Birstall Post (431) June 2019

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

JUNE 2019

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 431

All smiles as runners get muddy A TEAM of 13 women, all members of Birstall’s Bridge4 gym, enjoyed completing a 5k obstacle course through mud to raise money for Cancer Research.

“It was a fantastic event” said runner Marie Dawkins. “We had great fun and with such a close knit team we were on a high all through the muddy obstacles – which were brilliant! The stewards made sure we got very wet and muddy with a lot of laughter and a few splashes back at them. The last obstacle was a rope ladder up to a bouncy slide down into a

Pic: the team celebrate completing the course

mud pit, total wipe-out, total fun!”

The team were taking part in the Cancer Research Pretty Muddy race that was held on May 12 at Wymeswold airfield.

Marie (pictured left) added: “The more uplifting bit was realising just before we started that we’d hit the £3000 mark, which is still increasing!”

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Local election results THE CONSERVATIVE Party has retained control of Charnwood Borough Council after the local elections in May. The Conservatives lost five seats, and Labour gained four.

The borough council has 52 councillors across 28 wards with a total electorate of 132,935. Before the vote on May 2 the practical make-up of the council was: 41 Conservatives; 9 Labour; 2 Independent Now it is 36 Conservatives; 13 Labour; 1 Independent; 1 Green Birstall and Wanlip has two wards represented by two councillors in each ward. The successful candidates were: Birstall Wanlip: Roy Rollings (Con) & Shona Rattray (Con) Birstall Watermead: Iain Bentley (Con) & Julian Howe (Con) The numbers of votes cast were: Birstall Wanlip – turnout 30.74% Norman Cutting (UKIP) 186 Ian Davison (LibDem) 273 Abe Khayer (Lab) 536 Julie Palmer (Lab) 586 Shona Rattray (Con) 804 Roy Rollings (Con) 733 Birstall Watermead – turnout 30.64% Iain Bentley (Con) 803 Nick Birchell (Lab) 500 Emily Hodginkinson (Grn) 519 Julian Howe (Con) 789 At Birstall Parish council a poll was not necessary on May 2 as there were fewer candidates than there were seats.

Continued on page 2

Duck race sends Birstall folk quackers THE ELEVENTH White Horse Birstall annual charity duck race escaped the rain and the people of Birstall and beyond flocked to the White Horse for this bank holiday extravaganza.

The winning duck was number 10 and the prize was two pairs of designer sunglasses. The top cash prize winner was Kieran Rowley who won £100. 2175 ducks raced and there were more than 40 other prizes. This year a grand total of over £4300 (to date) was raised: £3,400 for Save the Children and over £936 was raised for other local causes too.

“I am really happy with this year’s event” said Charlotte Foy, Duck Race organiser. “The weather was a bit of a concern but thankfully we were still as busy as ever, the stalls, games and activities were bustling and the Duck Race crowds along the towpath was a sight to be seen! It really was a community effort, with lots of people helping to make it a special day and also the funds raised will benefit more than one community group as the Scouts, Girl Guides, WI, and PTA’s from Riverside and Hallam Fields got involved too.”

Gemma Lawrenson from Girl guiding in Birstall said: “We made £272 and the money will be split between the Guides selected to go on various International camps they are attending. It’s going to be an awesome experience for the girls!”

Hema chair of Hallam Fields School PTA commented: “The Duck Race was a fantastic community event enjoyed by local families. It was a great fundraiser for Hallam Fields School PTA, we raised £304. As a new school it was lovely to be part of the wider Birstall community and be supported by those who attended” Election results continued from page 1

In these circumstances all the candidates nominated are automatically elected. There are 20 seats on the parish council and there are currently five vacancies.

At Charnwood, all councillors receive a basic allowance of £5075 a year. At parish councils, councillors do not receive any allowance.

Pic: duck selling trio (l-r) Zara Gilliver, Hital Gilliver & Jenny Doyle

Josephine Burgess, Save the Children representative, said: “We are so grateful for the support shown throughout the whole duck race process. From those who donated prizes, the local supporters that sold ducks and people who bought them.

Thank you to the helpers who contributed, fellow clubs and societies that donated takings

and once again our gratitude to those who manned the stalls on the day. Finally thank you to all the White Horse team for putting together such a wonderful community event. A super amount of £3415 was raised for Save the Children for much needed emergency work both in the UK and around the world.”

The White Horse and Save the Children would particularly like to thank the other PTA’s of each of the Primary schools, who helped facilitate the selling of ducks and the colouring competition.

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Also, to Unique and Jo of the local Co-op for selling ducks. We would also like to thank all those who kindly donated prizes, namely: Culver and glass Opticians of Loughborough - £250 designer Sunglasses voucher, Maz Photography – £150 family photo shoot, Leicester Tigers - 16 game tickets @£25, Rachael Ince of Rose Tinted Photos – family Photoshoot, Marco Pierre White - 3 course meal for 2, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits centreFamily session voucher, Birstall Garden

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

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Continued from page 2

Centre - £15 Voucher, Ruby Tuesday Café – 2 meal for 2 Vouchers, Glenwood Interiors – £10 voucher, Birstall Fisheries - Meal for 2 voucher, DM Hair – treatment and Blow dry, Dance Academy

Family dog show

– Month dance pass, Filigree Heart – Katie Loxton clutch, Helen Sibson – Pet Portrait, Rieker – Donated a bag and Golf day, Richard III Museum – family Pic (right): Charlotte Foy (left), Josephine Burgess, Save the Children Representative and Webster, Duck Race mascot

pass, Carluccios – Hamper, Glenn Lewin - £20 Voucher, David North of Rothley - £25 voucher, Laser Force – session for 2, Phoenix – Cinema tickets, Ape Index – pass for 2, Silhouettes – Vouchers and Manicure, Swim with Jo – Swimming class pass, Park view – Riding voucher, Beautili-

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Thanks also to Steve at Graphic solutions, Nik Loach , DJ, for his commentating, Big Bobs for the bouncy castle, Spoilt Rotten local T shirt producer, Jonathan Spedding for his time spent as Webster and a special thank you to Paddle Plus without whom the Duck Race wouldn’t be possible and of course to everyone who bought a duck!

“BARK IN the Park” is a family fun dog show that will be held on Saturday June 22 on the School Lane playing field at noon, on Birstall Gala day.

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Man falls from bridge THE EMERGENCY services were called to Park Road at around 5.30am on May 13 when a man was injured after falling from the railway bridge.

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“We hope to get the dog owners of Birstall together to have a bit of fun” said Olwen Guildford from Leicester Sighthounds, organisers of the event.

There will be 10 classes including best sausage catcher, most handsome dog and waggiest tail, with a trophy awarded to the Best in Show.

The judges will be Ann Marshall, Chair of Birstall Parish Council and Lee Meyer and Hayley Kennington from the RSPCA. To enter, turn up on the day at 11.30am, classes are £2 each or three for £5. All proceeds are for sighthound welfare.

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Parish Council notes

THE ANNUAL Parish Council meeting was held on May 13.

Ann Marshall was elected as chair for the ensuing year and Tony Abbey was elected vice chair.

Lorraine Harrison was co-opted to fill a vacancy on the council. Five vacancies remain.

A member of the public raised their concerns about careless parking on Elmfield Avenue near to the school It was noted that the council has met the necessary criteria to exercise the General Power of Competence. This is a legal power that allows the council to do anything that any individual may do.

It was reported that work has started on the Allington Drive memorial garden.

Birstall Parish Council’s annual parish meeting was held on May 20.

Five members of the public attended.

Cllr Ann Marshall, chair of Birstall Parish Council, explained the aim of the meeting was to enable the public to communicate with the council. She explained all the ways the public can contact the council: email, post and on social media, attending council meetings or visiting the office in the Village Hall.

Cllr Marshall summarised the work of the council and it’s projects over the previous 12 months.

PC David Jaeckels gave the police report. The beat team had lost one PCSO and now consisted of himself and PCSO Mark Butler. In the last year there have been 550 crimes reported which he said was not a large number for a village this size. Serious crime has fallen he said.

House burglaries from 58 to 40 and burglary non-dwelling from 50 to 20. Damage to motor-vehicle has fallen from 50 to 20. Theft from motor-vehicle has fallen from 130 to 121 and is the biggest problem in the parish, he said. Assaults have risen from 76 to 89, shop theft from 46 to 65 and vehicle theft from 12 to 28.

The police team conducted six vehicle speed checks in the last year. 25 verbal warnings were given and three people reported for prosecution.

A Parish councillor reported that his nine-year-old granddaughter had been offered cannabis on the School Lane playing field.

A member of the public reported that the fencing around the Harrowgate Drive playing field had stopped the drug dealing problem at the site. In response to a question PC Jaeckels said he did not think the County Council policy of switching off some street lights at night had any effect on crime, but that the lights staying on did make people feel safer. He said that CCTV on public streets can be a useful tool, as it is in Loughborough.

Chairman of the Birstall & Wanlip neighbourhood watch Edward Chambers gave a report on the neighbourhood watch in the village. There are 150 schemes covering 3000 households.

It was reported that the public toilets on Stonehill Avenue are due to be refurbished with anti-vandal fixtures and fittings.

The council will consider a request to discuss CCTV on Sibson Road at its meeting on June 10.

A member of the public commented

that the councils decision to not consider a 1100 name petition urging it to support CCTV on Sibson Road showed that it was not listening to the public. A member of the public said the council should recognise a climate emergency and work with other parish councils to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Flower club BIRSTALL FLOWER Club met in April to watch a very talented NAFAS demonstrator.

The members were given good advice about flower care, and the demonstrator used a wide variety of flowers. Approximately 60 members attended the evening, and as usual, there were several flower arrangements to be won in the raffle.

On June 12, many of the members will be going on an evening outing to Redland House, Cropwell Bishop, to have a look around some magnificent gardens. This one of the three outings arranged by Club for this year.

If you have a love of flowers, it is a great way to be entertained and you will learn some interesting tips about flower arranging.

From Birstall Flower Club

Give bowls a try A BOWLS Club is looking for new members.

“If you missed the Open Day it is not too come down and have a go” said a spokesman for St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club.

“Bowls is a game with a long history.

The claim for the oldest club is Southampton which dates back to around 1200; more than 800 years! Other sports come and go but bowls has held

its place for an awful long time.

“If you would like to give bowls a try, come along to our club any Monday or Friday at 6pm. No charge is made and there is no obligation. Why not bring friends, the more the merrier. All equipment provided but bring flat soled shoes. Qualified coaches on hand.”

Any enquiries, call Sam on 2677372 or Carolyn on 2675947.

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All welcome at tennis club open day SUNNY WEATHER, home made cakes and a well stocked bar helped more than 100 visitors enjoy Watermead Tennis Club’s open day in May. Mini tennis for the youngsters proved very popular and adults as well as the children joined in the fun. For some adults the cardio-tennis gave them a good workout, while others played some friendly doubles matches.

Club spokesman Steve Cooke said: “It was encouraging to see so many youngsters interested in taking up tennis and many parents and carers took advantage of the half price discount on membership to sign up their children as juniors or to take up family membership. A number of adults also inspired by the day’s events decided to join the club.”

Club Coach, Laura Morley, was keen to say a huge thanks to the organisers and volunteers whose contribution made the day such a success. She said: “Thanks to their efforts, this has been, without a doubt, our most successful open day. We welcomed over one hundred new faces, giving them all an op-

Pic: Visitors enjoying Watermead Tennis Club’s open day

balls and enjoying our improved faciliportunity to play some tennis for free!

From 10am through to 3pm we had four ties is really rewarding.”

Weekly open club sessions will continmini courts and two regular courts full ue throughout the year. Laura said: of visitors keen to get active and in“For anyone who was unable to attend volved with the sport. The vibe at the the open day, it's never too late. Pop moment is very positive. There's a real down on a Wednesday evening at buzz. To see so many families hitting 6:30pm and see what it's all about.”

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Easter bonnet parade THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

ACORN UNDER 5s pre-school held its Annual Easter Bonnet Parade on April 12 at its new premises back at Highcliffe Primary School.

Many grandparents attended with parents to see the wonderful array of hats, which seem to become more colourful and creative as each year goes by.

After the usual selection of Easter songs to families and friends, the new Early Years Foundation Stage Lead from Highcliffe, Gemma Hammond judged the entries. All the children won a chocolate bar and three children received Easter eggs. In first place was Saskia Lingham, second place was Jessica Loach and third place went to Reuben Lewin. Everybody enjoyed refreshments afterwards

and the proceeds of the event are going towards developing the outdoor area.

If you are interested in a place for your child at the Baby group, Toddler Group or Preschool, telephone 0784 2006199.

Pic: Prizewinners at Acorn’s Easter Bonnet parade

The July issue of

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Club runners completing marathons IT’S BEEN a really successful ‘marathon month’ for Birstall Running Club with 17 runners at seven different events taking part in marathons from Manchester to Prague.

Club Captain, Tristan Snutch, said: “It has been a remarkable year for Birstall RC with a record turnout of members tackling the 26.2 mile distance. It has been great to see everyone’s dedication and commitment to their individual plans and goals.

“What makes it even more special is that a lot of the runners who have completed marathons this year hadn’t even ran a 5k race as little as two or three years ago. It’s a very proud moment for the club to know that we have played a

part in helping these runners achieve their goals.”

For nine club members it was their first marathon too. These are pictured above: Samantha Bray, Andy Finlow, Jeanette Douglas, Kelly McLellan, Scott Kimberlin, Gemma Pegg and three members of the same family - Shannon, Marie & Chris O’Brien “I could not have done it without the advice and encouragement from everyone at the club. I will always be grateful” said Kelly McLellan, running her first

marathon at Peterborough with Jeanette Douglas, who said: “The first and certainly not the last on my marathon journey.”

Elisa Whittlestone (BRC Lady Captain), John Orgill, Steve Hickingbottom, Marie O’Brien, Joanne Bull and Mel Snutch all completed the iconic London Marathon.

John managed an incredible time of 2hrs and 35 mins (PB) and finished 223 out of 42,549 finishers. Mel Snutch had vowed “never again“ after running it some 16 years ago in 2003. Mel said: “I felt fantastic until I hit the wall at mile 22 and then doubted that I would finish.

A very emotional day, going from feelings of excitement to feelings of dread.”

Mel finished 1hr and 17 seconds faster this time!

Marie who was running her first marathon, raised approximately £1000 for LOROS. She said: “Two years ago when I joined BRC’s Couch to 5k programme, I would never have believed I would or could run a marathon, and now I have done it.”

Club coach coordinator, Dave Snutch, said: “It’s typically been Pic: Mel, James, John, Joanne, Marie & Gemma at a function at the Royal British Legion

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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16 weeks of training leading up to each event and along with a few injuries and achy legs, the club estimates that these runners had collectively run over 7000 miles during their training!

“We have a fantastic diversity of ability in our club highlighted by the finishing times ranging from sub three hours to over six hours but a marathon is still a marathon no matter how long it takes.

We recognise this at BRC and tailor our training activities to cater for as wide a range as possible. We usually have maybe half a dozen runners tackle a marathon each year but this years number is simply outstanding.”

For info on how to join Birstall Running Club visit our website: www.birstallrc.org.uk Marathon & Runner: Manchester: James Passingham Brighton: Debbie Weeks / Samantha Bray (1) / Shannon O’Brien (1) / Chris O’Brien (1) Tissington: Andy Finlow (1) Peterborough: Jeanette Douglas (1) / Kelly McLellan (1) Boston: Scott Kimberlin (1) / Gemma Pegg (1) London: Elisa Whittlestone / John Orgill / Steve Hickingbottom / Marie O’Brien (1) / Joanne Bull / Mel Snutch / Prague: Steve Hutton

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Summer fun CHILDREN AT Birstall Methodist pre-school have been enjoying the warmer weather.

For a

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Pre-school leader Michele Wilkinson said: “We have been doing lots of dancing and physical play in our garden to make the most of it, we’re hoping the warm weather continues as Riverside Primary School have kindly agreed to letting us use their playing field which we’re hoping to arrange a visit to soon.”

Birstall Methodist Preschool now has places available for September for children ages 2-5.

For more information call on 07717 132564 to arrange a visit and have a look around.

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

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THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

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YOUR SAY...

sions were made. Partnerships were formed with the Borough and County Councils where appropriate so that all participants would have an input.

It’s called democracy and gets residents involved and feeling part of the process and elections get contested which with a population of around 15000 should be the norm.

Anyone have a better idea?

Norman Cutting, Wanlip

Speed limits and shelters

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

Elected Now the residents of Birstall have ‘elected’ a new parish council one has to wonder why there is a lack of interest in local civic affairs and the photo on the front page of the May issue of the Birstall Post said it all. Decisions are made by councillors yet just the Chairman and Vice-chairman represent the parish council.

Many years ago I was a member of parish council where the members ran the council with the clerk giving advice. Any proposals or suggestions from residents was passed straight to the chairman of the appropriate committee who then made the judgement whether to take it farther, prepare report and discuss. If finance was required, then the finance committee had to take it on board.

As can be imagined, it was laborious but the public could follow the reasons why deci-

I would like to second two letters published in the May edition of the Birstall Post.

Firstly, the letter regarding the speed limit reduction on the A6/Loughborough Road.

With the limit at 40 mph (as it now is) many vehicles are travelling at 50 - 60 mph, and some much faster, including large freight lorries who go so fast overnight when the road is clear that it shakes the ground. This is both a danger and unfair to residents who live on Loughborough Road. I have noticed speed check ropes approaching Birstall from Rothley, but none entering Birstall from the city side, which is perhaps the worst side of the road for speeding.

The second is the letter regarding the bus shelters. It would be useful to know why Birstall does not have the same as the other Charnwood villages on the A6 route, as they would make the village look so much nicer.

This is not a 'complaint' about any individual or organisation. There are an awful lot of people who are feeling despondent about the current state of Birstall, but a lot just talk to each other rather than write letters. It is time that the village was made more presentable so that everyone can see the benefits from their increased Council Tax payments, not just the few.

L David

State of village Re letter State of Birstall from 'A Birstall a Resident who Cares'.

As a resident of Birstall for 42 years I feel I also MUST put pen to paper to express -

more than anger - my sadness at the state of our once lovely village . Over the years I have seen this vibrant and attractive village become a village filled with boarded up shops , numerous charity shops, vape shops and nail bars/hairdressers, so depressing. The whole of Birstall seems now a derelict and unattractive area - whereas I once would stroll down from my home to just meander the interesting area, I now travel to Rothley, Quorn or Mountsorrel to do this pastime - what pleasant villages these are to visit so if these villages can get their act together to make their villages pleasant where is Birstall going wrong? It is surely our Parish Council who should be taking a long hard look at what is happening to Birstall and stop making excuses to us residents - PLEASE. Pat Herbert Birstall Parish Council has made personal contact with the write of the above letter, discussions are ongoing.

Sue Coulson Clerk to the Council

CCTV I have been reading the debate about additional CCTV in Birstall and the pressure being put onto the Parish Council to install it.

As a security professional for many years and a resident of Birstall for over 40 years, I have real concerns about using this option.

I have written to the Parish Council to express my views. My main concern is that there appears to be a the view that CCTV can solve all. This is not true.

It is costly to purchase and maintain.

There are much better and cheaper ways to achieve crime prevention if crime is an issue.

Also one cant be sure that it is reassuring to everyone. It can have adverse effects. I have listed the main points I shared with the Parish Council below.

I have lived in the area identified as needing CCTV for a long time. I cannot see what the pro CCTV group are trying to achieve given the relatively low level of crime that Birstall suffers.

Essentially my points are: CCTV is not a panacea for crime prevention and detection and has limited capabilities dependant on the specification installed. Many of us will have seen on the media CCTV images captured of violent criminal activity that wasn't prevented by CCTV. I personally don't believe that the Parish Council should be asked to bear these large costs, which include the purchase and replacement, support of maintenance, recording machines, back office support etc. Ongoing maintenance can be prohibitive.

If crime is of concern in the village, I would suggest that the council raise this with the Police at their meetings and talk about short term and longer term measures that are more proportionate and measured and will leave a longer term legacy. However, as I said above, I don't think crime is at a worrying level and, even if it were to rise, CCTV may still not be the answer.

I would strongly argue that it is the concern of everyone including retail providers in Birstall to take responsibility for preventing crime at their own premises. If retail crime is an issue, then we already see some shops with shutters, improved lighting, crime averse shop layout etc. Retailers should look at their own internal CCTV systems if they think they need it . Some have. The Police will be able to give good Crime Prevention advice and individually assess a retailers needs. The PCSO and his supervisor could be tasked with visiting all retailers over the next few months in order to assist in assessing their risks and to offer good crime prevention advice to them.

Alternatively the retailers should be asking the Police about measures they can take.

CCTV is intrusive and needs to be considered carefully. ( George Orwell). I live in the area being considered and I'm concerned about what use and access the authorities will have to images. I do find it disturbing the more cameras I see being installed. Can you imagine the Police knocking at your door asking why you were in an area at the time a crime occurred and having to explain your-

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

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self? All picked up on CCTV. My overarching concerns are that the Parish Council are being asked to use Parish funds to support this venture when, it doesn't seem to me either to be necessary or to be a parish responsibility.

It is one for each individual and the retail outlets themselves. Parish funds surely could be better spent on other parish related matters e.g. investment in youth and the vulnerable within the village The Parish council have a responsibility to ensure that they use funds appropriately. I trust them to do that.

I do though have to question supporting such ill conceived ventures in this way.

Sibson Road resident We as Birstall Business Co-operative welcome all views on the CCTV debate but having read the letter we would like to clarify some details.

As a group we are not of the opinion that CCTV is a “solve all” solution, but we do feel that it is an important part of the solution along with a number of other security measures. Most businesses in the Sibson Road area have their own security systems with almost all having alarms and many having their own CCTV, shutters or grilles on windows and doors, and many leave lights on during the night. I have personally seen a big increase in security measures by the shops over the past two years and these businesses are very aware it is our own responsibility to secure our own premises. In fact these same businesses are sometimes approached by Police to provide CCTV footage of crimes that happen outside in the street. As a group we have a good relationship with our Neighbourhood Police and have received advice on securing our premises.

The CCTV that is being proposed is a system of high quality cameras that can be used in sync, monitored by Charnwood Borough

Council control room 24 hours a day with direct radio link to the Police. Having consulted with the Police, national crime stats show that there is approximately a 20% reduction in crime in areas with good quality CCTV. There are then further benefits with being able to help solve crime once it has been committed. We have not said that crime is at a worrying level, but it is increasing and needs addressing before it becomes a much more serious issue to Birstall. Prevention is most definitely better than cure.

As well as protecting the shops that many local resident use on a regular basis, these cameras would also pick up and hopefully deter anti social behaviour like drug dealing during the day, thefts of bicycles or mobile phones and offer a level of protection for residents walking this route in the evening.

On two occasions quite recently gangs have targeted a local building society around 11pm in the evening whilst residents were walking along Sibson Road. These residents were most definitely vulnerable in this situation.

Any residents living near the site of any new cameras would be contacted prior to fitting and can decide if they wish to have the side facing their property blacked out. This would mean that no recording could take place facing their property. They would then not benefit from the added security but this would be completely their choice.

With regards to our request with Birstall Parish Council I would like to make it clear that they have not been asked to purchase CCTV. They have only been asked to cover the cost of servicing and maintaining the cameras with an all-inclusive contract with ADT, and covering the cost for Charnwood Borough Council to monitor the CCTV within their CCTV control room. There should really be no additional work for the Parish Council as they already have a number of cameras man-

aged by ADT, and Charnwood already monitors those same cameras.

This request adds up to approx. £2000 per year, which is equivalent to around 20 pence per resident per year.

As is rightly pointed out, the Parish Council are not obliged to do this, as well as they are not obliged to organise the Christmas event and Summer Gala, they are not obliged to pay for high quality security fencing around the allotment, or buy new equipment for the parks. They do all of these things, as they most likely believe they enrich the lives of the residents. We agree that seeing investment in youth services in the village would be of benefit to the village and would happily support this too. We don’t see it as an either or situation.

We believe that a large number of residents would see a benefit from CCTV in our

village centre, whether they are business own- 9 ers, customers of local shops, or residents frequenting the Sibson Road area. A petition with over 1100 signatures has supported this.

Shona Rattray - Chair of Birstall Business Co-operative/Shop Local Birstall

Thanks Sunday May 12 saw the Ibstock band put on another fantastic musical evening featuring music from the shows along with several soloist pieces. Sincerest thanks to the Methodist Church for allowing us to use their premises and to everyone who supported this lovely evening. After expenses £215 was sent to the Wishes for Kids charity. The band will be returning on Sunday November 3 at 7pm.

Everyone is welcome Daphne Stephenson

Girlguiding Birstall needs you

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

GIRLGUIDING, THE leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, works with nearly half a million girls across the UK helping them face the challenges of growing up today.

Birstall area Girlguiding has almost 200 active members with approximately 50 trained adult volunteers who support our eight local units. “There are units for all sections - Rainbows are 5-7 years old, Brownies are 7-10 years old, Guides are 10-14 years old and Rangers are 14-18 years old - in Birstall and whatever their age we would like to welcome your daughter” said Marie Upton from Girlguiding Birstall.

Girlguiding certainly moves with the times and has recently undergone the biggest ever overhaul in the charity’s 100 year history, revamping its iconic badges and activities.

Marie said: “Girls can now choose to work towards interest badges such as Construction, Vlogging, Media critic, Inventing, Navigator, Animation, Craftivism, Mindfulness and Women’s rights with other activities including First aid, Survival skills, DIY, Money management plus Campaigning skills.

“More than 800 new badges and activities have been designed to equip girls and young women with the skills they will need in order to thrive, succeed, make change and be happy in the modern world.”

She added: “As well as being great fun for our younger members Girlguiding is awesome for adult volunteers. Volunteering with Girlguiding is not just about campfires and helping girls to get their next badge - it's about empowering them and giving them new experiences whilst

being a role model and helping them to realise their full potential.

“Our volunteers share and develop their own skills as well as meeting new friends living near them. Volunteering with Girlguiding doesn’t need to be a weekly commitment. Whatever time you can offer we will gladly accept and there are even behind-the-scenes roles dealing with unit administration tasks if you would prefer not to have direct contact with our young members, after all working with children and teenagers isn’t everyone’s idea of relaxation!

“While many of our units have spaces for more girls to join in with their fun and adventures we do have some units with waiting lists. There are currently 41 girls on local waiting lists and sadly 19 of them are already old enough to be in their preferred unit but there are not enough volunteers to be able to welcome them because of our strict safeguarding ratios. Anyone who is willing to volunteer can make the difference so that these girls are able move from a waiting list into an active unit.”

Whether you've been involved in Girlguiding before or you are completely new you can offer to volunteer by visiting: www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved/become-a-volunteer/registeryour-interest/ If you want to chat with someone about our flexible volunteering options then please email: Lisa.Bouskill@girlguiding.org.uk

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 d-woods1@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 Centre presents the 6th in the 18th series of Sunday night @ Eight

Organ recitals on Sunday June 16 at 8pm by Simon Lumby St Aidan’s Church, New Parks Admission is free Donations for Church’s Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Birstall Gala Sat June 22 Stalls from 11am New for 2019: Bark in the Park Family fun dog show, 12noon Free attractions: 5 piece inflatable obstacle course Caving experience Fair rides Bands from 12noon Proms in the Park – fireworks Entry £1 (over 18s) Organised by Birstall Parish Council

Open Church at St Leonard’s Swithland You are welcome to come and visit this beautiful church during the summer months We are open from 2-4 serving tea and cakes on Saturday June 8 Saturday July 13 Saturday August 10 Saturday September 7

Ratcliffe Chorale and Liverpool Phoenix Voices present

Music for a Summer Evening at Birstall Methodist Church Saturday 8th June at 7pm. All welcome. Retiring collection for Church funds and Air Ambulance Riverside School PTA

Summer Fair Saturday 15th June 11am til 3pm Inflatables, ice cream, hook a bag, tombola, raffle, stocks plus lots more

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 11th June, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, to watch famous professional artist Angela Gaughan giving a demonstration entitled “Wild Animals and Cats” using acrylic paints.

Come along and be amazed and inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Newcomers and visitors most welcome. Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration to end at 9.00 p.m.

Members £2; Guests £4. Free raffle.

Ample parking and wheelchair access Birstall Scouts

Last Night Of The Proms Concert at St James Birstall parish church on 5th October 2019 at 7.30pm start,

doors open at 7pm Tickets will be £10 per head.

We are proud to have the Bilton Silver Rugby Band to perform for us It will be all the usual music and songs and lots of flag waving If you would like tickets please phone the number below 0116 2674031 07842336745 terencesamuel@hotmail.co.uk Or they will be available from the scout hut on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday evenings

Birstall Tea Dances St James Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road Leicester LE4 4DH Fridays 14th & 28th June 2019 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm £4 each Tea / coffee and cakes included All welcomed Further information contact: Jackie 0116 2248278 / 07908607405 Email: jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

Summer Fun Day Sat 8th June, 12-3pm at Hallam Fields Primary School There will be stalls, bouncy castle, BBQ, Pimms tent, penalty shoot out, tombola and much more!

Free entry, open to all in the community to support our school Birstall Flower Club Birstall Village Hall, June 26th at 7.15pm Demonstrator : June Borrowdale Title : Artistic Impressions

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

10

Visitors welcome : £5 Contact : Sylvia : 01164206 or Mary 07704398017

Are you troubled by someone’s addiction?

Al-Anon Family Groups Can Help Living with a loved one stuck in addiction is hard and complicated. You can see what it is doing to them, but can you see what it is doing to YOU? You are not alone.

Come and join us at our New Meeting on every Wednesday starting onWednesday 1st May 7pm – 9pm Knightthorpe Methodist Church, Knightthorpe Road, Loughborough LE11 5JU. For more information visit alanonuk.org.uk Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish “First Man” June 14 (140 mins) Starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy, June's film is a biography of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. This is an exciting, yet tender, story of his family and his career in the Space Race. Amazingly, this film gained eight nominations for British Academy Awards and Oscars, this year.

“Stan and Ollie” September 13 (97 mins) A very short “Laurel and Hardy” film will also be shown for the same price!

We are presenting two films, beginning with a “Laurel and Hardy” to start our season following the summer. “Stan and Ollie” is a biographical comedy drama based on the later years of Hollywood’s greatest comedy double act. There are brilliant performances, from Steve Coogan and John Reilly, as their characters make a gruelling music hall tour of the U.K. This film certainly deserved its three nominations for BAFTA’s.

“All is True” will be shown on October 18.

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 include refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advance tickets may be purchased via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

Coffee Morning Sat 29 June, from 10am - 12noon at the Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane, Birstall.

Along with tea, coffee and homemade cake we will have a craft stall, craft activity, raffle etc Raising funds for Little Bird SOS, a non-profit making organisation that supports people in our local community through arts and creativity.

More info about our work at www.littlebirdsos.co.uk

Birstall & District Local History Society The next monthly meeting takes place

on Thursday 13th June 2019 commencing at 7.30pm in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall.

The subject of the talk is titled "Story Of Leicester Transport".

The speaker for the evening will be Mike Greenwood of the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust 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.

Please also note the Society does not have any monthly meetings in July and August and will recommence in September Family Favourites Saturday 6th July sees the Leicester choir

Cantamici perform family favourites. The choir has been running for 25 years and all of the concert programme has been selected by the singers with the addition of three new pieces. Music by Bruckner, Chilcott, Parry, Tallis, Whitacre and Kate Rushby will all feature in the concert alongside ethnic music from Canada and Africa and spirituals.

Venue: Stoneygate Baptist Church, London Road, Leicester, 7.30pm. Admission £10, accompanied children under 16 free. Tickets available on the door The Bark Foundation Supporting HOTPEC Orphanage Cameroon Especially their FOOD budget at this very difficult time in Cameroon every £1 raised feeds a child for 2 DAYS

Coffee Morning Saturday 8th June 10am – 12noon Birstall Methodist Church, LE4 4JS ‘Recycled’ Jewellery Stall (Lots Of Items Only £1) Tombola And Raffle

Come and try bowls Have fun and stay fit St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club, Co-op Sports Ground, Birstall Road Call Sam on 2677372 or Carolyn on 2675947

Birstall Royal British Legion Club 1st Jimmy Needes 8th Marty Wison 15th Lesley 22nd Sharna 29th Neil James Dancing every Saturday night with live entertainment Bingo free raffle and not forgetting open the box Bingo every Tuesday starting at 9.15pm Quiz every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm Sunday quiz 9th and 30th June at 9pm Acoustic night 16th June Food available Saturdays 12 till 2pm Wakes catered for Free WIFI New members very welcome just ask inside

Cedar Care Circle An informal gathering of carers and cared for suffering from Alzheimer's and all Dementias. Our next meeting is Monday June 10th and then Monday

June 24th. 2pm at Ruth's Lambourne cafe, Lambourne road Birstall. We are a friendly group brought together by our shared loneliness. We enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Ruth very kindly closes the cafe to other customers. She and her staff are so helpful and caring.

Just come and join us. Please contact Barbara on 07905760556

Birstall Scout & Guide Gala Saturday 29th June NEW VENUE The Cedars Academy car park, Stonehill Avenue Entrance, LE4 4JG. 2pm - 4pm.

Procession of Scouts and Guides through the village from 1.30pm via Sibson Rd, Hill Rise, Stonehill Avenue.

Stalls, refreshments, bouncy castle, raffle. Community event open to the public.

No parking at the venue.

The July issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jun 29.

The copy deadline is Jun 14.

11

Cricket Corner GLORIOUS SUNSHINE on Easter Saturday saw the start of the cricket season with the temperatures in the high twenties.

Fast forward one week with grey clouds and biting wind. Everybody agreed the coldest day they had ever played cricket.

Several new players have joined the club and are already making their mark. Both sides have 3 wins from their opening four matches, with lots of runs being scored.

Results 1st XI BVCC 91 all out; Asian Sports 92 2 Kirby Muxloe 163 9; BVCC 165 1 (Singh 105 no) BVCC 257 4 (Saye 76 no Ilyas 73 Amratall 53) Ivanhoe 61 all out ( Rohilla 4 11) BVCC 21 all out ( Saye 69); Anstey & Glenfield 92 all out 2nd XI BVCC 194 all out (Ager 54); SPA 129 all out (Soren 5 – 12) Queniborough 208 –7; BVCC 209 – 7 (Amrital 107 no) University Staff 185 – 7; BVCC 190 – 3 (Bartlett 101 no) Ilston Abbey 119 ( Soren 4 – 14); BVCC 76 all out From Birstall Village Cricket Club

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NHW news

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Fire station open day BIRSTALL’S FIRE and Rescue station on Geoff Monk Way held an open day on Saturday May 11.

The event, which supported British Sign Language and The Firefighters Charity, included demonstrations from firefighters, a smokehouse experience, and gave visitors a chance to look round fire engines and a Red Cross vehicle, as well as meeting Dexter the fire dog.

Pic (top): trying on safety helmets are Selina Saunders and Thomas Nesbitt (3)

Have a Good Holiday There was a time when you went on holiday and your friends and family heard little from you apart from a postcard that often arrived after you had got back. It is very different nowadays when we can send photos and messages home instantly from almost anywhere in the world. This can, however, have its drawbacks.

If your postcard failed to arrive, those at home were not too worried and blamed the post. But if your regular messages stop arriving and return calls go unanswered for no apparent reason, it will cause alarm and concern. By far the most common reason for this happening is the theft or loss of a phone or other device. While not the nicest thing to happen, it is still preferable to most of the alternatives that your family might start imagining!

A few simple precautions can reduce the risk of this happening. Crowded holiday resorts, both at home and abroad, are favourite hunting grounds for thieves looking for easy pickings. While we relax enjoying the sun and local wine, we may be less alert to our surroundings and easy prey to experienced pickpockets and thieves. They are very skilled at using simple tricks to deprive us of our valuables.

Get into the habit of always putting your phones, money etc. away safely when you are not using them and keep your bags and pockets closed and safe. Be particularly wary of strangers who start talking to you out of the blue. This could be a ploy to distract your attention while an accomplice steals your belongings.

If the worst does come to the worst, it is essential to have a back-up. Keeping all your contact details and emergency numbers on your phone is of little use if you no longer have it. Make several paper copies of telephone numbers and other important information and keep them in different places such as with your passport, in the hotel safe and in your suitcase. Until you come to use it, you will never fully appreciate how useful such a simple piece of paper can be.

It is also worth remembering that in most countries you can contact the emergency services by dialling 112 in place of the local emergency number, even from a locked phone.

So, have a good and safe holiday without some opportunist thief enjoying theirs at your expense.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

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Crime update We’ve had a total of 41 crimes reported in April, which is around the same number as last month when we had 43.

Thefts from vehicles is down considerably to just four offences whilst the number of house burglaries has remained about the same as in March, with seven offences being reported. One of these however was an integral garage that was entered with no actual entry being gained to the house itself, whilst another was an empty property that is currently unoccupied. On the 18/4 we also had an attempted break-in at the Post Office, however the offenders were disturbed by a passing vehicle so left the scene without gaining entry.

The number of recorded assaults has risen from four last month to 11 in April, however many of these have occurred in domestic settings as opposed to happening in public places.

We have had five reports of vehicles being damaged, three reports of ‘other damage’ and four ‘Public Order’ offences reported to us.

Lastly, we have only had one theft of fuel this month which is down from four offences in March.

For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice Finding that your house has been burgled is one of the most distressing things that can happen to you. Thankfully, the number of burglaries in Birstall & Wanlip is relatively low compared to other parts of the county, however we need to ensure that this remains the case. As the warmer months approach, burglars will be looking for windows left open and doors left insecure. Following these simple rules can help prevent you from becoming a victim: 1) Ensure your doors and windows are locked when you are out and even if you are at home, make sure that easily accessible windows are not left open as it only takes a few seconds for a burglar to enter your house and steal your property.

2) Most burglars break in at the back of the house where they are less likely to be seen. Stop people from being able to get to the rear of your property in the first place by locking gates and making it difficult for them to climb over fences or garden walls.

3) Fit a decent alarm system – even if they do manage to get in, burglars won’t stay for long if the alarm is sounding!

4) Consider fitting CCTV to your property or one of the door-bell cameras. If fitting CCTV, fit the cameras at head height, not up in the eaves where they are just looking down from a great height! Burglars will often check round for CCTV prior to targeting a property and are less likely to break in if they do see it fitted.

Neighbourhood update Another speed check operation was conducted in April on Birstall Road. In just under an hour we had 138 vehicles through the site, with seven drivers being issued with verbal warnings and 1 driver being reported for prosecution. Further operations are planned for future months.

The beat team have also been out delivering crime prevention leaflets in the areas where we have had burglaries reported.

Meet your local police team Sibson Road Police Office - Saturday June 15, from 10am to 12 midday (in conjunction with the Birstall and Wanlip NHW).

From PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels, PCSO 6611 Mark Butler NL60 – Birstall Police Office. http://www.leics.police.uk Tel: 0116 2677355 (Please note this is an advice line only – Please use 101 or 999 to report crime)

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

12

13

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BIRSTALL UNITED staged their annual charity match on May 19 which was enjoyed by over 150 people.

“The day was another resounding success and I was delighted with the turnout” said club chairman Gary Fox. “It was great to see so many people come along and support our day to raise as much money as we can for two very worthy causes.” Over £1000 was raised in aid of the Birstall BAGS and club

stalwart Martin Fisher, who is recovering from a stroke.

Gary said: “The BAGS girls were there all day organising the raffle and collecting admission fees and Martin was there as he always is so it was great that we have managed to help them out.

“Many thanks go to everyone who helped out on the day, in particular to Ian Hay, whose wife Gail was remembered with the remembrance match involving ex junior players. Ian puts loads of effort in to the day

Birstall shopping event World Florists have offers on their plants, flowers and greeting card range. Birstall Jewellers have a free gift offer on the very popular nomination charms and Prospecs will be holding an evening eye clinic (eye tests) as well as free single vision lenses A good number of shops and businesswith every pair of designer frames pures have all agreed to open late from 5pm – chased.

8pm to allow people who can’t always get The Café on the Corner will be open into the village during the daytime, or and will be doing free regular drinks with weekends to visit the shops. any meal.

It is also a great way for new residents There will be stalls from local makers of Birstall to see what there is on offer in and (weather depending) vintage cars on the local village. The shops that are inshow. volved in the event are Filigree Heart, Shona Rattray, Chair of Birstall BusiBirstall Jewellers, Prospecs Eyewear, ness Co-operative, said: “We are looking Shortt & Lunn Hair, RT’s Café, New World at different ways to get people involved in Florist, Wool Obsession, Beautylicious, the local community and to support the Birstall Pet Suppliers, MDW Fireplaces, local businesses. We are really pleased Butlin property services and DMH Salon with the reaction we have had since plus others TBC. launching our Shop As well as the shops being open, many Local campaign for are doing special offers that evening.

Birstall.”

Filigree heart will be 10% off and with be As well as the demonstrating their new ‘personalised’ late night shopping service, RT’s café will be offering 10% off event, Birstall Busifrom 4-8pm, Birstall Pet shop will have ness Co-operative 15% off pet accessories (collars and leads are still working on etc), MDW will have a promotion on their the CCTV project, Stove of the month and other offers, New aiming to get CCTV fitted along Sibson Road. They still have money pledged by local business owners and the Borough Councillors have indicated they would support the project with funding.

The Shop Local group are waiting to see if Parish council will agree to open dialogue over the request for a yearly funding towards the moni-

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

BIRSTALL BUSINESS Co-operative is holding a late night shopping event on Thursday June 6 along Sibson Road and the surrounding area.

toring costs of £2000. If successful they are planning to apply for more grant funding over the next few months and are looking at holding fundraising events later in the year.

If any local businesses want to get involved in Birstall Business Co-operative, or would like a stall at the late night opening evening, please contact shona@filigreeheart.co.uk or Charlotte at The White Horse Pub. Alternatively you can message or follow their facebook page, @ShopLocalBirstall From Birstall Business Co-operative

and it's great that we can all remember Gail with a laugh and a football match which is what she would have wanted”.

He added: “Thanks also to Sandra Plumb for her tireless work behind the scenes ensuring the day ran smoothly.”

Pic: Birstall United’s annual charity match

The July issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jun 29.

The copy deadline is Jun 14.

14

Sailing club WANLIP SAILING Club are having an open day on June 15 from 11am.

All will be welcome to visit the club house and have a sail with one of our experienced sailors.

For more information go to www.wanlipsc.co.uk

ALL KEEN golfers are invited to an open at Birstall Golf Club on Sunday June 30, 2019 at 11.30am, for a charity golf game to raise funds for local cancer charity, Birstall BAGs. Emma Shaw of Birstall BAGS said: “We’re so grateful to Birstall Golf Club for letting us hold this great event again. Everyone seems to really enjoy the day and we’ve been very lucky to be the club’s chosen charity several times. Thanks to everyone who helps make it happen.”

John Clayton, who organises the annual event, said: “This is a great event and very popular. We welcome players of all levels so please come along to raise money for Birstall BAGs, a fantastic, local charity

which helps many people. It’s a really enjoyable day - there are great prizes on offer and you’ll be helping a very worthy cause.”

This annual event is open to all golfers – you don’t have to be a member at Birstall.

Teams of four can enter for £80. All proceeds will go to Birstall BAGs and there will be prizes on offer for winning teams as well as prizes for nearest the pin and longest drive.

Last year the club raised £3,000 for the charity and hopes to beat that total this year. There will also be a raffle, with prizes kindly donated from local people and businesses.

Birstall BAGS operates in and around Birstall and Leicestershire and seeks to bring people together to raise funds to support cancer services used by the local community. 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.

If you would like to enter a team, please contact John Clayton at jcandjac@aol.com or call 07737 168491.

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The first two nights were a complete sell out, and only a few tickets were left on sale on the third and final day.

The cast entertained the audience from the start right through to the final scene, with lots of laughter, confusion and fabulous acting.

Planning P/19/1058/2: 5 Copeland Road Birstall LE4 3AB Proposed two storey rear and side extension.

P/19/1056/2: 67 Woodgate Drive Birstall LE4 3HW Erection of two storey side extension and two and single storey extension to rear of dwelling and new front porch.

P/19/1055/2: 46 Oakfield Avenue Birstall LE4 3DR Two storey side& rear extension, Internal alterations and new porch P/19/0959/2: 473 Loughborough Road Birstall LE4 4BJ Proposed 2 storey detached dwelling P/19/0938/2: 117 Wanlip Lane Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4GL Proposed change of from retail (Use Class) A1 to hot food takeaway (Use Class A5) P/19/0932/2: 51 Sycamore Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4LX Proposed two storey side and rear extension with flat to pitch roof on exisitng rear extension, loft conversion with rear dormer and detached garage at rear P/19/0916/2: 20 Tempest Road Birstall LE4 3BE Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling P/19/0907/2: 24 Acacia Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4HA Proposed single storey extension to side and rear of existing dwelling P/19/0901/2: 53 The Meadway Birstall LE4 4NG Proposed first floor extension to side and rear of existing dwelling

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The audience members, both new and old were appreciative and gave a rousing reception throughout the show and at the end.

Reviews included the following: Penny Ford: “ Absolutely brilliant, loved every minute”.

Charles family: “ Amazing show, such a laugh, can’t wait for the next show, everyone was brilliant”.

The proceeds of the raffle raised £234 for Comic Relief.

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BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI met at the Birstall British legion on May 13.

We were reduced in numbers as some ladies were attending Romeo and Juliet at the Curve. Meanwhile we enjoyed watching our own dancer Roxanne Dinsdale whose knowledge and practical ability ably dispelled “The Myths About Belly Dancing”.

She showed us some wonderful dance steps and costumes and we were all captivated with her display. Who knew that the secret of belly dancing lies not in the movement of the hips but in the knees or that there are also male Russian belly dancers?

Sheila Fenton won the competition with her beautifully decorated ‘belly dance bra’. We also voted on this year’s National resolutions, ‘Don’t Fear the Smear’(which won by a narrow margin) and ‘A Call against the Decline in Local Bus Services’.

Members are also busy organising the Federation Quiz, which takes place at Birstall Social Club on July 5. Also for July we have a Summer Walk around Mountsorrel and in August a Coach trip to Stamford.

Next month we will be celebrating our 101st Birthday with a supper and games night at the British Legion on June 3.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

THE BIRSTALL POST JUN 2019

Birstall golf day

HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR Theatrical Society had a resounding success with their performance of the Vicar of Dribley performed at the Birstall Social Club recently.

News from the churches

loves connecting with people locally and 15 want to engage with you in as many ways We will be meeting on all five Sundays as we possibly can. We have a dynamic in June at the usual venue of Room PT1, Sunday morning worship service, life What amazing talent we have in our The Palmer Tomkinson Centre, The Cedars Songs for a Summer Evening at Methgroups that meet on a regular basis, excitchurches! The display of the 'Stations of Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall (LE4 4GH) odist Church ing half terms activities for your child and Joy' is wonderful - each picture or model and the services begin at 10.45am. We The Ratcliffe Chorale with the Liverpool many more events that you will enjoy. It’s extend a warm invitation to you to join a reflection of the artist's skill, imaginaPhoenix Voices will present “Songs for a been an amazing journey since we started with us. There is a children’s meeting tion and faith. Accompanied by the bookSummer Evening” at the church on Saturin September 2018 and to now be estabavailable. Our visiting speaker on June 2 let produced by Canon Anne, each picture day June 8 at 7pm. It is described as a lished here in Birstall. We would love to gives us inspiration for thought and prayer. varied programme with something for every- is Alan Stenfalt (Leicester) and the other meet with you and your family or friends. services will be taken by Graham Bunkall.

The Stations can be seen every Saturday one. Tea & coffee will be served after the There is a place for you. Its where you London conference in July between 10.00 a.m and midday, and on concert. There will be a retiring collection belong. If you want to know more or The 44th annual School of Theology at Sundays (Parish Communion is at 10am). in aid of the Air Ambulance and Church would like to meet with our pastoral team, the Metropolitan Tabernacle, situated in Tapping into our home-grown talent, Funds. join a small group or be part of an Alpha the Elephant and Castle area of London, plans are now underway to create banParking Notices course then email will be held between July 2-4.

The theme ners for the church for Ordinary Time The company who insures our church andre.timothy@trinitylifechurch.org.uk this year is: ‘The True Dynamism of the (late Spring, summer and autumn). As premises has insisted we install ‘Private Thank you if you visited church recently Local Church’ and it will explore how all with the Stations of Joy, the choice of Parking’ notices around the premises. This or came to our Schools Out event. We believers, especially spiritual shepherds, medium is open and the choice of subject follows an accident when a driver alighted would love to see more of you. Why not office bearers and the younger generation broad; the end results again promise to from the car and fell as a result of an uncan be equipped for a Biblical and commit- join us on a Sunday morning at the Village be exciting. filled hole on the surface. Although not life Hall for one of our church services. You ted style of Christian life and service. In Mug-shots of anybody who stands still threatening, injuries were suffered and took will be glad you came. Some exciting news! addition to the Pastor and Assistant Pastor long enough have been taken for the time to heal. Although the church is conWe are hosting for three consecutive Thursat the Tabernacle (Dr. Peter Masters and Church photo album. This is a lovely idea cerned & wishes the driver a speedy recovdays starting on the 20th June 2019 from ery, it is noted that the driver had parked to Ibrahim Ag Mohamed) the speakers will from Canon Anne, which will provide a be: Dr. David Beale (for 35 years Professor 6pm till 7pm a Kids Hub right here at the visit nearby premises and was not on record of our present time for future of Historical Theology at Bob Jones Univer- Village Hall. It’s similar to the Schools Out church business. generations. program and its free to children (5-11yr sity, USA), Pastor Chris Buss (Ashford, Safeguarding Training Next month sees our annual Parish olds) here in Birstall. Its going to be a Kent), Pastor Chris Hand (Crich, DerbyThe Methodist Church in Birstall is mindHoliday, for which we will be descending blast. Visit shire), Dr. Nick Needham (Inverness) and on Windsor and its environs, including the ful of the many volunteers who help in so www.trinitylifechurch.org.uk/Birstall for Rev. John Thackway (Holywell, Wales).

The many ways. The church nationally has set River Thames. It is always good to be in practical sessions on Tuesday and Wednes- more info or go to our Facebook page. up Safeguarding Training for many voluna lovely environment with friends, and We also begin a monthly prayer meeting day afternoons cover Sunday School and have interesting and relaxing times. Relax- teers. Whilst this training may seem onerous, Young People’s Workers’ Preparation Class- right here at the Village Hall and you are it is essential for pastoral visitors, anyone ing with friends is the main aim of Old invited to come and join us as we pray for es. The Pastor’s wife, Jill Masters, has working with under 18’s and/or vulnerable Nick's Coffee Shop in Wanlip Community Birstall. This will be on the first Thursday written a four-year course for Sunday adults to undertake this training.

In addition Hall on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, of each month beginning on the 06th June schools entitled ‘Lessons for Life’ and the it has to be renewed every four years. Trainfrom 10.00 a.m. You really must try the teacher’s books and accompanying resourc- 2019 where we will meet at the Village ing courses are often available and there lemon drizzle cake! And the scones! And Hall from 7.30pm till 8.30pm. es are available from the Tabernacle’s are refresher courses currently available. the choc cake!

Open Hands is TLC’s compassion chariBookshop.

The School’s sessions are reWondering Soul Art Exhibition On Easter day, the churches sprang This is the title given to the Methodist Art corded and CDs & DVDs are usually availa- ty and if you would like to volunteer to into life with displays of beautiful flowers. serve the poor in Leicester or would value ble from August. Further details can be Collection, which has been brought to Spring and summer are just wonderful some support yourself simply go on our found on the Tabernacle’s website: Leicester. The exhibition finishes on June 9. times for flowers, and we have very gifted website where you will find all the informahttp://www.metropolitantabernacle.org.

The 45 works by various artists are on disflower arranging teams, who will willingly tion you need Enquiries about BIBC: please ring 0116 play at four venues, the Methodist Church www.openhandsleicester.org.uk. create arrangements for you to celebrate 221 4883. in Bishop Street, the Cathedral, St Andrews From Trinity Life Church someone you love and wish to be remem- Church in Jarrom Street (back of the InfirFrom Birstall Independent Baptist bered, or for a special occasion. Please Church mary & De Montfort University) and St Nicontact Sylvia Simes on 267 4206 (email: The July issue of cholas Church by St Nicholas Circle and the sylviasimes@talktalk.net) at Birstall or Jewry Wall. It is one of Britain’s most imTrinity Life Church (Birstall) is a thrivTHE BIRSTALL POST Marjorie Bonshor on 2207964 for Wanlip, portant collections of modern religious art. ing and integral part of many people in the will be published on Jun 29. and they will be pleased to help you.

From Birstall Methodist Church Village of Birstall. We are a church that The copy deadline is Jun 14.

We have been very happy and pleased to welcome the Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, to our church, where he presidThe ed at our Parish communion and also NOT SELF” “SERVICE gave an inspirational sermon.

Unbelievably, this May is to see, and No Job Too Small celebrate, the 25th anniversary of the Corgi Gas Reg. Installers Ordination of women into the priesthood, Help us in our work helping Gardening and this will be duly celebrated with others less fortunate than Sheila Skidmore and Anne Horton, who Small Building Works ourselves were among the first women in this diocese to be ordained.

Painting & Decorating June 9 is the day of Pentecost, which All gifts and donations gladly marks the birth of the Church, so there FREE QUOTES • CALL HARRY accepted at the may well be a good blaze of colour and ROYAL BRITISH LEGION music emanating from St. James to cele19 FRONT STREET • BIRSTALL brate!

24hr answerphone From Birstall Parish Churches or Ring 2674817 9 Kedlestone Ave, Birstall

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Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Clinical Trials If you are receiving treatment for a health problem, including cancer, you may want to explore what clinical trials are available within your specific disease. International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated around the world, on or near 20 May each year, to raise awareness of the importance of clinical trials for advances in research and healthcare. Birstall BAGs would like to provide some information about cancer clinical trials to help explain their role and function within cancer care.

Clinical trials are medical research studies involving people. All new treatments have to be thoroughly tested. Researchers test possible new drugs in the laboratory to begin with. If they look promising, they are carefully tested in people.

Clinical trials look at Risks and causes – how genetics, lifestyle and other factors can increase people's risk of cancer Preventing cancer – using drugs or lifestyle changes to reduce risk Screening – tests for people with higher than average risk, or for the general population Diagnosing cancer – new tests or scans

Treatments – new drugs or combinations of drugs, new doses or ways of giving treatment and new types of treatment Controlling symptoms or side effects – new drugs or complementary therapies Support and information - for people with cancer and their carers, families or friends The aim of clinical trials Trials aim to find out if a new treatment or procedure: • is safe • has side effects • works better than the currently used treatment • affects quality of life What trials tell us Some trials will show that a new treatment works better than an existing treatment. Others will tell us more about the side effects, or what happens to the drug in the body.

Not all clinical trials will result in new and better treatment. Results sometimes show that the treatment being tested does not work. Or that it has side effects that are worse than with existing treatments.

But this information is also useful for researchers and doctors, and in the end for patients. It all adds to our knowledge of cancer and how best to treat it.

Researchers also want to look at the impact a treatment has on you and your

life. How often you have to travel to the hospital, for example. Studies that look at effect a treatment or procedure has on your day to day life are sometimes called quality of life studies.

Types of Trials There are two main types of trials or studies - interventional and observational.

Interventional trials aim to find out more about a particular intervention, or treatment. People taking part are put into different treatment groups, so that the research team can compare the results.

Observational studies aim to find out what happens to people in different situations. The research team observe the people taking part, but they don’t influence what treatments people have. The people taking part aren’t put into treatment groups.

Treatment trials Treatment trials are done in stages, called phases. The early phases aim to find out more about the safety and side effects of a new treatments. Later phases aim to see if a new treatment works better than the current treatment.

For trials that compare two or more treatments, the people taking part are put into a treatment group at random. Randomised trials are the best way to get reliable information about how well a new treatment works If you would like to know more about clinical trials in general contact Cancer Research UK. If you would like to learn about clinical trials relevant to your partic-

CHURCH DIARY

ularly circumstances talk to your clinical team.

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

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.

ANYONE HAVE a working reel to reel tape recorder I could borrow to play back/record a 50+ year old historic ¼” tape I have. Alternately anyone able to check my Ferrograph 4A which hasn’t seen the light of day for 30 years. Tel: 267 5209 or email birstall@berko.org.uk

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

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

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

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Borough Council Election, 2 May 2019 We would like to thank everybody involved in the election including the Election staff who manned the polling stations and counted the votes, all the candidates and especially all the residents who voted.

We now look forward to representing the interests of all the residents, businesses, organisations, societies and clubs in Birstall.

We hope to work jointly with both the Parish and County Council to make Birstall a better place to live and work in.

Our monthly surgery is held at the Old Parish Council Offices on the last Saturday of each month between 10:00 and 12:00 and we will continue to issue our regular In Touch leaflet.

You can also contact us or see what we are up to on our Facebook page Birstall Conservative Councillors.

Our personal contact details are available on both the Borough Council and Parish Council websites.

Roy Rollings, Shona Rattray, Conservative Borough Councillors for Birstall Wanlip Iain Bentley, Julian Howe, Conservative Borough Councillors for Birstall Watermead

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