Birstall Post (461) December 2021

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

DECEMBER 2021

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 461

Seasonal tradition continues 23 RESIDENTS received hand delivered hampers from Parish Councillors in December.

Pic: meeting Santa are (l-r) Matilda Singleton (7), Lenny Mansfield (3) & Jessica Mansfield (6)

Church gets festive A WONDERFUL festive array of Christmas trees decorated by local groups, businesses, schools and charities greeted visitors to Birstall Methodist church at its Christmas Tree Festival in November.

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This longstanding tradition has been kept going by the council, as Parish Clerk Sue Coulson explains: “Over the last few years, the inherited beneficiary list of recipients had naturally declined, but Birstall Parish Councillors decided that this heart-warming initiative should continue. They all agreed that Christmas is a time for giving and thinking of others and in recent years it seems even more poignant that we should think of those who have been isolating and have spent an unusual length of time alone.

“The Parish Council feels that this gesture captures the very essence of the season, as it spreads joy to some of the most vulnerable people in the Parish.”

In 2019 the Parish Council decided to develop and grow the recipient list up to a maximum of 20 beneficiaries each year. They received more but decided to accept them all and close the list with 23 in total.

The January issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jan 8.

The copy deadline is Dec 21.

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

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‘Birds of the City’ rocket lands in pub A GIANT colourful rocket painted by a local artist is intriguing visitors to Birstall‘s White Horse Pub. “It’s certainly a talking point!” says Charlotte Foy from The White Horse.

Newly installed in the pub’s entrance, the seven-foot-tall rocket, painted by Birstall’s Helen Simpson, was one of 40 that featured in the LOROS Rocket Round Leicester Art Trail this summer.

The rockets were all auctioned off for the charity in October.

Charlotte said: “It is painted with such care by the incredibly talented Helen, and we felt her design suited our location on the edge of Watermead perfectly.”

She added: “We heard that the rockets were due to be auctioned off and decided to take a chance and try to buy one at the auction on October 13, aptly hosted by the Space Centre. We wanted to give back to LOROS and be a part of

the legacy that the trail leaves behind.”

Wildlife illustrator Helen Simpson says her design was inspired by the birds that live in the city of Leicester. She said: “It has a stylised landscape and sky that swirls around the rocket from night to day and back again, suggestive of the continuation of daily life.

There were periods of time during 2020 when there was such a significant reduction in the number of people in the city, that the birds had it almost all to themselves. The cathedral peregrines, mute swan and moorhen on the river, the barn owl that I hear screeching in the evening outside my house, the ever amusing feral pigeons and

the popular robin all feature.”

The design took Helen five days to paint. She said: “I’m really pleased that it’s in the village, where my friends and family can all see it.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

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Pics: (above) artist Helen Simpson (right) & Charlotte Foy from the White Horse; (left) another of the LOROS rockets on the rocket trail

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Successful return for Youth Café

THE RELAUNCHED Birstall Youth Cafe is proving to be a great success.

Pics: young people enjoying time together and some of the activities on offer at the Birstall Youth Café

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

The facility is provided by Birstall Parish Council from the pavilion on the School Lane playing field, and run by the charity, Young Leicestershire.

“Numbers attending far exceed my expectations,” said Youth Officer Anthony Marvin.

He added: “We are now in our fourth week of being open, and the young people seem to be making the most of it and having a great time.

“The feedback from the young people, and the parents and carers, has been nothing but positive which is greatly appreciated, and always nice to hear.”

During the sessions, the young people take part in arts and craft activities, with some currently working on festive crafts that they can take home.

“There is also pool, table tennis, table football, outside football, Xbox and a good dance and sing along, in an environment that is modern, fun, vibrant and safe,” said Anthony.

“We have a wide variety of products which the young people can purchase from our tuck shop, and in the New Year, we are hoping to be able to serve hot, freshly prepared food to our members.” www.facebook.com/BirstallYouth

Car crazy Shivam starts drag race dream car is a Maserati. “It’s the way it sits on the road, the noise it makes and the speed,” he said.

In April 2021, Shivam’s brother Pritesh arranged for 13 supercars to visit Birstall – they created a sensation on the Sibson Road car park and the brothers are trying to arrange a similar funday event in Birstall next year.

Since starting his YouTube channel, Shivam says his confidence has grown. He said: “I want people to know that however hard things seem, anything is possible.”

STARTING A drag race for the YouTube channel Carwow has been the highlight of the year for Birstall car enthusiast Shivam Nathwani.

Shivam (23) has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and began reviewing cars online while shielding during the coronavirus pandemic.

Carwow has 6 million subscribers and features car reviews and drag race videos – the clip featuring Shivam is online now. He said: “Starting the race and meeting presenter Mat Watson was a dream come true.

“The sound of the cars make, the engine sound – seeing a video and hearing it yourself is a completely different experience.”

Shivam has also been learning tips from Mat that will help him with his own car review channel on YouTube, the Shivam review. “Matt has been telling me how he presents all the stats on the cars. It’s tricky to remember them all, but it’s essential,” he said.

Shivam’s car obsession began when he was a child.

“I watched every episode of Top Gear, I was addicted to

Pic: Shivam with Mat Watson from Carwow

Pic: Shivam at home, doing research for his YouTube channel

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it, and I used to play with diecast metal toy cars.”

In November, he visited a Ferrari dealership in Nottingham for a new car launch – supercars are his favourite, and his

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

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The Trustees of the Charity invite those under age 25 years who are attending or have attended the Richard Hill School to apply for a Grant to assist with educational activities (including social and physical training) not otherwise provided by the Local Authority.

Applications should be made to the Clerk, Mrs. Ann Stringer, email rhillcharitytrustees@hotmail.com or tel. 0116 234 0625. Final date for receipt of applications 31st Dec 2021 for consideration in Jan 2022. Grants ranging from £100 to £1,000 will be awarded to applicants who meet the necessary criteria.

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Remembrance Sunday: hundreds gather for parade & service SERVING AND former members of the Armed Forces came together with residents and youth organisations in Birstall to pay tribute to our fallen heroes on Remembrance Sunday.

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People gathered for the parade along Front Street, Birstall Road and Church Hill, before a service in St James’ church.

Following the service, wreaths were laid at the War Memorial and a minute’s silence observed, to remember those who gave their lives in conflict.

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Last year’s event was held amid national Covid-19 restrictions when people were asked to mark the occasion from home. This year, residents were welcomed back to attend the parade and service.

The service was led by Birstall’s new

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Pics: (clockwise from top left) The parade marches along Birstall Road, a knitted post box topper on Fielding Road; wreath laying at Birstall War Memorial; the parade on Front Strret

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Strong showing for local paddlers SIX PADDLERS from the Soar Valley Canoe Club took part in a canoe marathon race in Ireland, coming away with three first places.

The Liffey Descent is a 17-mile course that attracts canoeists globally and is a major event in the international racing calendar, with paddlers all looking to negotiate the ten weirs and two sets of rapids.

Richard Vincent (63) is chairman of the Soar Valley Canoe Club, based at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre on Loughborough Road.

He said: “There is a large release of water on race day provided by Irish electricity generating authority which increases the flow of the river considerably. This creates for competitors the most exciting and challenging descent race in Europe.”

Pic: Soar Valley Canoe club paddlers (including Richard Vincent, pictured above on the left) negotiating the Liffey Descent

Results: Jamie Christie and James Butler, 1st over 49 years double kayak Richard Vincent, 1st over 39 single kayak.

Cameron Bannatyne, 1st senior white water racing kayak (in his first year as a senior) Kerry Christie and Emma Christie, 4th senior ladies double kayak

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

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December Dinner Specials To order call 0116 2919765

December Menu Wed 1st- mid week roast chicken Thur 2nd- gammon egg & chips Fri 3rd- scampi, chips & peas Sat 4th- all day breakfast Sun 5th- Sunday dinner service delivered on Saturday Mon 6th- toad in the hole Tues 7th- chicken in white wine with new potatoes & peas Wed 8th- mid week roast beef Thur 9th-jacket pocket with tuna salad Fri 10th- fish chips & mushy peas Sat 11th- spaghetti Bolognese Sun 12th- Sunday dinner service delivered on Saturday Mon 13th- sausage casserole with mashed potatoes & peas Tues 14th- sweet & sour chicken and rice Wed 15th- mid week roast chicken Thur 16th- chicken pie with mashed potatoes & peas Fri 17th - scampi chips & peas Sat 18th- all day breakfast Sun 19th- Sunday dinner service delivered on Saturday Mon 20th- beef stew and dumplings Tues 21st- cottage pie with roast potatoes and vegetables Wed 22nd- chicken in white wine with new potatoes & peas Thur 23rd - jacket potato with ploughman's salad Fri 24th Xmas eve - pre ordered Xmas dinner Closed 25th December- 5th January Xmas dinners are available to order throughout December, see the Xmas dinner menu for options. Dinners must be ordered 3 days in advance.

We would like to wish you all a very merry Xmas & a very happy New Year

ChristmasDinner Dinner Christmas Delivery available Wed 1st December to Fri 24th December Dinners must be pre-ordered 3 days in advance

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Festive Menu Starters Vegetable soup with a bread roll Or Pâté on toast with caramelised onion chutney

Epic run raises £1.8m ENGLAND RUGBY League legend Kevin Sinfield stopped off in Birstall on Monday November 22, after the first leg of his fundraising run that has raised more than £1.8million.

Kevin, now a coach at Leicester Tigers, was completing the first stage of his gruelling 101 mile run from Welford Road Rugby Ground to Headingly Stadium in Leeds to raise money and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.

His Leeds Rhino and England teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the devastating condition two years ago and Kevin has been working to help fund research into the disease ever since.

The ‘Extra Mile’ run was split into 7km sections, the first of which ended at The Firs Dental Practice on Loughborough Road, where he was met by a group of local supporters.

Kevin set out to continue his run into the night so that the whole distance could be completed in just 24 hours.

Previously, Kevin had run seven marathons in seven consecutive days for the same cause.

Commenting on the challenge, Kevin said: “Undoubtedly this will the toughest challenge I have ever attempted but I know it will mean so much to so many people if we can reach our fundraising target. In my short time at the Tigers, the people in Leicester have made me feel so welcome, and it is wonderful that we have been able to come up with an event that starts in Leicester and finishes with us coming home to Emerald Headingley.

“The response from the public last year was breathtaking, and I know, from feedback we have received from the MND Association, every penny that was raised has been put to good use to help members of the MND community across England and Wales. The more money we can raise, the more people we can help and ultimately find a cure for this cruel disease. We have seen science and research do some incredible things over the last year, and I know so much work is going on to find a breakthrough for MND.” The 41-year-old initially set a fundraising target of £100,000 for the Extra Mile Challenge, but he had already exceeded that total before he started the run.

At the conclusion of the challenge, the total raised had soared to over £1.8million.

“It's been a real team effort from all

Pic: Kevin Sinfield takes some refreshment during his stop in Birstall

PHOTOS: MNDA TWITTER

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Pics: (above) Kevin chatting to well wishers in the car park of The Firs dental practice & (left) people stopping to make a donation

the crew and I wouldn't have got it done without them,” Sinfield told BBC Breakfast after finishing at Headingley.

“The support along the route has been incredible right from the start. It was certainly a battle - we wanted a battle and we certainly got one.

“I'm broken - I don't know when I'll be able to run again.

Rob knows how much we love and care about him. For those really dark moments, you have to think of Rob.” To donate: www.mndassociation.org

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Girlguiding Birstall is expanding THIS AUTUMN term, units in Girlguiding Birstall have been going from strength to strength and getting back to some form of normality with their weekly meetings.

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

Gemma Jeffs, Leader and one half of the District Commissioner team, said: “Although we have been careful to ensure Covid vigilance, girls and leaders alike have been enjoying a variety of activities from our broad programme. Whether it be supporting LOROS Hospice’s Rocket Round Leicester trail by completing a county space-themed challenge badge, to

learning vital first aid skills, to making bird feeders to thinking about future careers, we’ve got it all covered. One unit even managed to make friends with some alpacas!”

She added: “Alongside weekly meetings, we have been working hard to ensure our building is fit for purpose and future-proofed with a partial roof replacement, a new coat of paint outside and new guttering.

“More excitingly, we have finally started work on replacing the building that was condemned over five years ago where we keep our camp equipment and extra meeting room. The hope is that this extra

space will allow us to upgrade some of our equipment and provide extra space for leader training, small group meetings and an overflow for those units with larger numbers.”

Gemma added: “We’ve been really heartened by the enthusiasm and ability to adapt by our members, but what has been more overwhelmingly exciting is the increase in interest of girls wanting to join Girlguiding.”

Hollie Davison, Leader, and the other half of the Commissioner team, said: “We hope the new replacement building will enable us to offer more opportunities for girls and women to get involved with the movement.

“We would like to thank all who have been involved in the project, from fellow leaders to contractors to our neighbours.

We hope the work will be completed early next year once supply issues have been resolved.”

Gemma said: “All this interest and growth has meant that more adult help is needed to deliver these opportunities to our local girls and young women, so much so that we are looking to open a new Rainbow unit, as well as add to the leadership teams of our current groups.”

If anyone would like to find out more about what roles are on offer, from face to face help in meetings to behind the scenes admin support, please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or email birstall.dc@gmail.com to arrange an informal chat.

Pics: (above) a busy autumn included meeting alpacas; the new building taking shape; (below) a Rainbow evening

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

We wish all of our Members and Neighbours a Very Happy Christmas Holiday and a Safe and Crime-Free New Year PC Dave Jaeckels

Fake Reviews

Having been the Beat Officer for Birstall and Wanlip since November 2013, Dave moved on last month to start an attachment in the local CID. He has been replaced by PC Lauren De Wet who joined the Team in August.

Dave has been a great asset to our villages and a good friend of the Watch. He is a dedicated officer who has often gone beyond the call of duty in his efforts to keep us all safe from crime.

We wish Dave every success in his new role in the CID and thank him for all his work on our Beat Team.

Some online sellers use underhand methods to fake positive reviews of their otherwise unremarkable, inferior or even dangerous products. This is against the rules of major companies such as Amazon and Facebook but it is, nevertheless, still happening.

If you are looking at items online, do not accept the number of five star ratings just on the face of it. Be canny and look behind them.

• Do not rely solely on these ratings but delve deeper and read any actual written reviews you can find elsewhere on the web.

• Check the dates when the reviews were written. If many of them were posted in a short space of time, it could mean that there has been some dodgy activity.

• Consider how impartial they really are; do they give everything five stars?

• Look at the spread of the ratings. Are they at opposite ends of the scale with very little in‐between? It is very rare for people to be completely polarised about a product.

Modern vehicles come equipped with more and more sophisticated electronic equipment, some of which is devoted to preventing them from being stolen. As the manufacturers improve their security, however, thieves find ingenious ways of getting round it.

The days are long past when cars were locked physically with a key in a keyhole. Now it is usually done remotely using electronic signals from a key‐fob. It is possible to buy apps on the dark web that use smart‐phones to fool these systems.

They can read information from outside a house from a key‐fob that is stored inside and then appear to the car as the key.

To do this they need a radio signal that can find the key‐fob in the house. If it is lying on the hall table this is no problem.

It is very simple to block the signal. Always keep the key in a metal container or a wallet specially designed for the purpose, whenever it is not in use.

Protect yourself from Scams A few simple things to remember to avoid becoming a victim of criminal scammers. ✗ NEVER click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails and NEVER respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details. ✗ NEVER assume that a phone call or email is genuine, even if the sender knows your basic details (such as your name or address). Remember that criminals spoof phone numbers and email addresses to appear as companies you know and trust, such as TV Licensing. ✗ Your bank will NEVER call and ask you for your PIN or full banking password and will NEVER ask you to transfer money out of your account.

Delivery Charges Genuine delivery services will never request an additional fee simply for a parcel to be delivered, so you should be very wary of any emails or text messages requesting such payment because they are probably scams.

However, this may not always be the case if the parcel has been sent from abroad. Depending on the nature and value of the contents, they can be liable to UK customs duty and VAT that have to be paid before the parcel can be released for delivery.

Previously, items sent from the EU were not subject to these charges and UK companies often arranged for orders to be delivered directly from suppliers based in other EU countries.

Some have continued to do so and customers have found themselves having to pay these additional charges.

Police News Our Beat Team produces a monthly Newsletter with news of crime and other policing matters You can read it in full each month on our website:

www.villagewatch.co.uk/police

REMEMBER THAT BURGLARS DO NOT STOP WORK OVER HOLIDAY PERIODS

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 DEC 2021

Car Theft

Birstall Safety improvements promised bowling club BIRSTALL BOWLING Club Presidents Kathy Pateman and Mervyn King have been raising money for the Meningitis Research Foundation throughout their time in office.

Despite the restrictions due to Covid-19, more than £930 has been donated thanks to a number of events including a coffee morning and a social night, as well as donations and sales of the charity’s merchandise.

During his year as county president,

Birstall’s John Jenkins raised money for local charity Wishes 4 Kids. Following his and wife Sheila’s passing after a tragic car accident last year, there were numerous items of clothing, equipment and bowls that were able to be sold.

A total of £495 has been donated to the charity which will help to grant the wish of a six-year-old boy who has been in hospital for three months with a C1-C3 spinal cord injury. They will be sending him and his family for a 3-day 2-night VIP experience to Legoland in Windsor, where he can enjoy the rides and attractions with all meals and expenses also covered.

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

Car crime THE POLICE are issuing advice following recent incidents of car crime in the village.

PCSO Ellie Holland said: “Vehicle crimes that are being conducted are not occurring in one specific area of Birstall and unfortunately are beat wide. Please make sure that car doors are locked, no valuables are left in sight and keys are hidden away.”

Vehicles are being stolen with or without keys.

Ellie said: “If valuables are out of sight it is less likely that your vehicle will be touched. Suspects are able to enter vehicles using your keys without physically touching them; your keys can send a signal which some suspects can pick up and use. If possible please keep your keys in a tin such as a 'celebration' tin; I am sure with it coming up to Christmas these tins will become popular! This tin will block the signal which is given off and protect your vehicle even more.

If you are unable to put your keys in a tin, please contact your local beat team and we can provide you with wallets with the correct lining to block that signal”

CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has apologised for delays in making safety improvements outside council houses on Wanlip Lane after an 86-year-old resident fell outside his home and spent the next 12 months in hospital.

John Cockayne has lived at his property on Wanlip Lane for ten years. In October 2019, he was returning to his home after visiting his next-door neighbour and fell, in the dark, over a low wall. He broke his neck in the fall, needed three operations, and spent 12 months in hospital.

He contacted Charnwood Borough Council, recommending that lighting be improved, surfaces made safer and a handrail installed. He has met officers on-site to discuss the improvements but has been frustrated at the lack of action.

He said: “They’ve not done anything, I think the whole lot of them should resign and walk away as I think that they are irresponsible.

“It’s their job to make this site safe, not just for me but for all the residents and their visitors.”

A Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson said: “We visited Mr Cockayne’s property on August 10 to discuss his requests for handrails and improvements to the lighting and paths outside of his home.

“We advised at the time of the visit

Pic: John Cockayne outside his home, standing in front of the low wall where he fell

that because the installation of handrails would be solely for Mr Cockayne’s benefit, a referral from an occupational therapist was required before we could carry out any work. Our visit was also followed up with a letter on September 2 to advise of the need for an occupational therapist referral.

“A number of trees obscuring the lamp posts have been cut back to help improve lighting. An electrical surveyor has made an additional visit and is considering alternative solutions. We hope to provide Mr Cockayne with an update on the progress of this later this week.

“We have recently visited the property

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on November 11.

Chair Ann Marshall explained the rules regarding the public participation section of the meeting - this is when members of the public can address councillors.

The public can only speak about matters on the agenda and each speaker is allowed a maximum of three minutes.

No councillor should speak to them at all, engage in debate, or answer questions. The chair of the meeting is in charge, and the public can only speak at the discretion of the chair. For example, if the subject is not on the agenda, the member of the public will be asked to stop speaking.

The maximum time allowed for the public participation section of the meeting is ten minutes. If a county councillor is present and wishes to give a report to councillors, this will be included in public participation.

Three councillors voted against the proposal to sign as an accurate record the minutes of the council meeting held on October 11.

Sergeant Bird reported that PC David Jaeckels has moved to another role and that PC Lauren DeWet is Birstall‘s principal beat officer now. He said he hoped that an officer would be appointed to replace PC Jaeckels after Christmas. He reported that PCSO Mark Butler is now back at work on duties in the wider Charnwood area.

Sergeant Bird reported that this time of year sees an increase in burglary and theft. He said speeding was a concern in Birstall, as it is in every parish, and that the speed van has been out in the village.

The beat team have plans to use the handheld speed camera in Birstall.

Councillor Carl Gunns said he was worried about speeding traffic on Birstall Road and that a fatality was inevitable.

Sergeant Bird said speed checks were done at least once a month on Birstall Road.

Councillor Kirsty Haywood said speed checks should not focus on just one road in Birstall, and that every road in Birstall would like the speed van to visit.

Councillor Simon Oates suggested that the council send a letter of thanks to PC Jaeckels for his service to the village.

It was agreed to award a community grant of £500 to Birstall Methodist lunch club to help with transport costs.

The end time for hire of the Village Hall has been brought forward to 9pm following some issues with recent bookings.

Chair Ann Marshall reported that it was Councillor Simon Oates’ last meeting as a councillor, as he was moving away from the village. He was thanked for his work for the council. Councillor Oates said he had enjoyed his 18 months on the council, and that “we are all working for the greater good of Birstall and I would encourage anyone to come and join.”

to inspect the path and can confirm work is being booked in with a contractor to relay some paving slabs at the location. We would like to apologise for the time this has taken, and we will write to residents to notify them of the works taking place.”

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

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Noticeboard all details printed free Santa Sleigh Spruce Up After many years of good service, the Rotary Club Santa Sleigh, which tours locally raising money for charity, has been spruced up ready for Santa’s busy Christmas season.

Weather permitting, Santa will be

YOUR SAY...

lors are elected just the same as the Borough and County Councillors, but they are not in this for political or financial gain. They volunteer their time to provide excellent local services to the whole community.

It is disappointing that a more helpful approach has not been taken by the Borough Councillors who have used the Birstall Post in a very negative manner.

Sue Coulson Clerk to Birstall Parish Council

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

Thanks I would like to thank Birstall Whiles Lane pharmacy for helping me so much over the weekend with my covid queries and suggestions of what to buy. They were very supportive and I can’t thank them enough at putting my mind at ease through those difficult few days. Their patience was superb and the patient is now recovering well.

Margaret Briggs

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

Clarification I feel I need to clarify to the Borough Councillors and anybody else that doesn’t really understand that County Councillors and Charnwood Borough Councillors do not have any autonomy over a Parish or Town Council. They are not elected to manage or monitor another authority. They are elected to serve you, the residents, utilising and offering the service provision that Charnwood Borough Council provides. They have no direct control over Parish Councillors or any of the business of the Parish Council. The Parish Council manage themselves and provide many excellent local services for all the residents of Birstall.

The Harrowgate Drive access is in the process of being investigated in a correct, fair, and proper manner.

The views of the residents who live close to this potential access is paramount to any decisions taken forward by the Parish Council.

The Parish Council care about all residents’ views. Yes, the Parish Council-

Just a few words to comment about our Greengate Medical Centre, I am sick and tired not getting the services which we all require. I have been suffering with heart problems and been on Warfarin for over twenty years. Since Covid came it upset the applecart and I find on many visits I have been refused about seeing my doctor which I now have to book him by telephone, I have tried on several occasions and still have had no joy. Try to get an appointment girls on desk say fully booked, are they told to say that?

B Pallatt

visiting the following locations starting at about 5.30pm weekdays and 4.30pm weekends.

Please do come out and say hello, have a selfie with Santa and perhaps make a donation into our collection buckets.

A full list of venues are on www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk Monday 13th December: Warren Way, Saxon Drive area of Rothley Wednesday 15th December: Stonehill Avenue area of Birstall Saturday 18th December: Walnut Avenue area of Birstall Sunday 19th December: Dalby Avenue area of Birstall Wednesday 22nd December: “Gates” estate of Birstall You are most welcome to join us for our

Christmas Carol Service Sunday Dec 12, 2021 at 10.45am Traditional carols, the message of Christmas, followed by tea/coffee and time for a chat Venue: The Day Centre, The Village Hall, Birstall Road, (junction with School Lane) Birstall (LE4 4DH) Birstall Independent Baptist Church Enquiries: 0116 221 4883 www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk The team at Loughborough Town Hall and producers Little Wolf Entertainment are thrilled to welcome audiences back to their award-winning pantomime which, this year, sees everyone’s favourite tale of

Thanks The family of the late Andy Mayes would like to thank family and friends for cards, flowers and donations to DLRAA Ann, Janice, Ken, Debbie

Birstall Methodist Monday Group Programme for December 21 & January 22 We are delighted to announce that at our recent meeting it was decided that our Project for 21/22 will be ‘Special Needs Playgroup’ and we look forward to raising funds for this very worthy cause.

Our Group meets at 7.30pm each Monday evening so why not start 2022 by coming and joining us?

December 2021 6th Christmas Bring and Buy 13th This year our Christmas Party will be in our Coffee Shop so get your glad rags on and come and enjoy socialising with old and new friends.

There will be music, food and fun – why not wear a home-made Christmas hat for the occasion!

January 2022 10th Show and Tell 17th Bag a Bargain 4th Speaker - Ruffles 31st Speaker - Paul Reynolds – Retired Fireman

Cedar Care Circle

Thanks I wanted to let all the staff at Greengate Medical Centre, and Birstall Medical Centre, know that I, as well as many others in Birstall, will be thinking of them this Christmas.

It has been a difficult year for GP surgeries, and dealing with the workload pre-Covid was hard enough, but all the additional measures that Covid has brought with it meant more challenges.

These were not only practical obstacles to overcome but needed mental fortitude as well. This must have put a real strain on all the doctors, nurses and their staff.

Of course, we are not out of the woods yet, but I hope you all can have some rest at Christmas, and hopefully a better year ahead in 2022.

I’m sure many will join me in expressing gratitude for your resilience in such difficult times.

Mr I Green

the shops in the village.

There was not an official Christmas Switch on event or Christmas Market in the Village Hall this year, but we hope visitors enjoyed the fairground attractions on the Sibson Road car park on Friday, 3 December. Hopefully, next year we will all be a much safer environment to be able to host these kinds of events that we know you all enjoy.

Birstall Parish Councillors and Staff wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Aladdin take to the stage with the return of fan favourite and winner of Best Dame in the 2020 Great British Pantomime Awards, James Peake, in the role of Widow Twankey.

Aladdin runs at Loughborough Town Hall from the 20th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022 with tickets starting from just £15. For more information on other performances and to book tickets, visit loughboroughtownhall.co.uk or call our Box Office on 01509 231914.

Christmas Celebrations 2021 The Parish Council has installed the large Christmas tree on the Sibson Road car park as well as 65 smaller lit trees above some of

Hi everyone, hope you are all keeping well. Our December meeting will be on Mon Dec 13 at 2pm at Brunchies Café, Hallam Fields Road Birstall.

Because of the uncertainty around Covid-19, flu and the common cold, I've decided to err on the side of caution and not hold any meetings throughout January and February. I hope you agree that this is a wise precaution.

I look forward to seeing you all on December 13. Thank you for joining our group. Contact me on 07905760556 for more information. Barbara.

Best wishes for 2022

Christmas in Leicester 2021 ‘£’ denotes a charge applies or a ticket is required: 13 Nov–20 Feb: The Snowman™ and The Snowdog: Exhibition at Newarke Houses Museum 18 Nov-2 Jan: Town Hall Square: • Traditional nativity scene and the story of Christmas • Christmas tableau and Interac-

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tive Adventure, featuring an augmented reality experience for children 18 Nov–2 Jan: Billy Bates’ Festive Funfair on Humberstone Gate (£) 18 Nov–5 Jan: BID Leicester presents Rhizome in Orton Square End Nov- 2 Jan: Wheel of Light in Jubilee Square (£) 2 Dec–3 Jan: Christmas ice rink in Jubilee Square (£)

4–23 Dec: Santa in the Square (Green Dragon Square) 4-5 Dec: Christmas Craft Weekend at Newarke Houses Museum (£) 5-24 Dec: Let it Snow at Highcross 11 Dec: Frosty Fun Day at the Guildhall (£) 11 Dec: Festive film in Green Dragon Square at 5pm: Miracle on 34th Street (1994) 11-12 Dec: Christmas Craft Weekend at Newarke Houses Museum (£) 12 Dec: The Muppet Christmas Carol at the Guildhall (£) 12 Dec: Magical Christmas Film Shorts at the Guildhall (£) 12 Dec: It’s a Wonderful Life at the Guildhall (£) 15 Dec: Two Ghost Stories by MR James at the Guildhall (£) 18 Dec: Festive film in Green Dragon Square at 5pm: The Santa Clause 18-19 Dec: Christmas Craft Weekend at Newarke Houses Museum (£) 23 Dec: A Christmas Carol with Gerald Dickens. The Guildhall (£)

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council

Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”.

Our January film shows Renée Zellweger give the performance of her life in a powerful and moving portrayal of Judy in London at the famous Talk of the Town. Judy’s spirit had dimmed to a rather tragic figure. However, her old spirit and personality did flicker back to life.

"Nomadland" (Feb 11) 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. We will be keeping the hall well ventilated and there will be room for us to space out.

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 From Dec 4, the creative talents of artists from around the East Midlands will be celebrated, as

Leicester’s Open 32 exhibition gets under way.

Selected by a panel of judges, the best paintings, sculptures, textiles, prints and photographs by

novice artists and seasoned professionals will be on show at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on New Walk until 21 January

Birstall Royal British Legion Club

“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.

“Judy” (Jan 14, 118mins) Judy Garland had a long and distinguished career on stage and screen, highlighted by playing

All old and new members will be very welcome Bingo every Tuesday starting at 9pm Quizzes every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm and sundays at 9pm Pool tables at only 50p Saturday Entertainment 4th December Karen West female vocalist 18th December Karen Steele female vocalist Xmas Eve Jesse Cole New Year’s Eve Kimika Entrance fee non members £5 and free to members Xmas meals Saturday 11th and 18th food served 12 till 2pm.

Bookings only Room hire available for Wakes The Committee wish all our customers a very happy Christmas

ment. Pc 1427 Lauren DeWet has now taken over from me and along with the rest of the team she will continue to work tirelessly to tackle the issues that matter to the residents of Birstall & Wanlip.

I have really enjoyed my time on the beat and would like to say a big thank you to all the people that I have met and worked with over the years. Birstall is a great place to live and work and has a fantastic community spirit and I hope that this continues into the future. PC 1759 Burglar Claus David Jaeckels.

This is the time of year when we may December Priorities spend a lot more than usual buying During December the beat team will presents for our friends and loved ones. continue to focus patrols around Meadow However, there are thieves out there Lane and School Lane park as some who are hoping that you will become complaints are still being received about their Santa Claus!

Anti-Social behaviour in these areas, albeDuring December, we will have valua- it these calls will probably die off a little ble items in our homes waiting to be now that the clocks have gone back. wrapped in gift paper. Still brand new, Crime Update and in their original packaging, they are During October a total of 38 crimes very attractive to thieves. They are easy were recorded on the Birstall and Wanlip to sell on and, unfortunately, there are Beat. plenty of people prepared to get their There were 14 reports of theft (which (your!) presents on the cheap. Since included 4 thefts of vehicles and 2 cycle most burglaries are not carefully thefts) 8 reports of assault, 8 reports of planned but committed when the oppor- criminal damage (including 3 reports of tunity arises, there are a few simple vehicles being damaged) 4 Public Order things you can do to protect yourself offences, 3 dwelling (house) burglaries and your family from having the festiviand finally 1 sexual offence reported. ties spoilt.

The burglaries occurred on Wanlip Always take extra care to ensure that Lane and Stonehill Avenue (both on the your home is secure and appears occu2/10) and on Loughborough Road (on pied when you are out. It is simple to the 30/10). At this time no suspects have been identified for any of them however put a couple of table lamps on timer enquiries are still ongoing. switches that come on even when you On a positive note, we have had no are out and to leave a radio playing reports of thefts from vehicles this month quietly. Check that all doors and winand no non-dwelling burglaries reported. dows are closed and locked, and turn For further crime information please on your burglar alarm if you have one. visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Do not leave valuable items where Crime Prevention Advice they can be seen from outside by an As mentioned in the crime update inquisitive thief who is out ‘window section we have had three reports of shopping’ for presents. burglary this month.

When your presents have been unNow that the clocks have changed & it wrapped, do not advertise them to the is getting darker earlier, burglars will be world by leaving the original packaging out and about looking for houses that are on view outside for collection. Thieves in darkness as this tends to suggest that have been known to take the packaging the house is not currently occupied. and then come back to steal the conThe most important thing to do to stop tents from the house. This makes it your house being burgled is to lock your easier for them to sell on as new. Make doors and windows whenever you are out sure you cut packaging into smaller and ensure that access cannot be gained pieces so that it cannot be re-used, and put it into your recycling bin out of sight to the rear. The vast majority of burglaries are opportunist and are committed from passers-by.

If you are offered items ‘on the cheap’ by people who are simply trying door handles to see if they have been left unfor cash by strangers, you should suslocked. pect that they might be stolen. Please tell Leaving a light on or fitting a light the Police about it by dialling 101. timer is also a good way to make it look If you prefer to remain anonymous, like your house is occupied and lastly, you can give the information to CCTV and ‘ring’ type doorbells are also Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. an excellent way of providing an extra Please enjoy a crime-free holiday and level of security. make sure your presents get to the right Events people.

Several events are planned for the next Ed Chambers, Committee Chairman, Birfew months including some street consulstall &Wanlip NHW tations & beat surgeries: 13/12/21—Street consultation on Meet the team Rectory Road and Church Rd, Wanlip.

Your Birstall and Wanlip Beat Team In addition, we will also be in attendnow consists of the following officers: PS 1326 Paul Bird. ance at the Parish Council meeting on PC 1427 Lauren DeWet. 13/12/21.

PCSO 6611 Mark Butler.

Please check our website or twitter PCSO 6637 Ellie Holland. page: @CharnwoodPolice for further PCSO 6580 Naomi Sharpe. details and timings for these events as PC 1759 David Jaeckels is leaving the they may be subject to change at short Beat! notice due to operational commitments.

After eight enjoyable years on the BirYou can also get in touch with us via stall and Wanlip beat I have decided to phone, email or through the Leicestertry a new challenge and have moved into a new department for a six month attachContinued on page 17

NHW news

& crime report

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

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Continued from page 16 shire 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 A message from Sgt Bird & the Police Team I am the dedicated neighbourhood Sergeant for Birstall & Wanlip & have been a Police officer for 22 years. I am keen to hear about what the people of Birstall and Wanlip would like to see from their local Police so we can all work together to tackle any identified issues.

I am pleased to report that the number of reports regarding Anti-Social Behaviour have been relatively few and far between. We also had a very quiet Halloween evening with only two calls being received all night.

This month we have mainly been patrolling around the Meadow Lane and School Lane park areas and we are pleased to report that the number of calls relating to Anti-Social behaviour in these areas has dropped off considerably.

If you see us out & about, please feel free to stop & chat with us about any issues you may have or may want to discuss.

Birstall Dental Practice wishes all our patients a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

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Cadet “honoured” to be selected A BIRSTALL Air Cadet is the first from his squadron to be selected for a prestigious aerospace training programme.

Sergeant Morgan McCaffrey (16) has become the first member of 1947 (Birstall) Squadron to be selected for the Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC).

He said: “It’s a real honour to have been selected from all of the cadets who have applied. I know that the competition was fierce, and I’m immensely proud to be the first cadet from Birstall to reach QAIC – I hope this brings our growing squadron the recognition it deserves.”

QAIC, now in its 14th year, is the Royal Air Force’s most highly regarded cadet training course and is widely seen as a launchpad for a successful career in aviation and aerospace.

Each year hundreds of cadets from across the UK put themselves forwards for the rigorous training course, with just 40 places available.

During the eightmonth-long process, cadets attend weekend training once a month on various RAF bases and study subjects such as Air Traffic Control, Pilot Studies and Aerodynamics.

Morgan, believed to be one of the youngest cadets ever selected for the

programme, is currently sitting A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science at Beauchamp College, Oadby.

He said: “I know that the course will be challenging and culminates with a presentation of all I have learnt to the RAF’s top brass, but it’s a challenge I can’t wait to get stuck into.

“My Uncle is in the RAF, and he really inspired me to get involved with the cadets – especially when I saw him flying a Lancaster Bomber!

“Once I have completed my A-levels, I plan to go on to university where I want

Sgt Morgan McCaffrey

to stay involved with the Air Force so that I can pursue my dream of becoming a fast jet pilot. I’m sure QAIC is a great next step in that journey.”

The course, which starts later this month, is the first since the global pandemic and will be a hybrid format – online and at RAF bases at Boscombe Down and Inskip.

Cadets learn instructional techniques and are empowered with the confidence to deliver lessons on aerospace subjects to fellow cadets. Graduates from the course are presented with a blue lanyard, which is worn on their uniform.

Squadron Commander Flight, Lieutenant Sarah Mayoh-Smith said she was incredibly proud of Sergeant McCaffrey’s selection for QAIC. “It’s not only an achievement for Morgan, but for the entire Squadron. To have our first QAIC cadet is something of which we can all be very, very proud,” she said.

“Morgan is a determined, bright and focused young man and I am sure he will bring that attitude to the time he spends studying with QAIC. I know with his A levels, and his other commitments, he will have a huge amount on his plate, but we have full confidence in him to graduate next April.

“We are actually pretty sure that he will be the youngest ever QAIC graduate, nationwide, and if that is the case, we will be sure to celebrate that fact!”

Mystery of broken fence A MYSTERIOUS fence breaking garden intruder struck twice on consecutive nights, leaving a Birstall couple baffled.

Marilyn and Tom Cowles, of Moorgate Avenue, discovered a hole in the wooden panels of their garden fence one morning in November.

“We could see that whatever it was

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Pic: Tom & Marilyn in their garden beside the broken fence

had crossed the lawn to the other side of our garden and dug its way out, under the fence," said Marilyn.

Neighbours hadn’t seen anything and had no clues – the couple's best guess was a badger, but the hole in the fence was a few feet above the ground, and

there has been no previous evidence of badgers in the garden.

Tom repaired the fence, only for a new hole to be made the next day. The couple say they would be interested in any ideas readers may have about what has caused the damage.

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Fundraising event at the Village Hall THE HELPING Our Community Birstall group organised a fundraising Christmas event at Birstall Village Hall.

Co-founder Rosie Rollings reports: The community group have had a very busy month. We would like to thank the Birstall Parish Council for letting us have the village hall free of charge. We held a Christmas fair with some local businesses; all reported having made great sales on the day. The event was attended by over 400 people and we received £223 on the door that will be shared with Jade’s retreat. Jackie from Jade’s held a raffle for Jade’s and Shreekant Raivadera drew the raffle.

We put a call out for cakes at the last minute, and we were not disappointed.

The community pulled together and made the event a great success. We held a bottle raffle and split the proceeds with our friends from Shepshed who have supported our fundraising from day one. We raised an awesome sum of £1494.76 on the day. This is fantastic for a four-hour event. This money will go into the “pay it forward fund” money that will be spent in Birstall and Wanlip. If you know someone that needs a pick me up treat, or a group we could help, please let us know.

A massive thank you to those truly community-spirited people who came to help at the last minute. You know who you are. Thank you.

Poppy Sales The poppy sales went well, and I would like to thank everyone that made contributed or sold poppies. We raised £777.29 and are still waiting for a couple of tins to be returned. This will be given to the Birstall branch of the Royal British Legion.

Pic: Amelia Proud(5) with some reindeer food

Pics: Jo Preston selling festive reindeers & (right) one of Santa’s elves preparing reindeer food for children to take home

Christmas Event Our next event is on December 4.

Santa and his elves will be at Birstall Garden Centre. The children’s presents have been paid for by Spotted Birstall and the event arranged by Helping Our Community. Santa’s post box will be there. Reindeer food will be available all

proceeds to pay it forward. It’s great to be working with Spotted, and we thank them for such generosity. I’m sure people will agree the community works best when it works together.

Thanks also to the admin team, Rachel, Kelly and Sharron.

Kathleen’s song will open concert BIRSTALL COMPOSER, Kathleen Shanks, is delighted that the NSPCC has chosen her song, ‘Soul Of A Child’, to lead its Christmas appeal for 2021.

The song will open Childline’s NSPCC Christmas concert, ‘Merry Little Christmas’, on December 9 at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, London. The concert is hosted by Childline’s founder, Dame Esther Rantzen DBE. ‘Merry Little Christmas’ is to be filmed and broadcast worldwide on the NSPCC website and throughout the media.

Apart from recording and filming, which were allowed as they did not require an audience, Kathleen’s Music Director work came to a standstill during the pandemic when all London’s concert halls and theatres were closed.

This left more time for her composition work.

Kathleen is currently working on a

Pic: Birstall composer Kathleen Shanks

composition commissioned for Prince Harry’s Invictus Games 2022.

In 2022 she returns to the Abbey Road Studios to film her cantata, ‘Song Of Mary’, and to record other compositions with her professional choir, London Cantamusica and the newly formed local choir, Leicester Cantamusica.

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

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Coming together for the common good A BIRSTALL man’s visit to COP26 made him reflect on the power of people coming together to bring about change.

and that they weren’t in a position to offer individual feedback. No surprise really, with more than 10,000 applications coming in from people in 94 countries. I couldn’t help but feel George Merchant Ballentyne reports disappointed, but after talking it over on his trip: with my wife Amanda, it didn’t take long I’m originally from Glasgow and to realise that there would still be opporcame to Leicestershire in 1987, aged 28, tunities – lots of them. So off I went to for a job. I’ve lived and worked in the Glasgow (benefitting from my newly city or county (and Rutland) more than acquired Senior Railcard) for the second half my life – and have been a resident full week of COP26. of Birstall for eight years now. I love the I’ve been a Bahá’í since I was 19 sense of community and the green spachave long been inspired by Bahá’í princies here. ples and activities promoting unity: that I visit Glasgow often and still have we can only really tackle the problems family and friends there. I realised from in this world through a united approach early on that COP26 would be the big– putting into practice the positive things gest thing ever to happen in the place I that we all say we believe in, rather than was born and grew up. I felt I just had indulging in hair-splitting arguments to be at COP26 and take part in some about who’s at fault for this, who’s remeaningful way – not just be able to say sponsible for that – you know the kind Pic: George at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow I’d been there. I wanted to be able to of thing, I’m sure. So I drew on various dio Leicester at both the beginning and say I’d given something to the occasion, take – hog the media limelight. From my bits of my work experience (including end of the trip as a roving reporter on no matter how small. In case you don’t point of view, seeing so many people several years as an adult education tuCOP26. I also appeared on a couple of know, “Glasgow” means “Dear Green come together from all over the world, tor) and came up with a presentation local community radio stations: Sunny Place” – not the first thing you might being in the middle of the march and that I entitled called “Let your vision be Govan FM (on two occasions) and Awaz think about that city, but highly approprirally on Glasgow Green that attracted world-embracing: a Bahá’í’s response to FM, talking about my visit and the Bahá’í more than 100,000 people – I can’t help ate for this event. the climate crisis”. With the help of approach to this vital issue that I’d come believe that all of us, coming together to Early this year, I applied to be an Bahá’í friends in Glasgow, I was able to to present. official volunteer at COP26 – probably protect our common homeland – the make good use of my presentation on So: was COP26 a success? If you’ve the hardest job application I’ve ever entire world – have a lot more influence, four occasions, as well as taking opporgot a particular interest in this subject, done, with a five-step approval process effect and power for change than we tunities to meet many people from other you’ll have seen that opinion is divided. that seemed to go on for ages. I reached realise parts of the world most directly affected Politicians, their advisers and negotiators stage three then received a message by the climate crisis. I was on BBC Ra– the decisions that they take, or don’t saying I wouldn’t be going any farther –

Cinderella’s tour of pre-school’s garden

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

A DISNEY princess was given a tour of a Birstall preschool’s new garden.

Cinderella paid a visit to Acorn Preschool at Highcliffe school, delivered some pumpkins for the children and told the story of Cinderella.

She had a tour of the garden, which was completed last Spring. There is a variety of climbing equipment, areas for imaginative play, a Bug Hotel for minibeast hunts and raised beds to grow fruit, herbs and vegetables.

Jackie Bateman from Acorn Preschool said: “The children told Cinderella how they have really enjoyed exploring the fantastic outdoor area which includes opportunities to play and explore.”

She added: “The creation of the garden was possible due to donations from Birstall Parish Council, The Mary Frances Tennant Estate and Borough Cllr Roy Rollings, who donated his Member Grant.

Acorn would like to thank them all for their generosity.”

The garden was landscaped by Andy Adcock and his team from AB Adcock Landscaping Ltd. “They worked tirelessly during the pandemic,” said Jackie.

Acorn preschool is situated in a mobile within the grounds of Highcliffe Primary School on the Greengate side. If you would like a place for your child, please contact Acorn on 07842006199 or email acornunderfives@gmail.com.

Pics: Cinderella and the new outdoor area

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Watermead Country Park: a swan’s story SIX SWANS have been killed by dogs on John Merrick’s lake in Watermead Country Park since 2012, and five more have been injured by dogs within the park. Julie from Watermead Swans reports: This had got to be one of the saddest stories I've dealt with. The swans on John Merrick’s lake are known to me as Sashin and Surrinder.

Surrinder flew onto John Merrick’s lake as a very young swan in 2016.

She looked remarkably like the daughter of the female that had just been killed by a dog. Sashin, although old, took an instant like to her.

For the next few years, they became

the nesting pair on John Merrick’s Lake.

In 2020 the male swan was attacked by a dog. He died on the nest at the side of Surrinder as she got off with her seven little cygnets, just hatched.

It wasn't just the tragic news of the male that died. It was what she went through for the following few months without her partner as she tried to rear her young alone.

Two swans flew onto the lake, one was one of our cygnets grown up. As hard as Surrinder tried to defend her territory, she couldn't against a pair of swans. They started to attack and kill her.

My clothes ended up in shreds as I lost track of the times I ran through the brambles to save her.

She touched my heart.

On endless visits, I'd call her. She'd be hiding with the cygnets. The reeds

Pic: Surrinder & her cygnets

CHILDREN PUT on their scariest costumes and enjoyed a Halloween party at Gunns’ Gym on Birstall Road.

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rattled as Surrinder heard me and came out. Then she wanted to take the cygnets on excursions somewhere while she'd got me protecting her.

After she'd enjoyed having fun, they'd all snuggle up under her wings. She'd have a siesta at my side while I kept daily watch for her.

Thank you to the people who helped keep an eye on her and their moral support You were fantastic.

For a while, Surrinder went to King Lears Lake and then became an icon on John Merrick’s pond with the remaining two cygnets.

On the days when the sun was a bright haze and the dividing line between the two worlds was thin - I could see her splashing on the pond- not with two cygnets, with lots. I could often see

Pic: Surrinder & Sashin

Sashin sitting at the side of her on the nest.

When she was down to her last cygnet, a male swan flew in on the lake. After Surrinder charged across the lake to defend, it turned into instant love! We thought at long last she'd found happiness again.

The next season she got off the nest, this time with a male and eight little cygnets. I was just so happy for her.

That was not to last.

A dog attacked her, and she ended up with a broken wing. The end was horrible.

Thank you to all those fantastic really nice dog owners we do have. It is a criminal offence to allow your dog to intentionally kill a swan.

I would hope that any responsible dog owner would keep their dogs under control and well away. If they hiss at you, they are telling you that you are too close. Please respect that and avoid injuries and deaths to both the swans and your dogs.

Don't forget to feed the swans in the ice and snow.

Just giving Julie-Watermead-Swans Collection Boxes Natural World Syston Birstall Pet Supplies Thurmaston Times Canal St

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

20

Fundraising Sienna donates her hair A TEN-year-old pupil at Highcliffe primary school is donating her hair to a cancer charity for the third time.

Sienna Chauhan (pictured) donated her hair for the first time at the age of 4 and again at the age of 8. Alongside donating her hair, she has also raised funds to support the cost of wig-making.

For her 10th birthday, she wishes to get her hair cut again and raise funds too – she’s

Charity needs trustees

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

THE BURLEY Houses Charity on Tempest Road is looking for some new trustees to join the four current ones, to assist in managing the 14 accommodation units it provides.

The trustees meet quarterly and supervise the maintenance and upkeep of the property for the benefit of the residents on a day to day basis.

Trustee Julian Howe said: “Being a trustee is a chance to put something back into our community and help us with our objective of creating an enjoyable happy community in which residents, who might struggle to find suitable accommodation elsewhere, can be independent but with the benefit of concerned and caring neighbours.”

The Burley Houses were established in 1932 by John Henry Burley and designed by the same Architect that built De Montfort Hall. They sit in extensive grounds.

Anyone who is interested and wants more details, or wishes to visit the property and talk to some of the current trustees, can contact Julian Howe 07800638313 or julian.howe@me.com

well on her way to a target of £500.

Mum Asha said: “She has grown into such a passionate young lady, and as parents, we are so proud of her loving and caring side. She also plans on writing a book for the Little Princess Trust- if there are any publishers out there, please get in touch.”

Sienna’s hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust - they provide real hair wigs to children who have lost their hair to cancer or another condition.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraisi ng/sienna-chauhan1

Christmas Park & Ride LEICESTER PARK and Ride is running extra services throughout December from all three sites.

Shoppers and sightseers can catch a zero-emission electric bus into the city centre every day in December, except Christmas Day. That includes running every Sunday in December (5th, 12th, 19th) and Boxing Day. They will run every 15 minutes between 10am and 5.30pm from the sites at Birstall, Meynell’s Gorse, and Enderby.

Services on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December will also be running from 10am to 5.30pm, with the 7am-7pm buses resuming on Wednesday December 29.

Group tickets are just £3 for up to five people travelling together in the same car, with free travel for NHS staff and concessionary pass holders.

All three of the Park and Ride sites have free parking for service users, including disabled spaces and parent and child parking.

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Wave of hope BROWNIES & Guides from Birstall and Wanlip drew these hands for the Wave of Hope.

They were displayed around the villag-

es in the hope that people would stop and think about the effects of Global Warming in its widest sense at the time of COP26.

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THE BIRSTALL POST

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Art exhibition returns BIRSTALL & District Art society’s annual exhibition made a welcome return in November, after having missed 2020 due to Covid-19.

Careers advice

Visitors enjoyed looking at the dozens of paintings on display in the village hall over the weekend of November 6/7, and choosing their favourites.

Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall officially opened the exhibition at the preview evening and presented the Norman Sims trophy for best painting in-show to Mr John Lyon for his entry ‘Thoughtful’. She said: “The evening was most enjoyable, and there was an impressive array of artwork on display.”

Society spokeswoman Meg Grant said: “Thank you to everyone who came and supported us, it was lovely to see so many people and lots of familiar faces.

The standard was particularly high this year. Many of us had had more time to paint during lockdown it seems, and many paintings found their way to new homes.”

She added: “We are an active group with regular Friday painting sessions, monthly demonstration evenings, classes and outings. We would welcome new members or guests at our demonstrations, held at 7pm at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy on the first Tuesday of the month. December is our AGM and there is no demonstration in January, but these will recommence in February with Chris Tkacz doing a landscape/seascape in oils.” www.badas.uk

A FREE drop-in service offering careers advice is available in Birstall from this January.

Pic: Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall presents the Norman Sims trophy for Best in Show to John Lyons for his portrait (pictured above)

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

The service, which had to shut down in March 2020 due to Covid-19, operated alongside the food bank at St Theresa’s church.

The service is now restarting and from Wednesday January 12, will be offered on the second Wednesday of every month between 10.30am and 12noon. It will be based in the comfortable Quiet Room at the Methodist Church on Wanlip Lane. This room is directly behind the Coffee Shop, which is open between 10am and 12noon.

Trained career adviser Robin Perry will be offering information, advice and guidance, and support will also be available from Lindsey Smith, who has years of experience working as a Support Worker.

Robin said: “This service is free to all unemployed adults and those working limited part-time hours, ideally under 20 hours per week, but if a young person aged 16 or 17 requires any careers information, advice or guidance they are welcome to use the service if they are always accompanied by a responsible adult, that is, someone aged over 18. Do feel free to drop in and use our service.”

He added: “Anyone wishing to use the service will usually access it through the Coffee Shop and will need to wear a face mask as they come through it. This is not required during careers interviews but we do require interviewees to have had at least two vaccinations prior to using the service as many people using the Coffee Shop have vulnerable health issues, as do the careers advisers themselves.”

News from the churches For all people suffering from cake deprivation - HELP is at hand! Old Nick's Coffee Shop is back for a Christmas Special, in Wanlip Community Hall on Tuesday December 14, from 10am to 12noon.

As well as the delicious cakes and coffee, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet up with those friends you may not have seen very much of over the past 18 months or so. It is hoped that 2022 will see the coffee shop back to its usual slot on the third Tuesday of each month.

Wanlip Hall, together with the Church of Our Lady and St Nicholas, has certainly sprung back into action, as on November 20 it hosted a Quiz Night on behalf of Tearfund (with refreshments), and a welcome return of the Wanlip Christmas Fayre on December 4, following closely after the Children's Advent Party on November 28.

Time is rushing by at a rate of knots, and now that we have had our Remembrance Service, Christmas is nearly upon us. It is always good to see St James packed with people for the Remembrance Service, the smart uniforms of the various organisations, and the medals worn with pride.

This year has seen a record number of 63 shoe boxes sent to the Link to Hope, filled with both practical and fun items, which will help people living in dire circumstances and let them know they are not forgotten.

St James Monday group held its first meeting after the lockdown in the social area of the Church, rather than the Village Hall, which has been the venue for many years. The church will now be the usual venue, and the time altered to 2.30pm. The next meeting, to celebrate Christmas, will be on December 6, and will include festive food and friendly chat. New faces are always welcome.

Our hand-bell ringers are practising and 'gearing-up' for the Christmas season, to give us music with a unique sound.

The sound of English bells, large or small, has got to be the best in the world!

From Birstall Parish Church

Services & Carol Service poor lowly stable … we shall see Him, but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on Our last Sunday service in December high”). Fanny also explained the Crucifixis on 19th and then we resume in the ion in the hymn ‘There is a green hill New Year on 9th January (God Willing). far away’: “He died that we might be All services begin at 10.45amand are Church Groups and Activities held in the Day Centre at the Village Hall forgiven… there was no other good Most of the groups have restarted in enough to pay the price of sin; He only (on the corner of School Lane and Birthe last couple of months. So do get in could unlock the gate of heaven and let stall Road). Our traditional Christmas touch with us to find out what is going us in”. If you would like to know more Carol Service will be on December 12. on. The Coffee Shop is a good place to about this Jesus, then please contact us. start, 10am -12noon, Tuesday – Saturday, You will be most welcome to join with (http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk us. where you will always receive a warm or 0116 2214883) Evington Chapel Lectures welcome! And then there is the LunchFrom Birstall Independent Baptist The subject for the series is ‘Names eon Club every Wednesday where you Church of Jehovah …

I AM’ and the third is on can have a good wholesome hot meal, Saturday December 11, at 7pm when and plenty of people to talk to.

The month of November is dedicated Paul Watts (Coventry) will speak on ‘The Christmas Tree Festival to prayer for all those who have gone LORD our Peace – Jehovah Shalom’.

At the moment, most of us at church before us, and our Caring Group once The meetings are free and further details again organised the Mass of Rememare busying ourselves with getting ready for this annual occasion, and by the time can be found on their chapel website. brance for those we have lost during the Mrs. C. F. Alexander you read this hopefully, we would have past year.

In the stillness, a single chorister had a successful event with many from Specially chosen hymns and prayer the community visiting the stalls, looking starts to sing and the music of ‘Once in helped make it a very moving service, Royal David’s City’ marks the start of the and parishioners were invited to light a at the displays and enjoying hot refresh‘Service of Nine Lessons and Carols’, ments. We are so thankful for the combroadcast on Christmas Eve from Kings mitted volunteers from the community College Chapel, Cambridge, begins. This that come and help us every year - we has occurred every year since 1919 and, could not do this without you! for many, it marks the start of the ‘real’ Weekly newsletter Christmas celebrations. This famous When our church was closed through hymn/carol was written by Cecil Frances the lockdown and restrictions, we kept (Fanny) Humphreys, who was born in in touch by writing a weekly newsletter that was distributed around the village to Dublin in 1818 and who married Rev. William Alexander when she was 32. He our church and the wider community. served in the Anglican Church of Ireland, Besides our own news and worship-atfinally becoming Archbishop of Armagh. home services, there was no end of articles, poems, funny stories, and obser- Fanny was a shy person and initially hid her poems from her family, but eventualvations on life. Some budding writers ly she was a noted poet. She began started to emerge. Even though the writing hymns to help her godsons (and church is now fully open, we are keeplater her Sunday School Class) to undering the weekly newsletter going, as it stand Christian theology. She penned candle for their loved ones, and to hang continues to be enjoyed by so many. some 400 hymns but it’s those written a card bearing their name on the Prayer Who would have thought there was anyfor children for which she is especially Tree, as the picture above shows. thing to write about suitcases! well-known. She devoted the profits The monthly Children’s Masses reAdvent from her ‘Hymns for Little Children’ sumed in November, starting with the This season is a time of anticipation (published in 1848) to the school for First Holy Communion group, who led and expectation for us, looking forward the deaf in Londonderry and much of the readings and bidding prayers and to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It is her wealth was given to charities. She also sang a hymn they had been learning. also quite busy, with a Toy service, the died in Londonderry in 1895.

There will be a fund-raising raffle and Nativity service, and an evening carol In ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, Fanny tombola this month rather than the usual service, all of which are enjoyed by so uses simple poetry to make things under- bazaar. Members of the music group will many in our community. On Christmas standable to children, telling them not be popping up at various locations Eve, a small group of us will be at Bironly what they celebrate at Christmas but around Birstall as Christmas approaches, stall Cemetery between 11am and 2pm, why they celebrate this tremendous event. singing carols to bring some seasonal offering a hot drink and a listening ear.

The carol takes us through Jesus’ life cheer. Please feel free to join in the There will be a prayer tree where the from His first home in a lowly stable singing from your doorsteps! names of loved ones to be remembered (“He came down to earth from heaven, Details of Masses over Christmas can can be added. The tree will then be who is God and Lord of all”) to His final be found on the parish website or in the moved to the Methodist Church for home in His heavenly Kingdom (“And newsletter.

Christmas Day. our eyes at last shall see Him, through After the restrictions we faced last From Birstall Methodist Church His own redeeming love … not in that year due to Covid-19, many of us are looking forward to spending time celebrating Christmas with family and friends, which we could not do then. We wish everyone a healthy and peaceful Christmas.

From St Theresa’s, Birstall

THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

TERRY ALLEN

est. 2002

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Birstall BAG’s cancer corner If you have any signs or symptoms of cancer, you may be worried about seeing a GP or a specialist and getting the tests or treatment you need. Please contact your GP straight away and do not let the pandemic deter you from seeking help. This could delay a diagnosis and have a detrimental effect on the possible benefits of treatment.

Should I still be shielding?

The shielding programme has now ended in England, and the situation is now very different to when shielding was first introduced at the start of the pandemic. We know a lot more about the virus and what makes someone more or less vulnerable to COVID-19, the vaccine continues to be successfully rolled out, and other treatments and interventions are becoming available.

The government will continue to assess the situation and the risks posed by COVID-19 and, based on clinical advice, will respond accordingly to keep the most vulnerable safe.

As a minimum, you should continue to follow the same guidance on staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

You should consider advice from your health professional on whether additional precautions are right for you. However, as someone with a health condition, you may want to consider, alongside any advice from your clinician, if additional precautions are right for you. These could include: • Considering whether you and those

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22 ladies listened to a résumé of the past year and heard that our president, secretary and treasurer are willing to stand again. We held a craft stall during the evening, and enjoyed a Taste and Try session which produced some interesting results.

Unfortunately, at the last minute, we were not required to provide refreshments, or crafts, at the Community Christmas Fair. However, you can still buy your seasonal bunting and crafts from our stall at the Birstall Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival on November 26 and 27, where we will be raising money for Jade’s Retreat.

We meet again on December 6, where we will be ‘Having a Go’ at a Felt Making Workshop led by Karen Slade.

New members are always welcome: we meet at 7pm on the first Monday of the month at Birstall British Legion in Front Street.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

THE BIRSTALL POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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

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THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2021

Cancer and Coronavirus Advice Update Coronavirus has made everyone feel more anxious and vulnerable. As coronavirus restrictions have eased, it is understandable that this might be a more worrying and uncertain time for people living with cancer. Birstall BAGs would like to provide some information and advice to help you stay safe and cope with uncertainty.

Should you have the vaccine Public health experts and cancer specialists have agreed that people living with cancer should receive the vaccine. The available coronavirus vaccines can be given to people who are having cancer treatment.

What about the effect on treatment The advice for people with cancer is please continue with your treatment and care plan as agreed with your healthcare team. If there are any changes or adjustments to be made, your health care team will discuss this with you.

If you have finished treatment and recovered from cancer If you have finished cancer treatment or have had cancer in the past, you may be worried about your risk of coronavirus.

Anyone who has a weakened immune system is more at risk of being seriously ill if they get coronavirus (COVID19). Talk to your GP or hospital team if you are worried about your risk of being seriously ill if you get coronavirus.

If you are worried you may have cancer

you are meeting have been vaccinated – you might want to wait until 14 days after everyone’s second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before being in close contact with others • Considering continuing to practice social distancing if that feels right for you and your friends • Asking friends and family to take a rapid lateral flow antigen test before visiting you • Asking home visitors to wear face coverings • Avoiding crowded spaces Birstall BAGs hope this information has reassured you. For further information please visit: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/corona virus/cancer-and-coronavirus https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-youcan-and-cannot-do 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