the Birstall post Y O U R
C O M M U N I T Y
APRIL 2022
N E W S P A P E R
www.birstallpost.co.uk
No. 465
Birstall’s ‘Supercar Sunday’ event A SUPERCAR Sunday charity event on a Birstall car park attracted hundreds of visitors and raised more than £1000 for Rainbows. Organised by Birstall’s Shivam Nathwani, creator of the Shivam Review YouTube channel, the event began with a parade of more than 70 cars to the Sibson Road car park, led by Shivam. Supercars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches and McLarens parked up, to be admired and photographed by the waiting crowd. Shivam (24), who has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, said his wish was to put on an event for local children. His brother Pritesh said: “Today we brought out the whole village, and the main goal, of making children happy, was accomplished.
Delight as ducks return A VILLAGE fundraising day involving thousands of plastic ducks racing on the River Soar makes its return this May.
The 12th annual White Horse Duck Race is in aid of the Birstall Helping our Community pay-it-forward group. The event is at 12 noon on Mayday Monday May 2, at the White Horse pub and beside the riverbank on Whiles Lane. The Duck Race will be the main funding event for the community group. It supports local people, voluntary groups and charities throughout Birstall. The group provides support for residents and groups in the village - initiatives include Christmas meals, hot meals when leaving the hospital, afternoon teas for pick me ups or big anniversaries, support with food when waiting for the food bank, and hampers to members of the community at Christmas. Support has also been given to the Guides, Scouts and the youth group on the School Lane playing field, purchasing much-needed equipment for both groups. The group has made a financial donation to the Birstall Methodist Special Needs Playgroup, and supporters make a variety of quilts for the local hospital and Rainbows. The group has supported victims of domestic violence and is always looking to help local “Many drivers based in Birstall came groups and the community. out to support us and be sure, we have The event will feature craft, something else in the pipeline. Thank cake and plant stalls, a tuck you so much to each and every one of shop, traditional games such you.” as hook-a-duck, Donkey Pics: Centre: Shivam (right) with his broth- Derby, a general tombola and er Pritesh; visitors enjoying the supercars a teddy tombola for the children. on the Sibsoson Road car park All community groups are welcome to have a stall to raise their own funds get in touch with Rosie from the commuThe May issue of nity group if you’d like to book a space on 07894995164 THE BIRSTALL POST Paddle Plus will be showing off their will be published on Apr 29. skills on the river and weather permitThe copy deadline is Apr 18. ting, will be offering bell boat rides on the day. The Duck race itself will begin at 2pm and there could be a very special guest to start the race. Ducks will be on sale From April 1 at ROFESSIONAL The White Horse and Unique hairdressARDEN MAINTENANCE ers as well as through the community group on Facebook. There will also be an opportunity for the school children to buy ducks after school early in April look out for more information via the TIDYING • LAWNS CUT • HEDGES TRIMMED schools. The ducks are still just £1 each, SUPPLY & PLANT ORNAMENTAL TREES and the prizes are beginning to come in During this crisis I am OPEN for business with a £100 donation as first prize. & would welcome your call Charlotte Foy of the White Horse said: GENERAL PRUNING INCLUDING: APPLE & PEAR TREES “It’s fantastic to be able to run the Duck Race again, it’s a great fun day for all 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Mark’s
G
P
TEL: 07903 614561 or 0116 2692805
Continued on page 3
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
2
Gym’s big boxing birthday bash BIRSTALL VILLAGE Hall was filled with people enjoying a celebration event on February 20, marking the 20th anniversary of Carl Gunns’ boxing gym. Special guests included John Fury, father of Tyson Fury, and Chris Pyatt, former middleweight world champion. Carl said: “I think it was a tremendous event, I have a lot of support from Birstall people, and especially from the parents of the kids who come to the gym,
PALLATT BROS. Ltd Corgi Gas Reg. Installers
they are the best. “I hope we can carry on for another 20 years!”
Pics: Above: Carl Gunns and children with a celebration cake; Left: Oliver McCorkindale has a picture taken with John Fury
Shire grant for Birstall group A CRAFTY community project is reducing household waste and making Leicestershire a cleaner, greener place, thanks to funding from the county council.
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
Continued from page 1
the family and all the funds raised will go straight back into the village to help individuals or community groups.” The Community Group admin team said: “We are overwhelmed by this amazing opportunity. It has taken the group to a whole new level. We are looking forward to reaching out to local groups and supporting the community. We would like our residents and group leaders to reach out and tell us what they would like to see us do. #payitforward is a not-for-profit organisation. Any funds raised will go back into the local community.” This year there is a children’s duck decorating competition, and there’ll be a prize for each of the age categories: look out for them adorning the pub and garden on the day. If you haven’t had a copy of the Duck colouring sheet from Highcliffe, Hallam Fields or Riverside Primary schools and would like to take part, please pop in to the White Horse to collect one. Any donations of prizes or cakes, teddies or other items for stalls would still be welcome, please contact the Rosie Rollings 07894995164 from the community group or leave a message for Charlotte at the White Horse on 0116 2671038.
An organisation that has recently benefited from the council’s SHIRE Environment Grant is the Birstall based charity Little Bird SOS, which received over £2800 to bring its project to life. Set up in 2011, Little Bird SOS inspires county residents to reduce their waste and take action to give materials a new lease of life. Through interactive online workshops, the (Re)create project has enabled around 350 people to learn how everyday household items can be reused to make beautiful keepsakes and gifts for
ing in Leicestershire. One of the participants said: “For me, it helped with shielding, I felt like I was meeting friends each time we had a zoom call. Everyone was made to feel welcome and I still look forward to
TERRY ALLEN
est. 2002
General Property Maintenance
meeting everyone and seeing what everyone has made.” TTo find out more about the events and activities Little Bird SOS offers, visit: www.littlebirdsos.co.uk
DA Roofing & Building
Which includes:
Tiling • Slating • Repointing Guttering • Fascias • Soffits
Fencing • Guttering Woodwork
ALL WORK GUARANTEED • NO VAT Over 25 Years Experience
All other work considered For quotes and details please ring:
Mob: 0776 6755515 0116 212 9344
Tel: 0116 4315689 Mob: 07789 116726 61 Worcester Ave, Birstall
GAS-SERVWELL (Charnwood Ltd) others that do not cost the earth. From making planters by reusing old t-shirts, to collecting items found in nature for flat-lay photography, Little Bird SOS has demonstrated that it can be easy to be creative and sustainable using a range of recycled materials – such as textiles, metal, paper and yarn. The organisation also seeks to raise the profile of arts for health and wellbe-
Service, Repairs, Installations of all Gas Appliances
12 YR WARRANTY ON BOILER INSTALLS BOILER REPLACEMENTS • SAME DAY BREAKDOWN VISITS Contact Rob:
07860 735066 0116 2367923 bobzgas@gmail.com
Boiler & Gas Fires Serviced
3
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
4
Magical panto Aladdin shines in Birstall BIRSTALL THEATRE Company’s production of Aladdin brought some exotic panto fun to the village in February. The cast and company had worked hard for many months to create a successful pantomime for the community of Birstall and the surrounding area. It was performed at the Palmer-Tomkinson theatre from February 17- 19. The company is made up of people from the community, ranging in age from 14 to 70. Comments from the audience included: “what a wonderful show, we really
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
enjoyed it”, to “wow, what a wonderful cast and well done to all”. The cast, technical and creative team worked hard to create this great show, and the company were very welcoming to all the new members that came to be part of this year’s extravaganza. New members are always welcome, and the company will be providing workshops starting in April – see the Birstall Theatre Company Facebook page for details or email
Pics: scenes form the production of Aladdin by the Birstall Theatre Company at the Cedars Academy’s Palmer Tomkinson Centre
5
Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on March 14.
Woodcock
FARM SHOP
Home Grown Potatoes: White Marfona Red Mozart Fresh Fruit & Veg Local Honey & Preserves incl Marmalade & Chutney
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 FIREWOOD: bulk loads delivered Good Quality Dry Logs, Hard & Soft Wood, Smokeless Coal, Kindling And lots more!
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
The meeting began with a minute’s applause for the people of Ukraine. Pritesh Nathwani thanked the council for the use of the Sibson Road car park for a supercar charity event organised by his brother Shivam. He said the event raised over £1000 for Rainbows. County Councillor Daniel Grimley reported that the Member Highways Fund, which saw every county councillor given £25,000 to spend on highway improvements in their area, had been a success and would be repeated in the next financial year. Cllr Grimley reported that work has started on changes to the highways necessary to create access to the planned Broadnook Garden suburb, a 1950 home development north of Birstall. He said that the County Council was looking to remove any links it has with Russian firms and investments. £10 million of its pension funds are invested with Russian companies, 0.15% of the total fund. The council agreed on a provider of contactless payments costing £99 for the equipment and a transaction fee of 1.69%. Councillors approved the council's fixed asset list at a current value of £3,397,400. The council considered a request for grant aid from Girlguiding Birstall of £1500 for a defibrillator to be located at the Johnson Road HQ. As there is no money left in the grant aid budget, it was agreed to defer the decision to the April meeting. It was reported that the council has received a grant of £480 from Charnwood Borough Council, to help local high streets and attract shoppers. Councillors considered providing practical support to Ukrainian refugees in Poland. It was agreed that the council had a moral obligation to help. There is £1000 in the council’s budget, grant aid provided by the Edith Murphy Foundation, and it was agreed subject to the foundation’s permission, to use this money to purchase items and deliver
them to the Polish Social Club in Loughborough. The club is sending trucks over to Poland. The council discussed a proposal that it commemorates the Covid-19 pandemic with a wall mural, located at The Crossways car park. Cllr Ed Marshall suggested that young people at Birstall’s schools be invited to produce designs and ideas that could then be incorporated into a final design by a graffiti artist. It was agreed that as a first step, local schools be contacted about the project and invited to get involved. It was reported that since 2019, there have been 13 Freedom of Information requests and that the total cost of dealing with the requests had been £3126. Cllr Robert Vincent had requested the data. He said that democracy and transparency come with a cost. Chair Ann Marshall reported that she had attended the first meeting of the Broadnook Foundation. It was organised by the developers of the Broadnook Garden Suburb, the 1950 home development north of Birstall, and aims to keep neighbouring parishes informed of the development’s progress. Cllr Marshall reported that residents of the new development will pay a charge that will go to the Broadnook Trust. The trust will manage and main-
tain the site and must be established before the first home is occupied. A new parish will be created for the development upon occupation of the 50th dwelling. Cllr Marshall said that the development would put pressure on Birstall‘s roads and facilities. Although doctors, dentists and shops are promised by developers, their provision can’t be guaranteed as they are private businesses. She said she would raise these concerns at future meetings, which will take place quarterly. It was agreed that the annual parish meeting be held on May 9, and the annual Parish Council meeting be held on May 16. It was reported that Charnwood Borough Council is investigating after it had been notified that fencing has been erected on land near Birstall Lock. The council has agreed to spend £1574 on a new Village Hall noticeboard, and £1279 on CCTV cameras in the Village Hall. The council’s Estates and Recreation committee voted to reject a request to allocate burial land in the cemetery to be sectioned off for the Muslim community. Permission was granted for the Edith Murphy Foundation to plant a tree to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on council owned land. £1950 has been spent on repairing the heating/hot water system at the School Lane pavilion.
Council tax
Popular Birstall shop closes its doors
CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has agreed to raise its share of council tax by 9p a week for a Band D property.
A WELL LOVED Birstall shop closed in March after 32 years in the village.
The increase was agreed at full Council on Monday February 21 where 31 councillors voted in favour of the increase and eight voted against. The increase will see the annual charge for the Charnwood element of an average Band D property rise by £4.61 (3.52 per cent) to £135.69 from April 1, 2022. The Charnwood element of council tax bills accounts for less than 10 per cent of the total average bill.
Birstall Shoe Repairs started on Front Street before relocating to Sibson Road in 2001. Owner Mike Shutt (68) says he’s ready to retire. “It does feel sad, but at the end of the day, I’m getting older and it’s time to wind down,” he said. Mike says what he’ll miss most is the customers. “When I started out it was new to me, mixing with so many people, but I found it interesting. I’ve seen people come in with their kids, watch them grow up and come in, have their own
kids and bring them in. Birstall people have been good to me,” he said. He added: “Key cutting is the biggest part of the business, there is still a demand for shoe repairs, but that is not as big as it used to be.” Mike will be keeping his hand in, helping out one day a week at his son Stevens shop, Anstey Shoe Repairs. Customers who want shoes repaired can take them to Supacare dry cleaners on Sibson Road, where they will be picked up, repaired at Anstey Shoe Repairs, and returned to Supacare for collection. Pic: Mike Shutt (left) with his son Steven at Birstall Shoe Repairs on Sibson Road.
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
6
Shoppers and sunshine at Sibson Road event GLORIOUS SPRING sunshine helped make Shop Local Birstall’s Fun Day event on Sibson Road a success. Visitors on Saturday March 19 enjoyed listening to singer Sarah Clarke and having photos taken with superhero Captain America and Belle from Beauty and the Beast, before being treated to free cupcakes made by Francesca’s Cake Company. Shona Rattray, from Shop Local Birstall, said: “Thank you to those of you that helped out to make today a success. “I need to say a big thank you to Charnwood Borough Council, who funded the entertainment and free giveaways today. This was funded from the government's Welcome Back Funding, which was there to support our High Streets. "Lots of hard work and planning went into today, but it’s all absolutely worth it when you see so many people enjoying themselves."
Pics: Captain America stops for a photo; Sibson Road in Spring sunshine; singer Sarah Clarke
Tread the boards at free acting workshops FREE WORKSHOPS where you can try acting are being offered by Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS). The four-week free drama workshop course is for interested actors/actresses, new or experienced. Sue Withers from HATS said: “The course will include a number of activities that will provide a safe space to encourage participants to join in at their own pace. Areas covered will include voice projection, confidence, teamwork, communication, memory skills and creativity. While this list is not exclusive, it
gives you a taste of what to expect. “Although this might sound like hard work, it will also provide a fun atmosphere and the chance for you to meet new people. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the sessions.” The workshops will take place each Wednesday evening from May 25 to June 15 at Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. Times are 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Please contact Sue on 07934 204837 for more details. Pic: a performance by members of Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society
1 - 4 - ALL Domestic Appliance Spares & Repairs All Leading Makes Serviced 20 Years Experience Washers • Dryers • Dishwashers Fridges • Cookers
GAS & ELECTRIC David Preston - 0775 262 3885
www.1-4-all.co.uk
Elliott & Ball Plumbing & Heating THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
Est 1968
General Plumbing Bathrooms & Tiling Landlord Certificates POWER FLUSHING
211637
New Installations & Upgrades Gas Boilers/Fires Serviced & Repaired LOCAL BUSINESS • CALL GARY ON
Tel: 0116 2692167 Mob: 0792 1703 765
7
YOUR SAY...
The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
My experience Following all the ‘minor difficulties’ with the Parish Council, I thought it opportune remind readers of my experience with my previous local councils down south. I lived in a small market town (pop around 10000-15000 similar to Birstall) on the main London to Birmingham A road which had Town and Rural district councils responsible for everything until the local government reorganisation in the 1970s. For some reason the Town Council gave all the services and assets they used to provide to the new Borough Council based in a larger town some 5/6
miles away. The Town Council muddled on until 1995, when the Borough Council decided that the main free Town Car Park should be home for a large(ish) supermarket which did not go down well with the locals. A group of local businesses decided it was the last straw and set about seeing if they could do anything about it. They called a public meeting in the Civic Centre (bought and paid for in 1936 by the old town council but now owned by ‘Big Borough’, in early April 1995 (remember election was May 1995). More than 200 residents crammed into the hall (surprising everyone). It was decided to see if there was any support for the motion to get a group to stand in the forthcoming election, ideally for both Town (13) and Borough (5), in the end we got candidates for the town seats but just one for borough. As it turned out all but 2 of the established Town councillors were replaced and the one borough candidate got in by a landslide. The Borough Council had to sit up and take notice as the people had spoken. The ‘new Town Council’ did their best to serve the Town which was reflected in meetings being well attended mainly due to residents being informed by both the Citizens Association newsletter and the Parish Magazine. I should point out that Parish and Town Councils have the same powers and it’s up to Councillors to make it work for residents and not all our group could stand the pace, with several resigning in the first year. The other difference is that our Town Clerk only took meeting minutes, advised
councillors and ran the office with an assistant. Things such as annual budget were prepared by the Finance & Policy committee (I prepared at least 2 as committee chairman) and finalised by Committee chairmen. Norman Cutting in sunny Wanlip
dous support from other villages, Loughborough Mountsorrel, Syston, Thurmaston et cetera and many more, but it seems a lot of Birstall people and businesses don’t want to support my gym. We are one of the best community boxing gyms in this country, and thanks to television and radio we shall continue. My kids and members are the best in the world, without doubt, so have a Thanks good look at yourselves who didn’t show, because I think it’s disgraceful how Thank you to Mr Braddock for provid- some of you can call yourself communiing his assistance at the surgery followty-friendly, thank God I have hundreds ing Storm Eunice. of supporters from around the Midlands, On behalf of Greengate Medical including TV and radio. Soon Tyson Fury Centre will be visiting the gym, then you will all want to be present! Once again, thanks to the wonderful people who did show Community gym up, take a bow, you deserve it. It was probably the best show I’ve ever put on, What a great turnout I had at my 20-year celebration for Gunns’ communi- and I’m so pleased for my members, they are the tops. ty gym last month. It was very, very sucYours in sport cessful, and I would like to thank all the Carl Gunns parents and kids for giving my gym the Licensed by the British Boxing Board support it deserves. of Control and trainer at Gunns’ commuI’ve been very lucky with the wondernity gym ful people in sport that I know, and having John Fury there, all the way from Thanks Manchester, along with Chris Pyatt, exworld champion, and local boxer Leo Many thanks to Liz and Becky, the Woodstock, it turned out a super day. family of the late John Valentine for It was well over 120 guests, probably another fantastic show, Aladdin. Considnearer to 150, but what disappoints me ering what you all must’ve gone through is the lack of local businesses and local during the rehearsals with the dreaded sporting groups, you know who you are. Covid fright, you have done remarkably Why didn’t you show? We all are supwell. The show was fantastic, the presenposed to be helping the community here tation, the modern songs, the costumes in Birstall, but where was you all? All that lit up the stage, it was absolutely this publicity and so-called community fantastic. We liked it so much we came friendship, I didn’t see any at my celebration! Lucky for me, I have tremenContinued on page 9
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
8
Continued from page 8 twice. Thank you to everyone in the back there who helped out, and thank you very, very much. Shirley and Claude Harrison
Dismay I am in somewhat dismay that the bumbling Parish council are still pondering the gate to the Hallam Fields Park. This must have going on now for at least five years, now we have to have a public consultation into this matter. Come on please just do it, you must have had enough letters and emails on this matter to proceed on the subject, and to read in the Post that they are now pushing threats of considering the drug misuse and the easy access for the motor bikes to terrorise us all, this would then become a police matter and nothing to do with the little parish council to warrant yet another meeting to decide what biscuits to have at the next meeting to discuss the nasty people that the police have now locked up. This is just scare mongering by the lazy, who wish to pass the responsibility on to the members of the public. No wonder the local Parish are to be recommended for a review yet again as they are stalling on everything that needs to be done, like additional CCTV cameras. Grow up council get real and vote your self off and get some fresh blood in there who care about the community and not their status as a parish council member. Name & Address supplied
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
Writing again In previous letters and emails to the post, I described myself as a non-political person. Yet here I am finding myself writing again regarding political goings-on at the council. First of all, let me address the issue of the gate from Harrowgate Playing fields to the Hallam Fields Estate. As you know I have been going on and on about this for some time so am pleased that we seem (and I use the term loosely) to be making progress. At least we now have the opportunity to vote for it or not. Although if this letter gets published you will have very little time to put your vote in so I hope that you have, whether you want a gate or not. I know I have. However, I wonder who decided the gate should go where it has been suggested. I am sure the residents whose house will back onto it will object and to be honest I am not sure I would agree if I lived there. Surely a better place for the gate is at the top left of the park where it does not interfere with any residents at all, it would go straight onto the recreation area, nowhere near anyone's homes. Do we get to have a say on where the gate should go? The cynic in me thinks the proposed site has been suggested in the hope that everyone objects instead of a more practical and less evasive position. Now to the council goings-on. Why does the council seem to be so against an audit from an outside body? This has now been suggested not once but twice. Surely if they have nothing to hide or be afraid of then they would
have no objection at all, what is their objection to it? Indeed they called an audit "inappropriate and irrelevant" I think from letters and council notes that one should be appointed with the utmost haste. In Sue Coulson's letter printed in the last issue of the post, she claims that the Parish Council have not submitted a complaint against Cllr J Howe, yet wasn't that the original issue? they did make a complaint about him which was investigated and found faults on both sides and the first suggestion re an audit was raised? In the last issue of the post, a resident make comments regarding the new bus route in Birstall. We on the Greengate Estate now have the new bus timetables on the stops. My issue is with some of the route. The last letter suggests that some of the old route has been missed out. I agree but don't think there is much and what has been is easily reached. My issue is with the Hannah Parade section of the route. On the route from town to Birstall the bus had to turn right from Hannah Parade onto Sibson Road to continue up to the Gates. When I was on the bus it was a nightmare for the driver to get out onto Sibson Road. There were cars parked all along Hannah Parade, there was a van delivering items at the top and indeed cars waiting to turn left into Hannah Parade. He had to mount the pavement to get out. Is it now time to get Hannah Parade to be made into a one-way street? This might help with the problem. Or indeed put double yellow lines so no off-street parking. We have enough parking spaces surely to be able to accommodate this. Well, I think that's me done for a while. S Hitchcock
Birstall Parish Council has no responsibility or jurisdiction over parking, or bus routes. These matters should be directed to the Community Police Beat Team and the Bus Company respectively. The writer is invited to contact Birstall Parish Council to voice or discuss any concerns or queries regarding the activities of the Council. Please contact me if you wish through the Parish Council offices by telephone: 0116 267 6191 or email me: cllr.ann.marshall@birstallpc.org.uk Councillor Ann Marshall Chair of Birstall Parish Council
Ambergate Drive The junction of Ambergate Drive and Greengate Lane is becoming more dangerous during the period of the start and finish of school. Parents park up in Ambergate Drive. That in its self is not a problem. It is the fact that they choose to park right on the junction. To make it worse they park opposite each other. Cars drivers entering Ambergate come face to face with cars coming towards them. The car entering the road is forced to stop (no fault of the approaching car) with his rear end impeding the traffic on Greengate. The morning is not quite so bad. But the afternoon is becoming a nightmare. Parents arriving as early as 2.45pm, I can only assume to get the best spot -
Noticeboard all details printed free
Do you have a Lung Condition?
coastal scene in acrylic using a palette knife All demonstrations take place at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre, Cedars Academy from 7 -9pm. Visitors are welcome at a cost of £4
Breathe Easy Loughborough have recommenced meeting. You are invited to join our local support, friendship and information group for people with lung disease, their carers, and friends at Gorse Covert Community Centre, Loughborough. The group meets monthly on the third Thursday 2–4pm We also organise a Gentle Exercise Class Every Thursday 1-2pm For more information, please contact Rhoda Andrews 0116 2362583
We are a friendly group and currently have some vacancies for membership. As well as the monthly demonstration evenings, we get together for Friday morning painting sessions and there is an opportunity to sign up for Monday classes. We also run trips, plein air sketching sessions and social events. As a member, you can also participate in our prestigious annual exhibition. If you are interested in joining us, why not come along to one of our demonstration evenings? You can find more details on our website: www.BADAS.uk
Do you play bridge?
Cerulean Blue
Or do you want to learn? I am new to Birstall and I’m keen to meet people who want to play or learn friendly bridge. I have over 30 years experience in teaching bridge. Apart from it being a great way to keep you mentally active, it is great fun! If you are interested, please contact me: Rita Duckham 07508 947479 duckhamrita@gmail.com
GEM Game-On WHAT - Campaign to fund Rainbow
Birstall and District Art Society (BADAS) Demonstration Events 12 April 2022 – Stephanie Coley – architecture in colourful ink, pen and watercolour (an example of Stephanie’s work is shown) 10 May 2022 – David Wilcox – musician playing guitar in watercolour 14 June 2022 – Tas Severis – a it’s an accident waiting to happen. Is it not time that the powers that be should be considering double yellow lines on the corners going into the junction. This would allow a car to completely enter the road and be able to give way to any approaching traffic. Ambergate Drive resident
Continued on page 11
M&G Plumbing Services All Plumbing & Heating work undertaken Sycamore Rd, Birstall
0116 2677905 07834 600384
ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WORK
Extra Points Alarms Rewiring Security Lighting Electrical Testing Part P Registered
Control Electrics Ltd Lodgewood Ave, Birstall, Leicester
Tel: 0116 2682910 FREE ESTIMATES
9
10
APRIL 2022 Visit our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk and join our Group on Facebook
Please Complete our Online Survey We are conducting a survey to get as many views as possible on how we can best take our Watch forward after the disruption caused by the pandemic. It takes about five minutes to complete and is completely anonymous (although you can include your name if you wish). Please follow the link on our website:
www.villagewatch.co.uk
➢ We need someone to liaise with our Coordinators to establish their current availability. ➢ If you have financial, fundraising or publishing 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 can help or have any ideas or suggestions we would love to hear from you. Please contact us by email at: watch@villagewatch.co.uk
Cold Callers Fined Five companies that made thousands of unwanted marketing calls to "older, vulnerable people" have been fined a total of £405,000. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) said that some of those targeted suffered from dementia. It says that it is continuing to investigate a number of other companies. It has also issued the companies with enforcement notices that require them to stop making such calls immediately. The calls were selling insurance products for appliances, such as televisions, washing machines and fridges. The data privacy watchdog said companies were deliberately targeting older people by buying specific marketing data. They asked specifically for information about people aged 60 and over, who were homeowners and had landline numbers. Some victims lost thousands of pounds on white goods insurance and servicing which the companies often knew they did not need. The UK Information Commissioner, John Edwards said: "These are unlawful predatory marketing calls that were targeted at some of the most vulnerable members of our society and driven purely by financial gain". He warned companies employing these tactics to expect a strong response and urged anyone pestered by such calls to report their concerns to the ICO at: ico.org.uk/make‐a‐complaint Marketing calls should not be made to anyone registered with the FREE Telephone Preference Service (TPS) unless they have previously told the caller that they wish to receive them. www.tpsonline.org.uk/register
Online Safety Bill This Bill received its First Reading in the House of Commons on 17th March. It will make a number of online activities illegal and place the responsibility to prevent them squarely on the internet companies that host them. They include: • Cyber‐flashing • Deliberately sending flashing images to people with photosensitive epilepsy with the intention of inducing a seizure (also known as Zach’s law). • Content or activity promoting self‐harm, as is already the case for suicide. • Pornography sites will have legal duties to prevent children accessing them. It will give the regulator Ofcom the power to fine firms and block access to sites that fail to comply with the new rules.
Clickbait 'Clickbait' is the term used to describe targeted sponsored ads that impersonate real news articles but contain nasty scams, rip‐offs and fake news. When scrolling through genuine news websites, you will probably have noticed ‘sponsored’ articles with attention‐ grabbing headlines scattered among the stories of the day. These often include links that take you to must‐read fake news stories that pretend to be pages of trusted news websites. While some of it clearly looks like internet spam, many of these ads are carefully worded to draw you in. They are targeted specifically at you, using your location and internet habits to grab your interest. Thanks to a successful campaign by Which?, these ads have now been added to the Online Safety Bill. You can read more about this at: conversation.which.co.uk/scams/scam‐adverts‐nadine‐ dorries‐letter Get regular news of the latest scams FREE from: www.which.co.uk/scam‐alert‐service
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 APRIL 2022
We need New Volunteers to join our Existing Active Members
Continued from page 9 Days for bereaved families of Nurses who died of Covid-19. To diarise an Annual Bereavement Day to remember Nurses WHY - Engage online teams, to create and share fundraising ideas together to raise £250 for a family Rainbow Day: mental health support and a family day trip or short break TEAMS - Family, friends, colleagues, school friends and students can participate WHERE - From 18 – 21 April an online Cerulean Blue website, and Social Media campaign to share ideas and for further information WHEN - To Participate: Register your Team Online at Cerulean Blue www.ceruleanblue.org.uk 22 – 28 April ANNUAL BEREAVEMENT DAY 29 APRIL - to remember all Nurses who gave their lives caring for patients during the Covid-19 pandemic & to support their families DONATE - 1st May – 30th June Online at Localgiving: https://localgiving.org/charity/cerulea n-blue/project/GEM-Game-On/
8th , 22nd & 29th April Tea / Coffee, Also homemade cakes available £5 each on the door. Further information contact Jackie. 0116 2248278 Mobile 07908607405 jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk
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
We are
Adapt Prembabies a small, self funded, Leicester/Leicestershire based charity supporting families who have a baby on Leicester's neo natal units needing life saving treatment at birth. We are currently saving new and used postage stamps which we can exchange for cash. I am asking, please, if it would be possible for the people of Birstall and their friends and families, to save and donate any stamps they get. To arrange collection text 07837 367212 Or email lindsay@prembabies.co.uk Film Presentations Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council
Tea Dance dates for April Held at Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road, Birstall, LE4 4DH. 3.30pm to 5.30 pm.
“Spencer” (Apr 8, 111 mins) 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 Neighbourhood" (may 13, 109 mins) May’s film, starring Tom Hanks, is a heart-warming story, based on a real magazine article about a beloved children’s television host, Fred Rogers. When the naturally cynical journalist finally meets Fred, he cannot believe that this host is so kind and selfless. However, we must ask ourselves two questions, “Will the journalist learn to face his traumatic past?” and “Will these two men ever become friends?” Tom Hanks excels in this compassionate roll. “The Colour Room” will be shown on June 10. We will be keeping the hall well ventilated and there will be room for us to space out. Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these
Birstall Methodist Monday Group Prog for April 2022 2 Apr: Saturday Coffee Morning at The Coffee Shop, For Special Needs Playgroup. Cakes, Books, Tombola, Plants etc. We look forward to seeing you there! 4 Apr: Quiz - Diane 11 Apr: Recycling – Sally Butts 18 Apr: Easter – No Meting 25 Apr: Mercy Ships
Strings 4 Juniors at Richard Hill Primary School, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston, Leicester LE7 7JA 1:30 – 2.30pm £3 per session First Sunday of each month, starting on 6th March For string players ages 7 upwards from beginners to grade 5. This orchestra will be fun and relaxed so players can develop their ensemble skills in a friendly atmosphere and make
The Gardeners’ Nursery
Brooklea Nursery
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
Hanging Baskets & Bedding plants Ornamental Shrubs • Perennials • Trees • Aquatic Plants • Fruit & Veg Plants Compost Deals • Wild Bird Care • Aggregates & much more! 1000 Loughborough Road Rothley LE7 7NL Call 07599 515 689 www.brookleanursery.co.uk
11
some new friends along the way. It will be an exciting opportunity to play a wide range of music, developing your potential whilst having fun with music! Violins, Violas, Cellos & Double Basses are all welcome! Please contact : Claire Grocock CT ABRSM 07906 238893 Strings4juniors@gmail.com http://kmstringorchestra.org/new s-and-updates This group is run by DBS professional tutors
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 9th April- Milly Sophie Rose 23rd April- Adam James Karen’s kitchen open for meals Saturday 16th and 30th, food served 12 till 2pm. Room hire available for wakes, contact us for further information.
Want to try bowls? St Margaret's is a friendly local club which welcomes bowlers of any ability. Contact Carolyn or John on 0116 2675947
Thurmaston Bowls Club Is looking for new members My grandson recently asked me why I played bowls “coz isn’t it just for the old peeps?” I told him “Actually our latest member is 12 years old and is shaping up into a cracking little player and don’t forget the health benefits”. Playing bowls burns calories, increases muscle tone, improves concentration, reduces stress and you can soak up natural vitamin D, not to mention the camaraderie and social side of things. He laughed and said, “ok nan”. We are a small friendly club and are fortunate to have some dedicated members, a very talented coach, and a super green. However, no club can survive without new members, new ideas and new talents. If you are interested in joining us why not call in to our “buddie nights” beginning in April on Tuesdays 4.30 -7pm, or drop into our open days for new members on Saturday and Sunday 9th & 10th April. Membership is free to all new bowlers. For further information call Dave 07729 235155
Novel inspired by family history A BIRSTALL writer’s first book was inspired when her elderly mother told her how Russian soldiers broke into her grandparents' house in Poland on the night of February 10, 1940, confiscated their house and their farm, and everything they owned. “They were marched to the nearest railway station where they were thrown into filthy over-loaded cattle trucks and transported to a gulag in arctic Russia to be ethnically cleansed along with 1.5 million other Polish people,” said Kristina Freer (74), who lives on Birstall Road. Kristina’s mother only told her about the story of her life after Kristina had retired and her mother, in failing health, moved in with her for the final six years of her life. Kristina said: “Then I searched the internet, and there it all was - this amazing story emerged - and my mother was a part of it. She wasn’t alone. Stalin deported over 1.5 million Poles to gulags and hard labour camps in Arctic Russia, Siberia and Kazakhstan. That is when I started to write my first book, ‘Imperilled’, since her eyesight prevented her from writing her own.” She added: “The ethnic cleansing of Eastern Poland by Joseph Stalin at the start of WWII adversely affected my education years later. My parents never talked about their war experiences. When I asked why I hadn’t got grandparents like other kids, they told me they had died during the war. I assumed they were buried in Poland and left it at that. “I was born to Polish parents 74 years ago in North Wales and spent my first eight years living in Anglesey. They were refugees. Naturally, my first language was Polish (I spoke and read fluently, aged 4). Since I was schooled at Menai
Birstall Flower Club Weds. April 27, 2022 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstrator: Sue Hodgson Title: Glorious Grantham Visitors welcome £5 Queries to Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437
Cedar Care Circle Hi. The meetings in April are Monday 11th and Monday 25th, 2pm at Brunchies cafe Hallam Fields Road, Birstall. Our support group is for carers who care 24/7 for their spouse, a partner, a relative or friend. Or, you're struggling to come to terms with the person you've been caring for, having to be placed in a residential home. Come and join us because we do understand how difficult it is. Just knowing there are others facing similar difficulties really does help. Contact me, Barbara, on 07905760556 if you wish to chat.
Bridge Primary school, my second language was Welsh - which everyone spoke in those days. “After the war’s end, my father, who was studying to be a veterinary surgeon in Poland before the war, found himself washed up in Beaumaris. He was fluent in Polish, Russian, German and Italian
Pic: Author Kristina Freer
but unable to utter a word of English or Welsh! He hadn’t planned to come to England; he’d spent the last three years fighting for Polish freedom alongside the British 8th Army in Italy. “Trade Unions in Britain after the war were hostile to Polish refugees and stipulated they may only seek employment in construction, coal mining, textiles, hotels, catering, agriculture and engineering. “Since my father’s parents owned a farm which Joseph Stalin confiscated, he chose agriculture. He worked as a farm labourer, and we lived in a tied cottage which came with the job. As a result, my childhood was idyllic, running free in the meadows surrounding our house. “The shock came when the farmer sold his farm and the tied property that came with it. We were homeless. We moved to Nottingham, and for ten months, lived with my aunt and uncle. They sent me to Alfreton Road, Primary school, where no one understood me, and visa-verso. I learned nothing. “My parents moved to Leicester and dad worked as a labourer building Castle Donnington Power Station, leaving early and returning late. My mother was a machinist at Law’s football boot factory working on piecewok returning exhausted mid-afternoon to welcome us back from school. When building work dried up in winter, my dad worked on a farm in Thrussington. So the work ethic was ingrained in me from a young age. “They sent me to Northfield House Primary school for my last year. There was no National Curriculum in those days, and schools taught whatever they chose. There was no continuity for kids like me, and I taught myself to read courtesy of Cossington Street Library and Enid Blyton.
“I failed my 11+ exam and ended up at Rushey Mead Girls in Harrison Road, but I was miserable. Two years later, my parents got me into Corpus Christi in Gwendolen Road, where I was happy. “With such a fragmented education I was not clever enough to make university, and left school aged 15.” Kristina did a secretarial course at Charles Keene College and had a varied working life: as a PA; running her own cavity wall insulation business and then working for a home tuition company, retiring in 2007. She said: “My mother was now widowed and in failing health. She moved in with us for the last six years of her life, and it was then that I suspected something momentous had happened to her and my father during the war years. I wrote it all down on scraps of paper and delved further, disbelieving what she had told me. “The challenges were enormous. I knew nothing of this time in history and had to research everything for authenticity before putting pen to paper. “I intended to write her memoir for her but in the style of a novel. Never, the less, it had to be based on fact and had to be as accurate as I could make it. It took 10 years to research and write. Finally, when I finished it, I began reading it to her to see if it was accurate enough. Her eyes pooled with tears, and she said: “Child - why are you bothering? It was such a long time ago. No one will read it.” The book tells the story of the abduction and transport to the gulag. Having been parted from the boy she loves, Marisha strives for a new purpose and a reason to live. Emerging emaciated two years later as Stalin frees them after Hitler embarks on Operation Barbarossa, she fights her way alone across the wartorn Soviet Union in search of him. Kristina is now working on a sequel. She said: “I think it is an appropriate time, given what the Russians are doing in Ukraine, and history seems to be repeating itself as I write.”
Rising Stars Academy of Dance & Theatre Suitable for young people from 2-18 COME AND JOIN THE FUN! Now Taking Classes in: Ballet • Gymnastics • Tap • Street Theatre Craft • Musical Theatre Modern Jazz • Festivals & Shows Singing Classes • Adult Classes DBS FIRST CLASS FREE! Checked Call Principal Emma Bateman
07443 761300 email: r.starsacademy@gmail.com Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane LE4 4JS
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
12
13
• Burglar Alarms • CCTV • Access Control • Fire Alarms
FOR A
FREE SURVEY & QUOTAT ION CALL TO DAY
25 Years Experience • OAP Reduced Rates All Work Guaranteed For All Your Security Needs contact: Kevin O’Connor, Lambourne Rd, Birstall
0116 2925407 or 07971 189329 birstall.alarms@ntlworld.com
Clear Ear Services Phone 07936 899 855 Mobile ear syringing service (we come to you!) Professional, Friendly, Experienced & Qualified Nurses, Fiona and Vanessa
£40 all inclusive price
White Horse: new extension A NEW extension at the White Horse pub that will seat 40 people will open in June. The project was delayed because of Covid-19. Charlotte Foy from the White Horse said: “This project has been in work for a long time, and we are so pleased it is now becoming a reality. It is an excellent opportunity for us to expand the business, and we look forward to host-
Free therapy sessions THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
FREE THERAPY sessions for anyone affected by cancer have restarted at Wanlip Village Hall. After a two-year break due to the pandemic, you can now take ‘Time Out' again in Wanlip. This free service is sponsored and supported by Birstall BAGs, and welcomes anyone affected by cancer to drop in for a chat with other patients or family members over refreshments or indulge in a range of free complementary therapies such as Indian head massage and reflexology. The group is delivered by Sue Young Cancer Support and offers a range of
activities for you to try. You can join them every second and fourth Wednesday of the month between 1.30pm and 4pm at Wanlip Village Hall, commencing Wednesday April 13, 2022. “Whether you have visited us before or would like to try us out, we are looking forward to welcoming you to the Wanlip ‘Time Out’ group,” said a spokeswoman. For further information, contact the Activity Coordinator, Michelle on 0116 223 0055 or via email at activities@sycs.org.uk Pic: (l-r) BAGs member Emma Shaw, Sue Young Cancer Support Activity Coordinator, Michelle, and BAGs member Rosie Houldsworth
ing more tailor-made parties and weddings, which this multifunctional space will allow.” The new function room will have double door access from the car park. Charlotte said: “It can be used as a stand-alone venue as it will contain its own toilet and have its own well-stocked bar. It will be a bright open space, benefitting from a large skylight which will allow light to flood in. There will also be double doors through from the fireplace end of the main pub which can be opened up to make the space an integral part of the main building too.” The new extension will all be on a single level with easy access for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Charlotte added: “The space will be as multi-functional as possible to accommodate all sorts of activities and types of events, from weddings, wakes, or any type of party, to extra dining space for busy food service times, or a coffee shop for walkers in the mornings. The space will comfortably seat around 40 people and can extend into the fireplace end of the main pub for larger events.” The build started on February 28 and
is expected to last around nine weeks. The White Horse expects it to be ready for use from June. Charlotte said: “The design is very much in sympathy with the main pub building and there are many details from the pub's architecture which have inspired the design.” The pub has plans to make some outside garden space available to those who wish to hire the room for a private function.
The
Odd Job Man No Job Too Small Gardening Small Building Works Painting & Decorating FREE QUOTES • CALL HARRY
0754 898 1617
0116 2674703 24hr answerphone
9 Kedlestone Ave, Birstall
NHW news
& crime report Online Survey Could you, please, spend five minutes to complete an Online Survey about Our Watch? Just go to our website and click on the link button. Thank you. www.villagewatch.co.uk That Other Pandemic It looks as if all the hard work put in by the scientists and medical staff is reaping good dividends. The Covid-19 virus that disrupted all our lives so dramatically is being tamed, and we can be cautiously optimistic as things get back to normal. Unfortunately, we continue to remain at risk from the ever-growing threat of fraud and scams that can be equally devastating to the lives of their victims. The criminals behind them are well organised and good at what they do. They are not just individuals but, increasingly, international criminal organisations with a lot of expertise and resources. They are intent on accumulating vast amounts of money for personal gain or to fund other criminal activities. They are quite ruthless and have no interest in or concern about the damage done to those who are tricked out of their money. Worst of all, they are just as difficult to contain as a deadly virus. Just as we still have to take precautions and be vigilant to protect ourselves from Covid infection, we have to remain equally careful not to be robbed by criminal scammers. The threat they pose
All Domestic Plumbing Full Central Heating Boiler Swaps & Upgrades Fully Fitted Bathrooms Wall & Floor Tiling ALL WORK GUARANTEED Local Business • Call Rob Scott:
Tel: 0116 2209311 Mob: 0796 7695631
Electrician 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 Hill Rise, Birstall, Leicester
0116 2108591 or 0780 8259437
is going to stay around for many years to come. We are regularly warned about new variants of scams that are emerging and are well-advised to heed those warnings. There are a few simple rules to remember that can protect us but, like vaccinations, they only work if we use them. • REMEMBER that if YOU started the contact then YOU are in control but if somebody else did THEY are in charge. • NEVER do anything simply because a stranger has contacted you UNEXPECTEDLY. • ALWAYS question why somebody would ask you to give them control of YOUR MONEY. • NEVER give money or private details to anyone, UNLESS YOU know exactly who they are and why they need to have them. • ALWAYS take plenty of time to consider financial or other important decisions BEFORE you take any action. • ASK WHY someone you do not know would offer YOU special preference over others. • DO NOT be pressured by threats or other stories designed to PANIC you into taking action before you have had time to consider it properly. • NEVER ignore any niggling feeling, however small, that something sounds ODD. Discuss it with someone that YOU TRUST. It is an old adage but it is, nevertheless, very wise to remember that if it sounds TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, then it is most probably exactly that! Keep healthy, both physically and financially. Ed Chambers, Watch Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip NHW
Meet the team The beat team have been very busy this month, holding beat surgeries, con-
Pic: Birstall Beat Team (l-r) PS Alice Forfar, PC Lauren DeWet, PCSO Ellie Holland
ducting speed checks, patrolling hot spot areas and also investigating crime. We would like to engage with as many of you as possible, so please look out for our beat surgeries via Neighbourhood Link and Charnwood Police Twitter account. We are in the process of arranging some joint partnership events with the Fire Service in the coming months. Message from PC Lauren de Wet- “I have been a beat officer in Birstall and Wanlip since September 2021, and am enjoying getting to know the area and its residents. I have previously worked as a Police Community Support Officer for several years prior to becoming a Police Officer and would like to think that has provided me with good foundations in local policing. PCSO Ellie Holland and I look forward to meeting more of you and would encourage you to speak to us if you see us out and about and at our beat surgeries” February Priorities Anti-social behaviour: Focusing on Meadow Lane Park, and School Lane Park. Drugs: Focusing on hot spot areas and gathering local intelligence. Road safety: Speed checks Crime Update During January, a total of 42 crimes were recorded on the Birstall and Wanlip Beat. During the month of January 2022, Birstall and Wanlip have had a total of
Doctor struck off medical register A DOCTOR who treated patients privately for cosmetic procedures at her Birstall premises has been struck off the medical register. Dr Natasha Ranga (38), a qualified GP, opened her Sibson Road business, Dr Natasha Clinic, in 2016, the same year she completed her GP training. Accusations of misconduct by Dr Ranga were considered by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in March. They ruled that Dr Ranga broke a patient’s confidentiality when she discussed the case with another doctor, who the patient was considering suing for poor treatment. Dr Ranga also submitted two plagiarised essays between December 31, 2017, and January 5, 2018, while studying for a postgraduate qualification in clinical leadership and research at De
Montfort University. She admitted to the plagiarism, but the tribunal noted this was not done at the first available opportunity. The tribunal‘s report stated: “The tribunal is not satisfied that Dr Ranga has sufficient insight into her misconduct and considers that there remains a risk of repetition of similar misconduct. “The tribunal found that her repeated and persistent dishonesty, her departures from the principles of the GMP [good medical practice], and her breaches of fundamental tenets of the profession were incompatible with Dr Ranga’s continued registration.” The tribunal advised that her name be erased from the medical register immediately, meaning she can no longer practice medicine in the UK. Dr Ranga has 28 days to appeal.
32 crimes. 10 assaults (7 of which were domestic-related), 1 sexual offence, 4 public Order offences, 3 thefts, 1 criminal damage, 3 vehicle crimes, 1 drugs related offence, and 9 miscellaneous offences. For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime Prevention Advice Vehicle Crime and Keyless entry: Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition. Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car. How to protect your keyless entry car • When at home, keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car. • Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag. • Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second-hand car. • Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used. A message from Sgt Forfar & The Beat Team. 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 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 to 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. PS 242 Alice Forfar
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
The May issue of
THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 29. The copy deadline is Apr 18.
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
14
Rotary’s donation to carers’ group
15
A BIRSTALL group that supports people with dementia and their carers has received a donation.
Club’s pétanque evening
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
“Thanks must go to club member ST MARGARET'S Bowls Club hostTony Moulding for organising the event. ed a pétanque evening in Febru- Tony is a qualified pétanque coach with ary. extensive experience at all levels of the The club welcomed guests from the game. He was assisted by Peter Woods.” Federation of Women’s Institutes, which This was one of several social eveincluded WI groups from Birstall, Groby nings St Margaret’s have hosted over the and Cossington. winter. The outdoor bowling season The ladies teamed up for a fun but starts in April, and new members of any competitive game of pétanque or “boullevel are always welcome - anyone interes”. ested should contact Carolyn or John “The whole thing made for a most on 0116 2675947 enjoyable and friendly evening ending www.smcbc.com with the winning team receiving medals Pic: Peter (L) and Tony (R) with the winand a trophy,” said a club spokesperson. ning WI team
Nigel Coleman and Graham Packwood, on behalf of Wreake Valley Rotary Club, presented £150 to the Cedar Care Circle group, which meets at Brunchies Café on Hallam Fields Road. The money will be spent on a river trip. Group spokeswoman, Barbara Wass, said: “I can't thank the Rotary Club enough for thinking about our dementia group. “I would also like to thank Lisa Gardner for hosting our group meetings. Brunchies Cafe on Hallam Fields Road is a great spacious venue. Lisa and her lovely assistant make us so welcome.”
Nigel Coleman said: “We are really pleased to be able to make a donation to the Cedar Care Circle, Barbara has done a great job, especially keeping in touch with folk during lockdown. We hope the members will enjoy discussing how best to use the award and have some fun in the process.” The group meets every second and fourth Monday of the month at 2pm. Contact Barbara on 07905 760556 to find out more. Pic: Graham Packwood, Barbara Wass and Lisa Gardner with members of the group
16
Help for Ukraine
HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR Theatrical Society’s spring play promises mystery and suspense as well as plenty of humour. “Penny Black”, by Rob Wellington, with the consent of Lazy Bee scripts, 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, whilst having to contend with their eccentric father. “Watch out for the celery, yes CELERY. I say no more!” said Sue Withers from HATS. She added: “This is a hilarious farce that we are sure you will thoroughly enjoy. It’s the story of how Holmes Hardy became Sherlock Holmes, the worldfamous detective. 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. “This is a very fast-paced production, and the cast is having to work very hard. Rehearsals are in full swing, with the usual moments of angst, brilliance, stress and laughter.
“But as with most shows, we have every confidence that it will be alright on the night, well actually, more than alright, it will be amazing. That’s quite a statement from the director; it certainly shows how much faith she has in her cast. However, as we all know, the actors are only part of the bigger picture that also includes our fabulous wardrobe, scenery, props, music, stage and lighting members. They do so much work behind the scenes that it is only right they are recognised and applauded for their skills.” Dates for performances are Wednesday May 18, Thursday May 19 and Friday May 20, 2022. Performances start at 7.15pm. Doors open at 6.45.p.m. Venue: Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets: £7.00, £6.00 concession. Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people (price available at time of booking). Tickets will be available from the Box office: 07948 796675, or email hatstickets@hotmail.com. Face book: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram NOTE: This play contains some adult humour
• Re-wires • Fuse Board Upgrades • Extra Sockets & Lighting • New Builds & Extensions • Landlord Safety Certificates/PAT Testing • Garden & Security Lighting • Electric Showers • Burglar Alarm Specialist ALL WORK GUARANTEED For a FREE quote:
07970 893250 www.raktailorhomeimprovements.com
Saxon Drive, Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7SR kevrawson@hotmail.com
Holiday Lounge, which has a branch on Sibson Road, joined up with charity Feed The Hungry. It was collecting items at a Hinckley warehouse before taking
them to Poland and Romania to support refugees following the invasion of Ukraine. A spokesman for Holiday Lounge said: “We cannot quite believe how much we have had donated, and we really appreciate the effort and kindness that people have shown for such a good cause.”
Club’s warm welcome IT WAS with some trepidation in February that we awaited our members to arrive for our first demonstration in two years. We needn't have worried. Over 50 members and half a dozen visitors arrived to be greeted by our hostess and welcomed back.
Old friends chatted happily, and our visitors were keen to see what we had to offer and possibly start a new hobby or interest. This was a great start to our Diamond Celebration year (postponed from last year), and we have plans to celebrate in July with a Giant Picnic and also the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Hopefully, there will be visits to local gardens. Our meetings are advertised monthly in the Birstall Post and other surrounding villages' publications. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Village Hall at Birstall at 7.15pm, with a raffle and plant stall. We would love to meet you and offer something new now that the feeling of optimism and spring are in the air. From Birstall Flower Club Pic: a delighted raffle winner at Birstall Flower Club’s February meeting
MOT VEHICLE TESTING STATION
TESTING
PETROLS • DIESELS MOTORCYCLES CROPSTON GARAGE 37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363
DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS
Brickwork • Patios Re-pointing Fencing etc No job too small Friendly Reliable Service Free Quotations • Fully Insured
Tel: 0116 260 7716 Mob: 07770 785400 Email: dave@dave-hutchings.com Website: www.dave-hutchings.com
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
Action packed farce set in Baker Street
DOZENS OF items for Ukrainian refugees were provided by Birstall people when a local travel agent appealed for donations.
17
Helping our community THE COMMUNITY group have been planning for the White Horse annual duck race. We will be supporting the White Horse at various venues promoting and selling ducks for the duck race. We hope to have Webster, the White Horse race mascot, with us. If you have a group that may be interested in sponsoring a duck, get in touch, and we can come along to your venue. The cost is £1 to sponsor a duck, and there are some great prizes. We have a pick me up, let us know. We have aftervariety of stalls on the day and still have noon teas to gift; please think about a few available if your group or small those around you that may be having a business would like to join us. difficult time. All of the recipients have We are looking to have a teddy tombo- said how uplifting it was to be thought la, tombola and cake stall. If you can about. Also, if you are a group in Birhelp by donating any items, please get in stall, we can help; please get in touch. touch. The group were nominated by the The group have purchased from our Monday group at St James to be a benefi#payitforward fund a chess set and ciary of their fundraising this year. The jigsaw rolls for the St James Day Care admin team would like to say a sincere centre that they were in need of. We ‘thank you’ to the group. have also provided our usual afternoon The scrubs team have been making teas. We will be providing some meals quilts for NICU and ward 12 at the LRI. for the lunch club while they are closed. Some 30 quilts have been gifted this If you know someone that needs a month, and we would like to welcome our new quilters. Elaine Hunt has been making covid hearts since the start of the pandemic. These are now given to local churches, to the bereaved, and also to parents at their child’s baptism. Thank you, Elaine. The scrubs team are still making trauma teds; these are again very popular with the hospitals and children’s nurture units. If anyone has oddments of wool, we would be very grateful. If you require any more information, please call 0789 499 5164. The admin team would like to thank you for your continued support. From Helping Our Community LE4 Birstall
Litter picking kit
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
FREE LITTER picking kit is being offered by Charnwood Borough Council to anyone who would like to help give their area a spring clean. The Council has also arranged for its waste partner Serco to pick up bags of litter collected by local groups and individuals. Charnwood has a number of litter pickers, high-vis jackets, and litter bags to give away as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean which runs between March 25 and April 10. Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for waste, said: “We know residents are proud of Charnwood and want to keep it a clean and tidy place and there-
fore we want to support that amazing community effort. “I’m delighted we can offer a number of litter-picking packs and would encourage people to come forward. “Looking after the environment is one of the Council’s top priorities and almost every day, our waste partner Serco has teams out in the borough keeping our streets and parks free from litter.” Litter pickers, high-vis jackets and bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and people are being urged to get in touch with the Council as soon as possible. There will be a limit of six equipment packs per groups, and the Council will also accept requests from individuals. For more details contact: cleaner.greener@ charnwood.gov.uk
Double celebration at golf club BIRSTALL GOLF Club’s new skippers Joyce Calow and Atul Patel drove in at the weekend, and 2021’s captains, Cindy Smith and Nish Bathia - denied such an opportunity by Covid rules last year – instead ‘drove out’. The double celebration came as the club prepares for a return to more normal operations. “Dealing with Covid has been tough for everyone, but we hope this year everything will get back to normal and everybody can get back to playing, because the course itself is in fantastic condition,” says Atul, who runs Unique
Window Systems. “Birstall Golf Club is a very social club, and it’s not all just about playing golf – that social side is at the heart of the club”. His election continues a family tradition – his brother Sunil was captain of the club in 2015, and his son Mir is a former junior captain. New ladies captain Joyce Calow, a retired NHS worker, is returning to a role she previously held in 2009. With that experience behind her, she says her aim for the year is to “keep smiling and be happy”. Pics: Top (l-r) Outgoing captains Nish Bathia and Cindy Smith welcome their replacements Joyce Calow and Atul Patel, serenaded by Aaron Patel on the dhol drum (centre); Left: Aaron Patel on the dhol drum leads Joyce Calow and Atul Patel to the first tee at Birstall Golf Club for their drive in
Birstall bowling club WI news THE NEW outdoor season starts later this month at Birstall Bowling Club, with members looking forward to a busy year ahead. The Commonwealth Games take place in England this summer, allowing everyone to watch top-class bowls being played in Leamington Spa – less than an hour’s drive away. New members are always welcome at Birstall, with coaching available for bowlers who have never played the game before. The club plays friendly and competi-
tive ladies, men’s and mixed matches against other teams in Leicestershire throughout the season, as well as members being involved in national, county, parks and club competitions. There is also a good social side with numerous events taking place during the year and a well-stocked bar. For more information, contact Diane on 0116 2676245 or Steve on 07870 327568. You can also visit the club website, which can be found at www.birstallbowlingclub.co.uk or search for our page on Facebook.
Film about Leicester A SHORT film about ‘Leicester in the Past’ will be shown at Birstall Village Hall on April 9. Belgrave Heritage Trust is holding its Annual General Meeting, showing slides and then the film on Saturday April 9, between 2.15 and 4pm. Nick Fathers, from Belgrave Heritage Trust, said: “This short but necessary AGM will be our first since the Trust was formed just before lockdown. We will be available for questions about Belgrave and our interesting achievements so far. Afterwards, we will be showing slides and a short film about ‘Leicester in the
Past’, and serving tea and coffee.” He added: “The Trust was created initially to find a new use for Belgrave St Peter’s church. We have yet to achieve this, but meanwhile, we are gathering any stories, photographs and information we can find about the area of Old Belgrave before it vanishes completely. Perhaps you might like to join Belgrave Heritage Trust? Do you have a story about Old Belgrave you would like to share? Just interested and would like to know more? Just contact our Secretary, Carolyn - email: belgraveheritagetrust@gmail.com”
BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI met at the British Legion on March 7. Our speaker was Ian Rogerson, who talked to us about his life selling cheese. We really enjoyed his samples and this encouraged many of us to buy from his extensive range of mainly British cheeses. We are planning a scenic walk on April 11 from Birstall to WI House on Loughborough Road where we will partake of refreshments and walk home again. Look out for hand-knitted ‘Winnie the corgis’, which will be secreted about Birstall as surprise gifts. This is part of a national WI initiative to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. On May 28, we will be hosting a coffee shop at the Methodist Church from 10am to 12noon. This is the place to meet friends, enjoy refreshments and buy your WI crafts, cakes and plants. We meet again on April 4 at 7pm, when local author Rachel Greaves will be talking to us about her books. From Birstall & Wanlip WI
Speed sign A VEHICLE activated speed sign on Greengate Lane is the favoured option following an appeal for suggestions for highway improvements in Birstall.
The Leicester blitz and sport Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “More than 80 years ago, this city faced the bombs of the Luftwaffe, with dozens of people losing their lives and many more losing their homes and their livelihoods. “Today, the people of Ukraine are The city was bombed several times in bravely resisting the might of the Russian 1940 and 1941, but the raid on the military. The horrors of war have sadly night of 19-20 November 1940 was by not gone away. far the worst – with 108 people losing “This exhibition reminds us to learn their lives. from history and to think of those who The exhibition – which opens on suffered in Leicester in 1940 – but as we Saturday March 5 – documents that night in detail, through objects, pictures, remember them, our thoughts will also be with our brothers and sisters in paintings and personal stories of the Ukraine.” damage that was done. The Leicester Blitz – the German Air It also shows how Leicester prepared Raid on Leicester, 19-20 November 1940 for all the other air raids and explains what happened on those dreadful nights, opens at Newarke Houses Museum on March 5 and continues until May 22. often in the words of those who were Admission is free. there. Deputy city mayor for culture, leisure Pic: a bomb damaged house on St Ives Road
AN EXHIBITION created to mark the 80th anniversary of the ‘Leicester Blitz’ has returned to the city’s Newarke Houses Museum.
Residents were responding to a request for suggestions from Birstall County Councillor Dan Grimley – all Leicestershire County councillors have been allocated £25,000 to spend on highway improvements. The proposed sign would be located near the junction with Walnut Avenue and would cost £10,000. Birstall Parish Council would be asked to pay for ongoing maintenance of the sign if it is approved.
The May issue of
THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 29. The copy deadline is Apr 18.
Trouble with your figures? Want someone to walk you through a self assessment?
Let me help get your books in shape… & keep them trim
Linda Kimberley-Brooks (ACMA) Final accounts • Self assessment Taxation • Bookkeeping • VAT Payroll • Management accounts www.twyf-accounts.co.uk Email: Linda@twyf.co.uk
Companies & individuals call now on
0116 23 66 345 A friendly service tailored to your needs
Book reprinted A BOOK by a local author that will be your guide around the oldest parts of the village is being reprinted due to public demand. ‘A Walk Around Old Birstall’ is by historian John Kilby (pictured above). He said: “This book refers to the older part of our village. It gives details of the folk who lived in the village many years ago. Your journey can begin in the School Lane car park and you can follow my notes around the streets.” The book costs £5.The profit after expenses will be donated to the County Air Ambulance Charity. The book can be collected from Rosie Rollings at 6 Cliffe Road, Birstall (tel 07894 995 164). You can also buy the book at Andrew J Tebbutt Butcher on Sibson Road. This is the fifth book John has written about Birstall village.
Speed checks BIRSTALL’S BEAT team have been conducting speed checks on Wanlip Lane. PCSO Ellie Holland reports: On March 17, we conducted speed checks in Wanlip after reports of road traffic collisions increasing, and after asking members of the public what issues they would like to raise when we conducted a street consultation on Rectory Road a few weeks ago. At 0907 - 0927 on Rectory Road, Wanlip, we had a total of 51 vehicles leave the village into Birstall. 42 vehicles were compliant to the speed of 30mph. Nine vehicles were travelling at a speed between 31mph and 34mph At 0930 - 0950 on Wanlip Lane Birstall into Wanlip, we had a total of 39 vehicles drive into Wanlip. 36 vehicles were compliant with the speed limit of 40mph. One vehicle was travelling at a speed between 41mph and 44mph. Two vehicles were issued warning letters, for travelling at speeds of 48mph and 50mph. Throughout the week we have also conducted patrols around the schools and also around the Hallam Fields estate and the Gates estate, due to attempted thefts of vehicles, or vehicles’ registration plates, and suspicious activity.
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
18
News from the churches in for a coffee and cake while you doIN THE last month or so, St. James has seen an absolute rash of christen- nate an item to the food bank. Easter is the most important time of ings. Lots of lovely babies and little people, year for us, as we celebrate the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross for with the attendant grown-ups. St James our sins, and His rising again to life on could be a stand-in for 'Call the MidEaster Day. On Maundy Thursday in the wife'! evening, there is a service of Holy ComLife is now returning in force in our munion, and on the following day, Good churches, and at the Monday Group AGM in St James, which is now our regu- Friday, we will be holding our Walk of Witness through the village. This starts at lar meeting place, it was decided to 10am from Tesco on Sibson Rd, stopsupport both our local Birstall 'Helping ping at various points for a hymn and a the Community' group with our fundprayer, finishing at 11am for a worship raising, and also to raise money for service outside Birstall Methodist Church repairs to the church roof and the bell on Wanlip Lane. This will be led by Rev tower (both being pretty essential!). Digman and Father Tom. Hot-cross buns To this end, and to start events off, a will be served in the Coffee Shop afterSilent Auction is being held, which is wards. We will be placing a cross outalways popular, with people offering side the church, and this is for anyone their talents and skills to the highest to decorate with flowers for Easter Day. bidder, from dog-walking to cake-makWe are continuing in April with our ing, weeding to afternoon teas - the list series of Sunday evening online Zoom is almost endless, and always interesting, and I am sure will give a good kick-start sessions at 6pm – The Tree of Life from Genesis to Revelation. to this year's fund-raising efforts. From Birstall Methodist Church As we are now in Lent, this year's Shrove Tuesday saw pancakes and assortEaster ed toppings being served up in Wanlip Community Hall, and they were very The events of the first ‘Easter’ are much appreciated by the 'munchers' central to Christianity and so it is not (favourite is always lemon and sugar). surprising that there are many hymns The Hall also plays host to Old Nick's that celebrate Good Friday and Easter Coffee Shop on the 3rd Tuesday of each Day, as can be seen in our selection month, from 10am to midday, and from the works of Thomas Kelly (1769where everyone is made welcome. 1855). For further information on services Kelly was born in Dublin, the son of and events in both St James Parish an Irish judge. He was himself intended Church and in Our Lady and St. Nicholas, for the bar but, whilst studying the GosWanlip, please contact the Rector, Aman- pel he became convicted of his sin and, da Digman, on 07803 625049, or email: after a failed attempt at self-reformation, revamandadigman@me.com. he found peace with God through the From Birstall Parish Churches simple way of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was ordained a minister in the Church of England but his evangeliOUR LUNCH Club has bounced back cal preaching was not acceptable to the really well with a good number of Archbishop of Dublin, so Kelly built his attendees, but we still have space for own Independent churches. He was a a few more! humble man of great learning, a good We hold ‘themed lunches’ whenever musician and known for his generosity we can, such as the red dress code for to those in need. In all, he wrote 765 Valentine's Day and heart-shaped chocohymns. lates. To celebrate Easter we will have Good Friday (the Crucifixion) is the Easter bonnets, Easter eggs and an Eastsubject of ‘Glory, glory everlasting be to er parade with a sing-along. Him who bore the cross!’ This hymn The Coffee Shop continues to do well, goes on to explain that on the Cross, with Saturdays beginning to buzz like Jesus ‘redeemed our souls by tasting they used to. There is a Food Bank dona- death, the death deserved by us’ and this tion point in the room, so why not pop was due to: ‘His is love, ‘tis love un-
bounded, without measure, without end’ and acknowledges that ‘human thought is here confounded, ‘tis too vast to comprehend’. Such an unfathomable action leads us to ‘Praise the Saviour! Magnify the sinner’s Friend.’ The gloom of the Crucifixion became a day of joy when, three days later, Jesus rose from the dead – Easter Day. Kelly celebrates this with ‘The Lord is risen indeed’, in which he reminds us of the witnesses to both Jesus’s death and resurrection: ‘they beheld the Saviour bleed and saw Him living too.’ In the second verse Kelly points out that both God’s justice and His mercy are now reconciled: ‘justice asks no more; mercy and truth are now agreed, who stood opposed before’. As a result, ‘death, our foe, [is] disarmed … [and] hell has lost its prey.’ Praise and honour are now due to the Lord Jesus. Services Why not join us for our Palm Sunday Service on April 10? It is to be held (as usual) at 10.45am in the Day Centre next to the Village Hall (on the corner of School Lane and Birstall Road). The visiting preacher will be Basil Shapleski (Loughborough) and you can be assured of a warm welcome. Please contact us if you have any questions about the original ‘Easter’ events and/or for our arrangements on Easter Day. (http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk or 0116 2214883) From Birstall Independent Baptist Church
Lent Lent has traditionally been a time for prayer, fasting, and good works and this year our priest, Fr Tom, has asked us to pray in particular for those many Christians throughout the world who have been persecuted for their beliefs. As the tragic events have unfolded in Ukraine we have added our prayers for all those caught up in the war, and those working to provide shelter and care for the refugees and the injured. The Children’s Mass was held on the first Sunday in Lent and the children, who will be making their First Holy Communion on Sat May 14, read the readings and psalm of the day. They had each written their own bidding prayer, and it was touching to note that the plight of those in Ukraine, especially the children, were in their hearts as they read them. They also sang together “Our
19 God is a Great Big God”- with a little teacher-led musical accompaniment! World Day of Prayer St Theresa’s hosted the World Day of Prayer event in Birstall for local churches, St Theresa’s, St. James and Birstall Methodist Church. Parishioners from Sacred Heart Rothley, along with the Rothley churches, held their own event too. After a simple but wholesome lunch, there was a presentation on this year’s theme, ‘I Know the Plans I Have for You’. The slides took a look at the landscape, history and the contribution made by all the peoples of our nation to our modern society. This was followed by the main service of worship with prayers, hymns and readings, which reflected the day’s theme from the perspective of three women. Normal service resumes With the emergence from the remaining Covid restrictions over the past few months, we have been able to resume many of our regular activities. It’s good to be able to socialise over a cup of tea or coffee after Sunday Mass. This year we hope to have our usual Passover Supper on April 13 at 7pm. There will be a raffle for an Easter Hamper, too. The choir are busy rehearsing a programme of songs for the Summer Concert at the beginning of July. As ever, further details can be found in the newsletter or on the parish website ahead of the events. Holy Week At the time of writing, the times of some of the services during Holy Week have not yet been confirmed, but Mass times for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil will appear in the newsletter and on the parish website. Masses on Easter Sunday will be at the usual time in both churches. www.st-theresa-sacredheart.co.uk We wish all the people of our community a joyful, and above all a peaceful, Easter.
From St Theresa’s, Birstall
APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That Birstall Parish Council has applied for a licence to use the premises known as School Lane Playing Fields, Birstall for the purpose of Regulated Entertainment (Live Music, Recorded Music and Performances of Dance) for the Birstall Gala 2022, to be held on:
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
Dated: 1st April 2022 Any objections or representations in respect of the application should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, Charnwood Borough Council, Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TX. Representations/objections must be received by: 28th April 2022 A record of the application can be inspected at the Council Offices at the aforementioned address (and website) during normal office hours. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application. Any person found guilty of such an offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine in the sum of £5,000.00.
Birstall BAG’s cancer corner
fied and experienced complementary therapist and counsellor, Nicky Carling. Birstall BAGs will fund one-to-one sesSelf Help and Support Groups sions. Here is some information about the Call Nicky on 07544 765 091 or Birstall BAGs is keen to help those groups Birstall BAGs supports and proemail carlingnicky@gmail.com to book. living with, or affected by cancer, meet vides. www.mayflowertherapies.co.uk others in a similar situation. Bereavement Support – Reaching Out Prostate Cancer Support Group – If you become interested in a new Group hobby or activity, for example, speaking PROSTAID The Reaching Out support group is a foreign language, art, sewing, flower Prostaid Group is a support group for for anyone aged 18 or over who has arranging, local history etc, it is likely men who have been diagnosed with been bereaved, regardless of the cause, you will seek out other people who prostate cancer. Birstall BAGS is working and offers information, support and the share your interest, so that you can with Prostaid to provide this new group. chance to share thoughts and feelings learn from one another and share expewith others who may have similar experi- The group meets on the first Wednesday riences. of each month between 7pm and 9pm at ences. Granted, having an interest in cancer, Birstall Golf Club, Station Road, Birstall, Delivered by the LOROS ‘Reaching the effects of the disease, treatment or Leicester, LE4 3BB. For more informaOut’ group and funded by Birstall BAGs, perhaps the financial implications, for the group will relaunch on Friday March tion, call Nicki at Prostaid on 0116 258 example, is not a choice, it is forced 4490 4, 2022. upon us when we are diagnosed. Just “I have felt so alone since being diagEvery Friday, 1.30pm-3pm at Birstall the same as any other aspect of life, it Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, LE4 4JS. nosed a few weeks ago, but tonight, I can be a very positive experience linking feel like I have gained a family.” For more information on the support with others in the same situation, sharBirstall and Wanlip Time Out Group group, please call Suzann on 0116 231 ing experiences and learning from one The Time Out group is a drop-in 3771 ext 7549. another. group for anyone affected by cancer – Bladder Cancer Support Group Macmillan cancer support says that We are a group of men and women of patients, their carers and families. meeting other people with similar experi- all ages and nationalities. The group will restart on Wednesday ences can be invaluable when you April 13, 2022 and will run every 2nd We have all, at different stages, are affected by cancer. Self-help had to deal with bladder cancer. and 4th Wednesday of the month. and support groups offer Enjoy a free complementary therapy Some of us have had a chance for people to in a calm, relaxing atmosphere, and chat treatments whilst othtalk to others and to other patients and carers over a cup ers have had surgery. come together with of tea. “We have all found people who underComplementary therapies include: being a member of stand how they are Aromatherapy this group a great feeling, share conIndian Head Massage help and have made cerns and get advice lasting friends.” Reiki from those who have Whatever stage you Reflexology gone through similar find yourself at, we as 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month experiences. a group are there for between 1.30pm and 4pm, Wanlip VilBirstall BAGs invest significantsupport. lage Hall (LE7 4PJ). ly in various self-help and support The group meets on the third No need to book, just turn up. Free groups specifically for Birstall. Anyone is Wednesday of each month between parking. welcome, and remember this is about 6.30pm and 8pm at Birstall Golf Club, Birstall BAGS is working with Sue you, for you and provided for you by Station Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 3BB. Young Cancer Support for Time Out fundraising from your community. CanMayflower Therapies Wanlip. cer affects half of us at some point in Mayflower Therapies is a chance to If you would like to learn more about our lifetime, and connecting with others, explore coping strategies, share worries the support groups Birstall BAGs supin a similar situation is usually a very and concerns, and learn techniques to ports, please visit www.birstallbags.co.uk positive experience. relax the mind with the support of qualiFor 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, look us up on Facebook or email birstallbags@hotmail.co.uk
The May issue of
THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 29. The copy deadline is Apr 18.
• Sales, Repairs & Upgrades • Wired & Wireless Networking • Branded & Custom Built PCs • Laptops, printers, peripherals & accessories • Server Installation & Support • On-site Maintenance & Remote Support • Original & Compatible Cartridges/Toners • Buy Dell products through our store
Covering Leicestershire
0116 2672583 Mob: 0796 7 191975
www.ntlcomputers.co.uk 3 The Meadway, Birstall LE4 4NG
Specialist Wedding Gown Cleaning Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9-5pm Wed & Sat: 9-1pm
GCR’s jubilee pageant A PAGEANT celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will replace the GCR’s annual war weekend in June. Michael Gough, Managing Director, said: “Due to the tragic ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Great Central Railway has decided to cancel their annual 1940’s Wartime Weekend at the beginning of June. “Like most of us in the UK, we are appalled at the atrocities unfolding in Ukraine and feel that an event depicting wartime would be highly insensitive at this saddening time. The opportunity to depict our Queen’s life on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee year feels far more appropriate, and it promises to be a truly stunning four days of celebration.” The weekend will feature the history of the first fifty years of the Queen’s life - a pageant celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. As usual, the event will be across all four stations at the railway with each station highlighting different periods from the 1920’s up to the 1970’s. The event starts on Thursday June 2 with the Platinum Afternoon Tea, followed by The Thursday Night Swing Band. There will be an old-time funfair for all to enjoy, entertainers throughout the four days taking us through the songs and music of the time, vintage vehicles, fashion shows, demonstrations, a shopping village, a Saturday night Big Band dance, a flypast, flying acrobatics, re-enactors showcasing fashion from the 1920s onwards, a marching Pipe Band, plus more! The event runs from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5, full details www.gcrailway.co.uk
Fines CAMERAS REGULARLY catch drivers making the mistake of driving in a bus lane, leading to a hefty fine. New research by Moneybarn has revealed the councils making the most revenue from issuing bus lane fines in the financial year 2020/21. Leicester was revealed to collect an annual revenue of £817,784 from bus lane fines. Leicester also issued 26,862 individual bus lane fines to drivers throughout the year. Manchester topped the list, making £3,701,458 from bus lane fines. Moneybarn requested the data as part of a Freedom of Information Act request to local councils, for 2020/21. Leicester was ranked 10th in a list of the 51 local authorities that responded to the FOI request.
THE BIRSTALL POST APRIL 2022
20