community groups as * Visit your local shops. Get to know inconvenience caused by our work clearpossible. This could include the Guides, what is available and if someone doesn’t from the drains on School Lane. ing the blockage, but the pipe is now Scouts, Air Cadets, Dance groups, Music have what you are looking for, ask, as Nearby properties were affected. A clear and we’ll be doing further work to Groups, Youth Groups, Keep fit and well- they may be able to order this for you. spokeswoman for Severn Trent said: examine the sewer pipe to help prevent being classes, School PTAs etc. Date and “Our teams attended a report of flooding * Don’t feel like you can’t go in a this from happening again.” time TBC. Shop Local Birstall are lookshop as you are not spending on that School Lane and Birstall road have a ing for expressions of interest at this day. Feel free to browse and get to know foul sewer pipe and a storm drain pipe. stage. Please contact the business owners. They will most During heavy rain water from the storm shona@filigreeheart.co.uk if you would likely remember you, and you will have drains is getting into the foul sewer like to be involved. a more personal service. which may be caused by the incorrect Facebook * Tell Your Friends. connection of the drains in the Goscote * Even if you can’t buy from a shop, Facebook likes of the Shop Local Hall Road area.

PETROLS • DIESELS if you like it, tell your friends and family. page have now reached nearly 800.

Previous incidents have seen raw sewThis makes all the difference to small Throughout March there have been a MOTORCYCLES age escaping onto School Lane, the playbusinesses. number of posts about the business ing fields and the playing fields car park. * Come along to community events to owners. They focused on the people Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann CROPSTON show your support behind the shops as the group are keen Marshall said: “What Severn Trent have Any local businesses wishing to get to engage the ‘human interaction’ aspect been doing for years is just patching up GARAGE of the shops in the village. As more than involved can message through the Shop the problems, what they need to do, and Local Birstall Facebook page or contact ‘shop keepers’, but more a part of the 37 - 39 Station Road what we’ve repeatedly asked them to do, community offering a friendly face, great shona@filigreeheart.co.uk Cropston, Leicester is replace the drains and sewers so it From Shop Local Birstall customer service and products and serv0116 2362363 doesn’t happen again.”

Sailing club’s new trophy

Sewage escapes onto School Lane

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HATS Golf club coaching for children spring play BIRSTALL GOLF is launching a major junior golf initiative to attract the next generation to the game of golf.

REHEARSALS are in full swing for HATS spring play ‘The Vicar of Dribley’.

Based on the TV comedy series, Ray Evans’ play provides good old fashioned fun that’s a little cheeky at times.

“There is something quite magical about this iconic TV series” said Sue Withers from HATS (Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society) “See if you can recognise all the established characters, I am sure we all know similar people, and love them for their quirky behaviour “Our audience is always so responsive, it makes our performances just as special for us to hear you enjoying yourselves. What are you waiting for?

Book your tickets now and have a good night.”

Dates: May 16, 17 & 18 at 7.15, doors open half an hour before each performance. The production contains some adult humour.

Venue: Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets £7, £6 concessionBox office: (mob) 07934 204837 and 0116 2209594 Or email hattickets@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/hatsamdram HATS next panto will be performed on Nov 28, 29 & 30 There will also be a matinee performance on the 30th

On Saturday April 20 the club will be launching a new golf programme for juniors at Birstall. One of the Club’s PGA professionals, Jon Williamson, will be starting the first of two six weeks sessions aimed at children between the ages of 10 and 16 keen to take up or resume playing golf.

He said: “Children today have a

choice of many activities but few are as attractive as golf when it comes to teaching children how to combine enjoyment with good behaviour. Golf by definition is character building as well as enjoyable and children attending coaching lessons at Birstall can be assured of not only top class teaching but also a friendly and secure environment. Our aim is to build upon the Club’s proud traditions and get local children into our wonderful game in the knowledge Birstall will have an appropriate offering for them regardless of standard”.

Pic: PGA Professional Jon Williamson

A rainbow of flowers BIRSTALL FLOWER Club held a meeting with a difference in February.

The evening was hosted by members of the club who designed several different arrangements under the title ‘Colours of the Rainbow’. Mrs Sylvia Simes compèred the evening and arrangements varied from a modern Ikebana style, a ‘spring chicken’ and a traditional style Dutch flower arrangement.

As always these made excellent raffle prizes for some lucky members. The arrangements were done by Anne Boulter, Norma Lynch, Mary Linnett and Sylvia Simes – all from Birstall.

Next month Shirley Henderson, NAFAS demonstrator, is coming to the club, so why not come along and join us in the Village Hall.

From Birstall Flower Club

The club says that: • The sessions will be free of charge • The Club has removed the junior subscription for 2019 • Each session will last for one hour starting at 2.30pm • Assuming the club’s dining room is available there will be free coffee and biscuits for adults accompanying the juniors.

• For those juniors seeking additional coaching after the initial programme Jon will be offering a special package.

The Club is also looking at the development of a summer holiday course of activities for younger children and combing with local schools to make golf readily available to anyone interested in taking up or resuming playing golf.

Jon said: “Spaces are limited so to get your child or grandchild on the course either ring the Birstall Golf Club Pro’s shop on 0116 267 5245 or visit the Club on Station Road, Birstall, LE4 3BB.” Further information is also available from the club’s website on www.birstallgolfclub.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

16

Easter services EASTER WITH Churches Together Birstall & Wanlip.

Bowls open days ST MARGARET’S Co-operative bowls club in Birstall Road is holding open days on May 10 and 12.

A spokesman said: “A new bowls season has arrived and with the fresh spring air and lighter days now is the perfect time to come and join us at St Margaret's Club. Bowls is a simple and fascinating game. The club atmosphere gives great opportunity for plenty of fun and friendship, with a little light exercise

thrown in.

“The club will be holding an open days 6pm Friday May 10 and 2pm Sunday May 12 and all are welcome. There is, however, no need to wait for this. If you would like to have a try at bowls, with no obligation, please ring Sam on 2677372 or Carolyn on 2675947.

“We take players of all abilities and offer free coaching. The first year fee for new bowlers is only £20. Good value fun in anybody's book.”

Pic: Last year's Open Day at St Margaret’s

Sexual health clinic A NEW base for sexual heath services has opened in Leicester city centre.

Haymarket Health, on the first floor of the Haymarket shopping centre, has been transformed from an empty shop unit into a modern facility, with 13 consulting rooms for doctors and nurses to see patients.

The free and confidential NHS service – which is open to patients across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – will offer contraception, testing and treatment for sexual infections, cervical screening and lifestyle information. It will be open from 8.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday and from 10am-4pm on Saturdays.

People will be able to book appointments online, turn up and wait to be seen, or use self-service facilities at the base, for example to get a self-testing kit or condoms.

Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor and lead on public health, said: “We’ve made a major investment in these new premises because we want to provide the best quality sexual health services for

local people.

“In other parts of the country, sexual health services have moved to city centre locations like this one with much success. It makes it much easier to access for people coming from all parts of the city and county.”

Service manager Kim Knight said: “We are extremely excited to bring sexual health services in to the city centre. The new clinic will allow us to improve accessibility and offer better choice across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”

For more information on accessing the new service, go to www.leicestersexualhealth.nhs.uk

Register to vote

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

THE LAST chance to register to vote for May’s local elections in Charnwood is April 12.

www.raktailorhomeimprovements.com

Charnwood Borough Council has 52 councillors across 28 wards and all seats are up for election on May 2 this year. Parish and town council seats across the borough are also up for election.

There are 131,207 people on the electoral register in Charnwood. If you are not on the register visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote before April 12.

Join us on our Good Friday (19th April) Walk Of Witness which starts at 10am outside Tesco by the traffic lights on Sibson road. We will process down Sibson road to St. Theresa’s on Front street where we will be welcomed with Hot Cross buns. Please join us.

While we walk the children can play.

There will be lots of fun and activities for the children at Birstall Methodist church on Wanlip lane. Starting at 10am Services over the Easter Period at all our churches are as follow: St. James the Great, Church Hill, Birstall Palm Sunday; Holy communion 10am Maundy Thursday; Holy Communion 7.30pm.; followed by ‘Watch’ until 10pm Good Friday; Final Hour 2pm Easter Day; Family Communion 10am Every Wednesday during Lent; ‘Living Faith‘ Lent course 7.30pm Our Lady & St. Nicholas Wanlip Palm Sunday; Evensong 6pm Easter Day; Vigil 6am; Holy Communion 7am.; followed by breakfast; Evensong 6pm Birstall Methodist, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Palm Sunday; Holy Communion Service at 10.30am Maundy Thursday; Holy Communion 7.30pm Easter Day; Holy Communion 8.30am; followed by breakfast; Morning Service 10.30am; followed by Sunday club Lent Course every Sunday at 6p.m. during Lent in the church lounge St. Theresa’s Front Street Birstall Palm Sunday; Normal Mass Times Wednesday April 17; Passover supper 6.30pm, By ticket Maundy Thursday, 7pm: Commemoration of the Lords Supper until 10 p.m.

Watching at the alter of Repose Good Friday; Stations of the cross 2.15pm.; The Passion of the Lord 3pm.

Holy Saturday; Easter Vigil 7pm. followed by refreshments Easter Day; Normal Mass Service Every Tuesday during Lent; Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion 7.30am Every Friday during Lent; Stations of the cross 6.30pm Followed by Mass at 7pm From Birstall Churches Together

17

WEA courses THE WEA Rothley Branch are offering the following courses starting in May. Creative Writing: Creative Writing with Maxine Linnell Wed 1 May 2019, 09:45-11:45am, 7 sessions, Ref. C2341145 – Fee £53.90 Rothley Community Library, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PS A supportive, friendly group where you can gain confidence in saying what you want to say and learn how to develop your writing.

Art - Practical: Primitive Art from the very beginning to contemporary: Mixed media course with Anna Michalska-Tomajer Mon 13 May 2019, 1-3pm, 7 sessions, Ref. C2341124 – Fee £53.90 The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester, LE7 7PR We will be exploring the impact that primitive art has had on artists since the beginning of time. We will be developing theoretical knowledge, and exploring and developing practical techniques with primitive art as a clear reference.

To enrol or for further information, please visit wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 3464.

The May issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on May 4.

The copy deadline is Apr 19.

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Talk on VC winner Electric Birstall bus THE TALK at the Syston U3A’s February meeting was felt by many who had the privilege to hear it to be the best talk yet.

William Coltman VC : A Story of Two Crosses – by Tim Coltman, Great Grandson was the remarkable story of a selfless and determined man who served during World War I and was awarded the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar, and Military Medal and Bar without ever lifting a rifle. The story of one of the bravest men people have never heard of. This was William Coltman, the most decorated non-commissioned soldier in WWI. Born in 1891 near Burton on Trent, the youngest of nine children. After school he became a gardener and, like many others, volunteered after war broke out to join the North Staffs Regiment. A deeply religious man, his faith prevented him from carrying arms; he served as a Stretcher Bearer and spent the war on the front line, saving many lives.

What’s remarkable about Bill Coltman is that he worked alone. He believed that working with another man would put two lives in danger, not just his own.

Unable to use a stretcher to carry the wounded he carried them over his shoulders. This was some achievement as he was slightly built, only 5’4” tall. What’s also remarkable is that he was never injured, and gassed only once.

In 1917 he was awarded the Military Medal and Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery. In 1918 he was awarded a Bar for each medal – in effect winning both again. He displayed a remarkable indifference to danger and put other men’s lives before his own. In October 1918, during the final assault on the Hindenburg Line, for two days he treated and rescued many injured men, carrying them back to safety. For this he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Conditions were grim, he worked in

mud, on open ground, bringing back men who had been left behind when troops retreated or attempts to secure ground failed. Trench warfare meant unbearable heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. There was the constant fear of being buried alive or drowning in the mud. Shell and machine gun fire, gas, cholera, trench foot, lice, and rats were a constant threat.

He frequently disobeyed orders to collect name tags from dead colleagues in No Man’s Land; this was so they could be returned to their families who could then claim a Death in Service grant from the government. Without proof no grant would be given.

At the end of the war he deliberately missed a reception party thrown in his honour by leaving his train at an earlier stop. After the war ended he returned to Burton on Trent and worked as a groundsman; he retired in 1963 and died in 1974 at the age of 82. A modest man by all accounts, he put his medals in a drawer and never talked about them.

From Syston U3A

Pic: William Coltman VC, DCM and Bar, MM and Bar

St Peter’s, Belgrave A NEW charity has been formed to help secure a future for the 800 year old St Peter’s church in Church Lane, Belgrave.

The Belgrave Heritage Trust wants to ensure the building is maintained and that it has a role in the community again.

The building is owned by he diocese of Leicester and the churchyard is maintained by Leicester City Council.

Trust spokesman Nick Fathers said: “Our first aim is to bring the current state of St Peter’s to the attention of a much wider audience.

“As a new charity, we are not yet in a position to protect and repair the building ourselves, but we can lobby those organisations who may be in a position to influence the future of the former St Peter’s church.

“We are also hoping to help find a new use for the

building which will ensure, once again, that it has a useful part to play in the community.” belgraveheritagetrust@gmail.com

Planning P/19/0606/2: Ashton Heyes, 278 Birstall Road – erection of one dwelling P/19/0577/2:23 Woodgate Drive – ground floor rear extension P/19/0551/2: 49 Queensgate Drive – proposed single storey extension to the side of the house P/19/0453/2: 186 Birstall Rd – proposed single storey rear extension P/19/0467/2: 11 Newton Drive – erection of single storey extension to side & rear of existing property

ELECTRIC BUSES will transport passengers from Birstall’s park and ride site after Leicester City Council secured £8m of Department for Transport funding for a range of city transport schemes.

The bid – part of the council’s Transforming Cities work – has secured investment for two major projects, focusing on creating an extensive cycling network and bike hire scheme and bringing in a fleet of electric buses on one of the city’s three Park and Ride routes.

Around £6.25million will fund the development of a network of walking and cycling links, which will connect the city centre to the universities, neighbourhoods and other key areas of the city.

Some £500,000 of that will be used to create a new public bike hire scheme, with around 500 bikes available for hire from more than 50 docking stations across the city.

It is hoped the bike share scheme will be up and running in late 2019.

A further £1.6million has been agreed to electrify the Park and Ride service running between Birstall and the city centre, along with the associated infrastructure allowing the electric vehicles to be charged over night at the Birstall Park and Ride site. The service is run jointly with Leicestershire County Council.

The service is designed to cut congestion on the busy A6 corridor, working with the bus company to replace existing diesel vehicles with new electric buses to help cut air pollution in the city.

Both schemes are designed to support the local economy and help improve air quality.

Leicester’s £7.84million grant is the result of the city council’s successful bid for a share of £60million of Department for Transport funding for schemes to be delivered in 2019/20.

In addition to nearly £8million of DfT funding, the city council and partners will also contribute funding for the schemes.

Currently about 17,000 daily cycle trips are made into and out of the city.

As part of the successful DfT bid, work will now take place to develop better cycling and walking routes both to the north and south of the city centre, as well as more secure cycle parking at St P/19/0432/2: 30 Oakfield Ave – proposed single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/19/0413/2: 36 Hill Rise – proposed single storey rear & side extension to dwelling P/19/0520/2: 46 Allington Drive – the erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 5.963m with a max height of 3.185m and height to the eaves of 2.532m P/19/0449/2: 44 Oakfield Ave – proposed porch and single storey extension to front of dwelling P/19/0407/2: 12A Hallam Avenue – proposed replacement pitched roof to extension at rear of dwelling

Margaret’s bus station and in the city centre.

• The newly opened cycleway under the Loughborough Road bridge beside the River Soar helps to connect Birstall with Leicester.

The new cycleway was part of a £5m project to reduce the flood risk in the Belgrave area.

There is now a smooth tarmac surface for cyclists and walkers connecting Birstall from Watermead Country Park to Leicester city centre via Abbey Park.

WI news IT WAS chocolate heaven on March 4 when Birstall and Wanlip WI met at the British Legion.

Tom Phillips of Quorn talked to us of all things chocolate and demonstrated the making of praline filled chocolates and a huge frog. These made wonderful raffle prizes. He also bought lots of goodies to sell so the ladies could stock up for Easter and we had the chance to sample a very rare pink chocolate. We are looking forward to a friendly skittle match at the beginning of April and planning our annual coffee morning for May 11.

We confirmed that our summer coach trip will be to Stamford.

Seven of us attended the Leicestershire and Rutland Federation ACM at Leicester Grammar School on March 9. Competition entries for cakes, flower displays, poetry and art from WIs across the county were judged. We also enjoyed a brilliant variety of speakers including the hilarious Gyles Brandreth.

Our next meeting is on April 1 when Julia Wallis will be talking to us about ‘Spinning and Weaving Wool’ and the competition will be the best Easter Bonnet.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

18

Club welcomes new captains BIRSTALL GOLF Club’s new skippers are expecting to have plenty of time for their new roles.

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Pic: John Meachem and Dawn Ruparelia and ‘drummed’ to the first tee by Aaron Patel (left) and Kalum Patel

News from the churches

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS —–––––––––– ESTABLISHED 1830 —–––––––––

Ladies’ captain Dawn Ruparelia has just retired from running a wedding dress business in Leicester, and men’s captain John Meachem retires from his job in health insurance soon.

John has lived in Birstall for nearly 30 years, playing cricket for the village club and ‘hospitality golf’ before joining the club some 13 years ago: ‘Our main priority is to ensure everyone enjoys the year and that the teams enjoy success in the year’s competitions”.

Dawn lives in Glenfield, and while she has retired from business faces competition for her time from her family: she has just found out she will become a grandmother for the first time later in the year.

Their chosen charity for the year is Blesma, which assists serving and ex-service men and women who have suffered lifechanging accidents that have cost them a limb/limbs or their sight. They made that choice as Dawn’s brother Geoff lost the lower half of his left leg during the Falklands War.

The first Sunday of every month is our 'All Together' service, which is precisely what it says!

All of us who attend regularly, and those who don't, plus everybody who would like to join in for this Sunday, all together for this one Parish service. In March, the service was made extra special by holding the Baptism service for one of our young people, which was lovely for all of us there.

That same week was quite eventful, with Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday seeing services in St. James and in the lovely church in Wanlip. Now, of course, we are in Lent, with the Churches Together holding Lent courses based on the 'Living Faith' being held in various venues around Birstall. If you would like to know more, and perhaps join in, please contact the Rector, Vince Jupp, on 0116 2674517, or e-mail: vincejupp@btinternet.com. He would be very pleased to hear from you.

During Lent, members of our churches are currently preparing a number of 'Stations of the Resurrection' for display and as an aid to prayer over the Easter period.

Children from Riverside and Highcliffe schools have visited St. James church and learned about Christian weddings and christenings, two celebrations which are always joyous affairs.

'Old Nick's' Coffee Shop, with its super selection of home-made cakes with coffee or tea, continues on the third Tuesday of every month in Wanlip Community Hall, just by the church, where, at the moment, the snowdrops make a carpet of white blossom, but not for long, unfortunately. The 25th March also sees the celebration of Our Lady and St. Nicholas Patronal Festival at

19

G E GAMBLE & SONS

7.30pm, with a service of Holy Communion.

The March Deanery Synod will be held at Beedles Lake Golf Clubhouse, with Bishop Martyn and Bishop Guli speaking. As this synod is open to all, many of the congregation from St. James and St. Nicholas will attend.

At the moment we are all being pursued by our church paparazzi - keen to take our photos in readiness for the church photo album being put together

by Canon Anne Horton. That is a fun thing to do! I feel like a celebrity!

From Birstall Parish Churches

Birstall Methodist Church’s Elastic Band, which accompanies church services at the Church on the first Sunday of each month, played for the special Trinity and Leicester West Circuit Service held at Bishop Street Methodist Church.

The event was attended by both Rev Michaela Youngson and Mr Bala Gnanapragasam, the President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference.

They shared music making duties with the Methodist Church Zimbabwe Fellowship Singers, organist Martin Briers and pianist Leon Dundas.

Previously referred to as the Birstall Methodist Orchestra, the group changed its name to reflect the fact that it always performs, no matter how many or few musicians can attend the event, and no matter what the mix of instruments is on any occasion!

From Birstall Methodist Church

Sunday Services and Easter In April we will meet at 10.45am. in Room PT1, The Palmer Tomkinson Centre, The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall (LE4 4GH) but not during the

school holiday period, so for the 21st and 28th please contact us for arrangements. (This is also the case for May 5, which is a Bank Holiday weekend.) Our visiting speaker this month is Roger Pendleton (Nottingham) on April 7. On Palm Sunday (14th) we are holding a special service at the start of Holy Week (leading to Good Friday and Easter Sunday). You are warmly invited to join us for our services and there is a children’s meeting available during part of the services.

There will be joint services on Good Friday: one at Holywell Church, Berkeley Road, Loughborough (LE11 3SJ) at 10.30am when the speaker will be Pastor Paul Kosciecha from Whittlesey Baptist Church; the other is at Melbourne Hall Evangelical Free Church, St. Peter’s Road, Leicester (LE2 1DB) at 11am and the service will be taken by Rev Paul Bassett.

Of the many world religions, only one claims that its founder returned from the grave: the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very cornerstone of Christianity.

Many sceptics have investigated this and reached the verdict that it is true, so why not investigate the evidence for yourself?

In order to do this, you can come to one of our services, contact us on the number given below to discuss the issues and also take advantage of a small booklet (called ‘The Resurrection: Is It True?’) which we would be pleased to give you.

All at BIBC wish you every blessing this Easter.

Enquiries about BIBC: please ring 0116 221 4883.

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

Trinity Life Church (Birstall) has been now been in the Village of Birstall for 6 months.

It’s been an amazing journey since we started in September 2018 and to now be established here in Birstall. We had a fantastic launch, Christmas event, Schools Out and great campus meetings.

The past months have been exciting and there is more to come. We would love to meet with you and your family or friends.

There is a place for you. If you want to know more or would like to meet with our pastoral team then email andre.timothy@trinitylifechurch.org.uk The month of April is one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar.

Its Easter and Christians around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter reminds us that Jesus came to this world to bridge the gap between man and God and set us free from our sin. It is this moment that defines who we are – if you believe in Jesus, you are given eternal life and become a child of God. His death gives us new life. It brings hope and peace and in him we are transformed. If you want to know more then why not join us during the month of April as we focus on Jesus’s death and resurrection. We will be out in the Village each Saturday for the month of April and would love to chat to you about. We will have treats for the kids. We look forward to connecting with you. If you have never been to church or been away for a while then come join us at Trinity Life Church – Birstall Campus. We will be at the Village Hall most Sundays – dates below. Its where you belong!

Open Hands is TLC’s compassion charity and if you would like to volunteer to serve the poor in Leicester or would value some support yourself simply go on our website where you will find all the information you need www.openhandsleicester.org.uk.

From Trinity Life Church

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Cancer, emotions and counselling.

Being diagnosed with cancer or having a close friend or family member with cancer can lead to many emotions, some you may never have experienced before.

It can sometimes feel like the emotional impact of cancer is far greater than the physical one. Doctors, nurses, cancer centres and treatment generally seem to focus totally on the physical effects of cancer, often leaving the person affected to feel they are facing the emotional impact in isolation.

Emotional Impact Being diagnosed with cancer is likely to bring up many emotions. Most people feel shocked and don't know what to think. You may be confused, upset and worried.At times, it may feel like an emotional roller coaster. One day you might be positive and able to cope, another sad and anxious and finding coping hard. All these feelings are completely natural.

You might feel negative and think you will never feel well again. Many ques-

ly than before.

Help through difficult times Your feelings are likely to be more tions may arise, such as: intense if your cancer is very advanced Will I ever feel happy again? and you are facing the possibility of Am I going to die? dying. And they will take on a different Why has this happened to me? meaning.

What if it comes back ?

If you are having negative feelings Will I be able to get myself together they can be very draining for you and and enjoy the things that I used to – the people around you. You might find even my husband or children can't seem that family and friends don’t understand. to make me feel happy any more.

Or they may try to tell you how you People say I must be positive should feel. This can put a big strain on am I harming myself when I your close relationships. feel so low?

Getting help and support can be helpAll these thoughts, ful for you all. Letting someone know feelings and questions are how awful you feel and asking for help very natural and complete- is not a weakness. Talking about how ly understandable. you feel is more likely to help you, and Your family and friends the people around you, than staying might expect you to feel silent. back to normal once your Counsellors and psychologists treatment finishes. But many You may have counsellors or psycholpeople with cancer find that this is ogists in the cancer team at your centre. the time when the emotional impact of They can help you through difficult, their diagnosis hits them and they need emotional times after your diagnosis, more support. during treatment and afterwards. They You might miss the support from the will be ready to listen to you, give you doctors and nurses at the hospital. Some support, and suggest ways to manage people say they feel a bit abandoned as your emotions. they see their hospital team less frequent- Local support group welcomes you

Birstall BAGs fund a monthly Time Out support group at Wanlip Church Hall. Here you can meet others living with cancer and enjoy a chat over a cup of tea in a warm and welcoming setting alongside having a complimentary therapy treatment. In addition if you would like a more personal experience to help you learn coping strategies, share worries and concerns and relax the mind the BAGs can provide a more bespoke service through a local counselling service. We now offer a one to one session through our Mayflower group , ran by Nikki , call 07544765091 or for more information please check out the Birstall BAGs facebook group or website.

Above all, remember it is perfectly normal to experience all manner of emotions, cancer is about as tough as life can be. There is support out there through social meetings and more formal counselling or therapy. It really can help.

For more information:www.cancerresearchuk.org Or contact:- University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189 For more information on the funds we have raised, projects we support and forthcoming events see www.birstallbags.co.uk or look us up on facebook - Birstall BAGs Contact the BAGs by email birstallbags@hotmail.com

CHURCH DIARY

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

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

Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.

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

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

THE BIRSTALL POST APR 2019

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