Birstall Post (440) March 2020

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

MARCH 2020

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 440

Fundraising for Dementia UK

Cedar’s GCSE results THE CEDARS Academy 2019 GCSE performance statistics were published in February and show that while the number of students achieving a Grade 5 or above in English or Maths continues to increase, it is still below the local authority average.

In 2019 it was 38% (2018: 36%, 2017: 30%) In 2019 the Local Authority average was 44% and in England it was 43%.

The school’s Progress 8 score was -0.25, which places it in the bottom 32% of all schools in England. The progress 8 score is a measure of how much progress pupils make based on results in up to eight qualifications, including English and Maths.

Continued on page 2

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FUNDRAISING BY members of Birstall Quilters has raised £1200 for Dementia UK. Gwyneth Jones, Chairperson of the Leicestershire fundraising group, visited the quilters to receive a cheque.

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She said: “Our aim is to get Admiral Nurses into the community. They are a lifeline for families facing dementia and donations like this make a huge difference.”

Birstall Quilters meet every Wednesday afternoon at Birstall Methodist

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Pic: Gwyneth Jones from Dementia UK (front, right) receives a cheque from Kathy Parker, Chair of Birstall Quilters

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The 2019 Progress 8 score saw an improvement from 2018, when the score was 0.36.

The school’s Attainment 8 score was 44, an improvement on 2018 when it was 43. A school’s Attainment 8 score is based on how well pupils have performed in up to eight qualifications including English and Maths. The Local Authority average in 2019 was 46.2% and in England 46.7%.

A spokesperson for the Cedars Academy said: “Our staff and students work incredibly hard to ensure students achieve to the best of their ability at GCSE. Although last year’s results were not where we wanted them to be, a large proportion of our students performed incredibly well securing next steps, such as those in further education or apprenticeship programmes.

Over the past academic year we have reflected on the results and made the necessary changes to ensure that they improve in the summer and we are pleased to say that early indicators show that this will be the case.”

The Cedars Academy was last inspected by Ofsted in January 2018 and was rated as ‘Good’.

City Council’s plans for 661 homes 661 NEW homes are planned for an area of open space off Greengate Lane.

As reported in the February Birstall Post, Leicester City Council have identified the site (262a on map) for development in its draft Local Plan, which is about to go out for public consultation.

A secondary school is also planned for the 48 hectare site. It would be located near the junction of Greengate Lane and Ashton Green (262b).

A further plot of land (579), 4.86 hectares on the northern boundary of Birstall Golf Course has been identified as employment land. It has no highways access and is currently agricultural land. Other parts of this

GREENGATE LANE

PARK RD ä

Maps: (left) pink area is a site for 53 homes behind Park Road; (top) pink areas show sites for housing (262a), a school (262b) & employment land

STATION RD ä

field have been identified for employment land as part of the Ashton Green development.

The draft plan states: “The allocation leads to the loss of Green Wedge but is outweighed by the

strategic opportunity of the two sites, as a natural extension of the already approved and partially delivered main Ashton Green development [3000 homes].”

The draft local plan says the time Continued on page 3

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

2 Continued from page 1

Cup game Coffee, cake & light meals at café BIRSTALL’S CO-OP Sports & Social Club on Birstall Road is hosting the Midlands Junior Vase Final.

This is the biggest cup game in Birstall RFC’s history as they take on Clee Hill RFC from Shropshire.

Not only is the vase to play for but the winner goes through to the Northern Final, with the winners of that going onto Twickenham to play in the National Final.

All are welcome to come and support your local rugby club, there is a fully stocked bar of ales, lagers, wines, spirits and teas/ coffee too.

Kick off is at 3pm, Saturday March 14.

Continued from page 2

frame for the development is 2023 for the school, 6-15 years for the housing and 6-10 years for the employment land.

The plan also identifies land south of Thurcaston for 412 new homes.

53 new homes are planned for a 2.78 hectare site behind Park Road, adjacent to the railway. The site is currently a part of Birstall golf course.

At the time of going to press the City Council had not launched its public consultation. Once open, the consultation will close on June 7, 2020.

The Draft Local Plan covers the period 2019-2036 and states that 21,291 homes will be built in Leicester, with 30% affordable housing on greenfield sites.

THE MET café is the new name of the re-opened café at the Greenacres site, near to the GCR’s Leicester North station.

A newly installed coffee machine operated by trained barista Phumuzile Nollovu takes pride of place behind the counter.

Coffee, cakes, light meals and salads are on the menu, together with an all day breakfast with a Zimbabwean twist.

Personal care company HK Care is run from the site by Helen Kambadza. As well as welcoming the public, she plans on encouraging her service users to visit for a coffee.

She said: “The Met Café” is in partnership with HK Care – it’s always been a dream of mine to make a space foe people to come, share a coffee and a cake and meet other people, to combat

Pic: Phumuzile Nollovu (ctr)preaparing coffee, Tapiwa Basera (left) and Paida Mapfera

loneliness and be a bit of a day out.”

The Met Café is open seven days a week 8am-7pm. Sundays 9am – 4pm.

The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR.

• New housing in or near Birstall: Hallam Fields 900 homes (nearly complete) Ashton Green 3000 homes (first phase underway) Broadnook 1950 homes (first phase expected to start this year) Draft Leicester Local Plan 1126 homes

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 4.

The copy deadline is Mar 20.

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Sugar free month

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on February 10.

ELEVEN YEAR old Isabella Barnes gave up sugar for a month and raised £180 for Cancer Research.

Isabella, who lives on Hallam Fields Road and is a pupil at Highcliffe School, decided to start the new year by going sugar free for the month of January.

“She has a sweet tooth so this was a big challenge for her” said mum Anna.

“We are incredibly proud of her efforts and the amount of money she has raised for such a wonderful charity.”

Isabella gave up all sweets, chocolate, biscuits, cakes, refined sugars, and added sugars. She said: “I missed biscuits the most but wanted to raise as much money for cancer research as I could. I have raised over £180 and am now looking forward to Easter eggs.”

Pic: Isabella Barnes gave up sugar for a month

PC Dave Jaeckels reported that a motorbike stolen in Birstall last month had been recovered in Beaumont Leys but no arrests have been made The police had a suspect in mind regarding recent thefts from shops including the Co-op in Birstall. This person has committed similar offences in Thurmaston.

This month 19 crimes have been reported so far including five assaults, three of these were at the Cedars Academy when a student assaulted three teachers. There has been a robbery at BetFred on Sibson Road where a male has made threats with a knife and money was stolen. Police have identified a possible suspect. There have been two burglaries from sheds/garages. A stolen car has been recovered and a man arrested.

PC Jaeckels reported that the School Lane playing field is patrolled by police but so far no one has been caught selling drugs.

The designer of the Birstall bike track on Meadow Lane, Ben Rafferty, updated councillors on the progress of the track extension. The council agreed to a request that a bike friendly gap be made in the Meadow Lane fence to improve access. Permission must be obtained from the landowner, Charnwood Borough Council, before the work

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A member of the public has been submitting questions and Freedom of Information Requests to the council office. He was invited to an informal discussion with the chair and vice-chair.

He replied requesting a more formal meeting with an independent witness and minutes taken. The council considered this request and decided to repeat the invitation to an informal discussion.

It was agreed to provide the details of the council’s insurers to a resident on Worcester Avenue who had requested them.

The council considered requests for community grant aid. It was agreed to award a grant of £1000 to Birstall Theatre Company.

The council has received an estimate of £2705 per column for additional lights on the School Lane playing field.

The council has obtained the costs following a robbery in the park after dark.

The section of the park where the robbery took place is 300 metres long and would require several lamps. There are alternative routes through the park that are lit. Comment was made that the council should not be encouraging use of the park after dark. It was agreed not to install any lights.

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Laughs, mystery & suspense Time out for reflection HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR Theatrical Society’s spring play is a witty farce that combines mystery with suspense and humour.

A NEW group is aiming to create a time for quiet, peaceful, meditative space together.

“It’s for people to take time out of the everyday busyness of life to allow our souls/spirits a time of refreshment and give us the chance to meet with the ‘Divine Being’ – or whatever name you give to God” says Peter Chester, one of the leaders.

Starting on March 18, the group will meet every third Wednesday of each month, from 7pm onwards, with the more organised time being from 7.30-8pm. There will also be time to have refreshments and/or to simply be quiet.

The meetings, to be held at the new Hallam Fields Community Hall, will be called Soul Space and are being organised by Nearer. “Nearer is a small group that seeks to make following Jesus a practical reality by seeking to be Nearer to God, Nearer to the community and Nearer to each other” said Peter.

Gill Chester, another of the leaders, said: “We hope this will be a place for people who would like to meet with the Divine Being, in some way, but don’t necessarily have a home at the moment – it will be ‘spiritual’ but not religious. The 18th of March will be in the Christian period of Lent - a traditional time for reflection.”

The group will be open to all – including those of any faith, those of no faith, all genders and sexual orientations.

To find out more contact Andrzej, Gill or Peter, Pioneer Ministers, Parish of Birstall and Wanlip, on 07848 144169

Boats fire damaged THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

AN ELECTRICAL fault on a boat moored at Thurmaston marina started a fire which destroyed it and damaged three boats nearby.

Fire and rescue vehicles attended the scene at 12pm on February 13 where they found two boats on fire.

The fires were put out but the first boat was destroyed and 85% of the second boat was damaged. Two further boats had minor damage caused by the radiated heat.

No one was aboard the boat at the time and there were no injuries.

‘Penny Black’ by Rob Wellington is the latest production from HATS, Birstall’s longest standing drama group which next year celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Sue Withers from HATS said: “When looking for a captivating spring play, I came across this hilarious, witty farce and just knew that our audience members, old and new, would thoroughly enjoy this. What can be better than combining a mystery with suspense and humour, with a twist at the end.”

Penny Black, tells how three brothers, a sex therapist, a postman and the third evil brother, together with their mother, desperately search for a secret formula written on the back of a Penny Black stamp, while having to contend with their eccentric father “Watch out for the celery, yes celery. I say no more!” said Sue. “So for all you super sleuths, and the others who are not so super and just want to see a good play, this is the one for you” she added.

NOTE: this play contains some adult humour.

Dates of performances are April 23, 24 & 25.

Venue: Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets £7, £6 concessions

Council tax CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council is raising its share of council tax by less than 9p a week for a Band D property.

The increase will see the annual charge for an average Band D property rise £4.43 (3.63 per cent) to £126.52 from April 1, 2020.

Councillor Tom Barkley, lead member for finance and property services, said: “Even with these increases, it means we will still have one of the lowest council tax rates in the country.

“However, the budget does include using some of our reserves and this is not a sustainable position. That is why we are developing plans to increase our income from other sources, such as through investment in commercial property, and ensure we are operating in the most efficient and effective ways possible.”

Charnwood Borough Council currently has the 23rd lowest council tax charge out of 201 district councils in the country.

Council tax pays for a range of services provided Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and the parish council where you live (or Charnwood Borough Council for people in Loughborough).

The Charnwood element accounts for less than 10 per cent of the total bill.

Pic: some of the cast of HATS’ spring play, ‘Penny Black’

Discounts for group bookings of 10 or more people (price available at time of booking) Tickets are available now.

Box office 0116 2209594 and 07934204837 Email: hatstickets@hotmail.com Facebook www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

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Salon celebrates 18 years in Birstall A BIRSTALL hairdressing salon is celebrating its 18th year in the village.

It began as Shapes Hairdressing on Front Street in 2002 before moving three years later to larger premises in Birstall Road and rebranding as Addicted to Colour.

The business was started by Luke and Clare Halford. Luke said: “Looking back over the 18 years so much has changed in the hairdressing industry and business as a whole, technology, social media has driven most business marketing towards being online, online booking, text reminders and computerised till systems.

For the hairdressing industry more information is available online and there are better products available to do colour at home, which has driven salons to offer more creative colours with advanced techniques such as balayage. On the plus side clients doing their hair at home

Pic: Clare & Luke Halford (2nd & 3rd from left) with the team at Addicted to Colour

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

results in mistakes and poor condition of hair, creating more colour correction and repairing treatments work.

“What has stayed the same is that offering excellent customer service and

fantastic services and products drives word of mouth recommendation which is the most effective way to sustain your business.”

The salon has recently undergone a £60,000 refurbishment. Luke said: “It was long overdue, the challenge for any small business is raising finance to carry out repairs and refurbishment. We wanted to create a warm, beautiful looking salon that does not look like the generic salon you see on the high street. We are delighted with the results and the feedback from clients has been amazing.”

Working alongside Luke and Clare, the salon employs a team of eight.

Luke said: “We specialise in bespoke colouring and focus on keeping the integrity of the hair. No colour or cutting service for one person is the same, this is why a couple of years ago we switched to charges based on time. This created fairer pricing, so a client just having a quick toot touch up with short hair pays for maybe 15 minutes, while a client with lots of hair may pay for 30 minutes for a huge colour transformation that could take around two hours. All services are now done on consultation and we are one of maybe three salons in the UK doing this, we believe this is the way the industry is heading and will be standard for most salons within the next 5 to 10 years.”

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living in Birstall and have no plans to leave. Luke said: “We love working and living in Birstall, it’s a great village and community to be part of and we feel grateful to have lived here for the past 16 years, our children grew up here.

The Parish Council are very supportive to local businesses and keep the area well maintained.”

He added: “What I like about the job is the atmosphere, the creativity, fun environment and making people look and feel fantastic. No day is the same. Working with young people to help them learn and grow is the biggest reward, over the years we have trained many to be hairdressers from leaving school and it’s so rewarding.”

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Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Running Club We meet on Monday & Friday at 6.15pm for 6.30pm run from the Pavilion, School Lane Playing Fields (showers & toilets available) We also meet on Wednesday at the Sibson Road car park at 6.15pm for 6.30pm run Spadework session also on Wednesdays See www.birstallrc.org.uk for more info or contact us: BirstallRC@gmail.com

Councillor Surgery Last Sat of every month 10 - 11am Robert Dickinson Building, 10 Sibson Road 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

Birstall Food Hub (Food Bank)

Food to last a few days for anyone on benefits or low wages.

Collect Tuesday 10-11.30am from St Theresa’s Church, Front Street, Birstall LE4 4DQ (behind the Earl of Stamford pub) Just phone/text us details (name and how many of you) on 07305 093791 by Sunday evening so we can make sure we have enough for you.

If you’d like to support us, there is a trolley at the back door of the Co-op in Birstall for donations. We can only store non-perishable items, toiletries etc. No fresh produce, please.

Mountsorrel Methodist Church Presents the 3rd in the 19th series of Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals on Sunday March 15 at 8pm

By Robert Foreman Organist, Market Bosworth Admission free Donations for the Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm •

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 10th March, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy to hear well-known professional artist Tim Fisher appraising the works of our members in various media from Watercolour, Pen & Ink, Pastels, to Acrylics and Oils, as well as ‘Mixed Media’ using a combination of materials and effects. This is a perfect opportunity for visitors to come along and see the work of our members and to find out more about our Society. Do join us to discover whether you will be inspired to take up this wonderful hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration ends at 9pm. Members £2; Guests £4.

Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Barrow Panto Group’s 22nd family panto

Humpty Dumpty Friday March 6 starting at 7pm and Saturday March 7, 2pm and 7pm in Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar, LE12 8JU. It is the familiar nursery tale of Humpty Dumpty, the Egg who all the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put together again when he fell off the wall and smashed, even with the help of Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. It’s full of yolks and eggs-cruciating stories. Come along, join in and split your sides!

Standard £10; Concessions of every sort £8; Family (2+2) £32. You can buy them by PayPal or card from www.busca.org.uk, or from Taylors Flower Shop, High St Barrow. Enquiries and Box Office: 07554447632 There are excellent parking and disabled facilities.

Date: Fri 6th March, Sat 7th March 2020 Time: Fri 7pm; Sat 2pm and 7pm Venue: Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8JU Sunday May 17th at 7pm Birstall Methodist Church will once again be hosting the

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Ibstock Brass Band for an evening concert. Pay on the door £5 plus a raffle any profits will be given to a charity. The December concert raised £141.50 for the Air Ambulance Rothley/Birstall Birdwatching Club presents: Tuesday, March 10th. 2020 at 7.30pm

The Wonderful World of Insects

by Carl Baggott The world of insects is fast diminishing which is affecting many species of birds and animals. Carl who is a keen photographer, with a particular interest in butterflies and dragonflies, will perhaps be able to throw some light on to the causes of this decline and how we can possibly help.

The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members are free, visitors £3. New members and visitors are always welcome. There is ample free car parking on site

Birstall Flower Club Birstall Village Hall 25th March 2020 at 7.15pm prompt Demonstrator: Jane Fox Title: Highland Glory Visitors welcome - £5 Receive the latest news, updates and events information direct from the police www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

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Come and Sing

Haydn’s ‘Nelson Mass’ An opportunity to perform this wonderful oratorio written for the Esterhazy family of Vienna and first performed in 1798.

Sun April 5 (Palm Sunday) in St Mary’s Church, Humberstone. Rehearsal at 2pm and performance at 6pm.

The cost to take part as a singer is £10 which includes tea and cake after the workshop before the performance. Download an application form from www.cantamicichoir.org.uk Copies of music will be provided.

The singers will be directed by David Necklen and accompanied on organ by Timothy Lees. If possible, please register before March 16

Birstall & District Local History Society Our next monthly meeting takes place on Thur March 12 at 7.30pm in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics.

The subject of the evening's talk is "How we amused ourselves before TV" and the talk will be given by one of our regular speakers Felicity Austin.

Visitors are very welcome to join us for this talk.

Parking will be available on the Birstall Playing Fields through the School Lane entrance

Every Picture Tells a Story (photographs set to music) You are cordially invited to an evening with Barbara and Peter Watson at St. James Church, Church Hill, Birstall, on Tuesday 24th March at 7.30pm Light refreshments will be provided There will be no entrance charge, but donations would be welcome RNLI

Coffee Morning

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

Saturday 28th April Methodist Church Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane, Birstall 10am - 12 noon Bring and Buy stall. Raffle. Quiz sheets.

Please come along and support the Lifeboats Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish “Downton Abbey” (Mar 13, 122 mins) In March, we are showing the latest British drama from Lord Julian Fellowes. This film shows the much anticipated happenings at Downton Abbey, starring Dame Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton CBE and Hugh Bonneville. We see the exciting preparations for the success of a visit by royalty, King

George V and Queen Mary to the country mansion of Lord and Lady Grantham.

“Fisherman’s Friends” (Apr 17, 112 mins) We are showing this incredible British true story as our April film.

Ten Cornish men were signed to Universal Records and achieved a top ten hit with their traditional folk songs and sea shanties. They were bound together by lifelong friendships and forty years shared experience, beginning on the harbour wall of their fishing village.

Starring Tuppence Middleton, this biographical comedy drama won the prestigious Good Tradition Award from the BBC. "Judy" will be shown on May 15.

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 from Richard or Diana or via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door Barrow’s Spring time Centre Stage show

“The Beautiful Game” Friday March 20, 2020 at Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow LE12 8JU Football. Some love it, others loathe it, but we can’t deny that it is somehow present in all of our lives. A family show, this is one for all to enjoy. The important thing is, you don’t need to be a

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football fan to appreciate it.

The Beautiful Game is a laughout-loud look at Britain’s undying obsession with football, celebrating everything from weird match day rituals to ridiculous arm chair opinionating. It may even attempt to explain the offside rule. Packed with unforgettable goals, chant-along hits and full to the brim with nostalgia, this show will have you casting your mind back to fixtures gone by.

It is performed by Next Door Dance, an all-female company based in Nottingham. They specialise in creating performances that are exciting and relevant to a wide range of audiences - especially those that might believe dance is not for them.

Tickets will cost £11 (£12 on the door) or £5 for students in full time education (£6 on the door).

They can be bought on line from www.busca.org.uk by PayPal or card, from Barrow Flower Shop or on the door. Enquiries from 07718153117 Watermead Country Park North

Open Day Sunday March 29, 11am-3pm.

To mark the re-opening of the Reedbed Nature Reserve.

The entrance is just after The Hope and Anchor pub on the left, postcode LE7 1PD (car parking is £2.50) Entry to the event is free.

There will be groups from the Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithology Society, Birstall Bird Group, Moth group, seed bomb making and throwing, make your own butterfly feeder, bird/wildlife walks, simple refreshments,

bird/duck food for sale and wildflower seed for sale HATS Spring Play is

“Penny Black” is a quick witted, hilarious farce based on the journey that culminates in the emergence of the great Sherlock Holmes.

“Penny Black”, by Rob Wellington, with the consent of Lazy Bee scripts, will capture your imagination and humour right from the opening scene.

Note: This play contains some adult humour.

Dates for performances are on April, 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2020.

Venue: Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets: £7.00, £6.00 concession.

Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people (price available at time of booking).

Tickets will be available from mid February 2020.

Box office: 0116 2209594 and 07934204837 Or email hatstickets@hotmail.com.

Face book: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/ You are most welcome to join us for our

Palm Sunday Service Sunday 5th April 2020 at 10.45 a.m.

Speaker: Simon Terry Venue: Room PT1, The Palmer Tomkinson Centre, The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall (LE4 4GH) Birstall Independent Baptist Church

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Watermead Challenge 2020 Wreake Valley Rotary Club are pleased to announce their 11th Watermead Challenge charity run will take place on Tuesday 7th July 2020 at 7pm at Watermead Country Park near Syston. Proceeds are donated to charitable causes. Last year over £4,000 was raised and distributed.

The largely off road run follows both a 3 mile and 5 mile route around the attractive lakeside setting of the park.

You can enter at www.evententry.co.uk. Further information is available by visiting www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk

at Beaumont Hall Care Home Served Fridays 12.30pm to 1.30pm Mar 6th and 20th, Apr 3rd and 24th Booking is essential Please phone to book a seat 0116 232 3291 Beaumont Hall, 120 Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester, LE4 2BD

Old Belgrave Now & Then

FREE coffee morning

You're invited to our free

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Sunday 15th March 2pm to 5pm To raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support Dancing to music from The Fosse Swing Band At St Patrick’s Parish Centre 100, Beaumont Leys Lane Leicester LE4 0HW Tickets £5 to include afternoon tea. Contact 07538493913 or parish.centre@saintpatrickleicester.co.uk

Birstall Tea Dances

You're invited to our for freshly baked cakes, refreshments and plenty of chat!

Everyone Welcome Every Friday 10.30am until 12pm at Beaumont Hall Care Home Beaumont Hall, 120 Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester Call Emma on 0116 232 3291 for further details

Tea Dance

An evening of photographs and postcards showing how Belgrave looked more than a century ago is being presented by Belgrave Heritage Trust. The illustrated talk will be held in Claremont Street Methodist Church, Belgrave on Wednesday 4th March, starting at 7:30. Tickets cost £3.00 and are available from Carolyn Hindocha tel: 07432695138 or carolynhindocha@gmail.com

St James, Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road Leicester LE4 4DH Fridays 6th & 20th March 2020 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 Glenfield Country Market

Spring Craft Fair Saturday 18th April 2020 Groby Village Hall LE6 0JD 10am - 4pm Free entry Refreshments served all day

Stalls include Home Made Baking & Preserves, Plants & Local Produce, Bird Boxes & Feeders, Hand Made Crafts, Jewellery, Cards And much more

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

10

11

Cedars hosts first careers fair A CAREERS event for students was held for the first time at the Cedars Academy in February.

550 students from the Cedars, the Martin High School and Humphrey Perkins explored a careers fair with 25 guest organisations.

Year 10 students took part in Business, Public Service and University Panels, hearing from renowned organisations such as the NHS, Next PLC, Leicester Fire and Rescue Service and a host of local universities.

Among these attendees was Detective Andrew Spence with Leicestershire Police, having spent nearly 20 years in the line of duty. Spence discussed his work in the field, as well as entry routes and opportunities into Detective and Police work.

A spokesperson for the Lionheart Academies Trust said: “For many students, the thought of leaving school and the prospect of the all-important ‘what comes next?’ can be somewhat daunting.

As a Multi-Academies Trust, with 11 schools and 8000 students, that’s a lot of decision making.

Knife robbery: man arrested A MAN has been arrested following a robbery at a Birstall bookmaker.

“It’s also wonderful to see so many businesses and organisations invested in helping young people to kick-start their futures. Their interest and belief in our students as individuals is vital to their self-confidence. They're passing on the baton to tomorrow's workforce.”

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 4.

The copy deadline is Mar 20.

CLEARLY Clean “Ensuring that we cater to all students is an integral part of The Lionheart Academies Trust's ethos. We believe in equipping all students, no matter their background, with the skills and opportunities that they need to succeed in life beyond education.”

Sarah Strowger, in attendance with the NHS, said: “All students were extremely engaged and polite, even those who were unsure about their next steps.

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I even learnt something – I had no idea that we offered drama therapy until a young drama enthusiast let me know!”

CEO of the Lionheart Trust, Kath Kelly, said: “Events like these are a fantastic opportunity to bring our schools together; seeing all of our students united in their passion for their futures. For us, it’s essential to convey the message that anything is possible with hard work, no matter your circumstantial differences.

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On the evening of Saturday February 1 at BetFred on Sibson Road, a male with a knife threatened staff and stole a quantity of cash before running away down Sibson Road.

On February 16 a man was charged and remanded to court in relation to this robbery. He was also charged with several other robberies and thefts and with possession of a weapon. He has since been remanded to prison while awaiting trial.

• On February 19 a man who committed a number of shop thefts at the Co-op in Birstall during January, as well as shops in Thurmaston, was charged with several offences and remanded in custody to appear at court.

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Birstall schools welcome new governors ALL BIRSTALL’S schools are looking to appoint new governors.

Chris Swan, chair of Lionheart Trust, said: “Cedars, Riverside, Highcliffe and Hallam Fields would all welcome new governors with skills to strengthen the team. There are different skills needed in each school but overall they cover areas such as education, safeguarding, special needs, stakeholder voice, finance, community and business development.”

Shreek Raivadera is Chair of Governors at The Cedars Academy.

He runs an international marketing agency based in Leicester having worked in global technology marketing for over 20 years. He describes his experience of being a school governor: I’ve been a governor in one form or another for over eight years.

Originally, I wanted to get more involved in my children’s school and help out in any way that I could, so I joined the PTA. That helped me to realise that I could have a different impact on the school by becoming a gover-

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I didn’t actually win that election but the governing board invited me to join as a community governor, which they probably regretted once I joined!

School governance, especially in Birstall, has changed dramatically since I first started. So, if you ask anyone what it’s like to be a governor then make sure they know how it works right now and not years ago.

The formation of the Lionheart Academies Trust and its recent growth have BIRSTALL’S WHITE Horse pub is

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skills as a school governor that you can take back to the workplace.

I do it because I enjoy making a difference. That feeling of achievement when results improve or you read a particularly good student survey is very fulfilling. I’ve seen every school in Birstall be rated good by Ofsted and I can see the journey to outstanding that they’re making. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve been a part of that, making a positive difference to the lives of young people in your community.

If you'd like to explore the possibility of taking on the role, please contact Chris Swan, chair of Lionheart Trust, on chairofgovernors@lionhearttrust.org.uk.

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meant that local governing boards can focus on the teaching and learning aspects of governance and bringing the voice of the local community to the school.

When I started at Highcliffe, I was employed full-time and my employer allowed me to work quite flexibly so I could make visits during the school day.

Since starting my own business, I can keep up that commitment. Not every governor has to be able to make visits during the school day, but it really helps with feeling connected with the school.

Most employers understand that being a school governor is good for professional development and will support the time off for daytime visits. You learn a lot of

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“As we are having a year off from the Duck Race we thought what else could we could do to raise funds for charity this year” said Paul Clements, pub manager. “All the details of our VE Day celebrations are currently being worked out but there will be food, drinks and entertainment from the era.”

This year the bank holiday has been changed nationally to Friday May 8 to mark the anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe.

“Due to this change the usual annual Duck Race is having a year off, but it will definitely return in 2021” said Paul.

The White Horse organise and host

the Duck Race and over the last 11 years it has raised over £37,000 for local good causes.

Paul and 13 other members of the White Horse team will be doing a skydive at Langer Airfield in Nottingham on June 25. The group includes Zoe White, head chef who is particularly brave, as she hasn’t flown in a plane before!

In order to maximise the amount raised each member of staff is funding their own jump, plus there will be a bumper Spring raffle at the White Horse, Charity Quiz nights and a special meal on St Patricks Day all in aid of Birstall BAGS. If anyone would like to donate there is a Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/team/Whitehorsejum pers

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

12

Proper Wreake welcome

13

SYSTON’S WREAKE Valley Academy is preparing to welcome new students in September by holding transition days.

A school spokesperson said: “We know that moving from primary to secondary school can seem very daunting when you are 11 years old and we want to help ensure the transition to secondary school runs smoothly. Visiting our school regularly and meeting other pupils who will also be starting in September can help students become more familiar with the school, the staff and the children and reduce some of the worries pupils may have”.

200 pupils from five primary schools visited Wreake to watch a performance of ‘Made in Dagenham’, talked to the cast and mixed with pupils from other schools.

Later in the year there will be two days of sports festivals so that primary school children can work together in teams.

Also planned are master classes in maths, science and English, and an information evening for parents and pupils at the start of the summer term.

The spokesperson said: “If you are still looking for your ideal secondary school, we do have some spaces available. Please contact us for more information on admin@wvacademy.org or tel: 0116 2641080. We would love to show you around our school during the school day so that you can see our school in action, call us to book a visit.”

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 4.

The copy deadline is Mar 20.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

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Birstall river levels at record high HEAVY RAINFALL in February produced a record high river level in Birstall, says Lock Keeper Peter Price.

He said: “The recent flooding of the River Soar, Derwent and Trent has seen an unprecedented level of rainfall since Christmas compounded by the unusual amount of heavy rain during the autumn.

Rain falling on already saturated land is unwanted groundwater which is flowing directly into the rivers thus producing record high river levels at Birstall and the areas to the north of the village.

“Flood warning notices have been issued by the Canal & River Trust on more than 6 occasions since last November which has severely restricted a number of boating activities around Christmas and the New Year. All the

children’s Christmas Santa boating trips organised by 'The Baldwin Trust' for example were cancelled and planned river maintenance delayed.

“Work on repairs to the Belgrave and Birstall Locks has been postponed due to the consistently high river levels for over four months.”

Although there is extensive planned flooding on the flood plains in and around Watermead Park, the river is being contained within its banks with the weirs being regularly kept clear of rub-

A Police spokesperson said: “If you own a shed, secure it with a good quality lock and if possible, ensure that any expensive items stored within it are also locked up to provide an extra level of security. Remember to also ensure that gates are locked and fences are maintained in good order to stop people being able to access the rear of your property in the first place.”

Pic: reader William Mee sent us these photos of flooding along Whiles Lane and the towpath

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Peter said: “The towpath between Whiles Lane and the White Horse Bridge however is often affected by floodwater.

It is hoped that the cessation of heavy rain in the near future will see a rapid improvement in towpath access. To date, there have been no serious boating incidents at Birstall, with boaters and pedestrians respecting the dangers of the river.”

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have one, they say that you must have signed up by mistake and offer to refund your subscriptions. If you do have one, they make a similar offer that you might be tempted to accept.

You are told that It is a very simple process. They do not need to take any of your details and all that you have to do is download an app and follow a few simple instructions. Of course, no refund ever appears but they can now follow every action you take on the device, including logging in to your bank and other sensitive accounts. They can listen to you phone calls, read your text messages and emails, and use your social media as if it were their own. By the time you realise that the phone is no longer really yours, it will be much too late. People have found themselves with bank balances reduced to nothing and credit card bills they do not recognise.

There are several versions of this type of software but the one currently favoured by fraudsters is called TeamViewer. The solution is very simple; be suspicious of anybody who contacts you unexpectedly and tries to persuade you to follow their instructions. If they claim you have a problem or a refund available, thank them for the information but never do anything else. Check by contacting the organisation they claim to represent directly, using the contact details from its official website. If, by any chance, there is a genuine offer you will still be able to benefit from it. Not that it is very likely.

Our Advice Shop will be open next on Sat Feb 15 between 10am and 12noon in the Robert Dickinson Building, 10 Sibson Road (opposite the garden centre).

Whose Phone is it?

Many of us rely on our smartphone to manage our lives and would be greatly inconvenienced if it went missing. The sensible thing to do is to regularly backup data and apps so that we can recover them to a new phone if the worst happens. There are steps that we can take to prevent others from accessing the contents and we can always change passwords and log-on details to protect our accounts. However, we are only going to do these things when we realise that our phone is missing. We are not going to worry too much while it is still in our possession.

Unfortunately, criminals have developed a method that allows them complete access to you phone while it is still, as you believe, safely under your control.

They do this by tricking you into downloading remote access software. It is commonly used by legitimate service and support teams to take control of devices over the internet to service or repair them. This can only be done with the owner’s permission and when the tasks are completed, the software is switched off and all control returned to the owner.

We know about calls from criminals From Birstall & Wanlip NHW claiming to represent a computer support service, such as Microsoft. They claim to have identified problems with Crime update the victim's computer and trick them There have been a total of 41 crimes into downloading the software, take reported in Birstall & Wanlip this month, control of the computer and demand which is slightly down on December, payment to give it back. when we had 46.

The latest scam is aimed at phones We’ve had 7 burglaries reported (5 and the criminals use a different tech‘dwelling’ burglaries and 2 ‘non-dwelling’ nique. They phone, message or email burglaries) and we have also had 9 you claiming to be from Amazon Prime or something similar, offering to review reports of assault, albeit the vast majority of these have occurred in domestic your account with them. If you do not

settings.

There have been 6 reports of criminal damage (5 of which related to vehicles being damaged) 5 reports of thefts from vehicles (down from 11 in December), 2 reports of vehicles being stolen (both motorbikes) and a total of 9 ‘other thefts’ reported – which includes 3 shop thefts and 2 fuel thefts from the petrol station.

Lastly, we have had 1 Public Order offence reported, 1 possession of drugs offence and 1 robbery (which related to a male being pushed over and having his motorbike taken).

For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice As stated in the ‘crime update’ section above, we have had a total of 3 motorbikes / mopeds stolen this month – 2 which were left parked up on the street and 1 which was stolen by means of a robbery. If you own a motorbike / moped, some simple steps can help prevent yours from being stolen: 1) When leaving your motorbike unattended, always secure it with a good quality lock and never leave the keys in the ignition!

2) Overnight, secure your motorbike or moped by locking it to something sturdy such as a ground or wall anchor, or if possible, put it in a locked garage or shed.

3) Consider fitting an aftermarket immobiliser to your moped or motorbike so that it is more difficult for thieves to get the engine started and ride it away.

4) Tracking devices can also be fitted to mopeds or motorbikes and these will allow you to identify where the bike is if it should be taken.

Neighbourhood update This month the beat team have been out patrolling areas where we have had complaints about drug dealing and use, including School Lane Park and Meadow Lane. A number of people have been spoken to and we will continue to patrol these areas to ensure that drugs are not being used in them.

We also had a vehicle seized this month after it was stopped in the village & the driver found to have no insurance & only a provisional licence. We will continue to stop check vehicles & if the documents are not in order, we have powers to seize them under the road traffic act.

Meet your local police team Tuesday 17th March 2020. 10am1230pm. Wanlip Church Community hall, Riverside Mews.

Wednesday 18th March 2020. 11am12midday.

Birstall Library, Wanlip Lane.

Flower club feast BIRSTALL FLOWER Club started the New Year with their Annual General Meeting and a “Giant Picnic”.

This is always a great success and well attended. Once the business of the Flower Club had been discussed, we proceeded to enjoy a wonderful feast. Three quiz sheets were placed on each table and we proved that we have some very knowledgeable mem-

bers, who received a small prize for their efforts. We did not have a demonstrator at this month’s meeting, and it was a welcome change of format.

Members enjoyed the opportunity to chat amongst themselves and catch up after Christmas.

If you have a love of flowers and would like to join us, please come along to the Village Hall, fourth Wednesday of the month, 7pm for a prompt 7.15pm start. Visitors are very welcome at a cost of £5. You do not have to arrange flowers. We have a NAFAS demonstrator, who creates 6-7 arrangements that you can sit and admire. These arrangements become the raffle prizes, so who knows, you may be one of the lucky winners and take home a fantastic flower arrangement. Give Sylvia (01162674206) or Mary (07704398017) a ring for more details.

Pic: a lucky winner with her flower arrangement

Saturday 21st March 2020. 10am12midday. Sibson Road Police Office.

Neighbourhood link is a free and easy way of finding out what the Police are doing in your area. It only takes a few minutes to sign up and you can choose what you receive information about. Sign up now at www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk 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 MAR 2020

14

Refill, reuse & recyle at Ekojoe A MOBILE zero waste shop and refill station has been stopping in Rothley, selling ethically sourced and recycled products for the home and food.

Ekojoe is a non-profit community interest company, set up by a small group of friends, who decided they wanted to make a difference to the environment and engage with the community.

Ekojoe’s Claire Cook said: “We are encouraging communities to adopt a zerowaste lifestyle, eliminating single use plastic and making zero waste shopping more accessible, healthier and affordable”.

Their mobile shop has

been stopping in Leicestershire villages including Rothley.

Claire said: “We sell a large range of dried vegan and organic food that has been ethically sourced, plant based refill laundry

and washing liquids, hand soaps, shower gels and many reusable items. We also sell beautifully handmade and recycled items, made locally to assist with adopting a plastic free lifestyle.

“Customers bring or grab one of our recycled jars and we weigh the produce to fill, it’s that simple, giving a clear conscience knowing there is no packaging involved.”

She added: “There had been so much support from the community and local businesses, many of the local businesses have promoted us, buying our produce for their bakery and food outlets and placing adverts in their shop saying we support Ekojoe and we’ve also been asked to hold workshops for young children to engage them with making small changes, such as making our beeswax kits and Eco bricks.”

You can find the Ekojoe mobile shop in the car park of the Royal Oak pub, Cross Green, Rothley on these dates: Sat Mar 7, 10.30am – 2pm; Sat Mar 21, 10.30am - 2pm, Sat Apr 4, 10.30am2pm www.ekojoe.biz Pics: (top) Kate Faulkner, Claire Cook, & Lisa Preston; the Ekojoe van

Cricket Corner 25 MEMBERS attended the Clubs AGM in January held at the Clubhouse.

An emotional speech was given by outgoing first team captain Josh Saye who is leaving the area due to work commitments. Josh has played for the club for 15 seasons and in that time has scored many centuries and taken many wickets.

Not only will he be hard to replace as a player but also as a clubman having served on the committee for several years.

Josh has been made a life time member of the club and we wish him well in his career move.

Elected Officers President: Ian Hunt Chairman: Andy Merry Vice Chairman: Andy Lord Secretary: Chris Tinbergen Treasurer: Ian Bartlett 1st Team Captain: Lewis Burnip 2bd Team Captain: George Ager

Indoor nets started in February at the ECB facility at Loughborough University.

New members are always welcome. If you require any further details regarding nets or anything else to do with the club contact Ian Hunt on 07949 380010 From Birstall Village Cricket Club

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Annual trip to Potters

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

LATE IN January a group of bowlers set off for Potters, on the East Coast, in what is becoming something of an annual event.

In fact numbers have doubled since our first trip in 2017. The week is a great opportunity to meet and compete with bowlers from all over the country.

We entered eight teams, two of which won through to the final stages.

The event falls in the week following the World Indoor Bowls Championships so we were able to see demonstrations and talk to some of the stars who stayed over. Local bowls hero Tony Allcock, 15 times World Bowls Champion, gave his unique insight on different aspects of the game in several master classes.

Tony has had a wonderful career in bowls both on the green, where he was

incredibly successful and as Chief Executive of Bowls England where he has put his considerable energies into developing and modernising the game. He will shortly be moving onto pastures new and we will miss him greatly.

There are many activities at Potters other than bowls and the group amassed winners medals in archery, curling, quiz, jig-saw making, and bean bag throwing!

The days were rounded off with an excellent sufficiency of seriously good food and high quality live evening entertainment for which Potters is justly famous.

The trip was organized by Pat Dobson of St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club.

Well done Pat. We are already looking forward to next year's trip!

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Birstall bike track improved THE BIRSTALL bike track on Meadow Lane is currently being extended and improved.

The work is being led by track designer Ben Rafferty who says the age range of users goes from 2 years to grandparents, with a regular group of 15 riders aged 12-25.

Ben says competitive BMX and mountain bikes racers are using the facility as a training venue and that Leicester City Council would like to hold a family event there in June featuring bike racing.

Birstall Parish Council provide the track and has agreed to provide a bike friendly gap in the Meadow Lane post and rail fence to make access for users easier, but will need to obtain permission from the landowner, Charnwood Borough Council, before proceeding with the work.

ST JAMES Monday Group’s February meeting was a talk highlighting the growing horror of the increase in dementia in our country.

Pic: riders on the Birstall bike track on Meadow Lane

Hernia operations in Syston PATIENTS IN Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) suffering with certain types of hernia can now be treated in a primary care setting thanks to a new operating theatre at The County Practice in Syston.

The County Practice is the only one in LLR to offer this service and will mean that a significant number of patients will now be able to have their operations closer to home.

Opened formally by Charnwood MP Edward Argar, the £62,000 Wilson Theatre Suite has been made possible through investment from The County Practice as well as funding from Charnwood Borough Council and Davidsons Homes, under their planning contributions for health infrastructure to reflect the needs of the new housing development being built in the area.

Dr Gareth Chidlow, GP at The County Practice, said: “We are really proud of our new operating theatre; we can now offer hernia surgery under local anaesthetic and for many patients it avoids the need to travel in to one of the main Leicester hospitals.

“This service isn’t just for patients in Syston; patients can choose to be treated here if they live anywhere in LLR and the feedback we have received so far has been really positive. In future there’s

St James Monday group

also the potential for further procedures to be carried out here, as we have both preoperative and recovery rooms and that is something we are really excited about.”

The service is provided through the LLR Alliance, a unique partnership of health organisations in LLR, designed to offer patients more choice about when and where they receive day-case and outpatient treatment.

Helen Mather, LLR Alliance Director, said: “This new operating theatre is a fantastic example of what the Alliance is all about - offering patients more choice

about where and when they can receive their diagnosis, treatment and the aftercare. We offer diagnostics, outpatient services and day-case surgery in community hospitals and in an increasing number of GP practices across LLR. “Patients consistently tell us that they prefer not having to go into one of the big city hospitals if possible, and we have made a significant difference to local patients, bringing care closer to people's homes.”

Edward Argar MP said: "It was a pleasure to officially open the Wilson Theatre Suite at Syston Health Centre with David Wilson, Dr Chidlow, and the fantastic team at the County Practice.

“GP services like those at the Syston Health Centre are the heart of our NHS, providing all of our communities with the local health care that they rely upon, with their dedicated staff teams constantly innovating to improve the care offered to patients.

“The new theatre suite will enable even more minor surgery to take place locally, meaning patients will be able to have more problems treated nearer to home, more conveniently for them, and more quickly."

We had a most interesting and informative talk about the work of the Admiral Nurses from Dementia UK, and their role in helping families affected by this cruel and indiscriminate disease.

Our next meeting, as usual on the second Monday of every month, will be our AGM, and the charity we will support will be chosen and voted for.

Donations for last year's charity, which was Glebe House, Loughborough, which works with and supports both children and adults with learning difficulties and physical handicaps, are still coming in, so the total will be published in the April edition. We have a varied programme planned for this year. As well as fund-raising events, which will be organised through the year, there will be talks on painting, antiques and re-cycling (we're nothing if not varied!); outings and suppers, and there is always lots of chat, friendship and laughter. We are in the Age Concern rooms of the Village Hall on the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm if you would like to pop in! The outside door might look a bit forbidding, but just push it open and the welcome will be warm.

From St James Monday Group

Local patients were involved in reviewing the plans for the new operating theatre. Eric Charlesworth, Co-Chair of the Alliance Patient and Public Participation Group (PPPG), said: “The development of this new service is an excellent example of how the NHS, actively supported by patients, can bring about change that is both cost effective and results in improved services. Members of the PPPG were involved from the outset and it is very gratifying to see this new facility up and running.”

Pic: the treatment room at Syston

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Planning applications P/20/0318/2 13 Hollytree Avenue Birstall LE4 4LG retrospective application - single storey side and rear extension - roof alterations for porch with canopy P/20/0269/2 51 Copeland Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3AB The erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4m, with a maximum height of 4m, and height to the eaves of 3m.

P/20/0208/2 72 Blenheim Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4FL The erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6 m, with a maximum height of 4m, and height to the eaves of 3m.

P/20/0311/2 24 The Crossways Birstall LE4 4EB Certificate of lawful development (proposed) for a single storey side extension with 3 roof lights P/20/0211/2 46 Gwendolin Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4HD

WI news THIRTY EIGHT ladies met at Birstall British Legion on February 2.

We all agreed that the recent Federation trip to Warners in Cricket St Thomas visiting Stroud, Exmouth, Dorchester and Taunton was an excellent trip. We are also planning our summer coach trip either to Oxford or Cambridge.

Our local Bradgate Group event is a Barn Dance hosted by Anstey WI on Lane. The habitat is wonderful for butMarch 20. It will be good to get together terfly’s and birds, as well as a whole with our neighbours. Also in March we host of other species.” hold the ACM when TV gardener ChrisA hazel which is coppiced in rotation tine Walkman will be the principle can extend the life of a Hazel tree from speaker.

60 years to 600 years or more. The On a more serious note we voted for coppiced area supports its own wealth of wildlife and woodpiles create valuable our resolution choices. Two of these resolutions will then be chosen for deecosystems themselves. bate later in the year at the WI’s Annual For details and to sign up go to the website Leicester.gov.uk/parks-volunteer- Meeting at the Albert Hall.

Our speaker was Clive Matthew who ing. told of his “Life and Times in Farming”.

Pic: a volunteer coppicing hazel in Watermead Country Park Amongst many anecdotes we heard how his expertise in hedge laying led to him passing on his skills to Prince Charles at Highgrove. We also played an interesting game of ‘guess the farming implement’ as some curious tools were passed around the room.

Our next meeting is on March 2 tablet. Available to download on all IOS when David Price will talk to us about and Android devices, it allows you to “Sophisticated Ladies of the Night”. We manage repeat prescriptions, book appointments at your GP surgery, view your certainly cover a variety of subjects at our monthly meetings!

GP medical records, receive health adFrom Birstall & Wanlip WI vice and check symptoms.

GP surgeries of 25% of their appoint-

Park volunteering LEICESTER ENVIRONMENTAL Volunteers welcome new members to work in Watermead Country Park.

They have recently been coppicing hazel in the park. Volunteer Kim Venables explains: “Not only is this process of coppicing incredibly beneficial for wildlife and the woodland, it also revives an old ride within the community, brilliant for those woodland edge species!

This ride has a nickname within Leicester Environmental Volunteers as Butterfly

NHS app takes off

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

THE NUMBER of people using the NHS app in the last three months has more than doubled, says NHS Digital.

The number of NHS App registered users now stands at over 200,000 compared with 91,000 at the beginning of September.

More people than ever before booked NHS appointments digitally, choosing to use this route rather than calling their local surgery. In September there were 1.4million GP online service appointment transactions.

Since September, the NHS has been undertaking a campaign focused on its own staff encouraging them to download the app themselves.

The NHS App provides a simple and secure way for people to access a range of NHS services on their smartphone or

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Contact your GP surgery for details of how to register for online services.

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Retention of single storey extension to side and rear of dwelling.

P/20/0189/2 36 Kilby Avenue Birstall LE4 4AR Amendment to application P/18/0107/2 to block up single door within rear elevation.

P/20/0237/2 24 Walker Road Birstall LE4 3BN Erection of two storey detached dwelling P/20/0226/2 4 Barngate Close Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3GF Removal of condition 3 of P/98/2073/2 to allow conversion of garage to living accommodation.

P/20/0176/2 119 Stonehill Avenue Birstall LE4 4JG Proposed single storey extension to side and rear, dormer extension to side and rear of dwelling.

P/20/0158/2 499 Loughborough Road Birstall LE4 4BJ Proposed single storey extension to rear of dwelling.

P/20/0135/2 74 Stonehill Avenue Birstall LE4 4JB Erection of two storey to side and single storey extension to rear of dwelling.

P/20/0119/2 74 Stonehill Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4JB The erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3.5 metres with a maximum height of 3.65 metres and height to the eaves of 3 metres.

Burglary AROUND 3.15am on January 31 the police report that a burglary took place in Loughborough Road, Birstall, near to the junction with Colindale Avenue.

Entry was gained by smashing the rear patio door and then some vehicle keys were stolen, but the vehicle itself was not taken.

If you have any information regarding this incident, contact the Leics Police website, or via 101 quoting crime reference 20000059139.

Car stolen A CAR was stolen from Birchtree Avenue on February 2, say Police.

Sometime between 8pm and 9.30am on February 3 a black Ford Focus, registration GP06SOA, was stolen.

Another vehicle was also entered during the night in the same road and a dash-cam stolen. If you have any information about either of these incidents contact the Police on 101 or via the Leics Police website.

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Warm welcome at tennis club’s open day ADULTS AND children are being welcomed to Rothley Ivanhoe tennis club’s open day on March 14.

This lively club, recently awarded the title of club of the year by Tennis Leicestershire, holds a weekly coaching program for all ages which runs all year round.

The club is located on Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, behind Rothley library.

Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club offers play throughout the year on its six courts - five are floodlit. There are membership packages and pay and play opportunities. Members have the chance to represent the club in matches, to play social tennis and in club competitions held throughout the year. There are seven men's teams,

five women's teams, four mixed teams and junior teams.

Anne Mumford, Chairperson of the club, said : “We are the envy of many other clubs for the organised play we have throughout the year. This was recognised a couple of years ago in being awarded Tennis Club of the Year by Tennis Leicestershire. The club is well organised and has fantastic volunteers and coaches and such commitment to the club was recognised recently by Pete Randall being awarded Tennis Leicestershire's Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Federation Cup Captain Anne Keothavong.”

This year the club will be offering some new sessions as well as

old favourites, starting with the Open Day on Saturday March 14 from 1pm to 3pm with a better than half price offer for adults joining on the day. There will be a 45 minute adult coaching session starting at 1pm followed by social tennis.

Anne said: “Come and see our Satur-

day afternoon junior coaching which runs in different age groups from 2pm for juniors and talk with our coaches.

Match practices and some start of season social and skills sessions will commence following the open day.”

Watermead run WREAKE VALLEY Rotary Club is holding its 11th Watermead Challenge charity run on Tuesday July 7, 2020 at 7pm at Watermead Country Park.

causes. Last year over £4,000 was raised and distributed.

You can enter at www.evententry.co.uk. Further information is available by visiting www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk.

The largely off road run follows both a 3 mile and 5 mile route around the lakeside setting of the park. New Race Director Dave Snutch said: “This is an increasingly popular event with almost 600 entrants last year. The relatively flat terrain permits runners of all abilities to have the opportunity of achieving a personal best time.”

Proceeds are donated to charitable

New narrowboat A CHARITY that provides canal and river trips is fundraising for a new narrowboat.

A spokesperson for the Baldwin Trust explains: We are excited to enter 2020 with the launch of our new narrow boat fundraising scheme “Put a foot in the water for The Baldwin Trust” Part 2!

2019 saw a severe downturn in our revenue, due to the unprecedented amount of rainfall, causing the rivers and canals to be closed by the authorities. This resulted in us having to cancel many of the pre-booked cruises in the summer and autumn, our busiest time of the year. St Clare, our founding narrow boat has, due to her age (she has cruised for the Trust for 31 years), incurred repeated mechanical failures, leading to high repair costs and cancelled cruises. The Trustees have made the very difficult decision to retire her from service for the 2020 season.

We therefore need to accelerate our fundraising, in order to acquire our second new narrow boat.

If you are able to donate for “a foot” or towards a smaller part of the new boat this can either be done securely online https://www.baldwintrust.co.uk/index.php /the-trust/donate Or by emailing Secretary@baldwintrust.co.uk and further details can be provided.

The Baldwin Trust was set up in the 1980’s to provide a recreational activity for patients of the Baldwin Ward at a former Leicestershire hospital, with the object of enhancing their lives and allowing them enjoyable times outside of the hospital. Our main mission is to reach all members of our community that may experience loneliness or isolation at any time due to physical, mental or economic reasons.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2020

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days will be taken by Graham Bunkall.

There is a children’s meeting available during these services.

Evington Winter Lectures Inclusive Church The sixth and last lecture in the series DURING OUR interregnum we are havDid you know that Birstall Methodist ‘The Gospel [good news] of the Grace ing some lovely and interesting servicChurch is officially an Inclusive Church? [unmerited favour] of God’ (Acts 20:22) es, involving members of the at Evington Chapel (LE5 6FH), is on congregation as well as 'guest' clergy. That means that we have committed not Saturday March 21 at 7pm when RichThis will continue until we have a new to discriminate based on disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender ard Brooks (Catshill, Bromsgrove) will Rector appointed. identity, learning disability, mental health, speak on ‘The Gospel on the Emmaus In February our monthly All Together Road’. Recommended books will be on service (always on the first Sunday of the neurodiversity, or sexuality. We are a church where you will be truly welcome sale at a discounted price. Admission to month at 10am) greatly involved memand where you can be yourself. We these meetings is free and all are welbers of Birstall's 1944 Squadron of the would love to welcome you at any of our come. (A lift is available to reach the ATC. Having so many young, smart and services lecture room.) The complete lecture lively people in the church is always a Midweek Worship series can be downloaded afterwards real treat - and they are really good at from the chapel’s website: Every Wednesday at 9.30am we have singing! www.evingtonchapel.org.uk. a half an hour service of Holy CommunGoing to and belonging to 'A Church' Palm Sunday Service ion in the lounge and it would be wondoes not necessarily mean just attending derful to see you there.

Palm Sunday this year falls on Sunday the building down Church Hill on a SunMary’s Meals April 5 and our speaker at this special day! There are Home Groups, where service will be Simon Terry (Wigston), people meet in each other's homes or Birstall will once again be collecting whom many of you will have already met other locations to share and grow in backpacks and items for the Mary’s fellowship and friendship, discussion and Meals appeal for children in 18 counfrom his visits around the village over debate, learning and laughter. There are, tries worldwide. If you wish to take part the last ten years. We hope that you will at present, five Home Groups that meet at bring your bags or loose items to take this opportunity to come and wordifferent times on different days. There ship with us. The service will be held at church and they will be sent off shortly will be one to suit your needs and to the usual venue and time. Palm Sunday after Easter. Please contact James welcome you - we all like to meet new marks the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jeru(07957608617) if you have any quesfriends. If you feel that a relaxed, welsalem at the start of the week leading up tions. Please note only items on this list coming home meeting is your 'cup of tea' can be accepted. to His Crucifixion (on Good Friday) and (literally!) please contact Paul and Helen Resurrection (on Easter Sunday), and is Spoon (preferably metal); Exercise Tarry on 0116 2677493 and they will be so named because the crowds waved book/notepad; Pencils / pens / crayons; happy to talk with you and give you more Eraser; Ruler; Sharpener; Pencil Case; palm branches to welcome Him. information.

Enquiries about BIBC: please ring Shorts/skirt & t-shirt, or dress; Flip John and Julie Ward at Wanlip put on 0116 221 4883 flops or sandals; Small ball (e.g. tennis a marvellous 'Haggis and Neeps' spread From Birstall Independent Baptist ball); Soap; Toothbrush; Toothpaste; Church to celebrate Burns night. It was thorTowel oughly enjoyed by all and had the happy Please note we are unable to accept TLC Birstall meets every Sunday at the result of raising the grand total of anything that is not on this list.

Birstall Village Hall. I always remember £354.00 for Wanlip Church funds. With From Birstall Methodist Church from my days as a child all the way the monthly 'Old Nicks Coffee Shop' in through to adulthood being taught that full swing, Wanlip is becoming the gastro- Sunday services nomic centre of the Parish of Birstall and You are warmly invited to join with us God loves me no matter what I have Wanlip. done or gone through. The Bible says for our worship services on Sunday 60 gift boxes from St. James were part mornings at 10.45am in Room PT1 at “Come as you are” It does not matter of 37,400 sent to Romania last Christmas the Cedars Academy (LE4 4GH). Our what is happening in your life at the by 'Link to Hope' which also provided visiting speaker this month is Josiah Bell moment. If you are hungry and thirsty wood, food and medicine to people living (Leicester) on 29th and the other Sunand need restoration, peace, hope or in the most dire and coldest poverty. If you have wool to spare for knitting hats, gloves and scarves, our knitters would be grateful to receive it, as items are already being collected ready for next Christmas.

Do you need any of the following work Please contact Sylvia Simes on 2674206 or Doreen Wilson on 2674680 if you can carrying out? If so, please phone or email me WITH SPRING just around the help.

FENCING: Erection & Repairs: supply & erect or supply only corner Birstall Golf Club is introComing up fast is another date for your diary, as in St. James Church on GARDEN MAINTENANCE: Turf Laid, Mowed & Hedges Cut etc ducing a fortnightly Wednesday March 24 at 7.30pm is a lovely evening BUILDING REPAIRS/WORK: New Guttering & Repairs Lunch Club aimed at local senior with Barbara and Peter Watson with 'EveINTERIOR WORK: Painting citizens and members of organiry picture tells a Story' - their beautiful LANDSCAPING: Gravel Drives & Paths Laid sations such as U3A. adaptation of pictures set to music.

FLOORS: Concrete Laid Starting on Wednesday March 18 the There will be light refreshments. There will be no entry charge, but donations Free estimate with no obligation • 0116 2676478 Lunch Club will offer: will be welcome.

• Home cooked main course and Email: imwardle@yahoo.co.uk • Mob: 0776 8233552 From Birstall Parish Churches dessert specials board from only £6.50.

• Bar prices reduced by 10% during March.

• Comfortable dining room with views over the golf course.

• Plentiful parking.

• Easy access for the less able.

Architectural plans • Warm welcome from our friendly PAINTER & drawn & submitted for planning

News from the churches

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love then why not come to Jesus. Why 19 not join us at Trinity Life Church at the Birstall Village Hall for good fellowship and a safe place where you can encounter Jesus and the hope he brings. You have possibly kicked off 2020 with some activity to brighten up your life and it hasn’t really helped. Can I invite you to try Jesus? Perhaps you haven’t been to church for a while … I read a Bible scripture that said “the lost will return for their inheritance”. Maybe that’s you, then why not come back to the Father who loves you.

Focus: You may want to try our Alpha Group. It is a fantastic place to meet people and ask all the questions about the Christian faith in a safe environment.

Interested then email me for further details (andre.timothy@trinitylifechurch.org.uk) or join us this coming Sunday at the Village Hall.

Life in Trinity Life Church offers many opportunities and we would love to see you visit our Sunday service or one of the other events we host during the week or month. Trinity Life Church is linked with Open Hands. 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 Sunday Services: every Sunday at the Birstall Village Hall from 11am till 12:30pm for all ages. Includes an interactive Kids program, great praise and worship and inspiring teaching.

KIDS HUB – following the successful launch we are going ahead with hosting a regular KIDS HUB for 5 to 11yrs at the Village Hall. We will be at the Village Hall each Thursday evening from 6pm till 7pm.

Life Groups: are held on a Thursday at local homes and you are more than welcome to join one.

From Trinity Life Church

Wednesday lunch club staff.

Club Manager Jo Shepherd said: “Birstall and the surrounding area has a sizeable senior citizen community with relatively few venues where an enjoyable lunch and companionship can be experienced. The golf club offers easy access to this and is a great place to relax and enjoy good food. We are keen to ensure our reputation for friendliness in a lovely environment extends to the wider community at large. The club is at the core of the area’s sporting community and the Wednesday Club extends our facilities to local seniors at a highly competitive price. The menu is specifically tailored for the senior generation with some old favourites available.”

To book a table for lunch at the Wednesday Club interested parties should in the first instance contact the club manager Jo Shepherd on 0116 267 4322 or email on manager@birstallgolfclub.co .uk

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

When cancer can’t be cured Part 2: Planning ahead and making decisions This is the second article relating to when cancer can’t be cured. While there are regular improvements in cancer care meaning there are more and more treatment options available providing improvements in quality of life and survival, sadly for some the cancer cannot be cured and the patient and their family ultimately face the most challenging of times. Birstall BAG’s wanted to bring the issues of when cancer cannot be cured out into the open a little. It helps to talk about how this effects everyone involved and we hope this article, and part 1 which was published in last month’s Birstall Post looked at feelings and questions, stimulates useful conversation about a very difficult and emotive issue.

When cancer is advanced it means that it can't be cured. Doctors and nurses might also say that the illness is terminal. This means that it is likely to cause death within a limited period of time.

This upsetting news can affect you and the people close to you in different ways.

After the immediate shock of being told your cancer cannot be cured or treated anymore you and your loved ones will likely start to think ahead and want to make plans for the future.

It is important to remember people with terminal cancer can and should make decisions about their future care. There is no set way to plan ahead. You might find it helpful to talk through what’s best with one of your healthcare team. You can also talk about it with someone you are close to. And you can include your family and friends in the discussions with your doctors and nurses if you want to.

Advance Care Planning Your doctors and nurses might talk to you about advance care planning. This means making decisions about how you would like to be cared for if you become too ill to communicate your wishes in the future. The doctor or nurse will write down your wishes. You can let them know at any time if these change.

Living Wills, advance decisions and

advance statements Many people make a living will when they know that they are going to die.

This is in case a time comes when you can no longer make decisions or communicate your needs. You can only make a living will when you are mentally able. So you have to do it before you need it. There are two types of living will.

These are an Advance Decision and an Advance Statement.

Lasting Power of Attorney You might want to think about who will manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do this for yourself.

This is called Lasting Power of Attorney.

The person you choose to make decisions on your behalf is known as an attorney. You can have more than one attorney. You can organise a Lasting Power of Attorney ahead of time, so that it’s ready when you need it. You can also choose a person to make decisions on your behalf about your health and welfare. This is called a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney. A health and welfare attorney can make decisions about your medical care, where you are cared for or what you eat. The process to register a lasting Power of Attorney is slightly different in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This is explained in the relevant government websites.

Individual care planning Individual care planning is another

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term you may hear. It is also sometimes called your personal care plan. It is more general than the advance care plan and covers all your care needs. Your doctor or nurse will ask you questions to find out what care you need and what your wishes are. They will ask about physical symptoms such as pain, as well as your psychological, social and spiritual needs. This is called a holistic assessment. Based on the assessment, they will write an individual care plan to reflect your wishes and care needs. Ask your doctor or nurse to find out about your care plan.

Deciding where to die When you know that your life is coming to an end, you might want to think about where you would like that to happen. Not everyone feels able to think about this. But others feel very strongly that they know where they would like to be. Discuss it with your doctors and your loved ones. It is best to let people know what you want. Then they can do their best to make sure you have help, support and care to allow that to happen.

Options to consider include at home, in a hospice, in a nursing home or in a hospital. Community hospitals often have a palliative care facility. Choosing to die in an acute hospital is not usually an option although of course this does happen particularly if things don’t go quite to plan.

Support for carers Caring for someone at home can be emotionally and physically draining.

Your carer needs to know that they can get daily practical help and take some time out if they need to. You could ask friends and relatives to help with everyday tasks such as: • shopping • cleaning • cooking • picking children up from school • gardening This allows your carer to spend their time caring for and talking to you.

You and your carer can get support and care to help you stay at home during the end stages of your life. To find out more about this, ask your: • GP • local home care team (from a hospice or hospital) • district nurse • hospital doctor and nurses They can organise bed pans, urine bottles, chairs, a hospital bed, a special mattress, and any other items or equipment you may need to make it possible for you to stay at home. They can also prescribe medicines to control symptoms and keep you comfortable.

We hope this article has been useful, please let Birstall BAG’s know your thoughts. If there are other topics you would like us to cover then please feel free to make contact.

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.co.uk

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