Birstall Post (451) Feb 2021

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

FEBRUARY 2021

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 451

Katie runs 87 miles for charity THIS TIME last year Katie Bateman (27) from Birstall was undergoing tests to find out what the mysterious lump in her neck was.

“Never did I think at the age of 26 I would be diagnosed with thyroid cancer,” said Katie.

“This was even more daunting amidst a global pandemic,” she added.

After two operations and radioactive iodine treatment, both of which were delayed due to the lockdown, Katie was lucky enough to receive the all-clear.

Now she wants to raise money and awareness for the charity that helped her so much during her diagnosis and treatment.

Katie said: “Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust is a small charity which supports people living with thyroid cancer. Their ‘Buddy’ system is particularly helpful for people who are recently diagnosed.

“The Butterfly Trust helped me come to terms with the diagnosis, and understand more about what I was going through and what was still to come.”

Katie is planning to run 5k every day in February- that’s 140km (87 miles) over the month. Her final run will mark a year from her first operation.

“I am hoping to raise more awareness of this type of cancer, and remind people to check their neck as well as the rest of their body,” she said.

So, if you see Katie on her runs around Birstall, give her a wave and a smile. If you’d like to donate to her charity, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katiePic: Katie Bateman is running to raise money for the Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust bateman11

Former Mayor urges residents to take up Covid-19 jab offers A FORMER Mayor of Charnwood who has received the Covid-19 vaccine is urging residents to take up the jab when they are invited to and ‘help get life back to normal’.

Cllr Ken Pacey, a ward councillor in Syston, was the first Charnwood borough councillor to receive the jab before Christmas.

Cllr Pacey (82) said: “We need as many people as possible to take up the jab. It is very safe, and I was really pleased to receive it.

“I just hope and pray that everybody will follow suit and have the jab so we can get back to normal as soon as possible.

Pic: Cllr Ken Pacey on Youtube talking about the vaccine

“I received my jab in Melton and I have to say the whole process was incredibly safe and everyone was socially distancing. I could not have felt safer and the whole thing took just about half an hour.

“The staff were very well organised and professional, and I cannot thank them enough.”

The NHS is currently offering the Covid-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.

In England, the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at hundreds of local vaccination centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres.

It's being given to: people aged 80 and over people who live or work in care homes health and social care workers at high risk The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine. It's important not to contact the NHS for vaccination before then.

Council raises precept A 5% INCREASE in the parish precept has been agreed by Birstall Parish Council.

Last year the Parish Council’s charge on band D households in Birstall was £95.16 a year. This will increase to £99.92 in 2021/22, and extra £4.76 per year or 9p a week.

Parish Councils are funded by a small part of the council tax known as the parish precept.

Parish Councils forecast how much money they are going to need in the next financial year. This figure is then divided by the tax base – the average number of band D equivalent properties in the area.

When calculating the precept, Parish Councils have to consider: • Their anticipated spending levels for the ongoing services for which they are responsible, such as play areas, the cemetery, allotments and the cost of the parish office and ground staff • The levels of anticipated income e.g. from rents, hire charges, burial fees and grants • The costs of any additional spending plans or projects • Maintaining a prudent amount of money in reserves Once the precept has been agreed it is added to residents’ council tax bills and collected by Charnwood Borough Council, who then pay it to the Parish Council.

In 2020/21 the precept demand was £432,255. The precept demand for Continued on page 3

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MD Lowe & Sons open Birstall funeral home After months in the planning, MD Lowe and Sons are pleased to announce that they are expanding their independent funeral business with a new funeral home on Sibson Road in Birstall.

When the Birstall premises, which were occupied by Henry Smith & Hamylton became available, Mark and Hayley Lowe decided the time was right to expand their well established Thurmaston business.

This is a very exciting time for the family because eldest son Max has joined the business making it a real family affair.

Max is experienced in all aspects of funeral work and having worked at another funeral company for over five years he decided that the time was right to join and help grow the family business.

The former opticians shop has been completely refitted and offers a homely, welcoming and comfortable setting to sit and talk to Mark, Hayley or Max about all aspects of planning a funeral. A peaceful chapel of rest is also available for families to view their loved one at any time that is convenient to them.

arrangements and are there at the funeral service as well, we are with you and your family every step of the way.”

When it is possible the family are keen to hold fundraising coffee mornings on selected Saturday mornings.

The family are continuing to run their business from their Thurmaston home at 857 Melton Road and welcome enquiries or visitors at either address.

Families can be assured that MD Lowe & Sons will be on hand to help you with any questions you may have and you can call either 0116 267 2560 or 0116 269 6575 at any time or visit www.mdlowe.co.uk where you will find useful information about planning a funeral.

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Mark said,”We had a vision to completely refit the building to create a comfortable setting that would suit our needs, and most importantly the needs of the bereaved families we will be looking after.”

MD Lowe’s motto is: ‘Let our family take care of yours’, and Mark continued, “We are extremely honoured to bring our professionalism, compassion and ethos to the families of Birstall and surrounding areas. We are there for you right from that initial phone call. We can handle all the

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We can also arrange pre‐paid funeral plans working with Golden Charter, which can save your family worry and expense, and help make things easier for your loved ones at a difficult time.

For an informal, no obligation chat or for more information call Mark, Hayley or Max on 0116 269 6575 or 0116 267 2560.

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857 Melton Road, Thurmaston, Leicester. LE4 8EE 137 Sibson Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4ND email: mark@mdlowe.co.uk · www.mdlowe.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

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Air ambulance crucial in biker’s recovery A BIRSTALL motorcyclist who suffered multiple injuries after a crash is grateful to the Air Ambulance service that flew him to hospital in just 13 minutes.

Chris Rollings (58) of Cliffe Road, Birstall lost control of his bike and was seriously injured during an amateur race at Cadwell Park Circuit in Louth, Lincolnshire in September 2020.

By a lucky coincidence, the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance was already at the race track.

They had been called out to an accident which when they arrived, didn’t require the patient to be airlifted.

Being at the scene of the accident when it happened meant that the air ambulance

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

Precept continued from page 1 2021/22 is £456,136. Birstall Parish Council’s estimate of its income for 2021/22 is £66,281. This gives Birstall Parish Council a total income for the year of £522,417.

49% of this is spent on salaries, NI, PAYE and pensions.

The Parish Council considered the precept and the budget at two full council meetings in December and January – the council tax base figures were only made available by Charnwood for the January meeting.

Parish Clerk Sue Coulson said: “The Parish Council increased the precept last year by 2%. The Parish Council took this decision because it is aware and mindful of the pressure placed on higher authorities to constantly save money which often results in cutbacks and the loss of valuable local services.

“The Government have still not taken the decision to put the same restrictions onto Parish and Town Councils as they do the higher authorities by capping their precept demands.

“The Parish Council realise that if a situation arose where they were asked by residents to cover the costs of a lost and/or devolved service from a higher authority, the Parish Council would need to have a healthy reserve in place to be able to facilitate the requests.

“After careful consideration and deliberation at the January 2021 Council meeting, the Parish Council resolved to apply a 5% increase to the precept for the 2021/2022 financial year and authorised me to submit a precept demand to Charnwood Borough Council for £456,136. By increasing the precept, it will leave the Parish Council with an amount in the general reserve that could be utilised for emergencies and nonbudgeted projects and costs that may arise.”

Pics: (above) Chris Rollings being taken aboard the helicopter; on his bike; in hospital

critical care doctor and paramedic were immediately available to treat and sedate Chris for his injuries before flying him to Hull Royal Infirmary – the nearest major trauma centre.

The flight took just 13 minutes compared with a journey by road in a land ambulance of over an hour – by the quickest route with no traffic hold-ups.

It would also have taken the helicopter 25 minutes to fly to the race track from its base at East Midlands Airport, so that time was also saved, meaning Chris got the definitive care he needed over 70 minutes faster.

“I am so grateful to the air ambulance flying me to a hospital where I could get the right treatment I needed as quickly as possible. I am not a medical person, but I know that made a huge difference,” he says.

Chris describes himself as “a bornagain biker” having started club racing in 2017 after having enjoyed motorcycling when he was younger.

On the day of his accident, he was about two-thirds of the way through the race when he lost control of his bike on a left-hand bend before going down a steep hill.

“I am told the bike went into the air and landed on my shoulder. Luckily, I was wearing the latest safety gear including an airbag suit which was activated. I am very grateful that it worked as without it my injuries would have been worse,” he says.

Chris had fractured and dislocated his left shoulder; fractured his left arm; broken six ribs; damaged two discs in his back and punctured a lung.

He spent nine days in hospital where he underwent an operation to pin and plate his arm and pin and reconstruct his shoulder.

After being discharged, he had to wear a spinal brace for two months and have further surgery to repair his shoulder. He is now undergoing intensive physiotherapy to assist with movement in his shoulder.

Chris knows that had he not got to hospital as quickly as he did, he could

be in a much worse situation now.

“The air ambulance is fantastic- and I was so luc ky it was already at the race track when I had my accident. It is really important that people support the local air ambulance as, being a charity, they rely on donations to remain operational. Lockdown has forced the charity shops to close, and fundraising events have been cancelled so this is really vital now. Anyone could need the services of the air ambulance at some point in their lives so please donate if you can,” he says.

For more information on how you can support your local air ambulance, go to www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/don ate/

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Parish Council notes

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on January 4.

It was reported that the clerk’s application for support from Charnwood’s Local Discretionary Support Grant has resulted in an award of £20,000.

Councillors discussed whether this grant should be put towards the £60,000 cost of replacing the slide on the School Lane playing field, which has been condemned for health and safety reasons and must be removed.

There was general agreement that play equipment was a priority and must be replaced as soon as possible.

Councillor Julian Howe commented that the council should consult the public before spending £60,000 on replacing the slide, to find out what other things people might want to spend it on.

Councillor Kirsty Haywood said children she had spoken to wanted play

equipment and providing outdoor activities for children should be a priority.

The council agreed to replace the slide in this financial year.

Councillors discussed the precept for 2021/22. Comment was made that the pandemic meant the financial future was uncertain and that the council needed a healthy balance for emergencies. A precept of £456,136 was agreed. Last year’s precept was £432,255. A band D property in Birstall will pay an extra £4.76 per year, an increase of 5%.

It was reported that the council will be receiving advice from the Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils on putting together a three-year budget.

Chair Ann Marshall reported that the council had received several thank you cards from residents who had been gifted Christmas hampers by the council.

Park visits fall in lockdown down - and I'm pleased to see that most people are heeding the guidance. I encourage people not to look for loopholes. The national lockdown will work At the popular Beacon Hill, the park to reduce the spread of the virus - if rangers observed a drop in car park everyone does their bit." usage of around 60 per cent in the first Ivan Browne, Leicester City Council's week of the January lockdown. director of public health, repeated his In the same period, Watermead Coun- simple message: “There isn’t a hard and try Park was also reported as being fast limit on how far you can go for quieter. exercise and it relies on people being Council leaders are urging people to responsible. I urge people to continue to stay local for exercise and visit their do the right thing. Go to the nearest local park, rather than travelling far park, not the nicest one.” away.

Chief Constable, Simon Cole added: “I’d like to thank our residents for “Our officers are working hard to encourdoing the right thing during this lockage people to follow the lockdown, and down - which is hard but necessary,” we will enforce the law where it’s needsaid Leicestershire County Council leader ed. Most people are following the rules, Nick Rushton. including when they visit country parks.

“Parks of all types are essential for Thank you. This means we can continue exercise and I’m pleased to be able to to focus valuable officer time on tackling keep them open, as long as people concrime.” tinue to follow the rules and the true Police and local authority officers will spirit of the national lockdown. Stay continue to monitor the usage of all home, and if you do take exercise, stay parks across Leicester, Leicestershire local,” he added. and Rutland. They confirmed that further Mike Sandys, county council director action will be taken if there are safety of public health, said: “Visits to country concerns. parks are a good barometer for how seriously the public is taking the lock-

VISITOR NUMBERS to Charnwood’s country parks has fallen during the lockdown.

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THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

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Birstall pub car park hosts food stalls FRUIT, VEGETABLES, bread, pies, eggs and honey are just some of the items you can find for sale each Wednesday from stalls in the car park of the White Horse pub.

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

Each Wednesday from 8.30am-3pm you will find a fruit, vegetable and salad market by T G Portas, who also sell herbs, local eggs and honey.

The White Horse has also invited some of their local suppliers to get involved, and is selling on behalf of Milners Bakery and Glenn Lewin Butchers.

Charlotte Foy from the White Horse said: “The idea was twofold -we wanted to bring to Birstall items that we felt were lacking in the local shops and offer our suppliers a way of still doing some business with us despite the current restrictions.

We met Portas at the Wheatsheaf in Thurcaston and tried out the wares ourselves before offering them a place with us.

They are really customer focussed, their products are great quality and most of their stock is plasticlar as the Milners stock and both were free too.” sold out.

Milners is an award-winning bakery, “St Martin Coffee Roasters, another based in Blaby and has been a supplier to the White Horse for three years. They local supplier, joined the mix, grinding fresh coffees of your choice to order, have a range of traditional breads as well as sourdough, focaccias and rustica. and Weigh Hey, who are a zero waste They also supply sausage rolls, cheese pop up shop, were there supplying refillable, eco-friendly, cruelty-free household straws and pasties.

Another regular supplier, Glenn Lewin, and body care items.”

The 'stalls' are set to happen each is selling his pies, scotch eggs and pork Wednesday and the offer each week pies which have been a huge hit, says continues to grow. Teas and coffees, and Charlotte. bacon and sausage cobs, are being The White Horse started the stalls on served to take away.

January 6 and sold out of bread very Shopper Christine Geschke said: “I soon that first day. think it’s wonderful to be able to come Charlotte said: “The second Wednesout and buy fresh fruit and veg in the day was a drizzly affair but it didn't stop open air. And the bread is just to die customers from flowing down. The for.” second week, items from Lewins were Alan Mee was visiting with his daughadded and these proved equally as poputer Ruby. He said: “I think it’s fantastic,

Pics: Shoppers browsing fruit, veg and bread at stalls in the car park of the White Horse

buying fresh fruit and veg on our doorstep. I usually shop at Aldi but this is much better.”

David Michael was shopping with his wife Jenny. He said: “It’s great, reminds me of how Birstall used to be, lots of people and lots of local produce.”

Charlotte said: “We are absolutely delighted at the response from the local community, we didn't know how it would go and only did a small amount of Facebook promotion the first week just to see how it went.

“It has given James and I something to do and I think from the response it has given the folk of Birstall something to do

Pic: Shopping for fruit & Veg: Alan & Ruby Mee

too! A lot of people have chosen to walk down to incorporate a bit of exercise with a visit but the car park is open for those who might need to drive, or have bought too much to carry.”

She added: “All of the stalls take card and cash payments and have provided hand sanitiser. Please can we advise those attending to wear a mask and observe social distancing.”

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Coronavirus kindness as pandemic continues BIRSTALL'S HELPING Our Community Group continues to support charities, the NHS and individuals in need, as co-founder Rosie Rollings reports:

family in immediate need, every item and more were donated within 24hrs.

Thank you to each and everyone that contributed Barbara Wass, a member of the scrubs team, has been making memory

Pics: (from top) Dorset buttons, donated items and trauma teds

bears with the proceeds going to Jade's. Barbara has made over £600. We are very proud of her.

Quilts and bears were received by the LRI for Christmas.

I’m sure they brightened the wards.

We have also continued to make trauma Teds for the emergency services.

Dorset buttons have been made by Paul Clarke and these have been given as a thank you to our front line NHS staff in Birstall. These were hand made with love, and people were very thankful for the gesture.

Thanks to everyone, we really have a community to be proud of.

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Grants available now GRANTS TOTALLING £2000 are available now for groups and good causes in Birstall & Wanlip.

The villages’ four Borough councillors each have a £500 grant to give away, as part of Charnwood‘s member grant scheme.

The funds must be used for a capital project, such as new equipment, kit, renovations etc. The minimum that can be applied for is £250, and the maximum is £500 per member, and applications can be made to more than one member.

Grants have previously been made to Birstall United junior football club, Birstall scouts, Birstall Air Cadets, Acorns under-fives, the Methodist lunch club and Shop Local Birstall.

Applications must be made directly to Birstall & Wanlip Borough councillors: Iain Bentley, Julian Howe, Shona Rattray and Roy Rollings.

You can contact them via their Facebook page – Birstall borough councillors – or via the Charnwood website.

The last date for applications is February 28, 2021.

Birstall Parish Council also has a community grant scheme; details on how to apply are on the Parish Council website.

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

Christmas saw the delivery of over 150 meals, paid for by the community.

The idea was so successful, and Ruth’s Lambourne café so accommodating, that we were able to set the same scheme going for the Thurmaston group ran by Mark Lowe. The messages of gratitude and praise for the quality of the food was heartwarming.

As a result of people paying for more that one meal we had and excess of £103. It has been decided to have this as credit at Lambourne café. This can then be used for anyone coming out of hospital or unwell in Birstall, or as a gesture from the community marking a special day or a hard day.

We have already used this on one occasion, and it was gratefully received. If you know of anyone you think could benefit, please get in touch or call Ruth’s Lambourne café.

The community pulled together making and buying goods crafted in the community for Jade's retreat.

A total of £1375. It has been decided to continue crafting and raising funds for Jade's over the following year. If anyone has wool or new fabric the scrubs group would appreciate it. Donations can be dropped at 6 Cliffe Road.

The community was asked to help a

News from Birstall’s schools

hours a day for secondary, with more for pupils working towards formal qualifications this year.

Teachers are aiming to run a normal timetable as far as possible, and tutors will touch base with students at least once a week in secondary.

Exams Summer exams won't go ahead, but Ofqual is consulting on alternative ways of grading students, please visit Ofqual online and contact them directly with your opinions on how students should be assessed this year and next).

Help vaccine roll-out

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, admin staff and volunteers are being asked to come forward to help administer the Covid19 vaccines in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Several new vaccination centres are being set up, and each one requires dozens of staff to administer the jabs.

Any registered healthcare professional can play a part after appropriate training – most of which they can do online at home. Retired professionals can join a temporary register up to five years after they have left the permanent register.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust is recruiting staff on behalf of the local NHS. Anne Scott, director of nursing, allied health professionals and quality, said: “We are looking for staff who are registered healthcare professionals or could easily re-register. This includes a wide range of professions such as physiotherapists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, as well as nurses and doctors.

“We will be offering full and parttime work over the next few months.

You will be very welcome.

“Staff who have already been involved in the programme have said it is hugely rewarding to help deliver vaccines which protect life and will help the country return to normal.”

She added: “We are also looking for administrative staff to welcome patients and to help ensure accurate records are kept for members of the public receiving the vaccination. In addition, this project is looking for volunteers to help patients at the vaccination sites.”

For more details and to apply, please visit: www.leicspart.nhs.uk/supportvaccinati ons

PHOTO: CEDARS ACADEMY

IN A period of constant change in our schools, the Chair of Governors at the Cedars Academy, Shreekant Raivadera, provides an update.

Well, that didn’t last long! As I expected, last month’s update was out-of-date before it even went to the printers, so the usual caveat – this is based on the best information we have as of the middle of January.

Despite the announcement that schools would close, ours have been exceptionally busy – much more so than during the March 2020 lockdown. The definitions of key workers are much

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broader and the other rules are different, meaning many more students qualify to be in school. While we all agree that school is the best place for children to learn, being in school shouldn’t present a greater risk to either the children or the staff and the numbers of learners in school is making that a very complex situation to manage. Some schools in the country (not in our trust) are reporting up to 90% in-school attendance!

But the benefits of being in the Lionheart Trust family of schools came to the fore again, with all the schools working together to react quickly to this everchanging pandemic.

Testing The trust team worked hard over the holiday to appoint over 30 people to start the mass testing regime. We have also purchased quantities of supplies to support the testing - the kits have been provided but not the full set of resources

Pressure on A & E A RECORD number of patients were spending 12 hours or more in A&E in December.

The latest data published by NHS England shows that the number of patients waiting 12 hours or more before being admitted in December 2020 was the highest figure since records began.

3,745 patients were spending 12 hours or more in Emergency Departments. It marks an increase of 75% on November 2020 and an increase of 60% on December 2019.

The contrast with May 2020 is stark when only 93 patients spent 12 hours or more waiting to be admitted.

Quarterly data published by NHS England present the same picture. Q3 of 2020 recorded 7,153 people waiting 12 hours or more to be admitted, marking a 70% increase on Q3 2019. Q1 2020 recorded only 505 patients waiting 12 hours or more to be admitted, equal to a 1300% increase in Q3 2020.

needed to administer them.

Staff and secondary students attending vulnerable and critical worker provision will be tested where permissions have been given.

Remote learning Remote learning is up and running, with at least 1/3 of lessons being live on Microsoft Teams. Ensuring that this is high quality is a priority. Tracking student engagement will be much more detailed this time, with new systems developed since the previous lockdown.

Teaching from home will be challenging, as in the first lockdown, for teachers with younger children now that primary schools are closed. Nurseries are allowed to remain open, which may mean that those with under 4s are able to continue to access these.

The DfE expectation is at least three hours a day, on average, across the school cohort for primary and four

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FEBRUARY 2021 Visit our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk and join our Group on Facebook

The New Year has seen the start of the vaccination programme with the associated hope that the limits placed on all of our lives by the Covid‐19 pandemic can be gradually put behind us.

Neighbourhood Watch is focussed on helping our members to stay safe from crime. Over the last year there has been a much greater use of internet services and many people using online shopping for the first time.

Check Your Facts We regularly warn about scammers who deliberately tell lies in order to trick us out of our money. The advice is ALWAYS to treat messages as suspicious until you are sure they can be trusted. We should be equally careful about ideas and stories that come from possibly unreliable sources.

People are entitled to their opinions and have a right to express them. There are, for example, various views on the origin, seriousness and effects of the current pandemic that we might want to consider.

The question remains the same, however: Can the message be trusted?

There has been a flood of false claims. Some are odd to say the least; such as that the virus has been introduced by aliens from another planet! Some, though, are not so easily dismissed and are readily accepted by those who want to use them to justify their behaviour.

That has led to a significant increase in cyber‐crime with ruthless scammers cheating victims out of tens of millions of pounds. Their latest targets are people waiting to be told how to get their vaccination. A large number of these are among the elderly who are often the most easily tricked.

Please make sure that relatives, friends and neighbours understand that the vaccination is FREE to EVERYBODY on the NHS and that NOBODY has to pay for it.

Face Masks We are required to wear face masks in shops and similar places in order to protect those who have no choice but to be there at work. Whatever our personal preferences or disregard of the risk to ourselves, WE DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE THOSE DECISIONS FOR THEM. Unless there is a genuine medical reason that prevents you from wearing a mask for a short time, there is no excuse for putting other people at such unnecessary and serious risk.

Always wear your mask in public enclosed places even if you find it unpleasant to do so. Getting infected will be much more unpleasant for all concerned.

Catalytic Converter Theft

Despite all the reports of infection and death rates, there are still those who seek to diminish the risk that faces us all.

They claim that none of the precautions are necessary and even that the vaccines are dangerous to our health.

There was a spate of catalytic converter thefts around Birstall during January. These are expensive items to replace and the thieves often cause other damage to the vehicle in the process of removing them.

High wheelbase vehicles such as 4×4s and SUVs are at higher risk because they are easier to crawl under but thieves also jack up vehicles to get access underneath.

If possible, always park your vehicle in a locked garage during the hours of darkness. If you see anybody acting suspiciously around parked cars and vans, especially crawling under them, call the Police on 999.

There is more information on keeping your vehicle safe at: www.leics.police.uk/cp/crime‐prevention/theft‐from‐a‐ vehicle/vehicle‐safe‐and‐sound

Before you accept ideas and views that go against all the mainstream advice, ask yourself why they are being pushed.

What is the real purpose behind them?

Washing Machine Insurance

When our car goes wrong, we seek the advice and assistance of a mechanic but when our body goes wrong, we go to a doctor.

Nobody in their right mind would dream of doing it the other way round!

When faced with different views on an important issue, look behind each of them to identify the messenger and how well qualified they are to give their opinion. Be very wary of simply accepting the one that suits you best, over the better one because that would cause you inconvenience.

The Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Beat Team produces a monthly Newsletter written by our Beat Officer, Dave Jaeckels. It contains news about recent crime in our villages, crime prevention advice and other information about the Team’s activities.

You can read it in full each month on our website:

www.villagewatch.co.uk/police

Members have received telephone calls telling them to renew their washing machine insurance. Some had no such policy and another, who did, confirmed with their genuine company that the call did not come from them.

At best, this is an attempt to sell insurance in an underhand manner but it could also be a means of collecting credit card details for criminal purposes.

Never respond to calls or other messages that come out of the blue. If a genuine policy is due for renewal you will be given plenty of notice to decide how and when to pay.

© Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch – watch@villagewatch.co.uk – 0756 2422 756

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

Things are Looking Better but...

YOUR SAY...

trying to retrieve vodka bottles, beer and pop cans that have been shoved into the bushes, many of which contain brambles, better still use the litter bins on the park, or take your rubbish home with you.

Also, dog walkers please clear up after your dogs, it's hard enough reaching into the hedges to get the litter to then find you've trodden in dog mess.

Thank you, and keep safe.

Sheree and Paul Frost

55 minute call 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 email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Parking Many cars park on the main road leading to Bradgate Park to avoid being charged to park there. This is causing a lot of problems. An accident may occur because of this, so providing more overflow will not help this problem. Maybe reduced parking fees could make people use the car park!

John Alvey

Can’t handle it Having recently read 'Singing in the Rain', a Memoir by Maggie Silk who had spent some time teaching primary pupils in America on an exchange scheme, I found one paragraph that put me in mind of a person much in the news over the last four years. When the author went to a meeting of teachers from different countries, I quote: “Everyone was clamouring to speak when given the opportunity to talk openly about the lack of discipline and respect. Over and over again the fact was stated that because all American children are expected to succeed, they cannot handle failure.”

I would be interested to know if your readers agree that this explains a lot about the conduct of a certain politician during the recent election.

C Coltman

Litter

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

This is a polite request to all the people who are unable to dispose of their litter responsibly.

We regularly pick up litter from Meadow Lane and the car park at the bottom and would ask that if you have to throw your litter away, could you please just leave it on the verges instead of throwing it into the bushes. It is very difficult

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Royal British Legion We are looking forward to seeing you all as soon as we are able In the meantime, stay safe From Karen and the Committee

I have to report that my brother-inlaw, who lives in London and is diabetic, has recently gone down with the dreaded Covid. As a result, my sister was contacted by the authorities who wanted, of course, to find out with whom she had been in contact so that the appropriate warnings could be issued. What was worrying about this was that the telephone call lasted about 55 minutes, in which time they repeatedly asked for information which she had already given them. She says it was clear that the caller was reading from a form, and only gathering the information that way, not by listening to what she said.

I find it slightly worrying that it took 55 minutes to make the call; if it takes that long every time, it will take them several years to deal with current infections, let alone tomorrow's lot.

I am pleased to say that my brotherin-law is now on the mend.

Dr D McNeil

John & Kath Lee

supermarket and not go back, just for having the audacity to criticise them for allowing their staff to NOT wear facecoverings. What gave the staff the right to potentially infect the customers?

Then when the government made it compulsory for shop staff to wear face coverings they are making a big deal of it in their TV adds, just because they are now doing what other stores have been doing from day one. What a bunch of hypocrites!

Likewise in another local supermarket which up to this point I had found to be on the whole good in regards to Covid precautions (you always get the odd member of the public ignoring the precautions) but the staff followed them.

Until one day in December, I was in there wearing a face-covering following the one-way system they had put in place.

I was in an aisle that had been made narrow with extra stock only to see the manager coming the wrong way towards me. When I pointed out he was going the wrong way, and he should turn around and go the other way, he pushed aside as he passed, this I thought was very arrogant, so I told him so. At this point, he approached me again, grabbed my basket and said: “no one tells me what to do in MY store” (or words to that effect) and to leave and not come back. If that’s his attitude with the customers, how does he treat the staff?

I did complain to the supermarket, but nothing seems to have been done.

I suffer from anxiety so find shopping in crowded shops stressful at the best of times and having asthma and in recovery from cancer as well putting me at higher potential risk of covid, I would urge everybody to do everything they can to stop this killer virus, following all the rules is just the start. Or we’ll still be in lockdown this time next year.

Name and address supplied

Sadly I am informing you of the very sad loss of our wonderful parents, John and Kath Lee of Whiles Lane, Birstall, both aged 83.

My mum was taken very quickly on January 6, she collapsed in my dad’s arms and was taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary where she passed away before midnight. She had Covid-19 Transport links pneumonia. My mum was known by a Like the Hallam Fields estate, the lot of people in the village having Ashton Green development probably worked at the school and bar for many would not have a bus service immediateyears. ly nor perhaps for many years, so why She was a wonderful lady and was don’t the city council and the county taken too quickly. This has been a big council work together and liaise with the shock to our family, and she will be Great Central Railway to make the railsadly missed. way more accessible to people? I know My dad was taken in to the Glenfield several people in Birstall who go to Hospital on January 9 with the same thing, Covid-19 pneumonia, and he sadly work in Loughborough and no doubt people from the Ashton Green estate and died on January 18. My dad too would from the new development will do so. have been known by a lot of people in Also, several people like to go shopthe village having been involved in the ping in Loughborough. So if a length of swimming club and the bowling club.

My dad was an amazing, brave man who woodland is created running adjacent to the bypass, a footpath could be provided we will miss greatly. beside it to take people to a platform This has been an awful time for me, alongside the railway where trains could Suzanne Mitchison, and my brother make a halt to pick up passengers.

Stephen Lee. Our families have been A platform on the other side would devastated by the quick deaths of our parents and within 12 days of each other. need to be built with a connecting footbridge over the railway for returning They had been married for 61 years, passengers. If trains were run at suitable very happily, and they were together in times for workers and shoppers to go to life and death. Our parents were great and from Loughborough, this would role models to us both and to say we provide more passengers and more are heartbroken really is an understaterevenue for the railway and make it ment. more viable.

Suzanne Mitchison Also, it seems a route could be established from the upper part of the Gates Mask concern estate (Perhaps from Harrowgate Drive Since this Covid plague reared its ugly going alongside the playing field) to enable people to walk to and from the head, I have been asked to leave a local

platforms.

Having an established railway among a large amount of housing already built and eventually, the hundreds planned, is a great, fortunate to have, facility and it should be used as much as possible.

J Woods

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THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Feb 26.

The copy deadline is Feb 15.

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EHIC or GHIC and travel to Europe SINCE THE UK’s Brexit transition period officially ended on 1 January and the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement took force, rules and regulations are changing for travellers heading into Europe.

However, travel into Europe will only begin again once the present lockdown restrictions are finally lifted.

So, what is available to UK travellers who are planning trips to Europe once the current travel restrictions are lifted?

What happens to travellers who renewed their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in 2020?

Fiona Macrae, head of consumer awareness initiative travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk explains the nuances between the EHIC and the GHIC and what you need to know about both cards.

What is the difference between the EHIC and the GHIC? The GHIC is very similar to the EHIC allowing British tourists to access free, or heavily discounted treatment in public hospitals should they fall ill and need medical attention while on holiday in the EU. Both the EHIC and GHIC also cover any necessary medical treatment for existing conditions and routine maternity care, provided you are not travelling to the country to give birth or seek medical treatment. The agreement between the UK and EU means that British tourists will continue to pay the same price for treatment at a hospital as local residents would. Thankfully, in terms of healthcare abroad, very little has changed.

If the GHIC is global, does it cover medical costs all over the world?

The government are yet to confirm

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whether the GHIC will extend to the reciprocal agreement which is in place with countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Gibraltar, and the Caribbean.

Although, one thing we can be certain of is that it won’t be ‘carte blanche’ global cover, whereby we have reciprocal healthcare arrangements with all countries around the world.

However, it is also worth knowing that the GHIC is not permitted for use in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. However, UK students studying in the EU, some British state pensioners

still in date, tourists do not need to apply for a GHIC just yet.

Who can apply for a GHIC, what’s the registration process, how long does it take, and how much does it cost?

All UK residents are eligible to apply for a free GHIC. Registering for a GHIC is exactly the same process as applying for an EHIC and there are several ways to do so. Brits can apply online via the official website, call the GHIC application service on 0300 330 1350, or print off the online application form and apply by

their entitlement.

This can be applied for by calling the Overseas Healthcare Services on 0191 218 1999 to apply, the PRC will provide the same cover as an EHIC or GHIC would have.

However, it’s worth being aware that PRC’s can only be issued during set opening hours. So, if tourists require emergency medical attention at the weekend or late at night, they may need to rely on their travel insurance to cover costs.

Do I still need travel insurance if I have EHIC or GHIC? Yes! Even though the EHIC and GHIC entitle Brits to emergency medical treatment abroad, they do not cover costs for cancellation, lost luggage, or repatriation (if you need to be flown home in an emergency).

So, it is essential that Brits still continue to buy an adequate travel insurance policy that meets their needs to gain full protection while abroad. And some travel insurers even waiver the excess on a policy if the EHIC or GHIC has been used for emergency medical treatment.

Pic: the new GHIC card

living in the EU, and EU nationals in the UK will be able to apply for a new UK EHIC and continue to receive its benefits in these countries.

Additionally, any Brits who arrived in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein before 1 January 2021 will be able to continue to use their UK EHIC, provided it has not already expired.

Can you apply for the GHIC if you still have an EHIC? Brits who renewed their EHIC before the end of 2020 will be able to continue to use their EHIC until it expires – even if that’s years away! So, while the EHIC is

post. Applications usually take between 7-10 days to process, but extra time should be allowed for postal applications.

However, holidaymakers should also be aware of fraudulent websites that charge a fee when applying for a GHIC, as just like the EHIC, the GHIC is completely free.

What happens if I fall ill abroad and do not have a GHIC? Brits that fall ill in an EU country and do not have an EHIC or GHIC (due to it not arriving in time or being misplaced) are able to apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to prove

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Diamond couple celebrate anniversary A BIRSTALL couple have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Don and Jan Davis of Fieldgate Crescent met through their love of roller skating and were married on February 11, 1961, in Lincoln.

The couple moved to Birstall in the early 1980s with Don (83) working for Severn Trent and Jan (80) for Leicester City Council at Nuffield House as a cook.

They have two daughters, Lynette and Lorraine, four grandchildren, and two

Pics: Don & Jan Davis and (above) on their wedding day

great-grandchildren. With plans for a celebration this summer when the lockdown is relaxed, the family intend to mark the anniversary on February 11 with a drive-by visit with grandson Conal playing the bagpipes.

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

10

Historic route restored for walkers proaches the golf course.

It is hoped that an interpretation board will be installed in 2021 to give some historical background for the walkers who travel the route.

AN HISTORIC footpath in Rothley has been reinstated.

Lord Macaulay’s Walk follows part of the old carriageway laid out by Thomas Babington over 200 years ago; an oak tree lined route which originally ran from an old lodge (near what is now the slip road from the A6) to Rothley Temple, now part of Rothley Court Hotel.

The work was carried out by Leicestershire County Council and paid for by Persimmon Homes.

The walk now has a number of ‘kissing’ gates and yellow way-marker posts

Maps: (top) the routes of the public footpath today; (left) an older map showing the route of the original carriageway

indicating the route.

Access points to the route include the footpath at the end of Loughborough Road at the point where the slip road leaves the main A6, at the top of Farmers Way, and on the track leading from Town Green Street as it ap-

Free taxi for over eighties to get jab A LOCAL taxi company is offering a free taxi service for anyone aged 80 or over to get to their vaccination appointment.

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

ADT Taxis CAB4 A JAB campaign has been launched to help elderly people who might be struggling with transport.

Ashley Butcher, a director of ADT taxis, said: “We have delivered free emergency food parcels to those most in need, we have helped get peoples shopping with our new click and collect services, but with the hope of the new vaccines rolling out, we know that some of those most in need sometimes struggle to get to their appointment.”

To take advantage of this offer, customers will need to call ADT TAXIS on one of their main numbers, either 01509 260000 or 0116 2555222 and quote CAB4AJAB when they are making their booking.

In addition to the CAB4 A JAB campaign, ADT are offering all NHS and Key workers a 20% discount of their taxi fares by using a unique code NHS20 when they book via the smartphone booking app, which can be downloaded at www.adt-taxis.co.uk/app/ Ashley said: “We know we have a loyal customer base here in Leicestershire, many of our customers become people we know and recognise, and we want to ensure every single over 80 person here can get to their appointment and start to return to normal.”

This offer is open to all people within Leicestershire aged over 80 with an appointment before February 15 and with a valid appointment letter from their GP or vaccination point.

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Pic: Looking through the trees towards the old A6 through Thomas Babington's Carriageway

Thomas Babington’s Carriageway This is the carriageway constructed by Thomas Babington (1758-1837) who spent his retirement from his parliamentary career on improving his estate at The Temple by planting trees, building a bridge and laying out a carriageway. It took him from his home, Rothley Temple (now the Rothley Court Hotel), over the fields to the main road (A6) then down the Bridle Road to Wanlip, which joined the main road to Syston. Lord Macauley (pictured left) was his nephew and his favourite walk was along the section of the carriageway from Rothley Temple to the old A6.

11

NHW news

& crime report The Official Way is the Only Way Despite the pandemic, life goes on, and we may find ourselves applying for or renewing things like passports and driving licences. New arrangements require us to apply for a new health UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to replace an EHIC when it expires.

These and a number of official things can be safely done online but, as ever, there are those out there seeking to cheat you out of your money. This can be by fake websites that are simply criminal or by genuine sites that act legally but still leave you out of pocket.

One scam is aimed at people who search online for official telephone numbers. It displays a phone number for the relevant department and, if you use it, you will be put through to the right department. However, you will be paying a very high connection charge because the call is routed through a premium rate number. One victim was charged £137 for a lengthy conversation with the Tax Office about a £54 tax refund!

Calling a government department directly using the correct phone number is either free or charged at normal rates.

The numbers to avoid are those beginning with 084-, 087-, or 09-. No official government service ever uses these numbers.

Searching for an official website can be equally hazardous. The list will include copycat sites that appear to supply official services. You are able to make

your application using their form and paying them a fee. All they do is forward your personal details to the real website on your behalf, adding their own charge to your final bill, even when the service itself is free of charge. In addition, you have no control over what else they may do with the details you have supplied.

It is simple and much safer to find official telephone numbers and website links without using a search engine. You will always be able to find the information by going straight to the official UK Government website: www.gov.uk From Ed Chambers, Committee Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip NHW

January Priorities Firstly we’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year & we hope that 2021 is a vast improvement on 2020.

This month the beat team will mainly be focusing on patrolling the area around Station Road as we have had complaints about Anti-Social Behaviour being committed in this area, including vehicle parking up and playing loud music. We will also continue to patrol the usual hotspots including Meadow Lane and School lane Park.

Crime Update We had a total of 42 crimes reported to us in December, very slightly up on November when we had 40.

We have had 17 reports of assault (the vast majority of these have occurred in domestic settings with 2 separate incidents accounting for 6 reports), 9 reports of theft, 6 Public Order Offences, 3 reports of criminal damage, 2 thefts from vehicles, 2 actual vehicles stolen, 1 non-dwelling burglary, 1 cycle theft and finally one sexual offence.

Once again, I am pleased to report that we have had no house burglaries in December, which is clearly very positive and we also had a good result with a female being arrested for an incident on the 21/12 in Tesco’s on Sibson Road when she committed a theft and assault-

Getting laptops to school students BIRSTALL’S SCHOOLS are fundraising to get laptop computers to students who need them.

“In July, we committed to fundraising enough to supply 1500 Chromebooks to disadvantage students across our trust,” said Kath Kelly, CEO of the Lionheart Academies Trust.

The trust’s survey found that 33% of students across 10 schools lacked access to their own devices for home learning.

Kath said: “We realised we had a moral imperative to ensure no student is left behind as a result of this crisis.”

With the support of the trusts business network and the student, parent and governor community, 100 Chrome-

books have been supplied to students.

One year 10 Lionheart student said: “I didn’t have my own computer, so I found it hard to complete work online.

Since I was given a Chromebook by my school, I’ve been able to take part in live lessons and complete every piece of work set by teachers on time.

“It’s really changed my learning experience for the better. I now know that with this support, I can succeed.”

You can make a donation at www.gofundme.com, search for Lionheart digital devices fundraiser.

Businesses that would like to sponsor the campaign can email rikki.khakhar@lionhearttrust.org.uk

ed 3 staff members.

This female was subsequently charged with a number of offences and remanded to court.

For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leiceste rshire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice In January and February, we often see an increase in vehicle thefts as people leave their cars running with the keys in the ignition whilst they defrost.

Remember that thieves will be up and about early, looking for vehicles to steal so please do not make it easy for them!

1) NEVER leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition. You are also committing an offence if you leave it running on the road with no-one in it.

2) REMEMBER that if your vehicle is stolen in this way, your insurance may not pay out for it as they will deem you to have been negligent.

3) DON’T use boiling water to clear frost from the windows—they are likely to crack!

Events Over the next few months, we will be conducting beat surgeries on various dates. These will be held at the Birstall Beat office on Sibson Rd on the following days and allow you to discuss any concerns you have with a local Police Officer or PCSO. Please keep an eye on our Twitter site @CharnwoodPolice for further details.

Wednesday 10th February 2021.

10am—12midday.

Friday 19th February 2021. 10am— 12midday.

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Pic: the Birstall Beat team (from top left) PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels, Sgt Rakhi Mistry PCSO 6128 Cody Taylor, PCSO 6611 Mark Butler

Remember, you can also stay in touch with your beat team by contacting us via phone, email or through the Leicestershire Police website. Neighbourhood Link is also a free and easy way of finding out what is happening on the beat and what the Police are doing in your area. It is free and only takes a few minutes to sign up.

Sign up now at:www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk This month the beat team conducted a street consultation in the Bramley Road, Orchard Road and Lambourne Road area. We spoke with approximately 70 residents and a number of issues were identified, including drug use and general Anti-Social Behaviour in the Meadow Lane area as well as some concerns about vehicles speeding. We will look to concentrate on these issues and aim to complete further consultation events in other parts of the village in due course.

This month I have also been out delivering leaflets in the area around Paget Avenue and Stonehill Avenue, following concerns being raised about vehicles parking dangerously in this location. I will be conducting patrols in this area and any vehicles found to be parked illegally may be ticketed or removed, so please ensure that you are parking considerately if you live or visit this area.

Thank you.

PC 1759 Jaeckels, PCSO 6611 Butler, PCSO 6128 Taylor, Sgt Rakhi Mistry

Tel: 0116 2692167 Mob: 0792 1703 765

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

12

Wreake Runners welcome you WREAKE RUNNERS have moved their meeting point to Syston and are looking for new members from the surrounding villages.

Daniel Gadsby, the club Chairman, said: “Having the pavilion in Syston is great for us, as we have so many members from the surrounding villages, it’s a good central location. Most members choose to run to the hub, although there is car parking available for some that come over from Sileby, Birstall and Scraptoft. It was a shame that we had to relocate from Roundhill school in Thurmaston, but totally understandable as the space was needed for additional class facilities during the pandemic. We are hoping this year will see a wave of new members joining us as everyone embraces the benefits that running outdoors and with others can bring.”

He added: “Joining a club is one of the best things you can do as a runner.

You can improve your running, no matter what level you are. Our members

“Having others to run with is more motivating and keeps you accountable.

You are less likely to talk yourself out of a run on a wet or dark day, as well as the other benefits including pace, route variety and social aspects.”

Wreake Runners meet on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, and run preplanned routes of 5-10 miles, splitting into groups based on ability.

There are track sessions fortnightly at Ratcliffe College which are still operating under Covid-19 guidelines.

To learn more, visit facebook/wreakerunners or wreakerunners.co.uk and arrange to come along for a no-pressure trial to see if the club is right for you.

Pic: runners meet before a run; in Bradgate Park; at a Ratcliffe College track session

cover all abilities and speeds, so there will always be someone to chase after or encourage you. We can advise on train-

ing plans and goals too, whether it’s a local 10k or Midlands and National Championships.

“Structured workouts can bring real improvements to pace, strength and time.

Finding out you can run faster than you thought is really empowering. Pushing yourself with hills, speed work and distance can really help your progress.

Walkies now more than once a day may only exercise outside the home once a day. However, the RSPCA says the decision to relax this so pet owners can meet the exercise needs of their dogs locally is a "common sense approach" which avoids discriminating against dogs in single-person The RSPCA has welcomed new guidance from the UK Government which will households. Previously, multiple people from make it easier for people in England to walk and exercise their dogs amid ongo- the same household could use their daily exercise to walk the same dog ing lockdown restrictions.

Advice for pet owners in England was - but dogs living with one person updated on January 13 and now outlines were restricted to a single walk a day. that people with dogs can go out more Dr Samantha Gaines, the often than once a day to exercise their RSPCA's head of companion anicanine companion if necessary. However, people are still advised by the UK Govern- mals, said: "The RSPCA really welcomes this important new guidance for England ment to "limit this where possible". from the UK Government, which is a The new advice for dog walkers in England can be found on the UK Govern- common-sense approach for dog owners and their pets. ment website.

“Under these rules, dog walkers may England has been under a national now go out more than once a day to lockdown since January 5- and people

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

UPDATED GUIDANCE now outlines that people with dogs in England can leave their homes for exercise more than once a day to meet the needs of their dogs

meet the exercise needs of their dogs.

This stops the rules penalising dogs living with one person - and also ensures more consistency with lockdown rules in Wales, where there is no cap on how many times someone may walk their dog.

Exercise

The March issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Feb 26.

The copy deadline is Feb 15.

in Wales must start and stop from the home.

“We all must do our bit to stop coronavirus - so it’s important people understand the restrictions and keep local.

Keeping dogs on leads at this time can help ensure social distancing, and will avoid owners unnecessarily coming into contact with one another should a pet need to be retrieved.”

Meanwhile, the RSPCA continues to urge local authorities across England and Wales to ease locally-imposed rules on where dogs can be exercised known as Public Spaces Protection Orders, which often restrict dogs from being walked in certain places. This will help ensure adequate provision of local dog walking spots during the lockdown, to help keep people in their immediate communities and prevent unnecessary travel.

Owners of dogs have also been reminded that a friend, relative or someone in the local community can help a vulnerable person, or someone who is self-isolating, with their dog walking but to closely follow guidance on handover protocols and safety from the Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG).

13

Cedars’ students repair bikes BIKES REPAIRED and refurbished by students at the Cedars Academy are being given away free.

The scheme started in March 2020, and so far 20 bicycles have been given away.

Mr Nigel Jarvis, the Cedars Academy Staff member leading the project, said: “I’m very proud of the students involved.

Despite a shortage of time on the project, they chose to give up quite a bit of their own time to ensure it was successful. They have shown pride in their work, having taken donated bikes of varying quality and fixed, sanded, resprayed and decorated them to a standard which means they can be donated and can be enjoyed by members of our community.

“They have developed practical skills to use in the future on bikes or further afield, learnt the value of recycling materials and, most importantly, shown their joy in doing

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Pic: one of the bikes refurbished by the project

a good deed for the community.”

Students at Cedars, the feeder primary schools and some local charities have received the completed bikes, free of charge and in a roadworthy, clean and presentable condition.

Mr Jarvis said: “We felt as a team, last year as much as any, that any help we could give prior to Christmas was an effort worth investing. The students involved have also expressed the desire to continue the project, and this year we aim to donate more.”

1298 fines issued in county as Police enforce Covid-19 rules LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE have revealed some of the recent reasons why they have issued fixed penalty notices for breaches of Covid-19 rules.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith said: “We are really grateful for all of those people who are staying in and not taking risks. By doing this you are enabling us to do our job tackling crime and supporting victims.

"We have certainly seen an increase in reports to us of Covid rule breaches and therefore, as a result, we are handing out more Fixed Penalty Notices. We share the public’s frustration that the small minority are still taking terrible risks, but we continue to police to keep

people safe.”

Since January 4, officers have issued a total of 361 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to the value of £72,200.

There have been a further 1,246 reports of Covid incidents to police and there were a staggering 22 assaults on police.

Since 23 March 2020, Leicestershire Police has given out a total of 1,298 FPNs and has received a total of 20,996 reports of Covid incidents. This is around 488 average reports a week.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith added: “With vaccine programmes rolling out and there finally being a glimmer of hope, we want the public to continue to contact us, via the website or 101, and tell us where people are ignoring

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the rules.

“Police officers risk their lives every day, and I know how much they appreciate the support of the public, allowing them to tackle crime in our city and counties.”

The following outlines examples of breaches to show where police are giving out FPNs between 4 - 22 January: On 10 January, a man was travelling from Nottingham to Leicester to see a friend – they stated they were not aware they could not travel.

On 13 January, a man from Sweptstone Road, Heather, who should have been isolating having tested positive for Covid, was picked up by his girlfriend and went to get a takeaway.

On 13 January, three people not from the same household were found in a car ‘just chillin’ in Loughborough. Fines were issued.

On 15 January, a man had driven from Birmingham to see an uncle and friends and also with two other passengers, not from the same household On 15 January, officers attend an address in Leicester with six people ‘extremely intoxicated’ not from the same household.

On 15 January, a vehicle was stopped in Glenfield. The occupants had travelled there from London. It was discovered

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one passenger was wanted on another matter and was therefore arrested.

On 16 January, men travelled from London to Leicester with no reasonable excuse to stay overnight with a friend.

On 16 January, officers attended an address to find a number of people with a bonfire playing darts. One male was aggressive and swore at officers. Fines were given.

On 16 January, a driver and three friends from different households travelled from Coventry to Leicester – unable to give an excuse so all fined.

On 16 January, a party at an address in Cambridge Street, Leicester On 17 January, a private address in Narborough was found to be having a birthday party – six people in attendance.

Four fined whereas two men ran from police out of the back of the property.

On 17 January, two men, not from the same household, were found in the same car in Oadby. They met to watch a football match together on their phone.

They were given FPNs. On 17 January, officers attended an address in Leicester to find the owner had invited his friends round for a curry.

They stated they were aware of the rules but came around anyway. They were all fined.

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

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News from the churches all these efforts, the third lockdown and the increase in Covid infections have once again put these plans on hold. It was planned to hold Sunday services twice a month in the church especially At Birstall, St James is now closed for for those who could not access the public worship and also private prayer.

‘Zoom’ services on the internet. Although At Wanlip, Our lady and St Nicolas conthe law does allow (at the time of going tinues to provide Evening prayer at 6pm to press) places of worship to open, like on Sundays, and is open for private many other places of worship, Birstall prayer on Wednesday afternoons from 3 Methodist Church is staying closed. Anto 4pm. A Eucharistic service from other significant factor in that decision is Birstall is online each week, and the that, despite the cold weather, all doors evening prayer from Wanlip also goes and windows would have to be kept out online. The situation regarding open to stop the spread of infection. closures will be reviewed during FebruBubble into Zoom ary.

Many elderly people are not at all As we stated last month, we are now familiar with the intricacies of the interadvertising for a new Rector, and after net, and especially not ‘Zoom’. If you the closing date for applicants later this ‘bubble’ with someone who is in this month, we should be another important situation & could join them with your step further along this road, as we pray laptop, iPad, tablet or smartphone on a for the right person for Birstall and Wan- Sunday morning I am sure they would lip. appreciate the opportunity to share in We hope and pray that, with the com- worship and the chat afterwards. ing of the vaccines, restrictions on our A reminder too that our Sunday Servdaily lives will start to ease. If you would ices are recorded and not too difficult to like prayers for yourself or your friends find. Find ‘Leicester Trinity Circuit’. On and relatives during a time of distress, the opening page (on the right-hand illness or loneliness, please contact Doside) is a column ‘latest news’ with an reen on 0116 267 4680, or Gill on 0116 entry for ‘Birstall Sunday Video Service’.

267 5086, and your request will be Although it is dated October 2020, it passed around our prayer chain, as does, in fact, cover most of the Sunday quickly as possible, and in the strictest services since then, with a picture of the confidence, bringing comfort and reasdifferent preachers for each Sunday as surance. May God bless us all through you scroll down. this New Year.

From Birstall Methodist Church

FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS celebrations, and the coming of a New Year, we find ourselves in lockdown (again).

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

From the parish churches, St James the Great, Birstall, and Our Lady & St Nicolas, Wanlip

Crackers from The Kids For Methodist Friends Many members of the Methodist Church got a surprise gift from the youngsters of the Sunday Club when home-made Christmas crackers arrived at their door in December. Each cracker contained three Roses chocolates. Many who received them thought it was a simple but thoughtful gesture and were very grateful.

‘Thank You’ From the Lunch Club at the Methodist Church The Wednesday Lunch Club would like to give belated thanks to the many friends and organisations in Birstall for the wonderful support given to their members over the Christmas period.

Eight members received hampers from the Parish Council, and five members had a Christmas Day lunch provided and delivered by the Lambourne Café (paid for by members of the Birstall Community). In addition, 18 members received hampers from the ‘Helping our Community LE4 group’ as reported on page seven of last month’s Birstall Post.

Methodist Premises Stay Closed Several groups who use the church premises were hoping to restart in January. Each group had to prepare a ‘Risk Assessment’ to cover the Covid-19 problems. These Risk Assessments went back & forth between each group and Graham (who luckily has qualifications in Health & Safety) until every possible scenario was covered. The several pages of each Risk Assessment were circulated to members of the property committee. Despite

Love Many will be celebrating ‘love’ in the middle of this month with red roses and chocolates, but the love we are expected to show is much greater than this.

Jesus Christ tells us to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength…and...you shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Mark 12: 30-31) In fact, love should run through the whole of our actions and be the ruling motive. It should also include our enemies: Jesus said ‘love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you.’ (Luke 6: 27-28) This seems impossible to us, but it is no more than Jesus has done for us already. We are faced with the truth that God’s love is infinitely superior to ours, for He is love (1 John 4: 7-11) and Paul prays that the readers of his letter to the church at Ephesus would be able to understand ‘what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.’ (Ephesians 3: 18-19) This divine love is the subject of the two hymns before us this month: ‘O the deep, deep love of Jesus!

Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free, Rolling as a mighty ocean, In its fullness over me’ and ‘Loved with everlasting love, Led by grace that love to know’.

The first was written originally as a poem

by Samuel Trevor Francis, who was born in Hertfordshire in 1834 before moving to Hull and then London, where he joined the Brethren Assembly.

He became an evangelist and a muchtravelled open-air speaker in the UK and

abroad. He died in Worthing in 1925.

The second hymn was penned by Rev. George Wade Robinson, who was born in Cork in 1838 and educated at Trinity College, Dublin and New College, London. He entered the Congregational ministry and served several churches in Dublin, London, Dudley and Brighton before his early death in 1877. If you would like to know how to access and experience this divine love, then please contact us.

Please also contact us for updates on when we can resume our Sunday services at The Cedars, by phoning 0116 2214883 or checking our website (http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk).

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

AS WE approach the second month of 2021, it seems that no sooner have the Christmas decorations been consigned to the attic, then Lent approaches with surprising haste, mid-month.

Despite the enhanced Covid-19 restrictions introduced before Christmas, our services were able to go ahead as planned, bringing light and cheer to all.

Additional Christmas masses were held, and Fr Tom was assisted by Fr Benny, who will be spending some time in the parish before (embarking on/returning to) further studies.

Although this Christmas was unlike any other that we have experienced,

every effort was made to create the spirit of the season. Masses were live-streamed for the benefit of those unable to attend in person. The photos here show the altar was decorated with the traditional manger scene and the beautiful floral arrangements. Carols and mass parts had been pre-recorded by choir members which were played at main masses over the twelve days. Earlier in the month, some of the adult choir joined with singers from other local churches to sing carols around Birstall, spreading seasonal atmosphere as they went.

At the time of writing, church services can still continue, and we thank God that this is possible. We continue to pray for all those who have been affected by Covid-19 in whatever way. In particular, we remember in our prayers the hospital staff who continue to care for the very sickest people, often at personal cost to their own well-being. Christmas

brought the first steps in the mass vaccination program, and we hope and pray that with the approach of Easter we are finally able to see light at the end of a very long tunnel.

From St Theresa’s, Birstall & Sacred Heart, Rothley

Think of a number between 2 and 10 Multiply by 9 You should have two digits.

Add them together Now subtract 5 to get your final number Now translate your number for a letter, so if it is 2 it's B, if it is 3 it's a C and so on Now think of a country beginning with that letter Now take the second letter of that country Think of an animal beginning with that letter And the colour of the animal…(see the end for the answer) At the start of the year, I shared some thoughts about Joseph from the Old Testament and the type of leadership he brought when faced with a great challenge - “his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed supple, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel” (Genesis 49:24).

Joseph stayed strong, steady and supple.

My prayer for you today is that you will stay Strong - lean on Jesus, you can trust Him Steady - when shakings come, trust the God who loves you Supple - read the Bible it will help you be flexible in this challenging time TLC is very much alive, open and active, All of our services and Kids work is online, and you can join us every Sunday from 10am on TLC Leicester YouTube Channel.

All our life groups are meeting on Zoom and if you would like to join a small group, let us know.

All of our compassion work (Open Hands) with the poor continues in the community, and we are privileged to be helping hundreds of people in challenging situations.

If you would value a chat, need some support or prayer, please let us know admin@trinitylifechurch.org.uk We are praying for you, stay Strong…

Steady… Supple.

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From David Hind - Trinity Life Church

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Asbestos Cancer Over the last month or social media activity in Birstall has been littered with nostalgic photographs and comments relating to the demolishing of The Cedars Academy original school hall.

Formerly the main focus of Longslade Upper School, like many schools built at the same time, the fabric of that building would have likely been riddled with asbestos. Whilst we share in the nostalgia and fruitful reminiscing we couldn’t help but use this as an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos and remind people that even subtle, casual exposure can be lethal.

Asbestos was extensively used as a building material in the UK from the 1950s through to the mid-1980s. It was used for a variety of purposes, typically fireproofing and insulation. Any building built before 2000 (houses, factories, offices, schools, hospitals etc) are likely to contain asbestos.

System buildings (for example CLASP, SCOLA, SEAC, MACE, ONWARD) constructed during the period 1945 -1980, were widely used for the construction of school premises.

These buildings can have structural columns fireproofed with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Worryingly it is widely believed that over 80% of UK schools still contain asbestos.

We now know that asbestos is deadly; it causes around 5000 people in the UK to die each year. We also know there is no safe type of asbestos or safe level of exposure.

Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is the cancer most related to asbestos exposure and sadly,

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due to the UK’s widespread use of this deadly mineral during the last century, we have the highest incidence of mesothelioma in the world.

While there is treatment available for mesothelioma there is no known cure, and shockingly survival is often only months after diagnosis.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of: The chest wall, where it is known as the pleura The abdomen where it is known as the peritoneum The mesothelium also surrounds organs within these cavities for example the heart, lungs and intestines. It is far more common to have mesothelioma in the chest than in the abdomen.

There is approximately one case of peritoneal mesothelioma to every 12 cases of pleural mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more common in men than in women and nearly half of the people diagnosed with the disease are over 75 years old.

Pleural Mesothelioma - The pleural lining has two layers: the visceral (inner) layer is next to the lung and the parietal (outer) layer lines the chest wall.

The pleura produces fluid that lubricates

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of the lung becomes progressively restricted by the tumour. Fluid, sometimes several litres, can collect between the two layers of the pleura; this affects the lungs ability to expand and causes the person to feel breathless. This is known as a Pleural effusion.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

chest pain shortness of breath cough sweating loss of appetite weight loss fatigue and lethargy Peritoneal Mesothelioma - the peritoneum also has two layers the inner (visceral) layer which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer which lines the abdominal wall.

Peritoneal mesothelioma causes the peritoneum to thicken and fluid to collect in the abdomen. This collection of fluid is called ascites and causes the

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the space between the two layers, this allows the two layers to slide comfortably over each other as we breathe in and out. Pleural mesothelioma causes the pleura to thicken. This thickening of the pleura might begin to press onto the lungs or attach itself to the inside of the chest wall. In either case, the expansion

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abdomen to swell.

Because pleural mesothelioma is more common and often spreads to the peritoneal cavity, it is sometimes necessary to determine if pleural mesothelioma is the primary cancer.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

you can just turn up. A one-in and oneout system is in place, so you may have to queue.

Granite Way, Mountsorrel This is a County Council site, open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.

You can only visit the site with a prebooked appointment. This can be done online on the council's website, or by phoning (0116) 305 0001.

A week's worth of booking slots is made available every Friday morning when you can book up to three weeks ahead.

Only visit if it is essential Both City and County Council say that you should only visit if you cannot safely store your items at home until the pandemic is over.

Masks You do not need to wear a mask when on the site. A maximum of two people per car is allowed. On-site staff cannot assist you with carrying items.

abdominal pain abdominal swelling or feeling bloated constipation or diarrhoea fatigue loss of appetite weight loss If you are concerned about any of the signs and symptoms listed, if you know you have been exposed to asbestos and would like advice please do contact your GP or Mesothelioma UK, the national charity for Mesothelioma.

For local support and information about cancer services please contact:University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189 Mesothelioma UK – info@mesothelioma.uk.com or 0800 169 2409 For more information on the funds Birstall BAGs have raised, the projects we support and forthcoming events see www.birstallbags.co.uk or look us up on Facebook or email birstallbags@hotmail.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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

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

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

Catalytic converter thefts BIRSTALL BEAT team reports that there have been several thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in the Birstall area recently.

Cars on Sibson Road, Hill Rise and Houghton Way have been targeted.

A Police spokesperson said: “Please remain vigilant, try to park your car in a garage if possible or in such a way so that it is difficult to jack it up and get underneath as this is how the thieves steal the converter.

“Please also report any incidents on 101, via the Leics Police website or on 999 if a crime is actually in progress.”

Swan donations DONATIONS TO help pay vets’ fees for swans rescued by Watermead Swans can be made via a collection box at Birstall Pet Supplies on Sibson Road.

THE BIRSTALL POST FEB 2021

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

GRAPHIC: WWW.MESOTHELIOMA.COM

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