Birstall Post (487) Feb 2024

Falling tree damages Birstall flats

A TREE fell on a block of flats in Birstall, leaving a large hole in the roof.

Two flats sustained damage at the Hannah Clarke Almshouses on Park Road, a building that provides sheltered accommodation for women in eight flats.

The resident living in the flat that sustained the worst damage was not at home at the time.

The trustees were made aware that a poplar tree on Birstall Golf Club had fallen onto the main roof of the building at 8am on December 21. The tree was estimated to be 60 years old and appeared to be rotten inside.

Prompt action by the trustees, golf

at 10am, and it was agreed that a crane would be needed to safely remove the tree. Because of the recent heavy rain and water-saturated ground surface, a mobile crane that moved on tracks was needed.

The tree was safely removed from the building by 11.30am on December 22. Work to make the building weatherproof was then able to start and continued up to the morning of Christmas Eve. None of the residents needed to find alternative accommodation during the repairs.

Andrew Atkinson, chair of the trustees, said: “We were lucky, it could have been so much worse.”

club and tree surgeon prevented major damage to internal areas of the building from heavy rainfall.

Trustees, Birstall Golf Club officials and a tree surgeon assessed the damage

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Pics: scenes of damage to the flats on Park Road

Volunteers help restore badly flooded centre

THE LEICESTER Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) was badly damaged by floods on January 2, with water reaching the highest level in living memory.

The centre, a charity that provides outdoor activities including canoeing, climbing and bushcraft, is located just off Red Hill Island.

Stuart Fraser, Centre Manager, said:

“Although the river floods a few times each year, this time the impact was huge. At 6.30pm, water came into the building and over the level of plug sockets.

“Rising above the archway of Loughborough Road bridge where the Bellboats are stored, one of the boats has been crushed by the force of the water.

“As the water continued to rise, dirty and silty water entered the building at approximately 6.30pm and continued to rise, getting into electrical appliances, fridges, freezers, oven, photocopier, kitchen units, cupboards containing children’s games and admin data such as payroll reports. It got under carpets and lino, damaging the floors, and causing doors and door frames to swell.

“At approximately 4am, the water breached lower level plug sockets, IT and phone connections, shorting out the electrical circuits on site.”

The damage runs into tens of thousands of pounds, and Mr Fraser said the centre's riverside location meant it was unable to get insurance against flooding.

Once the water had subsided, the centre put out an appeal for help and set up a just giving fundraising page that aims to raise £50,000.

The carpets have been removed, but water has got under the sub-floor, lifting the screed base. The centre had to get contractors in with machinery to dig up the floor.

Mr Fraser said:

“Where possible, electrical sockets are being moved higher up the wall and the whole centre is being redecorated. Many of the items that were on the floor or in bottom drawers at the time of the flooding have been damaged, these include electrical items, stationery

items such as flip-chart paper, files of paperwork and soft furnishings.

“Sadly, one of the things that has been badly damaged, with much of it destroyed, is the historical archive of the centre. If there are local residents who have information, articles or photos of the centre that are older than 15 years,

and that they would be happy to donate, we are going to try to develop a new historical archive of LOPC.”

Volunteers and local businesses have come forward to help the centre re-open.

Mr Fraser said: “We have been

Continued on page 3

Pics: (above) water in the centre’s office; (left) volunteers helping to clear up

bowled over by the level of support from the community. We had 96 people turn up to help litter pick the site on Saturday January 6, and a further 40 last Saturday for a canoe litter pick.

I’m sure that many of the residents of Birstall are well aware of the volume of litter that now lines the banks of the River Soar. The LOPC is continuing with litter picking to manage the section from Belgrave Lock down to the Birstall Locks.”

looking for companies or individuals to sponsor the Canoe Litter Pick with a suggested amount of £250-300 for each litter pick.

“We can help to advertise their support. The business or individual contributes to the local community and the environment, and the funding helps to pay for equipment and staff to manage

Birstall-based ‘All Solutions’ Crown Paints Decorating Centre on Thurcaston Road

Parish precept rises

A 4% INCREASE in the parish

precept has been agreed upon by Birstall Parish Council.

Last year, the Parish Council’s charge on band D households in Birstall was £104.92 a year. This will increase to £109.12 in 2023/24, an increase of £4.20 per year, or 8p per week.

Parish Councils forecast how much money they are going to need in the next financial year. This figure is then divided by the tax base – the average number of Band D equivalent properties in the area.

When calculating the precept, Parish Councils have to consider:

• Their anticipated spending levels for the ongoing services for which they are responsible, such as play areas, the cemetery, allotments and the cost of the

ings. The first meeting was held on December 11, 2023, where councillors received and considered draft budget requirements and the various options available to them.

The figures presented at that meeting were based on 2023/2024 Council Tax Base (CTB) figures because the Clerk was waiting for confirmation of the numbers from Charnwood Borough Council. After a full discussion, the Parish Council decided to defer a final decision until the January 2024 meeting, to enable the Clerk to furnish the spreadsheet with the confirmed CTB figures.

The Parish Council met again on January 15, 2024, where they were able to receive updated figures along with the confirmed CTB figures from Charnwood Borough Council for band D houses of

parish office and ground staff

• The levels of anticipated income e.g. from rents, hire charges, burial fees and grants

• The costs of any additional spending plans or projects

• Maintaining a prudent amount of money in reserves

Once the precept has been agreed, it is added to residents’ council tax bills and collected by Charnwood Borough Council, which then pays it to the Parish Council.

The Parish Council discussed the Precept/Budgets at two full Council meet-

4601.6, which had increased from the previous year by 8.8 band D households.

The Parish Council increased the precept last year by 5%.

The Government has again decided not to place the same restrictions on Parish and Town Councils as they do the higher authorities, by capping their precept demands.

Mrs Sue Coulson, Clerk to Birstall Parish Council, said: “The Parish Council realise that they, like everyone else, is experiencing significant increases in utilities and other operating costs which are out of their control. They also acknowledge that if a situation arose

Terratruck on Gypsy Lane Active Together

Desford Striders

Focus Charity

All of the Clubs based at the LOPC – Paddle Plus, Women’s Outdoor Club, Leicestershire Scouts, Queer Outdoors Club, Redhill Revolvers, Lansdown Dog Club, FS Bulwark Cadets and Soar Valley Canoe Club.

To donate to the charity, go to: www.justgiving.com/campaign/lopcflood-disaster

where they were asked by residents to cover the costs of a lost and/or devolved service from a higher authority, the Parish Council needs to have a healthy reserve in place to be able to facilitate the requests.

“After careful consideration and deliberation at the January 2024 Council meeting, the Parish Council resolved to apply a 4% increase to the precept for the 2024/2025 financial year and authorised the Clerk to submit a precept demand to Charnwood Borough Council for £502,112 payable in two instalments of £251,056 to be received in April 2024 and September 2024.”

Students’donation to Birstall Food Bank

BIRSTALL FOOD Bank received a bumper donation of items at Christmas, collected by students from the Cedars Academy.

“At the Cedars, we believe in being kind to everyone in our community,” said Oliver Rowe, Head of English and Senior Leader.

He added: “To this end, we have an annual Christmas appeal which emphasises the importance of giving generously to those living in poverty. This year, we have been collecting donations for Birstall Food Bank.”

Mr Rowe led an assembly about the importance of supporting those in our community who are in want of “com-

mon necessaries” at Christmas, and students started collecting items in their tutor groups.

Mr Rowe said: “The response was incredible, as you can see from the pictures - we filled the school minibus! The volunteers at the foodbank were very grateful for the generosity and asked us to pass on their thanks to everyone at the Cedars for helping

people through the winter. We're very proud of the generosity our students have shown.”

Pics: (left) bags of items collected by Cedars’ students; (top) students and volunteers from Birstall Food Bank ready to unload the bags for distribution

Parish council notes

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on January 15.

Jake Atkinson, the CEO of the Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils (LRALC), gave a presentation about the governance review recently undertaken by LRALC at Birstall Parish Council.

A governance review is an audit of a council’s policies and procedures by an outside body. A review of this kind was recommended by Charnwood Borough Council in 2021, and again in 2022.

Councillors have been presented with a list of recommendations arising from the report, and the report itself. Both documents remain confidential.

Mr Atkinson said this was the fourth governance review he had undertaken for a council. He said it was not a process for failing councils, but one to help

councils improve.

He said Birstall Parish Council was excellent in many ways, and has many strengths, but the report has identified a couple of organisational issues.

The report makes 29 recommendations. Mr Atkinson said there was a need for a conflict resolution and mediation process that had been identified at the interview stage. As part of the review process, councillors and council staff are interviewed by LRALC.

The review recommends that the council develop an ongoing proactive relationship with the local community to help it decide on the Parish Council’s aims and objectives. This could involve the creation of a Citizens’ Panel.

Mr Atkinson said it was imperative that the Parish Council start work on a strategic plan that would emerge from

public consultation.

A further recommendation is that the Parish Council review its media policy to improve and build more positive links with the press and media and recognise that it is the role of the press to scrutinise what the council does.

The council publishes a confidential document, circulated to councillors, updating them on the progress of Parish Council resolutions. Mr Atkinson suggested that a version of this is made available to the public on the council website and that it should be clearer about what proposals aim to achieve.

Mr Atkinson said that the council committee structure need not change, but that the council was having a lot of meetings, six a month, which is higher than average. He said that the council could make greater use of giving delegated authority to committees

and staff to move things forward more quickly.

Mr Atkinson commented that the Parish Council’s policies and procedures were extensive and very detailed, and suggested they be reviewed to make them more enabling.

Chair Robert Vincent said that the council needed to move speedily in responding to the review, the report and its recommendations. He said that a confidential meeting of the council would be held in seven days to consider the recommendations. A steering group of councillors will then be chosen to produce a first draft of an action plan to take forward the recommendations contained within the review.

There was no police officer present to present a police report. Comment was made that Sergeants were being appointed but moving on quickly. It was agreed to contact the police, asking them to explain why this was happening.

There has been some antisocial behaviour in the Sibson Road car park and the question was asked; why was this not in the police report?

Comment was made about the dangers posed by traffic to pedestrians using the zebra crossing outside Riverside primary school. Councillor Jeff Cassidy said that traffic lights used on the crossings outside schools within Leicester City were proving to be effective.

Councillor Tony Fowler said that parent parking around the school is chaotic, with children moving between parked cars. It was agreed to raise the Parish Council’s concerns with the Lionheart Academy Trust.

Incidents of fly-tipping on School Lane near the playing field Memorial gates were reported.

The council agreed to increase the parish precept by 4%.

The council agreed to spend £528 per annum on a new contract for a photocopier.

The council is upgrading its landline telephones to an Internet-based service. It agreed to spend £2986 annually with a provider, plus a one-off set-up charge of £395.

It was agreed to write a letter to the transport authority, requesting that the Birstall Park and Ride service has its route extended to include the Leicester Royal infirmary.

The council agreed to conduct a public survey to ascertain public opinion about the demand for electric vehicle charging points in parish council-owned car parks. Anstey and Sileby car parks, owned by Charnwood Borough Council, have recently had electric vehicle charging points installed.

Birstall County Councillor Dan Grimley commented that the County Council is currently discussing the location of on-street charging points.

The council considered its policy of delivering Christmas hampers to elderly people in Birstall. Comment was made that the scheme had excellent feedback from the public and that the hampers are very well received. Other groups are delivering hampers at Christmas in Birstall, and it was agreed to consult with them to avoid duplication. It was agreed to continue with the distribution of Christmas hampers.

Chair Robert Vincent reported that he had been assured that the social housing planned for the 1950 home Broadnook Garden suburb will be distributed around the site, and not concentrated in a single location. The design of the dwellings will be identical to the other housing on the site.

Comment was made that local secondary schools were full and would not be able to accommodate children living at the development.

There has been some antisocial behaviour in the Sibson Road car park late at night. The gate to the car park has subsequently been locked at 7.30 pm. It was reported that this was causing a problem for some local businesses, with their customers unable to park, or being locked in.

Birstall comic’s first solo show at festival

A BIRSTALL comedian who guest hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games with Lenny Henry and Joe Lycett will be performing her stand-up show “TMI” at the Leicester Comedy Festival this month.

Tej Dhutia (35), who lives on Highgate Avenue, began her comedy career in 2019 after responding to an ad on social media offering a chance to do five minutes of stand-up in front of an audience.

The mum of two, who is taking a career break from her job as a pharmacist, says her latest show, TMI (too much information), gives the audience the chance to laugh at her stories of being a BritishAsian woman, a daughter, a wife and a mother.

She said: “My style of comedy is observational comedy. I take the simple, but relatable nuances of life and make them funny. I enjoy talking about intimate topics, the things that society might not like to openly discuss. I enjoy pushing those boundaries, which is why my show is called TMI.

“I probably go into too much detail, but there’s some power in making people’s mind go to places they’ve never been before, the more graphic the better! I grew up in a strict Indian household where what society thought mattered more than our own feelings. I’ve broken out of that sometimes toxic environment. Speaking my truths and baring all on

con for those who still live in an oppressed community. That got a bit deep,

didn’t it? It will be funny as well!”

Tej has been on BBC3 for the BBC’s Asian network’s comedy night, and had a weekly radio show, ‘Turn It Up with Tej’, at radio2funky, a local Leicester radio station that she was doing all last year.

“I’m hoping to keep pursuing radio presenting, taking my show to a local radio station in east London in 2024, fingers crossed!” said Tej.

This year, Tej will be taking her solo stand-up show to the Cambridge Fringe and Brighton Fringe in May, Buxton Fringe in July and hopefully the Edinburgh Fringe in August.

She said: “I enjoy doing stand-up because I can be completely myself and not hold back, and it gives people the opportunity to laugh, which is a good thing!

“We can live in a routine that doesn’t fulfil us, like I was being a pharmacist, or we can take small steps to gain new skills to change our direction in life and change our perspective. I am addicted to taking on new challenges and having new experiences. Boredom and curiosity led me to sign up for a free course and pick up a mic to tell a joke - probably a very bad one - which led me to stand on stage and present to 50 million people worldwide at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Dare to dream!”

“TMI” with Tej Dhutia will be performed on Feb 19, King Richard III pub, Leicester, 7pm. Get tickets at www.comedy-festival.co.uk

stage is liberating and hopefully a bea-

Pics: (above) Tej at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games & (left) with co-hosts including Lenny Henry before stepping into the arena

YOUR SAY...

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

route

I thought I would write just to remind people that Centre Bus (in their infinite wisdom) has now amalgamated the Birstall 22A bus route with a bus to Barrow On Soar. This now means if you get the bus on the Greengate estate, you need to read what route is shown on the bus. If it shows Barrow then it goes onto Barrow, if it says Evington then it goes into town. The timetable on Woodgate Drive shows that the times have not changed. As far as I can see, the Saturday service remains the same, run by First Bus and is hourly 18 minutes after the hour. Mind you, we are still waiting for a timetable to be put on the bus stop.

Also, I like many others, have been watching Alan Bates v The Post Office and am appalled by what the poor subpostmasters have had to go through. Shame it took a film on their plight to bring it to the public's notice.

However, that is not why I have

Noticeboard

all details printed free

Jesus Christ Superstar

Mon 12 - Sat 17 Feb 2024

Curve, Leicester Box Office: 0116 242 3595 tickets@curvetheatre.co.uk

Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) directs this mesmerizing new production of the

brought the subject up. I just wonder if we have a problem with collection and delivery in Birstall. On January 7, I posted my daughter's birthday card, 1st class and in the post box on Hannah Parade. To date, she has not received it, this being January 21; she lives in Nottingham. Secondly, my granddaughter recently posted five postcards from Australia to the UK.

Four have been delivered, but sorry to say I am still waiting for mine. Is anyone else having the same problems? May sound trivial, but very, very annoying. This and the Fujitsu debaclen I no longer have any confidence in the Post Office.

Sue Hitchcock

Thanks

A huge thank you to all the wonderful Birstall and other volunteer litter pickers that have done an amazing job so far at clearing away the avalanche of litter that found its way onto the Watermead Country park and along the green spaces adjacent to the canal footpaths after all the recent flooding.

It’s your commitment and real effort that makes walking through this area such a pleasure for everyone to enjoy.

With much thanks from a local resident.

Name & address supplied

iconic global phenomenon, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR which comes to Leicester for one week only! Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this reimagined production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

Featuring Ian McIntosh as Jesus, Shem Omari James as Judas, and Hannah Richardson as Mary

The Charnwood Orchestra

Our celebratory 50th season continues

Our next concert is on 23 March, 7.30pm

Emmanuel Church Loughborough LE11 3NW

Brahms Tragic Overture

Schumann Piano Concerto – Soloist Robert Markham

Dvorak – New World Symphony

Details on tickets can be found at www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk Email

Tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org. uk for reservations

Charnwood Local Food Fair

At All Saints’ Church Thurcaston, Anstey Lane, LE7 7JA

Free Entry

Tues February 6, 4-8pm

Refreshments & samples

Artisan producers & sellers including:

Demonstration from JB Kitchen, Birstall (Finalist 2023, Channel 4's 5 Star Kitchen)

Agora Deli

North's patisserie & deli Country Markets

Pratik's Curry Club & Deli...and more

More information Rev. Gough catbenefice@gmail.com

07754961997

Birstall Methodist Monday Group

Programme for February

5 Feb: Doreen & Pat - Quiz

12 Feb: An evening with Diane –The Great Fire of London

19 Feb: No Meeting – Half Term

26 Feb: Lindsay Mansfield – Order, Order

Continued on page 10

Bus

We meet at 7.30pm on Monday evenings in the Coffee Shop at Birstall Methodist Church. Please come along to any of our meetings. The cost for Visitors is £2 which includes tea/coffee/biscuits and sometimes cake. Men are also welcome to join us if there is a speaker they particularly want to hear

Friday Night Films in Thurcaston “Living”

Feb 9 (102 mins)

In our February British film, set in 1953, the multi award-winning actor, Bill Nighy, gives the performance of his career. He plays a veteran civil servant, stuck in an oppressive office routine. Mr Williams’ life is empty and meaningless until a shattering medical diagnosis forces him to turn his life into something wonderful. He finds new energy and sets about creating a legacy for the next generation. It is inspiring!

“Allelujah !”

Mar 8 (96 mins).

In March, we are showing an ad-

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aptation of Alan Bennett’s witty and heart-warming play. This really British film is starring Dame Judi Dench, Sir Derek Jacobi and Jennifer Saunders who remind us of the importance of the NHS.

When a small Yorkshire NHS hospital offering geriatric care is threatened with closure, there is an outcry from the local community. You will appreciate the warmth, humour and sincerity in this beautiful film.

“The Great Escaper” will be shown on April 12.

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

Thursday Group

welcomes new and present members to our February meetings, 2pm in the Methodist Church Coffee shop.

Feb 1: Good news day, share some positive news

Feb 8: Amongst ourselves, hints, tips and recipes

Feb 15: Mesothelioma, Liz Darlison & Jill Lemon

Feb 22: Story time with Robin Perry

Feb 29: How things have changed for women in the workplace, Laura Gregory

Tea & biscuits will be served, all welcome

Classical Favourites

Sun Mar 3, 2024 at 3pm

Join the Leicester Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of some of the greatest classical orchestral works chosen by our players, friends and their families:

Ethel Smyth – The Wreckers Overture

Beethoven – 'Emperor' Piano Concerto

Elgar – Salut D’Amour Rachmaninov – Symphony No. 2 Tickets £20/£16/£5 from DMH Box Office

World Day of Prayer

2024

(a women led, global, ecumenical movement)

World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church organisation which enables us to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world: their hopes, concerns and prayers. The preparation for the day is vast. An international committee is based in New York and there are national committees in each participating country.

Regional conferences meet to consider the service and then local groups, including yours in Birstall, make their plans.

The World Day of Prayer service is celebrated in over 120 countries. It begins in Samoa and prayer in native languages travels throughout the world - through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas before finishing in American Samoa some 38 hours later.

This year the service has been prepared by Christian women in Palestine who have produced a powerful, sensitive service based on the theme taken from Ephesians

4: 1 – 7 “ I Beg You, Bear with one another in Love” There will be a short presentation at 1pm prior to the service at St James church, which will give background information on Palestine.

On Friday March 1, at 2pm at St James Anglican church, Church

Hill, Birstall, we are holding our world day of prayer service and we warmly invite you to join us.

Birstall Flower Club

Wed Feb 28, 2024

Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm

Demonstrators: In House

Title: Surprise Surprise!

Visitors £5

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

Cedar Care Circle

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you're all keeping warm and well. Our February meetings are as follows. Monday 12, and Monday 26. 1pm at Brunchies Cafe Hallam Fields Road Birstall.

Come and join us if you are caring for spouse, parent, or friend suffering from dementia. Spend a couple of hours amongst others who understand how isolating and frustrating caring becomes when you are sole carer. You will be made most welcome. Barbara

Pancake Service

You're invited

Sun 11 Feb, 4.15pm at Hallam Fields Hall, Birstall

A family friendly informal serviceand pancakes

We'd love you to join us - all welcome

(Organised by St James the Great Church Birstall)

Charnwood Local Food Fair

At All Saints’ Church Thurcaston, Anstey Lane, LE7 7JA Free Entry

Tues February 6, 4-8pm

Refreshments & samples

Artisan producers & sellers including:

Demonstration from JB Kitchen, Birstall (Finalist 2023, Channel 4's 5 Star Kitchen)

Agora Deli

North's patisserie & deli Country Markets

Pratik's Curry Club & Deli- and more More information Rev. Gough catbenefice@gmail.com

07754961997

Got your tickets for Robin Hood?

IT’S ONLY a few weeks now until the Birstall Theatre Company set up Nottingham Goose fair and Sherwood Forest at the Cedars Academy, Palmer Tompkinson Centre for their annual pantomime, Robin Hood.

A company spokesman said: “Don’t miss out on this fun filled family show. Have YOU got your tickets yet?”

Performances are Thursday February 22 to Saturday February 24, 2024.

Evening performances start at 7.30pm, Saturday Matinee is 2.30pm.

Ticket prices are: adults £10, chil-

dren (under 14) £8.50. The show is not suitable for children under 3 years. Tickets can be purchased from Nando’s Hairdressers, Birstall, or contact the Box Office on 0793 896 1054.

Pic: Some of the cast of Robin Hood

PHOTO: Lydia Hewewin-Jones

WI news

BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI met at Birstall British Legion on January 8 for their first meeting of 2024.

After hearing last month’s minutes, we shared our thoughts on the Federation Christmas walk around Leicester and a very enjoyable Christmas meal. Other Federation activities for the future include Social Crafting, a concert by the Hathern Band and a Faith Visit to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Gypsy Lane

Our speaker was Bishop Peter Fox, the only Bishop in the Magic Circle, and he gave us “A whistle-stop journey through the history of Magic from Ancient Egypt up until modern times”. He certainly knew everything there is to know about magic and demonstrated traditional tricks that have been used in one form or another for centuries. He has found that his insight into the world of deception was invaluable in his confrontation with the witch doctors of Papua New Guinea.

Some of us joined a Federation coach trip to Eastbourne. This is an annual holiday outing held every January.

Next month, we meet on February 5 at 7pm for a social evening organised by the committee, and the competition will be a homemade Valentine’s card.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Share your skills and benefit from others

TIME4LEICESTERSHIRE is a free skills exchange initiative from Leicestershire County Council, where members can sign up to share their skills and knowledge, support others and can request skills they would like to learn in return.

Already available for residents in Melton, the scheme has now expanded to Charnwood.

‘Timebanking’ differs from volunteering as it allows people to swap skills at a time that suits them, with no minimum

commitment needed.

For every hour of time somebody gives, they receive an hour’s time credit to bank and give to another Timebank member in exchange for supporting them with another skill.

Exchanged skills can be anything from gardening and knitting to video editing and coding. People do not necessarily have to meet in person to benefit from the scheme either - they can also help each other online. A skill that one person takes for granted may be invaluable when passed on to some-

one else.

The County Council’s Public Health team offer the programme as part of the national Timebanking UK initiative, and residents are being encouraged to sign up to Time4Leicestershire to exchange skills.

The organisers say that as well as benefitting local communities and build-

ing a greater community spirit, it can also reduce loneliness and isolation, help people to learn new skills, increase physical activity and improve emotional wellbeing.

The Charnwood scheme was officially launched at Fearon Hall in Loughborough, with local residents joining together to share their skills and showcase what can be offered through the programme.

Timebanking is being rolled out across the county and will be available in all districts across Leicestershire in the future.

Councillor Louise Richardson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Community spirit is such an important part of a thriving county, and it’s great to see our timebanking scheme growing into Charnwood.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities for people to both share their skills and benefit from others. It’s a brilliant initiative, and I encourage residents in both Charnwood and Melton to sign up and give it a go.”

To find out more about the Time4Leicestershire timebank, and to get involved, visit: www.time4leicestershire.org.uk.

Pic: Cllr Louise Richardson learning to use heat to make images on wood; (left) a timebanking workshop

Police Report

From the Birstall Beat Team

Thefts from vans

We have had a couple of vans targeted during January, whereby tools have been stolen. It is suspected that the same group are responsible for both

Recruitment Scams

Scams, in essence, are simply attempts by criminals to steal other peoples’ money. The thieves often use scare tactics to panic people into acting in a manner when, if they were given time to think, they would certainly smell a rat.

A more recent development uses a different technique, where the victim is tricked by the offer of something they want badly, a new job.

A recently reported case involved a young woman planning to undertake a degree course. She had taken a gap year while working to save the £10,000 that she needed to support herself at university. She had lost her previous job and was anxious to find another, so she put her CV online. She was contacted on WhatsApp and invited to apply for a job working remotely reviewing products.

She had what she believed to be a genuine telephone interview, and it all seemed to go well. The criminals followed up with messages and phone calls asking for HR-related details that, keen to secure the job, she willingly gave them. They then used these, together with what she suspects was malware loaded onto her phone, to make card payments to a cryptocurren-

offences and as an organisation, we are completing robust and vigorous investigations into this matter and have increased patrols, specifically targeting this type of criminality. It is important to under-

cy exchange, using some £3,000 of her savings. This was all the money she had managed to save working full-time over the summer.

Action Fraud has seen an eight-fold rise in reports of recruitment scams in the past year. In 2022 there were fifteen reports involving losses of £20,040, while there were a 126, involving £977,581, in 2023. It is believed that many instances of this type of fraud go unreported, making it a very profitable exercise for the criminals who have no regard for the serious and damaging long-term effects on their victims.

The invidious nature of this particular type of scam is that it relies on the fact that the victim will not want to miss the opportunity of an attractive job by not cooperating with their prospective employer.

If you do find yourself in a similar position, do all that you can to find out about the company and whether it really exists. No genuine employer will object to you asking them reasonable questions, such as where they are based. Do not just rely on what they tell you. Check it out independently.

You can report a scam text message by forwarding it to 7726, which spells out SPAM on a keypad, while spam emails should be forwarded to: report@phishing.gov.uk.

From Ed Chambers

stand this type of crime is not only affecting Birstall, but includes Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland as well as further afield nationally.

Car crime

We have also been receiving reports and information of a pair of males going around trying car doors and possibly even house doors; we are on to them and are progressing along with our enquiries to secure all available evidence so that we can hold them to account and prevent them continuing their activity. Currently, this activity seems to be taking place from around 8pm onwards, so please be vigilant and take the time to report any suspicious activity to the police without delay.

Anti-social behaviour

Additionally, we have been alerted to some Anti-Social behaviour taking place in the Sibson Road and School Lane car parks.

As such, the Parish Council have made the decision to close the gates from 7.30pm, so please bear this in mind when parking during the evening, as unfortunately your vehicle will be locked in overnight if not. We have been provided with a key, so if you do happen to get locked in and we are on shift, let us know. Please DO NOT attempt to drive down the grass verge onto Birstall Road like some already have, this is dangerous, and will likely result in damage to your vehicle or cause a collision.

Traffic issues outside school

Lastly, we will be paying particular attention to traffic issues outside Riverside School, Wanlip Lane. We have already been out completing some speed checks; however, we will be working with the School, Council and any other relevant partnered agencies to make this a safer area. We have parents parking in a lazy and inconsiderate manner on the footpath across the road from the school, which is covered by double yellow lines, on the junction and reports that persons are ignoring the instructions being given at the crossing. We will keep you updated regarding this, as together we will be looking at some longer-term term solutions.

From PC 1365

Stu Venables

Pic: PC Stuart Venables at Riverside Primary, Wanlip Lane, with Margaret Young, the school crossing patrol warden. I have been offering advice to parents for parking dangerously and inconsiderately. We are working with the Parish council, Riverside Primary, School Crossing patrol and Charnwood Borough council, Leicestershire County Council and the Road Safety Partnership to identify a long term solution, but for now we will be providing additional patrols and gathering further information. A letter offering advice has been sent to all parents/guardians and signs have just been provided to the school.

Pic: Birstall Beat Team (l-r) PC1365 Stu Venables, PCSO 6389 Nuala Sherlock, PCSO 6174 Jon Harrison, PS 4210 Sam Flynn

BIRSTALL AND District Art Society held its AGM in December, where it was announced that the winner of the public vote for the best painting at the society’s exhibition held in November was ‘Bermooda Triangle’ (a picture of three cows) by the Chair Meg Grant.

Members are getting back into the routine, attending Friday morning painting sessions at the Coop Social Club in Birstall and Wednesday evening sessions at Wanlip.

A programme of demonstrations is planned on the second Tuesday of the

month, starting on February 13, with a landscape in acrylic with a reduced palette by local artist Liz Black Dowding. On March 12, there will be an appraisal of members’ paintings by Amanda Jackson.

On April 9, BADAS welcomes Tim Fisher for a demonstration, postponed from October 2023, entitled ‘Waterscape, use of wet pastels for reflections’. Demonstrations are from 6.45pm until 8.45pm at the Palmer Tompkinson Centre at the Cedars Academy, Birstall. Nonmembers are welcome to attend for a fee of £4. For up-to-date details, especially in case of inclement weather, please check on the website: badas.uk.

From Birstall & District Art Society

A READER sent us this photo of the January flooding at Birstall Bowls Club on the School Lane playing field.

Club spokesman Andy Wye said: “The only affected area of the club appears to have been the green itself. As you will see from the photo, you step down from the slabs onto the green and there is a ditch surrounding all four sides of the green. This also gives the water somewhere else to go when we get heavy rain.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE

charging points have been installed in two car parks in Charnwood.

Seven charging points are now available at The Nook car park in Anstey and King Street car park in Sileby, both operated by Charnwood Borough Council.

The Council has secured Government funding to add electric vehicle charging points within the borough.

Cllr Louise Jones, the Council's lead member for climate action and net zero, said: “I am pleased to see these electric vehicle charging points installed in car parks in Anstey and Sileby.

“These points make having an electric vehicle more accessible for residents who might not be able to have chargers installed at their homes.

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“Hopefully, it will encourage more residents to buy an electric vehicle and reduce the borough’s carbon

footprint.”

The charging points have been created thanks to specific funding which supports the creation of charging points in areas where residents do not have off-street parking. The Council secured around £60,000 of government funding.

The seven charging points, operated by provider Blink Charging, can serve up to 14 vehicles at a time. More details can be found on their website: blinkcharging.com

All charging points are now live and available for use. King Street car park in Sileby also has one rapid charger, installed in 2021.

We are at the lowest point of the park, so we are probably more affected than other areas higher up.

“The green occasionally floods if there is heavy rain for a sustained period of time, as we saw with Storm Henk in early January. However, it does drain fairly quickly. We have previously had to stop play when small puddles have appeared on the green and been able to start playing again within half an hour or so, once the rain has stopped and the puddles have disappeared.”

Established 2001

Dance academy’s showcase a blast

LOCAL DANCE school the ‘Rising Stars Academy’ put on two soldout dance performances in December at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre in Birstall.

The theme, ‘A Blast from the Past’, allowed students to perform different styles of dance to old songs in front of an audience of over 200 people.

Principal Emma Bateman said: “The mixture of music, costume and dance

created an outstanding showcase for all family and friends to see.”

She added: “This has been our best show yet! It was amazing to see all the children on stage, and the feedback from parents after has been so heart-warming. It was the first show for a lot of children, and I am so proud of them all!”

Rising Stars Academy is a friendly and inclusive dance school based at the Methodist Church in Birstall (Wednesday and Friday) and at New College on Glenfield Road (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday). It offers classes during the week in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Street Dance and Gymnastics, for children aged two and upwards, and adults.

For more information, email r.starsacademy@ gmail.com or message on 07443761300.

Pics: performers from the Rising Stars

at their show

from

Concert cash for playgroup HATS’ ghostly drama

“GHOSTS AT the Grange” is the next production from Birstall’s Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS).

The ghostly goings-on will be directed by long-standing group member, Gez Stokes.

Sue Withers from HATS said: “The topic of whether ghosts are real or not has been debated for centuries. So, let me introduce you to the Ghost World. The roles have been cast, and rehearsals have started. It’s going to be very different trying to ignore people, with no eye contact, no responses and certainly no direct contact between the ghosts and the characters. We know the weather has turned extremely cold recently, however, it was pretty chilly in our rehearsal room this week too. Was there a problem with the heating, or was it a ghostly influence making us shiver? Hmmm, we might never know.”

The play is a challenge for the cast, says Sue. “Ghosts are on stage at the same times as the characters, but clearly unseen by them. You, the audience, will have the advantage of being able to see them, watch the action, the frustration, the humour etc, as the ghosts try to communicate with the cast. Will the ghosts help or hinder the family trying to solve the mysterious circumstances

HIGHCLIFFE HARMONY, the Birstall-based choir, held a concert in December at Birstall Methodist Church with guest choir Melody Blue.

“We were delighted to have raised

£300 for Birstall Playgroup for Children with Additional Needs, which is based at Birstall Methodist Church,” said Susan Wheeler from Highcliffe Harmony. She added: “The playgroup not only gives children with additional needs the chance to play in a safe and caring envi-

ronment but also gives parents the chance for a little time for themselves for coffee and a chat with other parents.” Pic: members of Highcliffe Harmony with Steve Squance from the choir presenting a cheque to the manager of the playgroup, Maria Middleton.

of why they have all congregated together?”

She added: “Full of mystery and humour, will you be able to spot the ghostly clues before the cast do? This is not a panto, so no shouting out please, but I feel sure that some of you will want to as the frustration of not being able to communicate increases as the plot unwinds. Will it be a case of the cast trying to solve things on their own, getting confused and suspicious of each other, or will they strike a happy medium and work together to solve the circumstances of meeting together.”

Watch out for further details, updates and photos in the Birstall Post and our Facebook page.www.facebook.com/hatsamdram

Dates for “Ghosts at the Grange” (by Karen Doling and with permission from Lazy Bee Scripts) are: May 15, 16 and 17. All performances will start at 7.15pm.

Venue: Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS

Tickets are £7 and £6 concession.

Get your tickets ordered early by calling the box office on 0116-2209594 or 07948 706675

Pic: members of HATS at a rehearsal of their next production

Elvis the owl a hit at care home

RESIDENTS AT Birstall’s Cedar Mews care home were treated to a visit by three birds of prey, including a Eurasian eagle-owl named Elvis.

Staff at Cedar Mews, a member of the Berkley Care Group, organised a visit from ‘Bird on the Hand’ for January 18, bringing together residents for an afternoon spent up close with the animals.

The feathered visitors included a falcon, a barn owl, and Elvis, the Eurasian eagleowl. As part of the event, Duncan from ‘Bird on the Hand’ provided expert knowledge on each of the owls and went into great detail concerning interesting facts about the birds, such as details on their features and the owl’s individual characteristics. Joanne Hughes, General Manager at Cedar Mews Care Home, said: “Our residents were overjoyed by the visit from ‘Bird on the Hand’ and their remarkable owls.

Plans for new Leicester skatepark

PLANS for a new skatepark near Abbey Park have now taken shape, thanks to the input of hundreds of skaters and other enthusiasts.

Leicester City Council has worked with leading UK skatepark specialists Maverick to develop designs for a planned new facility at St Margaret’s Pastures sports grounds, off Abbey Lane.

The city council commissioned Maverick to lead the initial design and consultation process. This included feedback from over 570 respondents ranging from beginner to expert skaters, as well as BMX and scooter riders

New visuals have now been released, giving a flavour of the features people can look forward to once the new skatepark is built.

These include a range of flat bank ramps, grind rails and ledges, a stair set, a wheelie or ‘manny’ pad and a quarter pipe that will run the full length of one end of the skate park.

ing response to our online survey for the new skatepark in Leicester. With over 570 responses, this is the biggest response we've seen anywhere in the UK.

“It's clear that there is a lot of excitement and passion for a new purposebuilt skatepark in the city, and we're committed to creating a space that everyone can enjoy."

The new skatepark will be created on an area of council-owned land currently leased to Leicester Hockey Club, next to their state-of-the-art Olympic standard

pitch.

The site is easily accessible by foot, bike or skateboard and is near car parking and toilets.

“The wonder these majestic birds brought to our residents' faces was truly heartwarming. Elvis, in particular, captivated our residents with his graceful presence and striking beauty.”

Appeal for young talent to audition

AN EXCITING opportunity has arisen for singers, actors and dancers aged 9 to 16 to record and film a new musical, ‘The Creature Choir’, by writer David Walliams and composed by Birstall musician Kathleen Shanks.

The musical will be recorded and filmed at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London in December. Auditions and initial rehearsals will be held in Birstall. Arrangements will be made for the Leicestershire children to join the London cast for production rehearsals in November. Application

forms are available from capitalartscreative@outlook.com

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Maverick are experts in their field and have done a fantastic job of engaging with local enthusiasts – and those from further afield – to help make sure that we can deliver a skatepark that people will really want to use.

“St Margaret’s Pastures is already home to several well-used sports pitches and other facilities, and it makes sense to use this part of the site to expand the range of outdoor activities on offer. The designs that Maverick have developed are looking very impressive.”

Sam Reynolds, director at Maverick, said: "We're thrilled with the overwhelm-

A city council spokesperson said: “Investigation work is still taking place on the site ahead of getting planning permission for the project.

“We hope to be able to get started on site around late February/early March.

“The development is planned for a three to four month programme which would see it completed in late May/early June 2024.”

The city council has already approved funding of £375,000 for the scheme under the city council’s people and neighbourhoods policy provision.

Pic: An artist's impression shows how the proposed new skatepark will look

Pics: the owl was popular with the residents at Cedar Mews

Charnwood declares climate emergency, reduces emissions

A CLIMATE emergency has been declared by Charnwood Borough Council.

The motion was unanimously passed at a council meeting on Monday November 6 and it commits the Council to working with partners and communities to reduce carbon emissions and help limit global warming.

The motion was proposed by Cllr Louise Jones, the Council’s lead member for climate action, net zero, property and assets.

Cllr Jones thanked councillors for supporting the motion and said: “The Council delivers impactful services for our local communities, but sometimes we need to consider our role in tackling bigger issues. Climate change is one of those issues.

“The declaration of a climate emergency commits the Council to doing all it can to reduce not only emissions related to its operations but also working with partners, local communities, and businesses to encourage them to limit their impact on the environment as well.

“In Iceland, there’s a monument on the site of a glacier lost to man-made climate change which acknowledges that we know there’s a problem, and we know what needs to be done, but only future generations will know if we did it. Well, we know what needs to be done.

"Time is running out, and we all need to act now.”

The motion commits the council to declaring a climate emergency and using that declaration to continue to build on its current climate change strategy. The Council will also accelerate work with partners across the county and region to develop and implement best practice methods that can deliver carbon reductions and help limit global warming.

The motion also commits the council to providing leadership to residents, communities and businesses to support and enable the borough’s transition to net zero.

The motion comes soon after the Council adopted its Climate Change Strategy 2023-30, which sets out how the Council will work in partnership with communities, residents, organisations, and businesses to reduce emissions and help look after the environment. It also references the Council’s existing efforts to reduce its own carbon footprint.

The Council has already taken steps to reduce its impact on the environment.

Since 2018, the Council has reduced net carbon emissions related to its operations by over 30 tonnes. It has also planted 14,000 trees at Hathern, introduced more electric vehicles to its fleet and is using more renewable electricity.

It is currently installing electric vehicle charging points in Sileby and Anstey car parks and has worked with other councils to help homeowners save money on solar panels.

Graffiti and street art

AN

IMMERSIVE exhibition featuring subway street art and graffiti can be seen at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday February 3.

Paint to Pixel x Repainting Subway Art will be open until Monday 27 May, and aims to celebrate the rich history of graffiti and street art.

The exhibition, which includes large-scale 3D animated projections, will transport audiences into a vibrant virtual world of subway trains, adorned with original graffiti artworks from global street artists.

This groundbreaking exhibition is a collaborative effort between Leicesterbased arts organisation MBD and the aerosol project team from Graffwerk, renowned for the globally acclaimed Bring the Paint street art festival, which is set to return to Leicester in May.

The exhibition will be divided into two parts, the first of which will host

Money advice from CAB

“THIS TIME of year is always so expensive. I’ve seen offers for ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ when I’m doing online shopping. It seems like a good way to spread the cost of some of the things I need, but how can I make sure I don’t get into debt?”

Citizens Advice Charnwood says: ‘With everything getting more expensive, it is really difficult for a lot of people, so it’s sensible to be thinking about how you can manage. There are lots of things you can do to try and stay in control of your money.

Before you start spending, work out exactly what money you have coming in and going out each month. Be realistic about what you need for essentials like food and travel. Take a look at the budgeting tool on the Citizens Advice website –www.citizensadvice.org.uk

This can help you set a budget you can stick to. You’ll also be able to find tips on how to reduce your regular living costs, which might be helpful if you’re struggling to keep within your budget.

While it can be tempting to split payments with schemes like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), you’ll need a plan to pay

the money back. If you're using something like that repeatedly, you might be managing for now, but it could also be a sign that it's unaffordable in the long run. Keep a record of how much you owe in total. Always make sure you understand what you’re signing up for, how you’ll make the repayments and what will happen if you can’t pay on time.

It’s important to check the returns process for both the retailer and credit provider. Paying through BNPL may also affect the cost of postage returns if you’ve ordered online. The riskiest thing about it is that you’re not guaranteed to be protected if something goes wrong. For example, you can’t go to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you have a complaint.

If you find yourself turning to credit cards, your overdraft, or store cards for your spending, keep track of what you owe. You should prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first, because not paying these has the most serious consequences. On the Citizens Advice website, you can find information on what bills to prioritise and how to manage debts. There’s also information on the support available for paying these and other bills.

If, like many during this crisis, you find you can't afford to reduce your debts after paying your priority bills and essentials, seek advice as soon as possible.

If you need specific support or don’t feel able to manage your situation alone, call our Money Advice team on 01509 221218 or our Local Enquiry Line on 01509 649605 and speak to one of our Advisers.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, particularly when it comes to managing personal finances. Our Advisors are here to help you find a way forward.

Help is also available on the Citizens Advice Debt helpline: 0800 240 4420 and the budgeting tool can be found onhttps://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/every day-money/budgeting/budget-planner

Our Local Enquiry Line is 01509 649605 and is open Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9.30am-3pm.

The National Advice Line is open Mondays-Fridays 9am-5pm on Freephone 0800 144 8848.

Our website is www.charnwoodcab.org.uk & online advice can be found on www.citizensadvice.org.uk

the immersive experience Paint to Pixel, which is MBD’s latest large-scale animated installation. The local arts organisation is well known for its work in virtual reality and 3D animation. Complementing the immersive exhibit, the second half will feature archival material and firsthand narratives about street art and graffiti.

Visitors to Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on New Walk will experience a colourful journey through the evolution of urban expression, encountering a blend of traditional and digital art along the way.

Paint to Pixel x Repainting Subway Art will be exhibited at the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery from 3 February – 27 May 2024. For further information, visit:

www.leicestermuseums.org/leicestermuseum-art-gallery

THE GREAT Central Railway has announced a voluntary redundancy scheme as part of a programme to reduce costs.

Much of the line continues to be run by volunteers, but a number of positions are filled by paid staff. As it enters a new financial year, staff are being offered the chance to apply for redundancy with a view to saving some £250,000.

Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the Great Central Railway, said: “We are not alone in the heritage railway sector, or indeed the whole leisure industry, in having seen our overall costs increase hugely over the four years since the beginning of Covid and the Ukraine war. In particular the cost of heating and lighting our sheds, stations and cafes is a substantial unavoidable burden. While these costs have at least stabilised, we are forced to pay an extraordinary price for coal for our locomotives, which has soared. In the meantime, families have less disposable income to enjoy days out. We continue to grow, fundraise and diversify our business so we are far more of a visitor attraction than just a train ride, but the time has come where cost cutting can’t be avoided. It’s going to be a tough few weeks because I am so proud of our team and the hard work they have invested in the railway.”

Besides the redundancy programme, the railway has sold its 50% share in a class 8F locomotive to the David Clarke Railway Trust, the official supporting charity of the GCR.

Other assets may be disposed of in the coming weeks.

Staff at the railway were notified on January 15 about the redundancy programme. Compulsory redundancies may be necessary if there are not enough expressions of interest in voluntary redundancy.

Malcolm Holmes said: “This is absolutely not a crisis situation but a recognition we are not immune to turbulent financial times, and we have to plan accordingly. The railway has ambitious plans to grow in the future. We have generous supporters who delight in seeing the line thrive and hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who enjoy travelling on our heritage trains

GCR sheds job to reduce costs Planning

P/24/0022/2: 32 Long Meadow Way Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3LL. ection of single storey rear extension (Lawful Development Certificate)

P/23/2370/2: Roman Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4BA. Erection of single storey front and rear extensions, first floor side extensions with front and rear dormer extensions and associated alterations

P/23/2360/2: 126 Wanlip Lane Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4GF Erection of single storey front extension and two storey rear extension

and exploring the line. We want to be a key economic driver in the East Midlands. We hope people will continue to support the railway by visiting our stations, refreshment rooms and enjoying our vibrant special events”.

THE GREAT Central Railway has announced the cancellation of it’s annual World War II weekend this summer.

Originally scheduled to take place between May 31 and June 2, it will not be part of the award-winning heritage line’s line-up special events this year. It follows a decision to consult with the full-time staff at the railway on a voluntary redundancy programme.

Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the railway, said: “We know this will be a disappointing decision because the event is visited by thousands of people every year. However, it costs a significant amount of money to stage and while the railway moves through staffing and financial changes, we feel this is the most prudent thing to do.”

The GCR say that a number of the re-enactors who have been an important part of the success of previous events will be out of the country and attending events in Normandy.

A field adjacent to Quorn and Woodhouse station that hosts displays and the popular 1940s shopping village, is also unavailable this year. Both of these factors would effectively make the whole event financially unviable, say the GCR.

The railway is planning a new event in 2025 that will pay homage to the pivotal role of railways during the 1940s.

Richard Bruce, Head of Stations and Events said: “This brand-new event will encapsulate the entire decade, celebrating the wartime years and exploring the profound impact the railways had on the country in the post-war years.

“With the collaboration of re-enactors, the 2025 event promises to be a comprehensive retrospective, encompassing not only the valiant efforts of the allied forces during wartime but also delving into the unity and resilience that defined post-war Britain. Great Central Railway is committed to creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of the 1940s, highlighting the railway's role in shaping both the past and the future.”

He added: “We really appreciate the support of the many people who have been involved with this event over the last few years, including our loyal visitors, our volunteers, and the broader community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the exciting new event in 2025.”

To replace the WWII event in 2024, during the May half-term week, the GCR will be running a family event from Wednesday May 29 to Sunday June 2, including a return of steam locomotives to the Mountsorrel branch line. In addition, on June 1 and for the first time, there will be an overnight gala of passenger and goods trains to recreate the experience of a mainline railway at night.

THE TENNIS courts at Abbey Park will be renovated as part of a £420,000 project.

Leicester City Council is working in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to bring about the improvements, which will include new asphalt surfacing, replacement nets and net posts, fencing repairs, court re-painting and new entrance gates.

As well as Abbey Park, the courts at Aylestone Hall Gardens, Humberstone Park, Knighton Park, Monks Rest Gardens, Rushey Fields and Evington Park will also be improved/

The project is funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation as part of a £30 million nationwide investment, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish thousands of public tennis courts across Great Britain and open up the sport to many more people. More than 1,500 courts have been completed through the project so far.

When the seven courts in Leicester parks have been renovated, the council will appoint an operator to provide a range of activities across the sites, including tennis coaching and weekly organised, free sessions for people of all ages, where rackets will be provided.

The operator will also run a booking system for the courts, which will be available at a cost of £42 a year for a family of six, or on a pay-and-play basis of £6 per session.

The introduction of an online booking system across the sites through the LTA Play Tennis website will make it easier for players to find, book and get on court. Income from the booking system will go back into the courts to ensure they remain well maintained in the future.

The investment follows a successful pilot at Victoria Park, which has seen 382 household memberships sold and over 2,000 casual court bookings made.

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Leicester City Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.

“This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks’ Tennis Project and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with the council to ensure that the local community has a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.”

When the courts are ready to re-open,

News from the churches

IT MAY be only a few weeks into this new year, with winter scheduled to last at least another couple of months (chins up, everybody!), but snowdrops are already blooming in our churchyards.

Even if we have snowfall, these lovely, delicate flowers will survive as the first harbingers of Spring. They really are pretty tough cookies!

From St James, the Mother's Union has held their AGM and Holy Communion service. The Bible Book Club commenced on Thursday January 25, and is studying 'Habakkuk'. The week of prayer for Christian Unity was held from January 18-24, with an opening service at St. Theresa's and a Pulpit Swap on Sunday January 21, with our priests preaching in each other's churches, and with a guest speaker from Christian Aid at the frugal lunch in St Theresa's on January 22.

St James Monday Group enjoyed their meeting at The Wheatsheaf in Thurmaston in January, and now looks forward to a talk by Mrs Kennel in February, on 'Good Housekeeping', meeting in the social area of St James Church at 2.30pm on the second Monday of each month.

Old Nick's Coffee Shop in Wanlip Hall resumed on Tuesday January 16, at the usual times of 10am to 12noon, on the third Tuesday of each month, and looks forward to welcoming both regular customers and newcomers to enjoy lovely cakes, coffee and chat, (or a cup of tea).

From Birstall Parish Churches

WE STARTED the calendar year with our annual Covenant Service for our whole church.

It was especially enjoyable to be joined by the officers and chaplain of the Boys Brigade with the traditional flags for their company and to be singing the wonderful BB hymn ‘Will your anchor hold!’ Only a few days later, and it is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which started with a joint service and then a pulpit exchange on Sunday.

This year our Sunday service was led by Rev Amanda Digman from St James. We were all astounded when the young people answered correctly to the question of who the top three followers were on Facebook, Twitter X, WhatsApp etc. And of course, we as united Christians are all followers of Jesus!

Our Warm Space in the coffee shop is open as usual, Monday to Friday, 9:30am –12:30pm. This continues to be much appreciated by the community, especially during the very cold weather we had in

January! And there were still some mince pies to gobble up from the never ending pile at Christmas!

After a short break for Christmas, Lunch Club resumed with members eager to meet up again and exchange news. Now in its 51st year, the Lunch Club continues to offer meals and friendship to older residents of Birstall. We would especially like to thank Leicestershire County Council and Charnwood Borough Council for the grants that enable the club to continue. During the coming weeks, the club plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, and Easter. A warm welcome awaits. Contact us on 07928 864586

From Birstall Methodist Church

Jesus: ‘I AM’

While on earth, the Lord Jesus Christ made several claims about Himself. These claims have been recorded for us in the Gospels – especially in John’s account, where he lists seven main ones. Each of these begins with ‘I AM’ and these words are very significant.

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses asked God what name for God he should give to the Israelites whom he was about to lead out of slavery in Egypt and God said His name is ‘I AM’, meaning that He is the self-existent, eternal One. When Jesus said that He is “I AM”, He was claiming the same about Himself. There are two occasions of note, when Jesus used these words about Himself. The first was when He was talking with the Jewish leaders and they were questioning Him about who He is, saying He couldn’t be greater than Abraham, but Jesus answered that Abraham rejoiced to see His day and ‘before Abraham was, I AM’. The listeners took up stones to throw at Him, knowing the meaning of what He had said. The second occasion was when the troops and officers of the Jewish chief priests and Pharisees came to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Him. Jesus asked whom they were seeking and when they said ‘Jesus of Nazareth’, He replied “I AM” – and they drew back and fell to the ground, recognising the implication of the words.

The two hymns this month look at the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. The first, by Isaac Watts (1674-1748), is ‘We give immortal praise.’

It begins by speaking of ‘the Father’s love … [who] sent His own eternal Son to die for sins that man had done’ and then goes on to speak of Jesus. ‘To God the Son belongs immortal glory too … and now He lives and now He reigns and sees the fruit of all His pains.’ The third

verse gives praise to the Holy Spirit.

The other hymn is by the Scottish Dr Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), who was born and educated in Edinburgh. Bonar was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland, serving in Leith, Kelso and Edinburgh. He was noted for his tireless energy, warm heart and humble nature. He composed over 600 hymns. This hymn, published in 1866, is: ‘Glory be to God the Father, glory be to God the Son, glory be to God the Spirit, great Jehovah, Three in One.’

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

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

IT SEEMS no time at all since we celebrated Christmas, but as February starts, we are already approaching Lent, which starts on the 14th, Ash Wednesday.

Our parish events leading up to Christmas included the bazaar on December 9. The atrocious weather that day didn’t stop hardy parishioners and local people from attending and making it a great success. There was the added attraction of fish and chips on sale at lunchtime, which was warming and most welcome. Thanks to all those who organised and supported the bazaar in so many ways.

The carol concert on December 17 was equally successful. There was a varied programme of carols old and new by singers and choirs from the parish, as well as ensemble selections ranging from folk to jazz. The audience, as ever, enjoyed participating in the well-known carols.

Our fundraising events enabled the parish to make donations to support the work of LOROS, The Bridge (working with homeless people) and The Leslie Edwards Trust (providing lip reading classes for hearing-impaired people).

The tempo slowed to one of quiet reflection a few days after the concert with a short service of readings and carols recounting the story of Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, the youngsters presented the nativity story at the Crib Service. Well done children for a very moving performance!

Our flower and crib arrangers had done a great job dressing both churches beautifully for the Christmas Masses. After such a busy time, Fr Jenson had a short but well-earned break. He returned in time to celebrate his birthday with parishioners with refreshments after the vigil Mass on that day. Fr thanked

everyone for the lovely birthday cake, cards and gifts he received.

The latter end of January focused our thoughts on the week of Christian Unity and supporting Christian Aid. This year’s events included the ecumenical Christian Unity service, held this year at St Theresa’s on January 18, and the Frugal Lunch and talk on the work of Christian Aid on the 23rd. We were also pleased to welcome Paula Hunt from Birstall Methodist Church at the 9.15am on January 21 as part of the local Pulpit Swap. Finally, there was a meeting of the Joint Church Council at St Theresa’s on the 29th.

The smooth running of the parish relies heavily on teams of volunteer helpers, and we are looking for additional volunteers. Please see the newsletter or parish website for further details of how you could help.

Dates for your diary:

February 12, 7pm at St Theresa’Parish in Council meeting. Any agenda items to be handed in to the office by February 5, please.

Sunday February 25, 6.30pm at St Theresa’s – Singalong with the Musicals. Come and join in with well-known songs from the musicals! This is a ticket-only event, as space in the hall is limited. Tickets cost £5, which includes a glass of wine.

From St Theresa’s, Birstall

est. 2002

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants

Following on with our series of articles about some of the less well-known cancer treatment options, this month we would like to talk about stem cell and bone marrow transplants.

Stem cell or bone marrow transplants are treatments for some types of cancer including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. You have them with high-dose chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. They are sometimes called stem cell rescue, or bone marrow rescue, or intensive treatment.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are very early cells made in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is a spongy material that fills the bones. The cells go on to develop into red and white blood cells and platelets. What is the difference between a stem cell and a bone marrow transplant?

The main difference is whether stem cells are collected from the bloodstream or bone marrow. A stem cell transplant uses stem cells from your bloodstream or a donor’s bloodstream. This is also called a peripheral blood stem cell transplant. A bone marrow transplant uses stem cells from your bone marrow or a donor’s bone marrow.

Stem cell transplants are the most common type of transplant. Bone marrow transplants are not used as much. This is because:

it’s easier to collect stem cells from the bloodstream than bone marrow

your team can usually collect more cells from the bloodstream blood counts tend to recover quicker following a stem cell transplant

You might have a bone marrow transplant if collecting stem cells has been difficult in your situation.

How do transplants work?

Before your transplant, you have conditioning treatment. Conditioning treatment usually includes chemotherapy and you might also have:

targeted cancer drugs radiotherapy to your whole body (called total body irradiation or TBI)

Conditioning treatment aims to kill cancer cells. But it also kills the stem cells in your bone marrow. To prepare for your transplant, your team either collect:

your own stem cells

or a donor's stem cells (donor transplant)

After the treatment, you have the stem cells put into your bloodstream through a drip. The cells find their way to your bone marrow where they start making blood cells again. Your bone marrow slowly recovers.

You usually have high-dose conditioning treatment for a transplant using your own stem cells. Conditioning for a donor transplant

There are different strengths of conditioning treatment for a donor trans-

plant. The two main strengths are: full intensity (myeloablative) conditioning reduced intensity conditioning (RIC)

Full intensity conditioning (MAC)

Your doctor might also call this myeloablative conditioning or MAC. You have very high doses of treatment and all the cancer cells and healthy cells are destroyed. Reduced intensity conditioning (RIC)

With RIC you have lower doses of treatment. Some healthy cells and cancer cells are left behind after treatment has finished. You might have RIC if: you are older (usually over 50 years)

you are not fit or well enough for full intensity conditioning

Why you might have a transplant?

The aim of your transplant will depend on your situation. Your doctor might explain that a transplant will try to cure your disease or control it for as long as possible. With lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma the aim is to put the cancer into remission. Remission means there is no sign of the cancer.

Your doctor might suggest a transplant if your cancer: is in remission but is likely to come back has not responded to other treatments

Types of Transplant?

Depending on your situation, you might have a transplant using: your own stem cells (autologous stem cell transplant) or stem cells from another person (allogeneic stem cell transplant)

Side Effects of a Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant

The main side effects of a stem cell or bone marrow transplant are caused by: chemotherapy targeted drugs if you have them

You might have extra side effects if you also have whole-body radiotherapy as part of the treatment. Whole-body radiotherapy is also called total body irradiation or TBI.

You may have fewer side effects if you have reduced intensity conditioning. But these can still be serious and difficult to cope with.

There are also side effects of having your transplant. For example, if you have a donor transplant there is a risk of developing a condition called graft versus host disease (GvHD).

Side effects are at their worst when you have just had chemotherapy and for a few weeks after. When your blood counts start to rise (engraftment), you will start to feel better. Let your team know if you have any side effects. They can do a lot to help you.

In the longer term, these treatments may cause infertility. This means it might be difficult to become pregnant or father a child in the future. Some people who have had a transplant do go on to have children, but this is still quite unusual. Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD)

If you have had a transplant from a relative or a matched unrelated donor,

you are at risk of GvHD. This is because the donor stem cells contain immune cells from the donor. These cells can sometimes attack some of your own body cells.

GvHD can cause:

diarrhoea

weight loss

yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)

sore eyes or mouth skin rashes

shortness of breath

GvHD can be severe and even lifethreatening for some people. But mild GvHD can also be helpful for some. It is an immune system reaction and can help to kill off any cancer cells left after your treatment.

Let your healthcare team know if you have any signs of GvHD. You can have treatment with immunosuppressant drugs to help reduce the reaction.

Please note stem cell or bone marrow transplant is only used for some types of cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. If you would like to know about the relevance to your cancer treatment please discuss with your health care team.

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

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

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