Birstall Post (464) March 2022

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

MARCH 2022

Children meet superhero THE AIR Ambulance mascot made a flying visit to Birstall’s Sibson Road charity store last month.

The official mascot Blade – a yellow and green superhero bear with rotor blades on its back – is on a tour of The Air Ambulance Service’s stores across the country.

In 2020, the Children’s Air Ambulance charity launched a nationwide competition to find the perfect mascot for #TheCrew – their club for children and young people – and with over 500 entries, the charity was proud to bring the winning design to life as Blade.

The Children’s Air Ambulance – operated by The Air Ambulance Service – is a national service which is changing the face of paediatric and neonatal care through the high-speed transfer of critically ill babies and children – flying them from one hospital to another for specialist care.

As part of #TheCrew, children can learn about saving lives, helicopters, medicine, fundraising, and how a charity works. The club offers advice and teaching on community work, volunteering, working as part of a team, and supporting good causes – which form part of many school curriculums.

Pic: Meeting Blade is Eva-Tzin (5) with store volunteer Lisa Mumford

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 464

Birstall man jailed A BIRSTALL man who was part of an organised crime group has been jailed for six years and seven months.

Kevin Thomson (45) of Ambergate Drive, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Co-conspirator Sailesh Kumar was jailed for nine years and seven months after he pleaded guilty in December last year to the same offence.

Both men were part of an organised crime group whose activities unravelled after officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), supported by teams from across the force, executed more than 50 warrants in the summer of 2019. The enforcement activity took place across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Liverpool.

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Kumar (38) of Anglian Way, Coventry, was identified as the organiser who in February 2019 directed the exchange of more than two kilos of cocaine. He used Thomson, of Ambergate Drive, Birstall, as his courier to deliver the drugs to another member of the organised crime group.

The enforcement was codenamed Operation Clubman and led by Detective Inspector Lee Hunt from East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU). DI

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Pic: (left) Kevin Thomson (45) of Ambergate Drive, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine (Right) co-conspirator Sailesh Kumar; (inset, left) a package of cocaine seized by Police

Hunt said: “To date, a number of individuals have been jailed for more than 165 years between them, those sentences are a testament to the vast amount of work that has gone into this operation.

“Officers have worked tirelessly on the evidence which has helped secure these convictions.

“Those convicted ran a business-like operation, and they all had a key role to play in the supply of controlled drugs onto the streets.

“This was a significant operation for us, but our work doesn’t end here. We know the supply of controlled drugs is a never-ending battle, and there is always

Council needs review, says officer A RECOMMENDATION that Birstall Parish Council commission an outside body to audit its policies and procedures has been made for the second time.

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

In 2021, Charnwood Borough Council recommended that the Parish Council have a governance review, as part of its conclusions after it had investigated a complaint about a Birstall Parish Councillor. The Parish Council’s response was to call the

recommendation “inappropriate and irrelevant”.

In January 2022, after the investigation of another complaint, made by the clerk about the conduct of two Birstall Parish Councillors, the borough council’s Monitoring Officer Adrian Ward said in his report: “The current complaint provides further evidence of confusion over relevant roles and responsibilities at Birstall Parish Council and of conflict between councillors and the clerk, which is leading to problems.

“This is likely to continue unless Birstall Parish Council takes substantive action to address the cultural and governance issues.”

The role of a Monitoring Officer is to report on matters he or she believes are, or are likely to be, illegal or amount to maladministration and to be responsible for matters relating to the conduct of councillors and officers.

In his report, Mr Ward identifies three indicators, listed in a government guidance note published in 2020, that help to identify a local authority that may have a poor culture and governance problems.

Poor and inappropriate councillor conduct Conflict and distrust among between senior councillors and officers A lack of awareness and acceptance of the need for improvement Mr Ward says: “All three of those risk factors are evident at Birstall Parish Council.

“To resolve this, and to seek to prevent further recurring problems and conflict, Birstall Parish Council should now reconsider their decision not to commission an independent governance review.”

The Birstall Post invited Birstall Parish Council to comment, but did not receive a response.

• The Monitoring Officer concluded that the current complaint, about the conduct of two councillors, could not be progressed at this time. The complainant has appealed the decision.

someone waiting to fill the gap left by others.

“Our efforts to stop the misuse of drugs will continue, and we will carry out further operations of this nature to disrupt the criminal activity.”

EMSOU is a collaboration between the five forces of the East Midlands set up to tackle the most violent, serious and organised criminals in the region.

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Teen paralysed as ex-boyfriend kidnaps her Chay Bowskill (20) was found guilty on January 25, following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

Bowskill, of Empingham Drive, Syston, was also convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour and perverting the course of justice. He was found not guilty of a charge of section 18 grievous bodily harm.

A second man, Rocco Sansome (20), of Wanlip Lane, Birstall, was also found guilty of kidnap.

Bowskill was sentenced to a total of seven-and-a-half years in prison, while Sansome was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

At around 10.45am on Thursday September 17, 2020, members of the public approached officers after they came across 19-year-old Angel Lynn lying seriously injured in the carriageway of the A6 near Loughborough.

At the same time, the force control room also started to receive a number of calls from concerned members of the public – unaware of what had happened - reporting that they had seen something in the road as they travelled past.

Pic: Convicted - Chay Bowskill

Colleagues from the East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene and Angel was taken to hospital. Despite intensive medical intervention, she remains in hospital with life-changing injuries.

The Police investigation uncovered that shortly before being found injured, Angel was seen exiting a silver transit van that had pulled up in Loughborough Road, Rothley, near Hilltop Garage.

Pics: Captured on CCTV - Bowskill manhandling Angel Lynn into his van

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Bowskill followed her out of the van, forcibly picked her up in the street and carried her back into the van. The vehicle, driven by Sansome, then swiftly left the area at speed.

At some point in the journey, Angel exited the vehicle while it travelled along the A6. She suffered a fractured skull and brain injuries that have left her requiring round the clock care.

Further enquiries later identified that the man who carried out the kidnap was Bowskill – who was Angel’s boyfriend - while the driver was Sansome. Both men were arrested at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Yarwood from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime team was the senior investigating officer.

He said: “Angel is a young woman who had plans and aspirations in place and the rest of her life to look forward to.

Because of the extent of her injuries, she now faces constant medical treatment and round the clock care.

“Her family remain devastated by what has happened, and I praise the strength and bravery they have shown and continue to demonstrate to this day.

“No verdict or subsequent sentence can make up for the quality of life this young woman has lost."

Angel’s father, Paddy, said: “Our lives have been changed beyond recognition forever. Angel was so full of life and

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Pic: Angel Lynn

had such a great future ahead of her.

That future has sadly been taken away from her.

“The catastrophic injuries Angel suffered will mean life will never be the same for her or our family. Every day is not only a huge struggle for Angel but also a huge struggle for our family and friends. We are lucky in some ways as we are a close family, we have lots of lovely friends who help us and people that care in other ways.

“We try to remain strong, but we know that every day will be difficult and a struggle for us all, especially for Angel.

I know that Angel will never get married now, and I will never get to walk my daughter down the aisle. Nikki and I will never be grandparents to Angel’s children. We don’t know what the future holds for our daughter, but we try to put smiles on our faces each day but inside our hearts are bleeding out.

“We’d like to thank all the officers involved in the investigation, our family liaison officers and our barrister, Mr Janes for their support throughout the last 16 months.

They have all worked so hard and their dedication to Angel’s case has been remarkable.”

A fundraising page for Angel Lynn's recovery has raised over £75,000. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com and search for Angel Lynn.

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THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

A MAN who bundled a woman into a van in Rothley, minutes before she was found seriously injured on the A6, has been convicted of kidnap.

Police speed checks LOCAL POLICE conducted speed checks on the A6 near the park and ride site on the afternoon of Wednesday February 9.

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

The figures below show the results for southbound and northbound (speed limit 40mph).

Southbound (100 vehicles ) 40 - 44mph - 9 vehicles 45 - 49mph - 1 vehicles 50+ - 5 vehicles Northbound (100 vehicles ) 40 - 44mph - 5 vehicles 45 - 49mph - 2 vehicles 50+ - 1 vehicles PCSO Ellie Holland, Birstall and Wanlip Beat Police Community Support Officer, said: “The Beat Team are working on supporting the community regarding beat issues such as these.

We have been in contact with the Parish Council, County Council and Road Safety Unit regarding the results to collaboratively work together to decrease these numbers!

“We have also carried out a Street Consultation on Rectory Road, Wanlip.

There are no issues to report.”

Richard delivers his final pinta BIRSTALL’S MILKMAN is retiring after 45 years on the job.

Richard Kilby (60) started working as a milkman just before his 16th birthday, taking over the Birstall round 12 years ago.

Richard has been going to bed at 9pm, and getting up at 2.45am, six days a week, for years.

He said: “It’s been 12 lovely years in Birstall, and I will miss all the customers, they are friends, I will miss them and all the chats we have.

“I’m tired of being tired! I don’t know how I will adjust to lying in bed until 7am, but it will be nice to be able to stay up until I want to, and not go to bed halfway through a film.”

When Richard started, almost every house in every street had a milk delivery.

“Now it’s just one or two in each street, and 95 per cent of customers are pensioners now,” he said.

“It’s been a lovely job, what I enjoyed was being outside in the fresh air, chatting to customers, and being my own boss.”

In his retirement, Richard says he is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren, taking his time looking after his house, walking beside Hadrian's wall and “not being tired”.

Peter Bates, from Greengate Dairies, said: “I've known Richard from just about my first day at school with him over 55 years ago at Riverside.

“Richard has been the unsung hero who has delivered come rain or shine your daily pinta over more than forty years and has always been happy, jovial and respect-

Pic: Richard pictured in 2018, the last year he used an electric milk float

ful, even though a bit cheeky to the ladies over a certain age!

“Richard has helped keep the community together, being the lifeline for many solitary people whose only contact can be him, delivering the milk, collecting the money,

chatting and bringing a smile to their faces.

“I am sure that everybody who has had the pleasure to deal with Richard will wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Richard’s last round delivering milk in Birstall will be on April 2.

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Birstall Residents Survey - Access from the Harrowgate Drive Playing Fields to the Hallam Fields Estate

The views of the residents of Birstall are extremely important to Birstall Parish Council. The Parish Council are seeking the views and opinions of the residents of Birstall regarding the creation of an access gate to be installed in the fence at Harrowgate Drive playing fields to the Hallam Fields estate.

The suggested location is for an extension to the existing tarmac path to be created at the top of the existing path, turning to the left, which would lead up to the gate and the boundary of the Harrowgate Drive playing fields (as indicated by the yellow arrow on the map).

The Gate would be locked during the evenings in line with the main entrance gate on Harrowgate Drive, there will not be 24/7 access and the right to remove the access rights would be retained to address any Anti-Social Behaviour incidents or reports received.

The details you are being asked to provide below will be kept strictly confidential. Any forms that do not have this information included will not be considered.

POST CODE: LE4 ____

Question Are you in favour of the path and access gate being installed?

Please circle one option YES / NO

HOUSE NUMBER: ______

Please give reasons for your answer

Please send your completed forms to be checked and verified with the current electoral list to: Birstall Parish Council, Council Offices, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4DH or email: admin@birstallpc.org.uk This form is available on the Parish Council website to download, complete and submit to the Parish Council: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk - Closing date for submissions is 1 April 2022

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

PRINT NAME:

100 new homes Support for the bereaved PEOPLE WHO have been bereaved will soon be able to get in-person support and information from the LOROS ‘Reaching Out’ group, which will relaunch on Friday March 4, 2022.

Birstall BAGs, a charity working to raise funds to support cancer services in Leicester and Leicestershire, is funding the bereavement group, which will take place every Friday, 1.30-3pm at Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, LE4 4JS. The Reaching Out support group is for anyone aged 18 or over who has been bereaved, regardless of the cause, and offers information, support and the chance to share thoughts and feelings with others who may have similar experiences.

By working with other local charities such as LOROS, Birstall BAGs provides services that support members of the local community, in particular those whose lives are affected by a diagnosis of cancer.

Emma Shaw, a trustee of the charity, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to fund LOROS to provide the Reaching Out bereavement group. It’s fantastic news that the group is being relaunched in March as we’re sure that people have missed that face-to-face support during the pandemic.”

Suzann Chantrill at LOROS added: “Bereavement support is in such short supply right now, and waiting lists are into years and not months since the pandemic.

We’re grateful to Birstall BAGs for supporting the group, and we invite people to drop in for a chat in a friendly and supportive environment.”

For more information on the support group, visit www.birstallbags.co.uk or call Suzann on 0116 231 3771 ext 7549.

PROPOSALS FOR 100 new affordable homes off Red Hill island have been announced.

Nottingham community housing association (NCHA) want to develop the site behind the Bestway cash and carry store, opposite Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre.

The site is 5.27 ha.

Owl Partnerships is carrying out a public consultation before submitting a planning application to Leicester City Council in March.

The site will have a mix of house types and a mix of tenure, including affordable rented homes and homes for shared ownership.

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

Thanks Maureen Akroyd and family would like to say a big thank you to all the kind people who stopped and helped her and kept her comfortable until the ambulance arrived when she had a serious fall on Sunday January 23 in Lambourne Road, Birstall. After a couple of weeks stay in hospital, I am happy to report that she is now back home and making good progress in her recovery.

Thank you again for your kindness and help.

Louise Akroyd

Disgusted I would like people to know how disgusting the GP surgeries are acting.

My husband had water retention two weeks ago, we rang 111 and they got a doctor to ring and suggested my husband go to Loughborough walk in centre which I took him to. The doctor there put a catheter in and said he hadn't got an infection, which he later developed.

The rigmarole of telephoning Greengate and then them getting the doctor to ring back is a terrible waste of time, my husband is in agony, the doctor rang back prescribed some antibiotics and said he would not be back until next week this was last Tuesday. Consequently the infection got worse and the water retention, he could not use his bowels this is from the weekend before last and had a really bad tummy ache and pain in the back with a bad headache and he got very muddled so at 5.30 am after being in terrible pain all night I rang for an ambulance that couldn't get to us until 8.30 am. They assessed him and took him to the Infirmary and during the night he was taken to Leicester General.

These GPs have an awful lot to account for their terrible treatment of their patients whom they took an oath to care for and in reality they could not care less.

Sylvia Cobb

Concerns In the December 2021 issue a letter from the Parish Clerk was published in which she said that: “…Parish Councillors are elected just the same as the Borough and County Councillors, but they [Parish Councillors] are not in this for political or financial gain.” Many people have expressed concern to me about what this comment was implying.

Now in the February 2022 issue, in the article about the Parish Council lodging a complaint with the Local Government Ombudsman, I see that the independence of my fellow Borough Councillors of all parties is publicly being brought into question. This is an attack at the very heart of our local government.

The Borough Council and my role as a Borough Councillor are often criticised at the Parish Council meetings yet it seems to be forgotten that only last year the Borough Council gave the Parish a discretionary grant of £40,000 because of Covid.

Incidentally yet another complaint has been lodged against myself and a fellow Councillor, so I think we need Birstall Parish Council to publicly state how much these constant complaints have cost, why they think residents hard earned money should be spent like this, and what purpose they serve towards making Birstall a better place to live in.

Julian Howe In response to the letter above and the comments that I submitted to the Birstall Post in December 2021, I can confirm that I wasn’t implying anything, I was stating facts.

It is a fact that Parish and Town Councillors volunteer their time freely for the benefit of their local community.

They do not receive expenses, allowances, or any other financial remuneration for devoting their time to their local community. The Parish Council is not political. Councillors sit as independent members of the Council and work together to concentrate on providing and delivering the best services for their local community as the first tier of local

government.

Principal authorities are the tier above local councils (Parish and Town councils) and are controlled by the political party that has most seats on the Council. For example, Charnwood Borough Council is controlled by the Conservative group who fill the majority of the seats on the Council.

It is a fact that Borough/District/County Councillors receive ‘allowances and expenses’ from the principal authority that they are elected to. This information is publicly available to view on Charnwood Borough Councils website which shows the allowances and expenses claimed by all Borough Councillors: https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/cou ncillorsallowances Regarding the article in the February issue of the Birstall Post, I’m sorry that this appears to have caused distress to Cllr J Howe who feels that the comments are an ‘attack at the very heart of local government’.

I cannot comment on this because the article wasn’t written by, or submitted by, the Parish Council. The Monitoring Officer at Charnwood Borough Council informed me that he had received an enquiry from the press and that Charnwood Borough Council were going to respond to the enquiry with some summary details and so I assume it has come from Charnwood Borough Council.

It needs to be said though, that the Parish Council are entitled to deal with any matters that concern them or cause them concern. They are entitled to Continued on page 9

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

YOUR SAY...

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Noticeboard all details printed free Volunteers needed!

chance to serve the community while having a good time, enjoying the company of a fantastic team of volunteers. For further information either call into the library and leave contact details with one of the volunteers, leave a message on 0116 237 6162 or email info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk You will receive a very warm welcome

Crafty Stitchers Leicestershire This is a big call out to anyone who could spare a couple of hours of their time every now and then to help keep Rothley Community library open. This valuable community resource is highly regarded by local residents, and in order to assist the process of expanding our hours of openings back to pre Covid levels, we need additions to our team.

Training is available and this is a Continued from page 8

make comment and take actions as they deem fit. If Cllr J Howe perceives some of these actions as criticism, I can only surmise that this could be due to his dual capacity as a Parish and Borough Councillor, depending on the matter in question and which hat he is wearing.

Regarding the Grant money of £40,000 - Money was given by the Government to all principal authorities in the country. This was for them to hold and allocate through grant applications from local businesses and organisations who were suffering financially due to the pandemic and met with the grant funding criteria.

Charnwood Borough Council didn’t just come along out of the goodness of their heart and give the Parish Council £40,000. The Parish Council were entitled to apply for this Government grant and the Clerk was successful in doing so.

All of the funds received were put to good use for the community of Birstall.

The last part of the letter is regarding a mention of a complaint about Cllr J Howe and one of his fellow Councillors, I can confirm that the Parish Council have not submitted any such complaints, so no costs have been incurred.

Sue Coulson Clerk to Birstall Parish Council

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

Bus route Is anyone else unhappy about the new 22a (was 22a and 22b) bus route from Birstall to Leicester, and back?

It recently changed without notice, and without the timetable being updated correctly, and now duplicates a lot of the route around Birstall, and cuts out some of the old route. A reply from Centrebus to my email was as unhelpful as expected, but they did say that the old timetables at the bus stops would be replaced. They also said that the timetable at the bus station on Charles Street was the responsibility of Leicester City council.

In my opinion, the worst bus service in Leicestershire is now the worst bus service in the country.

Name & address supplied

cialise.

Everyone is welcome, we have a varied mix of members of all abilities and interests.

This month we had a Show and Tell meeting where we shared some of the items we had made during lockdown.

If you enjoy being creative, like any sort of stitch and would like to join us please contact Susan Flint Chair 0116 4299458 or Briony Wilig Secretary 0116 2872531 or just turn up on the day

Cakes, Plants, Tombola Books, Jigsaws Come along and support our 2022 Project (Covid restrictions will be in place if necessary)

Free Guided Tours of Leicester Guildhall

Birstall Methodist Monday Group

There has been a group meeting to share our interests in embroidery and textiles for over 50 years, we celebrated the 50th anniversary in 2018 with an exhibition at Newarke Houses Museum.

Until 2020 we were a branch of the Embroiderers guild to which we remain affiliated, but are now an Independent stitch group.

We share our knowledge together, through invited speakers and workshops and group led practical sessions.

We meet on the second Saturday of the month at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, off Braunstone Lane, Leicester LE3 3FT 2pm for 2.15 start, with time to so-

Programme for March 2022 7th: Stuart Briggs – Work and Play 14th: Exploring Bolivia 21st: Pete & Kelvin – Slides to Music 28th: Marjorie & Margaret – “Say it with Flowers” And please note: Sat 2 April – Coffee morning at Birstall Methodist Church to raise funds for The Special Needs Playgroup 10am – 12noon Various stalls – we look forward to seeing you there.

Covid restrictions will be in place if still necessary

Join our wonderful tour guides and explore the history of Leicester's oldest medieval building.

Find out about the characters who have passed through it's historic doors and discover the role its played in Leicester's history.

Tour Dates: 13th and 27th March.

Tour times: 11:30, 13:00 & 14:30 Tours are FREE, booking advised the-guildhall@leicester.gov.uk 0116 253 2569

Birstall Methodist Monday Group

Steam Toys in Action

Coffee Morning to raise funds for Special Needs Playgroup Saturday 2 April, 10am – 12noon at Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop

Abbey Pumping Station Corporation Road Leicester LE4 5PX 6 March 2022 12:00 - 16:30 See our engines in steam and enjoy the many toy steam engines, boats and trains on display.

Café for light refreshments will be open Admission £4 for adults. Accompanied children (under 16) Free Pay on the day - no booking needed (cash only) The Narrow Gauge Railway at Abbey Pumping Station Museum will be running from 12 to 4.00pm. Refreshments will be available.

Tickets cost 50p per person for the railway. (cash only) Tickets will be issued on a 'first come' basis and there will be social distancing measures in place during rides. Passenger carriages will go through a cleaning regime before each ride

Birstall Tea Dances St James Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road Leicester LE4 4DH Friday's 11th & 25th March 2022 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm £5 each Tea / coffee and cakes available All welcomed Further information contact: Jackie 0116 2248278 / 07908607405 Email: jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

Birstall Flower Club Wed March 23rd 2022 7:15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstrator: Shirley Henderson

Continued on page 11

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MARCH 2022 Visit our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk and join our Group on Facebook

In the last edition of Village Watch News we asked for your thoughts on the future of our Neighbourhood Watch. The Covid lockdown severely curtailed our ability to operate and it will now need time and effort to re‐establish our activities. Over the Covid period we have lost a number of our more active members because of age, health and other personal circumstances.

We need your help if we are to return the Watch to its

previous level of activity. If you have skills we could use and some time to give, we would love to hear from you.

More information about our current situation and what is needed can be found in the NHW News and Crime Report article in this month's Birstall Post.

If you email us we will be happy to send you a copy of the article or, if you include your phone number, to ring you back to answer any questions. watch@villagewatch.co.uk

If You Cannot Speak to 999

Use Your Old Stamps

Occasions arise when a person in physical danger is able to dial 999 but dare not speak for fear of being overheard by their assailant. The emergency operators regularly find themselves answering ‘silent calls’ and have to decide whether it is simply a mistake, a hoax or a genuine call for help.

There is a belief circulating on social media that all silent calls result in a Police response but this is not true. Apart from anything else, a call from a mobile phone does not give the caller’s location. It could be anywhere.

To address the problem, the Police have established a procedure called Silent Solution, that the caller can follow in such circumstances.

The methods differ slightly when calling from a mobile phone or a landline.

Full details are available on our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk/silent‐solution

Royal Mail has changed the design of postage stamps by adding a barcode.

Stamps without the barcode will cease to be of valid in early 2023.

Many of us will have unused stamps or books of stamps that we may only use occasionally, so it will be a good idea to collect them together and use them sooner than later.

Royal Mail will be announcing a scheme in the near future by which older stamps can be refunded or exchanged for the new versions.

Identity Fraud Protection If you suspect that your personal details have been stolen, have noticed unusual activity on your bank account or have dealt with an organisation that has recently lost or leaked sensitive data, you could be at risk of becoming a victim of identity fraud.

Cifas offers a protective registration service that places a flag alongside your name and personal details in its secure National Fraud Database. It costs £25 for two years.

Companies and organisations who are signed up as members of the database will see that you are at risk and take extra steps to protect you, so preventing fraudsters from using your details to apply for products and services.

Registration will not be required by most people but it is a valuable safeguard for those who may find themselves at risk.

You can find out more about Cifas and its services at: www.cifas.org.uk/pr

The Watch Phone We have to apologise to anybody who has tried to contact us on the Watch Phone during the past few weeks.

Unfortunately, the phone recently developed a fault and did not always register that a message has been left. We are in the process of correcting this but if you have left us a message recently and have not received a return call, please try again if it is still relevant.

0756 2422 756

New Rules are for Everyone Many people will not have read The Highway Code. Those who have will have done so either when they were learning to drive or if they have been involved in court proceedings or insurance claims. Liability is decided on how well the Code was or was not followed by the parties involved.

The rules apply to ALL road users and have been updated in the latest edition to give extra protection to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. They introduce the principle of the Hierarchy of Road Users. ✷ Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care to reduce the danger they pose to others. This applies particularly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans, minibuses, taxis, cars and motorcycles. ✷ Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles have, in turn, a responsibility to reduce the danger to pedestrians. ✷ All road users must remember that other people they encounter may have sight, hearing or mobility problems that may not be immediately obvious.

The new rules address when a pedestrian has priority when crossing the road as well as the priority to be given to cyclists and horse riders.

You can read about the new rules in full at: www.gov.uk/guidance/the‐highway‐code/introduction

Police News Our Beat Team produces a monthly Newsletter with news of crime and other local policing matters.

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

www.villagewatch.co.uk/police

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 MARCH 2022

We Need Your Help

Continued from page 9 Title: Around the World in 80 Minutes (ish) Visitors welcome £5 Queries to Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437

Birstall Royal British Legion club 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 12th March - Trevvy 26th March - Caroline Crystal Karen’s kitchen open for meals Saturday 26th, food served 12 till 2pm.

Room hire available for Wakes, contact us for further information

The Uocean Project Our Mission Is To Remove #1billionkilos by 2030 River Plastic Clean Up Saturday 19th March - 10am-12pm Location: Watermead Country Park.

Mill Lane, Thurmaston, LE4 8AF FREE Book Your Place Online Below All Equipment Provided. www.theuoceanproject.com @Uoceanleicester @Uoceanproject Any Questions, Email Us At info@theuoceanproject.com The Uocean Project Is Officially Certified By Registered Charity The Vayyu Foundation - 1181313 www.thevayyufoundation.co.uk

to various appointments, anything from the hospital to the hairdressers. All volunteer mileage costs are covered at £0.45/mile and will not affect any benefits a volunteer may currently receive.

In the main, drivers use their own cars to transport members We are entirely dependent on our volunteer drivers and any time that they can offer us. So, whatever time you can offer whether it is one day a month or five days a week we can use you. We are also very conscious that you are a volunteer, the clue really is in the title. If you don’t want to take people to hospitals or go shopping, we’ll accommodate your wishes. Most importantly you’ll also be helping people who sometimes have no one else to turn to.

Help others Driving expenses paid at £0.45/mile Volunteer your time only No benefits affected Syston Volunteer Centre Phone 0116 260 7888 The Alpine Garden Society

Flower Show & Plant Sale Saturday 12th March Iveshead School, Forest Street Shepshed, LE12 9DB Open 11am – 3.30pm Admission £3

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council

Tactical Basement Boxing

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

Leicester Symphony Orchestra Saturday 5 March 2022, 7.30pm De Montfort Hall Conductor John Andrews Programme includes music from some of your favourite films: Gone with the Wind, The Magnificent 7, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, The Dambusters and many more.

Tickets: £20 / £16 Family tickets (2 adults and up to 3 children): £42 or £35 2-4-1 carer’s scheme • Students/children: £5.00 Tickets Available From: De Montfort Hall Box Office www.demontforthall.co.uk • Tel: (0116) 233 3111 www.leicestersymphonyorchestra.co.uk

Volunteer Drivers needed We help older people in the communities of Birstall, Syston and the surrounding district by taking them

Supercar Sunday Sunday March 13 Birstall Sibson Road Car Park, Next to the Triangle roundabout 10am-2pm Your chance to get up close with a selection of supercars Tickets £3, Children U10, Disabled & OAPs free Raising money for Rainbows No parking on site, please travel on foot if possible

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST

At Birstall Social Club We now have spaces for new members, 7pm till 8pm, Mondays and Fridays. For further details please contact Dean Spencer on 07979511501

100 Years of Music at the Movies

11

hood" will be shown on May 13.

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

We would like to remain cautious at this point and make sure that everyone feels comfortable. You are asked to wear face masks whilst you are in the hall.

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 and refreshments during the interval. You can pay for tickets at the door or pay in advance from Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

will be published on Apr 1.

The copy deadline is Mar 18.

FARM SHOP

Home Grown Potatoes: White Marfona Red Mozart Fresh Fruit & Veg Local Honey & Preserves incl Marmalade & Chutney

Electrician “1917” (Mar 11, 110mins) This World War I epic has won a remarkable 7 BAFTA’s and 3 Oscars. In April 1917 on the Western Front, two British soldiers are given a seemingly impossible mission to cross enemy territory and deliver, to an isolated regiment, a message which will save 1,600 lives. This film, from the award-winning director Sam Mendes, uses a new technique, in that it was filmed in one take, with cameras rolling for much of the time, rather than being filmed in different places and at varying times and then edited. It is a truly breathtaking story.

“Spencer” (Apr 8, 111mins) At Christmas time 1991, Diana Princess of Wales decided to finish her marriage to Prince Charles. We, the audience, wonder just what was happening behind Sandringham’s carefully decorated halls. We see Kristen Stewart give an astonishing performance as Princess Diana, indeed, she bears a remarkable resemblance. In April’s film there are shocks but much laughter as well as tenderness.

"A Beautiful Day in the Neighbour-

Woodcock

Registered part P Fuse board upgrades Garage/Shed supplies Garden/Security lighting Extensions • Rewires Additional sockets/lights Landlord certificates • P.A.T. testing All work guaranteed

Mectric Electrical Services Jon Bradshaw

Horse & Pony Feeds, Goat Feeds, Poultry Feeds, Rabbit Food, Hay Straw & Shavings Manure, Woodchip Mulch, Topsoil we can deliver bulk loads of these items, call or visit for further details

DIY Liveries

Hill Rise, Birstall, Leicester

0116 2108591 or 0780 8259437

Elliott & Ball Plumbing & Heating Est 1968

General Plumbing Bathrooms & Tiling Landlord Certificates POWER FLUSHING

FIREWOOD: bulk loads delivered Good Quality Dry Logs, Hard & Soft Wood, Smokeless Coal, Kindling And lots more!

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New Installations & Upgrades Gas Boilers/Fires Serviced & Repaired LOCAL BUSINESS • CALL GARY ON

Tel: 0116 2692167 Mob: 0792 1703 765

LOUGHBOROUGH RD, ROTHLEY Tel (0116) 230 2215 James 07802 915559

OPENING TIMES Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm Sunday: closed Please note these times may change during public holidays. Ring us for details.

www.woodcockfarm.co.uk jamesbarber@woodcockfarm.co.uk

NHW news

& crime report Where are We at Present?

The Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020 led us to suspend some of our Watch activities at very short notice. The situation was very uncertain, but it was seen as only a temporary measure. Two years later, many of the issues remain, and it is an appropriate time re-assess the situation.

Our primary source of income, members’ subscriptions, was not available in 2021, although we have been supported by a grant from Birstall Parish Council, for which we are very grateful. Thanks to our Reserve Account, we remain viable for the next year or more. Our main expenditure is publishing the Newsletter, with a few other minor costs.

Collecting, counting, recording and banking the cash subscriptions and issu-

Ruth's Dinner Deliveries March Specials To order call 0116 2919765 £6 for a dinner delivered £7 for a dinner & a pudding delivered Pudding options change daily Tue March 1st- chicken in white wine, new potatoes and peas Wed March 2nd- mid week roast beef Thur 3rd- southern fried chicken, new potatoes and salad Fri 4th- scampi, chips and peas Sat 5th- cheese flan with chips and beans Sun 6th- Sunday dinner menu delivered on Saturday Mon 7th- chicken and vegetable hotpot Tue 8th- bangers and mash with onion gravy Wed 9th- mid week roast chicken Thur 10th- chicken Kiev, chips and salad Fri 11th- fish, chips and mushy peas Sat 12th- all day breakfast Sun 13th- Sunday dinner menu delivered Saturday Mon 14th- cottage pie, roast potatoes and vegetables Tue 15th- sweet and sour chicken and rice Wed 16th- mid week roast gammon Thur 17th- lasagne, garlic bread and salad Fri 18th- homemade fish cakes, chips and peas Sat 19th- faggots, chips and peas Sun 20th- Sunday dinner menu delivered Saturday Mon 21st- beef stew and dumplings Tue 22nd- chicken and mushroom pie, mash and vegetables Wed 23rd- midweek roast turkey Thur 24th - ploughman's salad Fri 25th- fish, chips and mushy peas Sat 26th, Sun 27th- CLOSED Mon 28th- corned beef hash, roast potatoes and peas Tue 29th- hunters chicken, chips and peas Wed 30th- mid week roast beef Thur 31st- cheese onion and potato with pork loin

ing individual membership cards involved a considerable amount of time and effort, as well as not insignificant stationery and printing costs. One alternative could be for members to donate online through one of the charity support websites, but this would still need to be managed on a regular basis.

Committee members were due for re-election at the AGMs in April 2020 and 2021. Neither of these meetings have taken place, and the committee has remained as previously. We have not met during that period, and the constitutional position is unclear. With hindsight, it might have been possible to organise remote meetings using one of the video meeting platforms. It might still be a good idea to consider this option.

Our local volunteer coordinators have had three main tasks: acting as the local link for the Watch, distributing the newsletter and collecting the annual subscriptions. Many of them have continued in the first role, but the other two have remained suspended.

There has always been a regular turnover of Coordinators, with new ones recruited when others left. A number have advised us that they have had to give up since the lockdown, usually because they have either moved away or because of health issues. It is likely that others have resigned without advising us or will do so as we become more active again.

Our Advice Shop was open once a month, and it would be good to open it again. The building is used primarily as a playschool, and this makes it a difficult location for some of our regular volunteers who remain at higher risk from infection.

On the positive side, we have maintained some of our activities. We are grateful to the Birstall Post for enabling us to continue to circulate our monthly newsletter. This costs roughly the same as printing and distributing the previous two-page edition that our Coordinators delivered to well over three thousand Members’ letterboxes each month.

Our Facebook group has continued to operate as normal, and our website has been enlarged and kept as up-todate as possible.

Missing and damaged NHW street signs have been replaced as and when circumstances have allowed.

The number of calls to the Watch Phone has diminished over the past two years, but those that are received remain relevant. They fall into two main areas: those advising of possible crime (mainly scams) and those seeking reassurance or advice. There is regular email post to the Watch (although a lot of it is unsolicited advertising). Members’ messages have content similar to those to the Watch Phone.

We need new volunteers to join our existing active committee members to share the responsibilities more evenly.

In particular, we need someone to liaise with our coordinators to establish their current availability.

If you have financial or fundraising experience, we especially need your skills.

We need people to join our experienced volunteers to open the Advice Shop for a couple of hours on a Saturday morning once a month.

If you have any ideas or suggestions,

even if you are not in a position to offer much practical assistance, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact us by email at: watch@villagewatch.co.uk From Ed Chambers, Committee Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip NHW

Meet the Team Your Birstall and Wanlip Beat Team now consists of the following officers: PS 242 Alice Forfar PC 1427 Lauren de Wet PCSO 6637 Ellie Holland We would like to welcome our new appointed Sergeant, PS 242 Alice Forfar. she is a welcome addition to the team. A

Please, if you see anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles, contact the police by calling 101 (non-emergency) or 999 if you witness a theft in progress.

Events Please check our website or Twitter page: @CharnwoodPolice for further details and timings for events. You can also get in touch with us via phone, email or through the Leicestershire Police website.

A message from Sgt Forfar I am the dedicated neighbourhood Sergeant for Birstall & Wanlip.

I have moved to this beat after working in Loughborough Town Centre and University. I joined Leicestershire Police

Pics: (l-r) PS 242 Alice Forfar, PC 1427 Lauren de Wet, PCSO 6637 Ellie Holland

message from Sgt Forfar: Speed checks have been conducted by the beat team on Birstall Road and Greengate Lane. A Traffic Offence Report was issued on Birstall Road, and two drivers were given words of advice. The top recorded speed was 42mph in a 30mph limit. One driver on Greengate Lane was advised for exceeding the 30mph speed limit.

We have also completed street consultations on Gwendolin Avenue and would like to thank all those who participated in the survey. Reported concerns included antisocial behaviour and speeding on Gwendolin Avenue.

Priorities Anti-social behaviour: Focusing on Meadow Lane Park, and School Street Park.

Drugs: Focusing on hot spot areas and gathering local intelligence.

Road safety: Speed checks Crime Update During December, a total of 38 crimes were recorded on the Birstall and Wanlip Beat.

During the month of January 2022, Birstall and Wanlip have had a total of 42 crimes.

4 non domestic-related assaults including 1 assault PC, 6 theft offences, 6 vehicle crime, 8 public order, 3 criminal damage, 2 drug-related offences, and 13 Miscellaneous offences For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice There have been a number of theft of number plates in the Birstall area. Stolen number plates are often later used by criminals on stolen vehicles and vehicles used to commit crimes. Please consider replacing the fixing screws with anti-theft screws in order to prevent yours from being a target. You can purchase these online or from most DIY/ hardware stores. We also have a limited number of these that we can give away at our next beat surgery!

There have also been a number of catalytic converter thefts in the area.

as a Police Constable eight years ago and became a Sergeant three years ago.

I have experience in Neighbourhood Poling as both a PC and a Sergeant. I am looking forward to the new challenges it will bring and getting to know the new communities I serve. We will be working as a team to address concerns raised, and target people causing harm to the beat.

A message from the Beat Team We would like to take this opportunity to ask that if you are not already signed up to Neighbourhood Link, then please get in touch. Neighbourhood Link is a free service through which we can share with you information about crime in your area, and offer crime prevention advice. We can also update you on any events we are holding. The feedback we receive through Neighbourhood Link allows us to set Local Policing Priorities in line with what matters to you.

You can sign up now at www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk

Lost pigeon AN INJURED racing pigeon is recovering in a Birstall garden.

Dean Spencer is looking after the bird and would like it reunited with its owner.

He said: “This pigeon has been in our garden for the last week or more.

He's getting fed well daily, has a pond and shelter, but can't fly due to an injury to his wing. He's getting closer each day to tell us more food, the only problem is our dog goes bonkers!”

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

12

Runner taking on seven half-marathons A BIRSTALL woman will be running seven half-marathons in seven consecutive weekends to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Rebecca Warrington (35) has been inspired by the fundraising of Kevin Sinfield for his friend Rob Burrow, the former professional league rugby footballer who has motor neurone disease.

Kevin ran seven marathons in seven

meet him on a number of occasions, a more humble and genuine person you could not wish to meet, he had time for everyone, including a Huddersfield fan like me. It makes me sad to see him living with the condition he is now, and to think that others do so too. So, I am doing my own version of Kevin's 7 in 7 challenge. Seven half marathons in seven consecutive weekends, starting on March 27 in Bedford and finishing on May 8 in Leeds. This might not sound a lot as it isn't seven marathons, but physically I am not designed as a long-distance runner and have suffered knee injuries as a result of my own rugby union playing days. But I have been so inspired by these two men I want to play a part, however small, in doing something to try and prevent more people suffering in the way Rob and Doddie Weir and others are now.”

Rebecca is a former teacher and now works as a civil servant. She has lived in Birstall for over 30 years.

To train for the challenge, Rebecca has been gradually increasing the length of her runs, having only run two half-

Pic: Rebecca running in Victoria Park

days in November 2020, raising £1.2 million for the MNDA, and in October 2021 he ran 101 miles in under 24 hours, raising over £2 million.

Rebecca said: “I have been inspired by the relationship between Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield. I was fortunate enough to see Rob play in his prime and

Pic: Rebecca with Rob Burrow in his playing days and (above) running with Kevin Sinfield

marathons before.

She said: “I am very much looking forward to the challenge as a whole.

I like to test myself, and this will definitely be a test. I am looking for-

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

PHOTOS: Charnwood Water Ski and Wake Board Club; Leices Police

More jail time for violent criminal A MAN who robbed a lone fisherman has had his sentence increased after it was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP. Jamie Keeling (26) surprised the victim on the night of July 28, 2020, alongside two unknown accomplices.

The victim was sleeping in his Transporter van at Charnwood Water Ski and Wake Board Club in Watermead Country Park, where he had been night-fishing.

Keeling was armed with a claw hammer which he used to threaten and

strike the victim.

The victim managed to pick up a knife and wound Keeling, whose blood was found at the scene and used to identify him.

Keeling and his accomplices eventually left with around £30 stolen from the victim.

On September Pics: Jamie Keeling has had his sentience increased; (left) 15, 2021, Keeling Watermead Country Park was sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment, susunduly lenient and increased it to 5 pended for 18 months at years and 3 months’ imprisonment.

Leicester Crown Court.

Speaking after the hearing, the Following the sentence, Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP the Solicitor General resaid: “Keeling attacked the victim in ferred Keeling’s sentence the middle of the night, alongside two to the Court of Appeal accomplices. I referred his sentence under the Unduly Lenient because I felt that the initial term Sentence (ULS) scheme. didn’t properly reflect the severity of On February 2, the his crimes, and I am glad that the Court of Appeal found his Court of Appeal agreed and reviewed original sentence to be his sentence.”

ward to the first run as that is being organised by my club Wreake Runners.

It will start at the King Lear's lake car park and head into the city along the canal, with a turning point at the Tigers ground and then return to the lake car park via Melton Road. I am looking forward to this because I am opening it up to runners across Leicester to run with me - it won't be quick - for a donation to my fundraising page. I am looking forward to seeing the difference my money could make in supporting people like Rob.” She added: “I've tried not to think about how hard it will be. I think, as Kevin Sinfield said when he did his 100+1-mile run which I ran part of with him, it needs to be hard, it needs to be tough, because people with MND don't have it easy. I think that is very much something I am remembering as I am training, and the long runs start to hurt a bit. I know I have the support of Leicestershire at Rutland MND, who have been great, and the support of the MND community and knowing that my efforts will make a difference.”

To donate, go to justgiving.com and search for Rebecca Warrington.

Rebecca‘s schedule: 27th March - Wreake Runners run a Half Marathon (club organised) 3rd April - Rutland Water 10th April - Belvoir Half Marathon 18th April - Boston, Lincolnshire 24th April - Stratford Upon Avon 1st May - Milton Keynes 8th May - Leeds

13

News from ‘Helping our Community’ BIRSTALL’S HELPING our community group has received a large donation and will be supported by funds raised at this May’s White Horse Duck Race.

Co-founder of the group, Rosie Rollings, reports: The community group have been overwhelmed by a very generous donation of £500. Unknown to the group, we were nominated by Mrs Stephenson, a member of St Theresas, and along with others, we received £500. We would like to thank them for the very generous donation and assure them it will all go back into the community.

The admin team are looking at various new initiatives. If you have any ideas you think we should consider, please get in touch. At present, we are providing hot meals for some elderly residents not experiencing good health. We need people to think about the people around them. Our aim was always to show we are a caring community. Do you know someone having a big anniversary, someone unwell that would appreciate a hot meal, Sunday dinner anything we can do to help? A child that is ill, we can provide character doorstep visits. A family needing to make memories, we could provide tickets for an event. We need people in the community to

identify these people. Along with the small gestures, we also want to support local groups. Please let us know if we can help.

I was invited to talk to the Methodist ladies Thursday group about our work.

It was great to meet such a bunch of lovely interesting and friendly ladies. If any ladies would like to meet new friends this is the group to get in touch with. They meet at 2pm on a Thursday at the Methodist Church coffee shop. A

warm welcome awaits. The admin team would like to thank them for the generous donation.

The Scrubs team have been quilting and making wiggly bags for the hospitals.

Wiggly bags are always needed on the children’s oncology wards, and if you can help, all materials will be provided.

Another great invitation we received was from the White Horse. Charlotte Foy asked to meet to discuss the Duck race.

As a community group, we obviously wanted to be involved. But when Charlotte said it was to be for our group, we were speechless. This will take our group to a whole new level and enable us to do so much more for the community. Thank you to Charlotte and her team. Also, thank you to Ruth’s Lambourne for supplying meals often at very short notice. Massive thanks to the Community for the continued support.

Thanks also to the children from Riverside, who made beautiful Christmas cards for the community.

Charlotte says the White Horse Duck Race planning is in full swing and is lining up to be a great family day out.

The event starts at 12noon on Mayday Monday 2nd May, with the Duck Race beginning at 2pm.

The 12th Annual White Horse Duck race is in aid of The Birstall Community’s own ‘Pay it forward fund’ which supports a great number of individuals and community groups in Birstall.

The Duck Race will be part of the fundraising activities to provide ongoing support to Birstall residents and our volunteers.

There will be lots of activities to entertain the kids and grown-ups alike.

Charlotte Foy from the White Horse said: “It will be amazing to have the Duck Race back after the enforced Covid break. This year’s Duck Race will have a great variety of stalls, activities and games, all run by local people, to keep the children entertained as well as a few drinks and BBQ for the grown-ups! The White Horse would also like to thank all those who generously donate prizes or their skills to make the event happen, particularly Paddle Plus, who collect all the racing Ducks back in safely each year” “‘Webster’ the Duck Race mascot will be in various places around the village to sell Ducks ahead of the Duck Race day, they will also be available from Rosie Rollings and of course there will be loads of Duck to buy on the day itself!

“Any donations of prizes or cakes, teddies or other items for stalls would be very welcome, please contact Rosie Rollings or give us a call and leave a message for Charlotte at the White Horse on 0116 2671038.”

If you wish to book a stall, please contact Rosie Rollings 0789 499 5164.

Stalls are £10 or free to local groups. If any groups are looking to purchase ducks, the admin team would be happy to pop in to see you.

The community group are holding a tombola, and if you have any suitable items, we would be grateful for them.

HATS’ spring play MYSTERY, SUSPENSE and humour are promised at Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society’s spring play, ‘Penny Black’.

Sue Withers from HATS said: “Once again, we are here to entertain you all. HATS is the oldest drama group in Birstall, having recently reached our 30th anniversary, and after an amazing panto before Christmas, which received a fabulous reception from our audience, we are now working hard on our next production.”

HATS Spring Play 2022 is “Penny Black”, by Rob Wellington, with the consent of Lazy Bee Scripts.

Sue said: “When looking for a captivating spring play, I came across this hilarious, witty farce and just knew that our audience members, old and new, would thoroughly enjoy this.

Our first reading of the script resulted in tears of laughter throughout our members, and I have no doubt that you will also be laughing. What can be better than combining a mystery, suspense and humour, with a twist at the end?

“Penny Black, tells how three brothers - a sex therapist, a postman, and the third evil brother - together with their mother, desperately search for a secret formula written on the back of a Penny Black stamp, while having to contend with their eccentric father.

Watch out for the celery, yes celery. I say no more!

“So, for all you super sleuths, and the others who are not so super and just want to see a good play, this is the one for you. Can you work out what the twist is, or will you be so enthralled with the plot and the humour, that you just sit back and watch the drama unfold? This will be a most enjoyable evening. So come along and have a good old fashioned night of comedy.”

Dates for performances are Wednesday May 18, Thursday May 19 and Friday May 20, 2022.

Performances start at 7.15pmDoors open at 6.45pm Venue: Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets: £7, £6 concession.

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

Tickets will be available from: Box office: 07948 796675 Or email: hatstickets@hotmail.com.

Face book: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/ NOTE: This play contains some adult humour.

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

14

15

Parish Council notes

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on February 14.

A member of the public raised issues regarding the council's public consultation into the provision of a gate allowing access from Harrowgate Drive playing field to the Hallam Fields country park.

She asked how much weight would be given to the views of those residents neighbouring the playing field, as they would be impacted more by any changes than someone living further away.

She queried the cost of the consultation exercise, legal fees, the gate, ongoing maintenance, the provision of hard surfacing and the possible removal of trees and shrubs to create an access.

She said that there may be increased traffic from pedestrians, E-scooter riders and motorbikes, and asked the council to consider what mitigating measures would be needed to prevent unauthorised use.

She commented that drug dealing had been a problem on the playing field in the past, which had stopped when the perimeter was securely fenced, and said she was concerned the problem may return if another access is provided.

County Councillor Dan Grimley presented his monthly report. He said that there had been so many proposals for the highway improvement fund, they exceeded the budget of £25,000. He said that the implementation of any measures may be delayed until the next financial year.

The council agreed to spend £11.99 a month on a Zoom license to enable the internal auditor to carry out his work.

It was reported that complaints made about how the council had dealt with two Freedom of Information requests had been settled. Councillor Julian Howe said he was the complainant and that what was “extremely worrying" was that a lot of the financial records he had requested were no longer available.

Cllr Robert Vincent asked if the council had accounted for the cost of dealing with this FOI request, in terms of staff time, and suggested that this information be circulated to councillors.

The clerk reported that she has more information about the provision of electric car charging points on the Sibson Road car park that she could bring to a future meeting.

Councillors discussed the planned public consultation about the provision of an access from the Harrowgate Drive playing field to the Hallam Fields country park. Charnwood Borough Council and developer Jelson Homes have no objection to the creation of an access.

Jelson have indicated they are prepared to pay for some hard surfacing on the approach to the new gate from the Hallam Fields country park.

There was some discussion about how wide the public consultation should be – to the whole village, or just the Hallam Fields estate and the Gates estate.

Comment was made that all Birstall residents would have an interest in how council taxpayers' money was spent.

Cllr Sheila Alcock said a gate would

improve access for the elderly and young parents with children.

Cllr Tony Fowler said the gate would be lockable and if there were a lot of problems it could be locked and kept locked.

Cllr Jeff Cassidy said a resident had commented: why can’t I get access to the park, I am a ratepayer and Birstall has other parks with multiple access points.

Cllr Julian Howe said the council had to consider the community as a whole.

The new Hallam Fields country park is an asset for all of us, and that fencing off Harrowgate Drive playing field, denying access from Hallam Fields, was the worst decision the council has ever made. The council would need to find ways to mitigate any problems that arose that impacted the park's immediate neighbours, he said.

Cllr Ed Marshall said the council needed to take a measured approach, and look at every option. If the gate is installed, it must be monitored, and if the drug-dealing problem returns we can lock it, we will be in control of it, he said.

Chairman Ann Marshall said the council shouldn’t try to influence people's views about the provision of a new access. We should just ask them what they think of the proposal, if they support it or not, she said.

It was agreed that all of the Hallam Fields estate and the Gates estate be consulted using a questionnaire and that the consultation would end on April 1, 2022.

The Air Ambulance has requested that permission be given to install a second clothing bank on the Sibson Road car park. The council agreed to the request.

Chairman Ann Marshall invited councillors to send suggestions, as to what the council might do to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, to the clerk.

She said the council's summer gala would have a Jubilee focus and that a tree will be planted on the Sibson Road car park. She suggested a commemorative plaque could be installed on the Village Hall and the Hallam Fields community hall.

The Council has greed to spend £1386 on two additional CCTV cameras for the Hallam Fields hall, and £8500 on phase 2 of the fencing project at Meadow Lane allotments.

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Fencing • Guttering Woodwork All other work considered For quotes and details please ring:

Mob: 0776 6755515 0116 212 9344

Pic: a walker in Hallam Fields Country Park

Consultation about improving park access A NEW access could be created in a Birstall park, connecting Harrowgate Drive to Hallam Fields, subject to a public consultation.

Birstall Parish Council has launched a consultation, asking residents whether or not they are in favour of creating a new access from the Harrowgate Drive playing field to the Hallam Fields Country Park.

The new gate would improve access to the park for exercise, dog walking, walking to school and would help connect the Hallam Fields estate to the rest of the village.

The new footpath through the Hallam Fields country park was completed in September 2021 – further landscaping work and the planting of an orchard is planned for later this year.

The last section of the path to be opened runs from Long Meadow Way, behind the school and past Harrowgate Drive playing field, which is securely fenced and currently allows no access to

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the park.

The path then takes you beside the GCR track and connects with the community sports pitches, taking you to the school car park.

A multi-use games area (MUGA) on the site is partially complete, featuring goals, hoops and line markings for football and basketball. It has a tarmac all-weather surface that can be used for other informal games/recreation. There are also four climbing boulders and seating.

Visitors to the country park and sports pitches are allowed to park in the school car park.

Costs of providing the country park, sports pitches and Hallam Fields school were all met by developer Jelson as part of its section 106 agreement when planning permission for the Hallam Fields estate was granted.

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 1.

The copy deadline is Mar 18.

PALLATT BROS. Ltd Corgi Gas Reg. Installers

Covid-19 fines

16

Children deliver climate change posters Spokeswoman Michele Tookey said: “The children are so passionate about climate change. They have wanted to pursue different ways of raising awareness about global warming and finding

ways to make a difference. They have been learning about using exclamation marks in their English lessons to make people listen, and so they have featured these in posters that we have made about climate change. They took a walk to the Parish Council to drop off some posters that they made all about Global Warming and what you can do to help.

Look out for them in the Birstall notice boards and in and around the school!

“Their next plan is to go and do some litter picking at Watermead as they know how bad litter is for animals and the environment. What a brilliant army of eco-warriors!”

Pic: the children outside Birstall Village Hall

Social supermarket’s two new stores

rel Memorial Centre.

Your Store Shelthorpe is located at and supported by volunteers of The Good Shepherd Church Hall and is available to members of Your Store every Saturday from 11am-12pm.

For more information about Your Store, including the pop-up shops please visit https://yourstorecharnwood.org.uk/

A SOCIAL supermarket which is helping people in Charnwood access affordable shopping has opened two new pop-up stores in Mountsorrel and Shelthorpe.

Your Store was created last year by a partnership involving Charnwood Borough Council, John Storer Charnwood, The Bridge East Midlands and Charnwood Food Poverty Group. It aims to support people who are eligible, and may currently be using food banks, to transition to more independence by becoming a Your Store member.

Over the first three months around 140 households have carried out a weekly shop either at the main Your Store shop at John Storer House in Loughborough or one of the two new pop-ups in Mountsorrel and Shelthorpe.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for community support and equalities said: “Your Store is the result of fantastic partnership working between a number of organisations and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved for their help and dedication to the project. A huge thank you also goes to the many businesses and volunteers that have kindly donated their time and services to help get this project up and running.

“The Council is committed to creating healthy communities and these pop-ups will ensure more residents across the borough can access affordable shopping.

Your Store also provides an additional layer of support to help people with issues around budgeting, health and wellbeing and employment support.”

Many local businesses have been involved with the project including supermarkets and local trade services which helped to build the Loughborough store.

A group of volunteers have also been offering support by helping to run the shop.

Your Store shelves have been filled thanks to the support of companies such

Your Store – how it works

Pic: (l-r) Mary Bullivant - services manager (prevention and wellbeing) at The Bridge East Midlands, Rachel Trivett – financial education officer for Mountsorrel at The Bridge East Midlands, Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for community support and equalities at Charnwood Borough Council, Rachel Wood – food poverty assessment officer at The Bridge East Midlands and Gemma Skevington – food poverty development officer at The Bridge East Midlands

as Samworth Brothers, Fairshare, Everards, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and local Co-ops and pubs. There has also been fantastic generosity shown by members of the public and local community groups, schools and churches with additional support through grants and other funding.

Eligible Your Store members were initially identified through local food banks as part of the support from the Charnwood Food Poverty Group, and over 250 households in the borough have already registered as members.

Members are being referred through local agencies but can also visit the Your Store website, the main shop or a popup store to complete an initial application to check if they are eligible.

In addition to one shop each week, a £3 weekly Your Store membership gives members access to a wide range of support to address any areas of concern

they may have.

The Your Store assessment team work with members to develop a personal plan, identify concerns and help them access support. Support is available across a wide range of areas including budgeting, debt advice, struggles with health and wellbeing, employment, family life and loneliness.

Joe McSharry, chair of the Charnwood Food Poverty Group, said: “If you are experiencing crisis or would like to build capacity, I would encourage you to see how you could benefit from becoming a Your Store member. Everyone’s situation is different, and we understand asking for help can be the first difficult step, but support is available, and change is possible.”

Your Store Mountsorrel, partly funded by the Mountsorrel Community Fund, is available every Thursday between 11am1pm and can be found at the Mountsor-

Your Store is a social supermarket based at John Storer House in Charnwood offering its members an affordable shop alongside a wide range of support and advice Charnwood Food Poverty Group assess people currently using foodbanks and if suitable, offer them the opportunity to become members of Your Store Membership costs £3 per week when they visit and includes one weekly shop at Your Store. Each shop will be made up of a range of food items, that would be around a quarter of the cost in a similar shop from a supermarket.

Members will also be able to buy additional items such as cleaning, personal hygiene and baby products at affordable prices.

Each member will receive a one-toone assessment and will be given a personal support plan to help them with things like debt advice and support, budgeting, health and wellbeing, adult learning, employment support, cooking and volunteering opportunities.

Your Store Loughborough will be managed by John Storer House and local volunteers, and it is hoped Your Store members will also volunteer to become part of the team.

The food and goods on the Your Store shelves will come from a number of sources including FareShare, supermarket and community donations alongside food purchased through funding.

Your Store will also focus on reducing food waste both through FareShare deliveries and other initiatives.

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

CHILDREN FROM Riverside Primary school’s year 1 have made posters about climate change.

POLICE IN England and Wales have processed a total of 118,963 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for breaches under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 and subsequent amendments.

The total processed in England is now 106,907 up to 19 July 2021. 12,056 were processed in Wales up to 19 December 2021.

There was limited enforcement and fewer FPNs issued in England and Wales between July and December, for regulations relating to self-isolation, international travel and face coverings.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Operation Talla, Assistant Chief Constable Owen Weatherill said: “We have observed very high compliance by the public. Officers have very rarely had to use their powers in recent months, only enforcing where there are clear breaches of the rules or people haven't responded to explanation and encouragement.”

17

Artwork lighting up Leicester LEICESTER CITY centre will be lit up with some extraordinary artworks this month, with the return of a world-class festival first held in the city in 2020.

Light Up Leicester will transform the dark winter evenings with nine playful and illuminated artworks, creating a trail Pic: one of three giant, glowing humanoids will appear to have come from a faraway place, landing in Orton Square

of light through the city’s streets.

The four-day festival promises to showcase works from some of the world’s leading ‘light’ artists, with many of the pieces being brought to the city for the first time.

The large-scale works that people will be able to enjoy include PULSE by Loop, which will feature a huge tunnel of light and sound that will create an immersive experience for visitors in St Peter’s Square.

Also part of the festival will be Fantastic Planet (picturedabove), a large-scale

work by the Australian visual artist AmanSimon Jenner, director of BID Leicesda Parer. The three giant, glowing huter said “It’s incredibly exciting to see manoids will appear to have come from the return of Light Up Leicester to the a faraway place, landing in Orton Square city. Not only will we unveil brand new to explore our extraordinary planet. pieces of art, but we will also be workTogether with installations at seven ing with internationally renowned artists other locations, the nine artworks will in this area. create a fun night-time spectacle in “We’re thrilled to build on the success Leicester city centre that will be free for of the last festival in 2020 and to contineveryone to enjoy. ue bringing events like these to the city Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh centre. We’re expecting audiences of Clair said: “Light Up Leicester is the over 70,000 to attend across the four latest addition to the city’s growing prodays of the festival, which is a fantastic gramme of innovative arts and cultural boost for local businesses as well.” events.

Light Up Leicester runs from 3-6 “Each of the nine installations will March 2022. help transform the night-time ambience The festival is presented by Leicester in Leicester city centre during the four City Council, BID Leicester and ArtReach days of the festival. and is supported using public funding by “We’re very grateful to Arts Council Arts Council England.

England for supporting this event, and More information about Light Up we look forward to working with our Leicester is available at partners to deliver what should be a very www.lightupleicester.com/ special festival in Leicester in March.”

Granby St improved

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

A BUSY shopping street and the main gateway between Leicester city centre and the railway station is set for a revamp, with the work expected to be finished by September.

Leicester City Council has begun work to pedestrianise and improve a stretch of Granby Street between its junctions with Northampton Street and the inner ring road at St George’s Way. The aim is to create a more welcoming gateway into the city centre and help make the busy route safer and more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists.

The pedestrianised area will be reconstructed to create a level surface, finished in red asphalt and a continuation of the existing block paving. Automated bollards will be installed at the entry and exit points and changes will be made to the existing contraflow cycle lane between Dover Street and the inner ring road to improve the route for cyclists.

IThe scheme will cost around £900,000.

WI members enjoy holiday THERE WAS a reduced number of members attending Birstall and Wanlip’s WI meeting on February 7, as eight of us were on a Federation coach holiday to Torquay.

Those at the meeting had time for a good chat and a quiz, while the Torquay

ladies enjoyed a few sunny days in the south, with trips to Exeter, Totnes and Paignton.

This holiday is an annual event that was cancelled last year so it was really good to get away again and see the sea.

Hopefully, our meetings may now settle back to normal, and more ladies will feel safe returning as we have some exciting plans for the coming year.

We meet again on March 7 at 7pm at Birstall British Legion, when Ian Rogerson’s talk is entitled “Smile Please, Say Cheese”.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Pic: the ladies who attended the Torquay coach trip

Rotary fundraising

Support groups

THE ROTARY Club of the Wreake Valley held several successful Christmas fundraising events over Christmas 2021.

These included street collecting with their Santa’s Sleigh, bucket collections at Asda and Dunelm in Thurmaston, and the “Watermead Winter Warmer” charity run at Watermead Country Park.

Rotary Club President Graham Packwood said: “Our members and volunteers worked really hard over the Christmas period to raise such a fantastic sum. The result would not have been possible without the generosity of local residents and support from nearby Asda and Dunelm stores. The club believes that as the money was raised locally, most of it should be spent locally. Thank you to everyone who supported us.”

He added: “In January 2022, a meeting was held to make the difficult but pleasant decisions as to how the monies

BIRSTALL BAGs support groups are up and running again.

Cancer charity Birstall BAGs funds several support groups for local people affected by cancer and bereavement. During the pandemic, these groups have had to be put on hold, or held virtually, but they are now welcoming people back again.

raised should be allocated. Over £9,000 will be distributed this year due to the generosity of residents.” £2,500 was awarded to Rainbows Hospice. Further donations are being made, including: Living Without Abuse in Loughborough, Soar Valley Outreach (which runs the Soar Valley Foodbank),

Leicestershire Life Education charity, MIND mental health charity, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance Service, and various local dementia and Scout/Guide groups.

Pic: (l-r) Ivan Brookes, Rainbows Ambassador, and WVRC President Graham Packwood

Bowling club enjoy trip THE ST MARGARET’S trip to Potters is rapidly establishing itself as a major feature in the bowls calendar.

After a year off due to Covid restrictions, people were clearly keen to get back to something near ‘normality’. The St Margaret’s members were joined by others from clubs in the area, making the total up to 50.

The trip takes place in January, falling in the week following the World Indoor Bowls Championships, which has been staged by Potters since 1999. We were

able to see demonstrations and talk to some of the stars who stayed over. The whole thing is a great opportunity to meet and compete with bowlers from all over the country.

We entered 10 teams, three of which won through to the final stages. The overall performance of our teams was very good, and we narrowly missed winning the Best Club trophy by one point!

There are many activities at Potters other than bowls, and the group amassed winners in archery, curling, snooker bowls and hoy bingo! The days

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

The trip was organized by Pat Dobson. Well done Pat. We are already looking forward to next year's trip!

From Roly Green, St Margaret’s Bowls Club

www.smcbc.com Pic: St Margaret's Bowls Tour at Potters

Council house safety improvements SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS outside council houses on Wanlip Lane have been promised after an 86-year-old resident fell outside his home and was hospitalised for 12 months.

John Cockayne has been pressing the Borough Council to improve surfacing and lighting since he came out of hospital in October 2020, and has been frustrated by the delays.

A spokesperson for Charnwood Borough Council said: “After receiving a referral from an occupational therapist

on December 30, 2021, the recommended work for internal adaptations to Mr Cockayne’s home was completed on January 7, 2022.

“Following a visit by our surveyor, and receipt of an acceptable quotation from a contractor, work to re-lay a number of slabs at the location of the property is booked for February 21, 2022. We expect the work will take around five days to complete.

“Following a visit by our electrical surveyor, and receipt of an acceptable quotation from our contractor, an order for additional lighting outside of the

property has been placed. We are awaiting confirmation of a start date and estimated timeframes for the work to be completed.

“Residents will shortly receive a letter to notify them of the works taking place.”

Mr Cockayne said: “I’m glad they are getting round to doing something, as it’s been going on so long. It’s all for the safety of the residents. We pay rent and council tax and expect this site to be safe.”

Bladder Cancer Support Every third Wednesday of the month, 6.30pm-8pm at Birstall Golf Club, Station Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 3BB Set up in 2018, this group is led by urology nurse specialists from University Hospitals Leicester and is for anyone affected by bladder cancer. The group is an informal opportunity to chat with others who have similar experiences and ask questions of the nurses.

Contacts: Suzanne Woodford 07976260115 Steve Brittle 07740409070 Elsa Virgin 07565522544 Ishwer Gohil 07779807152 Bereavement Support Every Friday, 1.30pm-3pm (from 4th March 2022) at Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS The Reaching Out group is part of the LOROS Bereavement Support Service and one of its community hubs based at different locations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The group is for anyone who has been bereaved – no matter how long it’s been or what the cause was. The sessions are open to anyone aged 18 or over and offer information, support and the chance to share thoughts and feelings with others who may have similar experiences.

Contact: Suzann Chantrill on 0116 231 3771 ext 7549 Time Out Sessions Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month (from April 2022), 1.30pm-4pm at Wanlip Village Hall, Church Road, Wanlip, Leicester, LE7 4PJ The Time Out support group, delivered by Sue Young Cancer Support, is a drop-in group for anyone affected by cancer – patients, their carers, and families. Guests can try free complementary therapies in a calm, relaxing atmosphere, and chat to other patients and carers over a cup of tea. Therapies include aromatherapy, Indian head massage, and reflexology.

Contact: 0116 223 0055 info@sy-cs.org.uk Prostate Cancer Support Group Every first Wednesday of the month, 7pm9pm at Birstall Golf Club, Station Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 3BB This support group, delivered by Prostaid, is a support group for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It’s a chance to meet others and share your thoughts and experiences.

Contact: Nicki on 0116 258 4490

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

18

News from the churches

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

wild’. He was taken to sea at eleven by his sea-captain father and John’s character declined, with foul, blasphemous language, attitudes and behaviour beAS THIS Spring is springing (!), it I AM sure everyone will be pleased to coming the norm. After being conappears the country is emerging hear the Coffee Shop is now fully opscripted into the navy he then served on from the restrictions of the past two erational 10am – 12noon, Tuesdays a slave ship. Between 1750 and 1754 years, but tentatively, one foot at a to Saturdays.

John made three voyages as a slave-ship time, and in St James and in Our captain on the infamous trade triangle.

Do come along and meet with familLady and St. Nicholas, Wanlip, we In later life, John was a staunch supiar faces. Also, all the regular groups that gather on our premises are now porter of the move to abolish the slave will continue to use face masks and meeting again, sometimes with guest trade, led by the Christian, William hand sanitiser in the interests of speakers on interesting subjects. The Wilberforce, using his first-hand experisafety for all.

Luncheon Club enjoy a two-course meal ences to promote the cause. He lived Coffee Shop on Wednesdays, cooked by the very just long enough to see the success of We have, however, welcomed the capable Karen & Ginnie from the Royal the campaign in March 1807. (It is return of Old Nick's Coffee Shop in British Legion. worth noting that if people believe the Wanlip Community Hall in its now, Do contact us if you would like to Bible there is no room for racism hopefully, regular slot on the third join one of these friendly groups, they superior/inferior ‘races’ - as God’s Tuesday of each month, with lovely all have space for additional people to word states that we are all part of the homemade cakes, tea and coffee attend, including the Luncheon Club! same human race, descended from the (served with a smile!). From 10am to Monday 7.30pm– Monday Group same two parents – evidenced by scien12 noon, it's the best time to meet Wednesday 12noon – Luncheon Club tific discoveries of ‘Y chromosome Adfriends, chat and eat cake!

Thursday 2pm– Thursday Group am’ and ‘mitochondrial Eve’.)

Birstall ATC Our regular worship on Sunday mornJohn was clearly a sinner, humanly The All Together service (always the ings also includes a Sunday Club for without any hope of heaven but God first Sunday of the month at 10am) in young children. They share Bible stories had other ideas. On a voyage in March February at St James, saw the annual and crafts, and they also have a small 1748, the ship faced a tremendous celebration with the Birstall ATC, the breakfast together. On Palm Sunday, storm, during which John was struck by young people always so smart and in April 10, the Sunday Club will be leading the thought: ‘What mercy can there be the All Age Worship, with the orchestra good voice. for a wretch like me?’ He subsequently providing the music. This is usually a Shoebox Appeal started to read the Bible and, over the lively service with a procession of palms We have amazing news about the next six years, his understanding grew down the aisle.

2021 Shoebox appeal: almost 25,000 and finally, he cried out to the Lord for Throughout Lent in March and April, shoeboxes were sent to Eastern Europe mercy, discounting his own self-reliance. at the end of 2021, with gifts and essen- we will be holding a series of Sunday After a time as Surveyor of the Tides in evening online Zoom sessions at 6pm– tials for families and elderly people.

Liverpool he felt the call to the ministry.

The Tree of Life from Genesis to RevelaFrom the cash donations, the charity He was ordained in 1764 and served 16 tion.

'Link to Hope' was also able to buy years as curate-in-charge at Olney, From Birstall Methodist Church stoves, wood and food parcels for peoBuckinghamshire (where he and his ple in need. Items are already being wife befriended William Cowper, as Sunday Services collected for the 2022 Appeal, and the mentioned last month) and then 28 donation of LARGE shoeboxes and also You can be assured of a warm welyears at St. Mary Woolnoth, London. of knitting wool would be greatly appre- come at our services, which begin at John was a noted preacher, a caring ciated. Items can be brought to the 10.45am and are held in the Day Centre pastor and the author of nearly 300 next to the Village Hall (on the corner church, which is open on Saturday hymns. As an elderly man, John reof School Lane and Birstall Road). mornings from 10am to 12noon, as marked that: ‘I am a great sinner, but Evington Chapel Lectures well as the Sunday service times.

Christ is a great Saviour.’ His most Treasurer The subject for the series is ‘Names famous hymn is probably ‘Amazing of Jehovah … I AM’ and the last is on If you like and are good with numGrace’, in which he celebrated his perSaturday March 26 at 7pm when Rich- sonal experience of God’s grace to him bers and enjoy computers, the PCC ard Brooks (Catshill, Bromsgrove) will urgently need a new Treasurer, as the with the words: ‘Amazing grace! How speak on ‘The LORD is there – Jepresent Treasurer is standing down, sweet the sound that saved a wretch hovah Shammah’. The meetings are after nine years of excellent work, and like me! I once was lost, but now am free and further details can be found on found, was blind but now I see.’ If you during which time the whole process their chapel website. would like to know more about this has been computerised and streamA Transformed Life - John Newton ‘amazing grace’, then please contact us. lined.

(1725-1807) (http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk Update: We now have a Treasurer John’s mother brought him up in the or 0116 2214883) for the PCC - hooray. Thank you all From Birstall Independent Baptist Christian faith, but she died when he for your interest. was seven and John was allowed to ‘run Church From Birstall Parish Churches

19

Cost-of-living crisis: help MANY PEOPLE are facing a cost-of-living crisis as they’re hit by increased energy costs and rising inflation.

Citizens Advice Charnwood knows how stressful it is to be worrying about affording bills and essentials and how important it is to get help as soon as possible.

Managing energy is complicated, and people are not always aware of the support that is available. While many people our Advisers speak to have a good grip on their finances, the majority said they struggled with energy: “My gas and electric — that’s the area where I feel the least confident… I don’t really understand it…I thought that a fixed tariff meant I would only pay a fixed monthly amount regardless of how much energy I used... Every now and again I’ll look on comparison sites, get confused and not trust them... ” Shelley

Poor understanding of the energy market means some people, like Shelley, can end up paying more.

Frequently, people are unaware of the support they might be eligible to receive, such as the Warm Home Discount or help to top up their prepayment meter. It might also be possible to take advantage of certain benefits, or other grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.

Customers can contact their supplier if they are worried about being able to afford to pay - suppliers should offer their customers affordable options to repay and may offer other support. There are lots of different options to help.

If you are struggling, our Advisers will be able to help with things like checking if you can get a fuel voucher to tide you over, working out a payment plan with your energy supplier and checking to see if there is any further support available, such as grants or discounts.

If you are already in fuel poverty then ask to speak directly to our Energy Adviser.

Our Local Advice Line - 01509 649605.

If you find yourself getting into debt, it is important not to panic but also not to ignore your debts - they won't go away!

At Citizens Advice Charnwood, we provide a free, independent and confidential Money Advice Service to people with financial problems or struggling to make ends meet. But before contacting us we ask you to write down details of your income and essential expenditure. Make a complete list of your debts and collect all the letters and other documents that refer to them. One of our Advisers will then refer you to our Money Advice team.

Citizens Advice Charnwood’s Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605 is open on Mondays and Thursdays 9.30 am – 3pm & Tuesdays 9.30am – 12noon.

Up to date information can also be found on the website: www.charnwoodcab.org.uk From Citizens Advice Charnwood

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Government Call for Evidence to inform the next 10-year cancer plan: Have your say In February 2022 the government released a paper called ’10 Year Cancer Plan- A Call for Evidence’. Birstall BAGs would like to explain a little about this paper and encourage individuals and groups to provide evidence.

The NHS Long Term Plan was published in January 2019 and set the ambition that, by 2028, the proportion of cancers diagnosed at stages 1 and 2 will rise from around 50 to 75% of cancer patients.

In order to do this, it outlined a number of commitments such as building on work to raise greater awareness of symptoms of cancer, lowering the threshold for referral by GPs, accelerating access to diagnosis and treatment and maximising the number of cancers that are identified through screening. The government acknowledge the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but also state that the pandemic has accelerated some innovations and improvements. In a paper entitled ‘10Year Cancer Plan: Call for Evidence’ it has called for evidence that will inform the development of the government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan for England ending in 2032.

Rather than a formal consultation on specific proposals, it constitutes a request for ideas and evidence on which they can build. The government believes this is an opportunity to build a collective view of how the NHS in England can address the immediate challenges, and in the longer term how it can meet the

goal of increasing survival matching the best in Europe.

The call for evidence states that achieving that vision means having clear plans in relation to SIX priorities: Prevention – while innovation and new technology can help identify those at more risk of cancer for genetic reasons, more can be done to reduce the risk of getting cancer through making healthier choices. These include taking exercise, eating a healthier diet, reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking Increasing the number of people being diagnosed at an early stage. The current ambition is that this should be 75% of cases by 2028.

The NHS in England will need to identify additional interventions and innovations to support the delivery of these ambitions.

This must include tackling inequalities in cancer outcomes for those who live in the most deprived areas.

Ensuring the diagnostic and treatment capacity is in place to complete postCOVID recovery and meet increased demand over the next decade, in order to diagnose and treat people within the time frame that they have a right to expect.

Delivering the highest quality of personalised care to every cancer patient both during their treatment and beyond it, so that people can enjoy a better quality of life beyond their treatment.

Building the cancer workforce needed over the next decade to deliver these ambitions.

Harnessing science, data, research and the latest technology to drive earlier

diagnosis and improve outcomes for cancer patients. This should include, specifically, building on the world-leading research that led to successful COVID vaccines in the knowledge that some cancers are caused by viruses.

It seems likely that many organisations will be asked to provide evidence but for individuals, the easiest way to participate in the call for evidence is by completing the public survey here: www.gov.uk (Search: 10 year cancer plan) However, if you or your service users cannot use the online survey, please email cancer.callforevidence@dhsc.gov.uk for a copy of the survey in PDF format.

The deadline for responses to the call for evidence is 11.45pm on 1 April 2022.

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

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Theatre group glad to be back OH MY goodness! I can hardly believe that I am writing this for the Birstall Post but Syston QT Theatre Group is actually back in business!

We were so disappointed not to be able to bring you the two one-act plays back in 2020, and we had to be certain that this one will go ahead.

But we feel that restrictions are lifting, gradually, and so we are confident that our audiences will want to join us again for an evening of laughs.

And we know that there will be laughs because we shall be performing a comedy by our favourite playwright, David Tristram.

Lots of you will remember Last Tango in Little Grimley, which we performed in the Play Festival at The Little Theatre many moons ago. David has continued to write throughout the pandemic, and this play is ...well, I’ll keep you guessing for now but, suffice to say, it’s set once again in Little Grimley, and it’s topical!

The four roles will be played by Gillian Bowler, Jules Richards, Kat Seddon and Ron Berry, and it’s being directed by me. It will be performed at The Old Chapel, in Chapel Street, Syston, from Tuesday May 24 to Friday May 27. As usual, the play will start at 7.30pm, and we shall be serving refreshments and holding a raffle every evening. For ticket enquiries, please contact Dorothy Surtees on 07989 960014.

For those people who haven’t come across QTs before, but would like to come along to this production, here is a reminder of where The Old Chapel is. It is situated on Chapel Street, a turning off the High Street, almost opposite Hair Design by Wayne.

Gamble’s Funeral Directors is on the corner. There is a large free car park next to the Chapel and plenty of other free parking nearby.

If anyone would like further information about the play or the group, please feel free to contact me on 07702 879 006. Or checkout www.qttheatregp.co.uk . Or email qtsyston@gmail.com.

From Judith Latham – Director, Syston QT Theatre Group

THE BIRSTALL POST MARCH 2022

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