birstall post (390) january 2016

JANUARY 2016 No. 390

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

BIRSTALL’S £7000 blueChristmas ‘tree’ will not bemaking another appearancenext Christmas.

Birstall Parish Council had agreed athree year contract with the supplier at atotal cost of £21,185. In view of thewidespread publicity about the tree andobjections from some residents it decid-ed at an extraordinary meeting of thecouncil on December 9 to withdrawfrom the agreement.

Because the contractor supplied thewrong tree – the council ordered bluewith snowflakes and not blue with stars– the council was able to negotiate areduced rate of £6250 for this year’stree and to get out of the contract with-

out incurring any financial penalty.Shortly after the tree was erected a

petition was started by former BoroughCouncillor Simon Sansome to have thetree replaced with a traditional one. Hewas photographed beside the tree in theDaily Express under the headline: ‘Cone-troversy over bizarre £21,000 blue coneChristmas tree in centre of village’.

The Sun picked up the story (‘Villag-ers outraged by £21,000 blue ‘Christmastree’ demand Mickey Mouse effort isscrapped’) as did the Daily Mail (Villag-ers’ fury after bungling Council pays£21,000 for garish 25 foot Christmas

tree that looks more like MickeyMouse’s sorcerer hat’).

Comments about the tree on thefacebook page Spotted Birstall began toincrease and although these were mostlynegative, there were some that weresupportive.

Some facebook comments were abu-sive and the council also received abu-sive and threatening emails and anoffensive Christmas card. Speaking at themeeting on December 9, Parish CouncilChairman Ann Marshall said: “This last

A CANNABIS factory growingplants with an estimatedvalue of £500,000 has beenfound in Birstall.

Police were called to 715 Loughbor-ough road, Birstall at 9.30pm onWednesday November 25 after a reportof suspicious activity.

When officers arrived they discoveredthe rear patio doors had been forcedopen and the lights were on. No-one wasat the property but police found 564mature cannabis plants and specialistlighting and electrical equipment.

There have been no arrests in con-nection with the raid and police enquir-ies are ongoing. All the drugs and theequipment have been seized by police.

Most of the cannabis consumed in

Council decides to scrap tree

Pic: Birstall’s controversial Christmas tree

Continued on page 3

Birstallcannabisfactory

Continued on page 4

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JAN 2016THE BIRSTALL POST2

JAN 2016THE BIRSTALL POST 3

week has been pretty horrendous andour office staff do not deserve the levelof abuse they have been getting. Threatshave been made, including threats todisrupt the Christmas lights switch onevent with booing and fruit beingthrown, so we contacted the Police whohave been brilliant.”

The Birstall Police team posted theirown comment on Spotted Birstall whichread: “Many hurtful and abusive com-ments have been made and some coun-cillors have also been subjected tothreats which are being investigated bythe local police. While we appreciatethat people are entitled to their viewsthis kind of behaviour is both unneces-sary and unacceptable.”

The Christmas event on Friday De-cember 4 went ahead without any trou-ble but the Council decided to switch onthe tree the day before to avoid anyopportunity for disruption and to giveresidents a chance to see the tree illumi-nated.

Eleven members of the public turnedup to a Birstall Parish Council meetingcalled five days later to discuss the tree.

Resident Tony Bloxham commendedthe Council for arranging the meeting.He said: “There have been some disgust-ing remarks made about the Council andthe council staff. I drove past the treewith my seven year old granddaughter.She said it looks like Mickey Mouse’shat. It is not acceptable in my mind. It istraditional in many villages to have atraditional Christmas tree and we shouldnot dispense with tradition so easily.

“Most people I’ve spoken to havebeen against, a few were not against, buteveryone I’ve spoken to has been againstthe cost. £21,000 is totally unacceptablewhen we could have had a tree for afraction of that cost and the remainingmoney used on other things in the vil-lage.”

Avril Howells said: “A lot of peoplechanged their minds when they saw it litup, and Sibson Road looks great. But it’s the cost, it all boils down to the cost.

The money could have been used better

elsewhere.”Other resi-

dents presentalso com-mented on thecost of thetree. Birstall’sCounty Coun-cillor, IainBentley, said:“I think thetree is won-derful, a boldmove and it isreally excel-lent, itbrightens upBirstall. I’d like to see it continued forthe next two years and beyond if possi-ble.”

Chairman Ann Marshall said: “Overthe last two or three years we’ve re-ceived very negative comments about theChristmas tree so we thought we wouldtry something different. We knew itwould divide opinion. Now we need toseek everyone’s view and we are alwayswilling to listen to people.

“I appreciate the concerns about thecost but councillors debated it long andhard before deciding to go ahead withit.”

Comment was made that the council’sdecisions must not be influenced byangry comments on social media.

Several councillors said that they hadreceived many favourable commentsabout the appearance of the tree andCllr Mary Allen said that the tree erectedin Bethlehem this year was identical indesign to Birstall’s.

Councillors were given the option ofvoting to retain the tree for the next twoyears, or to cancel the agreement. Thevote to cancel was unanimous.

Joanne StaffordIt’s a disgusting looking cone of a

tree. I am embarrassed to say this isBirstall’s Christmas tree!Debs Williamson

The most bewildering thing is thatsomeone obviously thought that thiswas worth the money because it was‘nice’! Who?Denise Booth

Absolutely horrendous ! Moremoney than senseHeidi Knight

I don’t really care what the treelooks like, I’m just confused as tohow that cone cost £21,000 more like£210 and someone is laughing all theway to the bank.Marie Butler

I agree, I don’t particularly like thetree but I hope that we can all riseabove it and remember the spirit ofChristmas. Enjoy the switch on andhave fun, there are far more impor-tant things going on in the world rightnow. Remember how fortunate we areto have nothing more to worry aboutother than having a blue ChristmastreeDenise Dodd

While I agree that the parish coun-cil do a good job on the whole, itwould be nice if they would admit thaton this occasion spending thousandson a cone is unacceptable. Why notbuy a tree from a local garden centre,like the one across the road. Surelythe parish council would prefer themoney to stay within BirstallJo Towlson

Just went past the cone earlier andit really is stunning, you can see thetop from the other side of the parkit's beautiful... is it worth £21k for 3years?

COMMENTS ON FACEBOOKABOUT THE TREE

Pic: the tree installedat Bethlehem this year

Tree continued from page 1

The Feb issue ofTHE BIRSTALL POST

will be published on Jan 30.The copy deadline is Jan 18.

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Britain is homegrown with crimi-nals using rentedhouses to cultivateplants. The policesay there are sever-al things to lookout for:

• people movinginto a property withlots of ventilationand lighting equip-ment.

• coming andgoing at odd hoursor rarely seen at all

• the strong andsickly sweet smellof cannabis

• covered upwindows withpulled curtains orblackout blinds

• high levels ofcondensation onwindows

If you have in-formation about thisincident or illegaldrugs in your area,contact Leicester-shire Police on 101or call Crimestop-pers free on 0800555 111.Pics: photos showplants and thecomplex wiringsystem found atthe Birstall ad-dress

Cont. from page 1


BIRSTALL PARISH Coun-cil’s Christmas eventfeatured a Christmasmarket in the VillageHall complete with aSanta’s grotto.

Held on December 4 on theSibson Road car park, a largecrowd enjoyed songs performedby Alyshia Dhakk, the nativitystory performed by the Methodistchurch’s giant puppets and fun-fair rides.

Mulled wine was provided, aswell as mince pies donated byBirstall’s Co-operative supermar-ket.

Parish Council chairman AnnMarshall said: “I would like tothank Alyshia Dhakk and theCo-op for generously providingthe mince pies. A good numberof people attended and those thatcame enjoyed themselves.”

Village Christmas event

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Pic: Maisie Lakin (4) has a chat with Santa

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Birstall Rugby Club won the Club ofthe Year category and Carl Gunns wasthe winner in the Outstanding Contribu-tion to Sport and Physical Activity.

Graham Cree is the secretary of Bir-stall Rugby Club. He said: We are veryproud to have won, we have put alot of work into getting theclub to where it’s at atthe moment.”

The club plays inDivision IV of theMidlands EastSouth and is cur-rently unbeatenhaving played tenand won ten.

The club hasnow been going for40 years and has hadits low points, says Gra-ham. “Ten years ago wewere close to folding but thanksto sheer hard work, a good social calen-dar and good coaching sessions we arenow close to getting three teams out.”

The club’s home ground is the Ce-dars Academy. Graham said: “We aredoing a significant amount of work withthe Cedars at the moment, introducingrugby to 14-18 year olds.”

The club has recently been accreditedto the Rugby Football Union and hopesto be promoted to Division III at the endof the season.

Carl Gunns has for the past 14 yearsrun his boxing gym in the old ReadingRoom on Birstall Road. Carl, a forming

boxing manager, says he is de-lighted to have won for

Outstanding Contributionto Sport and PhysicalActivity. “I think thisone of the best awardsI’ve won” said Carl.“It represents whatthe gym is about. It’sall about the mem-bers, the gym is only

as good as its members– without them I haven’t

got a gym. It’s them thathave driven the gym forward

and now we are well establishedand well known all over the county.”

The gym continues to work withyoung people referred from the BoroughCouncil’s Troubled Families unit, ascheme that aims to improve the lifechances of families trapped in a cycle ofbenefits and poverty.

In 2015 the gym faced financial diffi-

culties and was in danger of closing.“We now have a secure future but I wasdisappointed that not one sporting clubin Birstall picked up the phone to offerhelp.”

Carl receives lots of letters and cards

from the young people that use the gym,which only charges £1 per session.“Those cards make me feel terrific” saidCarl. “Some of them are from five yearolds, telling me they love coming to the

SPORTING STARS from Birstall were winners at the Charn-wood Sports Awards 2015.

Charnwood’s sportingheroes celebrated

Continued on page 7

Pic: (top) Birstall Rugby Club; (left) Carl Gunns; (below) winners pictured at this yearspresentation evening


gym. When I look at the youngpeople the gym has helped andthe way it has changed theirlives – this is what the parentstell me – then that is my satis-faction. And this award is theicing on the cake.”

The Charnwood SportsAwards are held annually andorganised by Charnwood Bor-ough Council.

Golfer Melissa Reid tookhome the Elite Senior Sport-sperson of the Year title afterwinning the 2015 Turkish Air-lines Ladies Open and achiev-ing a top 10 finish at this year'sWomen's British Open, a careerbest at a major championship.

She was one of 13 winnersat the event which was held atBurleigh Court, Loughboroughon Monday, November 30.

Councillor Jonathan Morgan,the council's Cabinet Memberfor Community Cohesion, said:“The Charnwood Sports Awardswas a great night which gave usa chance to celebrate and rec-ognise the talented stars wehave in the borough.

“Every year the awards getbigger and the quality of thenominations is so high it givesthe judges an extremely difficultjob when picking winners.

“It was an honour to beinvolved and help celebratesporting achievement in theborough and I would like toonce again congratulate every-one who took part.”

The categories recognisedthe achievements of junior andsenior athletes, coaches, volun-teers and individual projects.

A BIRSTALL school is reviewing itssafeguarding procedures after afour year old pupil walked out ofthe school unsupervised.

The child left Riverside Primary schoolthrough the main door at reception by pushing alarge green button next to the door that unlocksit. He then walked along Wanlip Lane to nearbyshops.

He was spotted by a family friend, and thefamily then contacted the school. The child re-turned to the school of his own accord afterhaving been off the premises for 20 minutes.

In a letter sentto parents, TimJewitt, DeputyHeadteacher, said:“This was an ex-tremely regrettableincident that hasnecessitated theneed for us toreview our safe-guarding proce-dures as a matterof urgency.

“Please beassured we are investigating the matterand will put in place actions to ensurethat this cannot happen again.”

Riverside school is part of the Lion-heart Academies Trust. Executive princi-pal Hugh Howe said: “We regret thatthis incident took place and will investi-gate what happened and look carefullyat what measures can be taken to im-prove safeguarding procedures.”

Mr Howe said the Local Authority willbe consulted for advice and support,and that the perimeter fences and gateswill be looked at. He said that this kindof incident happened “very infrequently”and confirmed that another child had

left the school unsupervised during theschool’s Halloween disco.

The school has:• arranged for the green door release

button in main reception to be posi-tioned higher, out of the reach of chil-dren

• arranged for the main receptiondoor to be adjusted so that it closes onitself automatically and cannot be leftopen

• arranged for a fire door to bealarmed so that if it is opened, staff arenotified

SLEEPING PETALS is a new and uniquebusiness that provides bespoke graveblanket decorations using artificialflowers for the cemetery.

“Visiting loved ones grave we were saddenedto see it in quite a poor condition” said ownersRita and Justina from Birstall. “Not just that, butall the other graves too, with dried wilted freshflowers also made the resting place of a lovedone look unloved and uncared for, it made usfeel cold dark and dull with sadness .

“We thought of a grave blanket that coversthe grave with artificial flowers, from a simpledesign to creative one of your own choice,which will give a look of elegance.”

“Sleeping Petals provides a beautiful floraldecoration, that would help relatives to honourand remember their loved ones, their life forwho they were, their character and their inter-ests.”

The pair hope their service will help thoseleft behind to deal with their loss for their lovedone, and help them move forward.

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Boy, 4, leaves school unnoticed

Pic: Riverside primary school

Floral gravedecorations

Continued from page 6

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It’s that time of year again when weare getting over Christmas, making NewYear resolutions that we know we willnever keep, dreading the cold weatherand trying to fight off coughs and colds.

But to brighten things up during thisseason Thurmaston Bowls club does not

go to sleep. We hold a social eveninglocally each month up until the seasonstarts again in April.

We also hold our PresentationEvening in December to award trophiesfor all the various competitions that werun through the season. We enjoy alovely Christmas meal on this occasiontoo which makes this a lovely end to theyear.

Anyone is welcome to join as a socialmember at a cost of £10 for the wholeyear, we hold events such as Bingo,Games Nights, Beetle Drives, TrampSuppers, Quizzes, Play Your Cards Rightetc as well as holding the Race Nightonce per year at Elizabeth Park.

We are hoping to hold more eventsin the Berrington pavilion next year.

Social members often come along towatch the bowls matches which may beof interest to you. You never know youmight even be tempted to play.

So if you are interested in comingalong to make new friends and take partin various activities contact me and I willlet you know how to join.

Elaine BoardmanTel: 0116 [email protected]

think again. The then Chairman of Bir-stall Parish Council led the Council toobject to the Hallam Fields developmentin the 1980s. It finished up costing theCouncil a great deal of money and wast-ed Council time – and still the develop-ment went ahead. Furthermore, theCouncil were at loggerheads with thedeveloper, which was a big mistake.

So my suggestion to you, MadamChairperson, is appoint a surveyor/agentand together meet with the developers,builders and Charnwood Borough Coun-cil, to discuss this issue and perhaps getthe development to be of some benefitto Birstall and Wanlip.

We need these extra houses, especial-ly the low cost houses, as urged by theGovernment. This development will goahead whether you like it or not.

J H R Garner – retired BuildingContractor

this was going on and were able to sup-port mum and dad from there.

I live in New Zealand and am a nursemyself but it was very hard to get thisnews as I am so far away and was una-ble to help, so - THANK YOU so muchfrom my dad, my brother and sister-in-law and their five daughters as well asme & my husband in NZ and the otherthree grandchildren – and of coursefrom mum.

If you were one of those passers-bywho helped mum, your kindness is soappreciated and I pray you and yourfamilies are blessed this Christmas.

Lisa Harvey-Jack

YOUR SAY...

The Birstall Post welcomes your viewsand opinions on any subject. Letters, whichmust include your name and address,(though not necessarily for publication)can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit109, Greenacres, The Sidings, LeicesterLE4 3BR, or handed in at Birstall libraryor email: [email protected]

Thank you Birstall for all the kind-ness, cards, love and care shown to ourfamily on the sudden death of my hus-band Ron Forbes, his service at BirstallMethodist Church on 07.12 15 will longbe remembered and so will he. ‘Help forHeroes’ collection stands at £465 cur-rently, grateful thanks.

From Janice & the Forbes family

Regarding the Broadnook Gardensuburb, the development of 1500 housesnorth of Birstall.

I read that Birstall’s Parish CouncilChairperson, Ann Marshall, has said theBirstall Parish Council has objected tothis development. I would hope they

I would like to put a BIG thank youinto the Birstall Post to the people whooffered help to my mother Ann Harveyon December 21. Mum fell in the villageafter tripping and whilst waiting for theambulance to come in the rain andbiting wind, people rallied around toshelter mum with umbrellas and coverher with blankets. Someone went intothe charity shop and bought two scarvesto wrap around her and the pharmacystaff bought out two hot water bottles totry to warm her. A man even offered uphis warm hat to further shield her. Twonurses stopped to help, a man called foran ambulance on his mobile phone.

Despite all this she was hypothermiconce the ambulance arrived – I dread tothink what she would have been likewithout the help of these wonderfulpeople.

Someone found out who mum wasand made contact with my dad, thenfetched him! Another drove the carhome whilst mum & dad were at thehospital. My brother & sister-in-lawfound out through a neighbour whilst all

One evening recently my husband andmyself walked through School LanePlaying Fields towards Sibson Road. Wewere pleasantly surprised to see thesparkling, brilliant Christmas tree. Itlooked magical to us and a welcomesight to an otherwise wet and drearyevening.

Name & address supplied

I would like to thank the BirstallParish Council for the recently installedoutdoor gym equipment on School Laneplaying fields. I think we are so luckyand it’s free for us all to use.

Name and address supplied

I quite enjoyed the lights in Birstallthis year. As it has been relatively warmI could sit at the corner of Sibson Roadfor ages and watch them change fromred to red and orange, then to green,then (lovely) back to orange and thenagain red. This sequence is repeated; allvery jolly.

K L Reid (Mrs)

I liked the Christmas tree.Kathleen Shanks

Bowls

Ron Forbes

Development

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Mountsorrel Methodist ChurchCelebrating fifteen years ofSunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitalson Sunday January 17 at 8pmby Ben GiddensDirector of Music at Queen Anne’sSchool, CavershamAdmission is freeDonations for the developmentfundBuffet from 7.30pm

Birstall & District ArtSocietyTuesday January 12, at 6.30pmfor 7pm startYou are invited to join us at thePalmer Tomkinson Centre at TheCedars Academy, Wanlip Road,Birstall LE4 4GH to watch excitingartist Haidee Jo Summers giving ademonstration in acrylic and oilpaints of ‘Figures in a Setting’.Demonstration to end at 9pm.Members £1, Guests £3. Free raf-fle. Ample parking and wheelchairaccess.

Free Dance WorkshopHave you ever thought you wouldlike to have a go at Morris danc-ing?Anstey Royale Chalfont is a wom-en’s North West Morris team. Weare holding a free dance workshopon Saturday January 16at Glenfield Memorial Hall, Stam-ford Street, Glenfield LE3 8DLat 2pmCome along and bring yourfriends!

For more details please [email protected] or Gwynon 07505338003

Churches Together

Birstall’s BicycleBonanzaHave you had anew bike forChristmas?Help a refugee –donate an unwanted bikeSaturday February 6St Theresa’s Car Park10am to 4pmPlease bring any adult bikes youno longer want, together with anyusable cycle parts or accessories.We can pass on bikes that needrepairingEnquiries: Rose Parrott (St JamesChurch)Mobile 07811 662 235 or email:[email protected]

Councillor SurgeryLast Sat of every month10am to 12noon10 Sibson Road, Old Council OfficeTalk to your District & CountyCouncillorsto discuss any issue of local con-cern

Birstall RunningClubMeet Monday & Friday nights,6.20 for 6.30 runBirstall School Lane playing fields– showers & toilets availableWednesday night beginners groupat Birstall Legion 7pmSpeed work sessions also availa-ble on Wednesdays for thosewanting to improveContact Deryk on d-

[email protected] or Bob 07927346640Web site – www.birstallrc.org.uk

Centre Stage presents

The Origin ofSpeciesFri Feb 5, 7.30pmHumphrey Perkins CommunityCentre£9, conc £8, children £5Tel 077 187 153 117

A musical comedy by the TangramTheatre Company hot from theEdinburgh Fringe. It has had ravereviews wherever it appears:“witty, clever, absurd, the jokesspring out at you when you leastexpect … grownups will love it.Kids will adore it. A gem”.It tells the incredible story of howCharles Darwin came to discoverthe secrets of evolution and whyit took him over 20 years beforehe plucked up the courage to pub-lish his remarkable ideas. It’s ashow packed with big theories,terrible puns, brilliant physicalcomedy and six cracking originalsongs about everything fromblasted boring barnacles to theperils of marrying your cousin.www.busca.org.uk

A Winter’s Night inViennaJan 16, 7pm

Humphrey Perkins CommunityCentre, BarrowThe lights will dim and you will beenthralled with a medley of Vien-nese dances. Apart from the threefavourite must-haves: Blue Dan-ube Waltzes, Thunder and Light-ning Polka and Radetsky March,we have yet again assembled anew programme including the Tik-Tak Polka and the Klipp Klapp Gal-op, both by Johann Strauss 2, theNeckerei Polka by Joseph Strauss(means teasing), the Gold andSilver Waltz by Lehar and MitDampf Polka by Eduard Strauss ifwe can get hold of an anvil!(youcan guess what that means!)Tickets £14, £12 (concessions)and £3 for accompanied childrenunder 16.Available from the Paper Shop,High St, Barrow or by contactingthe box office on 07718 153117or [email protected] via Paypal onwww.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

Charnwood Forest:a Living LandscapeTalk by Michael JeevesMonday 18th January 2016 at7.30 p.m.Woodhouse Eaves Village HallMichael Jeeves has been Head ofConservation, Leicestershire andRutland Wildlife Trust for the last25 years.The Charnwood Forest LivingLandscape project aims to con-serve and enhance the uniquewildlife, geology and character ofCharnwood Forest. The project isled by the Leicestershire and Rut-land Wildlife Trust and is support-ed by Aggregate Industries.The Trust offers free wildlife sur-veys to landowners, has a small

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grant scheme to help with man-agement work and collaborateswith others who are concernedwith the conservation of this spe-cial area.Members are free. Guests are wel-come, £3 at the door. Refresh-ments included.Further information: Peter Ber-tram 01162 100 572 orwww.focf.org.uk

Irish Ceilidhwith live music fromlocal band ‘Turlough’

Friday 5th February 20167.00 for 7.30 start- 10.30pmTickets £10 - Includes a light sup-per – Licensed BarAt The Rothley Centre, 12 Mount-sorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PRAll proceeds to InterCare, MedicalAid for Africa

Birstall Birdwatching ClubpresentsMoroccoby Neil GlenMorocco is the most westerly ofthe North African countries with

Atlantic and Mediterranean coast-lines, a rugged mountainous inte-rior and a rich culture and allcombined with great birdwatchingin this easily accessible country.Neil will take us to a warm cli-mate, just what we need at thistime of the year.Tuesday 12th January at 7.30pmThe Little Owls Of Leicestershireby Richard PeglerRichard has spent over 5 yearsobserving, recording and photo-graphing Little Owls of the countyand tonight we will look at thelife of this delightful bird and thethreats that it faces. The fieldcraft needed to observe and pho-tograph will be discussed andthere may be time to look at owlsthat are not so little!Tuesday 9th February at 7.30pmThe Rothley Centre, MountsorrelLane, Rothley with free on-siteparking and easy access.Members free. Visitors welcome£2Contact Marion Vincent 01162375156

Birstall Royal BritishLegion2nd Dee Smoove (M/V)9th Hot stuff (Duo)16th Terry Carey (M/V)23rd P’ZAZ30th Kriz Garrick (M/V)Dancing every Saturday night withlive entertainmentBingo, Free beer raffle and notforgetting Open the BoxEvery Tuesday night Bingo start-ing at 9.15pmSunday Quiz nights Sunday 10thand 31st January starting at 9pmAcoustic night Sunday 17th Janu-ary at 8pmWednesday quiz every week from8.30pmFood available every Saturday 12-2pm except2nd and 23rd JanuaryWakes catered forFree Wi-Fi availableNew outside seating areaWe wish all our members a HappyNew YearAGM will be held at 7.30pm onWednesday 27th January

Birstall FlowerClub27th January 2016 at 7.15pmAGM followed by a “Giant Picnic”.do not forget yourplate/cutlery/glassBirstall Village Hall

Stay Ahead of the Chill this WinterAge UK Leicester Shire & Rutlandis offering

Free Home EnergyChecksto older people who are finding itdifficult to keep their homes warmin winter.One of our experienced handymencan visit you to check the temper-ature in your home and whether

there are draughts. They’ll inspectyour heating system and any insu-lation measures you have. If ourhandyman’s assessment suggeststhat you could benefit from ener-gy saving equipment – such asenergy saving light bulbs or re-flective panels behind radiators –these will be fitted free of charge.He’ll also give you practical tipson saving energy and keepingyour fuel bills down.All our handymen are DBS (wasCRB) checked.To arrange a FREE Home EnergyCheck for yourself or for an olderperson you think might benefit,please contact Amy Welch on 0116299 2254.

Birstall & DistrictLocal History SocietyThe Society commences itsmonthly meetings for 2016 onThursday 14th January with itsAGM at 7.30pm followed by a talkon the "History & Development ofthe National Census" given by Dr.John Sutton.The venue is Birstall Village Hall,Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics.Anyone thinking about joining theSociety is encouraged to comealong.Visitors are also very welcome tojoin us for this event.There will be parking available onthe night on the Birstall PlayingFields through the School Laneentrance.

Coffee MorningSaturday 30 January 10am-12pmBirstall Methodist ChurchRaising funds in aid of Alzheim-er’s SocietyRaffle, Tombola, Treasure Hunt(adult and young pirates)Please come along and supportthis wonderful Charity.

Leicester Sketch Club

Art Exhibition28th January - 19th March 2016Sock Gallery - Loughborough TownHallMarket Place, Loughborough, LE113EBFree Admission

The Club is delighted to presentits exhibition of original drawingsand paintings at Sock Gallery. Forover 100 years, Leicester SketchClub has encouraged and inspiredlocal artists through a varied pro-gramme of professional demon-strations, workshops, sketchingdays and annual exhibitions.

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tends to sell in order to pay offsome debts. However, Mathilde,played by Maggie Smith, livesthere and she causes serious com-plications. He is obliged to payher a costly life annuity. This de-lightful comedy is ideal to cheerus in the new year."A little Chaos"February 12 (120 mins)

This British costume drama, in athoroughly French setting, is cen-tred around the Palace of Ver-sailles. Louis X1V instructed hislandscape architect, Andre, to cre-ate a huge ornate water feature inhis luxurious grounds. Sabine,played by Kate Winslett, is hiredas gardener to complete this taskbut for her, this is an unfamiliarworld of rivalries and upper classetiquette. Amongst the comicalchaos, will Sabine succeed or fallfor Andre, or both?"Suffragette" will be shown onMarch 11th, hopefully.Thurcaston and Cropston ParishCouncil will be showing thesefilms at Thurcaston Memorial Hall.Starting at 7.30pm. Tickets will

The Club has over 100 membersranging from professional fulltime artists to developing parttime artists and aims to encour-age the artistic development ofall.Meet the Artists and Art Demon-strationsSaturday 6th February 2016 –10am-1pmA chance to meet LSC artists atwork and pick up tips and tanta-lising techniques!It is also our exhibition LaunchDay at 12 noon…..all welcome tojoin us.Free entry with refreshmentsavailable.www.leicestersketchclub.co.ukenquiries@leicestersketchclub.co.uk

CLASH 2016Peepul EnterpriseEvery Monday from 4th Jan Yoga,11.30am-12.30amFrom Tuesday 5th Jan Every Tues-day General Exercises, 1.30-2.30pmFrom Wednesday 6th Jan EveryWednesday Seated Exercises,1.30-2.30pmTesco Express Shelthorpe Commu-nity RoomAlternate Wed General Exercises,2.30-3.30pm from 6th JanAlternate Wed Drop-in ArthritisInformation session, 2.30-3.30pmfrom 13th JanWeekly Sunday Club Children &Young People’s club AnimationWorkshops and Fun Activities10.00am 12.00pm from 10th JanHydrotherapy Weekly at LeicesterGeneral Hospital from 7th JanuaryVolunteers (CLASH members) re.App trial – Please contact 03333444 611 if you would like to trialthe new MSK Blood Data HealthAppMSK Patient Involvement Group ifinterested, Call 03333 444 611i-Pad TrainingThursday 25th January, 3rd,,10th,17th February 10.00am-11.30am – iPad Mini Workshops(DMU Intern) Limited places – Call03333 444 611

LoughboroughConcert Bandat Birstall Methodist Church at7.30pmon Saturday, 30th January 2016.Admission £6.50 inc. refresh-mentsTickets (tel. 2671866) or at thedoor.All proceeds to ‘Walk in the Light’

Film PresentationsThurcaston and Cropston ParishCouncil"My Old Lady"January 8, 2016 (107 mins)"My Old Lady" is January's Britishcomedy starring Maggie Smith,with her well-timed witty com-ments. In Paris, Mathias inherits avaluable apartment which he in-

A FULL meeting of Birstall Par-ish Council was held on Decem-ber 14.

PC Dave Jaeckels reported there hadbeen 23 incidents of criminal damageon November 11/12. Cars were dam-aged, houses had windows smashed andbuses had stones thrown at them. Twoyoung people have been identified fromCCTV footage. One has been interviewedby Police and PC Jaeckels said he wasconfident the alleged offences could besuccessfully prosecuted. The incidentshave since stopped, he said.

Chairman Ann Marshall thanked PCJaeckels and the Birstall Police team fortheir support and assistance over theinstallation of the Christmas cone deco-ration. Staff members and councillorshad received threatening and abusivemessages. PC Jaeckels said he liked thecone and everyone he spoke to alsoliked it.

The Council considered a request forgrant aid from Birstall Methodist Churchand agreed to donate £525 for internalchurch noticeboards.

The clerk presented figures for the2016/17 precept. The Council is aimingfor a zero increase. A final decision willbe made in January when the BoroughCouncil releases the figures on thenumber of households/council tax pay-ers in the village.

Chairman Ann Marshall reported that20 hampers of seasonal food had beenprepared for delivery by councillors toelderly and needy people in the village.

The next meeting of the council willbe held on Monday January 11 at 7pmin Birstall Village Hall.

cost no more than £5 and conces-sions will still be £4.50. Therewill be refreshments and a luckyprize draw during the interval.Advanced tickets may be pur-chased via the parish office –0116236 7626 or at the door.

Birstall MethodistMen's Pantomimeregret to announce that due to aseries of unfortunate events therewill not be pantomime this year.We hope to be back next year witha new production.If anyone would like to join us,rehearsals will start on Thursdayevenings in September.Please note the cast is made upentirely of men of all ages from 9to 90.Acting ability, not essential.There will be some singing anddancing,but again ability in either is notessential (most of the current casthave two left feet)Help with costumes, props, scen-ery is always welcomeRichard TinleyTel: 0116 220 9462Mob: 0778 529 3005

Birstall Tea DanceSt James Village HallBirstall RoadLeicester LE4 4DHFriday 29th January 20163.30pm - 5.30pm£3.00 each on the door.All WelcomedRefreshments includedFurther information contact Jack-ie:0116 2248278 or 07908607405email:[email protected]

ParishCouncilnotes

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The woman, in her nineties, is aresident at Burley Houses on TempestRoad. She fell on December 8 at about2am and used the installed ‘Lifeline’system which connected her to an oper-ator .

Borough Councillor David Gaskell ison the board of trustees at Burley Hous-es. He said: “Unfortunately the controloperator was unable to contact any ofthe resident’s on-call friends but theydid contact East Midlands Ambulanceservice [EMAS].

“The controller told EMAS of the ageof the lady and that she was on thefloor, wearing only her night clothes.The controller left the ‘Lifeline’ openand kept the resident updated as to whatwas happening. Despite the controllerrepeatedly requesting that the ambulanceattend, it took over four hours before

A SPECTACULARChristmas festivaltransformed Bir-stall MethodistChurch into awinter wonder-land with deco-rated trees anddisplays.The theme thisyear was ‘WhiteChristmas’ andthe event raised£8300, some ofwhich will be do-nated to the

County air am-bulance.

AN ELDERLY woman who fell in her Birstall home waitedfour hours for an ambulance.

this happened.”A spokesman for EMAS said: “We’re

very sorry for the delay that the patientexperienced and we apologise for anypossible distress caused. Like all UKambulance services and the wider healthsystem, we are experiencing a significantand sustained increase in demand. Atthe time of this call we were under se-vere pressure from other 999 calls andwe are very sorry we weren’t able torespond much quicker than we did. Weare now in the process of conducting afull investigation into the circumstancesof the incident.”

Cllr Gaskell said: “I have made aformal complaint to EMAS. They say theywere very busy, but surely the plight ofan aged person wearing very little andlying on the floor at the dead of nightshould have warranted a more urgentresponse.”

Long delay afterelderly woman falls

Pic: Burley Houses

Christmas festival

Pic: Erin Rose (5)with Santa

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IT’S TO be hoped that we haveall had a happy Christmastime. We now look forward tothe New Year.

Many of us will have received giftsfrom friends and loved ones which wecan enjoy as the weeks to by. In orderto keep them safe, it’s a good idea toprotect them with our NHW codingdevice. At our monthly Advice shopswe can code items for free and thepolice team is given a note of the itemand its owner, so that if it is stolenthere is a chance that it can be re-turned to its rightful owner. Bicyclesare good to code and you get a strongpadlock at cost price.

We have a selection of safety itemssuch as various alarms and fencespikes, plus the free items such aspurse bells and chains and markerpens.

Our next Advice Shop is on Satur-day January 16 in the old counciloffices, opposite the garden centre onSibson Road, from 10am until midday.

The members of the committeewould like to wish everyone a happyand peaceful New Year.

From your NHW committee, Birstall &Wanlip

pression that someone is home, assimple steps such as this really dohelp to make a difference.

In relation to incidents of damage,I would like to share with you somegood work that PCSO Mark Butler didearlier in the month, after he managedto identify some young people respon-sible for causing a small amount ofdamage at St James Church. Afterspeaking with the parents of theyouths involved, Mark arranged forthem to spend some time at theChurch, tidying up & doing somemaintenance work, as well as arrang-ing for the damage to be paid for.Mark supervised the youths whilst theydid this to ensure the work was com-pleted and has received positive feed-back from both the victim and theparents of the young people involvedin relation to the way the matter wasdealt with. I hope you will all agreethat this was both a sensible & inven-tive way to deal with an issue of thisnature.

On a final note, we have had a fewreports this month of large gardenornaments being stolen from outsidepeople’s houses. If possible, pleaseconsider securing these to the groundwith either concrete or large screws asanything that makes them more diffi-cult to steal will act as a deterrent to awould-be thief.

Thanks for reading and as alwaysplease remain vigilant and report anycrimes or suspicious activity to thePolice on 101. You can also contactyour local NHW co-ordinator for ad-vice on non-crime matters.

PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels, PCSO’s6611 Mark Butler and 6391 FionaLacey.

NL60 – Birstall Police Office.http://www.leics.police.uk

Tel: 0116 2677355 (Please notethis is an advice line only – Please use101 or 999 to report crime).

The club is running its next 10 week"Couch to 5k" course in January 2016.This will start on Monday January 11 at6.45pm at the Pavilion, School Laneplaying fields, Birstall, LE4 4EA. Thecourse is aimed at beginners aged 16years and older and will be run by qual-ified run leaders.

A club spokesman said: “We willtypically work for between 30 and 45minutes each week with gradual pro-gression as the weeks go by. ‘Gradua-tion’ will take place at the end of the 10weeks with a 5km group run at Braun-stone parkrun where course memberswill be able to run and celebrate togeth-er.”

The course is based on the popularNHS 'Couch to 5k' programme and isfully supported by internet materials anda mobile phone app.

“Please do not be shy. All abilitiesare welcome and we will ensure that no

IS YOUR New Year's Resolution to get fit, to learn to jog orrun, to lose some weight or simply to make new friends?Birstall Running Club say they can help.

person is left behind” said the spokes-man.

There is no cost for the course, andno obligation to join the club at the endof it. As the nights are dark the clubadvises that everybody is ‘seen to besafe’ by wearing hi-vis clothing. “Thisneed not be anything expensive andsimple hi-vis vests can be picked up forless than £5. Otherwise, all that is need-ed is sportswear, a pair of trainers anda bit of enthusiasm!” said the spokes-man.

For further information, contact ScottBrownlow by email [email protected]

NHW news& crime report

Crime Report : Birstall, Nov 2015Assaults 5, burglary 1, burglary

non-dwelling 3, damage 9, damageto motor vehicle 14, drugs 1, theft10, theft from motor vehicle 2, theftof motor vehicle 1, theft from store 3

WE HAVE unfortunately seen aslight rise in reported crime in No-vember with 49 crimes being re-ported, up from 43 last month.

The main reason for this is due toa large rise in damage offences toboth vehicles and houses, of which wehave had a total of 23. In last month’sreport I spoke about a few incidentswhereby stones and rocks had beenthrown at passing vehicles and I amsaddened to report that this stupidityhas continued this month, with anumber of cars, buses and housewindows being smashed. A largenumber of these incidents occurred onthe evening of the 11/11 into the12/11 and we are currently investigat-ing these with a view to identifying theperson(s) responsible. We have man-aged to obtain some CCTV footage inrelation to a few of the incidents andare confident that we will be able toidentify those involved.

I am pleased to report that houseburglaries have remained low, withonly one being reported during themonth. Please continue to lock andsecure your home whenever you areout and consider leaving lights on (orfitting timer switches) to give the im-

Get off couch andstart running



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The data was published in a docu-ment released by Leicestershire CountyCouncil: it has been consulting on addi-tional traffic calming measures for theroad. It recommends the installation of alarger and more informative vehicleactivated sign (VAS) to replace the exist-ing damaged sign on the eastern side ofBirstall Road.

Speed data for the road was obtainedby the County Council over one week inJuly 2015. It was paid for by a localresident who offered the data to theCouncil.

The data shows that around 5351vehicles use the road every day and thatthe mean speed is 31.1mph. In the weekthat was measured the number of vehi-cles travelling over 36mph each dayvaried between 603 and 975.

The County Council says the collisionhistory of Birstall Road over the last fiveyears shows that there are less reportedaccidents than on other local roads, andthat accidents are of “slight injury na-ture”.

A traffic calming review prepared bythe County Council states: “We appreci-ate speeds can exceed the 30mph speedlimit when driving along Birstall Roadand this is due primarily to the charac-teristics of the road having an environ-ment which has property frontages onthe western side only and the propertiesset well back from the road edge. Thisdoes lead to motorists not always realis-ing what speeds they should be doing.

“It is not easy to influence the speedsof some motorists who are familiar withthe highway environment and drive at a

speed they consider safe for the prevail-ing conditions…”

Leicestershire County Council SeniorEngineer Stuart Bullen attended a publicmeeting in the Village Hall on December14, prior to the monthly meeting ofBirstall Parish Council.

He gave a presentation and answeredquestions from the public. He said that

the speed hump on Birstall Road nearthe junction with Church Hill would bereplaced when the road had been resur-faced which would not happen beforeMarch 2016.

A resident expressed frustration thatrestoration of the hump was taking solong and annoyance that more effectivetraffic calming measures would not beconsidered until someone had beenkilled on the road.

A member of the public commentedthat the volume of traffic using the road,as well as vehicle speeds was somethingthat needed to be addressed. Commentwas made that the existing speed humpsfailed to reduce the speed of anyoneexcept “little old ladies”.

The County Council says that the fullwidth speed tables are not an optionand that installation of a speed camerais not justified.

The County Council says that 354letters were posted to “affected resi-dents” to inform them of the proposalsfor Birstall Road, but some members ofthe public at the meetingsaid they had not receivedthem.

PC Dave Jaeckels report-ed that the local policeteam did conduct speedchecks on the road andhad reported seven peoplefor speeding. He said thatin the last five years therehad been one serious inju-ry and three slight injuries.

PC Jaeckels recommend-ed a scheme that involvesresidents being suppliedwith large 30mph stickerswhich are put on theirwheelie bins.

Those present at themeeting agreed to supportthe proposal for a largerVAS. Any additional signswould have to be met bythird party funding, says theCounty.

MORE THAN 700 vehicles a day travel along Birstall Road atspeeds over 36mph.

PLANS FOR a 70 place nurseryat Hallam Fields have beensubmitted to Charnwood Bor-ough Council.

Jelson Ltd want to build the singlestorey nursery in the ‘central hub’,opposite the care home that is cur-rently under construction.

Jelson had previously proposedbuilding a larger two storey nurserybut market research revealed therewould be insufficient demand in thearea, so it has scaled the developmentdown to a single storey building.Pic: the location of the nursery

A CHARITY run featured inlast month’s Birstall Posthas raised £202.

Lexie McLoughlin (11 and OliviaBonshor (11) ran circuits of King Lear’sLake in Watermead Country Park in aidof Children in Need.

The girls want to say thank you to allthose who sup-ported them andto the membersof the publicwho were walk-ing aroundWatermead anddonated on theday.

Charityrun

Hundreds speedingon Birstall Road

Pic: a VAS speed sign

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A CHAMPION tap dancerfrom Birstall is celebratingafter coming top in a dancecompetition she has wantedto win for years.

Daniela Fabbricatore (17), a pupil atthe Cedars Academy, was participating inthe BTDA All England Championshipfinals whish sees competitors travel fromall over the country to compete for thenational title of BTDA All England Cham-pion.

Daniela competed as part of the Star-light Theatre School where she hastrained in dancing, acting and singingsince the age of three. After being suc-cessful in the heats, Daniela qualified forseven dances in the final.

Daniela won the Senior Tap soloistcategory and has gained the title of2015-2016 BTDA All England Senior TapChampion.

Daniela said about her victory: “I was

unbelievably happy when I won, yetshocked at the same time. I have wantedto win this title for years and haveworked unbelievably hard to do so. I

was pleased with my performance fromthe moment I stepped off stage, howeverI never thought that I could actuallywin.”

A PETITION calling for theprovision of a bus shelterand raised kerbs has beensigned by nearly 70 resi-dents.

Petitioners want the bus stop andkerbs to be installed on Wanlip Lanenear the junction with Windmill Ave-nue.

Organiser Christine Howe has sentthe petition to Birstall Parish Council.She said: “For many years now resi-dents have been asking for the kerbsto be raised at the bus stops on Wan-lip Lane and for the installation of abus shelter at the Wanlip Lane termi-nus.

“Often buses are late or don’t turnup at all and when they do quite a lotof the passengers have problems get-ting on and off the bus especially as atone stop there is no kerb at all.

“In the last few years most of theadjacent councils have installed shel-ters and kerbs at almost all stops andI can’t see why Birstall should be anydifferent especially as the terminus isheavily used.”

P/15/2623/2: 23 Moorgate Ave-nue – erection of single storeyextension to side and rear ofdwelling (Revised scheme ofP/15/1551/2 with additionalparking provided)P/15/2510/2: NeighbourhoodCentre Nursery, Hallam FieldsRoad – erection of a single storeybuilding as a day nursery

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TENANTS HAVE moved backin to their flats at Rivers-dale Court, Charnwood Bor-ough Council’s shelteredscheme in Birstall, follow-ing a £3 million refurbish-ment project.

The work turned the old bedsits into29 high-quality, one-bedroom flats withnew kitchens and bathrooms, and wascarried out by the Council’s contractor,Willmott Dixon.

Tenant Betty Woods (93) said: “Mynew flat’s wonderful. I’m not unpackedyet but I’m getting lots of help with thatand hopefully it will all be sorted in aday or two.”

Councillor Pauline Ranson, DeputyCabinet Member for Housing said:“We’re delighted with the remodelling ofthese flats and I’m so glad to be here towelcome some of the tenants back intotheir homes.

“The work represented a significantinvestment for us, and was part of ourcommitment to making council homesbetter for residents. I think the refur-

bishment willmake a hugedifference to thelives of the ten-ants.

“Anyone over60 who is think-ing of movingshould consider aflat at Riversdale.They make anideal home for many older people.”

The Council’s sheltered schemes areaimed at residents over 60 who enjoyliving independently but would like thesupport of a warden, a 24-hour alarmservice and a close community of neigh-bours.

Anyone interested in the Riversdaleflats, or other sheltered schemes, mustregister with the Council’s Choice BasedLettings service to apply. There are cer-tain criteria which you must meet beforeyou can register such as having a localconnection. Call 01509 634567 or visitwww.charnwood.gov.uk/housing for

more information.A Borough Council spokesman said:

“Existing tenants can also talk to usabout a transfer – up to £2,000 is avail-able for tenants who downsize from alarger property to a flat.”

The work to Riversdale Court includ-ed brand new kitchens, bathrooms andcarpets and new painting throughout.

The scheme has a communal loungefor all residents and is set in landscapedgardens, with views of the River Soarand Watermead Park.

BEFORE THE Birstall Post and theLeicester Mercury reported on peo-ple and events in our village, earli-er 19th century newspapers like theLeicester Journal and the LeicesterChronicle, both long defunct, car-ried news items about Birstall,then a much smaller place with apopulation below five hundred.

Local historian, Mike Smith, hasbeen researching these early papersand a monthly selection of the moreinteresting and amusing of these newsitems will be appearing in the BirstallPost.

Remarkable Escape of a DebtorMr Frederick Ludford, a gentleman

of property confined for debt, in theQueen’s Bench prison contrived by avery ingenious expedient to obtain hisliberation. When the discover of hisflight was made known he was tracedto the village of Birstall in Leicester-shire where his recapture was affect-ed. Mr Ludford procured some toolsof a carpenter and converted a chestof mahogany drawers into a place ofconcealment. He knocked the bottomsout of the drawers and made the inte-rior sufficiently capacious to containhimself. Mr Ludford sent for a porterto purchase some cord, fasten up thedrawers and remove them and himselffrom the prison by horse and cart.

Stamford Mercury 3/3/1843

Highway Robbery at BirstallMr William Ray of London was

stopped on the turnpike near BirstallHall by two men on horseback. Oneseized the reins of his horse whilst theother presented the pistol to him ashe sat in the gig. They took three fivepound notes, 15 sovereigns, and twopounds in silver and cut the drivingreins of the horse’s bridle.

Leicester Journal 31/3/1823

LookingBack

MOST PEOPLE are happy living in Charnwood and with bor-ough council services according to a survey.

Charnwood Borough Council carriedout its residents’ survey – Your Charn-wood, Your Say – this year and the re-sults have just been published.

It found a total of 87 per cent ofpeople who responded were happy orvery happy with life in the borough and82 per cent were satisfied with councilservices.

The survey also revealed the topthree priorities for residents. They arefeeling safe in their home and localarea; cleanliness of the area and havinga good refuse and recycling service.

A total of 1,078 people completed thesurvey.

Council Leader David Slater said: “Iwould like to thank people again fortaking the time to tell us what theythink.

“The survey has found that mostpeople are happy living in Charnwoodand with our services. That’s really goodto hear. The survey also tells us whatpeople feel are the important issues and

we have used this information to helpset our own priorities for the next fouryears.

“Some of the results are slightly low-er than in our previous survey, but wehave to put that in perspective and satis-faction levels are still very high.

“The survey is a great opportunity forpeople to raise issues and we will notonly continue to listen to residents infuture, but also engage in conversation.We need to work together for the benefitof the borough.”

The survey ran between July andOctober and included targeted work togain views from hard-to-reach groupssuch as young people, older people andpeople with disabilities.

The full report of the survey findingsare available on the council websitewww.charnwood.gov.uk/survey

Key points from the survey findings: * 82% of residents satisfied with council

services (85% in 2013) * 87% of people were at least happy liv-ing in Charnwood (94% in 2013)

* 74% of people were satisfied with howcouncil tax was being spent (77% in 2013) * 79% of people find it easy to find outabout council services (82% in 2013)

* Top three priorities: 1. Feeling safe in my home and local area(73% of people in 2015) 2. Cleanliness and tidiness of my localarea (49% of people in 2015) 3. Rubbish collected on a regular and re-liable basis (36% of people in 2015)

Home re-opens after £3m refurb

Pic: (top) Riversdale Court, Birstall;(inset, l-r) Cllr Pauline Ranson, JuneFletcher & Sean Moses from Willmott Dixon

Happy in Charnwood?

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OUR PICTURES show children from theMethodist Church pre-school entertaining

old people before they enjoyed a Christmaslunch provided for them in the MethodistChurch

IT WAS Christmas at Birstalland Wanlip WI and 31 ladiescelebrated on December 7with Secret Santas andmince pies.

We had a convivial meeting of chat-ting and crafting led by our speaker LisaPidgeon of Little Bird SOS (School ofStitchwork).

After our usual rendition of Jerusa-lem we thanked Jane, Helen, Kath andRosalie for decorating our tree at theBirstall Methodist Church Christmas TreeFestival. We also had feedback fromMargaret’s trip to Sandringham andBethan’s Christmas crafting course.

Lisa Pidgeon then spoke to us abouther journey from nursing to the terrificwork she now does with her non-profitmaking organization which brings artsand crafts for health and wellbeing toLeicester. Like so many of our speakersshe inspired us all with her achieve-ments.

The rest of the evening was spentpaper folding and chatting as we madeChristmas card holders and distributedSecret Santa gifts. Irene Faulkner wonthe competition cup when her holderwas chosen as the best of the evening.We still had a visit to Oliver at Curveand a meal at the Red Lion to lookforward to before we say goodbye to2015.

Our first meeting of 2016 is on Janu-ary 4 when Felicity Austin will be talkingabout ‘Those big good brands we grewup with’ and on January 6 we play AstillLodge in the final of the skittles tourna-ment. Don’t forget to look at our Face-book page for more photos and up todate news.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

A BIRSTALL musician hasproduced an album forHelp for Heroes.

Kathleen Shanks (59), of ElmfieldAvenue, recorded the album, called‘Heroes’, at Abbey Road Studios inLondon. The album features theCapital Arts Children’s Choir, Lon-don Cantamusica, royal harpistClaire Jones, the band of the IrishGuards and studio instrumentalistsfrom London. Kathleen became in-volved through her music in PrinceHarry’s Invictus Games in 2014 andwas inspired by the athletes.

She said: “James Shanks, myfather, was in the Irish Guards. Hewas woundedout of thesecond worldwar when hisunit wasblown up. Hewas the onlysurvivor of theblast. Aftertwo yearsrehabilitationin hospital hewas dis-charged fitand well. Birstall people will re-member him walking the dog in thevillage in his 90s. He lived to 96. Itis that rehabilitation that is so im-portant, physical rehabilitation, men-tal rehabilitation. Without the help ofcharities such as ‘Help For Heroes’there simply wouldn’t be the moneyto do the work needed”.

The album also has a Leicester-

shire connections. ‘Gloria In Londin-ium’ features singers from theLeicester Philharmonic Choir andinstrumentalists from the LeicesterSymphony Orchestra who travelledto the Abbey Road Studios to recordtheir contribution. Each track on thealbum has been sponsored. ‘GloriaIn Londinium’ was sponsored byfunds raised from a quiz eveningarranged by Liz and Peter Thornberof Birstall.

Kathleen works a freelance musi-cian in London. She has just finishfilming a cameo role in a film forToom Productions with JeremyIrons and Michael Fassbender. Shetrains choruses for West End showsand opera and works as a musicconsultant for Decca Universal andSyco Music. She is a published com-poser with the American firm, HallLeonard.

The album is on the HarvestMoon label and is available on Ama-zon.

Preschool entertainsat Christmas lunch

WI news Composer’scharityalbum

Pic: KathleenShanks

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OUTDOOR GYM equipmenthas been installed on twoof Birstall’s playing fields.

Birstall Parish Council has installedsix items on the School Lane playingfield and three at Harrowgate Drive.

Chairman of Birstall Parish CouncilAnn Marshall said: “We’ve had lots ofpositive comments. We wanted to pro-vide something for all ages to use butespecially older young people.

“The sports clubs that use SchoolLane have been very positive. BirstallRunning Club want to use it, and youngpeople at the youth café.”

The equipment cost £16,166 includ-ing installation and surfacing. The parishcouncil carried out a consultation exer-cise through various media includingfacebook before agreeing to purchasethe equipment.

The equipment installed at SchoolLane is:

• cross trainer• spinning bicycle

• hand bicycle• chin up and dip station• dip/leg raise• pendulum & twisterHarrowgate Drive has: ab bench;

cross trainer; hand bicycle

THE WORKERS’ EducationalAssociation Birstall andRothley Branch have an-nounced their New Yearprogramme.The Art Of Trompe-L’oeil ‘Deceive theEye’

This course is designed so that learn-ers will learn perspective techniques. Itconcentrates on mural lay-out, multiple-point perspectives and ‘tips and tricks’.Topics include painting techniques forthe foreground, middle and background,use of simple tools (e.g. levels, stringsand projectors) to create ‘perceptivelycorrect’ Italian floor tiles, arched doors,windows, columns and arches and muchmore!

Learners will each complete a muralbased upon elements such as vaults,rows of columns, fountains, etc, and willfollow/embellish a basic design by tap-ping into their own creativity. Unleashyour imagination and join this incrediblecourse! No prior knowledge required,just a lively interest in practical andtheoretical art.

Tutor: Anna Michalska-Tomajer. Fee£86.65 or Free if you are in receipt ofan income related benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR

Date: Monday 12.45–3pm, 10 meet-ings from Monday 11th January 2016

NOTE: Please phone to see if placesavailable. Marion Vincent 0116 2375156

Behind The Iron Curtain-Life In East-ern Europe Under Communism

Aspects of life in the ‘Warsaw Pact’countries, from the end of the SecondWorld War until 1989. How particularcharacteristics, cultures and even differ-ent political systems combined to under-mine the Soviet Union’s protectivebarrier against the West.

Tutor: David Price. Fee £52.00 orFree if you are in receipt of an incomerelated benefit.


Date: Tuesday 10–11.30am, 9 meet-ings from Tuesday 12th January 2016

Colour, Line And Light-Art Apprecia-tion

Explore the different role of colour,line and light in the fascinating, oftencompelling, works by artists from JMWTurner to Roy Lichtenstein. No experi-ence necessary-just a lively open-mindedinterest in art!

Tutor Janis Baker Fee £53.90 or Freeif you are in receipt of an income relat-ed benefit.


Date: Wednesday 7.15–9.15pm, 7meetings from Wednesday 13th January2016

Contact: Marion Vincent 01162375156 or send your enrolments toBrenda Sutherland, WEA Treasurer, 4North Street, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7NN

Please make cheques payable to WEABirstall & Rothley Branch. Enrol on linefor all courses if space available athttps://enrolonlinewea.org.uk/online

Visit our website!www.birstallandrothleywea.org.uk

LOCAL YOUNGSTERS repre-sented Birstall and Water-mead Tennis club at theDan Maskell Centre atLoughborough Universityon November 28.

For three of the children this wastheir first taste of competitive tennis.“Although they didn’t win they allshowed great sportsmanship and arelooking forward to their next match inJanuary” said a club spokesman.Pic: (l-r) Aidan O-Donoghue, Thomas Little,Avnish Patel and Miles Hopkins

CHILDREN FROM River-side primary school vis-ited Birstall’s TescoExpress to decorate thestore’s Christmas treewith decorations theyhad made.

Children decorateTesco tree

Work out in park WEA courses

Pic: the new gym equipment

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President of the Methodist Conference tovisit Birstall

February 7 will see the service at Birstallled by Rev Steve Wild who is the 2015/16President.

It is the highest Presbyteral position in theMethodist Church. Rev Steve Wild lives inTruro, Cornwall, and he will visit many Meth-odist Churches during his year of office. Asthere are only 52 Sundays in the year, Birstallis very lucky to have such a visit.

Steve Wild is very much an evangelist andhis message to Birstall on February 7 willcreate a few challenges!Methodist Christmas Festival Result

Birstall Methodist Church is grateful to allwho supported the Christmas Festival at theend of November. Special thanks go to thosewhose creative skill made such wonderfuldisplays under the theme of “White Christ-mas”.

Financially almost £8300 was raised witha portion of that sum going to the local AirAmbulance.Methodist Men’s Pantomime Cancelled

Alas there will be no Men’s Pantomimethis February. Oh no there won’t!

Due to an unfortunate set of circumstanc-es three pivotal cast members have had todrop out, and, sadly, the decision was takento cancel the 2016 performance. It was tohave been Peter Pan. Richard Tinley (Produc-er) is optimistic that there will be a perform-ance in 2017. It is thought that the 2017performance will be during the 60th yearsince the very first production. There havebeen two previous occasions when there wasno pantomime.

From Birstall Methodist Church

but we return the following week (10th) forthe rest of the month. Our visiting speakeron January 10 is John Todd (Loughborough).Please note that there is a Sunday Schoolavailable for youngsters aged seven to twelveduring the sermon part of the service if re-quested.New Evening Sunday Service

We are aware that some of you wouldwish to join with us but find attending onSunday mornings conflicts with other commit-ments, so we are introducing a monthlyevening service beginning at 6pm The first ofthese is on Sunday January 17. We lookforward to seeing you there.

Further information please ring 01162214883.

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Inde-pendent Baptist Church

The Borough Council says it will defendits strategy, adopted in November 2015. Itsets out how much development will bebuilt in Charnwood, and where it will belocated, up to 2028. The strategy includes1500 homes north of Birstall.

Councillor Eric Vardy , Cabinet Memberfor Planning, said: “This is not an unex-pected move and we will defend the CoreStrategy.

“As this has moved into the legal arena,we will not be commenting further aboutthis action”.

The application to the High Court hasbeen made by the Rosconn Group andseeks:

• the quashing of the decision to adoptthe Core Strategy

• a declaration that the Council and theInspector erred in law by not examiningthe five-year land supply appropriately

• an order requiring the inspector tore-open the Examination and allow sub-mission and cross examination on five-yearland supply

• an order requiring the Inspector toreconsider and re-issue his report afterhearing these issues.

The Council is in the process of re-sponding to the application and the HighCourt will then decide whether a judicialreview can take place.

The Charnwood Core Strategy’s mainareas of proposed development are:

• around 3,000 homes and 16 ha ofemployment to the west of Loughborough

• around 4,500 homes and 13 ha ofemployment to the north of Hamilton/eastof Thurmaston

• around 1,500 homes and 15 ha ofemployment on land to the north of theA46 at Birstall.

The Core Strategy also sets out how theCouncil will support Plans for the regener-ation of the Watermead corridor within theThurmaston and Syston area, support forfurther development of the LoughboroughScience and Enterprise Park and a regen-eration plan for Shepshed.

News from the churches

First ThingsFirstly, all at BIBC wish you a Happy New

Year and hope that may you know everyblessing in 2016. Secondly, we would like tothank all of you who supported our sale ofLodge Trust goods at the village’s ChristmasMarket last December. The collection fromour Carol Service was added to the proceedsand given to support the Trust’s work withadults with learning difficulties. The Trustwould like us to pass on their thanks also.Sunday Morning Services

Our services are held in the CommunityRoom at Highcliffe Primary School, GreengateLane (LE4 3DL), starting at 10.45am andyou are warmly invited to join with us. Due tothe school’s holidays, we are not meetingthere on January 3 (so please ring for venue)

A HOUSING developer has made a legal challenge to Charn-wood Borough Council’s Core Strategy

STAFF AND volunteers at the Sibson Road branch of theWoodside Animal Centre RSPCA charity shop were greetedby a scene of devastation after their shop was the victim ofa burglary – for the fourth year running.

Clothes, books and other productsthat the shop sells to raise cash for theLeicestershire branch of the RSPCA werestrewn on the floor, many of them dam-aged so badly that they can’t be sold.

Thieves stole the cash float from thetill and the shop mascot, a three footpot dog containing hundreds of poundsin coins donated by shoppers.

Spokesman Richard Pyat said: “Thisshop has been targeted year on year.Each time it happens it doesn’t get anyeasier to handle. I am appalled thatsomeone could steal from a charity thatis working so hard to protect defence-less animals.

“The amount it costs to make repairsfollowing break-ins eats into the moneywe raise to help Leicestershire’s animalsin need, and it can take months to getthe shop back to its former condition.We have very loyal supporters and vol-

unteers who give up their time to helpus raise money so it’s a shame for themtoo.”

Gary Wheway, Woodside Animal Cen-tre Branch Manager said: “We urgeanyone who might have heard or seenanything during the evening of TuesdayNovember 24 to come forward I wouldalso like to take this opportunity tothank everyone for their support duringthis difficult time. Out kind volunteerscome in every day to help raise much-needed funds for our animals, and as aresult of this week’s incidents they reelunsafe and distressed which is simplynot fair.”

If you would like to show your sup-port or have any further information,please contact Woodside Animal Centreon 01162 336677www.rspcaleicester.org.uk

Goodbye 2015!As everyone takes down the Christmas

lights and decorations and returns to work orschool, January can seem the most unattrac-tive month of the year! After the extraordi-nary mild and wet December the thought of awhite frost or even a dusting of snow seemsalmost appealing.

However there was nothing in the weatherto spoil our Christmas events. We were de-lighted that so many people from our com-munity came to St. James to enjoy singing“Carols for All”, or to the delightful Cribservice on Christmas Eve or the 11pm Mid-night Communion – always very special occa-sions.

Others came to Wanlip, for a ceremony ofcarols one evening, or the informal “carolsround the tree” the next night.The New Year

In the month of January we turn to a verydifferent concern – the plight of those lessfortunate than ourselves. To highlight theweek of prayer for Christian Unity, starting onJanuary 18, there will be three Hunger lunch-es: on Monday 18 at St. Theresa’s. Birstall;on Wednesday 19 at Birstall Methodist Churchand Thursday 21 at Our Lady and St. Nicho-las, Wanlip. All start at 12.45pm. Everyone isinvited to come and eat a simple lunch, forwhich you are asked to contribute to Chris-tian Aid the price of a normal meal, to helpfeed those who do not know what a normalmeal is.

We wish everyone in Birstall and Wanlip avery happy New Year!

From Birstall Parish Churches

Council plans challenged

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Happy New Year from Birstall BAG’sHere’s some Cancer Prevention ad-

vice for you to mull over as you arecontemplating your new year resolutionsor if you are just thinking of a ‘newyear a new you’ maybe.

Many people believe that getting can-cer is purely down to genes, fate or badluck. But through scientific research, weknow that our risk actually depends ona combination of our genes, our envi-ronment and aspects of our lives, manyof which we can control.

Cancer is caused by damage to ourDNA, the chemical instructions that tellour cells what to do. Things in our envi-ronment, such as UV rays, or our life-style, such as the cancer-causingchemicals in tobacco, can damage ourDNA. This damage builds up over time.If a cell develops too much damage to

its DNA it can start to multiply out ofcontrol – this is how cancer starts.

In the UK, more than 1 in 2 peoplewill develop cancer at some pointin their lives. Every year, morethan 331,000 people are diag-nosed with the disease. Butexperts estimate that more than4 in 10 cancer cases could beprevented by lifestyle changes, suchas:

• not smoking• keeping a healthy bodyweight• cutting back on alcohol• eating a healthy, balanced diet• keeping active• avoiding certain infections (suchas HPV)• enjoying the sun safely• occupation (avoiding cancer

risks in theworkplace)

Surveys of thepopulation haveshown that peo-ple aren’t neces-sarily aware thatall of these thingsare linked tocancer. For ex-ample, the Can-cer Research UKfunded Percep-tions of RiskSurvey in 2008found that only3% of the peoplepolled knew that

being overweight or obesecould increase their risk ofcancer.

So whatever you decide todo try to think about howyou can reduce your cancerrisk. Whether you stopsmoking, increase your activ-ity, lose weight, improve yourdiet. Your actions really can

help reduce your risk.For further information:

www.cancerresearchuk.org and as alwaysUniversity Hospitals of Leicester Cancer

Information Centre on 0116 258 6189For more information on the funds wehave raised, projects we support andforthcoming events seewww.birstallbags.co.uk or our Face-book page

Contact the BAG’s by [email protected]

Birstall BAG’s Registered CharityNumber 1160190

Birstall BAG’s are establishing aHome Visiting Service in collaborationwith LOROS and initially we are lookingto recruit LOROS volunteers from theBirstall and surrounding area willing tosupport families in their own home inour community – for more informationplease contact Andrew [email protected] tel 01162318470

TELEPHONE EXTENSION Socketsfitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable,BT and digital TV. Over 25 yrs ex-perience. John 2675132, mob:077 91788331

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consul-tancy. Plans drawn and submitted.Extensions, conversions, newbuild. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons)FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 /07974807111www.amlidesign.co.uk

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us orhand it in (inside an envelope) at Birstall library.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25pa word. You are liable for the trade/businessrate if you are offering a service for which youare asking for payment, or if you are advertis-ing new goods for sale. All text will be printedbold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words.Phone numbers count as one word.

Small Ads

Pic: Wreake Valley Rotary club recently made a donation of £2500to Birstall BAGs. Our picture shows Liz Darlison and Lesley Merryreceiving a cheque from Nigel Coleman and David Fox, President.

THE BIRSTALL POSTYOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Unit 109, Greenacres,The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR

Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson

Editorial/Advertising

0116 4422067Correspondence, news etc

can be handed in at:Birstall Library or to our office:

Unit 109, Greenacres, The SidingsLeicester LE4 3BR,

[email protected]



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