Birstall Post (457) August 2021

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

AUGUST 2021

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 457

Local ref meets England manager

PHOTO: YOUTUBE, ENGLAND FOOTBALL

A BIRSTALL referee met England manager Gareth Southgate when they filmed a YouTube video together.

Minesh Gupta (43) was invited to take part in the training video, filmed at the Football Association’s Saint George’s Park in January.

“It was slightly overwhelming to have the England manager there,” said Minesh, who was refereeing a five-a-side game that had been set up to highlight the importance of coaching with

Shootings: suspect identified POLICE HAVE seized an air rifle after members of the public were shot and injured as they walked or cycled on Loughborough Road in Birstall.

Three victims were injured in separate incidents, reported locally as near the junction with School Lane. Two of the shootings took place on Wednesday, July 14.

Victims sustained minor injuries – bruising and reddening to the skin.

PC David Jaeckels told the Birstall Post: “This is an ongoing investigation, but we have seized an air rifle which will be probably destroyed and are examining it.

“A suspect has been identified but not spoken to yet but will be at a later date.

This is a very rare type of incident and does appear to have been a one-off.”

Anyone with any information about this incident can contact the police on 101, crime reference 21000394758.

Pic: On YouTube: Referee Minesh Gupta starts the game as Gareth Southgate looks on

looking after my diet and well-being,” he said.

Minesh has met many high-profile people within the game and says his proudest moment was meeting the Duke of Edinburgh at St James Palace when he received his DofE Gold Award 25 years ago.

After the disappointment of England’s defeat in the finals of the Euros 2020, Minesh thinks England will be strong in the next World Cup and only needs to improve in small areas.

He said: “Gareth has done very well considering he is a young manager and wasn’t that famous as a player, he has got the best out of his players, and his

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Pics: (above) Minesh (ctr) with the cast of the YouTube video, and Gareth Southgate; (right) refereeing a local match

respect and positivity.

“Gareth is a really nice humble guy, and my experience was truly amazing,” he added.

Minesh has been a football referee for 25 years. He said: “I started out aged 16, taking on the Duke of Edinburgh Award and stayed in the game ever since - never looked back.”

Starting in the local leagues, Minesh is now a match official in the semi-professional game.

“Refereeing allows me to keep fit, mentally and physically, and gives me a focus,

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Stunning display of colourful wildflowers

A COLOURFUL display of wildflowers in Birstall is proving popular with residents and insect pollinators.

Pavement danger A 76-year-old from Birstall is warning against the dangers of electric scooters and pavement cyclists in Birstall.

Pics: wildflowers on the Triangle roundabout and (above, right) on the verge near Greengate Medical Centre

Jean Cokayne of Fielding Road had a close encounter with an e-scooter while she was on a pedestrian refuge, crossing from Sibson Road to Greengate Lane.

“I had to stop to put my cardigan in my bag when someone on an e-scooter passed me with inches to spare,” said Jean. “Why can’t they slow down?"

On another occasion on Sibson Road near the junction with Wanlip Avenue, a pavement cyclist rode over her foot.

She said: “There were tyre marks on my foot, and it turned black and blue."

She spoke to the nine-year-old boy cyclist, telling him not to cycle on the pavement, and he apologised.

It is currently illegal to use an electric scooter on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes. They can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.

The government is currently conducting several trials of rented e-scooters across England.

THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

In partnership with Leicestershire County Council, Birstall Parish Council has planted wildflowers on the Triangle roundabout in the centre of the village and two new areas at the junction of Greengate Lane and the A6.

Many insects feed on nectar, so need flowering plants for their survival. Butterflies, moths, bees and hoverflies all need sources of nectar and pollen to thrive.

As they travel from flower to flower, they also pollinate them, enabling them to set seed or bear fruit.

The seed mix used in Birstall is called Rainbow Annuals. The mix contains 14 species of wild flowers: Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold) Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower) Cosmidium burridgeanum Cosmos bipinnatus Gallardia pulchella (Indian Blanket) Linum grandiflorum (Scarlet Flax) Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) Sue Coulson, Birstall Parish Council clerk, said: “These two verges on either side of the junction with Greengate Lane were often overgrown and looked neglected. The Parish Council partnered with Leicestershire County Council with this project with the aim of not only making the areas look better but also to encourage wildlife and insects. I’m sure that now the flowers are coming through people will be pleased with the results.”

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HAT’s anniversary show HATS ARE back and preparing their 30th-anniversary show, which promises to be a fang-tastic evening.

THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

The popular amateur theatrical society, which attracts audiences from across the country, will be performing ‘Dracula’ at Birstall Social Club in December.

Spokeswoman Sue Withers reports: “We are back. The worldwide Covid-19 pandemic has had a most disastrous effect on millions of people, it has been a very sad time with devastating consequences. HATS are sending our love and hugs to all of you.

After what seems like forever, we are back and planning to bring you a spectacular Panto production this year.

We have missed you all, just as we are sure that you have missed us. Christmas last year just wasn’t the same without the traditional count down from our panto to the excitement of opening your presents on Christmas day.

Our fabulous productions are attracting audiences from many places up and down the country. Obviously, our local audience, from Birstall and Leicester continue to support us, thank you so much. But our reputation is growing, and we now have regular people travelling from the wider areas of Leicestershire, Bradford, Lincoln, Hertfordshire, Newcastle, Hartlepool, Grantham and West Bromwich. We are amazed at the distances people are now travelling to see our shows.

So, let me tell you what we have in store for you. Our panto this year will be celebrating HATS 30th anniversary.

Yes, 30 years! A fantastic achievement for an amateur dramatics group. We could not have achieved this without our

Pics: Bethany before & after her haircut

Birstall teen donates hair SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Bethany Dearden from Birstall has recently donated 27cm of her hair to the charity ‘The Little Princess Trust’ after growing it for a year over lockdown.

“I was really excited when the hairdressers opened back up again,” said Bethany. “I’d been wanting to donate for a long time. I was nervous when I saw how short it was going to be, but I felt like I had done a really good thing afterwards and I will be doing it again in the future. I would encourage everyone to

better.

Forget Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and come on a journey with Duffy the Vampire Hunter. Cheer on the goodies and boo the nasty evil Dracula, otherwise known as “Major Artery”. I don’t want to give too much away, or it will spoil the fun, but look out for the numerous bloodthirsty character names.

Children are welcome to arrive dressed as Dracula to add to the atmosphere. The director will cast a discreet Pic: HATS cast members in a 2018 production eye over the audience and select the dedicated group members or the tremen- best-dressed child per performance to receive a selection box. The director will dous support that our audiences have then choose a final winner out of the given to us, and continue to give us, four performances to receive a free every year. We are a friendly, inclusive group, always looking for new members, family ticket for our panto the following year. This will NOT be a formal fancy so if you are interested in joining, just dress competition, just a bit of fun. let us know.

Are you getting excited? We are.

Anyway, back to the panto. Panto’s Then make sure you come and see our are not just for children, they are for fine cast, in their fine costumes, with every age, and we are never sure who our fine scenery, at our fabulous venue, enjoys them the most and who makes Birstall Social Club. See you soon. Put the most noise, the children or the the dates in your diary now. adults. I’ll leave you to make your own Dates: mind up. This year we will proudly Thursday, December 2nd 2021 and present ‘Dracula’ Do Vampires really exist? Oh yes they Friday, December 3rd 2021 at 7.15pm Saturday, December 4th 2021 at 2pm do! Oh no they don’t! ”. Just getting you and 7pm in the mood. Make sure you practise Doors open 30 minutes before each before you watch the show, we need performance strong, loud voices. The louder, the

consider it - such a small thing can make a big difference to a child’s life.

Especially after lockdown, more people will have enough to donate.”

Throughout the pandemic, most people have let their hair grow out and now that we are able to get it cut again, it is the perfect time to donate your locks, says Bethany.

“Donating is really easy, you can donate as little as 17cm or as long as 41cm. Simply ask your hairdresser to keep the hair you have cut off, then send it off to the charity in a paper envelope.”

The ‘Little Princess Trust’ has been making free wigs from real hair for

young cancer patients who have lost their hair since 2006. Every donation is appreciated and can help to restore young people’s confidence and identity.

Visit the Little Princess Trust website to fill out a hair donation sheet, then post your hair to The Little Princess Trust, Broadway House, 32-35 Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9AR. You will receive a free certificate once they have received your hair.

Article written by student, Bethany Dearden The September issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 3.

The copy deadline is Aug 20.

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Field allocated for housing in ‘Green Wedge’

A FIELD designated as part of the ‘green wedge’ between Birstall and Leicester has been identified as a site for housing development.

Mothers’ Union THE MOTHERS' Union in Birstall has been unable to meet, but the members have not been idle.

Spokeswoman Rita Richards reports: “We have been involved in a variety of fundraising efforts, including having a stall at Birstall's Big Yard Sale.

“We were asked by Emily, a Midwife at LRI, if we could supply ventilator ‘beanie’ bonnets for babies requiring special care. So far our band of knitters has provided 200 plus bonnets in a variety of sizes and is still knitting.

“The M U Committee is in the process of planning (subject to Covid-19 restrictions lifting/changing) when we might be able to get together again, and also be able to participate in the annual Mary Sumner service at St James in August.”

The southeast corner of the 7.62hectare field, off Cliffe Road/Henson close, features in Charnwood Borough Council’s new local plan.

The site has space for 35 dwellings and would be accessed from Cliffe Road or Henson Close.

In July, the Borough Council published a map of the site and a ‘landscape sensitivity assessment’ of the site. It says the site has “overall low sensitivity”, but noted key landscape sensitivities as: • Mature hedgerows and infield trees, which contribute to the natural character of the landscape • The proximity to the Great Central Railway site of nature conservation interest containing mature deciduous woodland • The recreational value of the public footpath crossing the site • The physical and perceptual separation between Birstall and Leicester City The City Council’s growing Ashton Green development, off Greengate Lane, and the city’s emerging Local Plan, are expected to give the site off Cliffe Road/Henson Close greater significance as ‘green wedge’ as the city’s developments move closer to Birstall.

The landscape sensitivity assessment of the site concludes: “The two fields contribute to the sense of settlement separation between Birstall and Leicester.

A limited area could be developed in the southeastern corner where topography would reduce the impact of development on settlement identity.

“Should development take place on

Map shows area of site allocated for housing

this site and its surroundings, it will be essential to plan green infrastructure in a coordinated manner with developments in Leicester City.

“Mitigation measures for this site should include: • preserving the hedgerow and Tree Preservation Order zones within a wider buffer corridor to aid provision of wildlife movement and, if developed as a green route, this could aide connection to the existing public right of way and thereby to the landscape beyond; • preserving and enhancing the Great Central Railway woodland corridor; and • preserving and enhancing the recreational value of the public footpath crossing the site. It will be important to work closely with Leicester City as they progress their local plan to understand

how the effects on settlement identity and other functions of Green Wedge can be satisfactorily mitigated.”

Charnwood Borough Council is consulting residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders on the Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37 before submitting it to the Government.

The six-week consultation runs until Monday August 23, 2021 at 5pm.

Representations will be considered by a Government-appointed independent Planning Inspector, through a public examination.

You can visit the website and view the pre-submission draft of the Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37, read all the related documents and frequently asked questions before having your say on the plan.

THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

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Damaged plants replaced A LOCAL nursery stepped in to offer free replacement plants when newly installed plant displays on Sibson Road were vandalised.

Pic: planters on Sibson Road

BIRSTALL RUGBY Club is preparing for a big game this month. Joshua Black reports: Pre-season has officially begun meaning we are tantalisingly close to our first fixture in nearly a year and a half.

South Leicester RFC will travel out of the city in mid-August to the Co-op Sports Ground and will undoubtedly prove to be extremely tough opposition, given their previous national and top-end midlands league experience.

The Greendogs will be ready to take on all opposition, given how much effort has already gone into developing their own fitness during the past two months. This has included a mixture of strength and endurance work at the club and even paying Old John a visit at Bradgate Park, reminding us how brutal those hills can be on the quads!

Off the pitch, there have been changes in the personnel who help look after the club, following our Annual General Meeting.

After many years as club secretary, Graham Cree has decided to step down. Long time Greendog Kieran Warner takes over the role, assuring that this key position remains in good hands.

New player Dave Tate comes in as the new head of club socials; a job even more important for this coming year with the squad being locked indoors for most of last season. Steph Powdrill will look after the sponsorship, Dan Sargent heads up the grounds keeping, and Lewis Glover takes over as the Director of Rugby. Lastly, Jai Pain has been drafted into a dual role of assisting with fixtures and managing the second team for next year. Congratulations to all who were nominated for their roles, and huge appreciation to those leaving, for their effort and commitment.

Ryan Brown remains as club captain, a squad representative role linking the players to the committee. “I’ve enjoyed the Touch Rugby on Thursdays. As per usual, it’s been great, bringing in big participation numbers and full Fijian style flair. But Tuesday, July 6 is where the fun begins with pre-season training getting us ready for the tough year ahead.”

Finally, an exciting opportunity to join the club has come up. We are looking for a physio who can help on match days and the occasional training session during the week, to help with injury management and pre-habilitation. Contact us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) if you feel you could be the person for the job.

From Joshua Black www.birstallrfc.co.uk

PHOTO: FACEBOOK SHOP LOCAL BIRSTALL

Erected on Sunday July 11, two of the three planters were tipped over and damaged maliciously within 24 hours.

Hathern Nurseries offered to replace the plants for free after reading about the vandalism on Facebook.

The planters were erected by Birstall Business Cooperative. They obtained grant funding from Charnwood Borough Council to purchase the three fountain planters, and business owners and their family members planted them up themselves.

Birstall Rugby Club

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Striding out of the pandemic LIKE MANY businesses who offer one to one personal care services, Toes Company, an established Wanlip based Mobile Foot Health business, was no exception in experiencing lean times throughout the pandemic.

THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

Having furloughed herself throughout the first lockdown, owner Kay Lewin recalls restrictions making it impossible to practice. She said: “Considering the advantages of receiving foot treatment in your own home, business remained slow when restrictions were eased. I think this was due to a significant number of clients shielding or not having the confidence to allow persons into their household despite strict protocols with PPE and working practices.”

She added: “Thankfully, there’s been a recent upsurge in client enquiries both old and new from around the Charnwood area, probably linked to the successful rollout of vaccinations.”

To meet the increase in demand, Kay is delighted to welcome her daughter Ettie to the business. Having graduated in 2019 with a First Class Honours Degree from De Montfort University, Ettie decided to retrain at the prestigious SMAE Institute, established in 1919, and is now a fully qualified Foot Health Practitioner.

Since joining the family business, Ettie is fast developing her own client

Pic: Keeping it in the family, Kay and Ettie Lewin of Toes Company.

base and, like Kay, offers a full range of foot treatments as well as diabetic foot care delivered in the comfort of your own home.

Having successfully applied for a grant from Charnwood Borough Council, both Kay and Ettie will be able to take

advantage of the best in mobile podiatry technology towards a cleaner and safer working practice in the home. The future is certainly looking bright for Kay and Ettie of Toes Company as they look forward to facing the challenges of caring for the feet of the local community.

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THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 3.

The copy deadline is Aug 20.

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THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

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Litter pickers on patrol in Birstall OVER A 100 dedicated volunteers in Birstall are involved in a litter picking group that is cleaning up the village.

Spokesperson Jeannette Douglas reports: Our group, Birstall Litter Pickers, was formed in January 2020 after a large amount of rubbish was washed out of the canal onto the footpaths at Watermead Park.

As a regular walker around Watermead, Birstall resident Suzy Mason found this upsetting, so she asked friends to help her clear it up. They went on to meet up regularly as a group of around 20 members.

In March 2020, we adopted the stretch of canal from Watermead Way bridge to Johnson’s Bridge in Watermead Park with support from the Canal

Pic: picking up litter at Birstall lock

THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

& River Trust, who provided us with litter picking equipment.

Unfortunately, Covid19 hit and with the instruction to stay home, all litter picking was suspended.

Come on England!

RESIDENTS AT Birstall’s Cedar Mews Care Home got well and truly into the football spirit for the final of Euro 2020. Our pic shows resident Olive Allen getting ready before the big match.

Once restrictions eased, the group started to grow as members were going out individually or in small numbers, in line with government advice.

We now have 109 members, and so far this year have collected 251 bags of rubbish. Most of the bags are left next to waste bins then get collected by the relevant council. Some take their bags home to decant the plastic and glass bottles into their green recycling wheelie bin.

A variety of rubbish is collected, from takeaway boxes, plastic bottles, singleuse face masks, shopping baskets & trolleys, plastic shell sandpits, traffic cones and sofa cushions. The most unusual item was a Ford Fiesta car door, which was fished out of the water near Birstall Lock.

We encourage pickers to separate the aluminium drinks cans which are wanted for recycling: charity Helipads For Hospitals sell the alloy and will give the proceeds to the HELP Appeal charity (organised and coordinated by The County Air Ambulance Trust). A temporary collection point has recently been arranged with the Old Plough pub thanks to the landlord Matt and local resident and litter picker Sean Michael.

Current regular grot-spots include the park on School Lane, with this area being used as a dumping ground for drinks bottles, takeaway boxes, crisp packets etc. Meadow Lane car park is also used in the same way, as well as a fly-tipping point.

We have had support from Charnwood Borough Council, and Leicestershire County Council, who have both helped us with equipment and the rangers at Watermead Park have taken away bags containing the rubbish we pulled out of the river.

Want to get involved? Join our Facebook group Birstall Litter Pickers.

We also need to educate future generations- today's young people are the key to eliminating litter and ending waste for now and future generations.

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The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Thanks I would like to say thank you to all friends and neighbours of Myrtle and Acacia Avenues for their kind messages of sympathy and condolences, together with cards and donations, in memory of my dear mum Barbara Dolman who sadly passed away on May 9, 2021.

Sue Blowers

What is going on?

First of all, I must say that I am not usually a political person but having read and re-read the July edition of the Post I do feel the need to comment.

What is going on at the parish council? After the report by the independent commission, it would seem that a councillor considers 27 emails over 10 months as bullying and excessive.

My goodness, that works out at just over two emails a month! And she considered this excessive. It's a good job

they don't work in the insurance industry or customer service sector, as I use to receive more than 27 emails in two days, let alone 10 months. Perhaps they are in the wrong job.

The report also seems to have suggested that Councillor Howe was not accorded full emails and support that should (and I assume was) afforded to other members to be able to do his job properly. Persons who voted for him must feel very, very aggrieved at this. Perhaps they should try and take this matter further?

And what do the council do after receiving the report? Write to Councillor Howe but then discuss the rest of the disparaging report in secret. This seems to me that the council is made up of a jobs-for-the-boys club that does not like scrutiny and doesn't take kindly to criticism. Appalling all around.

Secondly, the council seem to spend a lot of money on the play area near the lakes yet cannot find enough money to put in a gate on the Harrowgate park so residents could get in and out to the new conservation area. Having read older Posts, people will know this is a bugbear of mine, but it now seems that residents on the Hallam Field estate feel the same. Well done to that resident who went down to a meeting to voice their view.

Thirdly (and on a lighter note) yesterday (July 20), a male voice choir were singing in someone's back yard, and the lovely music drifted over nicely to my garden. Whoever belongs to the choir, I thank them. The singing was lovely and cheered us up.

Well enough of a rant from me.

Sue Hitchcock Response from Sue Coulson, Birstall Parish Council Clerk: This is an ongoing matter for the Parish Council and it would be inappropriate to respond at this moment in time.

Thanks The publication of the findings of the Members’ Panel into my self referred complaint has generated a lot of interest, and I’d like to thank the many residents who have contacted me with messages of support.

I have always been ready to settle any differences between myself and some at the Parish Council, so we can get on with representing the interests of our residents and making Birstall a village we can be proud of.

The vast majority of the complaints made against me over a period of some seven years were dismissed and what was finally left appears to have been considered so low key as to not warrant an apology.

If anyone wants to see a hard copy of the complaint, the report and my defence or wants the link to it please let me know as I have nothing to hide which is why I asked for the hearing to be held in public.

What remains to be seen now is whether the Parish Council will accept the recommendations about providing me with the support I’m entitled to as an elected Councillor and that an Independent Governance Review be carried out.

I know many people feel it is time for such a review as they feel it will ensure a more accountable, effective and open service for our residents.

Finally, I’d like to thank Adrian Ward the Monitoring Officer and his staff, the Independent Person, CH&I Associates who investigated the complaints and the Members Panel for all the time and trouble they took in reviewing the complaints and reaching their decision.

Julian Howe

Barclays I’m no longer a Barclays customer, though my son is and does most of his banking online.

However, for those that need a physical building, a 2½ mile journey to Belgrave Road sounds OK until you realise: The bus services, 127 or Skylink, from the main A6 run every hour and the various 22s run half-hourly – depending on where you want to board.

There’s a higher risk from Covid-19 on public transport at present, and a mask is essential the whole journey.

Boarding at 10:20 at the Garden Centre, you may be lucky enough to complete your transactions and return on the 10:54 (Donaldson Rd), otherwise a long wait for the next bus at 11:26 It would take at least an hour on a good day to get there, conduct a simple transaction and return.

Two age groups are likely to be without online banking and may have their independence eroded by having to rely on someone else doing their banking: The young who don’t qualify, so the whole family may need to go with the young person – expensive in bus fares.

Some elderly people don’t want, or don’t have the equipment, to use the technology but are comfortable in their familiar environment and able to walk to our branch, and will use the local shops for groceries and other essentials.

Will there be anywhere safe and undercover for infirm people to wait for a

bus?

There’s nowhere to park if travelling by car.

Maybe Barclays should close Belgrave Road and leave Birstall alone.

Name and address supplied

Upsetting On July 13, I went to Birstall cemetery to visit my husband’s grave.

I was upset to discover that the Father’s Day gift, placed there by my daughter, a small ornamental football boot containing a small plant, had been taken from the grave.

The plant had been thrown onto the next grave, and the plastic inner pot was nearby.

The football boot was nowhere to be found, despite me searching for it.

The person who took it probably has no idea how upsetting this has been for us.

Doreen Stirk

Youth Café Great to read in the July Birstall Post that Birstall Parish Council is discussing The Youth Café again. What a fantastic initiative that was. Thanks to Kirsty Haywood and all the other dedicated workers who kept it going. Young people have had a tough time of Covid – teenage years are all about making friends and learning about life. How difficult this must have been for them. I am delighted that The Parish Council is talking about getting this exciting project up and running again. Just the sort of thing local government needs to do - young people are the future and we need to give them every help we can.

Dave Thomas

Road safety In the Neighbourhood Watch newsletter of July this year, it is stated that the police conduct regular roadside checks for driving offences that lead to the majority of accidents, one of these offences, of course, being speeding.

I may be wrong, but the police do not seem to conduct any roadside checks for vehicles speeding on Greengate Lane, where I live. I guess that about 90% of vehicles travel above the speed limit of 30 mph. This is proven by the fact that most vehicles leaving Birstall brake as they approach the bridge over the railway.

If they were travelling at 30 mph they would be no need to brake – they would just approach and traverse the bridge as some drivers do at the correct and safe speed.

There are now two or three young motorcyclists who seem to ride up and down the road at high speed, at least 50 mph, I guess.

It is reassuring that a few children who cycle to and from school are now wearing safety helmets. I cannot understand why a lot of parents are so uncaring about the safety of their children on today’s very busy roads by not insisting they wear safety helmets when cycling. I think the government should bring in legislation to enforce the wearing of helmets.

Several years ago, one of my nextdoor neighbours told me she had lost

THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

YOUR SAY...

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her brother a few years previously in a road accident. He was cycling home after work one day when he was knocked off his cycle by a passing car and fell to the ground. He suffered severe injuries to his head and died as a result of that. If he had been wearing a safety helmet it is likely he would not have been so badly injured, and he would have survived.

It is now common practice for most cyclists to ride on the footpath, although this is illegal where a footpath has not also been designated for cyclists. With the huge amount of traffic these days, it is understandable why cyclists do not wish to go along the road. I think that most people are prepared to accept cyclists on footpaths provided they ride sensibly and safely and acknowledge and respect pedestrians.

Also, a lot of teenagers do not seem to behave in that safe way. When waiting at a bus stop on Sibson Road, I have seen teenagers while riding cycles on the footpath suddenly perform wheelies – i.e. riding with just the rear wheels in contact with the ground while raising the front wheel. That is potentially dangerous to themselves and to nearby pedestrians.

About three years ago, a teenage lad, while cycling home from school on Greengate Lane in the afternoon, started doing wheelies in front of my house and neighbouring houses. One afternoon a woman driver, on seeing what he was doing, stopped her car and told him that doing wheelies was dangerous and that he should stop doing so, but he just laughed at her. The next day, while doing a wheelie, he lost control, fell onto the road and was hit by a car and was severely injured. He was taken to the Queens medical centre in Nottingham, but I don’t know the outcome, whether he survived or not.

Let’s hope that when the police visit schools to talk to children, as I understand they sometimes do, they point out the dangers of doing wheelies and the wisdom of wearing safety helmets.

Jex Woods

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THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

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Noticeboard all details printed free Saturday 14th August 2021 1.30pm - 4.30pm At 8 Hermitage Rd Birstall

Afternoon Teas in aid of Mesothelioma UK Pick-a-Bag Bottle Stall Preserves Jigsaws

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Birstall Walking Group Now the Covid restrictions are being eased we are starting our walks itinerary again.

The five-mile circular walks are mainly in Leicestershire and Rutland with a few in Derbyshire.

Walkers meet every other Thursday at the chosen pub and return afterwards for a social time over a pre ordered lunch.

Members are expected to complete 10 or more walks a year and lead one or two of them.

You need to feel able to walk in all weathers, different terrains and to walk at a moderate pace.

Come and try a couple of walks for size and make new friends. If interested phone the Chairperson on 0116 276 4235

Open Exhibition 2021 31st July - 1st September 2021 Venue: Sock Gallery (foyer of Loughborough Town Hall) We are happy to announce we will be running our Open Exhibition this year!

Sock Gallery’s Open Exhibition aims to provide an opportunity for artists, whether local or national, professional or amateur, to exhibit their work. The exhibition also offers the people of Charnwood and the surrounding areas a chance to see work by many different artists, all at the same time.

Sock Gallery is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and when Loughborough Town Hall is open for shows and events.

Entry is free of charge

Loughborough Town Hall

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Tel: 0116 2209311 Free concerts Every Sunday from July 25 until the end of September, with performances taking place from 34pm.

Sunday, August 8 Southfields Concert Brass band at Aylestone Hall Gardens.

The Ratby Co-operative Mid Band will entertain visitors to Humberstone Park on Sunday, August 15, with Liquid Brass bringing music to Castle Gardens in the city centre, on Sunday, August 22.

August’s final concert will see Soar Valley Music Centre’s band performing at Victoria Park, on Sunday, August 29.

Gunns’ Gym Annual Campbell Run Sun Aug 8, 10am A fundraising run around Watermead Country Park, raising funds for a new boxing ring Followed at 11am by refreshments and entertainment at Birstall Village Hall.

Free: everyone welcome

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Our award-winning producers Little Wolf Entertainment are looking for kids between ages 8-16 to appear alongside the professional actors this Christmas, with auditions taking place on August 8!

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

Motor Insurance Scams

Sling Your Hook

Motor insurance is a legal requirement and driving while The Neighbourhood Watch uninsured can result in a £300 fixed penalty, six points on Network launched its Sling your driving licence and the vehicle being seized and Your Hook campaign in July to crushed. Insurance can be expensive and it is natural to look help as many people as possible around for the best deal. Not surprisingly, fraudsters have avoid becoming victims of got in on the act, selling cheap but useless policies that scams. They have identified the five methods most leave drivers uninsured. commonly used by scammers who: These policies either do not exist or are invalid because they • Imply that they are doing you a favour – Reciprocity have given false details to reduce the premiums, such as age, • Indicate that everyone else is doing it – Social Proof driving experience and claims history. They have also been • Say that your only chance is to act now – Urgency known to arrange genuine policies, only to cancel them and • Act as if they are similar to you, so you like them and want claim a refund. The victim is unlikely to be aware that they are to please them – Connection uninsured until they try to claim on the policy or have to • Ask you to do one little thing which makes you then do provide their details to the Police. more – Commitment The criminals make contact through social media, printed Victims of scams often report that, in hindsight, they felt adverts in pubs, clubs and shop windows or by word‐of‐mouth. something was not quite right at the time. The campaign aims They claim to be representatives from well‐known insurance to raise awareness and encourages us all to STOP and THINK if companies who can arrange legitimate motor insurance at something does not FEEL, SEEM, LOOK or SOUND right. This significantly discounted prices. They tend to target vulnerable gives us time to trust our gut instincts and prevent us becoming groups who may not have much experience of insurance law, another scam victim. such as non‐English speaking communities and young people “Everyone likes to feel special. But watch out! If a stranger is who have just passed their driving test. going out of their way for you, something fishy may be going There are some simple steps that you can take to avoid being on instead. Scammers like to offer one‐off deals and favours. tricked in this way. If a broker is only using a mobile phone or Don’t be afraid to tell them NO.” email as a means contact, it could well be because they do not John Hayward‐Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network want to be traced after they have taken your money. www.ourwatch.org.uk If you are offered insurance that is considerably cheaper than other quotes, be very cautious. It would be wise to contact the insurance company directly to verify whether the broker is genuine. You can check with the British Insurance Brokers’ During the lockdown the increased use of the internet for all Association or the Financial Conduct Authority to find kinds of activity has led to an enormous increase in online authorised insurance brokers. fraud. www.biba.org.uk www.fca.org.uk This does not mean, however, that other kinds of criminal You can check for free at any time on the Motor Insurance behaviour has gone away, far from it. Theft of vehicles and Database website whether your car is legally insured. related items such as catalytic converters has seen an www.ownvehicle.askmid.com increase. Burglaries have dropped to some extent but this is thought to be the result of homes being left unoccupied less often; a situation that is now changing.

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience but it The strains created in the relationships of those forced to remain at home has led to more violent incidents, often as the can also be very dangerous. Experienced riders wear not result of neighbours’ disputes. only the regulation crash helmet but also proper clothing to Support charities are highlighting a recent drop in the protect them from skid‐burns and abrasions. number of reports of domestic violence. This may sound like There have been several reports recently of young men riding good news but their fear is that it reflects a growing around Birstall wearing only shorts and sandals. The damage unwillingness by victims to report incidents. This is a done to their bare skin were they to have an accident and slide complex issue and, during the main part of the lockdown, along the road surface, even at low speed, could be serious the charities and support organisations were almost and leave life‐time scars. The injuries that are prevented by a overwhelmed by the demand on their services. crash helmet can be devastating or even fatal.

Life may get a little easier for some people caught in If you know any of them, it might be worth pointing out the controlling relationships as restrictions are lifted but it is danger they are to themselves. feared that patterns that have become firmly established over the lockdown months will be difficult to break.

The Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Beat Team As friends and family become more visible, it will be a good produces a monthly Newsletter written by our Beat thing to check how they are. There is a big difference between Officer, Dave Jaeckels. It contains news about recent nosiness and genuine concern, so get the balance right and do crime in our villages, crime prevention advice and other not be embarrassed to ask. If you fear that someone is at risk, information about the Team’s activities. be it a woman, a child or a man, point them to our advice You can read it in full each month on our website: pages at: www.villagewatch.co.uk/police www.villagewatch.co.uk/information

Problems Have Not Gone Away

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

THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

Dangerous Motorcyclists

Helping our community THE HELPING Our Community Birstall group helped with the birthday celebrations of a Birstall centenarian and is making plans to provide Christmas meals. Co-founder of the group, Rosie Rollings, reports: The Community Group continues to share information around Covid-19 and the new normal.

We have had a great response in our appeal to have 100 cards for a Birstall man who will become a centenarian at the end of July. Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to send them. We have over 150 cards.

Great thanks go to Lucy Percy and Debbie Purple White who got their schools involved in making

you are elderly or not in good health.

There were several couples last year that we thrilled to receive their meals. Please start to give thought to those around you that may benefit.

The scrubs group have been making quilts and blankets. These have been going to the LRI NICU along with trauma Teds and crocheted hearts. We have also gifted trauma Teds to schools “nurture” units.

We have lots of people wanting to continue crafting, and we are looking at the possibility of a Christmas craft fair with proceeds going to Jade’s Retreat.

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BIRSTALL PARISH COUNCIL CEMETERY GROUNDS PERSON / GARDENER 27.5 HOURS PER WEEK Salary Scale LC1 (5-6): £19,312 to £19,698 pro rata

Birstall Parish Council is seeking to employ a motivated person to play a key role in managing and maintaining the excellent standard and condition of Greengate Lane Cemetery You will need to have a keen interest for working outdoors and have some experience of meeting and dealing with members of the public on a daily basis.

An application form is available to download from the Parish Council’s website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk or by contacting the Clerk on 0116 267 6191 or by emailing: admin@birstallpc.org.uk The closing date for applications is: 3pm – Thursday, 26 August 2021

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We had some money left from the Christmas meals, what is left will go towards catering for the big party.

Along with Ruth’s cafe, we will be launching the pay-it-forward Christmas meals in September. It is hoped to provide Christmas dinner for someone who otherwise would go without. Christmas dinner with all the trimmings can be impractical for one, and hard work if

birstall.alarms@ntlworld.com

Theatre group wants you THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

BIRSTALL THEATRE Company will be putting on a performance of Aladdin in February next year.

The company is commencing rehearsals on 2nd September, on Thursday evenings, 7.30-9.30pm, at Birstall Scout H.Q., Birstall Road, LE4 4DJ, a Covid-19 secure venue.

A company spokesperson said: “We will be welcoming back existing members of the company and would like to invite anyone else who would like to come along and join us.

“BTC is a friendly community based amateur company for anyone aged 14

years upwards who likes singing, dancing and acting. We are also looking for anyone who would like to be involved in props/scenery making and being part of our backstage team.”

If you are interested in joining us and would like to find out more, then email BirstallTheatreco@hotmail.com, providing your contact details.

The show will be performed Feb 1719, 2022 at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre, Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall.

Pic: Members of the company’s last production, Snow White, in February 2020

A cover was made and placed on the post box on Fielding road. We had some lovely comments, and it certainly put a smile on a lot of faces. Sadly someone removed it, and it hasn’t been found. It is of no use to anyone unless they have a post box.

Pics: Quilts made for the Leicester Royal Infirmary’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; handmade Tiger Teds

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2) Ensure that the windows to the tend to get the most issues during the and the stories of people making huge shed are secure & cannot easily be resummer months. In the last week or so, fortunes are often true. However, there moved. we have also had a few reports of vehiare also risks involved and it is very 3) Consider locking up any expensive cles being driven in an Anti-Social manunlikely that any of this trading is reguner on the Hallam Fields Industrial estate items inside the shed, such as bikes & lated in the UK. lawnmowers. again and we will also look to conduct This means that dealing in these Events patrols in this area as much as possible. cryptocurrencies falls outside the remit Unfortunately, we have also had some Unfortunately, we were unable to of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). more reports this month about sheds complete the street consultation event we So, firms advertising and selling investbeing broken into on the Worcester Ave- had planned for June 25 due to all the ments in cryptocurrencies are NOT aubeat team officers being employed on the thorised by the FCA. This means that you nue allotments, so will aim to check these whenever we can. If you do have Quorn Horse fair on that date. As such, will not have access to the Financial an allotment in the village, please ensure we will look to re-arrange this for anothOmbudsman Service or the Financial Get Rich Quick! that you are securing your sheds with er date and will update you of this in Services Compensation Scheme if things There has been an alarming rise in good quality locks and that you are not due course. go wrong and you are very unlikely to the number of people investing thouleaving expensive tools in them. It is also Remember that you can also stay in get your money back. sands of pounds, that they will never get touch with your beat team by contacting If you have already invested in a scam, worth considering fitting an alarm to back, into cryptocurrency ‘get rich quick’ fraudsters are likely to target you again your shed to deter any would-be thieves us via phone, email or through the schemes. and alert any passers-by if they should Leicestershire Police website. Neighbouror sell your details to other criminals.

Fraudsters are cold calling victims be broken into. hood Link is also a free and easy way of The follow-up may be completely sepaand using social media platforms to Crime Update finding out what is happening on the rate or related to the previous fraud, advertise these ‘investments’ in mining beat and what the Police are doing in Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in such as an offer to get your money back and online trading cryptocurrencies such or to buy back the investment. Of course, recorded crime this month with a total your area. It is free and only takes a few as Bitcoin and Litecoin. minutes to sign up. of 54 crimes reported, up from 34 in this will require you to pay a fee in Posts often use fake endorsements Sign up now May. We have had 15 ‘Public Order’ advance! from celebrities and TV shows such as offences (most of these relate to disputes at:www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk • Never assume it is real. ProfessionDragons Den, as well as images of luxubetween neighbours) 14 reports of crimi- Message from Sgt Bird al-looking websites, adverts and social ry items like expensive watches and cars. media posts do not mean that an investnal damage (including 3 reports of vehiI am the dedicated neighbourhood They link to professional-looking webcles being damaged) 12 reports of Sergeant for Birstall & Wanlip & have ment opportunity is genuine. Criminals sites where consumers are persuaded to assault (most of which are as a result of been a Police officer for 22 years. I have even use the names of well-known invest. They will often have a prestigious domestic incidents) 3 drugs offences, 3 previous experience as a beat officer brands or individuals to make their City of London address but, in reality, non-dwelling burglaries, 2 house burgla- myself and hope to bring my many expescams appear legitimate. will be based outside of the UK. ries, 2 sexual offences, 1 robbery, 1 riences of Policing to the role. I am • Never be rushed or pressured into Victims are urged to sign up to crypto- making a decision. Any genuine bank or vehicle theft and 1 ’other’ theft. keen to hear about what the people of currency investment websites and supply financial organisation will never force We have had some positive results this Birstall and Wanlip would like to see personal information such as credit card you to part with your money on the spot. month, with three males being arrested from their local Police so we can all and driving licence details to open a in relation to one of the burglaries and a work together to tackle any identified Always be wary if you are pressured to trading account. They are then invited to invest quickly or promised returns that local male also arrested for a number of issues. make an initial, minimum deposit. They drug and driving offences. We have also This month I have been spending a lot sound too good to be true. will then be told that their first investbeen out completing some speed checks of time out on patrol in the village, fo• Stay in control – avoid uninvited ment has quickly made a decent profit. in the village—I will update you on this cussing on the areas of School Lane Park investment offers, especially from cold On this basis, they are invited to inbelow. and Meadow Lane where I have been callers. If you are considering an investvest more money or introduce friends For further crime information please speaking with young people. ment, always get independent advice and and family with the false promise of even thoroughly research the company first. visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ I will make myself available to the greater profits. However, eventually, the people of the village as much as I can • Do your own research on the prod- Crime Prevention Advice returns stop, the customer account is and strive to be open and honest from As mentioned on page 1, we have uct and the firm. Check with Companies closed, and the scammer disappears the outset regarding the work done and unfortunately had a number of sheds House to see if the firm is registered as with no further contact. results achieved by the Police and partbroken into again this month on the a UK company, for the directors’ names Of course, there is quite a lot of ners. Ps 1326 Bird. and whether other investors have posted Worcester Avenue allotments. Thankfully legitimate trading in cryptocurrencies, nothing of any real value was taken from Message from PC Jaeckels any concerns. the sheds, however a lot of damage was During May, the beat team have been • Companies must be authorised by caused to them, as well as to the site in out conducting some more speed checks the FCA to advertise or sell these prodgeneral. in the village. We spent an hour and a ucts in the UK – check its register to These incidents appear to be just half on Rectory Road in Wanlip, during make sure the firm is authorised. You mindless vandalism. If you have any which we had almost 150 vehicles Phone 07936 899 855 can also check their Warning List of information about who was responsible, through the site, only 2 of which were firms to avoid: Mobile ear syringing service please let us know by either calling 101 found to be exceeding the speed limit. www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart (we come to you!)

Both of these were dealt with by issuing If you have been the victim of a scam, or contacting us via our website.

Professional, Friendly, Experienced & Whilst allotment sheds are not general- words of advice, due to the speeds not report it to Action Fraud: Qualified Nurses, Fiona and Vanessa ly used to store any expensive items, meeting the threshold for prosecution. www.actionfraud.police.uk garden sheds often are, so it is worth We will re-visit this site again as we were or call 0300 123 2040 spending a few minutes to see how setold that this was an area where speedEd Chambers, Chairman, Birstall cure yours is: ing is an issue, especially in the evenings. and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch 1) Ensure your shed is secured with We have also been busy this month July Priorities all a good quality lock, and don’t leave the dealing with a number of neighbour During July, we will continue to patrol key in it! It is also worth fitting an alarm disputes in the village, as well as helping inclusive the areas of School Lane Park and Mead- to it to act as an extra visual deterrent. price out at the Quorn Horse Fair. ow Lane as these are the areas where we

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Clubs welcome new full size football pitch A FULL sized artificial grass pitch (AGP) is planned for a site at the Cedars Academy in Birstall.

The 106m x 7 m pitch will be located next to the PalmerTomkinson centre, alongside Wanlip Lane.

Outside school hours, it will be available for use by the community, and football clubs from Birstall and Mountsorrel have already committed to using the pitch once it opens.

Steve Carr, secretary of Birstall United Juniors, said: “This will be fantastic, lots of other areas have had access to an AGP for some time but not Birstall, despite a lot of football going on here.

“We have a growing number of teams and this pitch will give us the space we need to train, without worrying about having to cancel sessions because of waterlogged pitches.”

The site is partly occupied by a former all-weather pitch, and also includes an area of arable farmland to the north of the existing Academy boundary.

A high ball-stop fence, up to 4.5m, will be installed around the perimeter, alongside 15m high floodlighting columns.

Access, parking, changing facilities and viewing areas are all in place at the Palmer Tomkinson centre as the sports pitch was planned when the centre was built.

The pitch would potentially be jointly funded by the Football Foundation, Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Birstall United Football Club, Mountsorrel Juniors Football Club and the Cedars Academy.

The proposed hours for community use are Monday to Friday 4.30 to 10pm, weekends and bank holidays, 8am to 10pm

PALMER TOMKINSON CTR

WANLIP LANE

The Lionheart Academy Trust say in their planning application: “The proposal will serve the Academy student population of circa 1000 pupils (and rising) and will ensure that sports fixtures, curriculum activities and training are not inhibited by adverse weather or ground conditions. It will also be available to South Charnwood Primary Schools as

part of the Team Charnwood project. Out of school hours, the pitch will provide for community use – for training and match use by local clubs accommodating all age groups in delivering a wider football development programme including coach education and a recreational football offer.”

The planning application reference is P/21/0930/2

Birstall Bowling club Pic: White Horse staff Jenny Gallie (centre), Tom Beames and Sophie Hall

Summer gin promotion A TWO WEEK promotion of Burleigh’s gin at Birstall’s White Horse proved popular with patrons.

THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

The White Horse was one of the first to offer the locally made Burleigh’s gin when it was launched seven years ago.

Charlotte Foy of The White Horse said: “The promotion consisted of a menu of three of their delicious gins, with flavours mixers and garnishes and an incentive competition for staff to sell.

“We love to champion local producers, and the promotion was very well received by staff and customers alike. The gins were perfect for the sunny days we had during the promotion, and the staff really enjoyed a bit of friendly competition and banter between themselves.”

The winner, Jenny Gallie, sold 65 gins, Tom Beames sold 42 and Sophie Hall sold 22.

The most popular was the Marilyn Monroe Gin with elderflower and Rose Belvoir presse with summer berries garnish.

Charlotte said: “The pub has now created a ‘Summer Gin’ list and has kept this

bestseller on. The others are a Lemon Gin from Malfy, Served with Fentimans Mandarin and Seville Orange Jigger, garnished with a wedge of lemon and sprig of mint.

“There’s also a gin by Leicester producer North 42 combining real rhubarb and blood orange, with Fevertree ginger ale and a slice of orange. How refreshing- pop on down!”

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FIVE BOWLERS from Birstall Bowling Club will represent the club and Leicestershire at the national championships, taking place in Leamington Spa later this month.

Roger Cooper and Shane Hayes won the Leicestershire pairs title, beating Hinckley’s Martin Shipley and Stuart Millidge in the final to ensure qualification. The pair, along with John Hurst and Andy Wye, were quarter-finalists in the county fours.

Jan Everitt, Di Hurst and Pa Walker have also qualified, having beaten teams from Kingscroft and New Lount in the quarter and semi-final respectively, to reach the final of the county triples.

The club and members are still involved in the latter stages of county and national competitions, with the hope that more players will qualify or reach finals in the next couple of weeks.

New members are always welcome, and more information about the club can be found on the club’s website www.birstallbowlingclub.co.uk on the Facebook page, which you can find by typing “Birstall Bowling Club Facebook” into a search engine, or you can call Steve on 07870 327568.

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Run proves popular THE ELEVENTH Watermead Challenge charity run took place at Watermead Country Park in July, attracting more than 600 entrants.

Organised by the Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley, supported by Birstall Running Club, it was sponsored for the first time by Dunelm.

Rory McAllistar from Dunelm presented the trophies to the winners and also ran in the event.

Several charities will benefit from the

proceeds, including Jade’s Retreat who provide respite care in a Norfolk mobile home for cancer sufferers and their families.

The winner of the five-mile run was Eddie George of Holme Pierrepoint Running Club in a very respectable time of 27 minutes 55 seconds. Local runner Paul Gowdridge of Birstall Running Club was fifth in 29 minutes 10 seconds while the first lady in was Claire Fitzpatrick of West End Runners in 29 minutes and 17 seconds.

Phoebe Langland of Wreake and Soar Valley Runners won the threemile run in 18 minutes 45 seconds.

New Race Director Dave Snutch said: “ I am delighted by the way the event went. It is one of the first to take place as lockdowns ease and so attracted a high level of interest. Many thanks to all who supported us, including our sponsor Dunelm and Leicestershire County Council for allowing the run to take place”.

U3A coming back ALMOST 18 months since Covid restrictions caused most activities to be suspended, Syston and District U3A is planning a re-launch.

Plans are in hand for an Open Day on September 8 at the Grosvenor Function Room, allowing members to reestablish much missed social contact, and offer others the chance to find out more about the wide range of interest groups on offer by being a University of the Third Age Member.

Spokeswoman Julie Johnson said: “During the course of the pandemic restrictions, and where Zoom and other channels of communication have allowed, the Executive Committee and several of the Groups have continued their activities. But, as we all know, there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction.

“In spite of this membership numbers have held up well, offering a clear dem-

onstration of how valuable a service is provided by the U3A. As well as offering opportunities for individuals to expand their interests, express their talents and share their experiences, U3A helps to keep people in touch with each other, make new friends and combats the threat of loneliness and isolation.”

Founded in 2015 and serving not only Syston but surrounding areas such as Thurmaston, Birstall, Rearsby, Queniborough and many others, the U3A rapidly attracted over 400 members whose varied interests led to the formation of over 40 active interest groups.

Julie said: “There is great optimism that these groups - and more – will return to their previous levels of activity when restrictions allow.”

Anyone interested in receiving more information about the U3A or the Open Day should contact the U3A Secretary, Brian King, by email at sadu3asecretary@gmail.com

Cricket club news JON GAYDON has made a big impression since taking over the captaincy with scores of 77 n.o, 43 and 95 helping the first team to four wins from five games.

Ravi Rohilla and Jack Wright have been getting plenty of wickets, including bowling Queniborough out for just 42, the whole match only lasting 22 overs.

The 2nd XI has won nine of their first eleven matches and currently lie second in the table. A remarkable game against then leaders Fleckney saw Birstall slip to 63-6 before A Pandya made 55 followed by career-

best scores of 66 for Kish Jiwa and 49 n.o. from Prad Sood and an 8th wicket partnership of 90 saw the side reach 218-9. Prad then took 3-21 as the visitors were restricted to just 108-9.

Both teams will be hoping to continue their good form into the later part of the season when, hopefully, the sun keeps shining.

August fixtures at School Lane 7th August: 2ndXi v Kibworth 14th August: 1stXi v Ilston Abbey 21st August: 2nd Xi v Countesthorpe 28th August: 2nd Xi v Cosby From Birstall Village Cricket Club

WI’s bowls evening ON THE rather chilly evening of the longest day of the year, a contingent of over 20 ladies from the Birstall WI visited St Margaret's Bowls Club for a taster session and a chance to try something different.

The visit had originally been arranged for last season but was postponed because of Covid-19.

A club spokesperson said: “The ladies were divided into groups across the six rinks, where the basics of bowling were explained and demonstrated by experienced club members. This was followed by a good session of trying out the new skill. Many commented how much heavier the bowls were than they had previ-

ously imagined. It was wonderful to see how quickly many of the ladies were getting respectable results. For those who managed to get their bowl to draw close to the jack, there was a very rewarding buzz of satisfaction.

“After an hour or so our visitors were ushered into the clubhouse for a fish and chip supper - following Covid-19 guidelines of course. Overall, it was a most enjoyable occasion. For the club, it was great to get back to the sort of social activity that the game of bowls provides.”

If your group would like to try something like this, or if you would just like to give bowls a try, contact Carolyn or John on 0116 2675947.

Pic: A scene from St Margaret's Bowls Club WI evening

WI news Learning hub

THE LADIES of Birstall and Wanlip WI are still meeting up regularly, although not in our usual manner.

In May, 19 ladies from six WI’s enjoyed a walk to Abbey Park via Old Belgrave and St Peter’s Church, where we were given a talk by Andrew Warren. On June 21, we were invited to a very enjoyable bowls taster evening and fish and chip supper by St Margaret’s Bowls Club.

On July 7, we met informally at our usual venue Birstall British Legion. It was a fine night, so we were able to safely sit outside and enjoy table service.

On August 2, we are gathering for a morning walk and picnic around Watermead Country Park, and in the evening, we will meet outside again at the British Legion.

Throughout the pandemic, we have kept in touch with members via email, Zoom meetings, a WhatsApp Group and Facebook and physically with those without access to the internet. Hopefully, we will resume our normal meetings soon.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Covid-19 deaths DEATHS DUE to Covid-19 in Birstall between March 2020 and April 2021 amounted to 34, according to the Office for National Statistics.

For the same period in nearby areas the figures were: Thurmaston 22 Syston 23 Mountsorrel and Rothley 20

A WARM and welcoming place where people can meet and learn new skills reopened in Beaumont Leys in July.

Bishopdale Adult Learning Hub in Beaumont Leys offers have-a-go sessions for adults in a range of subjects.

Would-be learners can drop in any time between 10am and 3pm, to have a look round, talk to the tutors, have a go at pottery, and enrol on a course.

From September, Bishopdale’s programme of adult learning courses will resume, with courses in English, maths, ESOL, arts, pottery and languages on offer.

The Bishopdale Adult Learning Hub opened in January 2020 – just weeks before the COVID pandemic forced it to close. The city council transformed a former nursery on Bishopdale Road to create the hub, giving local people, including Birstall residents, access to courses that would help prepare them for the workplace and improve their skills.

The hub is also home to the Fosse Arts project and includes arts facilities, workshop spaces, potters’ wheels and kilns.

Anybody enrolling on a course at the Bishopdale hub will also be able to access individual careers advice and support to find employment, or progress to further and higher education.

More details about Summer@Bishopdale, and the courses on offer at the Bishopdale Adult Learning Hub, are available at leicesterlearns.ac.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST AUGUST 2021

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News from the churches again fill our churches with joy and THINKING BACK to the early days of television broadcasting when all kinds of thanksgiving and much music, and prepare to welcome our new Rector, Amanequipment used to break down at odd times and the adage 'Normal service will da Digman, in September.

From Birstall Parish Churches be resumed as soon as possible' used to appear on our screens, followed by THE OPENING of the Saturday Coffee 'There will now be a short interlude', in Shop does indicate that things are turn followed by film (in black and slowly getting back to the ‘way we white, of course) of a windmill turning were’. or a potter at a wheel, until the proThe seating in church for worship has gramme resumed, and then, inevitably, broke down again! I always found these been reduced from two metres apart to one. Wednesday morning 9.30am Holy interludes very soothing and quite fasciCommunion has also resumed. For the nating. time being, at Holy Communion, the Similarly, we have had our 'short church will continue to use the special interlude' now - the quietness of our pre-packed wafer & wine, in the tiny streets and shops during the pandemic plastic cups with the peel-off lids. You gave everybody some respite from the peel off the first lid for the wafer and usual noisy, crowded life we lead - but the second lid for the wine. The wine is now it is coming back - with a vengestill non-alcoholic in the Methodist ance if looking at the sports crowds is Church. anything to go by! There is a silver A few services have been taking place lining, however, in that we will shortly in the disabled parking area between the be resuming normal services in St. Church and the Coffee Shop. At least James this month, with the All Together being outside, the restriction on singing service on the first Sunday of the month no longer applies. and Parish Communion on the other The Health Secretary announced to Sundays at 10am. Barring any further the House of Commons that from July 19, breakdowns, we will also be able to re-instate our after-service tea and coffee. there will be ‘…no restrictions on communal worship and singing'. This inUnfortunately, the 8am communion cludes singing at weddings, funerals and service will not be able to be held durbaptisms. However, nationally, the Mething August, but hopefully can re-start in odist Church, whilst always adhering to September. government advice, is urging some cauAs the Sunday School have planned a tion for the sake of others in the church, picnic for their families and friends on community and for self-care.

August 1, as a 'Welcome Back' celebraServices will continue on ‘Zoom’ tion, this will now have happened, and I most Sundays at least for a little longer. do hope they will have had the weather they desired for an outdoor party, rather At the back of the church is a large than having to shelter inside! It is never console that operates the sound system.

The cameras are linked into the ‘Zoom’ quite the same, is it - having to have a system on the Internet and the projector, picnic indoors? and display the words for each hymn.

With the (hoped for) resumption of Sometimes there is other material to normal services, I am sure many people project according to the requirements of will be able to return to their usual individual preachers. Operating this routines, so cruelly interrupted, and

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technology does involve some preparation beforehand, and at the moment, it tends to be reliant on one person, Charles Hilton. Charles is keen to have someone to share this task. Contact him if you want to ‘have a go’.

From Birstall Methodist Church

Services Unfortunately, The Cedars Academy is unable to fulfil our bookings over the summer, so please contact us for information on our venue: phone 0116 2214883. Our website (http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk) will have details of when we can resume at the school when known. We meet each Sunday at 10.45am, and you will be most welcome to join with us.

Safe Haven Life’s ‘normal’ troubles of bereavement, illness, problems with relationships and livelihoods have seemed intensified during the pandemic, so it is good to know the safe haven we can experience both now and eternally in the Lord Jesus Christ. He said: “Come to Me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) This haven was found and experienced by our two hymn-writers this month: Annie Johnson Flint (1862 – 1932) and Augustus Montague Toplady (1740 - 1778).

Annie, from New Jersey, USA, was orphaned as a small child and in her teens was affected by arthritis, which became progressively worse as the years went by, so that she was unable to walk, then unable to play the piano and finally, losing the use of her fingers, she wrote her poems by using her knuckles on a typewriter. Out of her experiences, she wrote the hymn: ‘He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labours increase; To added affliction, He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.’

Toplady was born in Surrey, later moving to Ireland with his widowed mother and completing his education at Trinity College, Dublin. He was ordained into the Church of England in 1762 but, in 1766, he heard an itinerant Wesleyan Methodist preacher in a barn and was converted. He went on to minister in Somerset, Devon and London before his early death. He composed 133 hymns.

‘A Sovereign Protector I have, Unseen yet for ever at hand’ was originally much longer and designed to be used on retiring for the night, but it is now seen as the Sovereign God’s protection not just in sleep but in all the affairs of everyday life.

Toplady’s best-known hymn is ‘Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee’, which reflects on the experience of Moses (recorded in Exodus 33: 17-

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23) and is a hymn about sin and salva- 15 tion: all the sinner’s efforts to save himself are in vain and he simply has to cry out to God, and divine grace does the rest.

The third verse starts: ‘Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling.’

If you would like to know more about this ‘safe haven’, then please contact us.

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

AUGUST IS here, and summer has reached its height. The sun is shining (we hope!), and holidays offer welcome respite after another difficult year.

As we continue to enjoy a greater sense of normality, we are all too aware of the need to maintain this fragile freedom, particularly when gathering indoors.

Following guidance from the Diocese, the infection control measures put in place at church at the start of the pandemic will continue to be followed for the foreseeable future. Now that many more people can attend weddings and funerals, visitors to our church can be assured that they are entering a safe environment. Many thanks to our teams of stewards and cleaners for their continued hard work.

Meanwhile, the life of the parish goes on under the guidance of Fr Tom, our Priest-in-charge. It is hoped that some of the activities that had to be curtailed at the start of the pandemic will resume in due course. The monthly charity draw has continued throughout, so the parish will be able to make donations to our nominated local good causes as usual.

We will be saying goodbye to Fr Benny Dennis, who has been with us since Christmas. I am sure he will be a regular visitor, but for now, he is off to further his studies in London, and we wish him all the very best. Thank you, Fr Benny, for being such a good friend to many in the parish. You will be missed.

Choir practices progressed from Zoom to the church car park after outdoor rules were relaxed.

Showing true dedication, the choir battled on one occasion against football chants emanating from a nearby hostelry during the Euro Cup and on another, the chilly wind and rain of a typical Summer’s evening, as the picture here shows!

After a short break, practices resume on August 10, the venue is to be confirmed.

During the restrictions, the choir had approximately 57 Zoom Choir meetings, and a huge thanks must go to Chris Lowe, who put in an extraordinary amount of work. A team from the choir also did weekly recordings so that Mass had recorded music included in the Mass services, and again a huge thanks must go to this dedicated recording team and Chris Lowe.

First Holy Communion sessions for children over the age of seven will hopefully commence at the end of September.

If you have a child who missed out last year or is due to take their First Holy Communion this year, please contact the Church Office for further information and contact numbers.

From St Theresa’s Church

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Are you worried about cancer?

As we move toward a greater level of freedom and hopefully back to some kind of normality, issues and concerns that have been grumbling over the past 18 months will likely come to the fore, and you may feel it is time to address them. The pandemic has meant many people have ignored issues related to their health, or decided not to address them, so they can avoid going to crowded places. Have you got signs or symptoms or changes in your body that are worrying you? Is it time to focus on your health and get some medical support?

People worry about cancer for many different reasons and this is perfectly normal. Perhaps someone close to you has been diagnosed. Or maybe you have signs or symptoms you think might be cancer. Sometimes learning a little bit more about something can help lessen the worry and fear of addressing it. Here is some information to help with your understanding.

What is cancer?

There are more than 200 types of cancer, and each has its own name and treatment. Cancer starts in our cells. Cells are tiny building blocks that make up the body’s organs and tissues. Cells receive signals from the body, telling them when to grow and when to divide to make new cells. This is how our bodies grow and heal. These cells can become old, damaged or no longer needed. When this happens, the cell gets a signal from the body to stop working and die. Sometimes these signals can go wrong, and the cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell may keep dividing to make more and more abnormal cells. These can form a lump, called a tumour.

Not all tumours are cancer. Doctors

can tell if a tumour is cancer by taking a small sample of cells from it. This is called a biopsy. The doctors examine the sample under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

A tumour that is not cancer (a benign tumour) may grow, but it cannot spread to anywhere else in the body.

It usually only causes problems if it grows and presses on nearby organs.

A tumour that is cancer (a malignant tumour) can grow into nearby tissue.

Sometimes cancer cells spread from where the cancer started (the primary site) to other parts of the body.

Some types of cancer start from blood cells. Abnormal cells can build up in the blood, and sometimes the bone marrow.

This is where blood cells are made. These types of cancer are sometimes called blood cancers.

Symptoms and Screening If you notice any changes to your body, it is important that you visit your GP. There can be different reasons for these changes or symptoms. You may think that other health conditions are causing the symptoms. Or you may think they are just changes that are happening as you get older. But if you have any new symptoms that do not go away, it is important to tell your GP. If your GP wants to find out more, they may arrange different tests or scans.

Sometimes, cancer is found through cancer screening. In the UK, cancer screening is offered for cervical, breast and bowel cancer.

Visiting your GP Before visiting your GP, it is a good idea to plan what you want to say and write down any questions you might have.

You may also want to record any symptoms you have or keep a diary about them. A symptom diary can help you

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describe your symptoms when you visit your GP and help them decide what the problem may be. They may want to know how long you have been experiencing them and if there is anything that makes the symptoms better or worse.

Sign and Symptoms of Cancer It is important to know the common signs and symptoms of cancer. If you have any of the symptoms listed here, please see your GP. Different types of cancer have different symptoms. These symptoms can be caused by things other than cancer. But if you experience any of the symptoms listed below, or any other unusual symptoms, you should see your GP as soon as possible. You are not wasting your GP’s time by getting your symptoms checked.

Symptoms to look out for: Unexplained bleeding Lumps Pain Extreme tiredness Night sweats Trouble swallowing or feeling of something stuck in your throat Weight loss Indigestion or Heartburn Bloating A change in bowel habit Problems having a wee An ongoing cough Breathlessness Hoarse voice Change in a mole A sore anywhere on your skin that doesn’t heal If you are worried at all and want to seek some advice you can ring the Macmillan Cancer Support line on 0800 808 00 00 or email contact@macmillan.org.uk Birstall BAGs hope this has helped shed some light on cancer, and above all, we urge you to act on your concerns and seek help; early diagnosis really does save lives.

For local support and information about cancer services, please contact:University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189 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 CHURCH DIARY

Planning P/21/1626/2: 55 Greengate Lane Birstall LE4 3JG Single storey side and rear extension P/21/1625/2: 27 Copeland Road Birstall LE4 3AB construction of single storey front; side and rear extension P/21/1601/2: 71 Moorgate Avenue Birstall LE4 3HJ Two-storey side extension to form bedroom and extend bathroom, over garage/store and utility, with full width single storey rear extension for form livingkitchen P/21/1580/2: 15 Went Road Birstall LE4 3BJ Single storey rear extension to existing two storey property P/21/1570/2: 180 Wanlip Lane Birstall LE4 4GG Two-storey side extension for bedroom and ensuite over wc / utility and gym extending forward of the main dwelling at ground floor level P/21/1550/2: 29 Paget Avenue Birstall LE4 4HY Double storey side and rear extension, Single storey rear extension, new front porch and lean to at side of property.

P/21/1542/2: 24 Perseverance Road Birstall LE4 4AU Single storey extension and internal alterations to form a level access WC P/21/1539/2: 119 Sibson Road Birstall LE4 4NB Removal of the existing fascia sign, protruding boxing, projecting Barclay's Signage and existing back board to be made good on completion. Existing ATM to be removed, new stainless steel plate to be installed on completion P/21/1507/2: 131 Harrowgate Drive Birstall LE4 3GS conversion of loft space from storage to habitable room. dormer to the front and rear, hip to gable conversion to the side.

P/21/1485/2: 15 Freehold Road Birstall LE4 4AL Proposed 1 storey side extension P/21/1454/2: 6 Mill Close Birstall LE4 4EN lime tree (LT1) in rear garden of property on the middle back boundary removal of tree due to causing damage to neighbour drive way beyond the back boundary neighbour has an engineers report stating the tree is causing the damage to the driveway P/21/1452/2: 53 Copeland Road Birstall LE4 3AB Demolition of existing porch, garage and utility area and construction of single storey side and rear extension to form hallway, kitchen and shower room.

P/21/1418/2: 148 Birstall Meadow Road Birstall LE4 3NF to be checked proposed single storey rear exension (sunroom)

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