Birstall Post (485) December 2023

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

DECEMBER 2023

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 485

Church festival lights up Birstall

Flyover closures MAJOR works are underway to carry out essential repairs on the Redhill flyover, at Red Hill Circle.

It means a series of overnight closures during which the flyover itself will be closed to all traffic, enabling the ends of the bridge to be lifted slightly and for new bearings to be installed on the supports at each end.

The entire project will take around 10 weeks and will cost £334,000 from the city council’s annual capital transport budget. The work is essential for the long-term stability and safety of the bridge, says the city council. The bridge carries thousands of cars every day on the A563.

Work began in November, and will involve a series of overnight bridge closures, during which all traffic will be diverted onto Red Hill Circle.

The overnight closures will all take place from 8pm to 5am, and are as follows: Tuesday, December 19 to Wednesday, December 20.

Tuesday, January 9, to Friday, January 12 (three consecutive overnight closures, reopening at 5am on the Thursday.)

The flyover will remain open at all other times during the work.

In all, the repairs involve removing seized bridge bearings at both ends of the bridge and replacing them with new ones. It means jacking the bridge up to free up the existing bearings so they can be removed and replaced with new bearings, before the bridge is lowered back Continued on page 2

THE FESTIVE season got off to a colourful start at the Christmas Festival in Birstall Methodist church.

The event featured Christmas trees decorated by local groups, businesses and individuals, with stalls selling cakes, decorations and Christmas gifts.

The Leicestershire and Rutland branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association were the grateful beneficiaries of the funds raised at the festival.

Branch spokesman Paul Wilcock said: “So much hard work has gone into making this event a success. All funds raised will go directly to improve the quality of life for people living with MND in our area. Many thanks to all involved.”

Pic: Meeting Santa are (top) Alicia Kinch (8), and Lucia Benjamin (6)

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into place.

The intricate work also involves replacing the bridge joints, repairing any damage to parapets and replacing a damaged lamp column.

Pedestrian access around the roundabout will be maintained as far as is safely possible, but there will be some restrictions around the areas being worked on, especially during material deliveries and waste removal.

Some temporary parking and loading restrictions may also be put in place on nearby roads to enable traffic to continue moving and for materials to be delivered.

Leicester deputy city mayor for climate, economy and culture, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “The Redhill Flyover is an extremely busy part of Leicester’s road network connecting the A6, A563 and A46, and therefore needs to be able to handle thousands of cars, lorries and buses every single day.

“The bridge needs this essential maintenance to ensure it remains safe to meet modern transport demands for many more years to come.

“Work will take place over 10 weeks, with the flyover remaining open for the majority of the time. The series of overnight closures will take place where we have no option but to shut the flyover to traffic for the work to be carried out safely.

“We’ll make sure diversions using the roundabout at Red Hill Circle are clearly signposted and that drivers heading towards that junction from all directions are aware of these necessary repairs.”

Remembrance parade and service RESIDENTS, COUNCILLORS and youth organisations in Birstall joined serving and former members of the Armed Forces on Remembrance Sunday, to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and to pay their respects.

People gathered for the parade and service in St James’ Church, and silence fell at 11am at the War Memorial. The legion standard was lowered, and those attending remembered those who gave their lives for this country.

Throughout the Remembrance period, red filters were placed on lighting around St James’ church, the War Memorial and the Village Hall.

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

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Car hits cyclist

Donation pays for equipment

A MAN was knocked off his bike by an angry motorist who had overtaken him on Loughborough Road in Birstall.

Sarah Torgerson, (40), deliberately drove her car at the cyclist on February 2, 2022, sending him flying into the air.

His spine hit the kerb, and his helmeted head hit the surface of the road.

The victim’s bike, worth nearly £8000, had been left unusable, and the fall had smashed his watch, a Christmas present from his wife worth more than £700. He had also had to cancel a planned cycling holiday to Majorca.

At Leicester crown court on Friday October 27, Torgerson, of Bentley Close, Loughborough, appeared for sentencing, having admitted dangerous driving and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

She was given a two-year sentence, suspended for two years and will have to spend 30 days working with probation.

She was banned from driving for two years and will have to take an extended re-test to get her licence back.

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LOCAL CANCER charity Birstall BAGs has donated £10,000 to purchase equipment for use in diagnostic biopsies in the endoscopy department at Glenfield Hospital.

Funds raised by Birstall BAGs’ supporters have been used to purchase an ERBE Cryo 2 System: cryotherapy equipment used to take biopsy samples using extreme cold to freeze the tissue. This technique results in better tissue samples for diagnosis or as part of treatment.

Dr Rakesh Panchal, Consultant Respiratory Physician at University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, said: “We’re very grateful to Birstall BAGs for their fantas-

Footpath surfaced A BADLY damaged section of footpath at the Hallam Fields Country Park is to be resurfaced with tarmac.

The steeply sloped section of shale path, popular with dog walkers, runs from the Harrowgate Drive playing field down the hill to the railway line.

Heavy rain causes the path to become deeply rutted, as the surface is partly washed away.

The path is still under the ownership of developer Jelson, and they have agreed to resurface this section with tarmac after the problem was raised by Birstall Borough Councillor, Shona Rattray.

Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane LE4 4JS

Pick Your Own

Pic: Members of the bronchoscopy team at Glenfield Hospital with the new ERBE Cryo 2 System cryotherapy equipment funded by Birstall BAGs

tic donation of the new updated cryotherapy equipment. This allows the freezing of tissue to obtain larger biopsy specimens for diagnosing a variety of conditions, including lung cancer and fibrosis (scarring of the lungs) and also removing tumours that may be blocking the airways and biopsy of lymph nodes too.

We will be able to use this equipment in our soon-to-commence deep sedation bronchoscopy lists in our endoscopy suite. This will allow staff to perform a minimally invasive procedure that will allow a more rapid diagnosis and/or therapeutic benefit for patients”.

Emma Shaw from Birstall BAGs said: “We were delighted to be able to fund the new equipment for the endoscopy department, which will support the diagnosis and treatment of a range of conditions, particularly cancers. We’d

QUALITY REAL

CHRISTMAS TREES & Holly Wreaths

like to thank our supporters for their efforts in fundraising and attending our events – they have made this donation possible.”

Birstall BAGs operates in and around Birstall and Leicestershire and seeks to bring people together to raise funds to support cancer services used by the local community. The charity also takes every opportunity to raise the profile of cancer, particularly the signs and symptoms, recognising that early diagnosis of cancer really can save lives. Birstall BAGs works with other local charities like Leicester Hospitals Charity to provide services that support members of the local community living with a diagnosis of cancer.

If you would like to contact Birstall BAGs, email info@birstallbags.co.uk www.birstallbags.co.uk

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THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

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THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

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Runners’ shopping dash

Birstall’s special school AN INDEPENDENT special needs school in Birstall is seeking to raise its profile and establish links with the community.

ALP Leicester is an Independent Special Needs School that caters for learners aged between 6 and 19. The school is Ofsted registered, receiving a Good rating in November 2022, and caters for 35 young people.

ALP Leicester is on the same site as the Cedars Academy in Birstall, in what was previously known as Stonehill School.

Headteacher Daniel Brown said: “Our school is thriving with unique opportunities for young people. Our learners have access to a construction workshop, two libraries, a large garden, a playing field, a forest school, a music studio, hairdressing suite, art studio, intervention rooms and group rooms. The school benefits from a range of professionals on its staff team including a Careers Officer, Speech and Language Therapist, Dyslexia Specialist and Counsellor.”

ALP Leicester ensures that all learners work towards a Foundation Learning Curriculum. This ensures that each learner’s timetable includes, as a minimum, core skills in English, maths and ICT, Vocational Learning and Personal and Social development.

Daniel said: “Our unique selling point is that we offer small classes where the curriculum is tailored to the needs of the individual. We also recognise the

Pic: ALP learners visiting the New Wycliffe care home & presenting a Remembrance cross; the ALP school in Birstall

importance of building up routines, relationships, respect and trust, in order to achieve successful teaching and learning.

“As part of our school improvement, we are looking to raise the school’s profile within the community. By doing this we believe this will create opportunities and provide further extra-curricular opportunities for our learners.

“An example of this is how learners recently visited the New Wycliffe Care Home. During the visit, learners presented a Remembrance Day cross to the home and socially interacted with residents. This not only helped our learners develop their social skills but also gain an insight into the lives of people during the Second World War. This insight they were able to use as evidence towards their ASDAN qualification.”

If any businesses or organisations would like to work with the school, contact them either through email (alpleicester@alpschools.org ) or call (0116 326 2624).

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

Care service inspected by CQC A BIRSTALL-based care service has been removed from 'special measures' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

2M Health & Homecare Services is based at 121 Sibson Road, Birstall.

When inspected on September 1, 2023, the CQC placed the business in special measures, rating the service ‘inadequate’. The provider completed an action plan after the inspection, to show what they would do to improve and meet the breaches in regulations related to person-centred care, consent, safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment, staffing, and fit and proper persons employed.

At a subsequent inspection on September 19, the provider demonstrated that improvements had been made and it is no longer in special measures.

The overall rating for the service is now ‘requires improvement’.

The provider is now working with an external consultancy firm and the local authority commissioners to make improvements.

The CQC has requested a report from the provider, setting out the actions it will take to improve.

The CQC said it will continue to monitor the information it receives about the service, which will help it decide when the next inspection is required.

RUNNERS FROM Birstall Running Club ran to Asda in Thurmaston on November 1, roughly 2.5 miles, each way.

The idea was to run with donations or purchase items in store to pop into the foodbank trolley donation station.

Organisers Claire Burbidge and Simon Cox appealed to the club with a ‘just one can’ quest - and over 30 members joined in, running through Watermead Country Park to ASDA in Thurmaston.

The supermarket aisles were full of hi-viz heroes, purchasing items to place

in the Food Bank trolley. “The support was incredible,” says Claire. “We didn’t expect to fill an entire trolley but these amazing runners did just that.”

There were four groups leaving at five minute intervals, coordinated to arrive all together outside Asda just before 7pm. Runners donned hi-viz clothing and head torches to make their way over.

Simon Cox said: “This is our biggest Food Bank run to date and I am so grateful for the generosity from all our club members.”

Another Food Bank run is planned for 2024.

Pic: BRC runners with the trolley they filled at ASDA

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Panto will put you in a festive mood

PANTOS ARE the sign that Christmas is just around the corner.

What can be better for getting people in the mood for the festive season?

HATS, (Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society) are producing “Little Panto of Horrors” by, and with permission of Limelight Scripts.

Not exactly your traditional panto, however, it still has all the main characters you would find including a fine looking dame called Flora Flowerpot.

Someone is trying to ruin her business, but will she be able to survive. Look out for the goodies and the baddies and whether they are all earthlings or some strange alien beings. Are they all human?

For those of you who are old enough to remember The Flower Pot Men, you might spot their namesakes, so come along and reminisce. Tell your children and grandchildren who they are. I’m afraid their names are the only thing they have in common though, kind and friendly, hmmmm, make your own minds up.

Watch out for the rare plant; see how it emerges and what it has in store for some of the characters.

We can’t wait to see you all again.

Join in the booing, hissing, clapping and laughing, not forgetting the ever necessary shouts of “he’s behind you”. Let’s

start the Christmas season with some fun.

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.

See you soon.

Dates for your diary Dec 7th and Dec 8th 7.15 pm. Dec 9th 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm.

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 bookings of 10 or more people. Box office: 0116-2209594 and 07948 796675 Facebook: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/

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Pic: some of the cast from HATS and the ‘Little Panto of Horrors’

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

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Grant for Birstall MUGA A CONTRACTOR has been appointed to create a £150,000 multi-use games area (MUGA) in Birstall which is being supported by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The MUGA will be located in the central area of the School Lane playing fields and will be available for football, basketball, cricket and a range of other activities. It will also include games that can be played by people of all abilities.

Birstall Parish Council is leading the project and has appointed Ten Construction Ltd. The project is receiving £150,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is one of 10 projects chosen by Charnwood Borough Council. The Council has been allocated £4 million from the fund to invest in communities, support local businesses and improve skills.

Birstall Parish Council Vice-Chairman Tony Fowler has been campaigning for many years for a MUGA. He said: “I am really pleased we have been able to secure the funding, as this is a facility the community really needs.

“We were very impressed with the design put forward by the contractor, particularly as there

Church break-in

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

ST JAMES church in Birstall was broken into on Remembrance Sunday and cash was stolen.

The break-in was discovered by Vic Dolby from Birstall Scouts. Revd Amanda Digman said: “He very kindly keeps the area round the side entrance mowed and had come down to tidy up for Remembrance. He phoned me and helped while I called the police and he cordoned off the area. Then people helped to church sit, before we could get it boarded up.

“It was very disappointing, but we are grateful it was only one small stained-glass window, and not a complicated one, that had been broken and no other damage. However, whoever it was, also stole money, which was all for charity – a cash tin with money for cards, which helps with church funds, a few pounds from the Loros Quiz, a bit for candles at the prayer station and probably the saddest, the Poppy Money.”

An appeal for donations to help with the cost of repairs was made on the Helping Our Community Facebook page.

Amanda said: “We are insured, but there is a hefty excess and the premium is bound to go up next year. Insuring the churches already costs about £6,000 a year. Rosie Rollings put it on the Helping Birstall Facebook group and has sent us £110 towards the excess and Poppy appeal. Thank you to all the helpers.”

She added: “People must be pretty desperate to break into a church and take Poppy money. If you need help, we can’t always give money, but we can offer a hot drink, food, cake and support – we can direct you to those who have more expertise than us and can help you get back on the right track.

We are also a good listening ear. Pop into a service or call in on a Tuesday afternoon, and we’ll do whatever we can.”

was a focus on making this games area very accessible for people of all ages and abilities.”

Hall in Anstey, regenerating Sileby Memorial Park and

Charnwood Borough Council is backing ten projects across the borough utilising the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

They include extending Jubilee

Pavilion, expanding sports facilities in Mountsorrel, backing a three-year youth support programme, improving the well-being and skills of young people, as well as regenerating Shepshed’s Market Place.

For more information, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/UKSPF Pic: from left; Marcus Reader, of Ten Construction, Sue Coulson, Birstall Parish Council clerk, Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, Charnwood Borough Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres and Cllr Tony Fowler, ViceChairman of Birstall Parish Council. They are pictured where the MUGA will be located.

YOUR SAY... Swans

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

Council supports bill

I'll stand up for the swans, and I'm very concerned about incorrect feeding instructions the public is being given by the Main County Rangers - Watermead North.

The public has alerted me to the fact they are being told NOT to feed the swans.

I have alerted the RSPCA to it, and they DO NOT support it either.

They agree they need supplementary feeding, especially at this time of year.

Our Pet Shops and Superstores sell very nutritious food for them.

keep the riverbank and weir clear of litter and detritus but are struggling to keep up with extra litter, logs, pennywort etc. I have been so disgusted by the amount of litter, detritus and religious offerings in plastic bags, that cause a blight on this beautiful area. I can’t believe how so little is being done to stop this happening, and on reducing the amount of litter etc dumped in the river in Leicester that ends up in Birstall.

Sean Michael

Fireworks I would imagine I'm speaking for many people of Worcester Avenue/Birstall to say that we are absolutely sick and tired of hearing a constant bombardment from fireworks; it's like living in a war zone. But it's okay because it's authorised? As far as I'm concerned, it's unsociable behaviour...so come on Birstall Parish Council, and people in authority that can do something about it to start making a difference, to reassuring the majority of people that just don't want it. And perhaps give us some hope for the future.

Organised displays that are controlled we can accept, as I'm sure many will agree.

At a Council meeting on Monday, 13 November 2023, the Parish Council took Swans are also supposed to walk the decision to support the Climate and around and eat grass.

Ecology Bill. The Bill has been introThe County instructions will lead to duced in the UK parliament on four Concerned Resident weak swans. occasions since 2020, including most Name and address supplied.

Swans are being driven off onto roads recently in the House of Commons on Charnwood Borough Council has the and other swans' territories. Neither do 10 May 2023. following on its website: I think it is very nice to leave our swans The Bill is backed by 180 cross-party Fireworks have always been used to to fly off and die somewhere else. We MPs and peers, and 238 local authorimark occasions such as Diwali, Bonfire need a stable ecosystem where our cygties, alongside the support of eminent night and the Chinese New Year, but nets can now start to join the flock. scientists, such as Sir David King; Nonunfortunately, fireworks are also being After the amount of swans we have Governmental Organisations, such as the misused to cause anti-social behaviour just lost, this bad advice is just what we Wildlife Trusts, the Doctor’s Association, in the street and damage to property. don't need.

Oxfam, the W.I. and CPRE; Businesses, Noise nuisance laws do not normally This area is owned by lots of landownsuch as the Co-operative Bank, Riverford, apply to fireworks as they are used only ers. The County has no right to start and The Body Shop; and 42,000 memoccasionally throughout the year during dictating. bers of the public. significant cultural or religious ceremoIf the public gets problems, tell the The CE Bill would require the UK nies. It is therefore unlikely that fireRangers to take it up with me, which is Government to develop and achieve a works noise will ever be frequent new environmental strategy, which would what they should have done in the first enough from any particular premises to place. The Rangers do not take them include: constitute a statutory noise nuisance.

1. Delivering a joined-up environmen- up to vets and look after them. They This means the council is unable to take are not even basing it on correct facts. tal plan, as the crises in climate and The public are great, and help no end nature are deeply intertwined and require a plan that considers both together. with the swans.

They are now being given conflicting 2. Reducing greenhouse gas emisinstructions on what to do depending on sions in line with 1.5°C to ensure emiswhere they are. You can't start feeding sions are reduced in line with the best swans when they are young and then chance of meeting the UK’s Paris Agreeturn your back on them and withdraw ment obligations. your love. Any pet owner will know that.

3. Not only halting but also reversing Watermead is keen for you to feed the decline in nature, setting nature nutritious food, and just want to ignore measurably on the path to recovery by the advice of swan experts and Royal 2030.

Swans on feeding bread.

4. Taking responsibility for our overI have asked them to give you the seas footprint, both emissions and ecocorrect info. If they want you to feed logical. them nutritious food and are concerned 5. Prioritising nature in decisionmaking and ending fossil fuel production that the swans will just get bread, then they need to tell you that. and imports as rapidly as possible.

Watermead is lovely. We are so lucky 6. Providing for re-training for those to have it. people currently working in fossil fuel Feeding the swans is a very enjoyable industries; and activity. Those swans love you.

7. Giving the British people a say in Julie Watermead Swans finding a fair way forward via a tempoJust Giving Page Julie Watermead rary, independent, and representative Swans Climate & Nature Assembly, as part of and Birstall Pet Supplies for £1 coins creating consensus and ensuring that no and donations one and no community is left behind.

The Climate and Ecology Bill can be viewed on the Zero Hour website: CliLitter mate and Ecology Bill - Back the CE Bill Campaign (zerohour.uk) I have lived in Birstall for about three From Birstall Parish Council years now and love walking by the River Soar and Watermead South Country Park .There is a dedicated team that tries to

enforcement action to control the noise from fireworks.

Antisocial Behaviour Powers which introduced the concept of ‘Community Protection Notices’ may be able to provide some degree of control over the cumulative impact of multiple events at specific venues or where perpetrators can be identified, but not one-off incidents/events.

Often incidents involving fireworks last for a very short time, but where the perpetrator can be identified we do try to stop them from behaving irresponsibly in the future.

Incidents involving the use of fireworks in a public space or underage users should be reported to the Police by calling 101 or via the Leicestershire Police website.

Legal controls There is a nighttime curfew on the use of fireworks, which is relaxed during times of traditional or religious and cultural events. It is now a criminal offence to let off fireworks between 11pm and 7am other than on "permitted fireworks nights" which are: 5th November, when the curfew is extended to midnight Diwali, when the curfew extends until 1am New Year's Eve, when the extension extends until 1am Chinese New Year, when the extension extends until 1am Other legal controls imposed on fireworks include: A ban on the sale of noisier fireworks capable of 120 decibels or more to the public Limiting the sale of fireworks during the year other than by licensed suppliers Requiring fireworks retailers to display signs explaining the new laws Requiring importers to inform Customs and Excise of information relating to fireworks movements.

Continued on page 9

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

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Continued from page 8 It is an offence for under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place other than caps, poppers and sparklers. If caught, the Police can issue fixed penalty notices.

Use of 'category 4' (the most powerful and noisy) fireworks is banned other than by trained professionals.

These laws are enforced by the Police and Trading Standards Officers.

Pollution

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

In an item in a National newspaper on October 21, Dr Camilla Kingdon, the President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is reported to have stated that air pollution, extreme weather, and unprecedented energy costs are having “a very real and detrimental effect” on millions of children.

In the UK, air pollution was the largest environmental risk to public health, she said. “Children breathe faster, so they inhale more airborne toxins in proportion to their weight than adults exposed to the same amount of pollution.

As such, they are especially vulnerable to air pollution, which can lead to problems in childhood and lifelong health issues.”

Research shows that in children, air pollution can stunt lung growth, cause asthma, and affect blood pressure, cognitive abilities and mental health.

All that worrying information regarding the danger to the health of children from air pollution gives great concern regarding those children walking or cycling to Highcliffe School along Greengate Lane and Loughborough Road.

In the so-called morning rush hour, approximately 7:45 am until 8:45 am, traffic is going along those two main roads in both directions, it’s almost continuous. Therefore, at the time children are walking or cycling to school,

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Tea Dances December 15, Xmas Party Held at St James, Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4DH please note that times have changed Fridays 2.30pm – 4.30pm £6 each on the door, Please bring you own refreshments Further Information: Contact Jackie on 07908607405, Email: lucasjackie86@gmail.com

Come and meet Santa Santa will be visiting Birstall Village Hall on Friday December 8.

Children and families are invited to come and meet him from 4 – 7pm: there will be free mince pies, mulled wine and other refreshments available. It will be £1 to see Santa Organised by Birstall Parish Council Highcross

Bright Christmas Installation 22 November - 6 December Upper floor near John Lewis New this year, discover Bright Christmas, a unique and immersive light experience, enclosed by mirrors and set to festive music using 33,000 LED lights.

A perfect selfie opportunity and space for children to experience fabulous Christmas lights!

Santa In The Square air pollution with its very dangerous toxins must be at a very high percentage of the air over those roads and adjacent footpaths, with children inevitably breathing in some of those toxins.

Unfortunately, it seems probable that most parents do not know about air pollution and do not realise the nasty health issues it causes to their children.

Until all vehicles are powered by electricity, it seems very wise for children to wear suitable masks when walking or cycling to and from school.

Of course, a similar situation exists with children going to and from Riverside School and Cedars Academy. Although, probably, the number of vehicles travelling along Wanlip Lane is not as great as the number on Greengate Lane and Loughborough Road, there will be a certain amount of air pollution, and children will be breathing in some.

Mr J Woods.

Town Hall Square, Leicester Saturday 2 - Sat 23 December Mon - Fri 12pm - 2pm & 3pm 6pm Sat 11am - 2pm & 3pm - 6pm Sun 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm Meet Santa and his elf, who have a free gift for the kids and see the traditional nativity scene Belgrave Hall

Festive Craft Workshops Sat 9 & Sun 10 December Stained glass, needle felting, calligraphy, wreath making, macrame and more £10-£40 per workshop | 10am 4pm

Emergence The Circle (Bottom Of New Walk) Wed 13 - Sat 23 December 4pm - 10pm Free event An immersive audio-visual experience accessible to all Jubilee Square

Real Ice Rink Get Your Skates On For A Christmas On Real Ice Thur 7 December - Sun 7 January 24 Jubilee Square's real ice rink is back. Skaters can show off their best moves, under the covered roof, then ride the 110ft high Christmas Wheel of Light.

With the introduction of super offpeak pricing for limited sessions you could skate for just £5. We're open most evenings till 8.45pm and on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

Christmas Concert Saturday 16 December 5.30pm & 7.30pm at Leicester Cathedral Join Leicester Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the festive season for a Christmas Concert, featuring Cathedral Choir & Audience carols.

Tickets £7/£3 from www.leicestersymphonyorchestra. co.uk

Birstall Methodist Monday Group 4 Dec: We welcome The Ukulele Continued on page 11

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DECEMBER 2023 Visit our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk and join our Group on Facebook

Our Last Edition The earliest Watch Newsletter to be found in our archive was circulated in April 1995. Now, over three‐hundred issues later, we are publishing our last edition of Village Watch News.

A Special General Meeting was held on 20th April 2023 to decide the future of Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch. It was open to all residents and widely advertised in our newsletter, by email and through our Facebook Group. The attendance of only twelve Birstall residents together with nine written apologies strongly indicated that there was little public interest in the future of the Watch.

A formal motion was passed instructing the serving Officers to wind up the organisation and dispose of its remaining assets by the end of the year.

Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch will formally cease to exist as an organisation on 31st December 2023, after helping to keep our community safe from crime for over thirty years.

I was elected as Chairman of Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch in 2018 having served as its Secretary for the previous seven years.

In my first Chairman’s Report presented at the Annual General Meeting in 2019, I commented on the difficulty of recruiting members to join the Management Committee and share some of the administrative burden of running the organisation.

At that time, we had almost four‐thousand households as members and our network of a hundred‐and‐seventy local Coordinators delivered Village Watch News to their letterboxes every month. Those volunteers also collected the annual subscriptions that financed our operation.

Almost all of our face‐to‐face activities were brought to a sudden halt by the Covid outbreak in March 2020.

When it eventually became possible to resume them, the pool of volunteers willing to assist with managing them had shrunk even further and a number of attempts to enlarge it met with almost no success.

Rather than let the organisation simply collapse in disarray, the decision was made, albeit reluctantly, to wind it up in a formal and responsible manner.

Many volunteers have given countless hours of their time to the Watch and their contributions, great and small, will have been acknowledged at the time they decided that they were no longer able to continue.

That list of names is very long. We should like to thank each and every one of them once again for all their hard work, however much or little it may have been.

I should especially like to thank those volunteers who stayed with us throughout the difficult Covid period and actively supported our efforts to revive the Watch.

My fellow Officers, Sue Howell, Secretary and Tony Abbey, Treasurer, have provided much‐needed moral and practical support throughout what has been a turbulent time.

Karen Moon has been a Committee Member for many years in a number of roles. She has administered our Facebook Group for over ten years and will continue to do so after our other activities have ceased.

Linda Hazelwood, although never formally a Committee Member, was instrumental in resuming our monthly Advice Shop sessions and played a key role in ensuring our presence at the Birstall Gala in 2022.

Shreekant Raivadera, through his company Sandstar Communications, has provided invaluable hosting and technical support for our Website and Email system free of charge.

Ed Marshall has erected and maintained the signs around our villages for almost the entire time the Watch has existed.

Nick Linnett, Dave Hazelwood and Rosalie Morley came forward to give back‐up support at our Advice Shop and on our stall at the Birstall Gala.

We have always enjoyed close links with Birstall Parish Council, our local Police Beat Team and The Birstall Post.

We thank them for all their help and support over the years.

Ed Chambers Committee Chairman December 2023

We wish all our Old Friends and Neighbours a Very Happy Christmas Holiday and a Safe and Crime-Free New Year 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

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

Chairman’s Final Report

Continued from page 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 your tickets at the door, if there are any left, or buy in advance from: Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

Band (& eat cake) - Raffle 11 Dec: Christmas Party (with entertainment & games) We restart on Monday 15 January with a Quiz Night with Diane.

Our Group meets every Monday evening at 7.30pm in Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop.

Why not come along to our meetings; catch up with old friends and perhaps meet new ones? The cost is £2 for a visitor – which includes tea/coffee and sometimes cake!

Eileen Molesdale, Secretary (0116 2929670)

New Year concert

Birstall Royal British Legion Club Front St, Birstall All old and new members will be very welcome Bingo every Tuesday starting at 9pm Bottle bingo Tuesday 19th Quizzes every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9pm Pool tables at only 50p Saturday Entertainment 9th Yasmin female vocalist 23rd Millie Sophie Rose female vocalist Christmas Eve open 12 till 8pm New Year’s Eve male duo Nightshift, doors open 7.30pm charge on the door for guests and members free Friday 29th music quiz starting at 8.30pm See noticeboard for all opening times Room hire available for wakes , ring 07894715049 Karen, staff and committee wish all our members a merry Christmas

a brilliantly intellectual young girl, who escapes into a fantastical world in the nearby library. At school, her caring teacher recognises Matilda’s genius and encourages her. However, she has to endure ghastly parents, played by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough and a monstrous headmistress, played by Emma Thompson. We see Matilda as a spirited heroine who can harness special powers. This UK film is a must-see, leading up to Christmas.

“Chevalier” Jan 12, 107 mins Our film for the new year is an extraordinary period drama, telling the story of Joseph Bologne’s life, rising through French society to become Chevalier de SaintGeorges. As well as an accomplished fencer and virtuoso violinist, he was Colonel of Europe’s first Black regiment. Joseph also fell madly in love with Marie Antoinette!

Sat 13th Jan 2024, 7:30pm Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8JU Offenbach Orpheus in the Underworld Overture Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite (Chinese Dance, Arabian Dance, Trepak &Waltz) Berlioz Dance of the Sylphides (from The Damnation of Faust) Delibes Mazurka from Coppelia Ponchielli Dance of the Hours Plus Viennese favourites from the Strauss family including The Blue Danube, Thunder and Lightning Polka, waltzes and the Radetzky March.

Details & ticket information www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk Highcliffe Harmony presents

Christmas Crackers a concert of seasonal songs with guest choir Melody Blue Sat Dec 9, 7pm Birstall Methodist Church (Wanlip Lane)

Tickets £6 (to include refreshments) from choir members or at the door Proceeds will go to the Birstall Playgroup for Children with additional needs

Family Carols Come and join us on Sunday December 17, at 4.15pm at Hallam Fields Hall (Organised by St James the Great Church Birstall) You are most welcome to join us for our

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

Christmas Carol Service Sun Dec 10, 2023 at 10.45am Traditional carols, the message of Christmas, followed by tea/coffee and time for a chat. Venue: The Day Centre, The Village Hall, Birstall Road, (junction with School Lane) Birstall, LE4 4DH Birstall Independent Baptist Church Enquiries: 0116 2214883 www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk Friday Night Films in Thurcaston “Matilda the Musical” Dec 8, 117 mins In December, we shall show a musical version of the literary classic, based on Roald Dahl’s award winning, best-selling book. Matilda is

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11

Parish Council notes Councillors considered a proposal to install two noticeboards, on Kingsgate Avenue and Went Road. It was agreed to obtain costs for the boards and their installation.

Cllr Robert Vincent was elected as chairman of the management and policy committee.

Councillors discussed the last meeting of the Broadnook development liaison committee, at which representatives from Our Last Neighbourhood Watch Article local neighbouring Parish Councils attendAfter serving the villages of Birstall ed. Comment was made that the major and Wanlip for over thirty years, our issues arising from the development are Neighbourhood Watch scheme is closing traffic, education, and healthcare facilities. down for good at the end of this year.

It was reported that the developers will Our Facebook Group will continue to provide a building containing a space for operate into the foreseeable future, with an NHS facility, but there can be no guarover 2000 members to date. Please sign antee a GP practice will be located there. up to the Group to continue to get news It was reported that many comments and advice about criminal activity as it had been received from the public approv- occurs. ing of the Tommy figures that were erectWe hope that these articles that have ed in the village to mark Remembrance. appeared here in the Birstall Post have The council agreed to make a public been of use to readers and helped them declaration of support for the Climate and in some way to avoid being the victims Ecology Bill.

It was agreed to send a letter of thanks of crime.

There was never a shortage of topics to a volunteer who had helped with reto write about - from making your home pointing at the War Memorial. safe from burglars to staying safe on the Charnwood Council has requested street at night. Unfortunately, these topcomments regarding the provision of ics had to be addressed on a regular public transport. Suggestions from councillors included that the 22 service should basis since criminals have continued to operate in their old tried and tested run later than 7 pm, that the number of ways. buses per hour should be increased, and Over the years, cyber crime has bea bus service be introduced to the Hallam Fields estate. Direct services between local come the area in which we have all become most vulnerable. While fitting villages were often lacking. A comment better locks to our doors and windows was made that returning the bus service to the public sector would give democrat- is a relatively straightforward process, identifying and avoiding the latest online ic control to routes and services.

At a meeting of the Estates & Recreaor telephone scam is much less so. tion committee on September 25, it was Scammers continue to come up with agreed to: clever variations on basic scam ideas Erect an electric fence around the because this is, unfortunately, much perimeter of the badgers sett near to the more lucrative and much less risky than, Meadow Lane allotment site. An applicafor example, house burglary. tion has been submitted to Natural EngThere are plans for this column to land to erect palisade fencing around the continue in a new form in future ediperimeter of the sett. tions of the Birstall Post. Please watch Give permission to Neighbourhood this space.

Watch Leicestershire to meet four times a I would like to wish all readers a year without charge in Parish Council very happy Christmas holiday and a sucpremises. cessful and crime-free 2024.

To make the meeting room at HalEd Chambers lam Field Hall available to the LeicesterCommittee Chairman, Birstall & shire and Rutland Association of Local Wanlip NHW Councils, who require temporary office space for approximately seven months.

What matters to you To spend £3290 on ten new litter We have listened to you and the conbins. cerns you raised and will prioritise the To authorise the felling of the eight following from October 2023. identified diseased trees for health and Priority 1: General Anti-Social Besafety reasons, located at Harrowgate haviour (ASB) Drive playing fields, Sibson Road car park You said that the level of general and in the cemetery. anti-social behaviour within Birstall is an issue.

What we are going to do: Work with partner agencies to tackle reported Anti Social Behaviour in Birstall, Wanlip and local parks. Those identified will be given warnings about their behaviour using an incremental approach.

Priority 2: Road Safety Issues You Said: You have told us that road obstructions, nuisance motorbikes, and E-Scooters are an issue in the communiHouse Removals • Indoor Storage Rooms ty.

Outdoor Containers • Packing Materials What we are going to do: The Team will consult with the local community to Thrussington LE7 4TR Lapworths Storage understand the key locations, but we ask that you report specific issues to the

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

A member of the public spoke about the provision of public toilets in Birstall.

She said there was a need for this facility, preferably in the centre of the village, and said she was disappointed that the Stonehill Avenue toilets had closed. She asked if there were any plans to reopen those toilets.

Chair Robert Vincent said that he was hearing similar comments from residents.

People are going to shop in other villages, rather than visiting Birstall, because of the lack of a public toilet, he said.

Cllr Vincent said that the council would be considering later on in the meeting extending the opening hours of the public toilet on the School Lane playing field car park. The public toilets on Stonehill Avenue are not owned by the Parish Council.

A member of the public asked if Birstall Neighbourhood Watch had folded completely. The chair confirmed that it had closed down and disposed of its assets. It had ended because of a lack of public interest, and no new volunteers were willing to continue the scheme.

Chair Robert Vincent reported that a new countywide Leicestershire Neighbourhood Watch had just started and aimed to support local Neighbourhood Watch schemes. The police are also encouraging residents to sign up for the email newsletter, Neighbourhood Link, which the local police team use to communicate with residents.

A member of the public commented that he heartily approved of the Parish Council’s distribution of Christmas hampers to local elderly people, and said that he hoped it would continue.

Funds totalling £2077 had been returned by the Neighbourhood Watch to the Parish Council. It was agreed to add this to the council grant aid budget. Comment was made that it could be used in future to help fund any emerging Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the village.

A grant aid request had been made to the council from Birstall Playgroup for Children with Additional Needs, and it was agreed to make an award of £500.

Councillors considered increasing the opening hours of the public toilet on the School Lane playing field car park. Cllr Sheila Allcock commented that she was very disappointed that the Stonehill Avenue toilets could not be restored as they are in the right location.

It was agreed that the toilets remain open until the main gates are closed, for a trial period of three months. The closing time in winter is 7 pm, and in summer, 9 pm.

NHW news

& crime report

Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Safety Partnership Priority 3: Drug Taking / Dealing You Said: You have told us that drugs are of concern across the Birstall & Wanlip.

What we are going to do: Targeted patrols to identify drug dealers & drug users in key locations, disrupt them, and look to close down cannabis grows.

What we are doing We will continue working with parish councillors in partnership to identify specific locations of ASB across the Parishes.

We will continue to conduct Beat Consultations to identify key locations experiencing Road Safety issues. We would ask that you report specific issues to the Road Safety Partnership.

We will continue to target known hotspot locations identified through Community Intelligence to tackle those causing harm.

Community Consultations to hear your views which will assist us in priority setting in the future.

News Local Traffic Concerns—GREENGATE LANE - As a result of engagement and consultation completed with local residents in Birstall, concerns have been raised in regards to overweight vehicles unlawfully using Greengate Lane as a cut-through, despite the restrictions in place.

As a result of this, we will be visiting that location to complete checks and stop any vehicles suspected of using the road in contravention of the restrictions.

(This will be organised soon and advertised on the Leicestershire Police website) Theft from Motor Vehicles—Greengate Ward (‘Gates Estate’) - During the early hours (between 1am and 2am) on Monday November 6, 2023, we had three reports in regards to work vans being targeted, via having the side doors significantly damaged (cut and bent) until access was gained.

Please be aware of this type of crime currently occurring, and if you know anybody with a van please can you let them know, and remind them not to leave anything of value in the vehicle.

Also, consider where vans are parked try to use walls/fences or other vehicles to restrict access to the vehicle's rear/side accesses.

Neighbourhood Link - We are encouraging residents of Birstall & Wanlip to sign up to Neighbourhood Link which is a free community messaging service.

Neighbourhood Link is a fast and easy alert system that allows residents to keep up to date with local news and

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THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

12

13

Pic: Birstall Beat Team (l-r) PC1365 Stu Venables, PCSO 6389 Nuala Sherlock, PCSO 6174 Jon Harrison, PS 732 Pete Colgate

issues in their area.

Alternatively, by using the QR codes below, you can sign up and complete a survey which will be used to form our local priorities.

Confidence Survey

Your Views Survey

Facebook: Charnwood Police Twitter: @CharnwoodPolice

Crime Update (Over the last 28 days (up to Nov 18, 2023) Burglary: 2 (Both business/community premises) Vehicle crime: 10 (Nine of these were Theft from vehicles and one was a car stolen.)

Criminal Damage: 6 Drug Offences: 1 Anti-social behaviour (ASB) reports currently open = 3 (All of which relate to neighbour disputes rather than ASB within the wider community) Crime Prevention Please take the time to visit the Leicestershire Police website, which contains lots of valuable information in regard to various different crime types.

Website: Crime prevention advice | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk) Message from PC 1365 Stu Venables Hope that everyone is well and looking forward to the festivities ahead. May this Christmas season bring only happiness and joy to you and your family.

Please stay safe and plan ahead when you are out having an alcoholic beverage or three, nominate a designated driver or pre-book a taxi, DO NOT be tempted to drink and drive: it ruins lives.

Be mindful that burglars do not take a Christmas break and remain vigilant, as they could be skulking around – it is

School praised after church inspection

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

BELGRAVE St. Peter’s Primary ‘intrinsic in every aspect of school life’.

A SIAMS inspection reviews how effecSchool, on Thurcaston Road, Leicester, has been praised fol- tive a church school is in delivering a Christian ethos, to enable pupils lowing a recent Statutory Inspec- strong and staff and the school community to tion of Anglican and Methodist thrive.

Schools (SIAMS) by the Church Inspectors noted the hard work staff have put in to embed the Christian valof England.

The report said the school is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.’

The school, a part of Rise Multi Academy Trust, was described as having a ‘real sense of Christian love’, which is

ues into the school culture, commenting ‘the clear and succinct values of faith mean pupils and staff live out the vision with great empathy and love.’

Courtney Ouriach, Headteacher, said: ‘Staff at Belgrave St. Peters are proud to share our SIAMS report with our school community. We found the entire inspection a positive experience and are proud that the inspector was able to see how we embody our vision and values day to day as a school family.”

The school converted to an academy in January 2022 and has not been inspected by Ofsted since 2016, when it was rated ‘Good.’

really important that if you see someone that seems out of place and you get that gut feeling something is not right, please give us a call and let us know without delay. Also, be mindful when it’s dark and you have your lights on at home, do not advertise your property and close blinds/curtains. Furthermore, after Christmas, try not to leave empty boxes on the front awaiting refuse collection as, again, you are telling people (burglars) exactly what Santa has brought.

To all that celebrate: Merry Christmas, and I wish you all a happy new year.

PC 1365 Stu Venables

THE COMMUNITY group have been working towards the Christmas Fayre that we held on November 25.

We were saddened as a community to hear of the break-in and the monies taken at St James Church. We put a post out asking if anyone wishes to contribute, and within 48hrs we had raised £110.

We hope this helps as the poppy donations were also stolen.

The family of the late Mike Smith, our local historian, generously donated a large amount of books that we could sell for the group to raise funds. Most sold out very soon, attracting interest from as far as South America! We still have copies of ‘Bygone Birstall’, ‘Mansfield of Birstall’ and ‘the Birstall Trail’.

A big thank you to Christine Dianne and Linda for the beautiful creations for the Christmas Fayre.

We would like to thank the Scouts and Guides for again supporting hampers for the community.

We are again doing the #payitforward Christmas dinners. Ruth’s Catering (formerly Ruth’s Lambourne cafe) will again be providing a three-course Christmas dinner delivered on Christmas Eve. The

Helping our Community LE4 Birstall

idea is if you are fortunate enough to be able to pay £15, a person who would otherwise go without will receive a meal.

Each year the list has grown, and we want to make sure that anyone who hasn’t got family, and wouldn’t have Christmas dinner, receives one. If you wish to donate or nominate, please contact 0789 4995164. Please do not order for your relative to have this meal on Boxing Day when they are spending Christmas Day with family.

Let’s make sure people who are genuinely all alone receive a meal. If you know someone struggling to keep warm, we have blankets and hot water bottles to gift.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas, and thank you for your support.

14

BAGs’ donation to hospice BIRSTALL BAGs, a cancer awareness charity, has donated £5,000 to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People to fund support groups for families facing the challenges of caring for a child or young person with serious and terminal illnesses. by supporters. This donation means that we can not only continue to provide these services but also use current funds in other areas of the hospice.

“It’s important that we continue to provide these services. By having access to the Rainbows Support Groups, they will get the support they need to face their daily challenges through both specialist support and the chance to share experiences with those facing similar challenges.”

Emma Shaw, Trustee at Birstall BAGs, said: “We are delighted to be able to donate to Rainbows so it can continue its work to provide support to families and children that need it. We would like to thank our donors and supporters for their efforts in fundraising for such a

Santa stops at Village Hall SANTA WILL be visiting Birstall Village Hall on Friday December 8.

Children and families are invited to come and meet him from 4 – 7pm: there will be free mince pies, mulled

wine and other refreshments available. It will be £1 to see Santa.

The event has been organised by Birstall Parish Council. It has installed the large Christmas tree on the Sibson Road car park, and the 65 smaller lit trees above some of the shops in the village. The large Christmas tree cost £4591.

There will not be an official Christmas lights switch-on event or a Christmas Market in the Village Hall this year.

Parish clerk Sue Coulson said: “Posters have been displayed around the village and we hope this will encourage more people into the village. We hope that the local shops and businesses take the opportunity to use this time for a late-night opening shopping event.

“Birstall Parish Councillors and Staff wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

vital service at the hospice.”

Birstall BAGs operates in and around Birstall and Leicestershire and seeks to bring people together to raise funds to support cancer services used by the local community. The charity also takes every opportunity to raise the profile of cancer, particularly with regard to the signs and symptoms, recognising that early diagnosis of cancer really can save lives. Birstall BAGs works with other local charities to provide services that support members of the local community who are living with a diagnosis of cancer.

GEOFF HEATH, a former deputy head of Highcliffe School, has died aged 93.

After training in Blackpool, Geoff chose to teach within the Leicester comprehensive system and was at Highcliffe from 1968-72 before taking a headship at Groby Martinshaw.

He was involved heavily in the churches at Birstall and particularly Wanlip, where he held positions of churchwarden and treasurer. In 1952 he married Liz, who died in 2008. He is survived by their two children and a granddaughter.

The family would like to thank those who have sent kind wishes since his passing.

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The hospice will use the funds raised

by Birstall BAGs’ supporters to cover resource costs for a variety of groups, including monthly Parent Coffee Mornings, Parents and Carers Groups, Young People’s Support Groups, Sibling Support, Dads and Male Carers, Cultural Mums, Bereaved Parents and many more.

Gary Farnfield, Community Fundraiser at Rainbows, said: “We are so grateful to Birstall BAGs for choosing to support Rainbows. The donation will make a huge difference to the families who rely on Rainbows.

“Every year, we support around 400 babies, children and young people and their families, and many of them use our specialist support groups, which are funded from money raised and donated

Geoff Heath

15

Birstall Running Club news THE ANNUAL Birstall Running Club Poppy Run fell on Armistice Day, with 43 runners and many volunteers and supporters congregating at the Royal British Legion.

Members joined in the service of remembrance at the memorial at St James’ Church then at 11.15am, the runners were released to start their 5km race in a staggered start to ensure every-

Festive hampers delivered Pic: the trophy is presented to Club Captain Ian Black by Andrew Ward, LOROS events lead, and Kim Blount, LOROS Mass Participation Events Officer

in the theft of the collection tin at St James.

Race director Dave Snutch said: “There was a really great atmosphere during the event and we're so pleased to collect such a big donation too. The running club are very proud to do this each year to support the Royal British Legion and already looking forward to many more Poppy Runs.”

Birstall runner John Michael, who organised the race starting order and processed the results, is also a member one finished together. of Birstall Rugby Club. He said: “Each Prizes were awarded to the first male year we are invited to place a poppy - Colin Rimmer - and first female - Nikki wreath on the Birstall war memorial and Welyczko - with spot prizes given to four having heard the sad news of the breakparticipants. Children were also given a in at St James’ church, and also Birstall memento.

Running Club's kind donation of £100, Runners then had breakfast at the we agreed to match this for the poppy Legion and voluntary donations of £195 appeal.” for the Poppy Appeal were collected.

Ade Knight, Chairman of Birstall RugBirstall Running Club also donated £100

by Club, said: “It was the least we could to the Poppy Fund to cover monies lost

do. In times like this, the community has to come together as a whole!”

The club has recently been recognised as the best-represented club at the 2023 Run Leicester Festival in aid of LOROS. It is the first recipient of this award.

The club supplied the largest number of volunteers to marshal the event at various points, from its start in Victoria Park, through to Watermead, and then back to the finish at Victoria Park.

As a thank you, the club has been given 10 free places at the 2024 Run Festival.

The annual running event was set up in 1979, and this year 3,500 took to the streets, including many from Birstall Running Club, raising over £50,000 for the LOROS Hospice and similar amounts for many other charities.

Volunteer drivers needed FOR THE first time in its 40 year history, the Syston and District Volunteer Centre is having to turn away urgent requests for help because of a shortage of volunteer drivers.

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

There is a waiting list of over 40 local residents in urgent need of transport, which is growing on a daily basis.

Through its Social Car service, subsidised by County and Borough grant support, the Centre is able to help the

elderly, disabled and isolated residents increases begin to bite. With the current of Syston and neighbouring communities panel of drivers working at full stretch, to sustain a measure of independence many deserving cases are having to be and their community and family ties. turned away.

Trustee Colin Grimes said: “This vital “Now that the summer months have service is almost totally dependent on a finished, if you are looking for ways to team of volunteer drivers who can either fill the time otherwise spent on outside use their own cars, in return for a gener- hobbies and interests, why not consider ous mileage allowance, or one of the volunteering your services to help over Centre’s own specially adapted vehicles.” the winter months when demand is as In a typical month (July 2023), the high, if not higher, than the summer? current panel of 20 drivers gave 902 Any number of hours you can offer - on hours of volunteer commitment, clockany irregular pattern of availability - will ing up 6089 be warmly welcomed. Any necessary miles completsupport and training will be given. Voluned involving teers already involved speak of the deep 830 separate sense of satisfaction and fulfilment their journeys. involvement gives.”

Coil said: The Centre is based at 18 School “Demand for the Street where Manager, Andy Shelton, will service is grow- be happy to welcome you. He can be ing as a result contacted by phone: 0116 2607 888 or of the withdraw- email: info@syston-vc.org. The Centre’s al of rural bus web site: www.syston-vc.org (currently services and the undergoing a re-design) also provides effects of the additional background information. cost of living

BIRSTALL PARISH Council will be delivering hampers to elderly residents this Christmas.

Birstall Parish Council clerk Sue Coulson said: “The Parish Council inherited a beneficiary list from the Land & Lewis Charity (1862) and has maintained the list of Birstall residents since 2007, presenting Christmas Hampers to the deserving recipients.

“This is a heart-warming initiative that is much appreciated by the recipients who are nominated by residents of Birstall.

“The Parish Council feels that this gesture captures the very essence of the season, as it spreads joy to some of the most vulnerable people in the Parish.”

Parish Councillors will be hand delivering the hampers in December.

Theatre captivates students THE CEDARS Academy hosted a visit by Quantum Theatre, for a performance of Charles Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol' on Friday November 3.

A cast of three actors brought to life the iconic characters and themes from Dickens' celebrated work.

An academy spokesperson said: “From Ebenezer Scrooge to the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, the audience was treated to a dynamic display of theatrical prowess.

In keeping with the text and its Christmas spirit, we were treated to a lot of songs woven into the performance – as you might expect from a story with ‘Carol’ in the title!

“Our students were visibly captivated by the production, relishing the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre within the familiar theatre in the Palmer Tomkinson Centre. Events like these not only enrich the educational experience, but also ignite a passion for literature, drama, and the arts.”

Passenger hospitalised after accident at GCR A 76-year-old man fell while disembarking from a GCR carriage at Loughborough Central Sation on January 13, 2023 and was taken to hospital.

He sustained a spiral fracture to the left femur and underwent surgery, which included replacement of a prosthetic hip joint.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) conducted an investigation of the accident and made a number of recommendations to the GCR to improve its procedures.

The man, who was visually impaired and was travelling with a friend, embarked on the train at Birstall’s Leicester North Sation.

Upon arriving at Loughborough, the door used by the passenger to disembark opened onto the platform end ramp, approximately 1.6 metres beyond the end of the level part of the platform.

The passenger lost his footing and fell while alighting from the train because he was unable to safely negotiate the step down onto the platform end ramp.

The Rail Accident Investigation Board (RAIB) found that there had been a "considerable number" of incidents similar to the one in Loughborough at Central Station. In 2014, an elderly, visually impaired passenger was injured after falling onto a platform section that was sloped. The RAIB found that the railway had failed to learn from previous incidents. They also found that the railway's measures to warn passengers of the dangers of using doors that were not level with the platform were not "effectively controlled". Current policies only keep passengers safe in cases where there are 7 or 8 carriages on board, which was not the case on the day the accident happened.

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we are already well on the way to implementing the recommendations from this report. We look forward to supporting the development of future guidance from the HRA.” Since the incident, the GCR has committed to a thorough review of its Safety Management System, with that review in

progress.

The railway has also addressed concerns about passengers disembarking from trains, saying it had “reviewed all its risk assessments” and that now the GCR “routinely operates” five coach trains that are fully accommodated at platforms.

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The train's heritage locomotive was also examined and found to have problems with its brakes. The train had stopped "a little beyond" where it was due to a "dragging" issue at Leicester North. The "dragging" brakes were reported before the train arrived in Loughborough and the driver changed his driving style.

The report also asked why the RAIB was not notified of the incident at all by the Great Central Railway (GCR). The RAIB revealed that they only found out about the serious injury after a referral from the ORR (Office of Rail & Road), who had been informed by the GCR. The investigators made clear that they should have been contacted directly. The RAIB found that there were two ‘underlying factors’ that contributed to the incident.

The first was the GCR’s failure to have ‘effective processes’ in place to identify risks involving disabled passengers or platform drops.

The report made two direct recommendations for the heritage line. Firstly, it asked the GCR to set up a ‘robust process’ for assessing risks and to ensure that the needs of disabled passengers were taken into account in risk assessments. Secondly, it recommended a review of the railway's organisational structure, which the RAIB said would provide senior managers with a ‘comprehensive understanding’ of the GCR's activities and risks.

In a statement, Malcolm Holmes, the general manager of the Great Central Railway, said: “This accident was very sad, and we were eager to learn from it and make our railway safer. We thank RAIB for the thorough investigation into this accident, the findings of which align with our own internal inquiry.

“The safety of our visitors, staff and the public remains our top priority, and

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THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

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Santa’s sleigh tour WREAKE VALLEY Rotary Club are planning once again to bring Santa and his sleigh to various parts of Birstall and Mountsorrel in the lead up to Christmas.

The club commence their tours of the streets around 5pm, or a little before.

The initial programme is: Birstall Sat Dec 9: Stonehill Avenue area.

Thur Dec 14: Dalby Avenue area.

Sun Dec 17: Cedars Care Home car park, static position, then visit Ambergate, Sandgate, Saltersgate, Lyngate etc. area.

Mon Dec 18: Kingsgate area Wed Dec 20: Walnut Avenue area.

Mountsorrel Sun Dec 10: Walton Way area.

Sat Dec 16: Speedwell Road, Kingfisher Road.

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

Peter Fox from Wreake Valley Rotary said: “These dates are subject to change if affected by adverse weather conditions, or other reasons beyond our control, but we will endeavour to keep people informed of any changes through village social media websites.

We have planned for three blank dates where we can hopefully rearrange any weather affected nights for later dates.

“We have had generous support from the public over many years, and we are looking forward to seeing you all once again and to raise significant sums of money to help mainly local charities and good causes.”

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Birstall chorus sing at concert A BIRSTALL-based chorus was part of a concert at the Trinity Methodist Church, Loughborough, on October 28.

The Heart of England Chorus joined together for the first time with the Loughborough Male Voice Choir and the choirs ‘Shanty Folk’ and ‘Quartet for Eight’.

The groups worked well together to produce a comprehensive programme that was varied in its content, much to the enjoyment of the audience. There was something for everyone, from lullabies to thought-provoking songs and some lively toe-tapping tunes.

The interval gave the audience, including the Deputy Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE, the chance to mingle with the performers, creating a relaxed atmosphere whilst enjoying the refreshments.

A spokesperson said: “The majority of the songs were sung by individual choral groups, the final two songs of the evening were performed jointly. This culminated in magnificent uplifting versions of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Jerusalem”. They all sang with gusto and left the audience with smiles on their faces at the end of the evening.

“A huge thank you is sent to all who attended, let’s hope it won’t be too long before we see you all again. Look out for details of future performances.”

If you would like any of the groups to

book or at www.loughboroughmvc.co.uk perform for you, or if you are interested Heart of England Chorus: John Phillips in becoming a member, contact the fol- 07738 526757 or email HOEChorus lowing: @gmail.com Loughborough Male Voice Choir: Norman - 07889 009928. Find them on Face- Pic: performers at the concert

Club’s awards evening ST MARGARET’S Bowls Club came together for a most enjoyable evening of celebration in November, when awards were presented to the winners of the various competitions held by the club during the season.

The event took place in the clubhouse and started with a delicious three course

Junior parkrun now one year old WATERMEAD COUNTRY Park junior parkrun has now been going for one year.

Junior parkrun is a free, fun, and

friendly weekly 2k event for children aged 4 to 14 year olds, held weekly.

It takes place every Sunday at 9am at Watermead Country Park, Wanlip Road, Syston, Leicestershire, LE7 1PD. It’s free to join, but participants must register before they first come along. The aim is to have fun so everyone is welcome, whatever your pace!

Join the fun on Sunday mornings at 9am, simply register for a barcode at www.parkrun.org.uk/ register Pics: Parkrun marshalls at Watermead Country Park; cakes to celebrate

meal. With the coffee cups cleared away the presentation of the trophies commenced.

From St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club

smcbc.com Pic: The 12 members who earned winners trophies (l-r): Mick Marlow, Mary Linnett, Rachel Smith, Sid Bhikhabhai, Pat Dobson, Sam Dobson, Pete Smith, Jim Bass, Chris Townsend, Keith Munro, Christine Harrison and Diane Price

18

Art society’s 28th annual exhibition WI news BIRSTALL & Wanlip WI held their AGM at Birstall British Legion on November 6.

Retiring president Cath Jones addressed us about the past year and was presented with a leaving gift as thanks for her four-year presidency.

Beverly and Maxilyn will now combine as joint presidents, and the current committee members will stand for another year.

We then held our normal meeting and learned of the many seasonal Federation events available, including Dabble days, walks, crafting socials and a coach trip to see the lights at Kew Gardens.

We have completed an unusual tree for the Methodist Church Christmas Festival and also have a tombola stall with lots of gifts and cakes. Some ladies will be going to see Evita at the Curve, and we have our Christmas meal booked for December 11.

The rest of the evening was spent making Christmas cards, and we had lots of entries for this month’s competition, ‘Something you made yourself’, won by Jenny Burton.

We meet again on December 4 when we will share ‘Secret Santas’, and Carolyn Boulter will be helping us make a quilted Christmas decoration.

BIRSTALL & District Art Society staged its 28th Annual Art Exhibition at Birstall Village Hall in November.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Planning

Pic: artist Bill Pepper

Pic: Meg Grant (left) presents an award to Pauline Brindley

P/23/2111/2: 66 Bramley Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4FG. Add a porch on the front off the house. Double story side extension and a single story back extension.

P/23/2103/2: 92 Birstall Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4DF Erection of detached garage (Resubmission of Planning Application ref: P/23/0680/2) P/23/1975/2: 55 Park Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3AY LCC TPO - Crown reduce 1No Mature Ash covered by CBC TPO. Proposed works are to crown reduce entire canopy by 1 metre.

P/23/1965/2: 19 Copeland Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3AB Erection of single storey rear extension, raised patio area, single storey rear outbuilding (gym/w.c) and hip to gable roof extension P/23/2075/2: 21 Ashmead Crescent Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4GS Erection of single storey extension to rear and first floor extension to side of dwelling.

P/23/2062/2: 84 Roman Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4BE Section 73 Variation of Condition 1 (Approved Plans) and Condition 2 (Materials) of Planning Application ref: P/22/0827/2 (Retention of detached annex building to rear (retrospective application)) P/23/2057/2: 84 Roman Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4BE Retention of single storey rear extension (retrospective application) P/23/1977/2: 3 Gwendolin Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4HF Erection of first floor rear extension, replacement existing flat roof on first floor and garage to hipped and pitched roof and external alteration to front elevation.

P/23/1938/2: 6 Westgate Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3JY Erection of single storey side extension to replace existing car port with external associated alteration P/23/1951/2: 1 Church Hill Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4DN Birch in rear garden: heavy reduction

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

“It was a huge success, thanks to the artists, helpers, and support from members of the public,” said the society’s chair, Meg Grant.

The exhibition, held on Saturday and Sunday November 4 and 5, featured paintings by 37 members of the society, and there were over 150 visitors each day.

Judging in four categories took place on the evening of Friday November 3, by professional artists. Winners are as follows: Category 1 – Still life, abstract/experimental and flowers, was won by Pauline Brindley for her painting ‘Sunset, Rhossili’. This was also selected for the Judges’ Best in Show and received the Norman Simms trophy, named for BADAS’ founder.

Category 2 – Townscape, waterscape and coastal winner was Charlotte Stephenson for ‘Market Day’. Charlotte also received the prize for Category 4 – Landscape and Gardens for her painting ‘Wanlip Trees’.

The Category 3 – Portraits, figures and animals, winner was Rachael Powell for ‘Pondlife’.

Highly commended was awarded to David Walmsley for ‘Embankment’ in Category 1 and for ‘The Tide rises…the Tide Falls’ in Category 2. Highly commended in Category 3 went to Betty Chamberlain for ‘Shelly’ and in Category 4 to Fred Parrott for ‘Gate – Felley Priory’.

The Junior prize was awarded to Krystin Spearey for ‘Angus’.

The visitors’ Best in Show will be announced at the BADAS AGM in December and on the website www.badas.uk.

BADAS are grateful to judges Debbie Bird, Maxine Dodd, Amanda Jackson and Tim Fisher, and to Cllr Robert Vincent, Chair of Birstall Parish Council, for formally opening the exhibition and providing his support over the weekend.

News from the churches

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

absolutely lovely. The group are now ALWAYS LOVELY to see the shiny shoes and smart uniforms of the vari- looking forward to their Christmas meeting. ous organisations at the RememIt must have been quite a small perbrance Service. son who broke into the church through The weather did not 'play ball' this year though, being cold and wet. Howev- the stained-glass window (such a lovely piece of glasswork) and stole the charity er, we did get to know who liked their ice cream in cornets and who liked it in money, greetings card money and the votive candle money. At today's prices, I tubs, and various other bits of informashould think that all amounted to tion. enough for a bag of chips and a can of So - Christmas is coming - fast - and Coke. If there is any change, we would concerts of Christmas music will, during like it back, to put towards replacing the December, take place in St. James window.

Church: the Kingfisher Chorale on the Wishing everybody a Happy Christmas 2nd and Highcliffe Harmony on Decemfrom St James, and Our Lady and St. ber 9. A very varied programme from Nicholas, Wanlip. each choir, but both beautifully presentFrom Birstall Parish church ed and sung in our Church.

Christmas will also come to the recipients of the Shoe Box Appeal this year.

A reason to rejoice 82 boxes full of goodies and donations The word ‘rejoice’ is found nearly have been sent this year, which is a 200 times in The Bible. The apostle Paul record! The total carriage costs have wrote to the Philippian Church: ‘Rejoice also been raised, which is wonderful.

The Ukraine Centre in Leicester is still in the Lord always. Again I say, Rejoice!’.

Christians have every reason to rejoice more than happy to receive food, toiletbecause we have a great Saviour and this ries and warm clothing for people dismonth we celebrate His birth at Bethleplaced and suffering through the hem about 2000 years ago. This was ongoing war in their country: good part of His rescue mission and as the warm clothing being essential now, Bible says of Mary, “She will bear a Son, ready for the winter. Also finding their and you shall call His name Jesus, for way to Ukraine are 'Trench candles' He will save His people from their sins.” made from melted candle-wax (semiRather like the launch of an RNLI lifeused candles) and poured into cardboat, shooting down the slipway and board-lined tins, which will be broad embarking on a mission to save those enough to give stability in rough condilost at sea, with its trained and dedicated tions in the trenches where the men are crew, we can have confidence in the fighting. (If you have any candle-ends, rescue they will accomplish and, with please bring them to the church and the all-powerful Lord Jesus Christ, we leave them on the table just inside the can have full confidence in His mission door). also.

St James Monday Group has been Both of our Christmas hymns this welcoming new members and visitors, month are translations – one from Gerand at their last meeting in November man and the other from Gaelic. The first thoroughly enjoyed a slide show (with is: ‘All my heart this night rejoices’ by lovely music) given by Barbara and PePaul Gerhardt (1607-1676). He lived in ter Watson. It is always good to be SE Germany at the time of the Thirty reminded of the beauty around us, from Years’ War, serving parishes in the LuBirstall to the High Alps, and Peter and theran church. He wrote over 130 Barbara certainly fulfil all expectations -

hymns and this one was translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878).

Gerhardt begins by saying that angel voices are singing ‘Christ is born!’ and then he moves on to imagine Jesus speaking to him: “Hark! A voice from yonder manger, soft and sweet, doth entreat: ‘Flee from woe and danger … come from all that grieves you … all you need I will surely give you.’” He then calls us to ‘hasten yonder, kneel in awe and wonder; love Him who with love is yearning.’

The other hymn is by Mary MacDougal MacDonald (1789-1872), a devout Baptist. She married a crofter in Bunessan on the Isle of Mull. While at her spinning wheel she sang hymns and poems, some of her own composition.

Her hymn, ‘Child in the manger’, was one translated in 1888 by Lachlan Macbean (1853-1931) and it is usually sung to an old Gaelic melody. The first verse continues: ‘Infant of Mary, outcast and stranger, Lord of all! Child who inherits all our transgressions, all our demerits on Him fall.’ The last verse is: ‘Prophets foretold Him, Infant of wonder; angels beheld Him on His throne; worthy our Saviour of all their praises; happy for ever are His own.’

You are most warmly invited to join us for our Sunday services and especially for the Carol Service on 10th – see the Diary section for details. Please note that this year we also have services on December 24 & 31. You can contact us via: http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk or 0116 2214883.

From Birstall Independent Baptist

THE METHODIST theme for this Advent is Out of the Ordinary.

Out of our ordinary acts and our ordinary lives, we can transform the world by showing how the extraordinary love of God can shine through all our adversities.

One of our aims is to connect with people in our community who may not normally engage with the life of our church. We would like to share our

ordinary lives at this special time of the 19 year.

So, do come and visit us, there is something happening every day, and our Sunday worship is definitely for ALL. We usually find ourselves telling the Christmas story in an interesting and different way.

In December, we have not one but two concerts: Saturday 2nd at 7.30pm – Kingfisher Chorale, Leicester’s leading chamber choir will present a fabulous program of Christmas music and readings, with the added bonus of the most entertaining of leaders in Giles Turner. They are supporting MND for this event. Tickets from Jonathan Wheeler 0116-220-9318, or from their website; www.kingfisherchorale.org , £16, concessions £13 or £5.

Saturday 9th at 7pm – Highcliffe Harmony is presenting a lively concert of ‘Christmas Crackers’, with the Melody BlueHa Choir. This concert is supporting the Birstall Methodist Playgroup for Children with Additional Needs; tickets on the door are £6, including refreshments.

From Birstall Methodist Church

PARISHIONERS FROM both St Theresa’s and Sacred Heart came together in October for the induction of Fr Jensen Paul I.C. as our new Parish Priest.

It was a wonderful occasion with the induction being carried out by Fr Eddie Jarosz, Vicar General for the Nottingham Diocese. They were joined by some of Fr Jensen’s fellow Rosminian priests and Fr Raphael from our Deanery for the Mass, during which Fr Jensen was officially welcomed by representatives from local churches as well as our various parish groups.

Afterwards, there was a chance to socialise and enjoy a delicious buffet spread and celebratory cake. Many thanks to Daphne and team, and all those who made the occasion so special for Fr Jensen.

Also in October, we celebrated the feast of St Theresa of Lisieux with a special Mass. As ever, the altar and her statue were beautifully decorated with the traditional red roses for the Mass.

The children who are going forward for the Sacraments of Confirmation or First Holy Communion next year, have now started their respective preparation courses, led by our team of Catechists.

We pray that they work hard and grow in faith.

On Friday November 3, at 7pm, there was a Mass of Remembrance organised by the Care Group, where we remember those parishioners who have died during the past year. Their families, along with members of the congregation, were invited to light a candle and hang a tag bearing the name of their dear one on the prayer tree.

Our autumn programme of fund-raising events started with a Quiz night always a fun evening. A musical evening featuring songs and music with a strong Irish flavour by in-house folk band Turlough was particularly enjoyable, with the audience joining in with some wellknown favourites. Then a Fashion Show Continued on page 20

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

Your cancer specialist can tell you if this applies to your treatment. This is not the case for all targeted drugs, and you don’t always need this test.

To test your cancer cells, your specialist needs a sample (biopsy) of your

might be different to the changes in Cancer Treatment – Targeted Treatsomeone else with lung cancer. ment Targeted drugs target those differencCancer treatment can be many differes that help a cancer to grow. ent things and over the last few months, There are many different tarwe have been providing information gets on cancer cells and differabout some of the less-known treatment ent drugs that target them. options. Chemotherapy, surgery, and Targeted drugs might: radiotherapy are the three treatments stop cancer cells from dithat many people have heard of, but viding and growing increasingly other types of treatment are seek out cancer cells and offered, such as hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatment, stem cell kill them transplant, proton beam therapy etc. encourage the immune TARGETED TREATMENT This month we are going to talk system to attack cancer about cells cancer. They might be able to use some ‘Targeted Cancer Treatment’ stop cancers from growing blood tissue from a biopsy or operation you Targeted cancer drugs work by ‘targetvessels have already had. ing’ those differences that help a cancer help carry other treatments, such Types of targeted drugs cell to survive and grow. They are one of as chemotherapy, directly to the There are many different types of the main treatments for some cancers. cancer cells targeted drugs. These are grouped toThere are many different types of targetWhy might you have targeted drug gether depending on how they work. So, ed drugs. These are grouped together therapy? for example, cancer growth blockers depending on how they work. These Targeted drugs are not suitable for all stop the proteins that trigger the cancer groups include monoclonal antibodies, types of cancers. But they are one of the cell to divide and grow. cancer growth blockers, drugs that main treatments for a few types of canSome targeted drugs stop cancers block cancer blood vessel growth and cers. For some other cancers, you have from growing blood vessels. A cancer PARP inhibitors. targeted cancer drugs in combination needs a good blood supply to provide How do targeted cancer drugs work? with other treatments such as surgery, itself with food and oxygen and to reCancer cells have changes in their chemotherapy or radiotherapy. move waste products. The process of genes (DNA) that make them different Whether you have targeted therapy growing new blood vessels is called from normal cells. These changes mean depends on: angiogenesis. Drugs that stop cancers that they behave differently. Cancer cells the type of cancer you have from growing blood vessels are called can grow faster than normal cells, and how far your cancer has spread anti-angiogenic drugs. Anti-angiogenic they die less easily too. Cancer cells also (the stage) drugs can slow the growth of the cancer sometimes spread. Targeted cancer other cancer treatments you’ve and sometimes shrink it. drugs work by ‘targeting’ those differencOther groups include a particular had es that a cancer cell has. type of drug, such as a monoclonal Testing The changes in genes that cause one Before you have some types of target- antibody. These target specific proteins cancer type are often different to the ed drugs you might need to have on cancer cells. genetic changes causing another. For There isn't a simple way of grouping tests using some of your example, the changes that targeted drugs that is easy to follow. This cancer cells or a blood make a lung cancer grow can can sometimes be confusing. Some sample. This is to find out be different to those that make drugs belong to more than one group whether the treatment is a breast cancer grow. And the because they work in more than one likely to work. These tests changes in the genes of one way. For example, a drug that works by look for changes in certain person who has lung cancer blocking cancer cell growth may also be proteins or genes.

Continued from page 19 and a Bits and Bobs night both drew a good crowd. Lastly, the return of the Whetstone Players with their ever-popular Murder Mystery Evening provided great atmosphere for a dank, chilly November night. The fish and chip supper went down well, too!

On Saturday December 9, we have our Christmas Bazaar from 10am – 2pm.

This is a great chance to do some gift shopping. There will be a raffle with some lovely prizes and lots of tempting things to buy. Do please come and give your support.

The Christmas concert will be held on Sunday December 17, from 6.30 – 8.30pm. The choir, directed by Chris Lowe, will be singing carols both traditional and new and there will be the chance for everyone to join in with some seasonal favourites. Admission is free and donations can be made on the way out.

Carols and Readings will take place on Tuesday December 19, at 7pm. This offers a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of preparations, to quietly reflect on the Christmas story.

Christmas Mass times are as follows: Christmas Eve: 9.15 am Mass (St Theresa’s) 11.15 am Mass (Sacred Heart)

3 pm: Crib Service (St Theresa’s) 6 pm Vigil Mass (St Theresa’s) Christmas Day: 9 am Mass (St Theresa’s) 10.30am Mass (Sacred Heart) We wish all our friends, neighbours and the local community a joyful and peaceful Christmas.

From St Theresa’s Birstall, and Sacred Heart

The January issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jan 5.

The copy deadline is Dec 20.

Merry Christmas To all our readers & advertisers from us all at the

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a monoclonal antibody.

Some monoclonal antibodies trigger the immune system to attack and kill cancer cells. So these monoclonal antibodies are also a type of immunotherapy.

The big message here is that cancer treatment is changing and improving all the time. New, more tailored treatment options are often available, and many of these treatments have far more tolerable side effects and yet they can have a huge impact, slowing a cancer's growth and ability to spread. Key to the outcome of many cancers is achieving an early diagnosis. If you have any worrying signs or symptoms, please seek help as soon as you can: EARLY DIAGNOSIS SAVES LIVES. We hope you have found this helpful, and 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

www.tebbatt.co.uk

0116 4422067 Correspondence, news etc can be emailed or handed in at our office: Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings Leicester LE4 3BR,

editor@birstallpost.co.uk www.birstallpost.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST DECEMBER 2023

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