Birstall Post (460) November 2021

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

NOVEMBER 2021

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 460

Club’s junior champions AN ENTHUSIASTIC group of family and friends watched young people aged from seven to fourteen play a series of matches at Birstall Watermead Tennis Club’s Junior Tennis Championships.

Sunday October 3 was competition day for junior players at the club.

In the 8 and under category Alice Howlett beat both Sophie Kay and Jude Morley in the Mini Red event to win her first ever Club Championship, while Anuj Gohel was undefeated in the 9 and under Mini Orange event, putting in strong performances against the other boys Eashan Lad, Sebastian Wyatt, Seb Cox and Harrison Miles-Hobbs. Amongst the 10-year-olds Roman Mitchell, a firsttimer to the Championships, was able to secure the title with victories over Aryan Nathwani and Lewis Massey in the Mini Green category. In the 12 and under category Krishan Lad overcame Anthony Freeman in the final. An epic two hour final in the 14 and under competition saw Luke Hill come from a set behind to defeat Rohan Kukadia 7-5 in a thrilling final set.

Laura Morley, Club Coach, said: “What a brilliant afternoon - super sportsmanship, endless enthusiasm, fantastic

Police caution man AFTER INDECENTLY exposing himself on Curzon Avenue, a 21-year-old man has been placed on the sexual offenders’ register for two years and given a conditional caution.

The incidents took place in June and July of this year.

Birstall’s Police Constable Dave Jaeckels said: “These incidents were obviously very distressing for the victims and, hopefully, this will bring some closure for them. The male was not from the local area, so there should not be a repeat of these incidents. We would like to say thank you to all the people who assisted us with providing CCTV footage which helped us to identify the male involved.”

Police officers and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have powers to issue a caution, warning or penalty as an alternative to prosecution.

Continued on page 3

Pics (above): (l-r) Harrison Miles-Hobbs, Anuj Gohel, Eashan Lad, Sebastian Wyatt; (below) (l-r) Sophie Kay, Alice Howlett, Jude Morley

forehands, brilliant backhands, and speedy serves! It was great to see the players giving it their all and enjoying competing with their peers - they've all made such progress over the past twelve months. Congratulations to all the 2021 winners, and thanks to everyone for their support on the day. All the juniors involved were truly a credit to their

families and their club.”

The championships for the 16 and under and 18 and under players are scheduled for a later date, as several of them have been involved in senior matches against other clubs in Leicestershire.

For more information about club membership and coaching programmes, see: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BirstallWater meadTennisClub

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

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Local side developing winning ways IT SEEMS that Birstall United Juniors U10s ‘Foxes’ are developing in more ways than one!

“We provide a safe place for anyone of any ability to play football,” Head coach Joey Hughes said. “While other teams may wish to have a similar ethos, Foxes are managing to make that aspiration a reality for local kids.”

With player numbers swelling over lock-down, the Foxes were challenged to find ways to engage newer, less experienced players with game time while still providing opportunities for the more experienced players to continue their development. To accommodate so many extra players, the Foxes have managed to develop a new friendly family structure of two sub-teams under one umbrella. This is now allowing all our kids to train together to share experience, but still challenge themselves by playing competitive matches against opposition of a similar ability.

This progressive approach seems to be paying off. On the back of becoming joint winners at the Birstall United Juniors FC summer tournament, the team have since enjoyed a run of success in the league too. They have played five games in their 2021/2 campaign and are unbeaten so far! At the same time, the Foxes have managed to support at least six players, who have never played the game before to take part in their first ever competitive matches in a new team dubbed the ‘Football Cards Direct Foxes’.

Of course, this recent success has not happened overnight or come easily. Although the players are still only nine years old, at the core of the team are a group of local kids from various Birstall schools that have been playing with one another for five years. However, some restructuring three years ago left the future of the Foxes’ team looking uncertain, with a lack of volunteers, too few players and not even a strip. However, through this adversity the Foxes team, new volunteers and wider family supporters have rallied together to create a close-knit group of friends that now boasts an enviable level of support for the players with coaching, welfare and team admin. The Foxes even have a brilliant group of parents and players’ siblings who provide hot cups of tea at away matches!

The current run of success and reach into the community that the Foxes are achieving is in no small part due to the overwhelming support provided to them by two brilliant local businesses.

The team will be forever grateful to Paul and Kelly Oldcorn of Football Cards Direct, a Birstall business that is massively engaged in village sporting activities.

More recently, a second local business, Prospecs on Sibson Road owned by Mike and Teresa Keily have offered additional help that will allow the team to progress their ‘turn no one away’ philosophy further. Teresa from Prospecs said: “We really admire what the Foxes are doing and it’s great to be able to put something back into the local community.”

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

Continued from page 1 A conditional caution is different to a simple caution, as certain conditions must be followed to avoid prosecution.

Conditional cautions can be given to anyone over 10 years of age. To receive a caution, there must be sufficient evidence to prosecute, and the offender must admit guilt and agree to be being cautioned.

If the offender does not follow the conditions of the caution, they can be arrested and charged with the offence.

However, if the conditions are followed within the agreed timescales, the case will be closed without a criminal conviction.

Pic: From Prospecs are (l-r) Dawn Timpson, Mike & Teresa Keily, with some U10 players from BUJFC Foxes

Looking forward, the ‘Prospecs Foxes’ team are hoping that their run of impressive results will help them secure a move up the rankings later this season which would mean they’d be playing a higher standard of football. Meantime, the ‘Football Cards Direct Foxes’ are hoping to build on some strong performances and continue to enthuse a love of football for local kids.

Development coach Ben Thomas said, “At the end of the day, football is all about fun, so no matter what the result, as long as the players have achieved their own personal goals and had fun doing it, then that’s a win in my book.”

Now the Foxes future is secure and going places, fuelled by the experiences of the teams' past struggles

Joey is hoping to gain some support for the Foxes next progressive initiative. He said: “While at one end of the spectrum footballers can earn astronomical sums of money, I know that some kids and families in our community can struggle financially to access the game at a grass-roots level. That doesn’t sit right with me and I want to do something about it.” The Foxes have launched a project to try and make it possible for kids who receive free school meals under the Pupil Premium scheme to be able to get involved with football cost-free through a new sponsorship program.

“It’s great that we can offer some kids the chance to play free football,” Joey added.

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Friends join VW convoy on M25 Christmas

WITH THEIR VW campervan decorated with bras, two friends from Birstall joined more than 1000 other VW owners for a fundraising drive around the M25.

Olwen Guildford and Val Hall were taking part in the Run the Ring event, a cruise of all types of Volkswagens who drive a lap of the M25. Since 2016 the event has raised £117,000 for various charities, and this year it raised money for the cancer charity, CoppaFeel.

Olwen said: “I put out an appeal for bras on Facebook, which was picked up by Birstall BAGS, and lots were kindly donated. We sewed them into a washing line which we attached to the van – they all stayed in place!

“The event was absolutely fantastic, such camaraderie and a great atmosphere.”

Olwen and Val raised £220, with the whole event raising more than £69,000.

tree BIRSTALL’S CHRISTMAS tree will be erected by the Parish Council on the Sibson Road car park at the end of November.

There will not be an official Christmas switch-on event or a Christmas Market in the Village Hall this year, but there will be fairground attractions on the Sibson Road car park on Friday December 3, 2021 from 3 9pm.

A parish council spokesperson said: “Hopefully, next year we will all be a much safer environment to be able to host these kinds of events.

“Posters will be displayed around the village, and we hope that the local shops will take the opportunity of using this time for a late-night opening special to encourage more people into the village and to visit local businesses.”

The parish council will also be installing the usual 65 lit smaller Christmas trees above some of the shops in the village.

Pic: Olwen (right) and Val took part in Run the Ring 2021

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Birstall bakers rise to the challenge THE WHITE Horse Birstall Bake Off raised over £1100 for the cancer charity, Macmillan.

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

The event, on September 25, saw an influx of creative cakes, super savouries and beautiful baking arrive at the White Horse for the ninth Great Birstall Bake Off. “We were thrilled to receive over 30 entries this year, including a great number from young bakers. There were a wide variety of offerings for the categories, and the standard was superb,” said Rebecca Kay, who came up with the idea of the Great Birstall Bake Off. “I wanted to offer the village a community event in which all could join in and it be a bit of fun!”

The Great Bake Off was just the first stage of a busy ‘cake fuelled’ weekend at the White Horse as on September 26, the pub held its annual Macmillan World’s biggest coffee morning.

“Each year, we are amazed by all the bakers' generosity, from the cost of the ingredients, their time given and the talents and love put into the donations,” said Charlotte Foy of the White Horse.

She added: "The event was a great success and raised £1135.32.

Thanks to all the donated cakes for the Bake Off and those who attended the Coffee Morning and gave generously."

The cakes were judged, following WI guidelines for appearance, texture and flavour, by Janet Vaughn and Cath Jones from the Birstall WI, Anna Beams, Emma Bateman, Evie & Lola Fletcher, Liana Condello and Cat Hanlon, previous winners and James Foy, Chef at the White Horse.

The winners received a prize of a rosette with the best overall Birstall Bak-

Anna Beams

Carol Wright Reggie Sutton

Orla Kraxford-Kearley Pic: Best Birsall Baker, Sharren Bradshaw

Poonam Pau

Isabella Moran

er, Sharren Bradshaw receiving a sash, Burleigh’s gin glasses and a distillery tour for her lime cake. Sharren only started baking in lockdown and has not looked back since!

The other winners were: • Cup Cakes: Carol Wright, Lemon Meringue Cup Cakes – Weavers Gin selection • Cake : Jackie Bateman, Prosecco – A magnum of Prosecco • Tray Bake: Reggie Sutton, Millionaire's shortbread – Belvoir Farms vintage coolbox • Biscuits: Sophie Kay - Macmillan goodie bag • Sweet Pastry: Poonam Pau, Mini baked cheesecake – Bottle of Champagne • Savoury Bake: Orla Craxford-Kearley, Manchego & cheese Scones – Macmillan goodie bag • Bread: Anna Beams, Canadian Sourdough – Tea & Coffee hamper from St Martins Coffee roasters • Free From: Katie Bateman, Wheat free Brownies – North 42 Gin Hamper • Best decorated: Carter Cluley, colourful Sweety cupcakes – Stonehurst farm

Carter Cluley

Katie Bateman

Family ticket • Best under 16’s entry: Isabella Moran, Courgette Cake – Macmillan goodie bag

There was also a raffle which raised over £130 and a guess the weight of the cake Kindly donated by Dominic North of North’s of Rothley Charlotte said: “Thanks goes to all

Sophie Kay

those who donated prizes and their time; Norths, Silly Prices, Burleigh’s Gin, Stonehurst Farm, Creed, Makro, Matthew Clark, Trust Inns, Weavers, North 42 gin, Belvoir Farms, Milners Bakery, Glenn Lewin Butcher, St Martins Coffee roasters, our judges and finally everyone who came along to eat cake.”

Campaigner secures bus stop provements in Birstall, I have requested Mr Grimley for a bus shelter on the A6 Loughborough Road near Redhill Circle from the funding. Unlike flower beds or benches on roads that residents can only use during the summer months, a bus shelter will be used all year round, especially during winter and bad weather.

“I would urge all residents, if they agree that there should be bus shelter on the A6 Loughborough Road near Redhill Circle, to write in support to Cllr Grimley via email Daniel.Grimley@leics.gov.uk”

A BIRSTALL man who has organised a petition, lobbied councillors and even written to the Queen for support, is celebrating after his long campaign for an additional Skylink bus stop on the A6 has been successful.

The Trent Barton bus company operate the Skylink bus from Leicester to Derby via Loughborough and East Midland Airport, and it has agreed to provide a bus stop on the A6 Loughborough Road, Birstall near Redhill Circle, from Sunday October 31, 2021.

Campaigner Mr Ramesh Kotecha, of Roman Road, said: “By the time Birstall residents are reading this article, they should be able to board Skylink bus stop near Redhill Circle to go from Birstall to Loughborough, East Midland Airport and Derby in one single journey every 20 minutes, seven days a week. It will now be easier for students who are travelling to Loughborough College and Loughborough University. Residents will be able to take advantage of seeking and retaining employment in companies like DHL, Amazon, logistics companies, and the East Midland airport.”

Mr Kotecha led a campaign for the bus stop, collecting a 250 name petition, contacting

Pics: (below) camapigner Ramesh Kotecha & (above) the location of the stop

Birstall’s MP Edward Argar and lobbying local councillors Daniel Grimley and Julie Palmer. He also contacted Leicestershire County Council's Safe & Sustainable Travel Team, Varsha Parmar at the Loughborough Equality Action Group and the Queen.

In April 2021, Mr Kotecha met the managing director of Trent Barton, Mr Jeff Counsell of Trent Barton Bus Company, to deliver campaign documents in person.

Mr Kotecha said: “Now for the future, as all residents are aware that Birstall Councillor Mr Daniel Grimley has received £25,000 funding for highway im-

School crossing dangers MOTORISTS ON Wanlip Lane are being urged to slow down after the school crossing patrol warden was almost hit by a speeding car.

The incident happened on Friday October 1 at around 8.30am, when a vehicle passed within inches of the warden, outside Riverside School.

The zebra crossing in front of the school is badly worn and needs repainting. School crossing warning lights, like those on Greengate Lane outside Highcliffe School, have been suggested as an improvement – they have been nominated for funding from Birstall County Councillor Daniel Grimley’s £25,000 Highway Improvement Fund.

Lit up in red RED FILTERS will be placed over the floodlights illuminating the Village Hall, St James Church and the War Memorial again this year, as part of the Light Up In Red Campaign.

Birstall Parish Council is supporting the campaign, which aims to promote the Poppy Appeal and commemorate those who lost their lives in conflicts.

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

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Council Fangs looking good for panto disagrees with panel A RECOMMENDATION that Birstall Parish Council employs an outside body to carry out a review of its procedures and working practices has been described as “inappropriate and irrelevant” by the parish council.

FOLLOWING ON from our previous article published in the October edition of the Birstall post, I can once again confirm that at this stage and in line with the government Covid guidelines HATS are still on track to perform our panto this year.

one we can’t wait for you to join us on.

And don’t forget.

Children are welcome to arrive dressed as Dracula to add to the atmosphere. The director will cast a discreet eye over the audience and select the best dressed child per performance to receive a selection box.

The director will then choose a final winner out of the four performances to receive a free family ticket for our panto the following year. This will NOT be a formal fancy dress competition, rather, just a bit of fun.

Are you getting excited? We are.

Then make sure you come and see our fine cast, in their fine costumes, with our fine scenery, at our fabulous venue, the Birstall Social Club. See you soon. Put the dates in your diary now.

Dates: Thursday Dec 2, 2021 and Friday Dec 3, 2021 at 7.15 p.m.

Saturday Dec 4, 2021 at 2pm and 7pm Doors open 30 minutes before each performance

Rehearsals are in full swing, lines, lines, mistakes, mistakes, humour and frustration are the order of the day.

Perfectly normal at this stage of our panto. It wouldn’t be much fun if we were word perfect already, “oh no it wouldn’t”.

Our costumes and scenery are progressing well; you will all be in for a treat. We are all getting excited to see The recommendation was made by Charnwood Borough Council after it had you all again and to welcome you back, we have missed you. investigated a complaint about Birstall So, let’s get back to the panto. The Parish Councillor Julian Howe last year.

On June 4, 2020, Charnwood’s Mem- fiend Count Dracula is intent on causing disruption and chaos, he will stop at ber Conduct panel found that Cllr Howe nothing and let no-one prevent him from had “not behaved in such a way that a seeking to be rich. His nasty streak and reasonable person would regard as rehis evil laugh are meant to scare people spectful.” and give him control. But hey, all pantos In the course of the investigation, which involved reviewing documents and have a “baddie”, but they also have the “goodies” too. And in the land of panto, emails and interviewing the clerk and we all want the “goodies” to win. So this Councillor Howe, the Member Conduct is where our audience can help. Don’t Panel noted that “evidence arising durbe shy, shout out, warn us when the ing the investigation suggests that there “baddie” is around, and help the “goodwas some confusion over roles and ies” to succeed in making sure Count responsibilities of the Clerk and Parish Dracula has a real fight on his hands.

Councillors, and that there were some He needs to know that he cannot just questions over issues of transparency, demand and take what he wants. We scrutiny and public accountability relathave no doubt that with you on our side, ing to financial and budgetary matters the “goodies” will defeat him. Dracula amongst other things.” will be defeated. Well, we hope he will.

The panel recommended that Birstall But you need to come along and see for Parish Council considered commissionyourself if “good can conquer bad”. ing a Governance Review, which is an This will be an exciting journey, and audit of its policies and procedures by an outside body.

The parish council considered the recommendation at its meeting on June 21, in closed session with the press and public excluded.

Suitable for young people from 2-18 The minutes state: “The parish counCOME AND JOIN THE FUN! cil did not agree with the panel’s Now Taking Classes in: suggestions/inference of poor practice Ballet • Gymnastics • Tap • Street which were based on unsubstantiated Theatre Craft • Musical Theatre allegations made by the complainant at Modern Jazz • Festivals & Shows the hearing, that the Parish Council had Singing Classes • Adult Classes DBS no opportunity to refute or defend.

FIRST CLASS FREE! Checked “The [parish] council also felt that the Call Principal Emma Bateman Member Conduct Panel had overstepped Happy Birthday Rex for November 5th 07443 761300 their remit in this matter. The scope of We’ll meet soon in the rapture of the church. email: r.starsacademy@gmail.com the hearing was to determine whether a Always thinking of you. Much love, Shelagh Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane LE4 4JS parish council‘s behaviour had breached the code of conduct [and the] panel does not have the power to instruct, intervene or interfere with any Parish Council business and this recommendation was inappropriate and irrelevant.”

(Charnwood Ltd) The Member Conduct Panel at CharnService, Repairs, Installations of all wood also recommended that Cllr Howe be afforded the same access to informaGas Appliances tion and support that is afforded to other members of Birstall Parish Council.

Birstall Parish Council‘s response to this recommendation was that the MemBOILER REPLACEMENTS • SAME DAY BREAKDOWN VISITS ber Conduct Panel “does not have the Contact power to instruct, intervene or interfere 07860 735066 Boiler & with any Parish Council business, particRob: Gas Fires 0116 2367923 ularly employment matters.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

“Dracula the Panto” by Limelight scripts, www.limelightscripts.co.uk.

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Pic: Some of the cast of Dracula: the Panto

Venue: Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets: £7, £6 concession, £22 family ticket. (2 adults and 2 children) Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people (price available at time of booking).

Tickets available now.

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

Face book: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/ Note: The arrangements for our PANTO may be subject to change or cancellation should the Government Guidelines differ from the current status. We will endeavour to inform you of any neces-

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

Fireworks Please remember to be considerate to your neighbours when celebrating with fireworks.

The law says that you must not let off fireworks in the street or in any other public place. If you plan to do so in your garden, please warn your neighbours in advance, especially those who are elderly, vulnerable or who have pets.

The law is clear and offenders can be and are prosecuted.

No fireworks can be set off after 11 pm except on Bonfire Night, 5th November, until midnight and on Diwali, 4th November; New Year’s Eve, 31st December; Chinese New Year, 1st February 2022, until 1 am To report firework nuisance go to the website: www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/fireworknuisance Incidents involving the serious misuse of fireworks in the street should be reported to the Police. www.gov.uk/fireworks‐the‐law

Dial 159

Be Cyber Aware

A new fraud hotline with backing from major banks and technology firms, including BT and Google, will enable you to check whether a call from your bank is genuine. The hotline is designed to foil scammers who pose as banks or other firms to trick customers into sending them money.

159 is an easily remembered, secure number that connects you directly to your bank if you think you are being scammed. It works in the same way as 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS. It is the number you can trust to get you through to your bank safely, every time.

159 will never call you and only a fraudster will object to you calling it.

Call 159 if:

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is the official UK government organisation dedicated to keeping individuals and businesses safe online. It contains a wealth of information and advice that makes a visit to its website a very worthwhile exercise. www.ncsc.gov.uk You can get a free personalised ‘to do’ list to protect yourself or your business with a free Cyber Action Plan from the NCSC: www.cyberaware.gov.uk

Someone contacts you saying they are from your bank even if they do not appear suspicious.

• You receive a call asking you to transfer money or make a payment even if it seems genuine.

• You receive a call about a financial matter and it seems suspicious.

You can learn more about the scheme at: www.stopscamsuk.org.uk/159

Report Crime Online Many people fail to report minor crimes to the Police. There are a number of reasons for this but the one we hear most often is that there is no point in doing so because the Police have more important crimes to investigate and it is not worth the effort involved.

The problem is that the Police may not then become aware of any pattern of crime that is developing. Your minor crime becomes much more significant when it is known to be one of a series of similar ones.

You can report crimes by dialling 101 but many people do not know that you can also do so online.

Go to the website: www.leics.police.uk/report‐online where you can report Crimes, Road Traffic Incidents, Domestic Abuse, Missing persons, Anti‐Social Behaviour, Lost or Stolen Vehicles, Lost and Found Property, Civil Disputes and other relevant matters.

If you see a crime being committed or believe that someone is in danger you should dial 999 immediately.

Cyber‐criminals can use weaknesses in software and apps to attack your devices and steal your identity. Software updates are designed to fix these weaknesses but they only work if they are installed. Always install them as soon as possible to keep your devices and data secure. Make sure that you have good quality anti‐virus and malware programmes installed.

Updates do not have to get in the way of what you are doing.

You can choose when and how to install them, such as overnight when your device is plugged in and connected to Wi‐Fi. You can configure most devices to install updates automatically.

Police News Our Beat Team produces its own monthly Newsletter. It contains details of recent crime and other news about its activities in our villages.

If you want to keep up to date on policing issues in Birstall and Wanlip, you can read it in full each month on our website:

www.villagewatch.co.uk/police where you can also sign up to have it sent directly to your mailbox as soon as it is published.

ONLY USE YOUR PIN AT A CASH POINT OR IN A CARD MACHINE NEVER OVER THE PHONE OR ONLINE

The Watch would like to thank Birstall Parish Council for its continued support © Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch – watch@villagewatch.co.uk – 0756 2422 756

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

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Software Updates

YOUR SAY...

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

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

Buses I seem to have spent a lot of my time since moving to Wanlip some six years ago, visiting the local hospitals either by emergency ambulance or bus (taxi if feeling flush!). The General is fairly easy by bus, the Loughborough easy by bus, the LRI a bit of a pain, and Glenfield is a real challenge.

My most recent visit to LRI (I go via station and take a 15-minute walk uphill) makes me wonder what Birstall has done in the past to upset everyone. The bus timetables in Leicester for Birstall are dated April 2021 but I found the Centrebus timetables (dated August 2021) completely different on the ‘web’.

I found out that Centrebus times are the ones to use but it seems the Greengate and HallamField estates are worse off than Wanlip now.

The hospital was under the impression that the UHL hopper covers Birstall.

None of the bus stops near the hospital go anywhere Birstall. You can get to the city centre, Beaumont Leas and all sorts of places but not Birstall. Even Syston has a better service from everywhere except Birstall.

Perhaps Birstall Parish Council could actually try to make life easier for Birstall residents as I know a lot of residents might like to visit Asda, Lidl or maybe Sainsbury's, all of which are a challenge but so near. Perhaps if councillors could have a word or two to the powers who matter, it would make all the difference to both the elderly and Greengate/HallamField residents lives.

I know it can be done, as I’ve done it myself in a past life down south. Lateral thinking is needed, along with solutions prepared for objections that will be made as to why it cannot be done or, of course, it may already have been done but I missed it.

Norman Cutting

Grass snakes I was interested to read the letter about grass snakes in last months letters column.

As the writer says, they are harmless, and as they keep themselves to themselves, they are very rarely seen, although there are a lot in Watermead and its proximity.

I see them every year on my allotment behind Worcester Avenue, and I’ve had up to five a time in my compost bins, and I know sometimes they reach as far as the gardens on Worcester Avenue.

I’ve had to rescue quite a few from garden nets over the years, and I’ve tried to persuade my fellow allotment holders not to use the type of garden nets that they can get trapped in.

There are no adders in Birstall as the terrain is unsuitable and the nearest ones are on Charnwood Forest, many miles away.

So if you see a snake in Birstall, it’s almost certainly a grass snake, although I did rescue a corn snake from my neighbour's garage a couple of years ago.

All snakes in the UK are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so it is an offence to kill, injure or take one, so unless one is in imminent danger, I wouldn’t recommend moving them.

It’s a pity that as a village we haven’t done more to encourage wildlife by planting more trees and bushes, putting up nest boxes etc.

The exception to this being Watermead where only very recently a further scrape was dug, and Hallam Fields where the Borough Council are soon to start on a tree planting scheme.

But we can all do our bit as individuals, such as leaving a gap in fences so hedgehogs can get through, making a small pond or planting bushes with berries.

Finally, I was saddened this week to see workmen cutting hedges full of berries, depriving birds and mammals of a source of winter food when they could be cut in late winter instead.

Name & address supplied

Harrowgate Drive For numerous years the subject of access across Harrowgate Drive playing fields to the top end of Hallam Fields has been in discussion. That topic has arisen again more recently, given the beautiful country park being created at the top of Hallam Fields (behind the primary school). At present, residents of the Gates estate will have a considerable walk to access a lovely country park that could far more readily be available to them if a footpath is created through Harrowgate Drive playing fields. Equally, residents of Hallam Fields would have the benefit of access to Harrowgate Drive playing fields.

Regrettably, the Parish Council have been incredibly resistant to this over the years, despite a good amount of public support for it. We have been promised a public consultation by the Parish Council in relation to this proposal.

We feel very strongly about this not just because of the country park that is being created, but also because developing better links to areas of our village is important. Hallam Fields and Birstall are the same village and they should be treated as such. At present, Harrowgate Drive is fenced off from those on Hallam Fields and soon residents of the Gates estate may well feel that they have been fenced out of the country park.

A resident only needs to look at the Birstall Parish Council website to see

their ‘ward boundaries’ map still does not show Hallam Fields as being part of the village despite parts of it being in built form for over 14 years.

18,000 trees are to be planted as part of the new country park, and already the footpaths that have been installed are proving incredibly popular. The shops, cafe and community hall on Hallam Fields would all become more accessible if this link is opened.

Charnwood Borough Council, our County Councillor Daniel Grimley and us as Borough Councillors, are keen to see a new link established. Jelson Homes has said they are perfectly willing to discuss this. As part of their original plans, they intended to create a footpath, but it seems the Parish Council were not keen.

We are concerned to note that the Parish Council intends to discuss this matter again but in closed session, meaning the public is not entitled to be present. Given the promise of a public consultation, this is troubling and we hope the Parish Council will see sense and properly engage with residents and all interested parties.

This matter is currently being debated by a sub-committee of Birstall Parish Council. It may be that other Parish Councillors wish to get involved in which case they could call for an extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council to debate the topic in an open and transparent way.

We will, of course, keep residents updated and publish details of any public consultation the Parish Council hold.

In the event they are not prepared to fully consult the public, we will discuss options with Charnwood Borough Council to run a separate consultation, the results of which can be reported back to Birstall Parish Council.

Charnwood Borough Cllrs. Roy Rollings, Shona Rattray, Julian Howe and Iain Bentley

11

Speeding With reference to the recent article concerning proposed speed restrictions on the A6, which I support, I would like to raise concerns about heavy traffic and regular speeding along Birstall Road.

As noted by Councillor Carl Gunns, there has been a significant increase in the volume of speeding traffic on Birstall Road over the last year, and the current traffic calming measures are ineffective.

Following alterations completed earlier in the year, it would appear that there is one less set of humps, and the replacement humps are inadequate.

The roadside speeding indicators regularly evidence vehicles travelling at 40 + mph. Drivers frequently pass between the current humps and overtake at speed those drivers who are obeying the 30 mph limit.

We have witnessed near misses involving pedestrians crossing the road and vehicles entering and exiting side roads and residential properties. Vehicles entering and exiting the Co-op sports and social facilities are also vulnerable.

Sam Dobson has raised similar concerns and possible solutions for Greengate Lane. Birstall Road is a similar case, and a review of both situations is imperative.

Carole Vincent

Police update I just wished to update you on a few things that we are currently concentrating on across Charnwood.

As your local policing unit, we continue to target local areas of concern and are committed to dealing with anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime, burglary and drug-related offences.

Your beat teams are doing lots of work with communities and partner agencies, and your support and intelligence is key to helping us with these Continued on page 12

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Noticeboard all details printed free The Birstall & District Art Society

26th Annual Exhibition

Bonfire 7.30pm Fireworks 8.30pm Pay on gate: adult £5 Child £3 Please bring correct change BBQ – can bar – sweets – rides –stalls

Birstall Methodist Church

Christmas Festival

Birstall United Jnrs FC Birstall’s biggest and best

Bonfire & Fireworks Night!

Christmas Fair Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Rd Sat Nov 13, 10am-2pm For: Pay it Forward in our Community, Birstall & Jade’s Retreat

Charnwood u3a

will be held at the Village Hall, Birstall LE4 4DH on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th November.

Opening times: 9.30am to 4pm each day Admission and parking are free.

Refreshments are available. Some of the artwork is for sale.

As usual, our event will be supporting LOROS

Friday 26th November 10am-6pm Saturday 27th November 10am2pm Decorated trees- displays Santa’s Grotto Stalls: Vintage/books, Christmas accessories/decorations, cakes, preserves, crafts, toys, pick-abag, olive wood decorations, lucky dip, raffle, tombola.

Refreshments both days Pancakes/hot dogs (Fri evening) Table top sales Free Admission Donations to Jade’s Retreat

Helping Our Community Birstall

Parkinson's Support Group Do you suffer from Parkinson's disease?

Are you relative, carer or friend of someone with Parkinsons?

Then this is the place for you!

The local Parkinson's support group have started their meetings again.

Every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Syston Community Centre School Lane, Syston, LE7 1HN, 2-4pm Come along, have a chat over a cuppa, exchange ideas and experiences, Guest speakers, anything from Owls to ukulele's.

All will be welcome.

For further information contact Helen Ball on 0116 2677487

If you are no longer working full time and wish to explore new interests and make new friends, Charnwood u3a may be just what you are looking for.

We have around 100 groups, covering everything from literature, music, walking, sports and dancing to history, languages, science and trips abroad.

To find out more, why not come along to our next monthly meeting, featuring a speaker from the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (no charge).

Venue: Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough, LE11 3NW Wednesday 10th November 2.30pm Come and join us! chair@charnwoodu3a.org.uk www.charnwoodu3a.org.uk

Wanlip Christmas Fayre

Continued from page 11 issues. Please keep the information coming in as it genuinely helps.

Our PCSOs routinely work on areas of concern with regard to speeding and can often be seen doing speed checks in key locations. Please contact your local beat team if you have any suggested areas our teams could visit and target.

In terms of the issues that have made national and local news recently around MP and student safety, we have lots of work going on in the background and have plans in place to tackle these issues.

Be reassured we are working collaboratively around this with other agencies and other forces.

One last bit of good news - a prolific burglar has been arrested within the last 24 hours on suspicion of offences in Charnwood. As soon as I can disclose any further updates I will do but we are pleased to have him in custody.

Stay safe Sgt Chris Wharton Charnwood Police

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council We are pleased to welcome back film presentations to Thurcaston, on the second Friday each month.

The tickets that you bought last year will be valid.

Sat Dec 4, 2-4.30pm Wanlip Community Hall Crafts & Gifts Festive Food & Drink Share the magic of Christmas with us

Birstall Methodist Monday Group Programme for Nov 2021

Meadow Lane Ground, Birstall Fri Nov 5 Gates Open 7pm

We are pleased to report that our Group has restarted successfully and we are getting a good attendance. We are still keeping to the rules re Covid and our members are very happy that they are meeting in a safe and relaxed environment. So, if you have any friends who would like to join us they would be most welcome.

Meetings are at 7.30pm in the Coffee Shop at Birstall Methodist Church.

Programme for November is as follows: 1 Nov: A night with Diane 8 Nov: Quiz with Chris 15 Nov: Our Memories 22 November: Amongst Ourselves 29 Nov: Pete & Kelvin with their amazing Slide Shows to music Please telephone Eileen (0116 2929670) for further information (if no reply please leave a message)

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“Downton Abbey” (Nov 12, 122 mins) This film shows the much anticipated happenings at Downton Ab-

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

12

bey, starring Dame Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton CBE and Hugh Bonneville. We see the exciting preparations for the success of a visit by royalty, King George V and Queen Mary to the country mansion of Lord and Lady Grantham.

“Fisherman’s Friends” (Dec 10, 112 mins) We are showing this incredible British true story as our film leading up to Christmas.Ten Cornish men were signed to Universal Records and achieved a top ten hit with their traditional folk songs and sea shanties. They were bound together by lifelong friendships and forty years shared experience, beginning on the harbour wall of their fishing village. Starring Tuppence Middleton, this biographical comedy drama won the prestigious Good Tradition Award from the BBC. "Judy" may be shown on January 14, 2022.

We will be keeping the hall well ventilated and there will be room for us to space out.

We would like to be cautious at this point and make sure that everyone feels comfortable. Could we suggest that you wear face masks whilst moving around the hall?

Once seated, we will leave the choice to you.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5 which includes a lucky prize draw during the interval. We ask you to pay for tickets in advance from Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362619

good to know others in a similar position and how they cope with the 24/7 demands the role of carer brings.

If you know someone, who is caring for Spouse, Partner, Parent or Friend, tell them to come along.

On the 22nd a young lady from Age UK will be with us. Hopefully to point us in the right direction for help regarding social services and benefits.

If you'd like to chat my name is Barbara and my contact number is 07905760556

Birstall Tea Dances Dates for November Held at Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road, Birstall, LE4 4DH. 3.30pm to 5.30 pm.

12th & 26th November. £5 each on the door.

Tea / Coffee & home made cakes Included into entrance fee. Further information contact Jackie.

0116 2248278 Mobile 07908607405 jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

Cedar Care Circle Support for carers of dementia and alzheimers sufferers.

Well our 1st meeting at Brunchies Café was great. Thank you so much Lisa and the team.

The November meetings will be on the 8th and 22nd, 2pm at Brunchies Café Hallam Fields Road Birstall. We are a support group for carers and cared for dementia sufferers. It's a chance to relax and chat with other carers over a cuppa. It's very informal. It's so

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 9th November, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, to see renowned professional artist Richard Holland, giving a demonstration of creating a “Sunlight on the Derbyshire Dales” using watercolours. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Newcomers and visitors most welcome. Demonstration ends at 9pm. Members £2; Guests £4. Ample parking. Please visit our website at www.badas.uk or email the Secretary at sec@badas.uk for further information Birstall Royal British Legion

Remembrance Sunday Parade Sun Nov 14 10am start on Front Street The parade will march along Front

Street, Whiles Lane, Birstall Road and Church Hill, arriving at St James church approx 10.20am.

Participating in the parade are representatives from Birstall youth organisations, the Royal Air Forces Association and the Royal British Legion Dress rehearsal: 7pm, Thur Nov 11, meet outside the church

The December issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Dec 3.

The copy deadline is Nov 19.

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13

NHW news

& crime report Panic Fraud We are becoming increasingly familiar with reports of shortages that cause anxiety and lead to panic buying. It is not in the remit of Neighbourhood Watch to examine the causes, but it is our role to identify consequent dangers.

No one will be surprised to hear about thieves exploiting these concerns to steal from us.

In the run-up to Christmas, families will want to get back, as far as possible, to pre-Covid normality. Last Christmas was a great disappointment and so this year will be extra special. People will want to stock up their larders and buy those special presents. Parents, and grandparents especially, will be keen to get those ‘must have’ items for the younger members of the family.

If you cannot find what you want in the usual places, you might well be tempted to look elsewhere on the internet. An old trick used by thieves is to set up professional-looking websites on which they list popular items that are in short supply. The listing usually states that sales are brisk and that there are only a few left. The aim is to panic you into buying them while you believe you still have the chance. Once you have paid, the listing and your money disappear, never to be seen again. They can do this as often as they like since there is never any shortage of non-existent items!

A variation is to advertise on sites like eBay or Amazon in a misleading fashion.

You may receive your purchase, but it will be a cheap, illegal and possibly dangerous imitation of the real thing.

If there are reported shortages of traditional foodstuffs, such as turkeys, criminals will not miss that trick either.

No doubt there will be animals and produce stolen from farms and an increase in organised shoplifting. The offer of supplies from ‘a man in the pub’ could be tempting, but, apart from possibly being illegal, you have no knowledge of the origin. Meat and poultry, in particular, could be a serious health hazard if they have not been processed and stored properly. There have been cases of products that have been officially condemned as unfit for human consumption being sold on in this manner.

Do not let shortage-anxiety cloud your better judgement. The relief at finding something you have been searching for should not lead you into abandoning your usual caution and the checks you would normally make before you part with your hard-earned cash.

That is exactly what the thieves want to panic you into doing!

Please keep safe and well.

Ed Chambers Committee Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip NHW

New Team Members!

As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, three new officers have recently joined the Birstall & Wanlip Beat, however, at present, we do not have any photos of these officers. Pc 1427 Lauren De Wet has joined us after previously working as a response officer & we have also been joined by PCSO’s 6637 Ellie Holland and 6580 Naomi Sharpe.

October Priorities During October, we will mainly be focusing our patrols around School Lane park and Meadow Lane, as we have received some complaints about AntiSocial Behaviour occurring in these areas in the early evening. Thankfully, the issues that we had on the Hallam Fields Industrial estate do appear to have subsided for now, however, we will continue to patrol this area as and when we can to ensure these problems don’t start up again.

Crime Update We have had a total of 23 crimes reported to us in September, which is down on last month when we had 36.

We have had 9 reports of theft (which includes 3 reports of thefts from vehicles, 2 actual thefts of vehicles and 4 ‘other thefts’) 5 reports of assault, 5 Public Order offences, 3 reports of criminal damage and 1 house (dwelling) burglary.

On a positive note, we have had no reports of vehicles being damaged this month, no reports of robbery and no non-dwelling burglaries reported either.

A male has also been arrested this month in relation to a burglary that happened in August when an elderly male was duped into handing a quantity of cash to some males who had allegedly done some work to his house. These males had gone on to steal from his property whilst the victim had visited the bank to get the money out. The suspect has since been released whilst further enquiries are completed. For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice As mentioned in the crime update section, we have had two reports of vehicles being stolen this month, and at the time of writing this report (at the start of October) we have also had a couple of reports of mopeds being stolen.

1) if you have a moped, try to keep it in a locked garage or shed, or secure it with a good quality lock to an anchor that is firmly secured to a wall or the ground.

2) Ensure your moped/motorbike is locked whenever you leave it, even if this is just for a short time.

3) NEVER leave your vehicle docu-

ments with the vehicle, as thieves can use these to pretend they are the legal owner of the bike.

Events We have several events planned for the next few months, including some street consultations & beat surgeries: 10/11/21—Street consultation on Dawes Meadow Rd, Tithe Close & Nine Leys Square between 5pm & 7pm.

29/11/21—Beat Surgery at Sibson Rd Beat Office between 7pm and 9pm.

13/12/21—Street consultation on Rectory Road and Church Rd, Wanlip, between 10am and midday.

In addition to the above, we will also be in attendance at the Parish Council meetings on 8/11/21 and 13/12/21.

You can also get in touch with us via phone, email or through the Leicestershire Police website. Neighbourhood Link is also a free & easy way of finding out what is happening on the beat and what the Police are doing in your local area. Sign up now at: www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk Message from Sgt Bird I am the dedicated neighbourhood Sergeant for Birstall & Wanlip & have been a Police officer for 22 years. I have been away on a course for a large part of September but have been in regular contact with the team whilst I’ve been away and am pleased to report that the new officers are settling in quickly and have already made a number of new contacts with some key people on the beat. Moving forward, the new larger team will be better placed to respond to incidents and deal with the issues that matter to the local community.

Message from the Beat Team This month we have been continuing to conduct our patrols around the Hallam Fields Industrial estate due to some complaints about Anti-Social Behaviour occurring in this area in the evenings, however, as mentioned above, I’m pleased to report that these issues do appear to have died down somewhat.

Unfortunately, however, more recently we have had a few complaints about young people engaging in Anti-Social behaviour on School Lane Park in the late afternoon / early evening & as a result of this, we have been in contact with the local schools to discuss this issue. We have been advised that a number of young people who have been identified as being involved, have been sent warning letters by the school and this appears to have resolved these issues, however, we will continue to patrol the area as and when we can to ensure they don’t start up again.

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Hall defibrillator

BIRSTALL PARISH Council has installed a new defibrillator at Hallam Fields Hall.

A defibrillator is a life-saving device that can give a casualty's heart an electric shock when it has stopped beating.

The device at Hallam Fields Hall is now active and live with the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

The Parish Council has already installed three defibrillators in the village: one on School Lane playing fields, one at Birstall Methodist Church on Wanlip Lane and one at the MACE shop on the corner of Kingsgate Avenue.

All defibrillators are monitored and tested by Parish Council staff monthly to ensure that these life-saving devices are current, active, and ready for use at all times.

Highway suggestions RESIDENTS HAVE been sending in their suggestions for highway improvements in Birstall.

Leicestershire County Council has allocated £25,000 to every county councillor. The scheme is called the Members Highway Fund, and it aims to improve road safety and/or the environment.

Suggestions sent to Cllr Grimley include: A park bench near the entrance to Watermead Country Park Road markings (30 mph, slow) painted on both sides of the road approaching the refuge (Windmill Avenue/Wanlip Lane).

Vehicle activated speed signs on Greengate Lane, near the zebra crossing Dropped curbs, The Meadway

The County Council hope to carry out the work before April 2022.

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THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

14

Food Hub update BIRSTALL FOOD HUB provides emergency food parcels, help and support, to help people through difficult periods in their lives.

Gail Gordon, Birstall Food Hub Chair, reports on the group’s activities: The Birstall Food Hub thanks you for your generosity.

It has been a challenging time during lockdown to ensure that we are able to continue to operate and provide food parcels to those in need. We have made some adjustments and changes to the way we work, and I would like to give you an update on our current situation.

Collection of parcels We are now collecting our clients' food parcels on a Monday morning from Mountsorrel Baptist Church. We then have a team of volunteers that have continued to work throughout these difficult times to deliver these parcels to our clients in their own homes.

Opening Face to Face meeting clients We have very kindly been given the opportunity to utilise Hallam Fields community centre from November 1st between 1.15- 2.15pm on Mondays for our food hub activities. This will allow us to meet face to face not only with our clients but also with our team of volunteers, something we have not been able to do for a considerable time.

We would like to say a huge thank you to the council for allowing us to utilise this facility.

Communications We will be communicating this to all our new clients. We have also run a communication campaign around the local village shops in Birstall to ask

15 point.

Monetary Donations Thank you to all those who have made personal donations, this allows us flexibility in our provision to clients.

This month this has included a number of white good items, again your generosity is much appreciated.

Who are we?

Birstall food hub works with the Soar Valley community project based in Mountsorrel. We exist to help people them to support the Food hub in reachthrough difficult periods in their lives ing any potential new clients and raising THE PATH that runs through the when they do not have enough money to awareness. Thank you to all those tradSchool Lane playing field from buy food. To access the Food Hub can ers who agreed to put up our poster, it Loughborough Road to Sibson be through referral by a local agency, makes a difference.

Health Worker, Teacher, or Social work- Road could be made into a public Nationwide Building Society - We er. Alternatively, you can contact us would like to say thank you to all the footpath, following a consultadirectly yourself or on behalf of somecustomers at the Nationwide Building tion. one in need. society – they have a dedicated collecA member of the public has requested tion trolley to allow customers to donate What do we do? a change to the Definitive Map - The Deto the Food Hub. This has made people We provide emergency food parcels finitive Map is the legal record of public more aware of the help and support on request for a defined amount of time. rights of way in Leicestershire and is adavailable from the Food Hub. They have We can also point you towards other ministered by the county council. collected a large amount of not only agencies that may be able to give advice A spokesperson for Leicestershire Counfood but toiletries and cleaning products and guidance. ty Council said: “The current preliminary for our clients – Your generosity is great- What is contained in the food parcel? consultation was initiated from a member of the public who suggested the change to ly appreciated it was so successful that The food contents are sufficient to the public right of way. Members of the they decided to extend this a further last a person/family for four days. The public are very welcome to suggest month- Thank you parcel is made up of non-perishable changes/new rights of way, and the team One-Stop Hallam Fields- Local donaitems. There is no charge for the food decided which suggestions to forward to a tion bank parcel. consultation.

How do you contact us?

One-stop have created donation bags “Currently, preliminary consultations are total of cost of items - £1.30, £1.75 You can call us or text us on and £2.00. These are located at the 07305093791 with details of your name, being undertaken which includes the landowner [Birstall Parish Council], local payment point to allow people to select Addr5ess, Size of your family, Ages of councils, local user groups and services. a bag full of required items and donate any children, any allergies or dietary If the decision is made to proceed with this to the Food Hub. This has resulted needs. the application, a period of full consultain a massive increase in donations. It is To all our volunteers, you do an tion will be undertaken, which will ina very simple creative way of raising our amazing job and have adapted to the clude notices being erected on site and profile. Thank you for always looking at way we work with great enthusiasm, you wider promotion.” new ways to make this a success. bring a positive energy to the team withThe preliminary consultation period Coop Donation Point out which we would not be able to do ended on October 28, 2021.

The Donation Trolley is located at the what we do.

If the path is designated as a public Thank you for all that you do. exit to the rear car park, and we continfootpath, the landowner is required to ue to have regular donations at this ensure that it is open and available for the public to use at all times.

To view the application, go to the county council website and put ‘Definitive Map modification orders’ in the search box.

Park path

Relaunch for Birstall Youth Café

Elizabeth

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

YOUTH WORKERS have been engaging with young people in the village to get their input before Birstall’s Youth Café is relaunched.

The charity Young Leicestershire have been commissioned by Birstall Parish Council to restart youth services, based in the youth café, located in the pavilion on the School Lane playing fields.

Young Leicestershire CEO Alison Jolley said: “The Youth Outreach team have been out within the village over the past few weeks engaging with young people and parents to get an insight as to what children and young people want from their Youth Cafe.

“The feedback has been positive and has given us a good basis to work from on terms of putting fun, engaging and active groups together.

“We have started to establish positive relationships with groups of young people and have already managed to signpost some of them to additional support that they need.

“Professional relationships are being established with the local beat team, shop owners, business owners and other groups which will enable us to better

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Pic: youth workers in Birstall: Ant, Brian and Zarah

support the young people of Birstall. We are going to carry out a couple more outreach sessions before opening the groups up for young people in November.”

The younger session for 8-11-yearolds (primary school) will open on November 2 from 4pm to 6pm, and the older session will open on November 4

for 11-16-year-olds (secondary school) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Both sessions will be £1 entry, and there will be a tuck shop available which will serve snacks, drinks and some hot food.

If you would like to know anything about the sessions, email birstallyc@youngleicestershire.org.uk

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16

Birstall Running Club IT'S BEEN a busy month at Birstall Running Club – club spokesperson Chris O’Brien reports:

New can recycling bin A £400 GRANT from Birstall Parish Council has helped provide a fundraising recycling bin in Birstall.

In August 2021, Birstall Parish Council received an application for £400 of grant aid from the charity Helipads for Hospitals. The council agreed to make the award, which was match-funded, for the installation of the red recycling bin for cans on the Co-op car park on Wanlip Lane. The Co-op also donated towards the cost of the bin.

Since being installed at the end of August the bin has already been filled twice.

Money raised from recycling the cans raises funds to help increase the number of helipads around the UK to improve the medical outcomes of patients flown to hospitals by the Air Ambulance.

Further information about the charity can be found on their website: https://helipadsforhospitals.org.uk/ Thanks to volunteer residents in Leicestershire and the region, hundreds of thousands of cans and other items of litter are being removed from public spaces and roadsides.

If you wish to recycle your aluminium cans, ensure that they are as squashed as flat as possible so that more can be collected in the recycling bin.

Pic: Claire Burbidge

Pic: Jen Douglas

David Snutch was 3rd in his age category and John Starbuck was 2nd.

Equinox 24 at Belvoir Castle It was the ninth year for this 24hr race with many runners from the club entering the 10km races or the 24 hr race as a team or solo at this popular Belvoir Castle event. It was a beautifully warm and dry weekend. Marie, Chris,

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Cricket club news AN EVENTFUL weekend saw the club’s second team beat second in the league Uppingham by five wickets to finish runners up in the division.

Tight bowling all round restricted the visitors to 120 all out, and after stumbling to 77 for 5, Kethul Jarji smashed 35 not out off just 18 balls to guide the team to victory. Skipper George Ager was full of praise for his team after 16 wins from 20 matches, and for being one of only two sides to defeat champions Aryans.

On the same day, the first team beat Oakham by 4 wickets, with Gurpreet Singh scoring 98 in a total of 220. This meant the team finished fifth in a very high division, winning 12 and losing 9

matches.

Two centuries made during the season were Gurpreet Singh's 102 against Asian Sports and for the 2nd XI, Nitesh Vadgama 101 v Kibworth. Pradeep Sood took a hat trick for the 2nd Xi in a match against Whetstone, where he took 6 – 14 off 10 overs.

A good turnout at the presentation evening saw the following players receive trophies.

1st XI Batting: Jon Gaydon 1st XI Bowling: Jack Wright Player of the Year: Jon Gaydon 2nd XI Batting: Anil Pandya 2nd XI Bowling: Prad Sood Player of the Year: Kish Jiwi From Birstall Village Cricket Club

Pic: club secretary Paul Oldcorn with Prad Sood, winner of the 2nd XI bowling

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Kate and newlyweds Shannon & Joe Bevins ran as 'Team BOB’ (Bevins & O’Brien) for the 240km and finished in 9th place. Ian Wilkins ran 170km (over 100 miles) solo within the 24 hours and finished 7th out of all solo runners.

The London Marathon The 41st London Marathon was held in October.

Claire Burbidge had originally entered in 2019 to run for LOROS at the 2020 event, and this was third time lucky due to the event being cancelled in 2020 and deferred from its usually April slot to October in 2021. "Three times I have trained for 16 weeks for this wonderful day, but I wouldn't change a thing, I have done it,” says Claire who completed the 26.2 mile course around the capital’s streets in 4hrs 22m. “It’s one of the best experiences of my life. I have to thank LOROS for giving me this opportunity and also my family and friends for their support. Together we raised over £2800.”

Other members’ results: Jamie Butler - 4hrs 10m Richard Field - 4hrs 58m Steve Hickingbottom - 3hrs 39m Gemma Pegg - 4hrs 09m Elisa Whittlestone - 4hrs 4m

Manchester Marathon A week later it was the Manchester Marathon, where some great performances were had. Jen Douglas really enjoyed her marathon, and although it wasn’t her fastest time for this distance, she felt much better. “ I trained with a plan that suited me, my fuelling and hydration worked well, and its the first marathon where I did not get a blister,” says Jen. “ I had a really positive mental attitude throughout the run. Yes it was difficult, especially from the 20 mile mark where my glutei started to hurt, but with less than six miles to run there was no way I was giving in. Sheer determination and the support of the wonderful crowds kept me going to the finish. I loved every minute, Manchester Marathon is a great event. Currently planning next year’s marathon!”

Other members’ results: Paul Gowdridge ran a speedy 2hrs 56m after retraining after injury in 2019 Anna Harrison ran a 6 minute PB - 3hrs 46m James Passingham ran a PB too - 3hrs 09m

If you would like to join the club, then please take a look at our website www.birstallrc.org.uk or email us at BirstallRC@gmail.com

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

Pic: Pictured at the launch of the red bin are (l-r) Jeanette Douglas, Adrian Walker, Stuart Coe, David Michael, Jenny Michael, Cllr Julie Palmer, Sean Michael, Cllr Daniel Grimley and Penny Brown

Reunion League The Leicestershire Road Running League had a mini league of five races this year and some 900 runners took part from all the different running clubs in Leicestershire. Birstall RC was well represented in all the races and some notable performances were: Elisa Whittlestone won her category and Gillian Rathbone came 2nd female in her category.

Helping our community THE HELPING Our Community Birstall group is preparing for a busy Christmas, supporting people in our community.

Co-founder Rosie Rollings reports: It’s getting very busy on the community group in the run-up to Christmas. Last month I attended the welcome service of Amanda, our new Rector at St James. It was a well attended service with many representatives from groups, also the Council, Police and Fire Service. Amanda Hampers is very keen to work with the group, and The Christmas hampers were a great the community welcome Amanda on success last year and certainly brightbehalf of the LE4 helping our community. ened people’s day. While life has moved Christmas Fair Nov 13 on for many of us some people remain Our next event will be the Christmas alone and we shouldn’t forget them. If fair at the Village Hall on November 13, you know of someone, please get in from 10am till 2pm. There will be a touch. variety of stalls along with the items We will also be making hampers for made in the community. Refreshments those victims of Domestic Violence over will be available. Funds raised will go the Christmas period. Domestic violence towards the “pay it forward” for Birstall spikes over the Christmas period and and Wanlip (this includes Hallam Fields children are as much victims as adults, ) and Jade’s Retreat. If you know of often fleeing the home at what should be anyone in our community our fundraisa precious time of year. We will be coling can help, please let us know. lecting at the end of November.

If you craft, knit, sew, or crochet we Visit from Father Christmas are looking for saleable items for our Spotted Birstall has donated over ongoing fundraising. £500 and has asked if we can help “put Christmas Tree a smile on the faces of children!” We We have been invited to display a tree have spoken with Father Christmas and at the Methodist Church. The tree will asked if he could visit Birstall and help display items that the group have made us do this. He agreed, but we needed a or provided. You are welcome to join in venue and Birstall Garden Center offered. by making a decoration. Let’s make our This is an ideal location as it happens to community tree a great representation of have the Santa post box. This will be our community. held on December 4, 9.30am till 1pm.

All children will receive a present from Santa. Thank you to Spotted Birstall, it’s great to see our groups working together for the benefit of our village.

Christmas Dinners Christmas dinners were a huge success last year and we have started doing the same for this year. You can pay £12.50. That will provide a three-course Christmas Meal delivered on Christmas Eve, ready to be reheated. If you wish to do so, please get in touch. If you know someone that would otherwise not have a Christmas dinner either due to health or just not being bothered for one person, get in touch: let’s make a difference.

Scrubs Team The scrubs team made over 50 drain bags for the Breast care unit at Glenfield, and these were gratefully received. The scrubs group continue to make saleable items and quilts.

The team have also been making poppies, available in many of our local shops. We would like to thank the shopkeepers for being so supportive. All proceeds will go to Royal British Legion.

Life for many in our community has returned to normal but equally many remain alone, or unsure of the new normal. As a community, we have achieved so much by coming together.

Please let’s continue.

If you feel the group can help in any way, please get in touch, also if you have any initiatives, we would love to hear from you. rorollings@msn.com 07894995164 Thanks to the Admin team: Kelly, Sharon, Rachel and Maxylin

First parkrun at Watermead THE FIRST parkrun at Watermead Country Park took place on Saturday September 25.

The low-key launch of the event attracted 239 runners of all standards.

Leicestershire County Council says it has been keen to increase the use of Watermead Park, and the 5km parkrun fits the bill perfectly.

For many years run Director Dave Snutch has been involved in the popular Watermead Challenge charity run, held there every summer and organised by Wreake Valley Rotary Club.

Dave said: “My involvement in Watermead Challenge, at what is such a flat and convenient lakeside location for running, motivated me to get involved

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

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NOW THAT the first team have played three fixtures and the second team have also had a couple of outings, it is a good time to reflect on what we have already accomplished.

We are glad to report that the path our club is on is still very positive, and leading to great things.

Mansfield and Nottingham Casuals were both defeated at home in emphatic style. On both occasions, The Greendogs scored a half-century of points and in front of decent crowds as well, who came out to support their local team.

For the Mansfield game, the club hosted its annual Old Dogs Day, at which players of the past came along to chat about how the game was probably better in their day over a pint, but were still very impressed with how their team have come such a long way since playing at the school.

Only Nottingham based Mellish have been able to stop us in our tracks in our first away game, but it was still an extremely strong showing and taking away a losing bonus point for staying within seven points at the end was the least we deserved.

Since their return to the league structure this season, our second XV have been going well and put in two brave displays against Syston Development and Quorn in recent weeks. Unfortunately, a win still eludes us, but the togetherness of the squad, combined with some returning players from injury, will only boost performances and ensure the players go home victorious sooner rather than later.

As always, we still wish to welcome people to come down to the club, support your local team, but just as importantly, enjoy the environment that we have created so that everybody can be a part of what we are building. That includes any new players who wish to join the Greendog family.

For more information on our fixtures, head over to our website or follow us on our social media channels to stay as up to date as possible.

From Birstall Rugby Club

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Sports & Social Club Pic: Graham Packwood (left), President of Wreake Valley Rotary Club, with Dave Snutch

with the launch of the Watermead parkrun. Without fabulous volunteers and financial support from so many sources, including Leicestershire County Council, members of five local running clubs, Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association and the Good Gym team, it would not have been possible to get things off the ground”.

On hand at the start was Graham Packwood, President of Wreake Valley

Rotary Club, (pictured with Dave) to present a defibrillator which will be on hand at the park on run days.

The parkrun takes place on Saturdays at 9am. Volunteering opportunities are available. For more information about how you can take part, contact watermeadcountrypark@parkrun.com www.parkrun.org.uk/watermeadcount rypark/

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Pub’s new website goes live THE OWNERS of the White Horse have celebrated 13 years in business by creating a new website for the popular Birstall pub.

The pub is owned by Charlotte and James Foy, and Ady and Jenny Doyle, all from Birstall.

Charlotte said: “The old website has been in use since the business began, so was very overdue for a revamp of its design, information and functionalities.”

She added: “The White Horse website gets thousands of hits per month and a new version was necessary to reflect the business needs of today. We wanted the website to be an illustration of the ideals we hold as to what the White Horse Pub means, the sense of it being part of the community of Birstall, the importance of great products and using local suppliers, and that we strive to give excellent customer service and foster teamwork with our staff. We wanted it to have a warm cosy feel reflecting the look and personality of the pub itself in the design.”

Paul Clements, General Manager of the White Horse, said: “We are really glad to be moving into the 21st century by having the option for customers to book straight from the website.

“We will always be welcoming telephone calls and face to face bookings, we love to chat to our customers, but this gives customers another option to book at any time, day or night, directly from the website”.

The website has been created by Char-

ferred into bar credit which can be spent on food and drink. It would be prudent to book to avoid disappointment.

It would also be advisable to book for Sing Christmas as the number of places is limited.”

There are three covered areas outside, including the heated garden bar, and there are also blankets available.

Dogs are welcome at the pub - items on offer include bottom sniffer beer, lie Richardson, who used to work at the tailwagger creek posh pooch white wine, Horse during his student days and is woof & brew ice pole, and scoops ice now a sportswriter for the Times newspacream for dogs. per, photographer Ruth Taylor and ReCharlotte said: “One of the effects of becca Harvey from Let Me Organise You. lockdown has been the increase in dog The pub has a new brunch menu for ownership, we have always been dog the autumn and a new selection of gins. friendly, and our business is called the Charlotte said: “This includes a new Chocolate Dogs company after our labraBurleigh’s gin made for the Royal British dors, Florence and Samson, and of Legion Poppy appeal, served with Fevercourse, we are perfectly positioned on tree damson and Sloe berry tonic, ConkWatermead for all the passing dog walker spirit gin served with Belvoir farm ers." sparkling pink lady apple juice and lastly, Bookings can be taken over the wine merchants Weavers’ Mead Gin, phone 0116 2671038, in person, or via served with Belvoir farm ginger beer.” the new website The White Horse has many events www.thewhitehorsebirstall.co.uk coming up to celebrate the Christmas season and is still operating an indoor seated only policy throughout this winter, to continue to provide a safe environment for customers and staff alike.

Charlotte said: “The Santa Breakfast and New Year’s Eve dinner dance are booking only events as numbers for A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council each are limited. Christmas Eve, Christwas held on October 11. mas Day and Boxing Day require a table A member of the public, who at a previbooking and deposit which will be trans-

Louise Steel (35) recently published her book ‘Myles and the Magic Sweet

Pic: author Louise Steel

Tree’ on Amazon – a sweet story starring a sloth called ‘Myles.’

She completed the 22 cheerful illustrations during the first national lockdown of 2020, which saw her confined to her

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New book for kids A BIRSTALL writer has published a children’s book, which she wrote and illustrated during last year’s lockdown.

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home on Gwendolin Avenue.

“The future was uncertain, but I was determined that something positive should come out of the situation, on a personal level at least,” she said.

“Many people were taking up new hobbies, or working their way through Netflix, and I wanted to do something useful with the time that had been gifted to me as a result of the pandemic – and also something to keep me sane!” she added.

“It was nice to focus on something colourful – something simple, sweet and pure – and it helped enormously to have my story to concentrate on – a place to escape to and leave the reality of the Covid ridden world for a while – one where sweets and cakes grew on trees, and sloths were friends with llamas and anteaters!”

Louise’s book is now available to buy on Amazon and hopes to teach children the values of "friendship, sharing and being kind."

To find out more, search for the book ‘Myles and the Magic Sweet Tree’ on Facebook, or follow it on Instagram @mylesthesloth

ous meeting had reported that he and some of his neighbours were photographing speeding cars on Birstall Road, commented that this activity was not unlawful and was in fact encouraged by the Metropolitan Police.

County Cllr Daniel Grimley reported on the suggestions he has received for highway improvements in Birstall. He said the County Council is facing an extremely difficult financial challenge caused by Covid-19, with a growing demand for services and increasing social care costs.

Cllr Grimley said that the County Council is seeking the public’s help with identifying diseased ash trees (ash dieback) on private land as they can become dangerous long before they die.

Cllr Kirsty Haywood challenged a member of the public who was recording the meeting. She said: “You have taken a picture of me and I want it deleted.” The member of the public replied that he was videoing the meeting.

Chair Ann Marshall reported on the use of the Parish Council speed gun, which had been purchased by the Parish Council for use by the local beat team.

The speed gun is kept in the beat team’s office at 10 Sibson Road. It has been used 28 times between March 2015 and June 2020.

Cllr Marshall reported that Birstall PC David Jaeckels had stated that it was not a good idea for members of the public to engage in their own speed checks.

Councillors chose a Christmas hamper to deliver this year to the 23 elderly people they have on their list of Birstall residents who have been nominated to receive one.

The total budget for the hampers is £600.

Councillors considered the County Council’s proposal to introduce a 30mph speed limit on the A6 between Colindale Avenue and Station Road. Comment was made that there was a danger to pedestrians crossing

the A6 between Station Road and Red Hill island, vehicles were doing U-turns at the junction with Hermitage Lane, and that having the limit change from 30 to 40mph invited motorists to speed up on the approach to Red Hill island.

It was agreed to request that the 30mph limit be extended all the way to Red Hill island and that the county council consider installing a pedestrian crossing on the A6 between the island and Hermitage Road.

Councillors considered the installation of a safety mirror at the junction of Sibson Road and the triangle roundabout to improve visibility. It was agreed to consult the county council and the Police road safety team.

The council considered applications for a community grant. It was agreed to grant £750 to Birstall Stamford football club to replace football kit. It was agreed not to grant £750 to Birstall Theatre Company, which would help pay for the venue hire cost of its next production, Aladdin, at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre. Comment was made that they were providing a community benefit but that a grant was not appropriate as their accounts showed the theatre company was making a profit.

It was reported that all Freedom of Information requests were now dealt with by the Management and Policy committee and that if an internal review is required, this will be done by two councillors.

Cllr Sheila Allcock reported that a grassed area on Wanlip Lane near the junction with Windmill Avenue was being very well maintained by a local resident who took great pride in his work. The area now looks very smart, she said.

It was reported that the defibrillator at the Hallam Fields Hall was now in working order.

Councillors welcomed a report from Young Leicestershire, the charity they hired to reopen Birstall Youth Café, detailing the activities undertaken and the contacts already made with young people in the village.

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

18

News from the churches Teddies Rule, OK? At our Harvest 'All together' service there were as many teddies and cuddlies at the front of St. James as there are in 'Hamleys' in London! Their humans came too, also bearing contributions for the 'Harvest', and which were donated to the Birstall Food Bank.

James Bear was delighted to see everybody and they were all rewarded with a big 'Thank you' and cake (of course)!

Stained glass St. James is fortunate in having beautiful stained-glass windows, including three by talented artist Theodora Salusbury, whose family lived in Birstall for many years. Her 'signature' is a peacock, which is incorporated somewhere in every window she created. As every peacock is different, it can be a bit of a challenge to find it within the glowing colours of the glass. Theodora has now been nominated for a 'Green Plaque' award from Leicestershire County Council, which would be quite an honour for her and for St. James. We have, in the social area at the back of St. James Church, a book dedicated to the history and work of Theodora, and which is beautifully illustrated with pictures of her work, and is freely available to all who are interested.

The social area was also the venue for the first formal meeting of the Mothers Union after lockdown, on October 18, with a speaker, and which, I am sure will continue towards regular meetings

Events & Visits The 'Ride and Stride' event raised £164, half of which is going to the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust and half to our Birstall and Wanlip churches.

School visits are 'on' again now, with a 'Beginning of the School Year' assembly in St. James with pupils from Highcliffe and Riverside schools.

Another re-start if the 'God, Me and Art' group on Wednesdays at 2pm in St. James, for everything arty and connected, and enjoyment.

From Birstall Parish Church

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

Methodist Christmas Festival After a year’s absence, the Christmas Festival returns at the end of November. Running over two days, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th, and opening at 10am on both days.

The church will be filled with many decorations prepared by many different folk and organisations. The theme of the decorations is ‘Christmas Songs and Carols’. It is always fascinating to see how the theme has been interpreted.

Refreshments will be available throughout but will be served in the large concert hall instead of the Coffee Shop. Soup and pudding will be available at lunchtimes and hot dogs and pancakes later on Friday afternoon and early evening.

There will be a variety of stalls, including cakes, preserves, crafts, toys, books, Christmas decorations etc, and you can have a go at the lucky dip, raffle and tombola.

Admission is free. There are opportunities to donate a few coins into a large jar which will all go to Jade's Retreat. This is the Birstall-based charity that provides a holiday caravan (at Heacham, Norfolk) for families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer or have special needs.

Belgrave Mission Project

There is to be a meeting at the Harrison Road Church on Saturday November 6 at 10am to pray for the area of Belgrave, to seek God’s guidance as to the way the Methodist Church can build links with the community and a sharing of thoughts and ideas. For more details, contact Deacon Sharon Dilley 0116 2770317.

Feast of St Theresa of Lisieux Our patronal saint’s day Mass was held on Friday October 1, and was a wonderful event.

The beautiful floral arrangements featured the traditional red roses against a background of autumnal golds and the choir led the singing.

We were delighted to welcome the Rev Amanda Digman, the recently installed Rector of St James’ Church. Fr Tom presented Rev Amanda with the gift of a statue of St Theresa on behalf of the parish and also presented stat-

From Birstall Methodist Church

Services Our Sunday services are at 10.45am and we are now meeting in the Day Centre at the Village Hall (on the corner of School Lane and Birstall Road). You will be most welcome to join with us.

Evington Chapel Lectures The subject for the series is ‘Names of Jehovah … I AM’ and the second is on Saturday 20th November at 7pm when Timothy Martin (Milton Keynes) will speak on ‘The LORD our Righteousness – Jehovah Tsidkenu’.

The meetings are free and further details can be found on their chapel website.

The Psalms A comment by the famous 19th century preacher, C. H. Spurgeon, directs our thoughts this month. He said that just as wells of water are used by those who come after, so the Book of Psalms is valued by Christians, seeing that others in the past have passed the same ways as we do. Believers have been singing the 150 Psalms for some 3,000 years and they have been called ‘the hymn book of the Church’. We have them translated in our Bible or in a metrical form, so that they can be sung to hymn tunes. In addition, they have been the basis for many of our familiar hymns, such as ‘All people that on earth do dwell’ (Psalm 100 – by William Kethe), ‘Praise my soul, the King of heaven’ (Psalm 103 – by Henry Francis Lyte) and ‘Give to our God immortal praise’ (Psalm 136 – by Isaac Watts).

Most of the Psalms were penned by Israel’s King David (reigned c.1000 BC): the shepherd boy who became king, who had to escape from the murderous intentions of his predecessor and the rebellion of his son and who committed adultery and engineered the death in battle of his mistress’s husband - and yet David was chosen by God to lead the Israelites and had a firm faith in God. He was a sinner, just like us, and so many human conditions are reflected in the Psalms.

If feeling perplexed or overwhelmed as evil seems to be triumphing, we can find these questions (and answers) in such Psalms as 37, 42 and 73; when aware of our own sin and needing to repent, there is the example of Psalm 51; when considering the joy of forgiveness, we can read Psalm 32, while Psalm 30 speaks of response to answered prayer. Many psalms give praise to God (e.g.

66, 115) and thanks (107,118). Perhaps the best-known is Psalm 23: ‘The Lord is my shepherd’, a psalm which has been a comfort to so many people who can personally identify with the ‘my’ in the title. If you would like to know how you can know the Shepherd personally, then please contact us. (http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk or 0116 2214883) From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

ues two other parishioners recognized as having made significant contributions to the parish over the last and many previous years.

Fr Tom also presented certificates of appreciation and small gifts to all those who had made a significant contribution to the running of the church during the Covid Crisis: cleaners, stewards, handymen etc. After Mass, there was the chance to socialise over refreshments.

First Holy Communion This term, 27 children enrolled for the course which will see them celebrate their First Holy Communion next Summer. At Mass on October 10, the children were presented with a prayer book and a candle. This was a very important day for them and their families and we will hold them in our prayers in the coming months as they work hard with our Catechists.

Confirmation Year six students can enrol for the Confirmation preparation classes in the New Year which will start in January. Parents are asked to contact Fr.Tom beforehand.

Remembrance Mass November is known in the Church as the month of the Holy Souls and this year’s Remembrance Mass will be held on Friday November 12 at 7pm. Parishioners are all invited to attend, but particularly those who have lost a loved one during the past year.

As the days grow shorter and the weeks speed rapidly onwards, our thoughts turn to Christmas. Although many social restrictions have been gradually lifted over the year, not all of our usual parish activities and events have been fully re-established as yet. Plans for some of our Christmas fundraising events are still in progress but there will be a raffle and tombola in aid of church funds in December.

Updates about this and any other events can be found on the parish website or in the newsletter.

As the days shorten and winter approaches, we may well find our thoughts turn to the changes that have taken place over the last year. Gradually we have seen the lessening of restrictions and a return to a more normal way of life in so many ways, and for this we thank God. From St Theresa’s Birstall

The December issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Dec 3.

The copy deadline is Nov 19.

WI news 23 LADIES of Birstall and Wanlip WI met at the British Legion on October 4.

Our speaker was Felicity Austen, who awoke many memories of 1960’s Leicester. She talked of the fashions, music and industries and we even sang a few songs of the period. She brought a comprehensive display of memorabilia and even wore a mini shift dress!

Joy then read the minutes and president Cath told us all about forthcoming events. We will be providing teas and refreshments at the Community Christmas Fair on November 13 and once again decorating a tree for Birstall Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival. We have a Christmas dinner planned for December 13, so we have plenty of events to look forward to.

We meet again at the British Legion on Monday November 1 at 7pm.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Ruth's Lambourne October Dinner Specials To order call 0116 2919765

November Menu Mon 1st chicken and vegetable stew and dumplings Tue 2nd cottage pie, roast potatoes and veg We'd 3rd mid week roast beef dinner Thur 4th gammon egg and chips Fri 5th scampi chips and peas Sat 6th all day breakfast Sun 7th see Sunday dinner menu Mon 8th toad in the hole Tue 9th cheese onion and potato pie with pork loin peas and gravy We'd 10th mid week roast chicken Thur 11th lasagne salad and garlic bread Fri 12th fish chips and mushy peas Sat 13th jacket potato with ham and cheese salad Sun 14th see Sunday dinner menu Mon 15th beef stew and dumplings Tue 16th chicken Kiev new potatoes and peas We'd 17th mid week roast gammon Thur 18th crumb topped chicken and mushroom pie Fri 19th scampi chips and peas Sat 20th all day breakfast Sun 21st see Sunday dinner menu Mon 22nd cottage pie Tue 23rd chicken ratatouille with roast potatoes We'd 24th mid week roast beef Thur 25th chicken in white wine with new potatoes and peas Fri 26th fish chips and mushy peas Sat 27th spaghetti bolognese Sun 28th see Sunday dinner menu Mon 29th minced beef and onion hot pot Tues 30th sweet and sour chicken and rice

19

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Cough – Covid Or Cancer?

There is much in the news about the number of people now presenting with cancer symptoms that have delayed seeking help or not presented at hospital in a timely, pre-Covid way. Birstall BAGs would like to focus a little on lung cancer as November is lung cancer awareness month. Please read through this awareness information, and if you have the slightest concern that you may have symptoms, please contact your GP surgery.

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer.

Around 47,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK. There are often no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer, but many people with the condition eventually develop symptoms including: a persistent cough or a change in an existing cough breathlessness unexplained tiredness and weight loss an ache or pain when breathing or coughing Types of Lung Cancer Cancer that begins in the lungs is called primary lung cancer. Cancer that spreads to the lungs from another place in the body is known as secondary lung cancer. This page is about primary lung cancer.

There are two main forms of primary lung cancer. These are classified by the type of cells in which the cancer starts growing. They are: Non-small-cell lung cancer The most common form, accounting for more than 87% of cases. It can be

Top batter A BIRSTALL cricketer’s batting skills have been recognised with an award.

Purvi Mali has played with the Syston Town Women’s Cricket Club for a year, after taking up the game three years ago, and at the annual presentation night in October she won the club's Best Batter Award.

She said: “I was delighted to have been chosen as best batter. I’m very grateful for that recognition, but I played the game to contribute to the team winning games, so the fact I’ve been able to contribute this summer has been really pleasing and, hopefully, it can carry forward into what comes next this winter.”

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one of three types: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma.

Small-cell lung cancer A less common form that usually spreads faster than non-small-cell lung cancer.

The type of lung cancer you have determines which treatments are recommended.

Who is affected by Lung Cancer Lung cancer mainly affects older people. It's rare in people younger than 40. More than 4 out of 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK are aged 75 and older.

Although people who have never smoked can develop lung cancer, smoking is the most common cause (accounting for about 72% of cases). This is because smoking involves regularly inhaling a number of different toxic substances.

Please don’t think because you have never smoked it cannot affect you. With nearly 30% of all those diagnosed with lung cancer being nonsmokers that equated to 14,000 non-smokers being diagnosed each year.

Treating lung cancer Treatment depends on the type of mutation the cancer has, how far it's spread and how good your general health is.

If the condition is diagnosed early and the cancerous cells are confined to a small area, surgery to remove the

affected area of lung may be recommended.

If surgery is unsuitable due to your general health, radiotherapy to destroy the cancerous cells may be recommended instead.

If the cancer has spread too far for surgery or radiotherapy to be effective, chemotherapy is usually used.

There are also a number of medicines known as targeted therapies. They target a specific change in or around the cancer cells that is helping them to grow.

Targeted therapies cannot cure lung cancer, but they can slow its spread.

Outlook Lung cancer does not usually cause noticeable symptoms until it has spread through the lungs or into other parts of the body. This means the outlook for the condition is not as good as many other types of cancer.

About 1 in 3 people with the condition live for at least 1 year after they're diagnosed, and about 1 in 20 people live at least 10 years.

However, survival rates vary widely, depending on how far the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

If you are worried about any of the signs or symptoms of lung cancer, be sure and seek medical attention.

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

0116 2672583 Mob: 0796 7 191975

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THE OUTDOOR season finished last month at Birstall Bowling Club, and although there was initial uncertainty due to Covid-19, most matches, competitions and events were able to take place, albeit with some restrictions at times.

In a busy season, the club and its members won two county titles, were runners up in four more, and won the Leicestershire area in six national competitions. This meant qualification in a record eight events at the national championships. The men were Leicester League runners up, and in the Loughborough Monday Triples League First Division, Birstall’s two teams finished winners and fourth.

This season’s club competitions were completed in September, and the results are below.

Ladies Competitions: Championship: Jennie Golding, Runner Up: Noi Pimprasan Handicap: Joan Preston, Runner Up: Janet Wildbore Maiden: Kathy Pateman, Runner Up: Lesley Moore Three Wood: Val Ross, Runner Up: Joan Preston Two Wood: Noi Pimprasan, Runner Up: Marlene Bartlett Pairs: Kathy Pateman & Julie Lovell, Runners Up: Lesley Moore & Val Ross Edith Smith Pairs: Lesley Powell & Dawn Logan, Runners Up: Joan Preston & Pa Walker

Men’s Competitions: Championship: Shane Hayes, Runner Up: Richard Smith Handicap: Shane Hayes, Runner Up: Roger Bartlett Maiden: Duncan Brown, Runner Up: Dave Holmes Three Wood: Richard Smith, Runner Up: John Corby Two Wood: Andy Wye, Runner Up: Steve Bacon Pairs: Laurence Juba & John Corby, Runners Up: Jim Marshall & Shane Hayes

Mixed Competitions: Open: Shane Hayes, Runner Up: John Hurst Saunders Cup: Dawn & Steve Logan, Runners Up: Marlene & Roger Bartlett Adnett Pairs: Marlene Bartlett & Alan Hastings, Runners Up: Liz Marshall & John Corby Sue Andrews Trophy: Eric Davies, Chris Jarvis & Roger Bartlett. Runners Up: Alan Chapman, Julie Lovell & Andy Ward Club Night Cup: Dawn Logan

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Leaflet A LEAFLET claiming to be an official government communication has been delivered to addresses in the Gates estate, the Birstall Post has learned.

Residents are being advised to be on the lookout for unsolicited communications of this type and to do their own research on the authenticity of anything they receive through the letterbox.

Government advice is to: Source: make sure information comes from a trusted source.

Headline: always read beyond the headline.

Analyse: check the facts.

Retouched: does the image look as though it has been doctored?

Error: look out for bad grammar and spelling

THE BIRSTALL POST NOVEMBER 2021

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