Birstall Post (477) April 2023

he Birstall post

Our local elections

part in shaping how the council and the country are run.

The next scheduled elections taking place in this area will be on Thursday May 4, 2023, to elect councillors to: Charnwood Borough Council (all seats)

All parish councils in the borough area (all seats)

Voters must bring a suitable form of photographic ID to their polling station. Acceptable forms of photo ID will include:

Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of

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Try tennis at club’s open day

BIRSTALL WATERMEAD Tennis

Club is holding an open day on Sunday May 21.

Everyone is welcome to attend, no matter what your tennis ability or experience level. The Open Day starts at 10am and will continue until 2pm, and visitors are invited to drop in any time.

There will be opportunities for visitors of all ages to take part in a variety of activities, including Mini Tennis, Junior Tennis, Adult Mix-In Tennis and Cardio Tennis.

Club coach Laura Morley said: “Tennis is a sport for life and has so many health benefits. We’d love to welcome you to our club and show you how much fun playing tennis can be! Perhaps you’d like to learn a new skill, make new friends, play tennis socially or compete as part of a team? Come along

to speak with some of our members, check out our facilities and pick up a racket.”

As well as sporting activities, tea, coffee, and cakes will be available, the licensed bar which is part of the Co-op sports and social facilities will also be open for those who like a cold drink.

While enjoying the refreshments, there will be plenty of opportunity to talk to club members about the tennis and social events the club has to offer.

Visitors who are interested in becoming members can take advantage of a very special offer. On the day Family, Adult, Student, Junior and Mini memberships will be offered at half the usual price.

The club is keen to extend the membership to those who want to take up the sport or return to playing. As well as an opportunity to play regular year-round tennis, the club has an active social calendar, guaranteeing you’ll meet people and form friendships on and off court.

The club is located at the Co-op Sports & Social Ground on Birstall Road, (LE4 4DE) where ample

parking is provided.

To find out more about the day or the club, contact Gill Kitching: 07734965031 or Laura Morley: 07742249807

You can also follow the club on Facebook to keep up to date with things happening throughout the year.

From Birstall Watermead Tennis Club

SUPPLY & Mark’s

PLANT ORNAMENTAL TREES

TEL: 07903 614561 or 0116 2692805

VOTING IN local and national elections is the main way you can engage with the democratic process and ensure you play your

Pic: members of Birstall Watermead Tennis Club

Toddlers’ party

LOTS OF children shared a birthday on March 12, so the Acorn Toddler group had a joint party with games, party food and a wonderful cake.

The children have been attending the group on a Monday for many months with their mums, dads, carers and grandparents.

tend play.

“It’s good to see young children making new friends and building relationships while at the same time having fun and learning. The adults have a good time too!”

Christine McGreal, the Chair who helps out at the group, said: “Every week, they have taken part in many exciting experiences, including crafts, messy play, physical activities, and preof Highcliffe Primary School, every Monday from 9-11am during term time. Many children in the group move into the preschool on site, which opens 8.30am -3.30pm every day.

The toddler group is held at Acorn Under Fives, based in the grounds year and is holding an event on Saturday July 8.

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Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country

Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)

European Economic Area (EEA)

photographic ID Card

Biometric immigration document

An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)

Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card

A Blue Badge

Older Person’s Bus Pass

Disabled Person’s Bus Pass

Oyster 60+ Card

Freedom Pass

If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID and you want to vote at the

polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specifically for the purposes of voting.

You will be able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate in person, by post or online through GOV.UK. If you would like a paper copy of the application form sent to you in the post, call 01509 634546.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate in time for the local elections in May 2023 is 5pm on Tuesday April 25, 2023.

Acorn Under Fives is a community group and welcomes all families. It will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary this

If you are interested in applying for a place for your child in either the Toddler Group or Preschool, contact Acorn on 07842006199 or email acornunderfives@gmail.com

Pic: children enjoying a party at the Acorn Toddler group

80s themed disco has everyone dancing

AN 80s-themed disco event in March at Birstall Social Club raised funds for two local charities, Jades’s Retreat and Carl Gunns’ Community Gym.

Over 200 people attended and £2,600 was raised, which will be split between both charities.

Organiser Paula Clifford-Gill said: “It’s wonderful that the community came together to support these charities.

“Jackie Wars and Carl Gunns do such an amazing job supporting families and children, it’s good to give something

back.

“It was overwhelming the support we had from locals & outside the village.”

Former European cross county champion Gemma Steel come to support the cause and gave Paula her signed running number as a thank you.

Paula said: “Thank you to everyone who brought a ticket, made a donation and donated raffle prizes.

We had one lucky winner of the 50/50 lottery who won a cash prize of £210!”

She added: “A huge thank you to my team, Jackie, Donna & Michelle and DJ Stu, who was absolutely brilliant getting everyone up dancing! And to Birstall Social Club. All gave us their services free of charge - these events wouldn’t be able to happen without their support.”

Pics: (below), (l-r) Troy Ward, Morgan Clifford, Michelle Clifford, Jackie Ward, Paula Clifford-Gill, Carl Gunns, Donna Jordan; (bottom left), DJ Stu; (circled, inset) the 50/50 lottery winner; (left) everyone up and dancing; (above) runner Gemma Steel (second left) with Paula Cifford-Gill

Roads cleaned

THE A46 and the A6 in Charnwood will be cleaned this month.

Charnwood Borough Council’s waste partner Serco will be undertaking the clean-up in March and April, removing litter and debris from central reservations and verges of the A6 and A46 in the borough.

The clean-up is completed twice a year and normally takes place around the same time as the clocks change.

Litter becomes more visible before the clean-ups take place due to grass verges being cut back and the increased daylight.

Matt Bradford, the Council’s head of contracts, leisure, waste and environment, said: “A significant amount of planning is required for the cleanups, including rolling lane closures, which will be in place while work is being carried out.”

The clean-up started on Saturday March 25 and will be ongoing until Friday April 21, 2023.

A rolling lane closure will be in place while cleaning is being carried out, which may cause delays.

The central reservation will be cleared first, followed by the outside verges on both sides.

Nursery celebrates ‘good’rating

BIRSTALL RAINBOW Nursery on Wanlip Lane –Birstall’s longest running nursery – is celebrating its latest ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted after their recent inspection.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the inspection was the first since 2017 and found that the nursery was ‘Good’ in all areas.

In its report, Ofsted praised the nursery, saying that ‘staff have a good relationship with the children and know them well’ and that the ‘children are making good progress.’ Ofsted noted that each day ‘children arrive happily at nursery, demonstrating they feel safe and secure’.

The report also praised the nursery for supporting children’s socialisation – something of con-

care to the children and we are proud that our efforts have been recognised by

Birstall Rainbow Nursery is Birstall’s longest running nursery and cares for children aged 0-4 throughout the year. Paula said: “The nursery supports children’s learning and development with its large outdoor play area, spacious rooms and friendly, passionate staff team.”

The Gardeners’ Nursery

Pic: children and staff outside Birstall Rainbow Nursery on Wanlip Lane

Parish Council notes

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on March 13.

Representatives from HWC Entertainment proposed staging a market and business fair on the Sibson Road car park, outside the Robert Dickinson building. The aim of the event would be to promote local businesses, groups and charity organisations and encourage local people to support local businesses. The plan would be to hold the business fair on a regular basis.

Several councillors commented that this was an excellent idea and that local businesses needed support. The council needed to consider that the event would take up car parking spaces. It was agreed in principle to support the project, subject to the clerk’s research into licenses, market fees and insurance, and the successful outcome of a similar event to be held in Quorn.

The council agreed to sign up to a Civility & Respect pledge, from NALC.

It was reported that numbers attending the youth café in the School Lane playing field pavilion were increasing. This is a facility paid for by Birstall Parish Council.

It was reported that the cemetery extension project had been submitted for the pre-application process.

Councillors considered damage to the Village Hall after it had been hired for an event. The ceiling in the lobby will need repainting. It was agreed to retain the £250 damage deposit.

Cllr Kirsty Haywood presented a report from the working party set up to progress the NALC quality awards. To achieve a gold award, the council would, amongst other things, need to engage more with diverse community groups. Councillors were asked to come up with ideas and suggestions, and forward them to the clerk.

It was reported that representatives from the parish council had been invited to a presentation by the Broadnook Trust, to provide an update on the development of the 1950-home Broadnook Garden Suburb north of Birstall

It was reported that the parish council had submitted its response to the Leicester Local Plan consultation.

It was reported that permissive-footpath-only signs had been erected on the fencing of the Worcester Avenue jitty, to meet the criteria of the deed of covenant. Comment was made that the signs are being torn down.

Councillors considered a proposal to change the format of the Parish Council website, at a cost of £750. Comment was made that it was very hard to find information on the Parish Council website, even for those that were familiar with it. It was agreed to proceed with the update, subject to councillors approving it before it goes live.

New bowlers welcome

NEW outdoor season starts later this month at Birstall Bowling Club, with members looking forward to another busy year.

THE

Interest in the sport increased following last year’s Commonwealth Games, and new members are always welcome at Birstall, with coaching available for bowlers who have never played the game.

The club plays friendly and competitive ladies, men’s and mixed matches against other teams in Leicestershire throughout the season, and members are

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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 wellstocked bar.

For more information about the club, please contact Diane on 0116 2676245 or Andy on 0116 2677969. You can also visit the club website www.birstallbowlingclub.co.uk or search for our page on Facebook.

Pic: Birstall Bowling Club’s Sunday Best Funday, one of the social events it organises throughout the year

YOUR SAY...

review only applies to the 22B Birstall service, which is operated by Centrebus Monday to Friday and First Bus bus on Saturdays.”

As far as I’m aware, the 22B no longer runs through Birstall on weekdays.

They also say that the 22A Monday to Friday bus is not affected by Council cuts, and it's up to Centrebus to decide whether or not it runs.

So I’m none the wiser...

Watch this space.

Name & address supplied

Baffled

In response to the previous letters regarding the changes to the Birstall village bus services, I am still baffled as to why and how this is better for residents and the environment?

Review of the Saturday B service (only one and hour), a review of what? Whether we should have one at all?

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

Buses

I received a reply from Safe & Sustainable Travel Team Leicestershire County Council recently regarding my enquiries about the threatened axing of the Birstall 22A weekday bus services and the 22B Saturday service.

I had read that a spokesman from Centrebus was asking people to be aware that some of their bus services, including to and from Birstall, were at risk of being axed because of Council cuts.

I have been left totally confused by the reply from the County Council, which says, amongst other things, that “the

Thanks

A few words about the people of Birstall and surrounding areas that supported the dance/disco at the social club on March 18.

First of all let me thank one lady who organised it, Paula Clifford, a remarkable lady. Paula and her team worked so hard to organise this event. Also, a couple of ladies who have supported the gym, Rosie Rollings and Helen (Volkswagen lady). These two ladies have been fantastic in their support of my gym. Without these wonderful people, we would not be able to help the young people, who come from all over the Charnwood area.

The gym has over 300 members now and their support goes a long way.

In closing, I want to thank the people of Birstall, they have been fantastic. Over 220 people attended the fundraiser on March 18. Well done to all of you.

Yours in sport

Carl Gunns

Using the 22A service as part of the 'more efficient timetabling so buses are not coming together at once' pilot. We only have one service that covers the village! Which other buses are meant to be coming?

This is cost cutting by any other name, making residents reliant on taxis and cars (if that), or cutting them off all together from different amenities, shops, and being able to get to work.

But the further cutting of our village service seems inevitable, no matter what the consequences...and that is by far the saddest part.

Name and address supplied.

Pensions

Did you know that there are two different state pensions running now? And that people on the new pension appear to get more, so younger pensioners are probably better off than older ones, unless the older ones are entitled to pension credits etc.

I wrote to the department for work and pensions about it and eventually got a detailed reply, and was told “that care has been taken to ensure fairness to both groups”.

Maurice Hayward

passed peacefully away on January 26, 2023.

There will be an informal memorial gathering for Maurice at Birstall Methodist Church on Saturday April 22, at 3pm. All welcome.

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However looking at my recent increase on the old pension scheme, and a relative’s who is on the new pension, their rise is obviously higher because it’s a percentage increase, and so now the difference per WEEK is £42.07 so I’m not sure how anyone can say that that is fair.

Name and address supplied

Bradgate Sewing Circle

Invite you to their Open Morning to be held on Tuesday 16th May 2023 from 10am to 12 noon at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7PR Display of Patchwork & Quilting, Knitting and Crafts Raffle, Crafts for Sale

Admission £1 to include Tea/Coffee and Biscuits

The Outwoods presents a Bird Ringing

Demonstration

on Sunday April 16

Where: The Outwoods, Main Car Park, Woodhouse Lane, Loughborough, LE11 3YG

Date: Sunday April 16 from 8-9am and 9.30-10.30am (two timeslots)

Learn how and why bird-ringing is carried out in this rare and informative demonstration event led by Charnwood Ringing Club

Limited Bookings

Contact Ross.Bray@idverde.co.uk or text 07483096460 to book your place

Friday Night

Thurcaston Films

“Mr Malcolm’s List” (April 14, 115mins)

ing lady who, in the course of her duties, fixates on Lady Dant’s Christian Dior dress. After an unexpected windfall, Mrs Harris ventures to Paris to buy the luxurious dress of her dreams. This is a delightful “rags to regalia” tale that you should not miss.

“The Lost King” will be shown on June 9.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw and refreshments during the interval. You can pay for tickets at the door, if there are any left or pay in advance from:

Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

Catherine

24 Apr Hairy Bee Keeper

And looking ahead to May....we are having a Coffee Morning to raise funds for our Project:

Saturday 13 May in the Coffee Shop with Stalls – Tombola, Plants, Cakes, Books and Jigsaws etc.

Don’t sit at ‘home alone’! Why not come to our friendly Group –meet new friends and maybe catch up with old friends! As you can see, we have a varied programme. The cost is £2 per evening – new faces always welcome. This year we are raising funds for MND (Motor Neurone Disease). Contact Eileen 2929670 for further details

Birstall Tea Dances

Set in the nineteenth century, April’s film is a feel-good romantic comedy drama. Mysterious but handsome bachelor, Mr Malcom, has many lady followers. Exasperatingly, Julia discovers that he has an actual written list of qualities which he requires in a future wife. However, She resents being rejected and creates a plan ..... but will her plan work?

“Mrs Harris goes to Paris” (May 12, 115mins)

In our May life-affirming drama comedy, Oscar nominee, Lesley Manville, plays a widowed clean-

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

Birstall Methodist

Monday Group

3 Apr Taste the ChocolateAmongst Ourselves

10 Apr Easter Monday – No Meeting

17 Apr The Very Crafty Zebra –

Held at St James, Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road

Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4DH Fridays 3.30pm – 5.30pm

April 14th & 28th

£5 each on the door, Tea / coffee included Home made cakes available, We ask for donations.

Further information contact Jackie, Mobile :07908607405

Email: lucasjackie86@gmail.com

Birstall Royal British Legion Club

All old and new members will be very welcome

Bingo every Tues starting at 9pm

Acoustic night Sunday 16th

Quizzes every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9pm

Music Quiz Friday 28th

Saturday Entertainment

Easter Saturday 8th Jamie Neale (male vocalist)

22nd Kato (female vocalist)

Pool tables only 50p

Open bank holiday Monday 10th 12 till 6pm, families welcome Room hire available for Wakes please contact us for further information on 0116 2674817 or 07894715049

Cedar Care Circle

Hi everyone. At our last meeting we discussed the impact of Easter and several Bank Holidays on our usual meeting dates. As a result, instead of our normal calendar of the 2nd and 4th Monday in the month, we are holding meetings on the following Mondays in April, the 3rd, 17th and 24th. The venue is the lovely Brunchies Cafe Hallam Fields Road, Birstall at 1pm. We look forward to welcoming you. Don't let dementia rob you of social contact. We understand how hard it can be 24/7. Just come for a chat over a cuppa. Barbara. You can contact me on 07905760556

Ulverscroft Camera Club

is a successful, friendly camera club which meets fortnightly in

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall. The Club is non-competitive, with a focus on learning through mentoring and mutual support with a membership at every level of photography from beginners to professionals. Meetings consist of practical, hands-on, themed workshops, talks by inspirational professional photographers and outings to local sites offering good opportunities to develop members’ skills. New members are welcomed throughout the year. If you would like to try something new contact us at www.ulverscroftcameraclub.com

You are most welcome to join us for our

Palm Sunday Service

Sun, 2nd April 2023 at 10.45am

Speaker: Joshua Rowe

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

Birstall Independent Baptist Church Enquiries: 0116 221 4883 http://www.birstallbaptistchurch. org.uk

Come and join us for an evening of song at St Leonard's Church, Swithland with the

Loughborough Male

Voice Choir

on Saturday 22nd April at 7pm Tickets £15 incl refreshments from maryselina@hotmail.co.uk

St Leonard's Church, Swithland invite you to their Red,

White & 'Bluebell Service'

on Sunday 7th May at 3pm in Swithland Woods by the Great Pit with the Leicester Cathedral Choir

All donations for the Air Ambulance Charity

The Rothley History Society

You are invited to join our meetings at The Rothley Centre at 7.30pm on the following dates:

Wednesday 19th April

"Malcolm Sargent - the Leicestershire Years"

Speaker - Sam Dobson

Wednesday 17th May

"Charnwood Slate Gravestones & 18th Century Trade Routes"

Speaker - Bob Trubshaw

Wednesday 21st June

"The History of Walled Kitchen Gardens in Leics & Rutland"

Speaker - Sue Blaxland

Birstall Flower Club

Wednesday April 26, 2023

Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm

Demonstrator: Linda Smith

Title: Best Foot Forward Visitors £5 Queries to: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437

The UK ConstitutionHistory, Present and Future

with Bob Grindrod

5 week course starting on Wed 26 April 2-4pm – at The Rothley Centre - Fee £43* (or free if you are in receipt of an income related benefit; or you could also apply for WEA Learner Discretionary fund for a fee waiver if your household income is less than £21,000 a year).

The course will look at how the UK Constitution works and whether it remains 'fit for purpose' in the modern world. We will look at how our Constitution has come about, its main components and the recent crises that have tested it almost to destruction. Would we all be better off if it were codified, written down, and taught in schools as in many countries around the world?

To enrol please ring 0300 303 3464 quoting course ref. C2348849 or via the WEA website www.wea.org.uk

Syston Model Railway Society will be holding its

Annual Model Railway Show

at ROOTS @ Thorpe Farm, Barkby Thorpe, Leicester, LE7 3QE on April 29th/30th. Opening times are 10am – 4:30pm on Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday. Admission is £5 per adult and £4 per unaccompanied child. Accompanied children go free. There will be a number of layouts in various gauges as well as spe-

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Crowds expected to pour in for duck race

THE 13TH Annual White Horse Duck Race, which is supporting Birstall United Juniors Football club this year, is almost upon us.

The event is at 12noon on Mayday Monday May 1, at the White Horse pub on White Horse Lane, and along the riverbank from the pub to Whiles Lane. The main beneficiary is the junior football club, but there will also be many stalls, games and activities, organised by other local community groups. So far, there will be a penalty shootout and tuck shop, a toy tombola, a cake stall, sweet stall, hook-a-duck, bottle tombola, duck memorabilia and duck crafts, to name those confirmed so far.

The duck race itself will begin at 2pm, and Webster the Duck mascot will be there to start the race.

Charlotte Foy of the White Horse said: “It’s a real community event and with so many groups taking part, it will spread some of the fundraising into the wider community.”

Those involved along with Birstall

United Juniors football club are Girlguiding Birstall, The WI, the Birstall community group ‘Pay it Forward’, The Mia Moo charity, The local Boys’ Brigade and the Sea Cadets. Hallam Fields and Riverside PTAs have committed to holding stalls. The funds their stalls raise will go directly to their own charities. Katie’s

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cialist traders and demonstrations.

Refreshments will be available. Plenty of free parking

For further information please contact John on 07948419664 or email systonmodelrailway@gmx.co.uk. www.systonmrs.org.uk

Characters will also be at the event with some of her princesses and superheroes. Paddle Plus will be along to help with the event and, weather permitting, will be showing off their skills and doing some stunts on the river.

Ducks for the race are now on sale at The White Horse, Unique Hairdressing on Front Street and Brunchies Café for face-to-face sales. The Pay it Forward community group will also be selling ducks virtually via their Facebook page.

Webster the Duck will also be out and about visiting Hallam Fields, Riverside and Highcliffe primary schools and will also be down to have a kickabout at Birstall United

Football Club, as well as a visit to sell ducks outside the Co-op. Check out the White Horse Facebook for more information.

Prizes are already starting to come in for the lucky Duck Race winners, with £100 as the first prize, as well as vouchers for popular family activities East Street Lanes, Caddy Shakers and treetop golf already on the prize list, with many more to be added soon.

Any donations of prizes or cakes, teddies or other items for stalls would still be welcome - contact Charlotte at the White Horse on 0116 2671038 and leave a message.

Birstall United is one of the biggest junior football clubs in Leicestershire, with over 20 teams and 300 players. It is a non-profit organisation providing fun, safe, enjoyable football for boys and girls from four to 18 years of age.

Steve Carr, Birstall United Juniors secretary, said: “Birstall United Juniors is honoured and excited to be chosen this year to be the nominated charity by the White Horse Pub for its fundraising at the annual duck race. The money raised will be invested in some new updates, much-needed line marking equipment, and ground maintenance equipment to ensure our pitches remain top class.”

Pics: Visitors enjoying the duck race

Visit our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk

The Future of Your Watch is at a Critical Point

The Covid pandemic seriously interrupted our operation during the lockdown when we lost a number of our key Volunteers for a variety of reasons. Attempts to recruit replacements have been unsuccessful and the workload of running the Watch now falls upon a very small group of people.

This is not a viable situation and we have reached the stage when it seems likely that we shall have to wind up the Watch. This would be a great loss to our villages but without new Volunteers to take over its administration, we have no alternative.

In a last attempt to prevent this, we are holding a Special General Meeting, to which ALL RESIDENTS ARE INVITED.

The level of interest this attracts and offers of practical support that are forthcoming will determine whether the Watch can continue to operate.

Thursday, 20th April at 7.45 pm in the Birstall Methodist Church Hall

Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4 4JS

If you have thoughts or questions that you would like to discuss in advance, please email us at: watch@villagewatch.co.uk

Postcode Lottery Scam Letters

If you receive a letter with the news that you have won thousands of pounds in the People’s Postcode Lottery, it is very important to take time to check that you are not being targeted by a scammer.

This scam letter has the People’s Postcode Lottery logo and branding. It claims that your postcode has been randomly selected as a winner from the electoral roll database. There are clues that show that this is a scam.

It says that your 'win' is part of a ‘special programme’ that awards money from previously unclaimed prizes. It uses this fictitious story to justify why you do not need to be a registered player who has bought entries into the draw. The letter comes from a London‐based address that is not listed on the People’s Postcode Lottery website.

You are asked to contact a named person at a made‐up financial services company – examples include Coral & Reed Financial Services and Ultimate Financial Services but other names are also used. A quick search on Companies House reveals that none of these companies actually exist.

The letter tells you to phone to claim your prize. This is when the scammer will ask you to provide personal details, that will almost certainly include your bank account information. They will then use it to steal your money.

The real People’s Postcode Lottery has confirmed that these letters are not from them and that no such ‘special programme’ exists.

Genuine winning postcodes can be checked on its website that is updated daily.

www.postcodelottery.co.uk

Royal Mail provides several methods that you can use to report scam letters like these. It uses the information that you provide to investigate their source and take the necessary action to prevent them in the future.

Go to: personal.help.royalmail.com and enter ‘report scam mail’ into the search box.

Speeding Traffic

Speeding traffic is a regular concern raised by local residents with both the Watch and the Police. Our Beat Officers conduct regular speed checks on the busier roads in the area but, among their many other duties, their time is limited.

Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership also monitors traffic behaviour and there is a lot of information and advice about the issue on its website: www.speedorsafety.com

Dangerous Dogs

The number of dog attacks recorded by the Police in England and Wales has risen by over a third in recent years. This an issue of concern because, unfortunately, the injuries caused can be serious and in rare cases result in death. Small children are particularly vulnerable.

Of course, dangerous dogs are only a very small proportion of all the pet and working dogs in the country and the vast majority present no danger to the public. Part of the problem, though, appears to be that some puppies, acquired during the pandemic, did not have very much experience of mixing with strangers from outside their homes during the lockdown.

Caring and responsible owners know that their pets are friendly but strangers may not be so sure if a dog runs up to them off the lead. People, especially children, who may have a bad experience in the past with a less well‐controlled animal, can easily become very alarmed and distressed.

Please keep this in mind when walking your dogs in public and keep them on their leads where the by‐laws require it.

Our Local Police Beat Team produces a monthly Newsletter with news of crime and other local issues. 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

ble to revive the operation, all attempts to recruit replacements have proved unsuccessful. The workload now falls upon a very small group of active volunteers who have not been able to provide the necessary support to our network of coordinators and their neighbours.

NHW news & crime report

Crisis Point

When the Covid lockdown seriously interrupted our operation in March 2020, Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch had been active for over twenty years, growing from a single street scheme to over a hundred-andsixty similar schemes covering most of the area.

It had developed a range of activities that included a network of street Coordinators who distributed our monthly newsletter, Village Watch News, and collected the annual subscriptions from their neighbours. It ran a monthly Advice Shop in conjunction with the local Police Beat Team Surgery and supplied crime prevention devices free or at cost price.

It operated a telephone Advice Line and a dedicated Facebook Group.

It fitted and maintained NHW street signs and organised regular public meetings with guest speakers to discuss crime and related issues.

It was a regular stall-holder at the Birstall Gala and similar village events and ran Community Speed Watch schemes on behalf of the Parish Council.

These were all managed by an elected Management Committee and a group of Volunteers who took responsibility for the individual activities.

During the lockdown, a number of these committee members and volunteers withdrew from their roles for a variety of reasons. Since it became possi-

This is not a viable situation and we have now reached the stage when we must consider whether it is time to wind up the Watch. This would be a great loss to our villages but without new volunteers to take on the administration, there appears to be no alternative.

In a last effort to recruit new blood to take Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch into the future, we have arranged a public meeting, open to ALL RESIDENTS from our villages.

This will take place at 7.45pm on Thursday April 20, 2023 in the Birstall Methodist Church Hall, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4 4JS and will finish no later than 9pm.

Please give some thought to these issues and consider whether you can help.

From Ed Chambers, Committee Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip NHW

Current Priorities

Charnwood Police

Burglaries - Local Police are aiming to reduce burglaries at domestic dwellings in the area

Local officers will engage with the community proving crime prevention

advice, and encourage the use of security measures to make properties more secure. Attending reports of burglaries to secure any evidence and pursue reasonable lines of enquiries to identify any offenders.

Vehicle Crime - tackling all elements of vehicle crime

Police aim to tackle different elements of vehicles crime such as theft, TWOC and ASB caused by vehicles

Police aim to tackle vehicle crime through the use of Problem Management Profiles. This will be targeted patrol times to disrupt the use of ASB with vehicles, and disruption tactics on a wider scale using specialist officers.

Theft and associated offences will be targeted by pursuing reasonable lines of enquiry to assist identify and prosecute offenders in a timely manner

Tackling County Lines - Police are developing and targeting people within the area that are drug dealing, exploiting vulnerable people by cuckooing addresses and causing anti-social behaviour from this type of crime.

Gathering intelligence from the community, providing a robust response by executing search warrants, and applying any necessary closures order to stop criminality and protect the public.

Birstall Specific

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) - including associated crime. We have identified an ASB hotspot within the area of the A6/Birstall services. Youths are gathering after school and into the evening, while at the location they are acting in a manner that is unacceptable, showing complete disregard and lack of respect.

Drugs - Use of cannabis within the park - It has been reported that various/frequent visitors are parking up within the car park on School Lane park and being involved in the use of cannabis.

Road Safety - Excess Speed

- Speeding vehicles is an ongoing issue on our roads, which is very well established. As a policing team, we will be out on the roads at locations highlighted by local residents on a sporadic basis. Please watch your speed.

If you are concerned about road safety in Birstall & Wanlip, request enforcement and make a difference. Find out more by visiting the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Safety Partnership website: www.speedorsafety.com where you can complete a short Community Concern Site Request.

A message from PC 1365 Stu Venables

I would like to start by welcoming both PCSO Nuala Sherlock and PCSO Jon Harrison to the Birstall policing team, both are now operational within Birstall and Wanlip and you will see them around, they are both very approachable and are keen for you to stop and have a chat.

Now I have some additional support,

PC 1365 Stu Venables on the new Police e-cycle.

He said: “It's great to be able to get around the village a bit quicker, but still be approachable. Being able to stop and chat to local residents is great and with the new e-cycle I will be able to cover more area. I will still be out on foot and in a vehicle at times, but aiming to use the e-cycle as often as possible.”

we can work together to offer a more enhanced service and I'm hoping to see swifter progression when identifying and dealing with emerging issues.

In relation to our ASB priority within/surrounding the Birstall services, we have now met with senior management at the site and have had good discussions surrounding a plan moving forward, which will include the site being target hardened. Once recommendations have been put into place and an amount of time has elapsed (so we can assess if the recommendations have had an impact) I will be hoping to remove this as a Birstall priority to focus on other areas.

During the early hours on March 6, we had an incident occur on Wanlip Avenue, which involved violence and the use of a weapon. Police made arrests on suspicion of an affray at the time of the incident and as a result of the investigation 4 x charges have been secured as follows: assault by beating, S.4 public order (fear provocation of violence), possession of an offensive weapon and possession of Class B cannabis. The defendant was bailed with conditions to attend Leicester magistrate court on March 22.

Furthermore, in relation to the arrest made regarding the theft of a motor vehicle I mentioned last month, the investigation is still ongoing with further positive lines of enquires to follow. I will keep you posted on the outcome as it develops.

You may have seen a male loitering

Continued on page 12

…we have now reached the stage when we must consider whether it is time to wind up the Watch

Pic: Birstall Beat Team (l-r) PS242 Alice Forfar, PC1365 Stu Venables, PCSO 6389 Nuala Sherlock, PCSO 6174 Jon Harrison

along Sibson Road, mainly Tesco end asking for money, or you may well have been approached. I am aware of this male and can confirm he is NOT homeless and does have a wealth of support in place. I am working with partner agencies in order to address the behaviour displayed.

I have a couple of events coming up this month, please feel free to come and see me and the team for a chat and feel free to bring your cycle along and we will happily mark it for you and get it registered on the bike register, making it less attractive to thieves.

Finally, as you can see we have seen an increase in Burglaries within Birstall and the wider area so please ensure that you are vigilant, if you see any suspicious activity and your Spidey senses are tingling, don’t ignore it and ensure that you report it without delay. Also please consider your home security, there is lots of information on our website: Home | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk). Please have a look or visit us at the next beat surgery to discuss it with us.

Take care

PC 1365 Stu Venables

Crime Figures Birstall and Wanlip

March 1, 2023, until March 20, 2023

Burglary (3)

Burglary dwellings:

- Loughborough Road (04th March between 06:45 & 08:00pm) - Vehicle stolen off the driveway.

- Birstall Road (05th March around 08:30pm)

- Copeland Road (Between the 11th and 12th March)

Thefts (11)

5 x Retail Theft

2 x Theft by finding

1 x Theft of motor vehicle - (However since 01/01/23 we have had 6 vehicles stolen from Birstall)

0 x Theft from unattended motor vehicle

0 x Catalytic Converter—(However since 01/01/23 we have had 3 reported from Birstall)

1 x Theft of number plate (However since 01/01/23 we have had 6 lots of plates reported stolen from Birstall.)

1 x Theft of Cycle

1 x Courier Theft - (Parcel reported to have been left by a delivery driver)

Criminal Damage (2)

1 x Damage to motor vehicle

1 x Damage to dwelling

Public Order (5)

3 x S4a (words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress)

2 x S.3 - Affray

Drugs (1)

1 x Possession of Cannabis Assaults (13)

5 x Common Assault – Slight injury

7 x Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) –Bruising to body / Loss of hair

1 x Grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent

Out of the 13 assaults reported 3 were domestic related and 1 assault on Police (Police bitten) and 1 includes a paramedic punched to the face. Events

Beat Surgery - Saturday April 8, 2023 - Between 4pm and 6pm, located at the Robert Dickinson Building on Sibson Road (within the Short Stay car park)

Beat Surgery - Saturday April 15, 2023 - Between 10am and 12pm. Venue: as Apr 8. This will also be in line with the Birstall NHW advice shop.

Beat Surgery - Saturday April 22, 2023 - Between 10am and 12pm. Venue: as Apr 8.

Beat Surgery - Sunday April 30, 2023 - Between 11am and 1pm. Venue: as Apr 8. Please feel free to attend, meet your local officer, ask any questions or discuss any community concerns you may have.

Additionally, local residents can bring their cycles to the surgeries to have them officially marked for free — Information regarding the scheme can be found on the website: www.bikeregister.com or explained on the day.

Upcoming events

I will be looking at holding a further BikeRegister event in the spring, and will also be looking at holding a vehicle number plate event, where you can be provided with anti-tamper screws to better secure your plates to prevent thieves taken them.

I am also planning on conducting further road safety operations; this will be targeted towards the fatal four offences (Speed, Drink/Drugs, Seat belt and Mobile Phone) around Birstall & Wanlip.

Helping our Community

THE GROUP has been relatively quiet during the last month. We have continued to support “warm spaces” with gloves, hats, scarves, socks and blankets, and soup for people to take away free of charge.

The scrubs group have been busy making quilts for the NICC, and trauma

Helping our Community

teds for local schools. Paul Clarke has made some wonderful fidget items for the memory café which is opening soon, and we also have fidget muffs and quilts to gift.

As part of our fundraising, we will be holding a teddy tombola at the annual White Horse Duck Race on May 1. If you have any soft toys that need a home, please get in touch. We are able to collect.

We will also be supporting the duck race by selling ducks online. This year the money raised will be going to Birstall United.

If anyone is interested in joining a men’s mental health group, please get in touch, as we are trying to find out if there would be any local interest.

If we can help in any way, please get in touch. Can we help provide any equipment for your group or club? All our funds go back into Birstall and we would love to hear from you.

Contact us on 07894995164.

Pic: Quilts made for the NICC

Free city bus service

A FREE electric bus service connecting transport hubs, shopping areas and visitor attractions in Leicester city centre began on April 3, making it much easier for people – especially those with mobility difficulties – to get around.

The new Greenlines Hop! service will link the train station with the city’s bus stations and destinations, including Leicester Market, the Highcross shop-

ping centre, the King Richard III Visitor Centre, the Leicester Royal Infirmary and Mandela Park.

Three zero-emission green buses –each seating 21 passengers – will operate every 10 minutes on an anti-clockwise loop, with 12 stops along the route.

Running from 8am-6pm from Monday to Saturday, the new buses are fitted with electronic information displays, next-stop announcements, WiFi and USB charging at each seat, and each stop will offer real-time information displays and text-to-speech facilities.

The city council will launch the free service on an 18-month trial basis as one of its Leicester Buses Partnership commitments.

More information about Hop! is available at leicesterbuses.co.uk/hop

Get ready for a fun night out

HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR Theatrical Society (HATS) are working hard, rehearsing for their next production, “Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders” by Derek Webb, with permission from Stage Scripts Ltd.

HATS’ Sue Withers said: “The production dates are getting nearer, and we are into the more detailed sessions - the atmosphere is changing to one of being more serious and trying really hard to remember our lines and actually say them in the right order. We often know each other’s lines, and then miraculously forget our own!”

The show’s director is Jo Murray. Sue said: “Jo is super organised and encouraging and is so excited and enthusiastic that it just rubs off on the whole cast. Hopefully, we will do her, our audience, and ourselves proud once again.

“However, humour is never far from our group, and our mistakes in rehearsals continue to be hilarious and result in laughter and more laughter. It's part of our belief that being part of our group is a fantastic way of enjoying a fabulous interest without feeling stupid, well not all the time anyway.”

herrings everywhere. “Will you be able to spot them, or will you be drawn in by the devious lies and deceit?” said Sue.

“This is your chance to see if you would make it as a detective, to be asking yourself the right questions that might lead to you identifying the culprit. Set yourself this task, pit your wits against your friends and family, and see who has the skills to solve the Village Hall murders. Maybe none of you will solve it. However, the plot will reveal all in the end. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the show. Put the date in your diary,

Children get dressed up for book day

EXCITED CHILDREN clutched their favourite books as they entered Half Pints Childcare to celebrate World Book Day.

A spokesperson said: “Reading to and with children is invaluable to build their communication skills, especially for those that missed out during the pandemic.

“The relaxed environment helped to promote the importance of reading to extend vocabulary, imagination and understand the power and pleasure of reading.”

Pics: children on World Book Day at Half Pints Childcare on Loughborough Road

Dates for your diary:

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday May 17th, 18th and 19th.

Venue: Birstall Social Club 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS

Tickets £7 and £6 (concession)

Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people.

Box office: 0116 2209594 and 07948 796675.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram

26 LADIES of Birstall WI met at the British Legion on March 6.

We spent an uplifting evening learning about, watching and taking part in Tai Chi with Laraine Tucker.

It has taken a long time to get back to normal after the pandemic, but we have again introduced a raffle and pennies for friendship, and next month we will start our meetings singing Jerusalem and hold monthly competitions.

We have also planned a couple of outings for our summer break and a skittle evening to celebrate our 105th birthday.

Our newly formed walking group enjoyed a walk around Watermead Country Park on February 27, finishing with refreshments at the Methodist Coffee Shop. In March, we join Robin Perry for a nature walk to Bennion Pool.

Nine ladies will be attending the ACM at Leicester Grammar School on March 18, where the speakers are Eric Knowles and Ruth Goodman.

We meet again at 7pm on April 3 at the British Legion on Front Street, when we are having a talk on stress and aromatherapy. The competition will be a decorated egg in any form. From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Pic: the cast of Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders

Art society promises a friendly welcome

BIRSTALL AND District

Art Society’s ‘Early Evening Art Sessions’ are now up and running at Wanlip Village Hall on Wednesday evenings from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

They are an informal get-together, in a friendly atmosphere for anyone to come along and paint or draw in their own style and medium, at their own pace. Although it is not a teaching class, it is hoped to have some workshop sessions from time to time.

The cost is £3 per session (to cover the hall hire costs and refreshments).

No booking is required – just turn up. You really will be most welcome.

In addition to the Wednesday evening sessions, members can meet every Friday morning from 930am to 12noon at Birstall Co-op Sports & Social Club, for an informal painting/drawing session. Again, no booking is required – just turn up.

Anyone wanting to see if our art sessions (Wednesdays and Fridays) are what they are looking for, can come for up to three weeks for just the £3 session fee. After that, they would need to join the society to be able to continue coming. Our members can be any age,

but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied to meetings by a responsible adult.

We hold evening, live art demonstrations once a month, and full details are on our website www.badas.uk. The next one, which will be on April 11, is by

CHURCH DIARY: April 2023

Sallyann Brackett, making a welcome return to us. Her subject will be British wildlife. She employs a technique that uses pen and ink on tissue paper which is then collaged onto a background canvas. Old maps and book pages can be used in the background. Highlights

and hints of colour are added afterwards using watercolours and acrylics.

The demonstration evenings are held at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at the Cedars Academy, Birstall. The charge for non-members is £4. They start promptly at 7pm and finish at 9pm.

On May 9, it will be a local artist,

Lesley Brookes, providing the live art demonstration. She will be producing a landscape in acrylic, and the subject will be the Norfolk Broads.

We also run a few series of art classes during the year, as well as one-day art workshops.

Although our name is Birstall and District Art Society, our members come from all areas of Leicestershire, including Rothley, Syston, Thrussington, East Goscote, Groby, Quorn and many others. Please visit our website for full details of all our activities.

From Birstall and District Art Society

Watermead run

WREAKE VALLEY Rotary Club is holding its annual Watermead Charity Challenge Run on Tuesday, July 4.

There will be a 5K electronic chiptimed run and a 3K fun run which will not be an electronic chip-timed event. Online entry is via the event entry website www.evententry.co.uk

Give bowls a try

APRIL MARKS the start of bowls outdoor season, which generally gets underway in the second half of the month.

Of course, the exact timing can vary due to uncertainties of the weather and the readiness of the bowling green. I know many people look upon bowls quite favourably as a game that is easy to pick up and something which offers some useful exercise in a

News from the churches

IT WAS a really a case of 'Beware Low-flying pancakes' at Wanlip hall on Shrove Tuesday.

Batter was being battered and massed ranks of frying pans wielded to produce a prodigious number of pancakes for the assembled multitude! It really was a multitude, so many people enjoying lovely pancakes with a great variety of toppings and, of course, cups of tea or coffee.

Wanlip Hall is also still providing 'Old Nick's Coffee Shop' on the third Tuesday of every month, between the hours of 10am and 12 noon, so there is the opportunity to enjoy more home-made cakes and scones in the company of friends.

Our Hand Bell Ringers of Birstall are extending an invitation to anyone who would like to learn to ring hand bells. To quote Nick Bryan: “The only requirements are hands that work, the ability to count to four and having a sense of rhythm!”

If this is something you feel you would like to do, please call Nick on 07794646926 or email him on 'nickbryan5@gmail.com'. He will be very pleased to hear from you.

Good news for those who are coming to use the 'Warm Spaces' times: the church will continue to be open until the summer, to continue to provide a welcoming meeting place.

Visitors are always most welcome at the Mother's Union meetings on the third Monday of the month, and also at the St James Monday Group meetings on the second Monday of the month. The next Monday Group meeting is on April 3, at 2.30pm, and the topic is "Smile please - say cheese!", an inviting title for a talk all about cheese by Ian Rogersonwith samples!

From April 2, which is, of course, Palm Sunday, to Easter Sunday on April 9, St James Church and the church of Our Lady and St Nicholas, Wanlip, will be holding special services throughout the Easter period. Details can be obtained from the churches and will also be printed in the Birstall Post.

From Birstall Parish Church

ALL OF the groups meeting on our premises are continuing to be very popular.

The Lunch Club had an amusing Red Nose day, following the Mr Men theme this year with red noses of all shapes and sizes.

Last month we held the annual Lepro-

sy Mission coffee morning and raffle, and we managed to raise £250. We have restarted the Down Memory Lane monthly afternoon tea with a ukulele band; we wait to see what is happening this month. This year we were the hosts for the World Day of Prayer. We gathered for a small lunch, and then had a time of worship using a service written by the Christian women of Taiwan.

Last month we had the pleasure of welcoming two choirs into our church; Ratcliffe Chorale and the Knighton Community Choir. Both were led by Simon Lubkowski, using his uniquely informal and jocular style. With the many extra chairs squeezed in, there must have been nearly 250 people present, including the 80 singers. We all enjoyed the wide variety of pieces and the high standard of singing by such an eclectic range of songsters. A massive thank you to our organisers and helpers who made the event such a success. The whole evening managed to raise £979 for our church funds and Action for Children.

The Warm Space in our Coffee Shop has been hugely successful, bringing in a significant number of people every day. A massive thank you to Charnwood BC, Birstall PC and the regional Methodist Mission fund for the grants, and to our wonderful team of volunteers serving a lake of tea and coffee at the counter, and baking endless scones, cakes and bacon butties. Unfortunately though, this initiative is soon to come to an end just before Easter.

Our normal Coffee Shop will resume after Easter, 10am – 12noon Monday to Saturday, where we will still be extending a warm welcome to anyone who enters, including dogs!

Every week we have a Midweek Communion service on a Wednesday at 9.30am, usually led by our minister Rev Hunt. Many of us find this quiet time of reflection, prayer and remembrance most valuable. We spend just 30 minutes each week to step aside from our busy lives, to celebrate together the sacrifice that Jesus made for each one of us. Anyone is welcome to join us.

During Holy Week before Easter, we will be joining with the other churches in Birstall for events such as the Walk of Witness on Good Friday.

From Birstall Methodist Church

Easter: God’s Plan

In March, we considered God’s use of circumstances to achieve His purposes and this month is the supreme example of this, when God achieved His good

good friendly club atmosphere. If you would like to give bowls a try, you will always find a warm welcome at St Margaret’s Club, at the Co-op Sports Ground, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DE.

For more information contact Carolyn or John on 0116 2675947.

www.smcbc.com

Pic: Rachel Smith and Lol Mounteney, the winners of last season’s Mixed Pairs’ competition, at the presentation evening in March

purposes through great evil. (This does not mean that those who sent Jesus to the cross were innocent: God tells us in the Bible that we will all face judgement for our actions, be they good or bad.) The Lord Jesus Christ was declared to be sinless and without fault, even by His enemies, but nevertheless, He underwent a sham trial, a Roman flogging and was then crucified on the Cross at Calvary. In addition, He suffered the desertion of His friends in His hour of need. He truly was ‘a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief’ (as Isaiah prophesied some 700 years earlier – see Isaiah chapter 53).

However, Isaiah also tells us that this event, which we mark on Good Friday, was according to God the Father’s will: ‘Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise [crush] Him.’ This was not brutality and cruelty by God the Father but in order to show His mercy, grace and loving kindness by providing salvation for those who put their trust in Jesus.

Isaiah continued: ‘My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.’

Nor was the Lord Jesus Christ a helpless victim in all this, for He knew this was His purpose here on earth.

The Apostle Peter showed this when he preached to the Jews on the day of Pentecost. ‘Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know - this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it.’ (Acts 2:22-24)

One hymn by the Welshman, William Williams (1717-1791), ‘Awake my soul and rise’ expresses some of the amazement we feel at God’s plan. He writes: ‘How gloriously fulfilled is that most ancient plan, contrived in the eternal mind before the world began. Here depths of wisdom shine, which angels cannot trace.’ He continues: ‘Here free salvation reigns … [and] hell in all her strength … can never snatch a wandering sheep from Jesus’ arms away.’ No wonder Christians ‘Praise the Saviour, now and ever!’

You are most welcome to join us for our Sunday services but will need to contact us for venues, as there are several Bank Holidays in April/May, and we are not able to use the Day Centre on these occasions.

http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk or 0116 2214883

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

Cancer of the larynx

Birstall BAGs has been running a series of articles in this column about rare cancers. Rare cancers affect a small number of people, and this month we would like to provide some information about cancer of the larynx.

Laryngeal cancer is cancer that starts in the voice box (larynx). It is a rare type of head and neck cancer, and about 2400 are diagnosed with it each year in the UK.

The larynx, which includes your vocal cords, is another name for the voice box. It’s a tube about 2 inches (5cm) long in adults. It sits above the windpipe (trachea) in the neck and in front of the food pipe (oesophagus). The larynx:

prevents food from entering your windpipe during swallowing allows the air you breathe to pass in and out of the lungs produces sound for speaking

The larynx is the place in your body where the breathing and digestive systems separate. When you breathe in, air travels through your nose and/or mouth, larynx, windpipe (trachea), and then into your lungs.

When you swallow, your vocal cords close, and a part of the larynx called the epiglottis closes tightly over your airway. This flap of cartilage stops food and saliva from going into your lungs when you swallow. Swallowing allows the food into the food pipe (oesophagus) and into your stomach.

The vocal cords are two flexible bands of muscle tissue that are attached at the front. On speaking or breathing, the vocal cords move together and apart. They protect the airway when they come together in the midline and allow air to pass freely when they are apart.

Different sizes in the gap between the vocal cords give different sounds, which can be used by your mouth, tongue and lips to make your voice.

The larynx is made of several pieces of a smooth, shiny tissue called cartilage. The cartilage is surrounded by fibrous tissue (ligaments). The largest cartilage of the larynx is the thyroid cartilage, which forms the Adam’s apple. This is the lump in the front of your neck. This is often much easier to see in men than women. The proper name for this is thyroid cartilage.

There are three main parts to the larynx. These parts are the:

supraglottis - the area above the vocal cords that contains the epiglottis cartilage glottis - the area of the vocal cords

subglottis - the part below the vocal cords, containing the cricoid cartilage that continues down into the windpipe

Cancer can develop in any or all of these parts of the larynx. Who gets cancer of the larynx?

Laryngeal cancer is more common in men than in women. It is diagnosed in more than five times as many men as women.

As with most cancers, laryngeal cancer is more common in older people than in younger people. There are very few cases in people under 40 years of age.

Smoking, drinking alcohol and exposure to certain substances such as asbestos or acids can increase your risk of laryngeal cancer.

cancers that start in the body’s connective tissues. Connective tissues are the supporting tissues of the body, such as bone, muscle, and nerves. Cartilage is the supporting tissue of the larynx. Cancers that develop from cartilage are called chondrosarcomas.

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer

Having a hoarse voice for more than three weeks is one of the most common symptoms of laryngeal cancer. Other symptoms include:

pain or difficulty swallowing shortness of breath weight loss

Treatment for laryngeal cancer

There is a lot of treatment available for cancer of the larynx. Treatment can include all or some of the following, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and treatment with targeted drugs.

The earlier a cancer is picked up, the easier it is to treat it, and the more likely the treatment is to be successful. So it is important that you go to your GP as soon as possible if you notice worrying symptoms.

Types of laryngeal cancer

The type of a cancer means the type of cell it started in. The grade tells you how much the cancer cells look like normal cells.

Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell cancer. The cancer develops in the flat, skin-like, squamous cells that cover the surface of the epiglottis, vocal cords and other parts of the larynx.

Adenocarcinoma is uncommon compared to squamous cell laryngeal cancer. It starts in the adenomatous cells that are scattered around the surface of the larynx. Adenomatous cells are gland cells that produce mucus.

Very rarely, other types of cancer occur in the larynx. Sarcomas of the larynx are extremely rare. Sarcomas are

We hope you have found this helpful: if you would like Birstall BAGs to cover any particular cancer in this column, please do drop us an email: Birstallbags@hotmail.com

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

For more information on the funds Birstall BAGs have raised, the projects we support and forthcoming events, see www.birstallbags.co.uk or look us up on Facebook or email birstallbags@hotmail.co.uk

P/23/0514/2: Ashton Heyes 279 Birstall Road Birstall - Double Storey

Rear Extension, Roof Alterations

P/23/0511/2: Leicester North Services

Loughborough Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3BT Provision of an EVC (electric vehicle charging) Hub and Associated Works

P/23/0506/2: 70 Denegate Avenue

Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3GG Proposed conversion of garage and con-

servatory into habitable spaces, changes to fenestration and increased rear patio area

P/23/0499/2: Land North of Birstall Leicestershire Birstall, Seeking reserved matters approval for 109 plots at parcel P1

P/23/0412/2: 33 Pasture Drive Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3NQ Proposed conversion of garage into habitable space and extension to form sun room and utility area with changes to fenestration

P/23/0408/2: 1 Woodgate Drive Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3HT Erection

of two storey side/rear extension and single storey rear extension

P/23/0407/2: 97 Hallam Fields Road

Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3LX Erection of replacement two-bedroom 2 storey dwelling house (following demolition of existing dwelling house)

P/23/0385/2: 6 Walker Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3BN Conversion of garage into habitable space with pitched roof and changes to fenestration

P/23/0347/2: 19 Long Meadow Way

Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3NU Erection of single storey front extension, boundary wall and external alterations

Editor: