Birstall Post (473) Dec 2022

Twinkling Christmas festival

Impact of planned new homes

BIRSTALL PARISH Council will be pressing for measures to reduce the impact on Birstall of the 660 new homes planned for land off Greengate Lane that feature in Leicester City Council’s Local Plan.

The site, known as Ashton Green East, also features a 1200 place school. Together with the 3000 home Ashton Green development, it will put increased pressure on local infrastructure.

At a meeting of Birstall Parish Council on November 14, Chair Ann Marshall said: “If nothing is done about the local roads, it will be an absolute disaster. Traffic on the A6 and Greengate Lane is already very bad, the Greengate Lane A6 junction is terrible.”

She said mitigation measures must be put in place, paid for by the developer. Comment was made that objections to the development would be pointless, the city council is only doing what the government is requiring all local authorities do - find land for extra houses.

Councillor Kirsty Haywood said that residents’ main concern was speeding traffic and that Birstall Parish Council needed to get involved with the design of any mitigation measures “to protect our residents”.

Councillor Robert Vincent said the Parish Council needed to work together with Charnwood Borough Council, and the county council. “We are part of a

Local groups, businesses and individuals had come up with some clever design ideas to decorate their trees at the event, which also featured stalls selling Christmas gifts and decorations.

BIRSTALL METHODIST church was ablaze with twinkling lights when a host of beautifully decorated and illuminated Christmas trees filled the church at its annual Christmas Tree Festival.

Pic: Meeting Mr & Mrs Santa Claus are Martha Chivers (4), Bridget Chivers (7) & Zoe Fraser (13)

RESIDENTS, COUNCILLORS

and youth organisations in Birstall joined serving and former members of the Armed Forces on Remembrance Sunday, to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

People gathered for the parade and service in St James’ Church, and silence fell at 11am to remember those who gave their lives for this country.

Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall said: “The residents of Birstall always turn out in force for the annual Remembrance Service held at St James Church. This year we welcomed the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Robert Martin and our local MP, Mr Edward Argar.

“The parade formed up and marched

wider whole, not a little island,” he said.

Councillor Tony Fowler said that a proper speed camera was needed, and the prosecution of HGV operators using Greengate Lane.

It was agreed that as a first step, representatives from the city council and county council be invited to a public meeting to hear the parish’s concerns and to consider potential measures to address the impact of the development on local roads.

proudly in a circular route from School Lane car park, past the triangle and up to the church.

“Birstall Parish Council took the lead in organising this event, working with partner organisations to ensure that all went well on the day.

“Following comments from residents, small changes were made so that the two-minute silence was observed at the memorial, instead of inside the church. Wreaths were laid to honour those who gave their lives in war and conflict.

"It is heartening to see

our young people involved in this special event. Long may it continue.”

A46BYPASS

ASHTON

GREEN RD

GREENGATE LANE

BIRSTALL

HALLAM FIELDS SCHOOL

ASHTON GREEN

Pic: the site identified for development in Leicester City’s Local Plan

Pic: Revd Amanda Digman led the act of Remembrance at Birstall War memorial on November 11

Awarm welcome at Birstall’s ‘warm spaces’

‘WARM SPACES’ in Birstall are now open, giving residents a warm, comfortable and sociable space to spend time during the cost of living crisis.

The Birstall Methodist coffee shop warm space is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 12.30pm. Refreshments are served free from 10 am till noon.

The facility has been organised by Julie Tinley. She said: “Come in for a Warm welcome, meet your friends or make new ones. There is also a quiet

space where you can sit and read or do a puzzle, if you prefer. We also have the lounge open with Wi-Fi if you want to plug in your laptop for work or to shop in there.”

There is tech advice once a month if you want to find out how to make the most of your computer or tablet, and a careers advisor is also available once a month.

The coffee shop warm space is open

until December 23 and then reopens on January 3. It is located on Wanlip Lane, opposite Riverside School, and has been supported by a £600 grant from Birstall Parish Council.

For more details, or if you would like to support the project, contact Julie

Tinley on (07768) 132036 or julietinley@yahoo.co.uk

With the help of Birstall United football club, The Helping Our Community group have opened and sponsored a warm space at the football club’s building on Meadow Lane. You can drop in between 1–6 pm on Thursdays, Fridays

or Sundays for a warm drink and biscuits, and even watch the World Cup.

St James’ church on Church Hill will be opening as a ‘warm space’ on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 12.30-6.30pm. Free tea and coffee, biscuits and warm soup will be available.

Pics: (top) John & Pat Towson serving at the Methodist Coffee Shop Warm Space (also pictured top & bottom right)

Pics: (above) the Methodist Coffee shop; (right) St James’ church; BUTD Football club

HATS’ PANTO had audiences on their feet, dancing and singing along at the end of their show, Treasured Island, performed at Birstall Social Club in November.

Sue Withers from HATS said: “The HATS members are still buzzing from the

excitement and the tremendous reviews from our audiences.

“The audience loved our surprise characters. Daisy the cow had the moves of a diva, dancing and making her views known throughout the performances. Then there was Coral the mermaid, sitting on a rock surprising the pirates and the crew, and singing about her love of fish and chips. The pirates were deviously trying to find the treasure whilst Jim Hawkins fell in love and got married.”

The script was written by two HATS members, Elaine Hunt and Phill Walton.

Reviews left by the audience on social media included: “ Fantastic panto! Brill script, cast, music. It had it all. Five stars”.

“Well done everyone, brilliant produc-

tion, excellent sets and absolutely gorgeous costumes, such a laugh”.

“What an awesome performance, loved every minute. Congrats !!”.

“Fantastic performance. A perfect pantomime”.

Have a look at some of the pictures and short video clips on HATS Facebook page, Facebook.com/hatsamdram

Sue said: “We are now looking forward to our next production, which will be our Spring Play. Put the dates in your diary now, May 17-19, 2023. Look out for further details. We hope you will all come and support us again whilst enjoying another fabulous show. See you all soon folks. Oh yes we will.”

The sum of £266 was donated to the

Birstall “Pay it Forward” initiative from the Panto raffle and Birstall Gala raffle.

Pics: (Left)Fond of fish & chips - Coral the Mermaid; (above) the cast of Treasured Island

Black

students celebrate success

NINE STUDENTS from Birstall Tae Kwon Do Club have successfully passed their grading this November, giving them the chance to learn even more about the martial art.

Tae Kwon Do is an ancient Korean martial art which uses kicking, punching, blocking and other techniques as a form of self-defence.

Five of the local club’s students travelled to their grading in Daventry in hope of being promoted to their next degree black belt, while four students – already first-degree black belts, aimed for their next star in the star grade system which is set up for young black belts below the age of 16.

Father and son duo at Birstall Tae Kwon Do Club, Chris and Henry Smith, have achieved their first-degree black belt together after training at Riverside Primary School for eight years.

Henry, now 16, first started training a when he was eight years old and has since gone on to take part in several training events and competitions in the Midlands.

His dad Chris said: “Henry was keen to get involved with something energetic, so he tried Tae Kwon Do and he really enjoyed it - so much so that I ended up joining in as well! Now, we have both just been awarded our black belts.

“It's been a long journey with one or two knocks on the way, but I am so pleased we have done it together. The club has a great family atmosphere and we have made some new friends on the way.”

He added: “We are very grateful to our instructors Mr Freer and Karen Freer for the dedication they show for the club and for sticking with us to get us both this far.”

Alongside Chris and Henry, Freya Cousins (11) and Emily Beaumont (13) have soared to success in being promoted to first-degree black belts. Both youngsters started when they were five (Freya) and seven (Emily) respectively giving them the chance to grow confidence and develop new skills from a young age.

As students progress through the grading system, they learn more about the origins, language and history of the art. Ekhum Dhesi (12), Arun Patel (15), Rayan Rajput (13) and Anya Thakkar (13) have been busy studying alongside school in the recent months to ensure they

achieved their next star.

The club’s final success of the group was Pete Flynn, who was successfully promoted to second-degree black belt after more than two years are hard work and intense training.

With these latest achievements, Birstall Tae Kwon Do now has 19 black belts that have progressed since their doors opened in September 2015.

The club practices under the Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain which has over 20,000 members.

Birstall Tae Kwon Do is run by fourthdegree black belts, Andrew Freer and his wife Karen Freer.

The club trains at Riverside Primary School Mondays and Thursdays from 6pm. Beginners are welcome from the age of six.

Pic: (l-r, top row) Chris Smith, Henry Smith, Mr Andrew Freer (Instructor) and Pete Flynn; (l-r, bottom row) Ekhum Dhesi, Emily Beaumont, Freya Cousins and Arun Patel)

Donation to school

OUTSIDE TOYS and knitted teddy bears have been gifted to a local pre-school.

Louise Webster, from the Wanlip pre-school on Sibson Road, said: “The

staff and children would like to say a massive thank you to Rosie Rollings from the Helping Our Community LE4 fund, and to Jane from the scrubs knitting group, who kindly donated the toys and beautiful teddies for the children, the children have loved exploring the outside area and the new toys are giving them hours of fun and learning.”

Pics: Items donated to the Wanlip Pre-school

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

treme it ravages the mind and body. It is spreading through towns and villages, targeting children under five.

For many families in East Africa, climate change is devastating lives, wiping out homes, crops and animals. While rising food prices mean for many, there’s little in the market they can afford to buy, putting millions of children in S.A.M.’s deadly grip.

Thursday December 8, 2022, will be Save the Children's 11th Christmas Jumper Day!

This year, the UK government promised to give the same amount as you give (match funding). Every time you give £2 to Save the Children, they give £2.

Help to make the world better with a sweater. More details are available from christmasjumperday.org

Josephine Burgess

Volunteer Speaker and Local Community Coordinator, Save the Children

Save the Children Dining room

On Wednesday November 9, the White Horse hosted a lunch in aid of Save the Children. Thanks are due to Jim, Charlotte and the staff for providing not only the tasty meal but for their generosity in helping raise £625. This will help with some of Save the Children’s current efforts in the Horn of Africa. Children living in East Africa are on the brink of one of the worst famines in 40 years. Right now, more than 2 million children in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan are in the grip of S.A.M. (severe acute malnutrition). A hunger so ex-

You may have noticed that to the rear of the White Horse we are building a new dining room to increase and enhance the current provision at the site.

This has taken substantially longer than expected in part due to availability of raw materials post Covid and in particular the steel frame.

Work has currently ceased due to identification of unexpected foundation requirements for the new building (following excavation) for which we are seeking professional advice on how best to resolve the matter.

Once we have the advice we will recommence completion of the project and anticipate this will be in early 2023. Disruption to the main building will be maintained to a minimum so it's business as usual for the time being.

In the meantime I hope you will bear with us and look forward (as do we) to the completion of the new dining and function room.

I am sure our tenants Jim and Charlotte will continue to provide you with an excellent experience and have exciting plans for the new building once we hand it over.

David Davies Trust Inns Limited

Medical centre

There was a letter in the November Birstall Post suggesting that Greengate Medical Centre were expanding their premises because of “greed”.

Our growing community needs to have healthcare facilities that will meet the demand, and I for one am pleased and grateful that Greengate Medical Centre is having the extra investment it needs to provide more services.

I Green

Civic service

On Sunday October 16, 2022 Birstall Parish Council held its Civic Service and Lunch. The service was hosted by Rev Paula Hunt at Birstall’s Methodist Church. This was followed by lunch in the Village

Hall. We were pleased that the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Jennifer Tillotson was able to join us.

Birstall Parish Council holds this annual event in order to recognise and thank those people who give their time so freely to our community. The range of activities and services they provide are varied and well used. It is a great source of pride that Birstall has so many willing and committed volunteers.

It was Birstall Parish Council’s great pleasure to welcome representatives from fifteen groups and organisations. The event connects these wonderful people with each other and Parish Councillors who attend. It is both an excellent networking opportunity and a thoroughly enjoyable occasion.

Cllr Ann Marshall Chair of Birstall Parish Council

DespairAs a Birstall resident I despair at the waste of public resources and lack of vision shown by our council. The most horrific decision, as pointed out by recent contributors to this paper, is the disastrous vote to reject a free offer of a speed activated safety camera on Greengate Lane. An ill-informed casting vote means that this will not be installed. We can only hope that there will never be an injury, or worse, from a traffic accident resulting from this selfish decision. My faith lies in the minority of caring and intelligent councillors who continue to pursue an accountable and democrat-

ic body to benefit the residents of our village. At all levels of public office, care and compassion should triumph over ego and ignorance.

Dave Thomas

Here at Royal Voluntary Service, we are all too aware of the difficulties that many local readers might be facing as we head deeper into another challenging winter.

As a charity, we have recently undertaken research into how the current cost of living crisis is affecting the health and wellbeing of our communities, and the stark findings are a sobering reminder that there are some very vulnerable people out there.

With the support of our friends at Yakult, together we have created the Stay Safe Warm and Well guide, which is a handy booklet full of tips and advice to support people through the challenges of the winter ahead.

I would like to invite your readers to download or order a physical copy of the useful guide, by visiting: royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/safe-warmwell or by calling us on 0800 731 9197.

The booklet includes vital information such as money saving tips, the latest NHS advice on flu and Covid, how to keep active and eat a healthy diet, how to ensure your home is gas safe, who to call in a power emergency, contacts for mental health support, and where to find essential NHS contact details.

If your readers find the content helpful, we’d like to encourage them to please also share the guide with a loved one, friend, neighbour, or anyone who might be looking for a little extra support at this time of year.

Sam Ward OBE Deputy CEO at

Royal Voluntary Service

Noticeboard

all details printed free

Birstall United

December fixtures: 10/12/22 Harrowby United League

• assistance of a trained Care Assistant

• a private bath with greater comfort, safety and dignity

The cost of a bath (up to 1 hour): £5 (Birstall & Wanlip residents) £7 (people living outside of the area

The service is available at St James Day Centre, the Village Hall, Birstall Rd from 09:30am-1:30pm Monday to Thursday by appointment

For more information please call Val on 0116 267 7023

Free Concert of Seasonal Music

This is our last meeting this year. We restart on Mon January 16, 2023 when we will be doing easy keep fit with Kathryn

Birstall Tea Dances

St James, Birstall Village Hall

Birstall Road

Leicester LE4 4DH Christmas Dance

Friday December16th 2022

3.30pm - 5.30pm £5 each

Tea / coffee, cakes & Mince Pies available

Please wear Red if possible All welcomed

Churches Together Carol singing around Birstall

We are meeting on Wed December 14 at 6pm on the green space outside Greengate Medical Centre. All three churches will be walking together around some of the Gates Estate singing carols. We may also walk some parts of the Goscote Estate, depending upon our number of volunteers. As we walk we will be stopping under streetlamps, and at front doors for anyone willing to listen to us

Age UK Birstall Bathing Service

Is it difficult to get in and out of the bath?

Our bathing service offers: • a specialised bath with mechanical seat transfer

at Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane

Wednesday December 7, 1.152.15pm

Ratby Daytime Band Conductor: Ian Bartram Seasonal entertainment for your pleasure.

No Admission Charge – All Welcome (If you cannot make the start time please still join us, entering between ‘numbers’).

Voluntary Donations to be divided equally between Birstall Methodist Church and Ratby Daytime Band Fund

December programme for The Monday Group at Birstall Methodist Church coffee shop at 730pm: Mon 5th December - Christmas decorations with Marjorie and Margaret. Mon 12th December- Christmas party.

Further information contact: Jackie 0116 2248278 / 07908607405 Email: jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

Charnwood Group of The Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 7.30pm

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall

The "Eyes" have it!

Dave Robinson will introduce us to the amazing world of vision, defensive colouration and eye-mimicry in the animal kingdom.

Admission is £2.50 for LRWT members, £3 for visitors, children free

Cedar Care Circle

Hi everyone. Our meetings for December are Monday the 12th and Monday 19th, at Brunchies Cafe Hallam Fields Road Birstall, 1pm. We are a very friendly informal group. Offering support and friendship to carers and cared for

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

Heating can be Dangerous

As fuel costs have risen, many of us may be looking to alternative ways of heating our homes. Methods used in the past that have been abandoned in favour of modern central heating are being brought back into use to heat single rooms.

Fireplaces that have become only decorative features are being brought back into use to burn coal and wood but can pose serious dangers. The Fire Services are warning that chimneys that have not been swept for years may not function properly and can easily catch fire when used again.

Even worse, chimneys that are blocked, even partially, can cause a build up of invisible and odourless carbon monoxide gas that can kill.

If you want to reuse a chimney that has not been swept in the last twelve months, it is very important to get it swept and checked by a qualified person first. You should also fit carbon monoxide detectors in each room with a fireplace to be sure that your health is never at risk from the gas.

Paraffin heaters carry the same risk if they have not been maintained properly.

Those stored for years in the loft or garden shed may no longer be in a state from which they can be made safe. Apart from the carbon monoxide risk, they may have corrosion that allows leaks leading to serious house fires.

Electric fires that have also been stored away should be checked carefully before use, preferably by a qualified electrician.

It is important that the cable and plug are not damaged and that the correct fuse is fitted. Accumulated dirt, dust and dead insects can easily catch fire and cause much wider damage. If it is some time since we have used these heating methods, we may have forgotten the basic safety rules. Never use an open fire without a fireguard, especially when there are children around. Never position portable heaters close to items that might catch fire if they get too hot. Radiators get hot but electric fires and heaters that use live flames can get very much hotter.

Phone Not Working?

If you have recently lost your mobile signal you may have been the victim of a ‘SIM Swap’ where fraudsters transfer your number to their own phone. They then intercept your calls and SMS messages to try to get your personal details.

While your phone will appear offline to you, your number will still be live to the rest of the world.

If this happens tell your mobile phone provider straight away.

Latest Scam Variation

If you get a message similar to this (not necessarily from HSBC) then be very careful. It is just a variation on an old scam designed to steal your money.

Banks and other organisations are encouraging us to use Two Factor Authorisation to keep our sensitive data better protected. One method used is to send a One Time Passcode by text or email that has to be entered on the log‐in screen. If it is not entered correctly you cannot log in.

If you get a message like this when you are not expecting it, there is no need to panic but NEVER contact the sender using the number or email address they supply.

Their aim is to frighten you into believing that you have to act immediately to stop money being taken from your account. They will then ask you to give them the very information they need to steal from you. They are very plausible and good at what they do. Even if they are successful in only a very small number of attempts, they can make a lot of money.

Instead, always contact the organisation the message claims to be from on a trusted number you have received directly from them (on a statement or card, for example). If you do not have any business or accounts with that organisation, it definitely is a scam that should be ignored.

Never give any of your details or transfer any of your money to unknown people who contact you out of the blue, no matter who they claim to be.

who are living with dementia. We understand how isolating caring 24/7 can be. I hope that you come and see us. Contact me, Barbara, on 07905760556 if you'd like to chat

Rothley & Birstall Birdwatchers

Meet at 7.30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR (free car parking available)

Tues Jan 10th " Birds of Leicestershire with sound recordings" by Carl Baggott

Membership £15pa. Talks free to members but if you just want to come and listen, come as a visitor for just £3

Birstall Royal British Legion Club

Front Street, Birstall

All old and new members will be very welcome

Bingo every Tuesday starting at 9pm

Bottle bingo Tuesday 20th Acoustic night Sunday 18th Quizzes every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9pm Music quiz Friday 23rd Pool tables at only 50p Saturday Entertainment

3rd Kimika (duo)

17th Sarah Sheldon (female vocalist)

New Years Eve Glitter Sisters (trio)

Free entry for members and £5 for guests (membership cards must be shown)

Open bank holiday Monday and Tuesday 12 till 6pm

Room hire available for Wakes please contact us for further information.

The Committee and staff would like to wish all our members a Merry Christmas and Happy New year

Councillor Drop-in Surgery

Saturday 3rd December 10.3011.30am at the Robert Dickinson Building, 10 Sibson Road, Birstall, (Next to the car park and opposite the Garden Centre)

Leicestershire County Councillor Dan Grimley, and Charnwood Borough Councillors, will be attending. The surgery gives local residents the opportunity to come and discuss local issues relating to either the Borough or the County Council. Local issues include local planning, schools, roads etc. These may be general issues or issues affecting an individual or group of residents.

Christmas Concert

Sunday 4 December, 2pm and 4pm Highcross Shopping Centre Leicester Symphony Orchestra with Leicester Cathedral Choir & audience carols

A great family concert for all ages, includes, Nativity Carol, Christmas Overture, Sleigh Ride, excerpts from Nutcracker, & many others. £5 adults, £2 children, tickets from:

www.leicestersymphonyorchestra. co.uk

Birstall Parish Council Christmas Event & Craft Fair

Friday, 9 December 2022

Visit Santa in the Birstall Village Hall between 4.30 and 6.30pm, £1 per child. (Free gift included)

The Christmas Craft Fair and fairground attractions will be on Sibson Road Car Park from 4.30pm onwards

Free Tea, Coffee, Mulled Wine and Mince Pies in the Village Hall

Table Tennis Fun

A table tennis group that plays at Highcliffe Junior School is looking for new members.

The group enjoys weekly sessions at the Elmfield Avenue building on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm9pm, with the emphasis on fun. Players of all abilities are welcomed to join. Anyone interested can contact organiser John Stevens on 0116 2674241

The Rothley History Society

The Society meets on the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month at 7.30pm at The Rothley Centre. Our speakers are many and varied on both local and country wide historical topics.

We are looking forward to welcoming new members in 2023 as well as seeing current members once again.

Our first meeting of the New Year will be on Wednesday January 18. For further information email: maryselina@hotmail.co.uk

Saturday December 10th 'Music for the Little Child'

at Trinity Methodist Church,

Continued on page 12

Loughborough.

A Christmas concert at 7.30pm by the award winning international choir and Sainsbury's Choir of the Year winners, 'Choros Amici.' Tickets, £10.

For reservations, please contact chorosamici.co.uk or 0116 2675518 or on the door

You are most welcome to join us for our

Christmas Carol Service

Sunday December 11, 2022 at 10.45am

Traditional carols, the message of Christmas, followed by tea/coffee and time for a chat

Venue: The Day Centre, The Village Hall, Birstall Road, (junction with School Lane) Birstall (LE4 4DH)

Birstall Independent Baptist Church

Enquiries: 0116 221 4883 www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk

Boulot Dodo. This 20 minute special Christmas edition projection has a distinctly festive twist!

See the range of rotating seasonal murals from 4.30pm – 10.30pm daily.

Friday 11 November – Monday 2

January 23

Jubilee Square Christmas Wheel of Light

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Leicester’s Christmas lights from the 110-ft Ferris wheel.

Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth on site. A ride is approximately 8 to 10 minutes.

There are 24 covered gondolas, each seating 6 people. Wheelchair access is available to one of the gondolas – assistance will be provided for anyone using this gondola.

Prices: Standard £7

Small child (under 1.4m) £5

Family (2 adults + 2 Children or 1 adult + 3 children) £20

Times: Mon – Thurs: 11am – 9pm

super off-peak times. Off-peak tickets will cost £10 for adults and £8.50 for children/concessions. Standard price tickets will cost £12 for adults and £9.50 for children/concessions.

Open from 10am* – 10pm (last session starts at 9pm). On Christmas Eve the last skate session will be at 6pm and ends at 7pm.

*On 1, 2, 5, 9, 12 and 16 December the rink will open at 11am

Charnwood Orchestra

New Year celebration

Vienna and Beyond January 14 2023, 7:30pm

Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8JU

The concert will be a mix of Viennese Waltz's and Polkas mixed with classical favourites, including amongst others;

Sibelius Finlandia, Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte

noon

Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop Wanlip Lane, Birstall

Come and meet your friends or make new ones, or bring your laptop and work in the lounge

Birstall Theatre Company Presents

Jack & The Beanstalk

Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th February 2023

3 December – Saturday 24 December

Saturday

Green Dragon Square

Paint to Pixel Christmas Edition

Free Event

See Leicester’s Green Dragon Square in a whole new light, as it is transformed into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour.

A spectacular moving projection of 3D animated murals will transform the space into an illuminated wonderland, as it is projected into the square in this impressive, large-scale artwork presented by BID Leicester and created by Metro

Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm Sun: 11am – 9pm

Smetana Dance of the Comedians from ‘The Bartered Bride’ Blue Danube

Thunder and Lightning Polka Radetzky March

Evenings 7:30pm, Saturday Matinee 2.30pm Cedars Academy, Palmer Tomkinson Centre, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4 4GH

Advanced Purchase: Adults £8.50

Thursday

1 December – Monday 2 January

23

Jubilee Square Jubilee Square Ice Rink

2022 will see the return of the 680 square-metre real ice rink to Jubilee Square. With its clear roof, skaters can show off their best moves, come rain or shine, under the Christmas wheel of light. Skate hire and a 45-minute session on the ice will cost just £5 at

Tickets: The Orchestra website tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

Taylor’s Florist, 17 High Street, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8PY

At the door, cash payments only £14 (£12 concessions)

£5 -18s and under or NUS member www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

Children (Under 14) £6.50

Pay on the night: Adults £10

Children (Under 14) £8

Tickets can be booked and collected from: Nando’s Gents Hairdressers, Birstall,with payment either by cash, card or BACS transfer Or Box Office contact no: 07724 362975

Girlguiding open day at

GIRLGUIDING BIRSTALL hosted an open day at their Johnson Road headquarters to celebrate their newly extended premises and mark the 90th anniversary of Girlguiding in Birstall.

Visitors enjoyed cakes, stalls and a display of guiding memorabilia and looked around the new Jubilee Room, built at the back of the premises on the site of a battery storage building that was used when the site was a telephone exchange.

Jill Smith (64) remembers when the building was

She said: “Guiding has been a huge part of my life. As a leader, it's about showing girls how to be better people, to have compassion and be caring, and of course having fun, at camps and with all the activities we do. To be a part of that has been amazing.”

acquired by the Girl Guides – her father did all the electrical work and she joined as a Brownie, aged 10. She eventually became a

leader, and then Brown Owl.

Pics: Eva Mulholland (8) at the entrance to the Jubilee Room; Brownie leaders Helen Sibson (left) and Marie Upton serving cakes

Pics: Jill Smith with Liliana Clark-Monks (7); (below) Jill presenting certificates; the Girlguiding HQ on Johnson Road

Pic: Planting trees at the Johnson Road HQ, in memory of the late Shirley Noble, District Assistant & Brownie Guider, Jan 19, 1974

NHW news & crime report

Burglar Claus

This is the time of year when we spend a lot more than usual buying presents for our friends and loved ones. However, there are thieves out there who will try to make you into their Santa Claus! As the current cost of living crisis develops the risk of theft is rising with it.

We will have valuable items sitting in our homes ready to be wrapped in seasonal gift paper. They are very attractive to thieves because, brand new and in their original packaging, they are easy to sell on. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people prepared to get their (your!) presents on the cheap. Since most burglaries are not planned but committed when the opportunity arises, there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself and your family from having your festivities spoilt.

Always take extra care to ensure that your home is secure and that it appears occupied when you are out. It is simple to leave a radio playing quietly and to put a couple of table lamps on timer switches that come on as it gets dark. This uses some energy but very little if you use modern LED bulbs.

Check that all doors and windows are closed and fully locked. Always turn on your burglar alarm, if you have one.

Do not leave valuable items where they can be seen from outside by a thief who is out ‘window shopping’ for presents. Hide them away from prying eyes.

BIRSTALL PARISH COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

27.5 HOURS PER WEEK

Salary Scale 5/SCP 12: £22,571 Per annum, [£16,776 pro-rated]

Birstall Parish Council is a busy and expanding Parish Council and are looking for someone to undertake general administration duties.

The hours of work are 9am—2:30pm, Monday to Friday

The successful applicant must be customer focused, enthusiastic and must be PC literate.

The Job Description, Person Specification and an Application form is available to download from the Parish Councils website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk

or by contacting the office on 0116 267 6191

or by emailing: admin@birstallpc.org.uk

The closing date for applications is: 3pm – Tuesday, 3 January 2023

When you have unwrapped your presents, do not advertise them to the world by leaving the original packaging on view outside. Thieves have been known to take the packaging from the recycling put out for collection and then come back another time to steal their contents from the house. This makes it easier for them to sell on as new. Always cut the packaging into smaller pieces and put them into your recycling bin out of sight from passers-by.

Valuable items can be registered with the Police-supported Immobilise UK Property Register at: www.immobilise.com

If you are offered items ‘on the cheap’ for cash by strangers, you should suspect that they might be stolen. Please tell the Police about it by dialling 101.

If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can give the information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please enjoy a crime-free holiday and make sure that your presents get to the people who deserve them.

From Ed Chambers, Committee Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip NHW

THROUGHOUT OCTOBER the beat team have conducted high visibility patrols around Birstall and Wanlip engaging with members of the public and offering crime safety advice and reassurance.

We have continued to patrol areas affected by antisocial behaviour, including School Lane playing field. Following the departure of PCSO Ellie Holland we are pleased to welcome PCSO Nuala Sherlock to the team. Nuala is due to start work on the beat near the end of November and we look forward to having her as part of the team.

November Priorities

Anti-social behaviour: Patrols are being conducted around School Lane Park, the Co-op on Wanlip Lane and Greengate Lane in relation to antisocial behaviour, including the use of e-scooters and off road motorbikes. Patrols are also taking place around Birstall services where ASB is emerging at KFC.

Drugs: The beat team are continuing to develop intelligence to tackle this issue alongside the Neighbourhood Priority Team at Loughborough.

Road safety: Speed checks in Birstall and Wanlip, focusing on highlighted areas of concern.

Crime Update During September a total of 40 crimes were recorded on the Birstall

and Wanlip Beat.

During the month of October 2022, Birstall and Wanlip have had a total of 58 crimes.

Violence against the person (including domestic related incidents) x33, burglary ×4, robbery x1, theft from motor vehicle x4, other theft offences x5, shoplifting ×2, public order x8, criminal damage x1.

For further crime information please visit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ Crime prevention advice

Protect your home against opportunist burglars by remembering to ‘lock up, lights on’.

Dark evenings can provide perfect cover for burglars who can easily spot an open window in an unoccupied room, see your valuables through open curtains or blinds, or try their luck with an unlocked door while you're distracted by fireworks.

Try to make your house look as occupied as possible when you are not there.

Don't leave your house and vehicle keys in the lock or on a side table in view of a window making it easy for a thief to fish them through your letterbox

Don't leave Items in open porches that could be used to enter your home, for example, curved-handled umbrellas to open doors or keys through letterboxes

Always lock your front door from inside - in particular UPVC front doors that have handles, as they are often left unlocked when people are in their house. Burglars know this!

Check your UPVC or Euro cylinder door lock to see if it is snap resistant. It should be stamped with a three star Kite Mark. If it is not, you can get the lock changed to either a SS312 Diamond

Approved Cylinder, TS007 3 Star Kitemarked Cylinder, or a 1 Star Cylinder with 2 Star handle for maximum protection.

Cancel newspapers and milk if you're going away for a few days and ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property, pushing post sticking out of the letterbox inside fully

A message from the Beat Team

We would like to welcome PCSO Nuala Sherlock to the Birstall and Wantip beat team. Nuala brings with her experience of working within one of Loughborough Town centres busiest beats and will be an excellent addition to the team.

Although she is not due to start until later in the month she has already received a comprehensive handover from Ellie Holland and PC Crane.

We would also like to take this opportunity to advise anybody attending any events over the coming days and weeks to be respectful to other residents when it comes to parking and avoid blocking drives or blocking roads to larger emergency service vehicles.

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

Pic: Birstall Beat Team (l-r) PS Alice Forfar, PC Rob Crane, PCSO Nuala Sherlock

Helping our community

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

Chris Morgan has resigned from the council, having moved away from the village.

It was reported that Nuala Sherlock is Birstall‘s new Police Community Support Officer.

It was agreed to provide an annual grant of £5500 for the Birstall bathing service. Run by Age UK at the day centre in the village hall, the service provides assisted bathing for people with mobility problems. It operates on Mondays and Tuesdays between 9 am and 3 pm.

The council agreed in principle to lease a pick-up truck for the estate's team, instead of purchasing.

The council agreed in principle to the erection of two plaques to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The wording, colour and location of the plaques are yet to be finalised.

Councillors considered information received from ‘Live & Local’, an organisation that provides live theatre, music, storytelling and dance in village halls or schools. Comment was made that it was a good idea, but would need a commitment from councillors to be a success. Four councillors volunteered to get involved, and it was agreed the best way forward was to consult the local community to find out if there was a demand, and to ask for volunteers to help.

It was agreed to award a grant of £500 to the Methodist lunch club for seasonal celebrations and special occasions.

It was agreed to provide a venue for the East Midlands ambulance service to deliver CPR training.

Councillors considered the provision of the youth facility that is provided at the pavilion on the School Lane playing field and delivered by contractors Young Leicestershire. There is concern about

low numbers attending, which in October ranged from 4–14 per session, and the lack of any visible publicity for the youth café. The annual cost to the council is £15,419, but Young Leicestershire has requested £16,742 for next year. Staff have left, and vacancies for youth workers have been advertised but remain unfilled. Comment was made that Young Leicestershire need to inform the council what they are doing to promote the youth café, and why staff are leaving. It was agreed to ask for answers from Young Leicestershire and to invite them to a meeting of the council.

Leicester City Council’s Local Plan contains a proposal to build 660 homes off Greengate Lane, and a 1200 place school. Councillors considered how they could respond. Comment was made that it would be pointless to object, and what the council needed to focus on was pressing for mitigation measures, to address the impact on local roads, and that the developers would pay for.

It was agreed to invite representatives from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council to a public meeting to listen to the parish’s concerns and to consider potential measures to address the impact of the development on local roads.

It was reported that the developer Jelson Homes has agreed to create an access from the Harrowgate Drive playing field to Hallam Fields country park and that Charnwood Borough Council has agreed to accept this.

It was reported that Parish Council premises could be made available on Thursdays and Fridays as a ‘warm space’, subject to the take up of the scheme at Birstall Methodist Church.

Councillor Julian Howe reported a damaged fence that was leaning over the access path to Watermead Country Park that runs between houses on Worcester Avenue.

It was great to see so many of our local crafters and people enjoying cakes

Helping

our Community LE4 Birstall

Warm Packs

St Theresa’s crafters have been selling items after their services and have raised £150, which has been donated for items towards the “warm hug” packs. Thank you to St Theresa’s.

The pack consists of a throw, knitted or crocheted lap blanket, cup soups, hot chocolate, treats, gloves, hat, socks and a hot water bottle. If you know of anyone struggling to keep warm, let us know.

Warm Space

The “Warm space” initiative is all over the country, and there’s a community warm space at the Methodist church, which has been supported with a grant from Birstall Parish Council. Anyone can call in to keep warm and have free tea and cake.

The Helping Our Community group have, with the help of Birstall United Football Club on Meadow Lane, opened and sponsored a “warm space” at the

club. Pop in and have a warm drink and biscuits and even get to watch the World Cup. Open Thur, Fri & Sun, 1-6pm.

Warm spaces are used for many reasons: warmth keeping the bills down, warmth from companionship, and also being more environmentally conscious. Children are welcome.

Christmas Dinners

We have launched our #payitforward Christmas Dinners, supported again by Ruth Senescall. If you are in the fortunate position to be able to pay £14 for someone who would otherwise go without, a dinner will have a three-course meal and will be delivered on Christmas Eve to reheat. This has been very popular over the last three years. If you can help, or know someone alone, please get in touch.

Last year we supported a local family in need at Christmas this year. Sadly that number has increased to potentially five families. We hope, with the help of the community, to make Christmas for them.

We will also be making our Christmas hampers to distribute in the communities. For more information, call 0789 499 5164.

Thank you to the community for your continued support. If you are a group or organisation in Birstall that needs help, we would love to support you. All money raised goes back into Birstall.

From Rosie Rollings, Helping Our Community

THE ADMIN team were very pleased with the Christmas Fete at the Village Hall in November, over £1000 was raised.

from our local bakers.

Pic: Maria Capell at the Christmas fete

A FAMILY fireworks display has raised £1383 for a Motor Neurone disease charity.

Each year the Rollings family from Birstall hold a fireworks display at Swithland. The private display was sponsored by Iain Bentley, of Bentleys Garden Buildings.

Rosie Rollings said: “This year, we held it for MND. This terrible disease touched our family when our dear friend Stuart Preston was diagnosed. Stuart has lived in Birstall most of his life, along with travelling the world. There has been great awareness raised by Kevin Sinfield. We spoke to Stuart, and he said he would like the funds to go to the local Leicestershire and Rutland MND Association. Without the generosity of Iain Bentley, none of this would have been possible.”

£1383 was raised on the night in voluntary donations.

A further £100 was raised by Sandra Melbourne, who held a "Splat the Rat" stand at the village Christmas fair.

named the branch as their charity of the year and will collect funds over the coming months, with the main event being a coffee morning for all.

Paul Wilcock, from the MND branch, said: “We are so grateful for the support received and appreciate the hard work that people have undertaken to raise funds that will totally be used to help people in our area who are living with MND and to raise awareness of this dreadful disease. National coverage has been high and hopefully these funds raised will lead to a cure, but money raised for the branch is used directly to assist with support and equipment for local people. Thank you for all the support.

If you would like to donate or are considering raising funds, please contact Paul on paw774@gmail.com

Birstall

Eight Birstall teams competed, with 84 teams playing in total. Teams were guaranteed four matches, and three Birstall rinks qualified for the last 16, with the rink of Jan and Rick Everitt and Di and John Hurst reaching the semifinal. “This fantastic break included great food, superb entertainment and plenty of activities to do throughout the day,” said a club spokesman.

Meanwhile, the club recently donated £1409 to Wishes 4 Kids, the chosen charity of this year’s Presidents Lesley Powell and Dave Amey. The local charity grants wishes for children and young people in Leicestershire who are life limited, terminally ill, have experienced life-changing physical or emotional traumas, or have suffered major abuse. The money will go to a 13-year-old boy to enable him and his family to enjoy a

four-day all expenses paid holiday to Centre Parcs in Suffolk.

The money was raised from several events, including a coffee morning, bingo night, posh frock bowls match and quizzes, and a contribution from members Liz and Jim Marshall, who made and sold greeting cards. There were also donations from Birstall members and bowlers from opposing clubs.

More information about the charity can be found at www.wishes4kids.co.uk. For more information about the club, visit the website www.birstallbowlingclub.co.uk or search for the club’s page on Facebook.

Pics: (top) Birstall bowlers at Potters Resort; (below) Paul McKenna from Wishes 4 Kids receives the cheque from Birstall President Dave Amey

Birstall Methodist Monday Group has

Pics: (left) Rosie Rollings with Stuart Preston; (above) the Splat the Rat stand at the Village Hall

A COUPLE of weeks after the outdoor season finished, bowlers from Birstall Bowling Club visited Potters Resort in Norfolk for a five-day all-inclusive bowls break.

SPONSORSHIP offers at Birstall United Football Club have generated over £10k.

“This has been essential to keep the club functioning and improving, on and off the pitch,” said club spokesman Paul Blake-Smith.

The club is offering a reduced rate for its ‘100 club’ membership until the end of the season, now priced at £80.

The ‘Birstall Utd 100 Club’ will be limited to 100 members only and will provide these benefits:

Gold membership card with a unique number

Free entrance to all home league matches

One match day sponsor per season, including programme advertising

Reduced rate on pitch-side advertising

Entry into monthly members prizedraw for £20 bar credit

Sponsor and networking day, including guests

Name or business name on the ‘100 Club’ clubhouse board Club news

A bumper crowd watched Birstall United narrowly defeated 1-0 by Wolverhampton side ‘Wulfrunions FC’ in the FA Vase, with a late disallowed Birstall goal.

The club has received sponsorship of

both stands this season: from ‘BJB Hire Ltd’ and ‘Peritus Learning & Recruitment Ltd’.

Local company ‘DVSL Ltd’ has sponsored the first team tracksuits, with local tattoo artist ‘Tara Overton’ sponsoring the first team kit.

The team is currently sitting third in the ‘Uhlsport United Counties League Division 1’ play off places, after an excellent season so far on the pitch.

Paul said: “The record crowds and continued support of the village this season has certainly given the team a massive boost in helping them to their current position.”

Pics: Man of the match Dre Articolo with Match sponsor Jason Kirk of Chips Away Ltd, match sponsors

WREAKE VALLEY Rotary Club is delighted to inform you all that Santa and his Sleigh will be out and about in December in various parts of Birstall.

Our programme (subject to change if bad weather intervenes) is as follows. We have two contingency dates set aside in the event that the weather disrupts our chosen dates, and we would hope to make this known on local village social platforms, where possible.

Starting times are usually from around 4.30pm - 5pm at weekends and 5pm - 5.30pm weekdays (times can vary a little), and we are normally finished by 7.30pm latest.

BIRSTALL PARISH Council has joined with over sixty other Town and Parish Councils, supporting a project to promote hedgehog conservation.

Birstall Parish Council have 50 FREE ‘Hedgehog Highway’ surrounds to give away to residents.

A Hedgehog Highway is a 5” gap in a fence or wall, allowing access for hedgehogs. These gaps are essential in the battle to prevent the extinction of our endangered spiky friends and allows hedgehogs to:

- Forage for food

- Meet mates to breed

- Access nesting sites

To get your free Hedgehog Highway surround, please call into the Parish Council office reception in the Village Hall on Birstall Road. To avoid disappointment please don’t delay, it’s first come first served.

Dalby Avenue and roads in that area. area

Thurs 16th Dec. - BIRSTALL

Kingsgate and roads in that area

Sat 17th Dec. - BIRSTALL

GP PRACTICES

across the country are increasingly working together in local groups called Primary Care Networks (PCN).

These extend existing services to deliver a greater provision of health and social care closer to patients’ homes.

Edmund Chambers, Chairman of the Birstall Medical Centre and Border Drive Surgery Patient Participation Group, has advised that four of our local practices, Birstall Medical Centre and Border Drive Surgery, Greengate Medical Centre, Silverdale Medical Centre and Thurmaston Health Centre, have recently joined together to form the Watermead Primary Care Network.

He said: “Patients remain registered with their own practice and will continue to contact it in the usual way.

“Most issues are still dealt with by their own surgery, but it now has access

22

Our President addressed us, there was a Treasurer’s report, and committee members were voted back for another year.

We finished the evening with some rather difficult quizzes, but they certainly led to lively interaction.

to a wider range of services. Those that may not be available at one practice may be available elsewhere across the PCN.

“The extra services are based at Birstall Medical Centre (BMC) in Whiles Lane but are provided by staff from all four practices. Patients attending for a PCN appointment may be greeted by a receptionist from one practice and seen by a doctor or other health professional from another.

“PCN appointments are available between 6.30pm and 8 pm on Monday to Friday and between 9am and 5pm on Saturday. However, they can only be booked in advance through the patient’s own surgery during its normal opening times.

“When the Centre is open during these times as part of the PCN, the staff will not be able to deal with any other matters relating specifically to Birstall Medical Centre patients.”

We will be decorating a tree for the Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival at the end of November, and in December, we have a trip to Stratford Christmas Market and our Christmas dinner at the Bradgate Arms.

Our last meeting of 2022 will be held on December 5, at 7pm, when Jo Golby will talk to us about ‘Christmas -True Victorian Style’, and we will exchange ‘Secret Santa’ gifts.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

The Cedars elderly people's care home and Hallam Fields area afterwards.

Sun 18th Dec. - BIRSTALL Walnut Avenue and roads in that area, Ambergate, Sandgate, Lyngate, Saltersgate, Broadgate and Castlegate.

LADIES attended Birstall and Wanlip WI’s AGM on November 7 at Birstall Royal British Legion on Front Street.

Charity donations

BIRSTALL BAGs has been fortunate to receive not one but two donations from local groups recently.

Birstall Badminton Club donated £260. Sadly, the club is winding down, but members wanted to donate any money the club had left to three local charities, including BAGs.

Members of BAGs also gave a talk about the charity at the local Bladder Cancer support group that meets at Birstall Golf Club. The group was so impressed they donated £120.

A spokeswoman for Birstall BAGs said: “We are very grateful to these groups, not only for the donation but for recognising the work Birstall BAGs does and the support it offers to local people affected by cancer. The donations will help the charity continue to fund local cancer services and support groups.”

AN ART exhibition staged in Birstall attracted hundreds of visitors.

Birstall and District Art Society held its 27th annual exhibition in the village hall. It was formally opened by Cllr Ann Marshall, Chair of Birstall Parish Council.

“The exhibition was well-attended and the society would like to thank everyone who contributed to its success,” said Meg Grant from BADAS.

The overall winner (Norman Sims Trophy) was awarded to Charlotte Stephenson for ‘Townscape’. The winner of the public vote will be awarded at the AGM in December.

The exhibition winners: Still Life / Abstract & Experimental /

Flowers (Mary Houghton Rose Bowl).

Winner: Trevor Colegate for ‘Gloom with a View’. Highly commended: David Walmsley for ‘Magma’ (judge: Maxine Dodd).

Townscape / Waterscape / Coastal. Winner: Charlotte Stephenson for ‘Townscape’. Highly commended: Sue Phipps for ‘Sunset on the Sand’ (judge: Tim Fisher).

Portraits / Figures / Animals. Winner: Mick Joyce for ‘Blowing in the Wind’. Highly commended: John Lyons for ‘The Labyrinth’ (judge: Amanda Jackson).

Landscape / Gardens. Winner: Scilla Gallop for ‘A Lovely Day’. Highly commended: Margaret Pritchard for ‘A Wintry Scene’ (judge: Lesley Brooks).

Prizewinner Charlotte Stephenson (left) with Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall

News from the churches

FOLLOWING A short Remembrance Day service at the War Memorial on Friday November 11 at 11am, the actual Armistice Day, and attended by a small crowd, Sunday November 13 saw the church full of young and older people, in freshly pressed and ironed uniforms from all branches of our armed services, proudly displaying their badges and medals, and having paraded through Birstall along Birstall Road and Front Street.

After the church service, wreaths were lovingly and respectfully placed on Birstall's War Memorial, and the names of the young men, who were killed in dreadful battles, were remembered.

A simple but heartfelt tribute held in this place that, on this Sunday, was echoed throughout our nation in villages, towns and cities, from the humblest of village churches to the grandest of city cathedrals.

Wars are still raging, however, and as the war in Ukraine continues, so does the need for donations to help those people affected by the conflict in practical ways. St James Church is receiving donations such as toiletries and nourishing foodstuffs, as well as warm clothing, now that winter is upon us. All donations are taken to the Ukraine Centre in Leicester.

The Shoebox Appeal 2022 resulted in 70 boxes being packed and sent off. This is a RECORD!

St James Monday Group, which now meets in the afternoons rather than the evenings (much more acceptable now that the days grow short), thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful slide show at their meeting in November, with the slides set to music chosen by Peter and Barbara Watson, who are also the photographers. The pictures were absolutely stunning, taking us from the Devon coast to the Lake District and through the seasons, and the music atmospheric and beautifully matched to the pictures.

All the congregations of St James, Birstall, and Our Lady and St Nicholas, Wanlip, would like to wish everyone in Birstall and Wanlip a very peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.

From Birstall Parish Churches

Warm space

This is proving to be a remarkable success with increases in the number of visitors as the weeks progress. Don’t worry though, we have not run out of

space or refreshments yet! We are so grateful for the grant from the Parish Council, as this has enabled us to offer all our refreshments for free. Do come along Monday – Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Memorial service

On November 6, we held our memorial service for those who have been bereaved over the last three years. Our minister Rev Hunt presided during the service of hymns and readings, and the names of seventy people were read out from the memorial roll.

Birstall Methodist Church Christmas Festival

At the time of writing, we are all planning for this major event. Some things will be familiar with the decorated Christmas trees in the church from the community, and Santa giving gifts to children. However, we may see less in the way of Christmas lights, partly due to the cost of electricity and in recognition of our raising money for Christians Against Poverty.

Lunch club

On December 7, we will be celebrating in style with a special Christmas lunch with roast turkey, all the trimmings, crackers, raffles & gifts from Santa. Eileen & friends will entertain us with a Christmas sing-along.

Advent services

Each Sunday, we have something different: see the list below, in the Church Diary. The Nativity service will be a specially written drama for children and adults, and it is usually quite lively. The carol service in the evening is a chance to sing many of our favourites and hear the familiar Christmas message.

From Birstall Methodist Church

Christmas and Carol Service

Last month we considered the awaited Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ, when He will leave His home in Glory to bring in His eternal kingdom, and this month we turn to celebrate His First Advent. This occurred some 2000 years ago, when He left His heavenly home to come to earth to save sinful men and women – the incarnation we know as Christmas. Our two hymns this month reflect this ‘heaven-to-earth’ change for the Lord, as He gave up His glory for His people.

Frank Houghton’s ‘Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour, All for love’s

sake becamest poor’ continues to describe the stupendous change with the words: ‘Thrones for a manger didst surrender, Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor’. He continues: ‘Thou who art God beyond all praising, All for love’s sake becamest Man’. Such love demands our response: ‘Thou who art love beyond all telling, Saviour and King, we worship Thee.’ Reverend Houghton was born in 1894 in Stafford and, after training at what is now St. John’s College, Nottingham, entered the ministry in Lancashire. He then felt the call to be a missionary, sailing for China in 1920, where he worked courageously in a land troubled by war and revolution. He saw several of his fellow missionaries martyred but he endured until he was forced out of the country by the Communists. He returned to England and continued to serve the Lord he loved until his death in 1972.

Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliott (18361897) was born in Brighton and later moved to London, becoming the editor of the children’s magazine of the Church Missionary Society. Her hymn, which she wrote for Christmas 1864, begins: ‘Thou didst leave Thy throne And Thy kingly crown, When Thou camest to earth for me’. She then touches upon aspects of the Lord’s earthly life: no room for His birth, no settled home and ending: ‘with mocking scorn … [and] ... crown of thorn, they bore Thee to Calvary’. Her plea at the end of verses 1-3 is: ‘O come to my heart Lord Jesus! There is room in my heart for Thee’ and the final joy in the last verse: ‘Let Thy voice call me home, Saying, “Yet there is room … at My side for thee!”’

You are warmly invited to join us for our traditional Carol Service on December 11, beginning at 10.45am. Details of our other services are in the Diary section. Although the Day Centre is not available over Christmas and New Year we will be meeting over that period, so please ring for venue (0116 2214883). We shall be back there on January 8. We wish all readers a very Happy Christmas.

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

THE ANNUAL Remembrance Mass, organized by the Care Group, was held on November 4.

During this moving service, those who had suffered a bereavement during the past year were invited to light a candle and place a prayer card bearing the name of their loved one on the Remembrance Tree, which remained on the altar for the remainder of November. Other parishioners also added their own

prayer cards for those they had lost in the past. Later in the month, at Masses on Remembrance Sunday, we fell silent for the fallen of the two World Wars and other conflicts, and prayed for true peace throughout the world.

As Advent is now upon us and Christmas fast approaches, our parish activities are taking on a seasonal air. A number of fundraising events have been raising funds which will allow us to donate to several local charities, as well as church funds.

The Whetstone Players recently performed a Murder Mystery Play, which made for a very enjoyable and entertaining evening.

The Craft Group held a table-top sale of hand-made items as well as a raffle. Look out for a certain clergyman sporting a green woolly hat when the wind blows a bit keen!

Our Christmas Bazaar will be held at St Theresa’s on Saturday December 10, from 10am – 2pm. As well as lots of gifts for sale, there will be a Tombola and raffle – and you can listen to carols from our choir whilst you browse. Bring your friends and neighbours!

Christmas concert

The Christmas Concert takes place on Sunday December 18 at 6pm. All are welcome and there will be a collection in aid of charity. There will be the chance to join in well-known carols and also listen to the choir performing carols arranged by Chris Lowe, our musical director. Chris will also be conducting 400 children and musicians at De Montfort Hall on December 2, in the Catholic Schools Carol Concert in aid of Menphys, which supports children with disabilities and their families. Tickets are available through the De Montfort Hall website.

Readings & Carols

There will be a chance to step back from the hurly burly of shopping and gift wrapping and reflect on the real meaning and joy of the Christmas story by coming to our Readings and Carols on Tuesday December 20 at 7pm.

Christmas Nativity

The Christmas Nativity will take place on Christmas Eve at 3pm. The children have been rehearsing diligently under the director-ship of Katie Lowe and they are looking forward to performing the Christmas story for their families.

Mass times for Christmas will be confirmed in the newsletter nearer the time and will also be posted on the parish website, so do please check, particularly for Christmas Eve services.

We wish all our friends and neighbours in the local community a happy, joyful and peaceful Christmas.

From St Theresa’s, Birstall

Family History, genetics and cancer risk

Some people are more likely to develop certain cancers because they have an inherited fault (mutation) in one of their genes. The gene mutation many people have read about in our daily papers is the one affecting our BRCA genes, which can increase women’s risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

Birstall BAGs would like to shine a light on how a fault in your genes can affect your cancer risk.

Our body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Inside every cell is a set of genes. They are the instructions the cell needs to work properly. Sometimes the structure inside a gene is permanently changed, so the gene no longer gives the correct instructions. This change is called a gene mutation.

Some cells in your body develop gene mutations during your lifetime. These are called acquired mutations. It is also possible to have a gene mutation because it passed from one of your parents to you. This is called an inherited mutation.

Eventually, gene mutations in a cell may mean the cell stops working normally. Cancer develops when cells like this can multiply in an abnormal way and grow out of control.

Some inherited mutations make a person more likely to develop certain types of cancer. This means a gene mutation that is linked to cancer may run in a family.

If you inherit a gene mutation like this from one of your parents, it does not mean you have cancer. More damage (acquired mutations) still needs to happen before a cancer can develop. The inherited gene mutation may allow this damage to build up faster.

Family History and Cancer Risk

If a family is affected by a gene mutation, there may be a pattern of cancers diagnosed in that family. For example, there may be:

several people who have the same types of cancer people who were younger than usual when they were diagnosed someone who has had more than one primary cancer. This means they have had cancer twice, not that one cancer has spread to another part of the body.

a family history of certain cancers and the family is from an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern European Jewish) background. Some inherited cancer genes are more common in these ethnic groups.

Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk

If you are worried about the pattern of cancer in your family, talk to your GP. They will ask you about any close blood relatives who have had cancer. Close blood relatives are your parents, brothers, sisters, children, aunts, uncles and grandparents. People you are related to by marriage are not blood relatives.

It is important to remember that cancer is very common. Most of us have relatives who have had cancer. This does not always mean there is a cancer gene in your family, or that you have a much higher risk of developing cancer. Most cases of cancer are not caused by an inherited mutation. Only a small number of people get cancer that is clearly linked to an inherited cancer gene.

What happens if your GP suspects a family history

Your GP will use the information about your family to assess your risk of

cancer. If your GP thinks there is a chance that cancer may run in your family, they can refer you to a genetics specialist.

The genetics specialist will check whether you are likely to have a higher than average risk of certain types of cancer. They can also tell you whether a genetic test is possible and useful in your situation. The genetics specialist will explain if you have a high risk of developing a certain type of cancer. This may be because: you had a genetic test that found an inherited cancer gene the pattern of cancer in your family is likely to be caused by an unknown inherited cancer gene you have a genetic condition

‘More information about genetic conditions and inherited cancers’ below).

It is natural to want to know what is likely to happen so you can plan for your future. Family history and genetic testing only let us estimate levels of risk. It does not tell us who will definitely get cancer or when they will develop it.

Hearing you have a higher risk of cancer can come as a shock. Some people feel like they are being told they already have cancer. Others find that knowing the result helps them make choices to reduce their risk.

Managing genetic cancer risk

Your genetics specialist will give you information about reducing your risk of cancer. Depending on the type of cancer and your level of risk, they may give you information about the following.

You may be offered screening tests to find or prevent a type of cancer developing. Screening looks for early signs of cancer or for changes that happen before a cancer develops. There are different screening tests for different types of cancer.

Some people with a high cancer risk

decide to have risk-reducing surgery. This means removing the tissues that are at risk of getting cancer. For example, risk-reducing breast surgery means removing healthy breast tissue to reduce your risk of breast cancer. This type of surgery is usually only offered to people with a very high risk, such as people who have inherited certain cancer gene mutations. Surgery greatly reduces the risk of cancer, but it does not get rid of it completely.

Drugs may also be used to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Some women who have a high risk of breast cancer may take anti-oestrogen tablets to reduce their risk or some people may take aspirin to reduce their risk of bowel cancer developing.

We hope this has helped provide some insight into family history and cancer risk, more than anything we hope it kick starts a conversation and gets people talking about cancer. If you are struggling to cope with a high risk of cancer, talking about your feelings and worries may help. Please do reach out for support and further information; visit your GP, contact Macmillan Cancer Support or our local Cancer Information Centre.

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

Or contact Macmillan Cancer Support on 0808 808 00 00

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