YOUR SAY...

what is deemed to be unnecessary competition between bus companies.

All of the this information is now available to read on the bus operators’ websites:

Centrebus: www.centrebus.info/service-changes/

First Leicester: www.firstbus.co.uk/leicester (click on ’News & service updates’, then ‘Planned changes’ and then ’Service changes from 16 April 2023’).

Arriva: www.arrivabus.co.uk/latestnews/changes-to-leicestershires-bus-services considered?” But maybe I’m wearing the wrong aftershave. It’s the same charities every year that benefit from the duck race, nothing wrong in that, I suppose, but don’t ignore our kids

Carl Gunns, Gunns’ Gym

Queen’s Park in Loughborough

Bandstand Concerts

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

Bus service

I write in response to the ‘Bus Changes’ letter, published in issue 476 of the 'Birstall Post’, because I feel many people in the Birstall area will be worried by what has been written, thinking that their bus service is to be removed.

It is true that there are changes to bus services in Leicester and Leicestershire from April 16th, 2023 but there are no cuts to the bus services which serve Birstall. On Mondays to Fridays, Centrebus will be continuing to provide its route 22A, with most journeys operating to both the Wanlip Lane / Windmill Avenue and ‘The Gates’ side of Birstall, every 30 minutes. On Saturdays, First will continue to provide its route 22B, at the same, hourly timetable as present, via Birstall Road and Sibson Road to ‘The Gates’. Arriva services 126 / 127 & Kinch’s ‘Skylink' also continue unchanged along the main A6, with the exception that they will depart from St. Margaret’s Bus Station stands SC and SV respectively, from the service change date.

It is true that, earlier in the year, there was a news story about Leicestershire County Council wanting to make cost savings on the bus services which it financially supports and one of those services is the, Saturdays only, route 22B. However, for the time being, nothing is happening with that. We will have to wait and see how things pan out. The other story which featured related to the ‘Enhanced Partnership’ arrangement which now exists between the City Council and the bus operators. Part of this involved streamlining bus services along Evington Road to reduce congestion and remove

Trouble with your figures?

Also at the Leicester Buses website: www.leicesterbuses.co.uk/service-changes

I hope this information will serve to remove any anxiety which may exist in people fearing that they may be about to lose their bus services. These bus services do rely on patronage, and ultimately revenue, to keep them sustainable and viable in the long-term, so I would urge people to use them whenever they can. The £2 maximum fare single fare cap has now been extended until the end of June and there are a whole host of other tickets for multiple journeys, such as Flexi, and groups of people to make bus travel a viable alternative to driving and parking, whilst reducing congestion at the same time.

Neil Beasley

The family of the late David (Dai) Parker would like to thank relatives, friends, neighbours, carers and Ashleigh and Claire of the Co-op funeral for their overwhelming offers of support, condolences and beautiful cards at the sad loss.

Thanks also to those who came to the Loughborough crematorium to pay their respects and for the kind donations to Kidney Research, which amounted to the sum of £125. Thank you.

Mrs V Parker

Something wrong?

Is there something wrong with our gym? Yet again, we haven’t been considered as a beneficiary from the fundraising at the duck race! We are one of the biggest community charities in the Charnwood area, yet every year we get ignored. My kids deserve some consideration to be included. Some years ago, we did an exhibition and donated a pair of boxing gloves to the duck race, but still we’re not good enough, lots of parents have commented “why have you not been

Recognition Chat

All concerts start at 2pm and are free to attend

As you know, this year is the 12th annual duck race in Birstall. The duck race is a fun and enjoyable way to raise money for charity and has done well the past few years. However, it’s come to my attention that Carl Gunns gym has been overlooked when it comes to the duck race as the scouts right next door, and other clubs get considered for the race, but not the boxing gym. This does seem unfair and other people also think the same as I do. Carl Gunns’ Gym has been very inspiring to young kids and to me also. I know that the kids love the gym, just as much as I do and I’ve trained there for over two years, and it deserves so much more recognition in these big events, as Carl does a lot for the kids and a lot for charity in the past. Therefore I and many others feel that the gym should most definitely get more recognition from the race.

Residents of all ages are invited to come down to Queen’s Park and enjoy an afternoon of music on the following dates:

Sunday May 14 - LSU Classical Concert

Band

Sunday June 11 - Loughborough Salvation Army Band

Sunday June 25 - Loughborough Con- cert Band

Sunday July 2 - Melbourne Town Band

Sunday July 16 - Loughborough Male Voice Choir

Sunday July 23 - Charnwood Concert Band

Sunday August 6 - The New Orleans

Hotshots Jazz Band

Queen’s Park Café, situated next to Charnwood Museum, will be open from 9.30am until 2.30pm so visitors can get some refreshments before each performance

Free IT help!

10-12noon

Second Friday Every Month

Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS

We know it can be difficult to stay socially connected, but keeping in touch and chatting with others can have a huge impact. Conversations can create connections, offer new perspectives, teach you new things, boost happiness, and increase mental well-being.

This is why the NHS Volunteer Responders programme has reintroduced the Check in and Chat service, where local readers who would like a friendly chat or simply a listening ear can request a phone call with a volunteer, whether it be a one-off call or a series of calls.

Receiving a Check in and Chat call is easy and completely free. Readers can organise it by calling 0808 196 3382 (8am to 8pm, seven days a week). You can also visit nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk, where you will find further information.

If your readers would like a call, we are encouraging them to please reach out on the number above or to share this information with a loved one, friend, neighbour, or anyone who may need a little extra support and would benefit from a Check in and Chat call.

Sam Ward OBE Deputy CEO,Royal Voluntary Service

No Need To Book – Just Drop In!

Free “Drop In” session from Age UK to help you use a smartphone, tablet, I-Pad or laptop computer. Never used a computer?

No problem!

We can lend one to get you started! 0116 204 5117 digitalchampions@ageukleics.org.uk

Birstall Royal British Legion Club

Front Street, Birstall

All old and new members will be very welcome

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

Pool tables at only 50p

Saturday Entertainment 6th May Adam James male vocalist

20th May Steve Raffles male vocalist

Friday 26th May music quiz starting at 8.30pm

Room hire available for wakes, ring 07894715049

Birstall Parish Council The Annual Parish Meeting will be held at Hallam Fields Hall on Monday May 22 at 6pm.

The Annual Parish meeting is not a formal council meeting, it is an opportunity for parishioners on the electoral roll for Birstall to raise any matters of concern relating to the local community

Art Exhibition & Sale by local artist Rita Cowham

Saturday 20 May 2023

11am – 5pm at Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, LE4 4DH

Free - optional entry donation to Rainbows Children’s Hospice

Birstall Methodist

Monday Group

Coffee Morning to raise funds for Leicestershire & Rutland Motor Neurone Disease Association at Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4 4JS

Saturday May 13, 10am until 12 noon

Cakes, Plants, Tombola & Jigsaws

Come along and support our 2023 Project

You will always get a friendly welcome at

St Margaret’s Bowls Club

We welcome bowlers of all ages and abilities. Come and have some fresh air and fun in beautiful surroundings. Contact Carolyn or John on 0116 2675947

Co-op Sports Ground, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DE

The Charnwood Orchestra

End of season concert

June 24, 2023, 7.30pm

Church of St James the Greater, London Road, Leicester LE2 1NE

Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien, Glazunov: Violin Concerto - Soloist Seb Wyss –

Shostakovich: Symphony No.6

Tickets can be reserved in advance by emailing tickets@chanrnwoodorchestra.org.uk for more options please visit, www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

The Arts Society Charnwood

Are you interested in the Arts: Pictures, Architecture, Silver, Furniture, Jewellery, Sculpture and more? Then come along with your friends and hear monthly, evening hour long lectures held in Quorn given by nationally renowned speakers.

Please contact Mervyn Greenhalgh: mervyngreenhalgh@hotmail.com

12th Annual

White Horse May Day Duck Race

Monday 1st May 2023, 12pm

At the White Horse pub and on the Whiles Lane riverbank

The Duck Race itself will begin at 2pm and Webster the Duck mascot will be there to start off the race

In aid of Birstall Utd Jnrs FC

Many stalls, games and activities by local community groups

Penalty shootout and tuck shop, a toy tombola, a cake stall, sweet stall, hook at duck, bottle tombola, duck memorabilia, duck crafts

Katie’s Characters will also be at the event with some of her princesses or superheroes and Paddle Plus will be on the water giving boat rides, weather allowing.

Ducks for the race are now on sale at The White Horse, Unique Hairdressing and Brunchies’ Café for face to face sales

Friday Night Films

in Thurcaston

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

In our May life-affirming drama comedy, Oscar nominee, Lesley Manville, plays a widowed cleaning lady who, in the course of her duties, falls madly in love with Lady Dant’s Christian Dior dress. With the help of her late husband’s war pension, Ada 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” (June 9, 108 mins) With Leicester director Stephen Frears, our June UK film is an incredible Leicester story which is nearly all true. Over five hundred years after the last Plantagenet King, Richard III, was slain at the Battle of Bosworth, Phillippa Langley, played by Sally Hawkins, became convinced that she had discovered his resting place. This is the story of her resourceful and exciting research.

“Operation Mincemeat” will be shown on September 8.

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 buy in advance from:

Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

Monday Group

1st May: No Meeting-Early Bank Holiday

8th May: No Meeting -King Charles III Coronation

15th May: Coronation Tea. There will be a prize for the best home made crown.

22nd May: Mountsorrel Quarry and Railway- with Mark Temple

29th May: No Meeting- Late Bank Holiday

Mountsorrel celebrates the Coronation

Free firework display

Saturday May 6, 2023

Memorial playing fields, Mountsorrel Cricket pavilion open from 8 pm with bar

Fireworks at 9pm

Children’s Royal fancy dress competition with prizes

Ages 2–11 years

Bring your own table, chairs and refreshments.

Event sponsored, and provided by Mountsorrel Parish Council

Wanlip May Fair

20th May, 2-4pm at Wanlip Village Hall. There will be all sorts of stalls available, including the ever-popular plant stall!

Once again after a very successful show in 2022 Birstall scouts & St James’ Birstall parish church are putting on a

Last Night of the Proms Show

In aid of the church and the Scouts Saturday 30th September at 7pm doors open from 6.30pm

Tickets £10 per head on the door or if you get them in advance £8 per person and £20 for a family of four (two adults and two children under 12)

We are proud to have the Bilton Silver Rugby Band to preform for us once again this year.

It will be all the familiar music and songs, and lots of flag waving

If you would like tickets please phone the number below 0116 2674031 or 07842336745

Or from St James’ church office

Cedar Care Circle

Hi everyone. Isn't it wonderful now the lighter nights are here. I struggle with the change of time and I know that for some dementia sufferers it's a difficult time too. You, as carer, long to go to bed but the other half doesn't want to go until it's dark. Just another dilemma as a carer! You can't rest if they are still active. We can't promise to help in that respect but we can help you to have a couple of hours socialising. Come and chat, it makes such a difference. Our May meetings are 15th and 22nd, because of the Coronation bank holiday.

Our meetings are held at Brunchies Cafe Hallam Fields road Birstall at 1pm. You will be warmly welcomed by us all. Contact me, Barbara, on 07905760556 if you'd like to chat *

Guided Cemetery Tours

Learn about some of the Great War and Second World War dead at Belgrave Cemetery

Tours being conducted by CWGC volunteers.

03/06/23, 22/07/23, 19/08/23, 03/09/23, 01/10/23, 04/11/23

All tours at 2pm and will last approx. 90 minutes.

Suitable footwear essential

Leicester Symphony Orchestra

'Summer Enigma'

Join the Leicester Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of glorious music!

Sunday May 21, 3pm at De Montfort Hall

Borodin: Prince Igor overture

Elgar: Enigma Variations

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.4

Tickets £20, £16, £5, family £42 & £35 www.demontforthall.co.uk

Birstall Methodist

Thursday Group

May 4th Coronation party

May 11th Palestine, Rev Derek McLean

May 18th Tales from Belgrave Cemetery, Sandra Moore

Sat May 20th Coffee Morning, books, puzzles, cake etc.

May 25th Quiz Time

New members always welcome, 2pm in the Coffee Shop

Birstall Flower Club

Wednesday May 24, 2023

Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm

Demonstrator: Louisa Rigden

Title: Regal Flowers

Visitors £5

Queries to: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437

Birstall Tea Dances

Held at St James, Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road

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

May 12th & 26th

£6 each on the door,

Tea / coffee included

Home made cakes available, We ask for donations

Further information contact Jackie: Mobile 7908607405

Email: lucasjackie86@gmail.com

Rothley Singers & Quorn singers. Spring

Concert

Hopes and Dreams

Sunday, May 21, 7pm

Mountsorrel Memorial Centre. In aid of cancer, research UK

Free concert with retiring collection Tickets (free) are required and are available from Mountsorrel Memorial Centre

Any choir member www.charnwoodcommunitysingers.com or 0776 215 4900

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

Open Day

Birstall Watermead Tennis Club

Sunday May 21, 10am – 2pm

Find us at the Co-op Sports & Social Club, Birstall Road, LE4 4DE

All ages and levels of experience are welcome.

Drop in anytime to give tennis a try, meet club members, check out the facilities and find out what’s on offer! No equipment needed just bring your trainers and some enthusiasm.

On court activities include: Mini tennis, Junior tennis, adult mix-in tennis and Cardio tennis.

Off court games and prizes to be won. Tea, coffee, cakes and a licensed bar available.

Sign up on the day and receive 50% off any membership package!

Contact Gill: 07734965031 or Laura: 07742249807

The June issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jun 2. The copy deadline is May 19.