birstall post (332) mar 2011
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Birstall Post Mar 2011TRANSCRIPT
MARCH 2011 No. 332
the Birstall postY O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S P A P E R
www.birstallpost.co.uk
A ROBBER who threatened a Birstall shopkeeper with a gun isbeing sought by Police.
The robbery happened at Wanlip Store, 52Wanlip Avenue at 10.40am on Thursday Feb-ruary 17. The man entered carrying a revolv-er which he pushed in the face of Dharmesh
Patel (25) and demanded cash.Dharmesh pushed the shop’s panic button
under the counter and the robber fled, turn-ing into Lambourne Road in the direction ofWatermead Country Park.
SIX AFRICAN teachers visitedBirstall schools last month aspart of a ‘ConnectingClassrooms’ project.
The teachers, from Ghana and Sierra Leo-ne, spent time at Highcliffe, Stonehill andLongslade schools.
Stonehill teacher and International SchoolsCo-ordinator Helen Curtis said: “The Connect-ing Classrooms project is a valuable experi-ence for students as it gives them anopportunity to learn about real life in Africaand to see beyond the poverty which may betheir only impression of these countries. Thevisit of the teachers allowed pupils to askquestions and gain an insight into the lives ofpeople living in Ghana and Sierra Leone. Thiskind of interaction proved to be exciting forthe pupils and generated a real interest in all
Schools’Africanlinks
“It was a very scary experience” saidDharmesh, who ran after the fleeing robberwith a hockey stick. “I don’t really know whyI did it, I felt I had to know where he wasrunning to so he could be caught, but peopleare saying I was a bit crazy to do it what withhim having a gun. I lost him on MeadowLane.
“It’s a bit of a shock something like this
Armed raider flees
Pic: Wanlip Store
Continued on page 2
Continued on page 2
Pics: the Aficanguests enjoyed aconcert performedby students,includingHighcliffeschool’schoir (right)
2 the birstall post MAR 2011
three schools.”Stonehill student Georgia Hill said: “It was
very nice to meet our African visitors andeverybody made them very welcome. It wasgreat to have them here as it teaches us aboutwhat they do and do not have and it showsthat we are lucky with what we have got.”
“When the African visitors came they toldus a little about where they came from. Theyshowed us how to sing in their language andthey showed us some photos from theirschool. They showed us how to dress in theircountry and how to carry a baby on theirback. We had loads of fun” said student Es-ther Gbadeyan.
Helenadded: “Thepupilslearned thatGhana andSierra Leoneare two verydifferentcountriesrather thanseeing allAfrican
countries as one.They also discov-ered that there aremany similaritiesbetween youngpeople’s lives thereas there are here.One of the mainbenefits of beinginvolved in theproject has alsobeen the opportu-nity to work moreclosely with thefamily of schools inBirstall.
The week longvisit concluded witha farewell concert at Stonehill with participat-ing students from all three schools. Helensaid: “The Highcliffe pupils stole the showwith their beautiful singing of traditionalGhanian music.”
One of the Ghanian teachers Sarfo Hayfordsaid: “One of the main differences with ourschools is that at home, we the teachers movefrom class to class as there are as many as60 pupils in our classes. Also here the chil-dren seem so free and express themselves so
easily, they are not at all shy.Links with the African schools will be
maintained, with year 8 pupils making a videoabout Stonehill and the local community.There will also be a poetry and art exchangethis summer.
happening in Birstall, a nice quiet village.”Police believe the man may also be re-
sponsible for a robbery the previous day at aconvenience store on Rookery Lane, Thur-maston. He threatened the shopkeeper with afirearm and escaped with cash, alcohol andcigarettes.
Detective Constable Sean Lynch is appeal-ing for anyone who has any information to getin touch. He said: “In both cases the victimswere thankfully left unharmed but have obvi-ously been left extremely shocked and shakenby what happened. We believe that both theserobberies have been committed by the sameman due to the similarities between the two.
“Officers are carrying out high visibilitypatrols in the area and police will be visitingand advising other local stores but are hopingthe public may have some key informationabout this suspect to help with our investiga-tion. If there is anyone who saw this manafter either of these robberies or knows whohe may be we would urge them to contactpolice. Even the smallest of information youhave may be useful to our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to callDC Sean Lynch on 0116 222 2222, follow theinstructions to leave a message for an officerand when prompted key in his identificationnumber 1114. Alternatively, contactCrimestoppers which is free and anonymouson 0800 555 111
Pic: African visitors Rose Gailey, Sarfo Hayford,Marian Quansah, Abdul Salam Conteh, SarahBangura and Cecilia Comteh with teachers HelenCurtis, Emma Hardy and International Links Co-ordinator Helen Trilling
OUR PICTURE shows young people at Birstall Youth Café withWreake Valley Rotarians and their donation to the project.
The Wreake Valley Rotary Club haveprovided a gas barbeque and some sportsequipment for the drop in café, which islocated at the sports pavilion on the SchoolLane playing field and run by Birstall ParishCouncil.
Fourteen year old Luke Hartwell, Chair-man of Birstall Youth Club, welcomed Ro-tarians Nigel Coleman, Chris Battye and BobSmith. He said: “I would like to thank theWreake Valley Rotary Club for their gener-osity. The ping pong balls will be mostuseful and the footballs will be put to gooduse. The BBQ is just what we wanted andwill be used throughout the summermonths.
“We will be using the BBQ for our fund-raising event for the British Legion’s ‘GreatPoppy Weekend’ on the evening of FridayJune 10. We would like to send invitationsto the Wreake Valley Rotary Club to comealong on that day and test the BBQ.”
Chris Battye said: “This is a cause weare only too happy to support. We arealways happy to hear from local residentsor groups who need a bit of help withfunds, equipment or time. Most peoplehave heard of Rotary but are not really surewhat we do. To find out more or to contactus please visitwww.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk”
A PROLIFIC burglar has been jailed for three years.Simon Paul Langton (26) and accomplice Thomas
Parrott (29) admitted burgling a house on WoodgateDrive on September 29.
The homeowner awoke the next day to find thatthieves had stolen three bicycles and a strimmer fromher garage. Two of the cycles were recovered from thescene of the next burglary the pair committed thatnight, on Goscote Hall Road. Here a wallet, alcoholand a Vauxhall Corsa were stolen.
Langton admitted one other burglary and theft ofmagazines and cards left outside a shop he was livingabove on Belgrave Boulevard, Mowmacre Hill. Leices-ter Crown Court heard that it was Langton’s thirdappearance for house burglaries.
Langton received a three year jail sentence andParrott 12 months, suspended for two years, withsupervision and a six month drug rehabilitation pro-gramme.
WATERMEAD COUNTRY Parkcould lose two of its four parkrangers this summer, accordingto reports.
The County Council says it isreviewing staffing levels as part ofits budget cuts, but has not con-firmed the job losses.
A total of eight country parkrangers across the county may losetheir jobs. The County says it hasproduced a review of the countryparks service which contains rec-ommendations to “reduce overallstaffing and associated operationalbudgets and the range and numberof types of activities.”
Continued from page 1
Armed robber continued from page 1
The April issue ofTHE BIRSTALL POST
will be published on Apr 2.The copy deadline is Mar 18.
Rotary club’s gift
Burglarjailed
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THE BIRSTALL POST, MAR 2011 3
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Councilwas held on February 14.
PCSO Stuart Venables presented the crimereport. There were 11 more crimes than theprevious month, but no burglary dwelling,compared to 11 the previous month. Therehas been no progress on the robbery at Bir-stall Jewellers. PCSO Venables said there wasno firm news available on changes to policingbut PCSO posts are safe until 2012.
Councillors reported a noisy motor bike inthe vicinity of Elmfield Avenue and the Gatesestate. PCSO Venables said that if the ownerwas caught the vehicle could be confiscated.
The council agreed to accept responsibilityfor the Stonehill Avenue toilets from April 1,2011. it was agreed to set aside £10,000 ayear to cover the running costs and potentialrepairs resulting from vandalism.
It was reported that a member of staff hasdamaged the School Lane playing field carpark barrier by driving into it. Repairs willcost £520. The incident was felt to be a lapseof concentrationand no disciplinaryaction will be tak-en.
It was reportedthat there will beno provision ofallotments withinthe Hallam Fieldssite.
The Council isobtaining quotesfor the repointingof the wall at theSchool Lane play-ing field MemorialGates.
YOU’RE HAVING a laugh, surely! Well,members of Birstall Watermead TennisClub will be doing just that on FridayMarch 18.
The reason for all the jollity is a ComicRelief tennis tournament to raise funds for thefamous, ever-growing charity. The theme isHeroes and Villains, so players are beingasked to go in fancy dress, raising the bizarreprospect of Superman pitted against the Devilacross the other side of the net! The event isjust one of a series of fun attractions at theclub that are planned.
A CHRISTMAS extravaganza at aBirstall nursery raised moneyto help a blind little girl see.
Woodlands Day Nursery onPark Road organised the event,which featured stalls, a Santa’sgrotto and a mobile children’sfarm, raising £1095 for the ‘HelpAlarna Jai See’ campaign.
Alarna (2) has septo opticdysphasia and will be going toChina for stem cell treatment.Mother Natasha Hughes said: “I’dlike to thank Woodlands and allthe parents for holding this eventfor Alarna, we are very gratefulfor their generosity and are nowvery close to our £15,000 tar-get.”
Proprietors of WoodlandsKatey Lester and Robin Battensaid: “We attended a quiz night atBirstall Bowls Club in aid ofAlarna and felt very moved bythis cause. As Woodlands likes tosupport local charities, we want-ed to help Alarna.” Pic: Natasha Hughes (left) and Alarna with Woodland’s Nursery Manager Vanessa Fanton
Pay and Play, asocial tennis eventso start off theseason, followed bychilli and jacketpotatoes, plus achance to rejoin theclub at a discount-ed rate.
Team practicesfor the summerleagues – bothmen’s and ladies –start the week be-ginning March 28.
Congratulationsto the first winnersof the Singles SuperLeague. They are:Division One: Ci-aran Bibby; DivisionTwo: John Salis-bury; Division three:Daryl Hill and Divi-sion Four: SpencerWesson. The nextround of the com-petition is now infull swing.
Players takingpart in the annualWinter Team Shielddoubles event havebeen defying windand rain since thecompetition beganin January. Sixteams of four play-ers have been bat-tling in all weathersto see who willcome out on top –the event comes toa climax at the endof March.
For those inter-ested in playingtennis the wholeyear round – dur-ing daytime orunder lights – theclub is based at theCo-op Sports andSocial Club onBirstall Road.
Contact chair-man James Berryon 2209384, secre-tary Wendy Morleyon 2674844 ortreasurer RogerBartlett on 2675273for more details.
Last month members enjoyed a special Wiigames night and on March 30 there will be a
Fun onand offthecourt
ParishCouncilnotes
Woodlands’ fundraising event
Pic: Club members enjoy a Wii games night
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THE AWARD winning Dynamite Cheerlead-ers will be holding tryouts/open trainingsession for a brand new senior cheersquad.
For more information, dates and timesplease contact the number below. No experi-ence is necessary but you will need to be veryenthusiastic, hardworking and a team playeraged between 13 and 25. ContactAmy Owen 07921768449Pic: Dynamite Cheerleaders at a street fair. Photocourtesy of the Thurmaston Times
BIRSTALL METHODIST Church hosted a celebration serv-ice for The Bark Foundation on Sunday January 16 tomark the opening of the New Baby Unit at the HOTPECOrphanage in Buea, Cameroon.
The church was packed with members of the Church andthe many supporters of The Bark Foundation who havehelped to raise £45,000 in 30 months. A celebration lunchfollowed the service. The new unit was opened and handedover to the management of HOTPEC by David and Joy Barkwhen they visited Cameroon in November 2010.
David Bark said: “In Cameroon we made it very clear thatour achievement was the result of wonderful support fromhundreds of friends and other organisations, including threeLeicestershire schools. Our friends at the orphanage cannotstop thanking us! We received another loving email last weekin which they tell us that they have employed a cleaner tomake sure that the building is well kept. That shows howmuch they value their new facility, because their funds arevery limited.
“When we arrived in Cameroon last November we wereso pleased that we had borrowed the money to complete theproject as we found some of the children were sleepingthree to a bed – numbers had increased from 85 to 115. We
were delighted to find that CIF Cameroon (an African charity) had donated new bunk beds sothat some of the older children could share with the infants in the new building, offering relieffor their overcrowding. The orphanage operates as one huge family so the older children willattend to the little ones if they wake in the night – and Sister Grace is nearby if needed.”
Birstall Methodist Church is the spiritual home of The Bark Foundation. In 2007 severalmembers of the Birstall congregation with other members of churches within the LeicesterNorth Circuit made a visit to Cameroon which was organised by Rev Edward Sakwe who wasthen a minister within the Circuit.
Photographs, videos of the occasion and a walk through of the baby unit can be seen bylogging on to www.birstallmethodistchurch.org.uk.
4 the birstall post MAR 2011
THE BIRSTALL POST will be publishedin colour from April.
As well as being in colour, future is-sues will be in a smaller format than thecurrent A3 size. The new page will beslightly larger than A4, 222mm wide by315mm. The paper used will be of thesame quality.
Jerry Jackson, Editor of The BirstallPost said: “Readers and advertisers havebeen asking me for colour for some time.I hope readers will particularly enjoyseeing photographs in colour as I believethey are an important element of the pa-per.
“Newspaper advertising has declinedsignificantly during this economic down-turn and the less advertising we sell, theless pages we can afford to print and theless news we can carry. I hope that byoffering colour to advertisers we can at-tract new customers, maintain and growour page length and publish all the newsthat I can gather and that readers aresending to me in increasing amounts.”
Sister papers The Rothley Post and theMountsorrel Post will also be in colourand the same format as The Birstall Post.
THE BIRSTALL POST
THE INTRODUCTION of Birstall Police Officehas shown a positive shift in relationshipsbetween the community of Birstall andthe local beat officers.
The base in Birstall at 10 Sibson Roadallows our local officers, PC Carruthers, PCSOButler and PCSO Venables to operate fromthe centre of Birstall. This police presencehas been mentioned a number of times toBirstall & Wanlip NHW. It is not very oftenyou will pass through the village without see-ing the officers out on their bikes, or walk-ing: a positive move all round. The NHWgroup work closely with Leicestershire Con-stabulary ensuring local issues are a priority.I feel on behalf of Birstall and Wanlip resi-dents, a thank you to our local officers andInspector Duncan Southall LPU Commander isdue. We aim to continue our work with thelocal police and focus on issues centred inBirstall and Wanlip.
The AGM for the Village Watch will beheld on Thursday May 12 at 7.45pm at Bir-stall Methodist Church. We also have anumber of vacancies for the committee. Wecurrently have three vacancies for committeemembers, if you are interested please contactthe Watch on 0116 2676397 or [email protected]. Visit our website tokeep up to date with news and events too.www.villagewatch.co.uk.
From Roy Rollings, Birstall & Wan-lip NHW Committee Member
NHW news& crime report
Crime Report: Jan 9 – Feb 12, 2011Assaults 5, harassment 1, burglary 0, bur-
glary other 6, damage 12, damage to motor
vehicle 4, drugs 1, fraud 9, public order 2,robbery 1, theft 6, theft of cycle 1, theft frommotor vehicle 4, theft of motor vehicle 2, theftstores 2.
Six people were arrested and charged forracially aggravated fear of violence. Five peo-ple were arrested and charged for fraud. Oneperson has been arrested and bailed for apublic order offence. One suspect has beenarrested and bailed for theft.
Between 2pm on Monday January 24 and9am on Tuesday January 25 a stained glasswindow was damaged at St James Church,Church Hill.Police priorities for January to June 2011are:
• To work with partner agencies and resi-dents to reduce levels of antisocial behaviour,underage drinking and drug misuse aroundthe garages at the rear of Windmill Avenue,near to the junction of Wanlip lane. This isoccurring most times of the day or night, butpredominantly evenings and especially Fridayand Saturday evenings.
• To work with partner agencies and resi-dents to reduce incidents of damage to motorvehicles and antisocial behaviour in the areasof Dalby Avenue, Newton Drive and WorcesterAvenue between 9pm to 2am
From PC 2139 Richard Carruthers,PCSO 6611 Mark Butler and PCSO 6438Stuart Venables
AN EMPTY shop on Sibson Road can be used as a fishand chip shop following a planning inspector’s ruling.
Last year Charnwood Borough Council refused planningpermission for a hot food takeaway at 121 Sibson Road,opposite Barclays bank. It said there would be an“unacceptable level of disturbance to nearby residents” anda lack of car parking.
The applicant appealed the decision and in September2010 a planning inspector allowed the appeal and grantedplanning permission.
The applicant has indicated their intention to run a fishand chip shop from the premises. The permission statesthat the premises shall not be open to customers outsidethe hours 0700 to 2300.
Cheersquadtryouts
Baby unitcelebration
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Pic: David & Joy Bark in African dress
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THE PUBLIC toilets on Stonehill Avenuewill remain open after Birstall ParishCouncil agreed to take on responsibility.
The Parish Council criticised Charnwoodfor its decision to threaten the toilets withclosure unless the Parish Council took themon at an annual cost of £10,000.
Parish Clerk, Steve Blackburn said: “TheParish Council is still of the opinion that pub-lic conveniences are a Borough responsibilityand that the Borough has not yet doneenough to cut ‘fat’ before attacking what isvery much a front line service.
“While it is true to say that the costs willnow fall more closely on the community thatmakes use of the facility, there are economiesof scale which will be lost and the ParishCouncil has had to set aside £10,000 peryear to cover running costs and potentialrepairs, a sum of money which it felt couldbe better spent on other facilities.”
The Parish Council had consulted shop-keepers about the toilets and the majoritywanted them kept open. At their meeting inFebruary, councillors identified the impact ofclosure on businesses in the village and of theimportance of the toilets to the elderly andyoung children.
Charnwood are ‘devolving ownership’ ofseven public toilets in the Borough : Birstall,Anstey, Barrow, Shepshed, Sileby, Syston andWoodhouse. This will save the Borough£40,000 a year. Facilities in Queens Park,Market Yard and Biggin Street in Loughbor-ough will remain open. Toilets in SouthfieldPark and Beehive Lane in Loughborough willclose.
ONE OF the founding members of a ladiesbowling club enjoyed a surprise birthdayparty at the club she helped start, sur-rounded by family and friends.
Beryl Sherriff of Spinney Rise was the firstpresident of the St Margaret’s Co-operativeLadies Bowling Club in 1993. The club organ-
ised her 90th birthday party at their BirstallRoad clubhouse in February, as a ‘thank you’for all she has done for the club over theyears.
Beryl said: “I can hardly put into wordshow wonderful it is to see so many old
friends and tohave all of myfamily here todayis absolutely love-ly.”
Twenty mem-bers of her familyattended alongwith ladies whohad bowled withBeryl and mem-bers of the Exec-utive of theLeicestershireLadies CountyBowling Associa-
tion. The Association’s President, SonyaBrown, presented Beryl with a bouquet andthanked her for her many years of service tothe club and the sport.
The Club’s secretary Kay Cottingham said:“Unfortunately Beryl is no longer able to bowlas her sight is not what it was. She is howevera great advocate of the club and comes alongto support us in our games when she is able.She also attends all our fundraising events
THE BIRSTALL POST, MAR 2011 5
AT BIRSTALL and Wanlip WI’s Februarymeeting Programme Secretary KathyWright was presented with surprise cakesas a reward for attending the meeting onher birthday.
The WI knock-out skittles competition hasrestarted so a practice night with partners is tobe arranged to give us a head start. A coach tripto Ascot on June 17 is also planned. Our knowl-edge of garden birds was greatly enhanced byour enthusiastic guest speaker Chris Andrewfrom RSPB. His half-hour talk overran by 15mins but we were all so spellbound that wedidn’t notice.
Christine Warren had mixed feelings aboutwinning the ‘bird in any mode’ competition asshe will now have to polish the silver cup untilnext month’s meeting on March 7 when ourspeaker Steve Brooks from Glenfield Travel willtell his ‘Amusing Tales’.
As usual we meet at the Community Rooms atHighcliffe Primary School at 7.15pm. Why notcome along for a free trial meeting where youwill be made very welcome or visitwww.birstallandwanlipwi.wordpress.com. Re-member you are not too young to join the WI!
and helps out where she can. In spite of herage, Beryl still has her wits about her and isalways smartly turned out. She also dons heruniform and joins the ‘Guard of Honour’when one of our ladies is lost to us. She is astrong minded lady with a great sense of funand has been, and is, an asset to our club.We look forward to enjoying her company formany more years.”
IN 2009 Birstall Twinning Association wasdissolved and a less formal organisation,Friends of Rixensart was formed to takeits place.
Spokeswoman Liz Thornber said: “Sincethat time we have held a successful pro-gramme of events and had a lot of fun. Ouractivities are varied and have included a windband concert, a fine dining evening, a bar-beque, a raclette evening, Sunday lunch,Beaujolais Nouveau evening and a talk from awell known local speaker on the history ofBirstall.”
Events planned for this year include askittles evening at a local pub, a quiz evening,a Royal Wedding afternoon tea, a boulesmatch, and a local speaker.
Liz added: “We hold a weekend every twoyears when members of the Rixensart com-munity visit and we host and entertain them.On the year in between we visit Belgium byEurostar and are hosted in their homes.
“From June 3-6 this year we are receivinga group of visitors from Belgium and if youare able to help with offering accommodationthen please get in touch. You would of coursebe invited to take part in the weekend activi-ties. If you think the activities which we or-ganise every month sound like fun and youwould like to join us then please contact us.”
Ann on 0116 2674994 or Liz on 01162673610 can give you further information.
A MAJOR piece of public art is plannedfor Birstall’s new park and ride site.
Residents are being invited to a publicconsultation event at Birstall Village Hall onWednesday March 16, 1-8pm.
Visitors will be able to view the proposalssubmitted by the three shortlisted artists :Charlie Carter, Dan Archer and Tom Hare.They will be present to answer questions, andany comments made by visitors will be takeninto account when one of the three artists ischosen.
A steering group made up of local council-lors and county council officers will make thefinal decision on which of the three artists ischosen.
The artwork will cost £57,000 provided byHallam Fields developers Jelsons as part ofthe section 106 agreement negotiated whenplanning permission was granted. The art-work will be installed by June 2011.
A NEW national website which allows thepublic to see what crime and antisocialbehaviour has happened on their doorstep was launched last month.
Leicestershire Constabulary has joined allother Forces across England and Wales bypublishing new street-level crime, antisocialbehaviour (ASB) and local policing informa-tion via a new website – www.police.uk
The new site allows the public of Leicester,Leicestershire and Rutland to check on thecrime and antisocial behaviour that has hap-pened on their street in recent weeks by sim-ply entering their postcode.
This transparent new level of crime andlocal policing information will help people tofind out what’s happening and will enablethem to hold their local police and partnersto account for the action being taken andhow issues are being tackled.
Superintendent Ian Coulton, of Leicester-shire Constabulary, said: “Leicestershire Con-stabulary is committed to supporting thepublication of street level crime and antisocialbehaviour information. This will mean thatcommunities across Leicester, Leicestershireand Rutland will have access to informationabout crime, along with details of their neigh-bourhood policing teams, at the touch of abutton.
“We hope it will encourage more peopleto get involved in working with or supportingour local policing teams to tackle crime andantisocial behaviour in their area.”
The launch of this website is part of anational programme, which will be broad-ened over future months, to provide otherpolicing and criminal justice information solocal people can get a better understanding ofwhat’s happening in their area.
Publictoiletsaved
Beryl’sbirthdaybash
Friends ofRixensart
Pic: Beryl and her family at her birthday party
WI news
Crime onyour street
Viewssoughton publicart
Appeal from Longslade Community college– Tesco vouchers for schools!
As usual, Longslade are collecting theabove and would once again appreciate yoursupport with this collection, with vouchersissued from 28.02.11 until 08.05.11.
To date, we have been able to order 5computers, not to mention two printers, adigital camera, sensor equipment for scientif-ic experiments, software, a portable interac-tive whiteboard, hard drive, A4 flatbedscanner and replacement whiteboard pens.The college have 14,186 vouchers bankedfrom last year to start this year’s collectionand need 11,664 for another computer whichis their aim this year. You can either dropyour vouchers in at Longslade Reception orpost them into the college, whichever is mostconvenient for you.
Sheila BeattyICT Technician, Longslade
I quite agree with them it doesn’t get anybetter. There is someone who continuallyleaves large piles of mess in Acacia Avenue,always outside people’s houses. By the size itis no small animal. It is quite easy to have asmall plastic bag in one’s pockets or hand-bag. They are such neat piles, it would bemoved in one scoop. Are people too lazy, idleor embarrassed.
There are better things to look at whenout walking, without having to keep your eyeson the ground.
Mrs Bernice Beardmore
thank you very much to the Lounge Lizardsfor thinking of us when you were ‘windingup’ your group. Your donation of £431.48represents a significant contribution to ourfunds.
We run the group two mornings eachweek and it provides a valuable service for 20children with disabilities and their families.We are entirely dependent on voluntary funds.The group is in desperate need of a storageshed for our equipment. Play equipment,including specialist equipment for our chil-dren, is very expensive to replace and atpresent the multiple users of the storage thatwe have, means that it gets damaged and isdifficult to keep track of. We have beenawarded a grant from a local Trust fund forhalf of the cost, your donation will ensurethat we can now go ahead with this project.
Deborah HoggarPlaygroup Leader
6 the birstall post MAR 2011
YOUR SAY...
The Birstall Post welcomes your viewsand opinions on any subject. Letters,which must include your name and ad-dress, (though not necessarily for publi-cation) can be posted to: The BirstallPost, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane,Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed inat Birstall library or email:[email protected]
I am writing about all the letters of com-plaints about dog fouling.
Gordon, Gillian & Steve Bowler would liketo thank their many frieds, neighbours andcolleagues for their kidness, support, prayersand condolences. Thank you also for themost generous donations which will be splitbetween the Oncology Dept, LRI and MarieCurie Cancer Care.
Gordon, Gillian & Steve Bowler
I would like to congratulate my old mateCarl Gunns on his much deserved LeicesterMercury Sports Awards win. I have been tothe awards with Carl on two previous occa-sions when Carl was runner up both times.The competition just to make the final threeis a great achievement in itself and he hasfinally won the main award.
I often pass the gym on Birstall Road andthe lights are always on and the door alwaysopen, Carl gives up nearly all of his free timehelping and encouraging the youngsters ofBirstall and the surrounding areas, keep upthe good work Carl which I know you willand if justice is done you should surely be inline for Birstall Citizen of the Year 2011.
Andy CorbettFormer Birstall Citizen of the Year
Well, what a shame that there has beengraffiti (yellow paint?) on Birstall School LanePark – and especially on the lovely mural onthe walls of the Birstall Village Cricket Clubhouse. What do these yobs get out of doingsomething like that – what is most worrying isthat only the face of the foreign cricketer hasbeen defaced – a racist attack? Whilst notundermining this attack I do wonder whetherthe Birstall Parish Councillors will come upwith an attempt to blame dogs for this – theydo seem to take great pleasure in putting theblame for most things on dogs (and dogwalkers) - maybe we have a racistpoodle/spaniel in our midst!
Pat Herbert
I am writing on behalf of Birstall Play-group for Children with Special Needs to say
On behalf of all the groups that DaphneStephenson runs, supports, manages andorganises I would like to say a big THANKYOU.
I have moved to Queniborough but I can-not give up Birstall and Daphne’s groups!
Thank you Daphne for everything you do.You are much appreciated by many people.
Ros Marriott
I know by the time this letter is receivedValentine’s Day will be long gone but none-the-less thought enclosed poem could beshared by many of your readers.
For love is not just a one day a year event– it is constant and takes many paths throughlife.
For that reason I enclose a poem, writtenby a 13 year old schoolboy, that to my mindexpresses love’s intangibles perfectly.
I am of course biased for that 13 year oldis my grandson, Harry, whom I love verymuch
Keith Miller
LoveIt is simply complicatedIt has many paths, some that are fadedIt is the fire that melts no iceIt is a gamble, but I rolled the diceIt is serious, it is a jokeIt is an unseeable smoke
But you made it clear for me to seeI am you and you are meWe are one, we are the sameI am the fire and you are the flamesYou are my friend, you are my loveI am the air and you are my doveYou give me strength, you give me powerI am the field and you are my flower
It is an unseeable smokeIt is serious, it is a jokeIt is a gamble, but I rolled the diceIt is the fire that melts no iceIt has many paths some that are fadedIt is simply complicatedLoveBy Harry Prema
As a daily cyclist and dog walker of theWatermead Park areas I should be a goodjudge of some ideal rules and restrictions forthe cyclist, the cyclist must always give way topedestrians when off road, the cyclist whenapproaching pedestrians must slow down andsound bell, particularly when approachingfrom behind.
There are many cyclists out there who arecycling as a way of fitness, great! But do yourbest time, or work out safely without puttingothers in danger (perhaps, try the road).There are also many cyclists that just don’treally care and peddle along with no consid-eration for others, and of course there aresome very considerate cyclists who would bequite happy to see a few rules in place.
Name & address supplied
We would like to thank all those whohelped and those who supported our coffeemorning on Saturday February 12.
£400 was raised towards the cost of send-ing our Samaritans Purse Shoe Boxes for2011. The St Theresa’s 2011 trip list is nowavailable, contact Daphne on 2675721 forinformation.
Daphne Stephenson and Hazel Shaw
Noticeboardall details printed free
Birstall Birdwatching Clubpresents
Jewels of the Watersideby Steven Houghton
Steven has been photographing dragonflies anddamselflies for over 25 years and has spenttime at Priory Water to produce stunning pic-
tures of these jewels of the watersideTuesday March 8 at 7.30pm
Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, RothleySongs for Summer
by Nigel SlaterThis is the time of the year when we are deter-mined to get to grips with bird song and Nigel
is going to show us how easy it isTuesday April 12 at 7.30pm
Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, RothleyVisitors welcome to all meetings £2
Contact Ken Goodrich 2674813• • •
Open Afternoonat Abbeyfield, Birstall, 33/35 Church Hill
Friday March 25, 2-4pmYou are invited to join us for tea/coffee and
cakeFor more info please call Nic on 0116 2674460
or Jenny on 0116 2671523• • •
Leicestershire & Rutland BranchMotor Neurone Disease Association
Charity Eveningat the Royal British Legion Club, Front St, Bir-
stall LE4 4DQWed March 23, 6.30pm for 7pm
3 Course Dinner£15.50
for tickets and your menu choice please tel:0116 2674040
Evening entertainmentJames Selfridge Sings Sinatra & The Rat Pack
Erawww.franksinatramyway.co.uk
• • •
Birstall British LegionSat Mar 5: Roundabout
Sat Mar 12: Noel Gee (M/VSat Mar 19: Jacqui Daniels (F/V)
Sat Mar 26: DiscoDancing every Sat night with live entertainment
Free beer raffleQuicky & normal Bingo and ‘Open the Box’
Quiz nights Sunday Mar 13 & 27 starting at 9pmBingo every Tuesday night starting at 9.30pm
Acoustic night Sunday March 20Rock & Roll nights first & third Wednesday
Food available every Sat, 12-2pmFunerals/Wakes catered for
• • •Birstall Methodist Women’s Group
Coffee Morningat the Methodist Church Coffee Shop,
Wanlip LaneSaturday March 5, 10am to 12noon
Various stalls ie books, cakes, pic-a-bag andraffle
Proceeds to Heartlink and Cystic Fibrosis
Tesco vouchers
Eyes down
Thanks
Congratulations
Shame
Thanks
Thanks
Love
Cycle sense
Thanks
Home CarersRequiredAre you a caring person?Like varied work & job satisfaction?Join our team of carers in the Mountsorrel,Cropston, Quorn, Sileby, Syston, Birstall &Wymeswold areas.Flexible shifts, 10-40 hrs per week, &mornings, evenings and weekends availa-ble.No experience required as all training willbe provided.Up to £7.25hr, plus travel expenses. Tele-phone essential. Ring Debbie between8.30am & 4.30pm for more information on0116 2696247 (quoting reference BP)
• • •
Coffee ShopBirstall Methodist Church
Saturday March 19Tombola, cakes, teddy tombola, raffle
Proceeds in aid of LOROS• • •
Barn DanceSaturday April 16
7.30-10.30pmTickets £6, bring own food & drink
Funds in aid of LOROSContact Gillian Bowler 0116 2604226
• • •Birstall Ladies Bowling Club
Coffee MorningBirstall Methodist Church Hall, Wanlip Lane
Saturday March 1210am to 12noon
Raffle, tombola, books, cakes, jams, bric-a-brac• • •
Coffee MorningMethodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley
March 12, 10-11.30amProceeds in aid of Carl Gunns Boxing Club
and Methodist Church fundsRaffle, Tombola, Cake Stall, White Elephant
Entrance 50pInc tea & coffee
• • •
Easter FairRichard Hill School, Thurcaston
Saturday April 91.30-4pm
Raffles, children’s Easter activities, stalls,cakes, refreshments
50p admission• • •
SOS Fashion Show and SaleSt Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield
Tuesday March 29 at 7.30pmIn aid of LRFWI funds
This is a fun evening with the opportunity tobuy a bargain. Designer label clothes from com-
panies like M&S, Per Una, Principles, Wallis,Next, Gap, Monsoon and others will be availa-
ble at half price or less.Tickets £5 (inc tea/coffee and homemade cake)
can be obtained from Ruth Fenney 01162874114 or Pat Dickinson 0116 2872978
• • •
Comic ReliefZumbathon
Happening in a village near you onFriday March 18
Why not come along and help us raise a sub-stantial amount of money for Comic Relief,classes cost £3 with ALL proceeds going to
charity.Your nearest class is at Birstall Village Hall,
6.30-7pmBooking essential!
For more info or to book please contact the Ac-tive Together team on 01509 632535 or email
[email protected]• • •
Birstall Methodist Thursday Group
Coffee MorningSaturday March 2610am to 12noon
in the Church coffee shop, Wanlip LaneCakes, tombola, books & jigsaws etc
All proceeds to our project the Richard Engel-gardt Trust
• • •
Open Houseat St James Church
‘God’s People’You are invited to our monthly family friendly
Open House serviceMarch 6 at 11am
• • •
Flood FairTues March 29
Members Lounge, County Hall, Glenfieldopen to all, 3-6pm
Learn the risks of flooding, how to protect yourhome and purchase self-inflating ‘sandbags’
www.leicestershireprepared.org.uk
• • •Celebrating 20 years of HATS
Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Societyinvites you to our forthcoming production of
Play OnA comedy drama by Rick Abbot
At Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane,Birstall
on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 19th,20th, 21st at 7.30pm
Tickets £6 adult, £5 concess (disc for groupbookings)
Available from Box Office 0116 2128757 or07757854719
Email: [email protected]’t Delay Book Today!
• • •LOROS
One Big Bike Ride 2011!Sunday May 15
7, 8 or 15 mile sponsored bike rides from Rut-land Water
BBQ, DMU Cheerleaders, penny farthing bikeTo register call the fundraising department on
0116 2318431Registration fee: adults £5, children £2.50,
family £10• • •
Birstall Conservative Branch
Outing to Yorkwith an escorted tour of the Minster (optional)
Thursday May 12We will be leaving Birstall at 8.30am, departing
York at 6pmCost £20 per person
If you are interested in a day out in a beautifulcity
please contact: Mary Allen on 0116 2673941or David Gaskell on 0116 2674746
• • •All round fitness
Exercise ClassEvery Wednesday at Longslade
7.30-8.30pmThis class has been designed to give you that
total body workout you need but don’t have themotivation to achieve.
Suitable for men and women aged over 14 ofall abilities.
£3.75 per class paid per termTo book and for information contact Longslade
2670807• • •
Shrove Tuesday PancakeParty
With games and raffleTuesday March 8 at 6.30pmWanlip Community Centre
Tickets £2 from Joan 2672010• • •
A Concertby Highcliffe Harmony
an evening of light entertainment in support ofBirstall Playgroup for children with special
needsSaturday April 9
at 7.30pmBirstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall
Tickets £5Available on the door or phone 0116 2675007
• • •
Rugby Players WantedBirstall RFC are recruiting players of all abilities
to join their squadWe have two teams playing in the Leicester-
shire leaguesSee our website for more details atwww.birstallrfc.co.uk or call Chris on
07766011043 or turn up to training at Stone-hill High School on Tuesdays at 7pm
Watch RugbyBirstall RFC play home games at Stonehill High
School! See them in action at the followinghome games
March 5 BRFC at home to TBC (Friendly) @2.15pm
March 12 BRFC at home to Burbage (League) @2.15pm
• • •
Charity Quiz Eveningat Birstall Methodist Church
on Saturday April 2 at 7.30pmAll proceeds jointly to The Bark Foundation
(Reg Charity 1129762) and Action for Children(Reg Charity 1097940)
Tickets £8 each including hot supperPhone David on 2677576 or Eileen on 2929670
to book a place• • •
Riverside United U12sExperienced players wanted for all outfield po-
sitions to join our friendly bunch of ladsWe have 2 teams, the 11 a side are in Div 4 this
season but looking to go up to Div 3 at leastnext season and the 9 a side are in the 9 v 9
league.If you’re looking for a new club or fancy the
challenge give me a callCoaches are level 1 and level 2 qualified with
CRB’s and first aidTraining sessions are organised and aimed atbuilding a competitive, enjoyable, winning
team and to develop individual skillsWe play at Wreake Valley College in Syston and
train on a Thursday at Soar Valley CollegeRushmead
Interested? Please call Chris 07742009343 oremail [email protected]
• • •Birstall Park & Ride site
Public ArtConsultation Event
Wed March 16, 1-8pm, Birstall Village HallCome & view the proposals of the three short-
listed artists & help decide which is chosen• • •
Saturday March 26, 1.30-3.30pmBirstall Methodist Church Hall
Learn to keep supple with
Tai Chi and Qi GongSuitable for all ages£7 inc refreshments
Tel: 2677576 or 2676352•
Saturday April 9, 10am to 12noon
Coffee Shopat Birstall Methodist Church
Jewellery stall, tombola and raffle•
Friday April 15, 7.30pmBirstall Methodist Church HallSOS Fashion Show and Sale
High Street and Designer Clothes at bargainprices
Tickets £5 – please book in advanceTel: 2677576 or 2209462
Entry on the day without a ticket only if spaceis available
Proceeds to all these three events to The BarkFoundation
• • •
Women aged 16+Try a new physical activity for just £1
Zumba, Pilates, Yoga and moreOffer applies March 7-13
Part of the County wide Active Together initia-tive
Go to www.lrsport.org/womensweek for details
A GROUP of local people are planning amountainous challenge to raise money tosupport Birstall United Junior’s footballclub.
April will see the 15-strong team travel toWales to embark on a five hour trek to com-plete their challenge to scale the 3166 feet ofMount Snowdon.
Mick Joinson, Manager of the U15s teamsaid: “The walk sees fathers and sons comingtogether to raise money for the local footballclub. It brings together different teams andit’s important that the players see that theyare part of a wider club and not just a collec-tion of individual teams.”
The money raised will be used to improvethe facilities at the club’s Meadow Lane sportsground. The club currently as 21 teams and aSoccer School with more than 300 players,aged between 5 to 18 years old.
Mick added: “Unfortunately, I will not beable to take part in the walk as I’m recover-ing from a broken leg, however, I whole-heartedly wish I could be there. I appreciate
that these are difficult financial times foreveryone, but a football club such as BirstallUnited Juniors is about more than just foot-ball, the club has a real community feelingand that’s something which makes me feelvery proud. If anyone could offer sponsorshipor any kind of support please contact me [email protected] or 07989 115656.”
• The club is offering advertising panels at itsground. The 8ft x 2ft panels cost £100 and localbusinesses are being invited to support the cluband promote themselves. For details contact KevinGlover [email protected]
THE BIRSTALL POST, MAR 2011 7
Snowdon fundraising trek
‘Windolina’. Ron Forbes wasAli Baba’s father, andseller of dustbins!
Mike Allen took thepart of the Caliph, andPaul Young the RobberChief, with his (reallife) brother Paul asSecond in Command.
No we didn’t manage40 thieves, but the chorusdid total 10 cast members;Adrian Robinson, Ben Moore, Len
Legget, TonyMoore, JamesMoore, Billy Loach,Isaak Harrison &Thomas Wilkins.Elliott Harrison andCarl Topley did spe-cial dance numberstoo. They were atdifferent stages, mer-chants, robbers orbeggars!
The script was oneof the original scripts written in the 1950’s bythe late John Valentine who was producer for
many years.David Bark was Musical Direc-tor and Choreography was by
Sally Montague Mason.The cast are grateful to
all who made the produc-tion possible, and to theaudiences for their partici-pation.
The cast are keen torecruit any new members
for the 2012 production.Contact John 2675128 or Rich-
ard 2209462.From Tony Moore
8 the birstall post MAR 2011
Show goes on!DESPITE A series of setbacks the 2011 men’s pantomime ‘Ali Baba &The Forty Thieves’ at Birstall Methodist church went ahead over six per-formances and was enjoyed by audiences which totalled almost 600.
This year we were fortunate to have a veryresourceful director, Richard Tinley; without
whom the show could easily have floundered.Almost at the same time as Jean Valentine,
our artistic producersuddenly had a backinjury which put herin hospital, Richards’sbrother sadly diedin Newcastle.Richard wasfaced withmaking thearrange-mentsand tak-ing thefuneral.Then rightat
the very last minute, another Panto stalwart,Brian Cuttill, had to drop out because ofillness. Richard took his place on stage. Sodespite losing the producer, coping with abereavement, and losing a star performer atthe last minute, Richard managed to keep theshow going and took the role of the perform-er who was ill, Ali Baba’s ‘Aunty’, ‘Pepsi Ko-
la’.Despite lacking in one or two
well-known faces, the 2011 per-formances were well received bythe audiences. Ali Baba was playedby Alex Fearn, who ends up‘marrying’ the Caliphs daughter,
Charisma, who was played by MatthewBishop. Les Gale took the tradi-
tional Panto Dame(Semolina), and John Tow-son her husband
THE CONTRIBUTION of one of the founders of Birstall & District Local History Society hasbeen recognised with the presentation of a gift by fellow members.
John Kilby, a former chairman of the society and its newly elected president, was presentedwith a £25 Waterstones voucher at the February meeting.
John has a historic connection with the village and is the author of ‘Names Around Birstall’with Stuart Liquorish, ‘Methodism in Birstall’ and ‘Birstall Village : a brief history of Birstall1900-1999’.Pic: John Kilby with Chairman of the Society Brenda Watts and committee members.
A BIRSTALL slimmer is shedding the pounds to raise money forthe care of her grandson.
Kate O’Melly (57) of Gwendolin Avenuehas so far lost a stone at Rosemary Conley’sDiet & Fitness class held at Birstall Golf Club.Her sponsored slim is raising money for thecare of her 12 year old grandson Declan,who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy(DMD).
She said: “Declan was diagnosed when hewas eight, which is very late. He was stillwalking then but became wheelchair boundin 2008. He can just about lift his arm to feedhimself now. He cannot dress himself or turnover in bed, and my daughter has to help himduring the night.”
Kate aims to lose three stone in total.“Rosemary is very supportive and she and herstaff have been a great help” said Kate.
She added: “Declan is proud of me and ismy real driving force. Duchennes is a crueldisease and I am hoping to raise awareness
of his life limiting condition.”The average life expectancy for people with
DMD is 27 years.
BIRSTALL VILLAGE Cricket Club hadtheir annual AGM in January.
The meeting decided the election ofofficers, events and the many importantdecisions for the club’s progression forthe upcoming season.
Some of the senior positions for the2011 season include: Club President -Mike Lord, Chairman/Secretary - Andy
Merry, Treas-urer - Ian
Bartlett, 1st
Team Captain– Dave
Sharpe, 2nd
Team Captain
– Steve Findley, Midweek Captain – Josh-ua Saye, Junior Manager – Hamish Carnan
Senior nets will begin Thursday eveningFebruary 17 at the County Nets, GraceRoad from 9-10pm. Any inquiries pleasecontact Dave Sharpe on 07527186705.
Junior nets for under 13s and 15s willbegin Friday evening February 18 at theEast Park Road Centre from 6-7.30pm.Any inquiries please contact Hamish Carn-an on 07812791322.
The Club presentation evening for the2010 season will take place at StMargaret’s Bowls Club, Birstall Road onMarch 26 from 7pm. All associated clubmembers are welcome.
Joshua Saye
BVCC cricket corner
Pic: Chorus members (Beggars & Merchants), (l to r) Adie Robinson, John Towson,Carl Topley, James Moore, Len Legget address theCaliph Mike Allan
Pic: Carl Topley & Len Leggett leading the camel playedby brothers Elliot & Isaak Harrison.
Pic: Matthew Bishopplayed Charisma
Pic:Dancers
Phil &Paul
Young
Society says thank you
Slimming for grandson
Pic: Kate O’Melly with grandson Declan
Help us in our work helpingothers less fortunate than
ourselves
All gifts and donations gladlyaccepted at the
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION19 FRONT STREET • BIRSTALL
or Ring 2674817
NOT SELF”“SERVICE
SOAR VALLEYHEATING LtdFormerly Richard Eaves,Plumbing & Heating Engineer
Plumbing Heating& Gas Services• Boiler Changes• Heating Upgrades
Tel: 01509 556 827Mob: 07971 833471
Eating Berries may lower risk of Parkinson’sNew research shows men and women who
regularly eat berries may have a lower risk ofdeveloping Parkinson's disease, while men mayalso further lower their risk by regularly eatingapples, oranges and other sources rich in die-tary components called flavonoids.
The study was released February 13 and willbe presented at the American Academy of Neu-rology's 63rd Annual Meeting in Honolulu April9 to April 16, 2011.
Flavonoids are found in plants andfruits and are also known collectivelyas vitamin P and citrin. They can alsobe found in berry fruits, chocolate,and citrus fruits such as grapefruit.
The study involved 49,281 men and80,336 women. Researchers gave partici-pants questionnaires and used a database tocalculate intake amount of flavonoids. Theythen analyzed the association between flavonoidintakes and risk of developing Parkinson'sdisease. They also analyzed consumption of fivemajor sources of foods rich in flavonoids: tea,berries, apples, red wine and oranges or or-ange juice. The participants were followed for20 to 22 years.
During that time, 805 people developedParkinson's disease. In men, the top 20 percentwho consumed the most flavonoids were about40 percent less likely to develop Parkinson'sdisease than the bottom 20 percent of maleparticipants who consumed the least amount offlavonoids.
In women, there was no relationship be-tween overall flavonoid consumption and devel-oping Parkinson's disease. However, whensub-classes of flavonoids were examined, regu-lar consumption of anthocyanins, which aremainly obtained from berries, were found to beassociated with a lower risk of Parkinson'sdisease in both men and women.
'This is the first study in humans to examinethe association between flavonoids and risk ofdeveloping Parkinson's disease,' said studyauthor Xiang Gao, MD, PhD, with the HarvardSchool of Public Health in Boston. 'Our findingssuggest that flavonoids, specifically a groupcalled anthocyanins, may have neuroprotectiveeffects. If confirmed, flavonoids may be a natu-ral and healthy way to reduce your risk ofdeveloping Parkinson's disease.'
Home care cuts ''will block hospital beds''NHS hospitals could experience a big growth
in the number of elderly patients 'blocking'beds as social care budget cuts mean they willno longer be able to stay in care homes, ac-
cording to a report by Bupa.The 'Who Cares? Funding Adult Social Care
Over the Next Decade' report said that if the£2bn adult social care budgetwas not protected, 81,000 carehome beds would disappearover the next 10 years. Thiswould mean the only place forthem to go would be to hospi-tal. However, the governmentsaid that many more elderlypeople would be cared for intheir own homes, which is
what they would prefer.Bupa also pointed out that over the next
decade there will be 18,000 more elderly peo-ple needing care, which will mean that 100,000of the total 170,000 NHS beds available will beused up by elderly patients. The company toldthe government it needed to ring-fence theadult social care budget so that councils didn't'borrow' from it to make up for cuts in otherbudgets.
Mark Ellerby, managing director ofBupa Care Services, said: "Today'sreport reveals that the scale of theproblem is much bigger than wethought. Unless councils protect
funding for the elderly, thousands ofvulnerable, frail older people will be
unable to get the care home places they needand will have no option but to go into hospital.
"Not only is this deeply concerning for themand their families, but it is also worrying forthe already stretched NHS as it will create abed blocking crisis which will affect us all."
Baroness Greengross, chair of the all-partyParliamentary Group on Dementia commented:"Council leaders across the country must makea public pledge to pass on in full the £2bn
allocated to them by the government to fundadult social care and to take account of carehome inflation when setting their fees."
A Department of Health spokesman told theDaily Telegraph: "Most older people want tostay supported in their own homes for as longas possible and the extra money we have givencouncils will help them care for older peoplein the environment that's best for them."
Draft guidance from NICE offers hope of im-proved mobility for people with peripheralarterial disease
Draft guidance published on February 1,2011 by NICE (National Institute of ClinicalExcellence) recommends the use of naftidrofur-yl oxalate as a treatment option for people whosuffer from the painful symptoms of peripheralarterial disease called intermittent claudication.
Peripheral arterial disease is a condition inwhich there is a blockage or narrowing of thearteries that carry blood to the legs and arms.The main cause is atherosclerosis, which isnarrowing of the arteries caused by fatty depos-its on the arterial walls. Intermittent claudica-tion is a result of the narrowed arteries notdelivering adequate blood to leg muscles andso pain comes from the oxygen starved mus-cles. Pain is relieved with rest. As well as hav-ing a detrimental impact on quality of life,intermittent claudication also indicates thatthere is an increased risk of heart attack andstroke. Therefore, people with intermittentclaudication are at higher risk of dying from aheart attack or stroke than patients with PADwho do not have intermittent claudication.
Naftidrofuryl oxalate is one of four treat-ments belonging to the class of vasoactive drugsthat NICE is assessing as part of this appraisal.The evidence considered by the Appraisal Com-mittee showed that the others - Cilostazol(Pletal, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals), Pentoxifylline(Trental 400, Sanofi-Aventis) and Inositol nico-tinate (Hepoxal, Genus Phamaceuticals) - arenot as clinically or cost effective as naftidrofuryloxalate so they are not recommended as treat-ment options in the draft guidance. As well as abranded preparation (Praxilene, Merck Sero-no), naftidrofuryl oxalate is also available as acheaper, generic preparation; the draft guid-ance recommends that treatment should bestarted with the least costly preparation.
Dr Carole Longson, NICE Health TechnologyEvaluation Centre Director, said: "The severepain on physical exertion associated with inter-mittent claudication can have a large impact onthe quality of life of people with the conditionbecause of the effects of restricted mobility onindependence, social life, recreation and work.Although naftidrofuryl oxalate, like all vasoac-tive drugs, does not halt the progress of periph-eral arterial disease or lower the incidence ofheart attack or stroke, the independent Ap-praisal Committee felt that it demonstratedclear benefits in terms of improving maximumwalking distance when compared to a placeboand the other drugs being considered as part ofthis appraisal, and that these benefits make it acost effective use of NHS resources."
Naftidrofuryl oxalate is an oral peripheralvasodilator that selectively blocks vascular andplatelet 5-hydroxytryptamine 2 (5-HT2) recep-tors. It has a UK marketing authorisation forperipheral vascular disorders, including inter-mittent claudication. Naftidrofuryl oxalate isavailable as a branded preparation of 100mgcapsules at a cost of £8.10 (excl VAT) for a84-capsule pack. Generic preparations are alsoavailable at a cost of £5.30 (excl VAT) for a100mg 84-capsule pack. The recommendeddose is one or two 100mg capsules three timesdaily. Therefore, for the branded preparationthe average monthly cost is £8.80 assumingthree 100mg capsules daily or £17.60 assum-ing six 100mg capsules daily.
The National Institute for Health and ClinicalExcellence (NICE) is the independent organisa-tion responsible for providing national guidanceand standards on the promotion of good healthand the prevention and treatment of ill health.
Pancake TeaA ‘Pancake Evening’ is to be held at 6pm on
Sunday March 6. To assist with the catering, ideallyyou need a ticket (free). Tel Charles on 2207045to see if any tickets are still available. There will bea collection.Favourite Things
Churches Together in Birstall are planning aspecial Community Event from, April 17 – 20which will involve the temporary removal of thepews in the church! This Community Exhibitionwill be something the whole village can take partin. The exhibition will invite the whole communityto say, individually, ‘what are my favourite things’.There will be an art competition for those agedunder 17. If you are over 16 you are invited toemail a brief description of your three favouritethings along with a photo of yourself. (email [email protected]) Theweb site will give more details, as the event‘unfolds’.Charnwood Hike Date
The hike this year is on April 2. Organised byOld Boys of the Boys Brigade its aim is to give lads(and girls) the chance to develop their map read-ing skills by participating in this competitive event.It is open to teams of three aged 12 to 18. Thereare also veterans teams for those ‘over 18’. Teamsgo from point to point with ‘incidents’ at eachcheckpoint.
Teams are likely to end up rather ‘muddy’. Formore details contact Neil Clarke 01664 569698.There is an entry fee for each team.Church Web Site
The web site continues to carry lots of picturesof recent events. It is now incorporated into the‘Circuit’ web site ‘www.lnc-methodist.org.uk’. –Don’t forget the hyphen between ‘lnc’ and‘methodist’! (lnc stands for Leicester North Circuit)Most search engines will direct you to the rightplace by simply entering ‘Birstall MethodistChurch’.Quiz & Supper
On Saturday April 2, in aid of the Hotpec Or-phanage (the Bark Foundation) and ‘Action forChildren’ Tickets are £8, which includes a hotsupper. Tel David 2677576 or Eileen 2929670 fortickets.Birstall Methodist Women’s Group
The Monday ladies group enjoyed a night at theLittle Theatre in January. A different type of musicalfor us but I think it’s good to be taken out of yourcomfort zone occasionally and it was certainly en-joyed by many.
Evenings to come: march 14, Kilimanjaro;
March 28th A Light Look at Wills; Apr 4 a CornDolly demonstration. More information MargaretBriggs 2671181 or Margaret Yardley 2673674.
From Tony Moore, Birstall MethodistChurch
Spring in the airThe Spring-cleaning season has already started
in St. James’ Church! The ‘big occasion’ will be7.30pm on Monday March 14, when the Bishop ofLeicester will be licensing Revd Vincent Jupp asRector of Birstall and Wanlip. A working party hasbeen busy sprucing up the church, to celebrate theofficial arrival of a new rector and his family afterover a year’s wait. We look forward to welcomingthem to our parish and community.
This year St James will be hosting the Women’sworld day of prayer, on Friday March 4 at 7.30pm.Each year, Christian women in virtually every coun-try of the world, meet on the same day to celebrate
THE BIRSTALL POST, MAR 2011 9
INFOtheir faith and diversity and to pray for peace in theworld. A preparation day was held in Februarywith materials from the country which has preparedthe 2011 service – this year, Chile. There will bewomen from all four main local churches at theservice on the 4th, the speaker will be Revd SheilaSkidmore and everyone, particularly women, isinvited to attend.What is Lent? Come and find out.
Also organised as a joint venture between thechurches each year is a Lent course, which takesplace during five weeks between Ash Wednesdayand Easter. These are to be held at the MethodistChurch on Monday afternoons at 2.30pm startingon Monday March 14, led by Revd Rachel Parkin-son and repeated on Tuesday or Wednesday eve-nings, starting on Tuesday March 15 at 7.30pm atSt. James. The meetings are informal with theleader introducing various topics, based on a video,and there will be plenty of opportunity for discus-sion. An accompanying book, written by the formerBishop of Durham, Tom Wright, is also available at£4. For more details about the course, which isopen to all, please contact the Methodist churchoffice on 2675194 or St James church office(Monday or Friday am) on 2671797 or enquire atany of the services beforehand.To entertain you
There will be a concert by the Leicester MaleVoice Choir at 7.30pm on Saturday March 5, withproceeds going to the Age Concern St James DayCare Centre. Tickets are £5 on the door.
On March 8, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) at6.30pm, the social committee are organising aPancake party for all ages, with games and a raffle,in the newly refurbished Wanlip Community Centre.Joan has tickets (£2) on 2672010.
From Beryl McHugh, Parish churches
P/11/0350/2: 80 Harrowgate Drive –planning application to retain and reducethe existing front dormer window and toamend existing cladding with cladding tomatch existing roofP/11/0199/2: 3 Oakfield Avenue – singlestorey extension to rear of dwellingP/11/0240/2: 102 Birstall Road – exten-sion of time for extant of planning per-mission P/08/0809/2 (Demolition ofdwelling and erection of replacement de-tached dwelling and garage)P/11/0198/2: 115 Wanlip Lane – reten-tion of single storey extension to rear ofbuilding for storageP/11/0176/2: Firs Dental Practice, 534ALoughborough Rd – erection of single sto-rey extension to rear of dental surgeryP/11/0156/2: 68 Roman Road – erectionof mansard roof and 4x dormer windowextensions to dwellingP/11/0172/2: 20 Nether Hall Lane – trimback 1 eucalyptus tree, remove horsechestnut tree and 1 other tree(Conservation Area Notice)
Church news
Planningapplications
D. UptonGarden Services
0116 2696982Mob: 0781 2335825
All aspects ofgarden work undertakenDriveways • Patios
Blockpaving • GravellingTurfing • Fencing
Slabbing • MowingHedgetrimming etc
10 the birstall post MAR 2011 The April issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on April 2. The copy deadline is March 18.
AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Seaports,Long Distance, Courier. Tel: 0777 1984806
TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV. Over25 yrs experience. John 2675132
AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plansdrawn and submitted. Extensions, conver-sions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons)FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 / 07974807111www.amlidesign.co.uk
FOR SAFE and effective emotional support.Registered Bach Flower Practitioner andQualified Counsellor www.nickymason.co.uk2209294/07544765091
FRENCH LANGUAGE tuition – exams and/orholidays. Tel: 0116 2201206
EXPERIENCED TEACHER has a few spaces forpupils who wish to have private tuition innumeracy, literacy and verbal reasoning, forwhatever reason, in their own home. Pleasering Ros Marriott after 8pm on 01162640729 for further details
LOST SMALL gold ring on Feb 3 in the villagearea. It is of sentimental value. Reward2671404
FOR SALE BBC French Beginners book, offersaround £4. 1 pr Stylo golf shoes 8½ vgc £5.1pr PGA golf shoes 6½ vgc £5. Golf practicedriving mat £4. 0116 2671527
MATHEMATICS TUITION A level & GCSE, Birstallbased. Call 07737352932
Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32 words:50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in(inside an envelope) at Birstall library.
Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p aword. You are liable for the trade/business rate if youare offering a service for which you are asking forpayment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale.All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra.Max 50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.
Small Ads
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERLongslade College, Wanlip Lane,
Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GHEditor: Mr Jerry Jackson
Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)
0116 2674213Correspondence, news etc
can be handed in at:Birstall Library or to our office in the
Youth Centre,Longslade College, Birstall
The Birstall BAG’s Cancer CornerClare Wells, founder of BAGS was diagnosed
with Breast Cancer in 1998. Her determination toencourage all women to be vigilant, to self examineand access medical care as soon as possible in-spired the formation of BAGS, a local fundraisingsocial group.
Clare’s cancer recurred and sadly she died in2003 but six of her close friends have carried onwith her vision and to date over £15,000 poundshas been donated to local cancer services andsince September 2010 the Birstall BAG’s have fund-ed the running of ‘Time Out’ a Coping With Cancerdrop in complementary therapy group held the 2ndand 4th Wednesday of each month, 1.30-4.30 at theBirstall Village Hall on School Lane.
More than 1 in 3 of us will devel-op cancer at some time during ourlife, any of us can be affected. In anattempt to continue with Clare’s earlydiagnosis philosophy and her vision toraise awareness about cancer andurge people to be vigilant the BirstallBAG’s will write a regular CancerCorner article in the Birstall Post. Twoof the BAG’s are registered nursesworking in cancer care and we aregrateful to the University Hospitals ofLeicester Cancer Information Centre who haveagreed to support us.
Many cancers have an awareness day, week ormonth and March is designated as Prostate Aware-ness Month.Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer inmen in the UK. 37,000 men are diagnosed withprostate cancer every year and 250,000 men arecurrently living with the disease. Most prostatecancer is slow-growing to start with and may nevercause any problems or symptoms in a man's life-time.
Only men have a prostate gland. The prostate isusually the size and shape of a walnut. It lies un-derneath the bladder and surrounds the tube (theurethra) that men pass urine and semen through.The prostate gland's main job is to make some of
the fluid that carries sperm, called semen. Thethree most common prostate problems are an en-larged prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer.
The tests that your GP can do to help diagnoseprostate problems are:
• A urine test to rule out infection• A prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test• A digital rectal examination (DRE)Your GP will refer you to a urology clinic if
your symptoms or test results suggest that furtherinvestigation is needed.
If a man does have symptoms, such as problemspassing urine, they may be mild and happen overmany years. For some men the first noticeablesymptoms are from prostate cancer which hasspread to their bones. If this happens, you may
notice pain in your back, hips orpelvis that was not there before.These symptoms could be causedby other problems such as generalaches and pains or arthritis, but itis still a good idea to get themchecked out by your GP if you areworried.
There are a number of differenttreatments for prostate cancer.Treatment options will depend onwhether the cancer is contained
within the prostate gland (localised), has spreadjust outside of the prostate (locally advanced) orhas spread to other parts of the body (advanced).
Sources: http://www.prostate-cancer.org.ukhttp://info.cancerresearchuk.orgFor further information about Prostate Cancer
contact The Prostate Cancer Charity on 0800 0748383 or the University Hospitals of Leicester CancerInformation Centre on 0116 258 6189.
To reflect the interest and support of the localcommunity Birstall BAG's now seeks to be inclusiveof all cancers and the group welcome villagers tosupport the many events they organise each yearwithin the local community. For more informationon forthcoming events look at our websitewww.birstallbags.co.uk.
From Liz Darlison, Macmillan Consult-ant Nurse
FOR THE fifth successive year Birstall Bad-minton Club flew out to the Costa Blancafor a tournament against the Guardamarbadminton club.
The competition started at 10am on Sun-day February 6 and took a gruelling fourhours to complete. “It was a close foughtbattle but unfortunately Birstall were unsuc-
cessful in their attempt to regain the trophywhich was originally donated by Mike Lord”said club spokesman Richard Antkowiak.
Despite their initial disappointment theteam still enjoyed the many social events theywere invited to including a dinner dance, tenpin bowling, mountain walks, tennis, boulesand even Zumba lessons for the more ener-
getic members.Richard said: “The tournament
is scheduled again for next yearand there may be a second! Newshad spread to another club furtheralong the coast at Pilar and, dur-ing their stay, a few Birstall play-ers were invited to visit them andwere challenged to a similar com-petition.
“Our thanks must go to Jill andAlan at Guardamar for inviting usagain and for making us all feelso welcome. We look forward tonext year’s challenge.”Pic: Birstall Badminton Club members inSpain
BIRSTALL FLOWER Clubmet for their Golden an-niversary AGM in January.
This was followed by the ‘Big Picnic’where all the members of the club hadbrought a contribution to the food. The vil-lage hall was decked out with golden tablearrangements and baskets of sunflowers.
The club members were presented with acelebratory pen and packets of sunflowerseeds, ready for a giant sunflower competitionlater in the year. Get ready for seeing lots ofsunflowers in the gardens of Birstall, Rothleyand Cropston and other surrounding areasthis summer.Pic (bottom): (l-r) Outgoing President – MaryWadsworth; Treasurer – Maureen Green; Chair-man – Carole Cottam and Secretary – Sylvia
SimesPic (top): Birstall Flower Club’s ‘Big Picnic’Anyone wishing to join our very thriving andfriendly club should phone Sylvia on 2674206or Carole on 2674337
From Marjorie Smith
RAINBOW CO-OP Pre-school Playgroup en-joyed a morning of Chinese festivities tocelebrate the Chinese New Year.
Simon Elvis, Lily’s daddy, came in with hisChinese lion costume and shared traditionalChinese stories. The children all had a go atdancing with the lion and played a variety ofinstruments, then finished with a relaxing TaiChi session.
Leader Julie Parker said: “We have vacan-cies available if any 2 to 5 year olds wouldlike to come and join us. We meet at theCo-op Sports and Social Ground on BirstallRoad, weekday mornings during term time
and you are welcome to drop in to see ourfacilities or contact me on 07793630612 or0116 2671828”.
TUES 8BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING CLUB Jewels of theWaterside. Steven Houghton. Rothley Centre,7.30pmTHURS 10BIRSTALL & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
How the Okey Pokey Men came to Leicester. ABayless. Birstall Village Hall, 7.30pmWED 23BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB Julie Woods. Let’s PopCorn, Birstall Village Hall, 7.15pm
Flowerclub’spicnic
Chineselion
Club’s Spanish trip The April issue ofTHE BIRSTALL POST
will be published on Apr 2.The copy deadline is Mar 18.
Tel: 0116 267 2583Mob: 07967 191975 Buy DELL products here
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