birstall post april 2011 (333)

APRIL 2011 No. 333

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

Park & ride sculptureTHREE ARTISTS shortlisted to create a major piece of public art showcasedtheir work at a public consultation event in the village hall.

The chosen artist’s work will be erect- ed within the Birstall park and ride siteand will cost £57,000, provided by Hal-

lam Fields’ develop-ers Jelson.

A steering groupof local council-lors and county

Get involved� Send your stories...� Send your pics...

[email protected]

Pic: The artists with models oftheir proposals: Tom Hare (top)with stainless steel flowers andbees, Dan Archer (right) withhis spiralling ring of granite pil-lars and Charlie Carter with hissteel and timber cedar tree,which will be 6 metres tall.

Continuedon back page

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APR 2011THE BIRSTALL POST2

The incident took place at about12.45pm on Tuesday February 22 in theStation Road area of Birstall.

Police only released details of theincident on March 9.

Three men forced their way into thehouse and demanded cash and valuables.Two of the men responsible were whiteand were wearing either balaclavas ormasks on their faces. No one was hurtduring the incident.

Detective Constable Sukhvinder Obhiis investigating the incident. He said:

“This was a frightening incident whichunderstandably has left the occupants ofthe house extremely shocked and dis-tressed. The incident took place during

the day and I am sure someone mayhave seen some men acting suspiciouslyor the offenders leaving the area, if youbelieve you can help then please get intouch.

“We would also urge anyone who sawa vehicle not usually seen in the areaeither being parked or driven aroundthe area around lunchtime on TuesdayFebruary 22 to contact us. Any informa-tion, no matter how insignificant it mayseem could help us move this investiga-tion along. Any calls received will betreated in confidence.”

A similar aggravated burglary tookplace in Rothley on March 7, but policeare not linking the two incidents.

Parkhouse, the technical and engi-neering division within Select Appoint-ments, a national staffing servicescompany, have agreed to sponsor Carl’saward winning gym.

Parkhouse Divisional Manager An-drew Howitt said: “I spoke to Carl at theLeicester Mercury Sports awards in Janu-ary and wished him all the best.” Thisled to talks with managing director Dar-ren Leppard and after a visit to the gym,the sponsorship deal was agreed.

“Boxing is a sport a lot of kids can getinto, he’s taking kids off the streets andgiving them something to do. There area lot of girls attending which I think isfantastic and its affordable too, Carl onlycharges £1” said Andrew, whose sonConnor has been attending Carl’s gymfor the last two years.

The sponsorship will take the form ofpurchasing essential items for the gymon an ongoing basis.

Managing Director Darren Leppardsaid: “Carl’s is a community gym whichhelps to keep the kids out of trouble,giving them something to focus theirenergies on. Leicester has been prettygood to me as a businessman, and it isimportant for us to put something backinto the community. If we can help bysupporting Carl then that is what it is allabout for us.”

Carl Gunns said: “It is fantastic andnot just for me. The most importantthing is it’s fantastic for the gyms’ futureand the children. They are going to buystuff for the gym on an ongoing basis. Ithink it’s fabulous that these guys havethought of that.”

CARL GUNNS’ Birstall Road boxing gym has secured a major sponsor.

Pic: Front: Vinny Campbell (6), Demi Car (16) & Karris Holland (7), with (back, l-r) An-drew Howitt, Carl Gunns and Darren Leppard

Gym’s new sponsor

MASKED INTRUDERS forced their way in to a Birstall home,threatened the occupants and made off with cash and jewellery.

Burglars frighten familyThis incident happed in the Westfield

Lane area at 9pm on Monday March 7,when the 39 year old victim and her twoyoung children heard a loud smashingsound at the back of the house.

Four men had smashed a windowand entered her home. Once inside themen, all wearing balaclavas, threatenedthe woman and her children, demandingthat she hand over any cash she had.When she told them that she did nothave any, she was assaulted.

The men then searched variousrooms before leaving with a large quanti-ty of cash and jewellery. All four menwere then seen running towards Swith-land Lane and then turning back andrunning past the house again.

The woman was taken to LeicesterRoyal Infirmary for treatment to a headinjury, and later discharged.

Anyone with information about theBirstall incident should contact DC Obhion 222 2222, voicemail 0575. The Roth-ley incident Investigating Officer is DCKerry Deadman, voicemail 4442.

A TELECOMS mast has been removedfrom Birstall’s Leicester North GCRstation.

The mast had become obsolete andhad been out of commission for sometime.

Brian Rowe, Duty Station Master atthe station said: “Of course, it will meana financial loss to the GCR, so we hopethat visitor numbers will increase andmake up for the reduction in revenue.

“However, its removal does go someway to indicate the speed of obsoles-cence these days, having lasted just afew years, in stark contrast to much ofwhat we see operating week in, weekout, on our tracks: locos 80, 90 or even100 years old.”

Volunteers at the station are urgentlyneeded – call in to find out more.

THE NEW Vicar of Birstallis Vince Jupp.

Vince (46) was born in Ely, Cam-bridgeshire, ordained in 2000 andcomes to the parish of Birstall andWanlip from Humberstone and Thurn-by Lodge. Prior to that he was theCurate in Evington.

NewParishVicar

Vince said: “The parish has beenwarm and welcoming, very friendly.There are a lot of opportunities toreach out to the wider community,and to connect with other churchesand see how we can do joint thingstogether. I am rather excited really.”

Tony Bloxham, Churchwarden,said: “It has been 14 months sincethe Rev James Shakespeare left duringwhich time the parish has basicallybeen on hold. Now we are delightedthat we have a new Rector and familyin the Rectory and we look forwardto working with Vince and supportinghim as we seek to grow in love, hopeand faith.”

Vince is married to Sheryl and hasthree children: Emma (21), Ashley(18) and Mark (16)

Pic: Revd Vince Jupp

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APR 2011THE BIRSTALL POST 3

THE OUTDOOR bowls season startslater this month and Birstall BowlingClub are looking for new members tojoin the club.

An open morning is being held at theclub on School Lane playing fields onSaturday May 7 between 10 – 12 noonfor anyone who would like to try theirhand at the sport. All you need are apair of flat shoes or trainers as all equip-ment will be provided. Club memberswill be on hand to offer advice andassistance.

The club play in league matches,national, county, parks and internal clubcompetitions, as well as ladies, men’sand mixed friendly games against otherclubs in Leicestershire.

For further details, men can callGrahame on 2673000 or Andy on2677969 and ladies can ring Jan on2122578 or Diane on 2675457.

More about the club is on the web-site which can be found by putting Bir-stall Bowling Club into a search engine.

OUR PICTURE shows girlswho have successfully com-pleted a babysitting courseat Birstall Youth Centre.

The term-long course was deliveredby County Council youth workers andcovered all aspects of babysitting includ-ing nappy changing, first aid, feedingand child protection issues.

Each of the girls, all students atLongslade and Stonehill, received anASDAN award for completing the coursesuccessfully.

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Chairman Peter Osborne accompa-nied by his wife Catherine visited thenew Palmer-Tomkinson Centre wherethey could see the construction under-way of the new auditorium, classroomsand post 16 study areas.

Students Jade Howden and LouiseRawlings showed Cllr Osborne aroundthe college where he saw classes atwork and spoke to staff and students.

Peter Osborne said: “The Palmer-Tomkinson Centre will be a fantasticresource, not just for the school but forthe community. As a Specialist Schooland a Technology College what Longs-lade has to offer makes it unique to thearea, and I’ve been impressed by theway it works very closely with its familyof schools.”

Longslade Principal Liz Hall said:“Peter’s visit was an opportunity for us to

show him the progress made on the newPalmer-Tomkinson Centre. Also,Longslade’s Student Council has beenactively developing the campus over thelast year or so and we wanted studentsto be able to talk about their achieve-ments, particularly their environmentalwork.”

The £4.8million Palmer-TomkinsonCentre will open in August 2011www.palmertomkinsoncentre.co.ukPic: (l-r) Chair of the Governors TonyStott, Associate Principal Jason Smith, CllrPeter Osborne, Vice Chair of the GovernorsCaroline Clay, Catherine Osborne, Directorof Post 16 Melody Mitchell, Principal LizHall and Assistant Principal Sally Wicken

A FULL meeting of Birstall ParishCouncil was held on March 14.

PCSO Stuart Venables reportedthat two youths have been arrested inconnection with the robbery at Wan-lip Stores. He said the body camerasnow fitted to the uniform of the localpolice team were effective in detect-ing and deterring crime. PCSO Vena-bles said he had spoken to a youngperson regarding noisy and illegalmotorbike use, and that the problemhad reduced. The individual hadbeen reminded of police powers toconfiscate and crush vehicles used insuch a way.

PCSO Venables reported that threeAcceptable Behaviour Contracts hadbeen issued to young people whohad been trespassing in gardensalong Whiles Lane.

The Council discussed problemscaused by parked vehicles on SchoolLane at the weekend. It was agreedthat the Police and Street Wardensbe asked to monitor the situation,and that local football clubs be con-tacted, reminding them of the freeparking on the School Lane andSibson Road car parks.

The Birstall Allotment Society haverequested a financial contributionfrom the Parish Council towards theinstallation of badger proofing meas-ures at the Greengate Lane allotmentsite. It was agreed to contribute£366, half the cost of the proposedmeasures, subject to consultationwith allotment holders.

It was reported that the notice-board on the front of the Village Hallis not in keeping with the buildingand has an untidy appearance. It wasagreed to purchase a replacementcosting £586.

THE GREAT Central Railwayare bidding for £2.5millionof government money toextend their line north fromLoughborough.

Reinstating 500 metres of missingrailway at Loughborough will create anunbroken 18 mile route, connecting the8 mile long Leicester North to Loughbor-ough Central section to the 9 mileLoughborough to Ruddington track.

The Great Central Railway Develop-ment Company (GCRD) say the projectwould stimulate growth in regional railfreight and passenger traffic, expand theGCR’s existing tourist, rail freight andrail industry trials, create 200 new jobsand attract an extra 60,000 visitors ayear.

GCR Development Chairman NigelHarris said: “The bid will allow us tomake a physical start on work and em-ploy key members of the project team.Crucially it will also lever in£12.5million pounds of private invest-ment to complete the project. We’vespent a long time putting together thebid with local authorities and stakehold-ers and now we have a concrete propos-al which will bring benefits right acrossthe local economy. GCRD is in discus-sion with a number of private sectorcompanies which have pledged signifi-cant financial and other support for GCRreunification.”

He added: “Over the last 40 yearsGCR volunteers have created two success-ful, independent railways from derelictland, almost entirely from their ownresources and with no demands on thepublic purse. It’s perfect ‘Big Society’ atwork.

“Now we’re asking for relatively mod-est assistance to join up those two rail-ways to create something unique andeven more successful. A £2.5m RGFaward brings in five times the value fromthe private sector. The fund would trig-ger the investment to give the East Mid-lands this unique independent main linerailway with benefits starting to be feltahead of the next General Election.”

COLLEGE STUDENTS escorted the Chairman of the CountyCouncil on a tour around Longslade last month. Parish

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A PARK Ranger has been assaulted inWatermead Country Park.

The incident took place at about10.30am on Saturday February 26 whenthe 37 year old victim was approachedby two men and then assaulted by oneof the men. The attack happened nearthe northern entrance to the park, in theKingfisher hide area. The victim receivedinjuries to his head and stomach duringthe incident and received medical treat-ment.

The man who assaulted the victim hasbeen described as being of South-EastAsian appearance, in his early 20s, about5’11”, of stocky build, with short darkhair and wide looking eyes. He waswearing a black coat and grey combattrousers. The second man was of Asianappearance, in his early 20s, about 6’1”tall, of slim build, with a goatee stylebeard. He was wearing a black woollyhat and black ‘Puffa’ type jacket.

PC Louise Albion is investigating theincident. She said: “The victim was athis place of work and carrying out rou-tine checks in the area when he wasassaulted. The incident has left himextremely shocked and distressed andwe need to catch the people responsible.

“Watermead County park is a popularpark for dog walkers and nature loversand I am sure there were a number ofpeople in the area on that Saturdaymorning. If you saw the suspects or youknow anything about the incident thenplease get in touch.”

Anyone with anyone information isasked to contact PC 4656 Louise Albionon 0116 222 2222, follow the instruc-tions to leave a message for a policeofficer and when prompted key in theofficer’s identification number 4656.

A GROUP of Longslade students havedecorated a room in BirstallYouth Centre and invited col-lege principal Liz Hall toopen it.

12 students onLongslade’s Princes TrustXL programme spent threemonths on the task, con-verting an unused roominto a newly decorated clubroom for XL students torelax in and work onprojects.

The Year 11 studentsstripped wallpaper, filled holes,put up wallpaper and paintedwalls as well as designing andpainting a colourful seasidemural on the window bind, de-signing cushion covers, canvasartwork and creating decorativemosaic surfaces.

The students wereguided by XL AdvisorsKaren Norris and AnneWright. Karen said: “Thefinished result is fantas-tic and we are reallyproud of them. Theyhave worked hard andworked really well as ateam.”

The Princes Trust XLawards is a personaldevelopment pro-gramme for young peo-ple aged 14-16.

Pic: LongsladePrincipal LizHall opened theroom with stu-dents CharleyNeale and JoshSharman.

Pic: The XL DIY project team

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BIRSTALL CUBS enjoyed anexciting visit to RAF Hendon.

Leader Ged Sessions explains: “On arriv-al the cubs hit the Helicopter Hall first andwere amazed at the variety and size of thecraft, from single seaters to troop carryingtwin rotor aircraft.

“Next stop was the Bomber Hall with thelegendary Lancaster bomber as the mainattraction. The cubs were unanimous intheir belief that the job of the ‘tail-gunner’was the most dangerous position on theplane. They were also amazed that thebombs were larger than they were. At thefar end of this hall the planes were smallerwith the delta winged Vulcan attractingmost of the cubs’ attention and the Spitfireattracting the leaders’ attention. Then itwas on to the aeronauts training centrewhere the cubs learned all about flighttheory and pilot training with loads ofinteractive displays and activities to keepeager hands and minds busy.

“After refuelling at lunchtime the cubswere off to the History of Flight Hall wherethey stood next to the distance line for thefirst flight by the Wright brothers(surprisingly small) before discovering thesteps taken between the first balloon flightsthrough to WWI biplanes, Harrier JumpJets and the latest Eurofighter.

“To finish off, the cubs all become ‘pilots’ as they dressed in RAF uniforms andlearned the RAF salute as they were presented with their cub scout air activitiesbadge by an RAF pilot in WWII uniform.

“Big thanks to leaders Linda and Kelvin for making this great day out possible.”

download a booking form from ourwebsite www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk”

The Parish Council are also askingmembers of the public to nominate aresident of Birstall for the ‘Citizen of the

Year’ trophy. The winner ofthis trophy is chosen byyou the public. Thenomination forms arecollected and countedon a particular cut offdate and the personwith the most nomina-tions receives thetrophy. Please send indetails of your nominat-ed person and a few

words about why youthink they should be considered for thisaward. You can either send this in writ-ing or contact the Parish Council Officeto request a nomination form.

Cubs flying high after RAF visit

A RECORD number of free, healthy and educational walks are being offered byCharnwood Borough Council as part of its new programme of walking activities.

More than 150 walks will be staged as part of the council’s official 2011/12 activi-ty programme which will be officially launched by the Mayor of Charnwood, Jill Vin-cent, in Shepshed on April 11. Walks will include routes which take in KegworthMuseum, Belgrave Hall in Leicester, the Abbey Meadows Pumping Station in Leicesterand even a train ride on the Great Central Railway.

For the first time Nordic walking taster sessions, which involves walking with polesto improve upper body fitness, are being offered.

The full walks brochure can be downloaded or viewed atwww.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/walkingforhealth

THIS YEAR’S Birstall Gala will take place on June 25/26.The event is organised by Birstall

Parish Council. Deputy Clerk Sue Coul-son said: “We would like to thank allwho were involved in making last year’sGala a huge success and to be the bestever yet for attendance, thanksto the glorious weather forthe whole weekend.

“This year by populardemand from you, weare taking bookingsfor stalls for both theSaturday and Sundayand bookings arealready being taken.Last year we had over70 private and charitystalls. If you would like to reserve aspace on either or both days pleasecontact me for a booking form on 01162676191 or [email protected] or you can

150 walks on offer Stallholders soughtfor annual gala

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Pic: Jack Sims (10) is presentedwith an Air Activities badge


Favourite ThingsDon’t miss this exhibition, if only to

see the church without the rows ofpews! It will run from April 17 - 20, andfurther details are elsewhere in thismonth’s Birstall Post.Highcliffe Harmony

A concert by this popular group is tobe presented at 7.30pm on SaturdayApril 9 at the church. Tickets are £5. Itis in aid of the playgroup for childrenwith special needs which meets on ourpremises on Monday & Friday mornings.Saturday Coffee Shop

Each Saturday morning, the coffeeshop raises funds for different groups.Open every Saturday 10am to noon;three are of special note, the Girls Bri-gade on 2nd, The Bark Foundation(Hotpec Orphanage) on 9th & churchfunds on 23rd.Messy Easter (& Other Holy WeekEvents)

The Saturday ‘Messy Church’ is popu-lar with families, and at the start of HolyWeek, on Saturday 16th in the afternoonit has the title of ‘Messy Easter’.

Other Holy Week events will be de-tailed at the ‘Favourite Things’ exhibition.There will be a Maunday Thursday(21st) Service of Holy Communion at7.30pm led by our minister Rev RachelParkinson. On Good Friday (22nd) therewill be an outdoor service on the Mainvillage Car Park at 10am and a Vigilfrom noon to 3pm. Be aware that onPalm Sunday (17th) there will be aCircuit Service at Harrison Road at10.15am, and no service at Birstall.

From Tony Moore

NEW BIRSTALL Golf Club skipperTrevor Walford is expecting a busyyear – he’s just retired after a careerin engineering and reckons that willgive him time to do the job in an im-portant year for the club.

“I’m expecting to have lots to do.From the competitive point of view, wehave an excellent pool of first team play-ers and they are keen to defend theCorah Shield and to compete hard nowwe are back in division One of the Coun-ty Men’s League” said Trevor. “Thecourse is absolutely superb at the mo-ment and we are looking forward tohosting the Midlands PGA Open again inMay” he added.

He drove in alongside new ladiescaptain Clare Bailey and Juniors skipperJack Merry, who has spent this wintertraining with the EGU Under 16s squadat Woodhall Spa.

The skippers have chosen LOROS andthe Samantha Dickson Brain TumourTrust as their charities for the year, andare organising a range of fundraisingevents which will include the club’straditional ‘100 Holes in a Day’ in June.

COUNCILLORS HAVE approved plans toreduce the number of senior managersat Charnwood Borough Council.

The move, which will save the authority£427,000 a year, is designed to create a

more streamlined robust and flexibleorganisation. The council’s cabinet met onFebruary 17 and gave the go ahead for thecouncil to reduce the number of seniormanagers from 17 to nine.

Geoff Parker, Charnwood BoroughCouncil’s chief executive, said: “We haveconsulted extensively with staff over thefuture shape of the council and believe wenow have a streamlined structure whichwill help the council retain its resilience.This is a clearer and simpler structuredesigned to enable our heads of service tohave greater authority for decision makingand allow them to use their resourcesflexibly. This is about making the councilfit for purpose in the tough times aheadwhile protecting frontline services to resi-dents.”

The Senior Management Review wasmade up of two phases. The first phasereduced the number of director postsfrom eight to three while the secondphase will reduce the number of heads ofservice from 17 to nine.

The entire restructure could save thecouncil a total of £619,000 every year ontop of savings the council has alreadymade.

Pic: Ladies Captain Clare Bailey, Junior Skipper Jack Merry and Trevor Walford

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CHILDREN AND staff at Woodlands DayNursery and After School Club had agreat day raising money for RedNose Day.

Activities included icing rednose biscuits, paintingtee shirts,hostingpyja-maandfancy dressparties, selling jokebooks and goingon a sponsoredwalk. The total raisedso far is £248.60. VanessaFanton, Nursery Manager said: “A bigthank you to everyone who took partand helped us raise funds for such aworthy cause.”

VIC DOLBY has sent us this photo that was shown to him by his father in lawPad Tillson of Allington Drive. It shows the Social Club Youth Club of 1947. Vicis wondering how many of the young people in the photo are still in Birstall.

Pic: childrenhead off ona sponsored walk

PLANS FOR an 80 metre wind turbineon the edge of Birstall have been ap-proved.

Charnwood Borough Council refusedSevern Trent’s planning application in2010 but in March a Planning Inspectorconsidered an appeal and ruled in fa-vour of Severn Trent.

The wind turbine will be locatedwithin the grounds of the Severn Trentwater treatment works in Wanlip andwill meet the energy demands of thefacility.

The turbine will have an 80 metremast and a blade tip height of 132 me-

tres, the same height as the London Eye.It will be one of the largest onshorewind turbines in the country.

Objectors were concerned at theturbine’s visual impact, noise, shadowflicker and its impact on birds and otherwildlife.

The Planning Inspector’s report recog-nises the negative impact of the turbinebut states that: “…on balance, the bene-fits of the scheme are sufficient to out-weigh the harm.”

The planning application and theInspector’s report can be viewed onCharnwood’s website. Planning applica-tion P/09/2402/2.

Wanlip

WoodcockFarm

Rothley

SewageWorks

Proposed wind turbine location

Birstall

A6 A46

Giant turbinewill be built

Remembered youth

Nursery’s fun day

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A CROWDED Community Rooms atHighcliffe Primary School rang withlaughter as Steve Brooks of GlenfieldTravel regaled members of Birstall WIwith tales loosely based on his career.

31 years as an independent travelagent have provided him with a wealthof stories and jokes and produced aconsummate stand up comedian. Steve,who donates his fee to the Air Ambu-lance chose the winner of our funniestholiday snap competition and the shin-ing cup was presented to Irene Faulkner.

Minutes were read, refreshmentsconsumed and past and future businessdiscussed. We still have a few tickets at£45 left for our coach trip to Ascot onFriday June 17 so if anyone is interestedin an excuse to wear a hat and wishes tojoin us (even men) please [email protected] formore details.

We are busily collecting tins for our'Tinbola'. This is one of the many attrac-tions planned for our Methodist coffeeshop on July 9. We are also organising athemed Wild West supper in June. Thereare photographs of last year's hugelysuccessful June Safari Supper on ourwebsitewww.birstallandwanlipwi.wordpress.com.

Our next meeting is on April 4 at7.15pm when Denise Taylor will talk tous about Hearing Dogs for the Deaf andthe competition is 'Face on an egg'.Ladies of any age why not come alongand see what we are all about.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

TRY SCUBA diving at BirstallPool with a fully qualifiedinstructor.

Birstall College of Diving (BCD) isowned and operated by Matt Sharp andsupported by PADI (the ProfessionalAssociation of Diving Instructors). Mattis a qualified PADI Master Scuba DiverTrainer, and has worked as a divinginstructor both in the UK and abroad. In2009 Matt returned to the UK from work-ing in the Caribbean as an instructorand captain of a commercial diving boat.

Matt said: “On return to the UK Ihave been working as an independentinstructor running courses at LongsladeCommunity College’s Pool and in Octo-ber 2010 with the co-operation of theCollege set up one of only a handful ofPADI educational facilities in the countryoffering training in scuba diving to bothstudents and members of the public.”

BCD offers ‘try dives’ in the poolunder PADI’s Discov-er Scuba Diving expe-rience for anyoneaged 12 years andupwards. Matt said:

“This is aimed at any-one who has nottried scuba divingbefore and explainsthe equipment andtechniques used fol-lowed by a fun ses-sion in the pool togive you confidenceand hopefully ignite

your interest in this fast growing sport.”Matt also offers a full range of cours-

es from the PADI Open Water Course tospeciality training including under waterphotography, videography, wreck divingand Nitrox courses.

BCD also offersprofessional train-ing for those wish-ing to change theircareers for a job inthe recreationaldive industry andbecome qualifiedDive Masters. Allcourses are certi-fied by PADI andare recognisedaround the world.

There is a grow-ing club side and

BCD organises trips and expeditionsboth in the UK and abroad. The diveclub is open to qualified divers from anyorganisation. Matt said: “Expeditionsplanned for 2011 include the FarneIslands where we hope to photographthe large seal colonies that live on theislands and to Scapa Flow to dive andfilm the wrecks of the German WWI highseas fleet.”

Discover Scuba Diving and trainingsessions are held at Birstall Pool onWednesday evenings with Open Watercourses conducted at Stoney Cove andother venues at weekends.

Anyone is welcome to join BCD andfor booking or further informationplease contact Matt Sharp on 07717235158 or email Matt [email protected]

WI news Learnscubadiving

Pic: Diving Instructor Matt Sharp in Birstall Pool



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The ladies of Birstall Bags would liketo thank everyone who came along inFebruary to our band/disco night at thesocial club.

Around £3000 was made and a greatnight was had by all, we would like tothank in particular the band who donat-ed their fee back to us and the socialclub for loaning us the room for free onthe night, please look out for our futureevents throughout the year, the next onebeing our annual 5k walk/run aroundWatermead Park, a great family fun dayfor everyone, this year it will take placeon May 22, so please come along andsupport us.

Many thanks.Emma, Liz, Jo, Helen, Rachael,

Lesley, Birstall BAGSwww.birstallbags.co.uk

I write with regard to your articleregarding the proposed fish & chip shopopposite Barclays Bank.

I cannot believe that planning has gotthe go ahead given that there is no carparking.

As a resident of The Wayne Way weare now just a car park for all the trafficgoing to the new Tesco store, hairdress-ers and other shops. Sometimes we can-not get off our drive with cars parkedboth sides of the road and if you askthem to move all you get is a load ofabuse and “we have to park some-where”! Last week a van could not get byso what would happen if an ambulanceor fire engine needed access. The WayneWay used to be a nice road but nowpeople just drop their litter and the grassverges are churned up by the vehiclesand are just mud.

We did complain to the council whoinformed us that they did not give plan-ning permission at the appeal. Apparentlyone gentleman from Bristol [a planninginspector] came, had a look and gavepermission.

I find it absolutely disgusting thatsomeone from Bristol can give permis-sion when he has absolutely no knowl-edge of the district and the problems itwill cause.

The new Hallam Fields estate exacer-bates the situation and the councilshould be looking how to make availablemore car parking space possibly by com-pulsory purchase of land.

They could also put down doubleyellow lines on one side of The WayneWay, which would probably give the resi-dents some peace, not that these wouldmake much difference to the majority ofthe drivers. There is one person who sitsin her car in the morning making up herface with her radio blaring out whichcan be heard through the double-glazing.

We have a perfectly good fish & chipshop in Birstall, why do we need anotherone!

P Baker

On behalf of Birstall MethodistWomen’s Group I would like to thankfriends old and new who supported ourcoffee morning. We raised £314 for ourtwo charities.

Future Monday evening meetings areApril 4 Corn Dolly Demo; April 11 ComeCruise With Us; April 18 The Way WeSee It; April 25 no meeting; May 2 nomeeting.

For further info contact me on2671181 or Margaret Yardley 2673674

Margaret Briggs

Barn DanceSaturday April 16

7.30-10.30pmTickets £6, bring own food & drink

Funds in aid of LOROSContact Gillian Bowler 0116 2604226

• • •Celebrating

20 years of HATSHighcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society

invites you to ourforthcoming production of

Play OnA comedy drama by Rick Abbot

At Highcliffe Primary School, Green-gate Lane, Birstall

on Thursday, Friday and Saturday,May 19th, 20th, 21st at 7.30pm

Tickets £6 adult, £5 concess (disc forgroup bookings)

Available from Box Office 01162128757 or 07757854719

Email: [email protected]’t Delay Book Today!

• • •

A Concertby Highcliffe Harmony

an evening of light entertainment insupport of

Birstall Playgroup for children withspecial needs

Saturday April 9, at 7.30pmBirstall Methodist Church, Wanlip

Lane, BirstallTickets £5

Available on the dooror phone 0116 2675007

• • •Saturday April 910am to 12noon

Coffee Shopat Birstall Methodist Church

Jewellery stall, tombola and raffleFriday April 15

7.30pmBirstall Methodist Church HallSOS Fashion Show and Sale

High Street and Designer Clothes atbargain prices

Tickets £5 – please book in advanceTel: 2677576 or 2209462

Entry on the day without a ticket onlyif space is available

Proceeds to The Bark Foundation• • •

Birstall Birdwatching Clubpresents

Songs for Summerby Nigel Slater

This is the time of the year when weare determined to get to grips with

bird song and Nigel is going to showus how easy it is

Tuesday April 12 at 7.30pmat the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel

Lane, RothleyVisitors welcome to all meetings £2Contact Ken Goodrich 2674813 or

just turn up on the night• • •

Dowsing TalesA series of short talks, entitled A Mis-

YOUR SAY...

The Birstall Post welcomes your viewsand opinions on any subject. Letters,which must include your name andaddress, (though not necessarily forpublication) can be posted to: The Bir-stall Post, Longslade College, WanlipLane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, orhanded in at Birstall library or email:[email protected]

I would like to bring it to your noticethere is a great number of vehicles turn-ing right illegally when leaving the banksonto Sibson Road [the service road infront of the NatWest bank] when thereare two large signs that say left turn onlyand all the drivers seem to be in themiddle age group, not young ones.

Mr B C Burrows

Are you German? I have been studyingGerman for many years and would liketo improve my conversation. If interestedplease ring me on 0116 2677372.

Sam Dobson

I would just like to say that I hopethe man and teenage girl who stole frommy 11 year old daughter Tuesday March1 are proud of themselves

My daughter was on her way to Sib-son Road shops when she dropped hermoney, a £5 note. As soon as she real-ised she turned round to pick it up atwhich time a thirty something year oldman in a dark V neck jumper and jeanstold her that because she had dropped ithe was now having it. His friend, a teen-age girl with shoulder length blonde hairwearing a strappy white top with pinkflowers and skirt said nothing and al-lowed it to happen.

I'm sure that someone out thereknows who these people are, so the nexttime you see them tell them from uswhat cowards they really are.

I have reported the incident to thepolice and will continue to keep my eyesopen when in and around Birstall in thehope that one day I will tell them per-sonally.

Name & address supplied

Noticeboardall details printed free

Thanks

Fish & chips Thanks

Turn left

German?

£5 note

Fitted kitchens, bedrooms,bathrooms & flatpackTiling (walls & floor)Laminate floors laidInternal & external doors hungFencing & gatesHome & gardenfurniture madeto orderDecorating

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Tel: 0116 267 4798Mob:07790 835 747


cellany of Dowsers’ Tales, will begiven at the next meeting of Leices-

tershire & Rutland Dowserson Saturday April 9

at St James Day Centre, Village Hall,Birstall

starting at 10amAll welcome – admission £6

• • •

Coffee MorningSaturday May 7, 10am to 12noon

at the Methodist Coffee Shop,Wanlip Lane

Various stalls, raffle, cakesAll proceeds to Mothers’ Union Chalet

Holidays(Holidays for families in need)

Reg Charity no. 250038• • •

May FairWanlip Church and Community Centre

Saturday May 21, 10am to 1pmDetails to be published in the May

issue• • •

Parkinson’s InformationDrop-In Session

Monday April 111.30-3.30pm

Syston Community Centre, SchoolStreet, Syston LE7 1HN

If you have Parkinson’s, care forsomeone with Parkinson’s or just

want to know more, then please dropin any time between 1.30 and

3.30pm• meet members of the local Parkinson’s

Group• talk to your local Parkinson’s Informa-

tion & Support Worker Pat Lower• talk to Parkinson’s Nurse Jean Martey• take away a range of free information

• find out what support is available locally• refreshments available

For further information contact PatLower on 0844 225 3625 or email

[email protected]• • •

At the next meeting of theBirstall Local History Society

on Thursday April 14 held in the Vil-lage Hall, Birstall Road

there will be talk on John Merrick

‘Elephant Man’given by Peter Cousins

This talk commences at 7.30pm andthe Society welcomes all visitors to

this event• • •

Coffee MorningSat April 9, 10am to 12noon

at Birstall Methodist Coffee ShopJewellery stall, tombola and raffleProceeds for The Bark Foundation

• • •

SOS Fashion Showand Sale

Friday April 15 at 7.30pmat Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop

High Street & designer clothes at bar-gain prices

Tickets £5, please book in advanceTel: 2677576 or 2209462

Entry on the day without ticket only ifspace is available

Proceeds for The Bark Foundation• • •

Birstall Royal BritishLegion

Sat April 2: Sam Bailey (Award win-ning F/V)

Sat April 9: Chris Robin (M/V)Sat April 16: 2CT (Award winning

duo)Sat April 23: Neil Warner (M/V)Sat April 30: Sharon Ray (F/V)

Dancing every Sat night with live en-tertainment

Free beer raffleQuirky & normal bingo and ‘Open the

Box’Quiz nights Sunday, April 10 & 24

starting at 9pmBingo every Tues night starting at

9.30pmAcoustic night Sunday April 17

Rock & Roll nights first and thirdWednesday

Food available every Sat 12-2pmFuneral/wakes catered for

Open Easter Bank Holiday Monday12noon until 3pm

Families welcome, food served 12-2pm

Come and join us for the Royal Wed-ding, Friday April 29 at 11amClub opens 10.30am – 3pm

Families welcome• • •

National Pool Life-guard Qualification

Longslade Community CollegeMay 28-June 5

£180 over 16s onlyPlaces still available

Contact Naomi 2673461 for an infor-mation pack

• • •

Cossington VoicesSt James Church, Birstall

Tuesday April 19 at 7.45pmOlivet to Calvary(J H Maunder)

a cantata recalling the last days be-fore the Crucifixion

Tickets £5 on the door• • •

Sponsored Cycle Ride20 miles through Charnwood Foreststarting and finishing at the RothleyCentre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley

Sunday April 10Raising funds for the Matt Hampson

Foundation and Rothley SchoolA fun family event for all abilities

To enter visitwww.charnwoodforestcycleride.co.uk

• • •Gynsill Tennis Club

Open DaySaturday April 16

For players aged 5+ to adults10-11.15am (5-10 yrs)

11.15-12.30pm (11-18 yrs)12.20-1.45pm (adults)

A great chance for all to come andsample some active tennis fun with

us. To reserve a place:[email protected] or

call/txt077086 86693

• • •

Film Presentationsfrom Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council‘Made in Dagenham’ Friday April 8

(113 mins)The 187 women machinists employed atFord’s Dagenham assembly plant in 1968were working in impoverished conditionsfor long, arduous hours. They laid down

their tools when they were reclassified as“unskilled”. The single act of rebellionchanged history. This film is a hilarious

and heart-warming tale of female empow-erment.

‘The King’s Speech’ Friday May 13(118 mins)

Starring Colin Firth and Helena BonhamCarter, this film has won an outstandingfour Oscar awards. It is the story ofGeorge VI, his impromptu ascension to

the throne and the speech therapist whohelped the unsure monarch to become

worthy of this unparalleled responsibility.Our tickets have almost sold out.

‘Tamara Drewe’ Friday June 10 (111minutes)

Our last film before the summer break willbe a British comedy, directed by StephenFrears and starring Gemma Arterton. Oncethe ‘ugly duckling’ in a Dorset village, Ta-mara Drewe returns as a surprisingly at-tractive newspaper journalist. She is fun

loving and light hearted and consequentlypassions run high in this part of rural Eng-

land.Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Councilwill be showing these films at Thur-caston Memorial Hall. Starting at

7.30pm, the evening will include re-freshments and a lucky prize draw.

Advance tickets can be purchased viathe parish office, 0116 2367626 or

at the door• • •

Inspire CreationzCardmaking & Scrapbooking

Saturday afternoons atBelgrave Hall Museum Craft Village£7.50 per class, incl all materials &

refreshmentswww.inspirecreationz.com

• • •

Watermead Challenge2011

A run through Watermead CountryPark

Wreake Valley Rotary Club will beholding the event again this year

on Wednesday July 13 at WatermeadCountry Park

There will be both a 5 mile and a 3mile run.

Full details available shortly on theclub’s website:

www.wreakevalleyrotary.co.ukAll profits from entry fees will be distribut-

ed amongst local charitable causesIf you know of a local cause that would bea suitable beneficiary please contact us [email protected] so that we can

consider it in detail, many thanks• • •

Rock MusicalRent

performed by the ESNA PlayersLoughborough Town Hall

April 12-16Tickets from £12.50

07989 787888 or fromBox Office 01509 231914

• • •Rotary Club of the Soar Valley

Charity CabaretEvening

The evening will feature the greattribute group ABBABABES and be

held on Thursday April 7 at 7.30pmat the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel

Lane, RothleyiThere will be a licensed bar

Tickets £15 inc supper availablefrom: Roy Lilley 0116 230 3364

Raising money for Rotary charities• • •

Continued on page 12


Syston Methodist Church presents

Ian TraceyOrgan SpectacularProfessor Ian Tracey, Organist Titu-laire at Liverpool Anglican Cathedralis coming to give one of his spectacu-

lar Organ Recitals atSyston Methodist Church

on the recently installed Makin West-morland Custom Digital OrganThursday May 19 at 7.30pm

Book now to ensure you get a seat!Entry by ticket only – price £7

Tickets available from Trevor Solwayon 2606457 or

[email protected]• • •

Wreake AthleticsAcademyfor 7-12 year olds

Learn to run, jump and throw like anOlympic athlete

Held at Syston Rugby ClubFor more information:

[email protected]

A NEW tearoom has opened at a Roth-ley plant nursery.

The Rose Garden Tearoom at Brook-lea Nursery on Loughborough Road isrun by Rosalind Bugg. “I aim to providequality dishes at affordable prices, ahigh class personal service and an ele-gant traditional tearoom within a prettygarden nursery setting” said Rosalind.

She added:“There are a

range of break-fast optionswith a choice

of toppedwarm

muffins being a favourite, light lunchesinclude steaming jacket potatoes with avariety of fillings, home made soups,baguettes and a freshly prepared rangeof salads.

“Afternoon teas are also availablewith cream teas, delicately cut sand-wiches and a lovely range of tempt-ing cakes and patisserie slices.”

There is a children’s menu andhigh chairs are provided. Specialmenus are planned for Mother’sDay week, Easter week and RoyalGarden Party week.

The Rose Garden Tearoom isopen 9.30am-2pm Mon-Tue,9.30am-5pm Wed-Sat and 10-4

on Sundays

A full houseIt was good to see so many people at St

James church on Monday evening, March14 to see the Bishop of Leicester install theRevd Vincent Jupp as the new Rector ofBirstall and Wanlip. The traditional ceremo-ny was attended by clergy from neighbour-ing parishes, along with representatives oflocal organisations, who added their wel-come to the words of the Bishop. After theformalities, the evening ended with aninformal reception in the social area of thechurch, which gave Vince with his wife andfamily an opportunity to meet and be greet-ed by members of the congregation. Every-one wishes them a long and happy stay inthe parish.Will Easter never come?

Easter seems to be a long time comingthis year: Mothering Sunday is on April 3,rather than heralded by the daffodils ofMarch. A group from the parish are offon a five day holiday by Eurostar to Parison April 8, which should send them backfull of the joys of spring!Events to share

In the week before Easter (Holy Week)there are several events which ChurchesTogether share and to which everyone isinvited. On Tuesday April 19 at 7.45pmCossington Voices are coming to St Jamesagain to sing ‘Olivet to Calvary’ which re-flects on the events leading up to the cruci-fixion of Christ. This year the choir issinging to raise money for St Mary’s churchin Sileby, which is in great need of repair.

On Wednesday 20th there is a re-enact-ment of the Passover Supper in the Jewishtradition, such as Jesus might have knownand celebrated at the Last Supper. Thismeal, in the Wanlip Church and CommunityCentre, is now a regular feature of the lifeof the local churches, so if you would liketake part, Mary has tickets (£6) on2675154. Then on Good Friday, April 22,at 10am there will again be a special serv-ice on the large car-park near the rounda-bout, when we gather to remember Christon the cross, with readings and hymns.

Easter celebrations will be even morejoyful than usual this year, with the arrivalof Vince and the return of our curate,Stephen Crofts, after a ‘term’ working inanother parish. You will be very welcomeat any of the services on Easter Day, atWanlip at 6am (EasterVigil), 7am (HolyCommunion) and 6pm (Festival evensong)or at the Parish Communion at 10am at St.James. A blessed and happy Easter to all!

From Beryl McHugh

Parishchurchnews

FIND OUT the favourite things of Birstall residents at anexhibition at the Methodist church.

A walk in Watermead Country Park, ameal out, a spot of gardening, beef Mon-ster Munch and an Audi A50 are justsome of the answers that have beenprovided by the more than 150 peoplewho have already taken part.

The questioning is being done onbehalf of the churches in the village whoare staging the exhibition at Birstall

Methodist church on Sunday April 17from 3.30pm, until April 20.

An art competition for children andyoung people with the theme ‘my favour-ite things’ will also be a feature of theexhibition, with prizes awarded to theartists at 4pm on Sunday April 17, pre-sented by the judges, children’s novelistRose Impey and local artist Sue Faulks.

A sing-a-long ‘Sound of Music’ willfollow with a chance to join in every-thing from ‘Climb Every Mountain’ to‘Edelweiss’. Entrance is free and therewill be refreshments on sale.

Entries for the art competition, maxi-mum size A4, for children pre-school toYear 11, can be handed in to Riverside,Highcliffe, Stonehill or Longslade recep-tions or Birstall Methodist church byApril 14. Please include a name, schoolyear group (or pre-school) on the backand a contact phone number. Adults areinvited to email a brief description oftheir three favourite things and a digitalphoto of themselves to [email protected] by April 8.

Continued from page 11 New tearoom opens

Favourite thingsOSER ARDENGEAROOMT

Brooklea Nursery1000 Loughborough Rd, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7NL

Open daily

Tel: 01530 231915

Home GrownNEW PotatoesWiljaDesireeMarfonaMaris-Bard

Fresh Fruit & Veg

Local Honey &Preserves inclMarmalade &Chutney

Horse & Pony Feeds,Goat Feeds, PoultryFeeds, RabbitFood,TOP QUALITY HAYStraw & Shavings

Manure,

WoodchipMulch,Topsoil &Compost:we can deliver bulkloads of theseitems, call or visitfor further details

DIY Liveries,Menage forHire

ORNAMENTALTREES

LOUGHBOROUGH RD, ROTHLEYTel (0116) 230 2215James 07802 915559Fred 0797 7014606

OPENING TIMESMon-Fri 9am to 6pmSat 9am to 5.30pmSun 9.30am to 5pmPlease note these times may change

during public holidays. Ring us for details.

And lotsmore!

WoodcockFarm Shop

www.thebestof.co.uk/loughborough

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PAINTER &DECORATOR

24 Years ExperienceFree Quotes & Advice

Tel: 0116 2941336Mob: 07989 451048

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Funerals arranged in the comfort of yourown home or at our unique 17th century

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Pic: Tearoom owner Rosalind Bugg


Caravan SecurityNow the holiday season has begun

caravan owners will be out and aboutenjoying the freedom and comfort theyprovide.

However, as a caravan is probablythe largest purchase most people makeafter their home and car they are vulner-able to theft. Over 5000 touring cara-vans are stolen each year. The majorityof caravans are stolen from storagecompounds closely followed by the own-ers’ home address. However, caravansalso can be a target for opportunist theftfrom lay-bys, picnic sites and motorwayservice areas.

There are a number of things that canbe done to reduce the risk of caravantheft.

All caravans have a unique 17 charac-ter VIN number marked on the chassis.This number should be etched on thecaravan’s windows and registered withthe Caravan Registration and identifica-tion scheme (CRIS). It is also a goodidea to mark the VIN inside the caravanin several places using a UV pen.

The caravan should be immobilised atall times when stationary. There are anumber of devices available on the mar-ket from hitch locks, wheel clamps,wheel locks and alarms to tracking sys-tems that use satellite technology. Thesevary in cost from £10 to several hun-dreds of pounds.

Take a photograph of your caravan

for identity purposes. This together withother registration documents and theserial numbers of other appliances with-in the caravan should be kept away fromthe caravan.

When leaving the caravan unattendedall personal and valuable items shouldbe removed and the curtains left open todeter thieves by showing there isn’t any-thing of value worth taking.

More detailed information aboutcaravan security and the various securitydevices that are available on the marketcan be obtained from the caravan clubwebsite. www.caravanclub.co.uk

Ghislaine Woods, Birstall & Wanlip NHW

A 16 YEAR old youth has beencharged following robberies in Thur-maston and Birstall.

The charges relate to a robbery onWednesday February 16 at Mark Conven-ience Store on Melton Road, Thurmastonand a robbery on Thursday February 17at Wanlip Store on Wanlip Lane, Birstall.

The youth has been charged with onecount of attempt robbery, one count ofrobbery and two counts of possessing afirearm.

A 16 year old youth has also beenarrested in connection with the robberyat Birstall and has been released onpolice bail pending further enquiries.

P/11/0627/2: 128 Stonehill Ave –erection of single storey extension toside of dwellingP/11/0570/2: 86 Elmfield Ave – erec-tion of two storey extensions to sideand rear of propertyP/11/0560/2: 45 Woodgate Drive –erection of 2 storey extension to sideof dwellingP/11/0519/2: 74 Curzon Ave – erec-tion of single storey extension torear of dwellingP/11/0455/2: 9 Acacia Ave – erectionof two storey side extension to prop-erty. Erection of single storey rearextension to property

CAPTAIN AMERICA, three Batmen, one Wonderwoman and an escaped convictjoined a Heroes and Villains fancy-dress evening of tennis at Birstall Water-mead tennis club.

A total of £230 was raised for Comic Relief while members enjoyed fun sessionsof floodlit tennis, a barbecue and sweepstake.Pic: from back left: George Muller, Mark Dearden, Dave Evans and John Salis-bury. Front left: Maria Hesketh and Lucy Evans

NHW news& crime report

Crime Report 13.2.11 to 14.3.11Assaults 2, harassment 7, burglary 5,

burglary non-dwelling 9, damage 2,damage to motor vehicle 5, drugs 3,fraud 7, public order 1, robbery 1, theft6, theft from motor vehicle 2, theft ofmotor vehicle 1, theft stores 2.

Local officers have been fitted withbody cameras which records evidenceand has been of benefit in identifyingsuspects and offenders involved withantisocial behaviour and associatedcrime such as theft from stores.

Problem Solving Plans (PSPs) havebeen set up in order to tackle the ongo-ing ASB problems on Friday/Saturdaynights on Wanlip Avenue and GwendolinAvenue. A further PSP has been set up tocombat the antisocial nuisance andinconsiderate use of motorbikes withinBirstall.

An individual who has been visitingthe village from out of town has beencharged with four theft stores andbreach of a CRASBO.

From PC 2139 Richard Carruthers, PCSO6611 Mark Butler and PCSO 6438 Stu Vena-bles

Birstall Police Office tel: 0116 2677355

Proceeds from the event, held onBank Holiday Monday May 2, will go toBirstall United Juniors Football Club.

Charlotte Mills from The White Horsesaid: “We think it’s a very worthy causebecause of what they put intothe community, I didn’trealise as many as 300kids play there.

“It’s a successfuland growing clubthat brings kidstogether fromacross the villageand we arepleased to supportthem.”

Mick Joinson,Chair of Birstall UnitedJuniors Development Com-mittee said: “The club would like totake this opportunity to thank The WhiteHorse for considering us as this year’sbeneficiaries of the duck race. The clubis a big part of this community with over300 boys and girls from the village mak-ing up its membership, and so it’s quitefitting that a village tradition like theduck race will benefit so many localkids.

“The money raised will to towardsfinishing the security fencing which goesaround the ground. Once this security

fencing is finished, we can then press onwith other improvements that we want tomake to our facilities.

“The ducks are for sale in our clubkitchen on Meadow Lane on Saturday

mornings, and we’d like to encour-age as many people as possi-

ble to buy a duck for £1and help us make this abetter club for ourkids.”

This year’s event,held on the towpathat the bottom of WhiteHorse Lane and in thepub’s garden, begins at

noon on Monday May 2with the duck race itself

at 2pm. There will be cake,toy and book stalls, a bouncy

castle, donkey derby, mesh-a-duck,tombola and a tuck shop.

Ducks are £1 each and are availablefrom J Michael, Nandos, Krustys, BirstallUnited Juniors clubhouse and The WhiteHorse. The first prize is £100, second£50 and third £25. There are a furtherseven lucky dip prizes donated by localbusinesses.

In 2010 The White Horse duck raceraised £3000 for Birstall BAGS and in2009 it raised funds for the Acorn Un-der 5s playgroup.

THE THIRD annual duck race organised by The White Horsewill this year be supporting a local football club.

Tennis superheroes

Storerobberies

Planningapplications

Duck race in May


BIRSTALL VILLAGE Cricket Club is look-ing forward to a very successful 2011season.

We have begun training at Grace RoadCounty ground nets and the turnout hasbeen very encouraging. This season willshow a mixture of the very promisingunder 17’s junior team which both Dave

Sharpe and Steve Findley (1st and 2nd

team captains) are looking to give theopportunity to feed in to the club’s sen-ior teams along with the more experi-enced players.

The 2011 season begins on Saturday

April 23 for the 1st team and April 30 for

the 2nd team, with the first home gamebeing on Saturday May 7. The club hashad the privilege to have fantastic sup-port from the local community and weencourage any interested people tocome and have a drink and watch somecricket, it never fails to be entertaining!

The club is still encouraging anyinterested cricketers to contact DaveSharpe (senior players) on 07527186705 or Hamish Carnan (junior play-ers) on 07812 791322.

From Joshua Saye

THE BIRSTALL POST is now pub-lished in colour and at a new size.

Jerry Jackson, Editor of The BirstallPost said: “I hope readers will enjoythe new look Birstall Post. The changeshave been made so we can continue toattract advertising and compete in acompetitive market place. There are alot of adverts on the front page whilewe honour existing orders but readerswill see this reduce from June.”

He added: “The Birstall Post wel-comes contributions from readers. Youcan send us details of a communityevent such as a rummage sale, fete orcoffee morning for free publication onour ‘Noticeboard’ page. Or send itemsof news. We’re interested in everything -club and society news, prize winners,charity events, church news, complaints,praise, new projects, new facilities,trips, sport, crime, anything that con-cerns or interests you.

“Send us a letter for our letters page,we welcome letters on any issue, localor national, or send photos - we partic-ularly welcome old photographs givingan insight into local history.”

Sister papers The Rothley Post andthe Mountsorrel Post are also in colourand the same format as The BirstallPost.

[email protected]

using local Home Start leaders to coverissues such as confidentiality and commu-nication skills.

Angie Bell, a Charnwood Health Visitorand one of the course administrators said:

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege tohave facilitated in the growth of this excep-tional group of women, from willing volun-teers to skilled peer supporters. And I’m

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 25p aword. You are liable for the trade/business rateif you are offering a service for which you areasking for payment, or if you are advertisingnew goods for sale. All text will be printed bold.Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words. Phonenumbers count as one word.

Small Ads

AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports,Seaports, Long Distance, Courier.Tel: 0777 1984806

TELEPHONE EXTENSION Socketsfitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable,BT and digital TV. Over 25 yrsexperience. John 2675132

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consul-tancy. Plans drawn and submit-ted. Extensions, conversions,new build. David IvesB.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 01162674395 / 07974807111www.amlidesign.co.uk

GREENHOUSE FREE to anyonewho can dismantle and remove it.Approx 1.2m x 1.7m, aluminiumand glass 0116 2376372

MATHEMATICS TUITION: A Level &GCSE, Birstall based. Call07737352932

SMALL UPRIGHT piano availablefree for collection. Dark polishedwood, one loose key and in needof tuning. Own transport re-quired. Tel: Martin & Jay2677111

FOR SAFE and effective emotion-al support. Registered Bach Flow-er Practitioner and QualifiedCounsellorwww.nickymason.co.uk2209294/07544765091

CricketCorner

BIRSTALL METHODIST Church CoffeeShop recently celebrated its 30th

birthday with a banner, balloons anda special birthday cake.

The Coffee Shop was set up by NancyStuart in 1981 as a place to meet forcoffee, home made cakes and a chat. Itis open from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to12noon and is staffed by volunteers.Profits go to the three churches in thevillage and to various charities.

JAY FIELD from Birstall took part witheight other women from Charnwood inthe La Leche League BreastfeedingPeer Counsellor Programme.

It aims to provide support to mumswho are breastfeeding and giving informa-tion to pregnant women about feedingtheir babies.

The course covers the practicalities andhealth benefits of breastfeeding as well as

Birstall Postchanges

confident that they will offer invaluablesupport to new parents within Charnwood.”

Jay and the latest group of volunteersjoin 20 other women, including Vicky Kerrfrom Cropston, who have trained over thelast two years and are now out and aboutin Charnwood supporting mums at breastfeeding cafes, hospitals and Sure StartCentres. They are also planning antenatalbreastfeeding workshops and feeding relat-ed talks, starting some involvement withteen mums and much more besides.

The Mayor of Charnwood, CouncillorJin Vincent, a strong supporter of breast-feeding, presented the new volunteers withtheir certificates at a ceremony at Shel-thorpe Children’s Centre in Loughborough..

Contact the Charnwood BRAS(Breastfeeding Reasssurance and Support)via their websitewww.charnwoodbras.co.uk or throughyour health visitor or midwife.

Coffeeshop

Breastfeeding support

Pic: Jay Field & the Mayor of Charnwood

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Older workers statistical informationbooklet

This report published by the Depart-ment for Work & Pensions (DWP)presents key data on older workers’employment, labour market participationand developments. It is based on LabourForce Survey data for United Kingdom(Quarter 2, 2010).Key findings

There are 21.0 million people aged50 and over in the United Kingdom. Ofthese 11.2 million are aged between 50and 64, accounting for 28.0% of peopleage 16-64.

64.5% of those aged 50-64 are inemployment. This is lower than the em-ployment rate for people aged 25 to 49(80.0%) but higher than for those age16-24 (50.9%).

Over the last two years, workers aged50-64 have been negatively affected bythe recession. There has been a 1.1percentage point drop in the employmentrate and a 1.9 percentage point rise inthe ILO unemployment rate.

ILO unemployment is lower amongstthose aged 50-64 (4.9%) compared tothose younger than 50 (8.9%).

People aged 50-64 are more likely tobe long-term unemployed. 44.0% ofthose unemployed aged 50-64 have beenunemployed for longer than one year,compared with 30.6% of those under 50

Older workers are more likely towork part-time than their younger coun-ter parts. 28.1% of those in work aged50-64 compared with 21.9% for 25-49year olds.

People aged 50-64 have spent onaverage 13.7 years in their current em-ployment, compared with those below 50with an average of 6.3 years.

The 50-64 group have a high numberof people with no qualifications. 17.7%of those aged 50-64 report themselves ashaving no qualifications, compared with8.6% of those under 50.

Inactivity rates of those age 50-64 arehigher then that of those below 50.32.2% of the 50-64 age group are inac-tive compared to 20.4% of those below50.

Of those claiming Incapacity Benefit(IB) or Severe Disablement Allowance(SDA) 48.5% are aged 50 or over.

The Older Workers statistical informa-tion booklet is published by DWP infulfilment of a Government’s commitmentto publish information on employmentstatistics on older people. A copy of thereport can be downloaded from theDepartment’s research website at:http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2011-2012/owsib2010.pdfQuarter of a million carers missingout on new State Pension protection

A quarter of a million people caringfor an ill or disabled friend or relativecould be missing out on a top up thatprotects their basic and second StatePensions in later life.

An estimated one million people havegiven up work to care for someone andPensions Minister Steve Webb wants‘hidden’ carers who could be eligible forCarer’s Credit to benefit.

Steve Webb said: “It’s natural thatpeople caring for a loved one often for-get about their own needs and thoughtsabout the future are pushed to one side.But this is a very simple way for carersto protect their State Pension and I urgepeople to find out more by visiting theDirectgov website or by calling theCarer’s Allowance Unit.”

People giving up their time for 20hours or more a week to provide unpaidcare for a loved one, who are not al-ready claiming Carer’s Allowance, couldqualify.

There are currently less than 1,000people getting Carer’s Credit. The Govern-ment and Carers UK are calling for peo-ple to help identify hidden carers andencourage more people to ensure theyare claiming all they are entitled to.

Many people looking after an elderlyparent, ill spouse or disabled child donot think of themselves as carers. Infact, according to research from CarersUK the majority of people who care forrelatives take over a year to realise thatthey have become a carer Footnote: 2.But if you are giving up time to cook,clean, shop or provide personal care,unpaid, for someone you could be enti-tled to Carer’s Credit.

Carers UK Chief Executive ImeldaRedmond CBE, said: "If you give up workto care for someone who is close to youwho is ill or disabled, often the last thingon your mind is planning for your pen-sion. But it is vital that carers check thatthey are claiming the right benefits orcredits to ensure that they will get theirfull State Pension in retirement."

Carer’s Credit is not a cash sum nowbut means that a carer’s financial futurecan be protected. It credits a person’sNational Insurance record for the timethey are caring, helping them to build uptheir State Pension.Alzheimer’s drugs to be made availa-ble to all

The National Institute for Health andClinical Excellence (NICE) released itsfinal guidance on four Alzheimer’s drugsin March 2011.

The guidance means the drugs Aricept,Exelon and Reminyl will be available onprescription to people in the early andmoderate stages of Alzheimer's and Ebixawill be available to people in the latestages. PCTs must now ensure they areproviding funding for the drugs by June2011.

This final decision was preceded bydraft guidance and final draft guidancewhich both recommended the sameoutcome. It represents a reversal of theposition which was in place since 2007which limited access to drugs to onlypeople in moderate stages. There was

strong condemnation of that guidancefrom patient and professional groups.

A spokesman for the Alzheimer's Soci-ety said: “It is excellent news that theright decision has finally been set in

stone. These drugs can make a real dif-ference to the quality of life of hundredsof thousands of people with Alzheimer's.While they don't work for everyone, thisguidance means that for the first time,everyone diagnosed with this diseaseshould be given the choice of finding outif the drugs are effective for them.

“It is now vital that all PCTs make thenecessary changes to ensure these treat-ments are available. This will then hope-fully encourage more people to go totheir GP meaning diagnosis rates willimprove and more people will have ac-cess to the care and support they sodesperately need.”

INFO

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TUES 12BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING CLUB. AGM followed bySongs for Summer. Nigel Slater. 7.30pm, Roth-ley CentreTHURS 14BIRSTALL & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

John Merrick. The Elephant Man. Peter Cousins.7.30pm. Birstall Village HallWED 27BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB Di Smith. Ancient & Mod-ern. Birstall Village Hall, 7.15pm

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Monthand knowing the symptoms of Bowel Can-cer could save your life.

Early diagnosis really does save lives.Bowel Cancer: The Facts

Bowel Cancer is the UK’s 2nd biggestcancer killer –BUT IT SHOULDNT BE!

If diagnosed early it is VERY TREATA-BLE.

Symptoms of bowel cancer:• Bleeding from the bottom and/or

blood in your poo• A change in bowel habit lasting 4

weeks or more• Unexplained weight loss• Extreme tiredness for no obvious

reason• A pain or a lump in your abdomen

(tummy)You might experience one, some, all of

the above or no symptoms at all. Remem-ber most symptoms will not be bowel can-cer.Reduce Your Risk

A few simple lifestyle changes can helpyou to reduce the risk of developing bowelcancer.

• Know the symptoms of bowel cancer• Get to know your bowel pattern, know

what's normal for you• Keep to a healthy weight through regu-

lar exercise• Eat a diet high in fibre, including at

least five portions of fresh fruit and vegeta-bles every day

• Avoid processed meat• limit red meat to no more than 500g

per week• Do not drink too much alcohol.• Don't smoke• Be aware of your bowel cancer family

history.• Take part in Bowel Cancer ScreeningMore than 38,600 men and women are

diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UKevery year. If diagnosed at the earliest stage,bowel cancer is highly treatable.

The bowel is part of our digestive sys-tem. Food passes from the stomach to thesmall bowel. After the small bowel takesnutrients into the body, any undigestedfood passes through the large bowel,where water is removed from the waste

matter. This wastematter is held inthe rectum (backpassage) until itleaves the body asbowel motions(also known asstools or faeces).

Nearly all bow-el cancers develop in the large bowel –two-thirds of these are in the colon andone-third in the rectum. Bowel cancer isalso referred to as colorectal or coloncancer.

Although the exact cause of bowel can-cer is unknown, there are certain factorsthat may increase your risk. Age, familyhistory, an inactive lifestyle and a poor diet,high intake of red and processed meat,smoking and excess alcohol and peoplewith diabetes, a history of Crohn’s diseasein the large bowel, or ulcerative colitis, orwho have had previous polyps removed,may also be at an increased riskBowel Cancer Screening

If you are aged 60-69 in England, Walesand parts of Northern Ireland, or 50-74 inScotland, and you are registered with a GPyou will receive a letter, a leaflet explainingthe test, and a home testing kit in the post.In some areas in England screening in-cludes people up to 75 years old. Peopleover the age of 70, regardless of wherethey live, can request a kit by calling 0800707 6060.

The kit tests for faecal occult blood(blood hidden in poo). It does not diag-nose cancer. If blood is found in the sam-ple you will be invited for more tests.Blood in poo does not always mean cancer.http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/home

For further information about BowelCancer contact Bowel Cancer UK on 08008 40 35 40 or the University Hospitals ofLeicester Cancer Information Centre on0116 258 6189.

To reflect the interest and support ofthe local community Birstall BAG's nowseeks to be inclusive of all cancers and thegroup welcome villagers to support themany events they organise each year withinthe local community. For more informationon forthcoming events look at our websitewww.birstallbags.co.uk

The Birstall BAGS Cancer Corner

SPECTACULAR STEAM engines andmouth-watering food will be on themenu at a museum event next month.

Abbey Pumping Station museum willhost its third annual Steam and FoodFayre on Sunday April 17 from 1-5pm.

Popular attractions including steamtrain rides and the massive steam-pow-ered pumping engines will be in opera-tion, and visitors can also sampledelicious home-made food from themuseum’s LMTA tea room.

The emphasis of this year’s event ison creating tasty and interesting food ona budget, and will include hints and tipson how to transform leftovers into tastymeals, as well as featuring a Ministry ofFood exhibition highlighting the some-times bizarre recipe ideas people wereencouraged to make during wartimerationing.

www.leicester.gov.uk/museumsAbbey Pumping Station, Corporation

Road, Leicester

ST JAMES Church on Church Hill isopen every Saturday morning from10am until 12noon

A spokesman for the church said:“Whether you want to come for peaceand quiet, to light a candle and pray, orjust to look round the historic building,you will be very welcome.”

council officers will make the final deci-sion on which of the three artists ischosen. The artwork will be installed byJune 2011.

Continued from page 1

Churchopen



The May issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 30. The copy deadline is Apr 15

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birstall post april 2011 (333)

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