Birstall Post (483) October 2023

the Birstall post

Birstall BAGs celebrate 25 years

BIRSTALL BAGs celebrated its 25-year anniversary in September, with an event to thank supporters and donors held at the White Horse pub.

The local charity was founded in 1998 by Clare Wells, shortly after her diagnosis of breast cancer. Her determination to encourage her friends, family and the local community to be vigilant, to self-examine and access medical care as soon as possible, inspired the formation of Birstall BAGs.

Clare’s cancer recurred, and sadly she died in 2003. Her close friends Rachael Boyall, Helen Carnan, Liz Darlison, Lesley Merry, Jo Preston and Emma Shaw, have carried on with her vision. The group, sometimes known as 'The BAGs' has - with the fantastic support of the local community - raised over £200,000 in the last 25 years!

Over the years, the charity has expanded beyond breast cancer awareness to support those affected by any kind of cancer in the local community. In 2015, Birstall BAGs became a registered charity and Rachael’s mum, Rosie Houldsworth, joined as secretary to support the administration of the charity.

BAGs, which stands for Breast Cancer Awareness Group, uses the money raised to support local people affected by cancer. As well as providing vital equipment for the hospitals of Leicester to make diagnosis quicker and investigations less intrusive, BAGs fund a number of ongoing support groups. This includes the ever-popular 'Time Out' sessions, which offer complementary therapies such as reflexology and Reiki to anyone affected by cancer.

A bereavement support group, part of the LOROS bereavement support service, offers information, support and the chance to share thoughts and feelings with others who may have similar experiences.

Birstall BAGs also funds sessions with Mayflower Therapies, which is a chance to explore coping strategies, share worries and concerns, and learn techniques to relax the mind with the support of qualified and experienced complementary therapist and counsellor, Nicky Carling.

A group that started recently is for those affected by bladder cancer and is supported by the University Hospitals Leicester Urology nurses.

In the past few years, BAGs has worked closely with the charity Prostaid, to fund a support group for men with prostate cancer. Rachael Boyall, BAGs Trustee, said: "We were concerned that nobody would turn up for the first meeting because we were asking men to share their feelings about a quite sensitive subject. But we needn't have worried,

Birstall’s Mike Smith

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over 45 people turned up and the group has continued to flourish!"

In the early days, Birstall BAGs donated £4,000 to the newly built Breast Care Unit at the Glenfield Hospital. The charity also funded the refurbishment of The Retreat, a comfortable, well-equipped room on the Breast Care Ward at the Glenfield Hospital. The Retreat initiative has been so successful similar projects are being established throughout the University Hospitals of Leicester. Birstall BAGs provided £8,500 to provide fixtures and fittings for two rooms in the Cancer Information Centre at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, and recently donated £12,000 to refurbish various areas in the Urology department at Leicester General Hospital.

Liz Darlison, BAGs Trustee, said: "It would be impossible to thank everyone individually as we are so honoured to have so many supporters. Please believe us when we say each and every one of you is truly fabulous, and we are beyond grateful.”

She added: “The anniversary event was a really, wonderful evening. We even managed to do a bit of fundraising too and raised £2,783, which is incredible.”

Currently, Birstall BAGs holds a variety of annual events to bring the community together to have a bit of fun and raise funds. Increasingly, local businesses, sports groups and individual members of the community have chosen to support the charity with their own fundraising activities.

Speaking the day after the anniversary event, Emma Shaw, BAGs Trustee said: "Today is an important day to us BAGs ladies, as it is 20 years since Clare sadly

left us. So, wherever you are today, at some point raise a glass and celebrate the wonderful memories of a very special lady who started our journey off 25 years ago. Thank you."

To find out more about Birstall BAGs, see the website www.birstallbags.co.uk

Pic: (l-r) Helen Carnan, Emma Shaw, Rachael Boyall, Liz Darlison, Rosie Houldsworth & Jo Preston toasting BAGs’ anniversary

MIKE SMITH, former deputy head of Riverside school, and local historian, has died aged 96. He lived all his life in Birstall and,

Pic: Mike Smith

New play facility for playing fields

A £150,000 multi-use-games area will be installed on the School Lane playing fields and will be open in the autumn of 2024.

The MUGA will be 40m x 20m and will include line markings for basketball, netball, five-a-side football, and walking football. All of these activities were identified in the feedback from the consultation.

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after retiring from teaching, wrote several books on the history of the village.

He decided to train as a teacher in the mid 1950s after being 'bored to tears' by his job in Leicester's footwear industry. Teaching firstly at Medway Street School in Leicester and then Stonehill High School, he was appointed Riverside's Deputy Headmaster in 1965, a post he held until retiring from full time teaching in 1990.

At Riverside, in addition to his teaching duties, he also, at various times, ran the school football team, was a Cycling Proficiency examiner, took pupils Youth Hostelling and taught Gymnastics. One of the proudest moments of his career was when the Riverside team won the County Gymnastics competition.

Former Riverside pupils will also remember the stories he would tell them featuring characters such as 'Whizzy the wizard ' and 'Happy Harry Hippo', all of which he would ad lib and make up as he told them. 'I never knew where the stories would go, but they always seem to get there' he once said.

In 1956 he married Betty, who died in 2020, and he is survived by their 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

The MUGA has been designed to meet the five principles of designing inclusivity:

Multi-sensory elements; these work by involving and encouraging sight, physical movement, touch, and the use of auditory senses.

Accessibility Play for all Opportunity for calm Social environments

In addition to the playing surface, the MUGA will feature peripheral pieces of play equipment:

Cricket Champ Target Game & scoreboard

Street Snooker Target Game & scoreboard

First to Zero Target Game & scoreboard

Solar Powered Stopwatch Target Rings (set of five)

Bleep Test Play Panel with outline spots for jumping, hopping, spinning, star jumping, stretching, and lunging.

Cricket Wicket Panel

2 x Cricket net areas

There will also be four ergonomic benches with backrests installed outside the MUGA for spectators.

A spokesperson for Birstall Parish Council said: “I hope that you all agree that this is an innovative and exciting new attraction for residents and visitors to Birstall to enjoy.

“I can’t wait for this to be completed, there is so much in it to offer all ages and abilities that users will benefit from such as a healthy lifestyle and a wider social net.”

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, said: “I am delighted

to see this project progressing as the multi-use games area will be a great asset for the Birstall community. Now the contract has been awarded, we look forward to seeing work start on the facility.”

Birstall Parish Council applied to Charnwood Borough Council for funding from the Government through its UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The application and business case for the project was successful, and in March 2023 it was confirmed that the Parish

Council were awarded £150,000 to proceed with the project.

A three-month public consultation was held with the residents of Birstall, and the feedback contributed to the content of the bid criteria. The invitation to tender was widely promoted, and was also posted on the gov.uk contracts finder website.

The Council met on Monday September 11, and received all eligible tenders.

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Pic: the MUGA planned for the School Lane playing fields

To my wife, AAS

From your husband, RJS

You know the tune. As for the words, they should be familiar because I stole the best lines from a better writer. There is no chorus and the style is slightly clunky. Even "escape" has been twisted to fit my intentions, which are honest and true, but sometimes being in love makes one a verbal simpleton. And I am deeply in love, ergo, deeply simple, ergo, simply, deeply in love. Here goes!

I wasn't tired of my lady

Sixteen years ain't that long

I love her more each day that passes

She is my favourite song

And while she lay there sleepin'

I thought in life, how much I had

And to express my feelin's

I wrote a personal ad

Let us drink piña colada

Let's get caught in the rain

Let us never do yoga

Let's get drunk on champagne

Yes, we like making love at midnight

In the dunes on the cape

Coz you're the lady I married

For sixteen years of escape

I only thought about my lady

I hope you know what I mean

But me and my old lady

Have never been in the same old dull routine

Every time that I'm with her

It's like the first time we met

And all those times we're together

Gives me memories I shall never forget

Next day I woke up with high hopes(!?)

And watched her wake next to me

Her smile was bright as the sunrise

Her skin as cool as the breeze

My lady then told me

"I read your personal ad"

Then we laughed for a moment

And both decided that...

We will drink piña colada

We will get caught in the rain

We will sometimes eat health food

We will get drunk on champagne

Yes, we will make love way past midnight

In the dunes on the cape

For sixteen years we've been together

With you I found my escape x

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The Council reviewed and evaluated the tenders using a MEAT Weighted Scoring system. The result was to confirm the appointment to the successful bidder and award the contract to TEN Construction Ltd.

The parish council said the tender offered many different sporting activities, as well as extra peripheral equipment for all abilities to enjoy.

The work will commence as soon as possible, says the council, and will be open to the public in autumn 2024.

Boards celebrate village heritage

located on Rectory Road. The boards were designed with a rural feel to reflect the environment of the village and English oak has been used to frame and mount them.

Pic: Besides one of the new Wanlip information boards are (l-r) Phill Walling, Claire Myles, Ian Davison, Jacqueline Doughty, Carol Ward, Liz Davison and Hollie Davison

TWO INFORMATION boards have been erected in Wanlip, to celebrate the history and people of the village.

A small team of residents were behind the project; Liz Davison and daughter Hollie Davison, Carol Ward, Jacqueline Doughty, Ian Davison, Claire Myles and Phill Walling, who initiated it.

Claire said: “We hope they give people information that will make their walk through the village more interesting, help them understand how Wanlip came to be the village that it is today and show them that there is more to Wanlip than the existing collection of houses, and why residents care so much for it.”

The boards were approved and funded by Wanlip Parish Meeting and throughout the project villagers were consulted regarding the content. They cost £2694.

It took 18 months from the initial meeting to the installation of the two boards, both

am happy to have a chat about your child’s maths

Parish council notes

ON SEPTEMBER 4, 26 members and two visitors attended our first meeting after the summer break, although we did meet up socially for two trips in August.

The first trip was a guided tour around the Botanical Gardens in Oadby, followed by refreshments. Later in the month, we spent a glorious, peaceful time at St Bernard’s Abbey near Whitwick.

Our speaker for the evening was Julie Kinnear, who talked about the life of Marilyn Monroe. The competition was a ‘Glamorous Photo’, won by Val Skeffington with a photo of herself. We then discussed ideas for our Christmas dinner and had an update on our WI Christmas tree for the Methodist Church Christmas Festival and other Federation events. Cath and Beverly helped judge the Birstall Bake Off on September 23.

Our next meeting is at 7pm on October 2 at Birstall British Legion, when Julie Tinley will be demonstrating ‘Flower Arranging’, and the competition is an ‘Autumn Collage or Picture’.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Pic:

Bowlers from Birstall and Bedwellty Park

Two trips for WI Bowling club news

BOWLERS FROM Birstall Bowling

Club were involved in five events at the Bowls England National Finals which took place in Leamington Spa recently.

Pa Walker reached the quarter final of the Women’s Singles, narrowly losing out to Somerset’s Stef Branfield who went on to win the competition.

Kat Bowman was a quarter finalist in the Women’s Junior Singles. She lost to Warwickshire’s Emily Kernick, who won the title. Kat and Holwell’s Izzy Pymm got to the last 16 in the Women’s Junior Pairs, and Kat was also part of Leicestershire’s Amy Rose Women’s Under 31 team that were beaten in the semi-final by Kent.

Di Hurst and Shepshed’s Kate Kyle reached the last 16 in the Women’s Senior Pairs. They lost to a Cambridgeshire pair, who also won the competition.

In this year’s county finals, Pa Walker won both the Women’s Singles and Champion of Champions competitions, beating Kingscroft’s Julie Wilkins and Knighton’s Alison Johnson respectively. Kat Bowman won the Women’s Junior Singles for the fourth successive year and was runner up in the Under 25s Open competition.

Kat was in the England Junior team that just missed out in winning the International Series which was played in Llandrindod Wells, Wales. Scotland won the trophy on shots difference, having won two and lost one of their three matches, just ahead of England who won one (against Scotland) and drew two.

Finally, the club recently played host to a team from Bedwellty Park BC, Tredegar, who were on a four-game tour of the Midlands. A great afternoon was had by all with Birstall winning the match. The tourists gained some consolation as Wales beat Portugal in the Rugby World Cup on the same day.

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on September 11.

It was agreed to report the issues of speeding vehicles in the village and Escooters being ridden on the roads and pavements to the Birstall police team.

Comment was made that the council’s electricity costs were increasing, due to electricity prices rising. It was suggested that the council could consider installing solar panels on some of its buildings, and it was agreed that this could be put on a future agenda.

It was agreed that the training budget be increased from £3500 to £5000 per annum.

A report from Age UK, regarding the usage of the bathing service in the Village Hall, showed that the service was well used. The Parish Council fund the salary of the bath nurse, and Age UK pay rent for the premises and make a nominal charge to service users.

Cllr Kirsty Haywood had attended a meeting of the Broadnook liaison group on August 31. After considering her report of the meeting, councillors expressed their concerns relating to the

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Proudly serving the community for 15 years

IT’S FIFTEEN years since the current owners were handed the keys of Birstall pub, the White Horse, which has been serving pints since the 1790’s.

Charlotte Foy from the White Horse writes:

A lot has happened over the last 15 years, but it also feels like only yesterday that we began the business, called the Chocolate Dogs, after our sibling chocolate Labradors, Samson and Florence, with Ady and Jenny Doyle by our sides.

It was 2008, and after a lengthy negotiation process we were handed the keys, and after an extensive refresh, we opened those big blue doors to the public on October 10. It was a recession

mead on our doorstep, it was mad not to embrace the four-legged passing trade. Our first free children's party took place that first December, and since then we have done nearly 30 free Halloween and Christmas parties for the kids. I must thank Katie Bateman of Katie’s Characters, who gets us organised for the parties and makes them really magical for the children.

and a little bit daunting, but as Birstall people ourselves it was our intention to bring back the White Horse for the people of Birstall, so we brought back the White Horse name, cut the prices, made the food offering more appealing and started building links with the community. It's been an amazing ride so far, and it's quite emotional to look back at what we've achieved over the years.

We added a safe children’s play area and became dog-friendly; with Water-

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lack of provision of a GP surgery within the development and the impact it would have on GP surgeries in Birstall. Comment was made that the plan to position the social housing within the development in a single site would create a sense of grievance and social division within the new community and that the social housing should be spread out within the development.

Councillors also expressed their concerns about the impact on the road network, pollution, and the additional pressures on local schools.

It was agreed that MP Edward Argar be kept informed of the council's concerns.

Cllr Lesley Halliwell reported that she was receiving concerns from residents regarding traffic on Greengate Lane.

It was reported that traffic calming measures on Greengate Lane will be introduced as the Ashton Green development progresses.

Chair Robert Vincent suggested that councillors may have ideas about expenditure for traffic calming measures that the parish council could consider as part of next year’s budget.

Councillors considered tenders for the contract to provide a MUGA on the School Lane playing field. It was agreed to award the contract to TEN Construction Ltd.

Of course, we offer lots of events throughout the year, but particularly at Christmas we love to host nights such as Sing Christmas, which we have done since 2010. A free glass of mulled wine and a mince pie add to the festivities, and we raise funds for Save the Children. Our great friend and neighbour, Josephine Burgess, has been hosting lunches with us since 2013 and, so far, has raised over £7000 pounds. We love getting dressed up and taking part in the Christmas jumper day for Save the Children each year too. My favourite event over Christmas is the brass ensemble. Each year Alan Holford gets a group together and they make such a rich festive sound, which adds so much to the atmosphere on Boxing Day.

We're now doing Santa breakfasts, which are a great hit with families on the run-up to Christmas, and Katie, from Katie’s Characters, is the cheekiest elf.

Our other intention back in 2008 was to bring back the Birstall Duck Race, previously organised by Jonny Green, and in the following May, we did just that. Since 2009 we have held 13 Duck races, only missing 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. We always raise money for local charities, and this year a record amount of £9782.39 was raised for Birstall United Juniors football club.

Over the years, we've raised a total of £53,826, which we are very proud of.

One of our early Duck races raised funds for our local cancer charity Birstall BAGs, and this began a long collaboration, with us hosting their yearly Ladies’ night, and in 2022, 18 of the White Horse team completed a sponsored skydive raising around £7500.

£11,000* for the wonderful charity

which supports so many local people. (*Not counting the two duck races)

We have always held a Macmillan coffee morning, but in 2013 my very good friend, Beccy Kay, came up with a grand idea inspired by the Great British Bake Off to have a baking competition from which we could then sell the donations at our coffee morning for Macmillan the next day. The Great Birstall Bake Off for Macmillan cancer support was born, and so far, we have organised 10 Bake Offs and coffee mornings, raising a great total of £11,157. This is a great event often held in the garden and has a really quintessentially British feel.

Building a network of great local suppliers who share our passion for quality and interesting products has been key to keeping our food and drinks offerings interesting over the years. We adore a 'tasting', whether it's a new food product or finding interesting drinks offers, and we love to keep it local. We were the first pub outside the city to stock Burleigh’s Gin after a brunch time tasting one day! We've always got our eyes, ears (and mouths!) open to try new things and bring them to the pub for our customers. We began working with family bakers Milner's of Blaby in 2017, their bread was a great hit at our lockdown market too. Now weren’t they something?! That market gave us a won-

only place to go for delicious deserts and continental meats and cheeses. Their shop is my idea of heaven! We have ice cream from Rossas too. Even wine from Walton on the Wolds, which was a particularly pleasant 'tasting' one sunny afternoon in the vineyard. Again, we were straight off the blocks with North 42 Gin and many other small local producers have featured on our seasonal specials list and Gin nights. Most recently we found Lazy Dog, a supplier of rum in Coalville, and we are looking forward to an evening of rum tasting on October 27. There is also a wine-tasting evening on November 10 to launch our new wine list.

None of what we do would be possible without the dedication of our team, Paul, Zoe, Sophie and Jenny; you are excellent folk, you and the rest of our team work really hard and are so up for helping with anything and everything and we love you all.

Lastly, we'd like to thank our customers. We are very proud to be the custodians of this very special pub, and 15 years is a very long time in this business, but we are not going anywhere yet. We are looking forward to opening the function room so we can host more events, birthday parties, and weddings: hatch, match and dispatch, as they say! It is our pleasure to do them all. We'd like to share the celebration with you too, so we have put together fifteen £15 offers to mark our 15 years. Keep an eye out for these in the pub, on our website, and

Pic: (l-r) Paul Clement, Jenny Doyle, James Foy, Charlotte Foy & Ady Doyle

Graham new county president Grassland

BIRSTALL RUGBY Club’s Graham

Cree has been elected by Leicestershire Rugby Union as their County President for the forthcoming season.

Graham has been associated with Birstall RFC since 1981, when he joined as a player, and is currently the Club President.

He said: “I got involved in a typical fashion to most players in that I was asked one night to play whilst having a beer in the local pub. They were short of a player for the next day, so I borrowed some kit and turned up. I was hooked from that day on as they made me so welcome.

“It was made up of mainly ex-teachers and pupils from Stonehill and Longslade,

so it was very much a social village side playing on the school fields.

“40 years on, and I have been lucky enough to be able to help encourage the same club ethos of providing a friendly, inviting and all-inclusive environment for

to try to get things going for another season and, through the hard work of a small group of dedicated members, we managed to turn things around. Fast forward to 2019 and the last game before Covid hit, we played one of the biggest games in the club's history against Clee Hill in a Midlands County final, winning with virtually the last play of the game.

IMPROVEMENTS TO grasslands at Watermead Country Park are part of a three-year project to boost and enhance grasslands and wildflower habitats at three sites along the River Soar.

players of all abilities, but at the same time building on the standard of playing. We now get players from all over the county, and we have a very strong level of coaching to enable us to play at a much higher level.

“When you have been involved with a club for that amount of time, you get to see all the highs and lows. It wasn’t that long ago that we were really struggling and had talks with another local club to look at merging. Thankfully, we decided

“I count everyone who comes through the club door as ‘family’, and I feel very lucky to have made lifelong friends with so many people. That family circle was extended to the County family as well, so I was extremely proud to be asked to become the County President. Not only is this an honour for me, but I see it as an honour for everyone involved at Birstall and a recognition of their hard work.

“My County President duties are mainly to represent the LRU in an ambassadorial role, so I will be looking forward to getting out into the county to meet the Clubs and County Representative volunteers who make the game possible for so many.”

Pic: John Brindley (left, outgoing president) with Graham Cree

Leicestershire County Council is one of the key partners in the project, led by the Trent Rivers Trust. The project aims to create wildflower-rich grassland sites and other habitats that will provide foraging, breeding, and hibernation sites for pollinators, including bees, butterflies and moths.

Trent Rivers Trust secured £250,000 of funding from WWF’s partnership with Air Wick for the project, with £46,700 of that cash being received by Leicestershire County Council for environmental works in three areas.

At Watermead, the work involves the creation, enhancement and conservation of existing grassland and the restoration of neglected wildflower meadows across 4.7 hectares of the park, to create species-rich environments. The project has invested in new mowing and baling equipment to help collect grass cuttings and provided hand tools and support for volunteers to manage the grassland even more sensitively for insects and other wildlife.

In Quorn, the project is working with tenant farmers along the Soar catchment area to produce a conservation grazing plan for the land, including the restoration of wildflower meadows and grassland habitats.

In Broughton Astley, a public space is being revitalised for nature, with the improvement of existing grassland and the introduction of more native plants.

Police drug raids

A SEARCH of a Birstall property for drugs in June was part of a county-wide operation to tackle the illegal production of cannabis across Leicestershire.

A total of 47 properties were searched, resulting in plants with a street value of more than £7m being seized.

Leicestershire Police joined other forces across the UK taking part in Operation Mille – a national campaign to locate cannabis grows and arrest those behind them.

Searches took place across the county, including West Leicester, the city centre, Leicester Forest East, Birstall and Syston. This included 35 warrants which were executed under Section 8 or Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

In total, more than 9,200 plants –with an estimated yield of over half a tonne – were seized. The largest grow, which consisted of 1,248, was located in East Leicester.

Equipment used in the cultivation of cannabis, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, was seized by officers, and more than £21,000 in cash was also seized.

Forty people were arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis, and 29 people have subsequently been charged.

Pic: Cannabis plants seized by Police

Join band

SCOUTS AND Guides are being invited to join the Thurmaston Scout and Guide band.

A spokesman for the band said: “There is no minimum or maximum age and no prior musical knowledge is needed before joining.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, learn a new life skill, improve confidence and play music together with all instruments provided.”

The band performs at parades, galas and competitions throughout the year, playing a variety of music from traditional marches to film music and pop songs.

For more information visit the website, www.tmbrass.org or contact Richard Warrington on (07831) 105648 richard.warrington@78thscouts.org

Cash presented to dementia group

would like to thank you all for your most generous donation. To say I was overwhelmed would be a massive understatement!

Barbara Wass, founder of the group, said: “The wonderful ladies of the Birstall Methodist Thursday Group had adopted Cedar Care Circle as their charity for the year.

“On behalf of our dementia group, I

At the group meeting in September, there were comments ranging from ‘how fantastic’, ‘what a wonderful achievement’, ‘thank you’, and ‘I'm stunned!’

Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. You ladies are amazing.”

Pic: Barbara Wass (right) with Wendy Allen

THE CEDAR Care Circle, a Birstall dementia support group, has received a cheque for £1250 from the Birstall Methodist Thursday Group.

A Good Friend of the Watch has Retired

At the end of August Mark Butler retired, having served Birstall and Wanlip as a Police Community Support Officer for over eighteen years.

During his time on the beat, Mark walked countless miles patrolling our streets; a familiar figure whose presence gave reassurance to all who saw him (apart, perhaps, from those up to no good).

His pleasant, approachable manner and willingness to stop and chat enabled residents to ask for informal advice on issues that worried them and kept him well‐informed about what was happening on his beat.

He showed particular sensitivity to vulnerable and elderly victims of crime but his interest and concern extended to all residents. He had a particular focus on working locally with young people to give them guidance and good opportunities. In his spare time he is an active leader in the Air Cadets.

He used the Restorative Justice Scheme imaginatively to divert those who had had their first minor brush with the law, away from the risk of further offending.

Mark was always a good friend of our Neighbourhood Watch and, whenever possible, arranged his duties to hold a Beat Surgery alongside our monthly Advice Shop. He attended our management committee meetings and was a constant source of information and sound advice.

He went well beyond the bounds of his statutory duties to be visible and involved in our community. His visits as Father Christmas to local schools and nurseries have become legend!

There are many people who have cause to be grateful to Mark. We wish him a long and happy retirement.

Recovery Scams

If you have, unfortunately, been the victim of a scam, be on your guard against fraudsters who may contact you claiming that they can get your money back. The help that they claim to offer can sound very tempting.

Recovery scams are a form of advance fee fraud that are all similar to each other. The original scammer might contact you posing as someone from a firm that can recover your money or they may have sold your details on to another fraudster who then contacts you in turn.

You might find them advertising their services on social media. Some even impersonate ombudsmen and regulators in an attempt to convince victims that they are genuine.

Once they have got your interest, they will pressure you into giving your bank details and asking for an upfront fee.

They often have professional‐looking websites full of fake five‐star reviews to fool you into thinking they are legitimate and there to help you recover your losses.

In fact they will only be adding to them by stealing even more of your hard‐earned money.

Our Remaining Assets

As the time approaches for us to finally wind up our Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, we are gathering together our non‐financial assets, primarily equipment and stationery.

Our remaining stock of crime prevention items, such as alarms, bicycle locks, leaflets, warning stickers etc. have already been donated to our local Police Beat Team for them to distribute at the various Beat Surgeries they hold around the area and in the Robert Dickinson Building, where we held our Saturday Advice Shop for many years.

Much of the remaining equipment is old but still usable and we want to donate it to other voluntary community groups in our villages who may have a use for it. We have put a full list on our website and would like to hear from any local voluntary groups who think they could make good use of it.

www.villagewatch.co.uk

If you have an interest or would like more information, please contact us by email at:

watch@villagewatch.co.uk

The Watch would like to thank Birstall Parish Council for its long‐standing support © Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch – watch@villagewatch.co.uk – 0756 2422 756

YOUR SAY...

Noticeboard

all details printed free

Halloween Fair

Sat Oct 28, 2pm to 4pm at Birstall Scout Hall

All Welcome Stalls, crafts, hot and cold drinks, cakes and treats, dressing up box, raffle etc.

This is a family friendly event in aid of ADHD Solutions (Leicester). Scout Hall, Birstall Road (next to Gunns’ Gym)

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

Traffic

A traffic speed survey was carried out by the Police Road Safety Unit for a whole week, from June 21.

A camera recorded the speed of traffic on Greengate Lane, and the conclusion was that as only 13% of motorists exceeded the police enforcement threshold of 35mph, no further action will be taken at this time. The police regard 13% as representing ‘good compliance’.

I do not accept this as it takes no account of the total volume of traffic on the road. During the week 41,701 vehicles passed my house, of which 5,421 were travelling in excess of 35 mph. This already high number increases to a staggering 18,308 or 44% of motorists, if the legal speed limit of 30mph is applied.

An important factor, which the results do not show, is the number of motorists exceeding the 20mph, which applies in the zone around Highcliffe Primary School. I have no figures, but when this is taken into account, it is clear that the true figure of speeding motorists is far higher than shown in the survey.

You may be interested to know that the survey recorded 1186 vehicles travelling in excess of 40mph, and the highest speed recorded was an astonishing 67mph!

We really do need to take this more seriously. At the very least, a speed-activated sign should be installed in each direction. This type of device is relatively cheap and is known to have a calming effect.

Pat Dobson

Thanks

I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me for The Matt Hampson Foundation (MHF) ride on September 2. With my friend Mark Dave, we rode 40 miles from Birstall, taking in The Get Busy Living Centre in Burrough on the Hill, where we met fellow cyclists and MHF staff. Between us we have raised £610, every penny of which will go to support people whose lives have been changed by a serious sporting injury.

Dave Thomas

Lost in Birstall

on Bank Holiday Monday, my Charnwood Lifeline red and white lozenge shaped pendant, on a white bracelet. Please phone Chris on (0116) 267 4176. Thanks

Leicester Symphony Orchestra 'Remembrance Concert'

Sat 11 Nov, 7.30pm at De Montfort Hall

Join Leicester Symphony Orchestra for a special Remembrance Day concert.

Music includes: Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 3 Elgar: Polonia Butterworth: Banks of Green Willow Finzi: Farewell to Arms Williams: Schindler’s List Pipers lament, Flowers of the Forest .

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

Friday Night Films in Thurcaston

Christmas film on December 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 your tickets at the door, if there are any left, or buy in advance from:

Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

* The Bark Foundation

(Registered Charity Number: 1129762)

In support of Hotpec Orphanage

“A Man called Otto”

October 13, (124 mins)

Nominated for two Academy Awards, our October film stars our favourite actor, Tom Hanks. Otto is continually disapproving of his neighbours’ ways and as a cantankerous widower, decides to take a drastic step. However, his plans are disrupted by a new family whose members see beyond his grumpiness. Will this unexpected friendship turn Otto’s life around?

“The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry”

November 10 (108 mins)

Our inspirational British film for November stars two outstanding actors: Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. When Harold finds out that his former colleague, Queenie, is in a hospice, he sets out to walk the length of the country to see her, without transport. Along the way, he revisits memories of the relationship with his son and the frustrations with his wife. He encounters a variety of people. This is a gorgeous film. “Matilda the Musical” will be our

Charity Sale

Sat October 14

10am-12.30pm

Birstall Methodist Church Hall

Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4 4JS

Mega Jewellery Sale

(Huge selection of recycled/handmade costume jewellery, from 50p to more)

The Bark Foundation, as always, raising funds to support HOTPEC Orphanage in Cameroon, will be joined by other LOCAL charitable groups, including:

L.O.R.O.S. (Jigsaws and Tombola)

‘Save the Children’ (Christmas Cards)

Birstall & Wanlip W.I.

‘Hedgehog Rescue’

Birstall Methodist

‘Warm Space’ (Gift Baskets)

Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop will be open as usual, 10am-12noon, serving filter coffee, tea, homemade scones and cakes – all at only £1 each

Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust

Wed 11th Oct 2023 at 7.30pm

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall

Admission is £3 for LRWT members, £3.50 for visitors, children free.

The Origins & Future Of Meadows

In this talk Uta Hamzaoui will give an overview of how meadows have become part of the landscape and how the plants and animals that live in them have adapted to their cutting and grazing cycle. Based on the ecology of meadows, the principles of their management will be explained and how these can be adapted for conservation and restoration of meadows in the countryside, as well as in public spaces, on road verges and in gardens

Wanlip Christmas

Fayre

Saturday 2nd December, 2-4pm at Wanlip Church and Community Hall

Crafts, Gifts &Stalls

Festive food & drink

Visit Santa in his grotto!

October Programme

Birstall Methodist

Monday Group

9 Oct: Peter LeMarchant Trust –Tim Marren

16 Oct: No Meeting – HALF TERM

23 Oct: Anthony’s Antiques (+ Thrift Stall)

30 Oct: Christians Against Poverty

– Susan Littlemore

We meet in the Coffee Shop at Birstall Methodist Church every

Monday evening at 7.30pm. Why not come along either as a visitor or a member and hear our very interesting speakers. The entrance fee is £2 which includes tea/coffee and a biscuit (or cake if someone is feeling generous!)

Birstall Methodist Church

Christmas Festival

2023

Christmas Songs

Decorated trees in the Church

Free Admission

Donations welcome to Motor Neurone Disease

Fri 24th November 10am - 6pm

Sat 25th November 10am - 2pm

Santa’s Grotto

Decorations & crafts - Toys

Tombola - Raffle - Christmas gifts

Vintage items, books & jigsaws

Homemade cakes & preserves

Craft Fayre

Pancakes & Hot Dogs Friday from 3pm. Refreshments Friday & Saturday from 10am. Please bring cash, cards cannot be accepted

Cedar Care Circle

The group meetings for October are 9th and 23rd.

If you or someone you know is caring 24/7 for a spouse, partner or friend suffering from dementia, please come and enjoy a couple of hours at Brunchies Cafe Hallam Fields Road Birstall, 1pm. Our aim is to be there to support and provide a safe happy environment where you can relax. We can all relate to the loneliness and isolation that caring brings. If you'd like to chat call me on 07905760556, Barbara

Birstall Flower Club

Wed October 25, 2023

Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm

Demonstrator: Beverley Artis

Title: Viva Andalusia!

Visitors £5

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

Friends of Belgrave Cemetery

Our Remembrance Sunday Service will take place at Belgrave Cemetery on Sunday 12th November. Please arrive early for an eleven o’clock start. This year, our Remembrance Day ceremony is to be led by the Rt Revd Richard Norburn, and visitors will be able to witness the lighting of the Candle of Remembrance of Light and Hope, and join us in the singing of a hymn. More details: www.friendsofbelgravecemetery.o rg.uk

Free IT help!

10am-12pm

Third Tuesday Every Month

Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop

Wanlip Lane, Birstall 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 you to get you started!

0116 204 5117 digitalchampions@ageukleics.org. uk

Birstall Royal British Legion Club

Front St, Birstall

All old and new members will be very welcome

Bingo every Tues, starting at 9pm Quizzes every Wed starting at 8.30pm & Sun at 9pm

Pool tables at only 50p

Saturday entertainment

14th Zoe Snow (female vocalist)

28th Ali (female vocalist)

Room hire available for wakes, ring 07894715049

Charnwood Orchestra

is kicking off its 50th Anniversary Season with a fabulous concert showcasing the Orchestra"Dreams and Serenades".

Saturday 21st October 2023 -

7:30pm

Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8HP

Mendelssohn: Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Dvorák: Wind Serenade Op.44

Dvorák: Two Waltzes for Strings

Op.54

Beethoven Symphony No.2

Where can I get a ticket get a ticket for this?

www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk email: tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

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

At the door, cash payments only Price? £14.00, (£12.00 concessions), £5 -18s and under or NUS members

The November issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Nov 3. The copy deadline is Oct 20.

NHW news & crime report

Only Pay What You Owe

The introduction of the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) in London, whether you like it or not, has provided fertile ground for the ever-opportunistic scammers.

Birmingham and a number of other cities have similar Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges and it is very likely that you may come across one unexpectedly when on a journey. A quick search on your phone for information on how to pay the charge will often produce a list of adverts before the link for the official website that you need. They are there just to make money, either semi-legally or often just fraudulently.

You can pay or check whether your vehicle even needs to pay a CAZ or ULEZ charge on the Government website: www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

Most of the dodgy websites relate to the London ULEZ since it is the biggest and, therefore, most lucrative to scam.

The only safe way to pay that charge is through the official Transport for London (TfL) website: tfl.gov.uk

If you use another link, the best that will happen is that the website will charge you an additional fee for providing their ‘service’. You may pay £17.50 for them to send on the actual fee of only £12.50, something that you could easily have done yourself. You may also find that you have unwittingly signed up for recurring charges to be taken from your account in the future.

To add insult to injury, the site will probably take your payment even when your vehicle is exempt from the charge. The official websites will tell you this when

you enter your registration number.

Much worse, your whole payment could go straight into the scammer’s pocket and you only become aware of it when a penalty notice with a fine for non-payment lands on your doormat.

If you come across an unexpected CAZ or ULEZ sign on your travels, do not panic and think that you have to pay before you go any further. The deadline to pay is usually two or three days after you have entered the zone, giving you plenty of time to deal with things calmly through the correct channels.

Whenever you search online, do not just accept the first result in the list. Scroll down until you are sure you have the official site that you need.

From Ed Chambers, Chairman, Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch

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 to provide 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 vehicle 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 in identifying and prosecuting offenders in a timely manner.

Tackling County Lines

- Police are developing and targeting people within the area who are drug

dealing, exploiting vulnerable people by cuckooing addresses and causing antisocial behaviour from this type of crime.

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

BIRSTALL SPECIFIC

Drugs - Development of intelligence -

Local officers are out and about within Birstall and Wanlip, speaking to local residents to gather current/accurate information and intelligence that can be acted upon in order to hold drug dealers/users accountable, which will subsequently make our streets a safer place.

Road Safety - Excess Speed -

Speeding vehicles is an ongoing issue on our roads, that 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

We have had a few Burglaries and Thefts from Motor Vehicles over the last few weeks, we are working hard to progress the investigation in regards to these in the hope of identifying the offender/s.

In relation to the male who in the past was seen asking for money outside Tesco, a short update. By working together with our partner agencies (East Midland Housing, Charnwood Borough Council, The Bridge, Turning Point and Social Services) we have managed to secure him some alternative accommodation, somewhere more suited to his needs which, with fingers crossed, will enable him to flourish going forward in his life.

We have now also been informed that we have been allocated a new Sergeant, this will be PS 732 Pete Colgate, who started with us on September 21, 2023.

Sgt Colgate has extensive experience within policing and has been a neighbourhood Sergeant at Keyham Lane & Spinney Hill Police station, which is where I have worked with him previously for a number of years. He will no doubt be an asset to the team and community.

Please feel free to come and see us at our upcoming beat surgeries, this is a great opportunity to meet your local officers and discuss any concerns within the community.

Additionally, now the nights are drawing in, please be conscious of your home and vehicle security, and try not to leave anything on display, as advertising your property could lead to you becoming a victim of crime.

If your home lights are on, consider drawing your curtains or closing your blinds, as criminals will use any opportunity to go window shopping. Please visit our website: www.leics.police.uk for additional crime prevention advice or visit us during one of our beat surgeries.

All the best, and stay safe!

PC 1365 Stu Venables

Crime Update

Crime summary— Birstall and Wanlip

Last 28 days from 20th Sept 2023

All other theft, offences 9

Burglary, business 1

Burglary, residential 4

Criminal damage 5

Drug possession, 1

Misc crimes against society 1

Other sexual offences 3

Public disorder 4

Shoplifting 4

Stalking and Harassment 14

Theft from motor-vehicle 3

Theft of motor-vehicle 1

Violence with injury 8

Violence without injury 2

Events

Beat Surgery: Located at the Robert Dickinson Building on Sibson Road (within the Short Stay car park) - on the following dates/times:

13th October 2023 (Between 4 & 5pm)

21st October 2023 (Between 10am and 12noon)

29th October 2023 (Between 10am & 12noon)

Beat Surgery: Located at Wanlip Church and Community Hall, Riverside Mews, LE74PH on the following dates/times:

21st October 2023 (Between 10am and 12noon (between 1 & 2pm)

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.

Trouble with your figures?

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

THE GROUP have had the honour along with Lords Legacy of helping turn Birstall Purple for Abigail’s farewell.

Abigail was a pupil at Riverside school who passed away in the summer holidays.

The guard of honour was arranged by Rachel one of our admin. We were able to publicise and distribute purple balloons on this very sad occasion. It

HATS promise a bit of panto magic

HATS’ PANTO this year is “Little Panto of Horrors” by (and with the permission of) Limelight Scripts.

intensity, out of this world experiences, the unexpected and lots of humour”.

was a great comfort to see the community come together.

We have supported the “Shoe box” appeal and supplied hand knitted bears. If anyone would like to contribute items they would be gratefully received (tooth paste/brushes/ crayons etc).

The scrubs team continue to make items for the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Quilts and Angel baby gowns.

If you think the group can help in any way, please get in touch on:

07894995164

I wonder if any of you have been able to guess what the theme of the panto will be this year? “Horrors” might suggest something scary to keep you on the edge of your seats. Will you be the one looking through your fingers as you place them over your faces to shield you from the thrill of waiting to see what frightening things might happen? Or will you just embrace the whole Panto theme, and enjoy the unknown, always secure in the knowledge that there will be lots of fun, laughter, shouting, hissing and booing, and of course the ever present “He’s behind you”.

While the majority of people know that the tradition of panto is unique and

Our rehearsals are in full swing, we are learning our lines, having to remember which side to come on, trying not to talk too fast, remembering to speak loudly etc. What we don’t have to remember is how to have fun; this just

comes naturally to us. If we are having fun then you will too. We are looking forward to seeing all our regular audience members again, and anyone who is coming to see us for the first time will soon become part of our regulars when they see the sparkle we bring to people.

Our panto will be a fabulous lead up to the Christmas activities, pantos are a must for everyone.

So get your tickets ordered and don’t miss this fabulous show. And check out our facebook page for regular updates/photos of our rehearsals too.

See you soon.

quite unlike any other stage productions, there will also be some people for whom a panto will be the first time they have ever experienced anything that allows and encourages audiences to join in and shout at the actors. The magic of seeing children’s (and adults’) faces light up as they watch the stories unfold is something that you just cannot explain.

Here at HATS, we are never surprised at how quick the audience are to join in with the fun, and seeing them so engrossed and engaged always creates a buzzing atmosphere backstage for our cast too.

This panto will include “mystique,

Dates for your diary: December 7, 8 and 9 in the evening, with an additional matinee performance on the 9th.

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

Tickets: £7 and £6 concession, £22 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children)

Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people.

Box Office: 0116-2209594 and 07948 796675

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/

ST MARGARET'S Co-operative Bowls Club has held summer bowls tours for many years.

This year, at the end of August, our destination was Torquay in Devon. There were 32 bowlers on tour, with 14 nonbowlers. Torquay and the Torbay area are well-known holiday destinations with glorious beaches and many other places of interest.

Our hotel was the Toorak, which fully lived up to our hopes in terms of food, accommodation and facilities. The first game, an eight rink match against the Torquay club, was only a short walk from the hotel. Our team put on a good show, but the locals proved a bit too strong and we had to settle for second place.

The following day, a short coach ride took us to Paignton BC whose ground is situated immediately alongside the steam railway station. Like the previous match, the game was played in a very friendly spirit, but on this occasion, we just man-

Art exhibition

BIRSTALL AND District Art Society’s 28th Annual Art Exhibition will be held in the Village Hall, Birstall, on Saturday and Sunday November 4/5.

aged a win by the slimmest of margins, with a mere three points separating the teams. Our hosts laid on a lovely Devonshire cream tea, much appreciated by all.

The third and final match of our tour was to be against Babbacombe, but unfortunately, it had to be cancelled due to rain. Luckily, we were able to play a hastily arranged tournament on the hotel’s indoor rinks. This helped to make up for the disappointment of the lost match and proved a fun way to pass a rainy afternoon.

Each year, we have an award for the highest-scoring player of the tour, which this year was won by Chris Holmes.

Overall, it was an exciting and funpacked tour. Our thanks and appreciation go to the organiser, Pat Dobson, whose plans for next year's trip to the Isle of Wight are already well in hand!

From St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club smcbc.com

Pic: St Margaret’s bowlers at the Paignton club

Autumn vaccines

BIRSTALL’S GP practices have coordinated their delivery of flu and covid vaccinations this autumn.

Edmund Chambers, Chairman of the Birstall Medical Centre and Border Drive Patient Participation Group, explains the arrangements:

There are no changes to the arrangements for the flu vaccinations. They will be delivered directly by each patient’s own surgery, as in previous years.

The arrangements for the Covid Booster programme, which the Government unexpectedly and at short notice brought forward to start in mid-September, are different.

The practices in Birstall, together with two in Thurmaston, form the Watermead Primary Care Network.

Birstall Medical Centre is the designated Covid Booster site for all four practices. All patients, apart from those mentioned below, will be invited to attend Birstall Medical Centre on Whiles Lane for their Covid Booster rather than their own surgeries.

The exception is that individual practices will provide Covid Booster jabs to their own patients who are housebound, in care homes or have specific issues, such as the immunosuppressed. They will be contacted directly.

Any questions about these arrangements should be directed to the patient’s own surgery in the first instance.

Getting vaccinated against flu each autumn has been an important health programme for years and has protected many vulnerable people from serious

illness or even worse. It is likely that a regular Covid Booster vaccination programme will continue in the coming years, and it is very important to take up these opportunities whenever they are made available.

All the reputable and trusted medical advice is that the advantages of being vaccinated far outweigh any possible disadvantages many, many times over.

Who is eligible?

The NHS and Government websites give the following information.

The flu vaccine is given free to adults who:

Are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)

Have certain health conditions

Are pregnant

Are in long-stay residential care

Receive a carer's allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick

Live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system

People eligible for an autumn Covid Booster:

Residents in care homes for older adults

All adults aged 65 years and over

People aged 6 months to 64 years who are in a clinical risk group

Frontline health and social care workers

People aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with weakened immune systems

People aged 16 to 64 years who are carers

The exhibition is open from 9.30am until 4pm on both days. Entry is free, paintings will be for sale, refreshments are available and there will be support for LOROS again this year.

Free parking is behind the hall and is accessed via School Lane.

Unfortunately, the society’s ‘Live Art Demonstration’, due to be held in October, has had to be cancelled. However, there will be a Live Art Demonstration on Tuesday November 14, when Rebecca Ivatts will be demonstrating portraiture using acrylics. The demonstration evenings are held at the Tara Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at the Cedars Academy, Birstall. The charge for non-members is £4. They start promptly at 6.45pm and finish at 8.45pm. More details are on the website, www.badas.uk

The Friday morning informal painting and drawing sessions, which are held at

the Co-Op Sports & Social Club from 930am to 12noon, have proved very popular, with up to 30 members attending each session.

The Wednesday evening sessions held in the village hall, Wanlip, from 6.30 to 8.30pm have also proved popular, although there is still more room for others to join in.

If you would like to see if the Wednesday evening and/or Friday morning sessions would suit you, then you can go for up to three weeks at just £3 per session. Full details are on the website www.badas.uk

From BADAS

1 - 4 - ALL

Domestic Appliance Spares & Repairs

P/23/0385/2: This updated application is to remove the ground floor rear bay patio doors, rear windows and back door then square off the rear ground floor with 2 x set of Bifold Doors

P/23/1713/2: 4 Went Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3BG Two and single storey extension

P/23/1711/2: Land North of Birstall

Leicestershire Flag signs, billboard, Vboards, Broadnook 'hollywood' sign

P/23/1679/2: 21 Woodgate Drive Birstall

Leicestershire LE4 3HTChange of use from dwelling house C3 to C2 (children home)

P/23/1556/2: Broadnook (Parcel A2) Land North of Birstall Leicestershire Reserved matters approval for access, layout, scale, appearance and landscaping for 127 dwellings on Parcel A2 pursuant to Outline Application ref: P/23/1556/2

P/23/1555/2: Broadnook, Land North of Birstall Birstall Leicestershire. Removal or variation of condition 40 of P/16/1660/2

Outline application (with all matters reserved on those areas not subject to the detailed proposals) for erection of 1,950 residential dwellings

P/23/1510/2: 27 Moorgate Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3HJ Erection of single storey side extension

P/23/1562/2: 62 Orchard Road Birstall

Leicestershire LE4 4GE Erection of two sto-

rey side and rear extension

P/23/1542/2: The Coppice 13 School Lane

Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4EA Fell 1No

Sycamore tree currently protected by Charnwood TPO

P/23/1576/2: 115A Roman Road Birstall

Leicestershire LE4 4BF Erection of single storey rear extension, first floor side extension and provision of vehicular access and associated alterations

P/23/1600/2: 37 The Crossways Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4ED Erection of single storey front porch extension

P/23/1561/2: 230 Birstall Road Birstall

Leicestershire LE4 4DG 1 (Birch) - Whole Tree Removal 2 (Birch) - Whole Tree Removal 3 (Birch) - Whole Tree Removal

They lean towards the house. Advised that they need to be felled by a tree surgeon as 'supporting root structure is not strong enough to support the lean of the trees'

P/23/1563/2: 247 Birstall Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4DJ Erection of single storey extension to side of dwelling, and single storey self-contained annex

P/23/1558/2: Birstall Medical Centre 4

Whiles Lane Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4EE

Erection of single and two storey side and rear extensions, with external fire escape staircase, cycle store and associated works

P/23/1506/2:

THE

Summer Fayre was held on August ank Holiday Monday.

Our picture shows Mina Milankovic with Monty (4), two of the many visitors who enjoyed the many stalls, games and refreshments.

BIRSTALL METHODIST Monday Group held their AGM on September 11, and Paul Wilcock from the Leicestershire & Rutland Branch of Motor Neurone Disease Society was overwhelmed to receive a cheque for £3000.

The money was raised by the group having various fundraising events: coffee mornings, thrift stalls, raffles and generous donations. Paul thanked the group for all their efforts, which were inspired by Stuart and Maggie Preston and their family. He said: “This amazing amount will ensure that local people suffering with MND will be able to access help and support more quickly.”

The group’s project for 2023/24 will be ‘Age UK Dementia Support’. Many people, including members of the Monday Group, will be supported by this

charity. Lisa will be speaking in more detail about ‘Age UK Dementia Support’ when she visits the group on November 13, 2023.

The Monday Group meets in the Coffee Shop at the Birstall Methodist Church at 7:30pm.

Eileen Molesdale said: “Everyone is welcome to join us as either a member or a visitor. We have an interesting Autumn And Winter programme planned, which is in the Birstall Post, including a Harvest Supper. So, don’t sit at home feeling lonely - why not come along to our group on a Monday evening - you will be made very welcome, and tea/coffee and biscuits are provided.”

Please contact Eileen on 0116 292 9670 for further details.

Birstall Remembrance parade

BIRSTALL’S REMEMBRANCE Service and parade will take place this year on Sunday November 12.

There will be road closures for a short period of time to allow the parade to safely make its way from the School Lane playing fields car park to the Church for the service.

The parade will then make its way from the Church to the memorial for the

wreath laying service and two-minute silence, and then march back to School Lane playing fields car park.

Parish clerk Sue Coulson said: “Birstall Parish Council is again proud to be working in partnership with the Birstall Branch of the Royal British Legion and St James the Great Church to ensure that the annual Remembrance parade and service continue.”

The road closures will come into

News from the churches

A BIG apology to all cake-a-holics who go to Wanlip Old Nick's Coffee Shop.

It is NOT held on the second Tuesday of the month but on the third Tuesday of each month! Mea Culpa - put it down to old age and general decrepitude. It is the St James Monday Group that meets on the second Monday of the month in St James Church (2.304.30pm).

The Monday Group was due to be entertained by the Handbell ringers in October, but, unfortunately, this was cancelled - instead, members had fun with an impromptu 'Beetle Drive', accompanied by chocolates and tea.

Well, it may not have been a super sunny Bank Holiday for St James' Summer Fayre, but the rain didn't rain, and the temperature was pleasant, which led to a most enjoyable day for everyone who attended.

The Shoebox Appeal is underway again to help support the poorest areas of Eastern Europe. A box to receive donations is in the social area of St James church for toiletries, sundry items and colouring books and pencils, as well as pretty things for presents.

Donations for the cost of carriage for the boxes would also be very welcome.

Next summer, St James will be joined by a new curate, who is, at the moment, completing her college training at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, in Oxford.

Rachael Brind-Surch hails from Groby and now lives with her husband in Loughborough, an easy commute!

A date for your diaries is Saturday October 7, when there will be the Tearfund Big Quiz at St James Church.

From Birstall Parish Churches

AS YOU have probably heard already, the Down Memory Lane monthly afternoon tea is now being held again.

By all accounts this is hugely appreciated by the community, and it is wonderful that we can offer our premises for this.

In September, we had most of the exterior of the main building repainted, as well as the whole of the Coffee Shop and kitchen. And we are in the process of gradually tackling some of the other areas in need of a freshen-up. Also, the Parish Council found the defib unit outside the Coffee Shop was faulty. Hopefully, by the time you read this, it will be back in operation. Many thanks to their Estates Team for their diligence!

When it starts to become cold again, we should be able to offer our Coffee Shop as a Warm Space, similar to last year. The success of this is very much dependent upon volunteers, so do drop in to see Julie if you would like to join the team for 1-2 mornings per month.

This month, we are starting the detailed planning for our Christmas Festival. Some of the team have been busy most of this year though, preparing all the baskets for their stalls, renting out table spaces, organising the refreshments rotas and the food. As usual, it is being held at the end of November, this year on the 24th & 25th, and our nominated charity this year is Motor Neurone Disease.

From Birstall Methodist Church

Is Christianity just for Sundays?

A comedienne, being interviewed earlier this year about her own search for faith, is quoted as saying: ‘When it works, the church does all the things we know are good for our mental health:

effect from 9.15am until 11.30am.

The roads that will be affected are:

School Lane – from the playing fields car park to Birstall Road

Birstall Road – from Church Hill down to the roundabout

Sibson Road – after the entrance to the car park

quiet, singing together, socialising afterwards, having a structure, doing good, feeling good because you have a purpose.’ While this may be true, you could probably get similar benefits from a social club. The definition omits the central point of Christians meeting together; Christians meet to give glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship to God. Amongst other things that Christians do there is the command in the Bible to tell others about the Gospel (good news), so that at the end of this age there will be: ‘a great number which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues standing before the throne.’ This instruction was given by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself to His followers after His Resurrection and it is not something that is limited by time of day or day of the week. Mark’s gospel says: ‘And He [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”’.

Our hymn this month talks about the never-ending job of telling others about Jesus. Written by Frank Houghton (1894-1972) it is: ‘Facing a task unfinished’. Frank was born in Staffordshire, educated at London University and served in parishes in Lancashire before joining the China Inland Mission (now Overseas Missionary Fellowship), working in China in the 1920s and 1930s. He later took parishes in the Midlands before retiring in 1963. Frank’s hymn says: ‘We bear the torch that flaming fell from the hands of those who gave their lives proclaiming that Jesus died and rose. Ours is the same commission, the same glad message ours …’ and he ends with: ‘Forth on Thine errands send us to labour for Thy sake.’

You are warmly invited to join us for our Sunday services – see the Diary section for details, or contact us: http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk or 0116 2214883.

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

Wanlip Lane - from Riverside School, to allow the Air Cadets to march up to the car park

Wanlip Lane – the road closure above will be moved up to just after the entrance to the Co-op

The following roads will be closed to allow safe passage of the parade:

Whiles Lane, White Horse Lane, Front Street, Mill Close, Netherhall Lane and Church Hill.

Should anyone require any further details or information, contact Sue Coulson – Clerk to Birstall Parish Council, on 0116 267 6191 or email: admin@birstallpc.org.uk

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Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

Personalised Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment can be many different things, and Birstall BAGs would like to spend the next few months talking about some of the different treatments available to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy are the three stalwart treatments that many people have heard of. While they can be the bedrock of an individual’s treatment plan, increasingly other types of treatment are utilised, such as hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatment, stem cell transplant, and proton beam therapy, to name but a few.

This month, we are going to talk about how clinical teams decide which treatments to recommend to each individual patient: this is often referred to as personalised medicine.

Personalised medicine involves using information about a person’s cancer to help with the diagnosis and treatment. It is an area that researchers are still working on.

Cancer treatment usually depends on:

the type of cancer you have how big it is whether it has spread (the stage)

In the past, everyone with the same type of cancer used to get the same treatment. But we know that this onesize-fits-all approach doesn’t work for everyone.

As doctors learn more about cancer, they also learn about the differences between cancer types. For example, doctors know that there isn’t just one type of breast cancer. There are many different subtypes of breast cancer.

Genetic changes in cancer

Cancer cells have changes in their genes (DNA) that make them different from normal cells. Genes are coded

messages that tell cells how to behave. These gene changes mean that cancer cells behave differently from normal cells.

Different cancers have also different gene changes. Researchers call this the

the particular gene change

Your clinical team will discuss the results of your cancer tests. They will tell you what the best treatment is for your cancer type. Doctors already use personalised treatments on a number of cancers, such as lung, breast, bowel and melanoma skin cancer.

If you would like to know more,

genetic makeup of the cancer. Every person’s cancer has its own genetic makeup.

Personalised medicine is looking at developing treatments that target those differences

Personalised medicine is an area that researchers are still working on. But some people are already benefitting from this.

Whether personalised medicine is suitable for you depends on: whether scientists have identified particular gene changes for your type of cancer if there is a test available for that gene change if there is a treatment that targets

please talk to your clinical team and follow this link:

www.cancerresearchuk.org/aboutcancer/treatment/personalised-medicine

We hope you have found this helpful. If you would like Birstall BAGs to cover any particular cancer or treatment 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