NOVEMBER 2009 No. 316

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

PLANS FOR a major development of 3500 homes west of Birstallare “progressing” say Leicester City Council.

A MASKED ball organised byGirlguiding Birstall helped raised£335 for the Guide’s Birstall HQ.

Girls aged 5-16 from Rainbows, Brownies,Guides and Rangers attended the event at theBirstall Co-operative Social Club. The winnerof the best mask competition was Grace Bar-nicle.

Girlguiding Birstall want to extend theirJohnson Road HQ and provide a new kitchen,new toilets, storage areas, a new Rangerroom and better access for the disabled. Theyhave so far raised £30,000 of a £100,000target.

Around 120 girls belong to GirlguidingBirstall – for more details contact BrownOwl, Marie Upton 2671043Pic: guests at Girlguiding Birstall’smasked ball

They have organised two consultationevents later this month about the plans.

Ashton Green, an urban extension to thenorth of Beaumont Leys, opposite the junction

of Greengate Lane and Thurcaston Road, hasbeen planned for 10 years or more.

The proposals, described by the City Coun-cil as a flagship of sustainable development interms of design, materials, waste managementand transport, will include 3500 homes,schools, community facilities and employmentopportunities.

A Leicester City Council spokesman said:“Leicester has a need for new homes, over20,000 within 20 years. Ashton Green hasbeen a strategic housing allocation for manyyears and it will play a major role in deliver-ing this challenging target for housing growth.There is a renewed commitment to makeAshton Green a reality through a new visionand emerging ‘masterplan’ with the aim ofbecoming the region’s leading example ofsustainable development.”

The City Council have organised two publicconsultation events about the plans:

• Beaumont Shopping Centre, 10am to5pm Friday November 6 and 10am to 5pmSaturday November 7

• Beaumont Leys Library, 2-8pm TuesdayNovember 10 and 2-8pm Thursday November12

The Birstall Post asked Leicester City Coun-cil why these consultation events were beingheld now and what progress had been made

CRIMINALS HAVE tampered with aBirstall cash machine in a bid tosteal money from customers’ ac-counts.

They also blocked other cash machines(ATMs) in the village, to force users to use themachine they had interfered with.

Police say two ATMs in Birstall have beentargeted – one was Barclays. The fraud was de-tected in late September.

Police say they have made four arrests inconnection with allegations of bank fraud atBarclays Bank, Syston.

There are two methods criminals use for ATMfraud. The Lebanese Loop’ is the simplest meth-od and involves criminals inserting a thin pieceof plastic or tape inside the card slot. When thevictim inserts their card, the loop is long enoughfor the card to be drawn into the machine and

Ashton Green plans

Continued on page 2

Girls’ masked ball

Cashmachinescam

Continued on page 2

2 the birstall post NOV 2009

in respect of the plans for Ashton Green, butthe information was not received before ourdeadline. The City Council said an announce-ment would be made soon and a new websitelaunched, which will include more details onAshton Green.

The White Horse, in White Horse Lane,outshone 300 other Trust Inns pubs to bemade southern UK regional winner in thepub giant’s Best Food & Drink Experiencecategory of its annual Awards for Excellence.

The award was the result of a visit by oneof the ‘mystery shoppers’ employed by TrustInns to survey its 600 pubs throughout Eng-land, Wales and Scotland. The White Horse’sowners are James and Charlotte Foy andJenny and Ady Doyle, who took the businessover in October 2008. In their first year’strading, sales have increased by more than65%, which owner James Foy puts down tothe relaxed atmosphere, fresh local produceused in the cooking, excellent customerservice and fine selection of beers and wine.

“The whole team is passionate aboutensuring that every single person who walksthrough the door feels totally welcome and athome” said James. “We even welcome dogsin the bar area. But we were amazed whenwe found out we’d won this award. What afantastic way to celebrate our first anniversa-ry! It never crossed our minds that we’dachieve this sort of recognition only one yearinto the job. And we had no idea that we’dbeen visited by a mystery guest until the

letter arrived from Trust Inns telling us we’dwon.”

The White Horse scored 95% in the sur-vey conducted by the Trust Inns employee onSaturday August 1. It received maximum100% scores both for the state of its toiletsand for overall customer satisfaction.

“It doesn’t get much better than that” saidJames. “We’re absolutely thrilled.”

The mystery guest judged The White Horseon every aspect of the business, from thepub sign, décor and speed of bar service tothe quality of food, mannerisms of the wait-ing staff and cleanliness of the toilets.

In addition to a certificate and crystaltrophy, the owners will receive £1,000 inprize money from Trust Inns and an invita-tion to a corporate event next summer.

The White Horse has also marked its firstanniversary with the launch of a new websitewww.thewhitehorsebirstall.co.ukPic: (l-r) Paul Clements (manager), JennyDoyle (owner), James Foy (owner), Char-lotte Foy (owner), Ady Doyle (owner) –celebrating the news that they have wona Trust Inns Award for Excellence – BestFood & Drink Experience category

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Councilwas held on October 14.

Neil Greenhalgh, Head of EnvironmentalServices at Charnwood Borough Council,spoke to councillors about street cleaning inthe Borough.

The Borough Council, as the Litter Authori-ty, has a legal duty to keep the Borough cleanunder the Environmental Protection Act 1990.This includes street cleaning, litter collection,removal of detritus, fly-posting, graffiti andfly-tipping on public land maintained by theCouncil.

The Environmental Services Contract with

Serco was launched on 1st August 2009, andcovers refuse and recycling collections andstreet cleaning, including fly-tipping.

The streets in Charnwood are cleaned onan output-based contract, which works tomaintain standards, rather than cleaning to aset frequency. The contract coves all councilmaintained land, adopted streets, footpathsetc which have all been identified andmapped. These areas have been categorisedinto four zones, which indicate the level ofusage of each area, and are maintained to aminimum standard. If they fall below thisstandard, there are set response times withinwhich they should be returned to the stand-ard.

Extensive monitoring of the cleanliness ofthe Borough is carried out by the boroughCouncil, and Serco, the Contractor, to ensurethat standards are maintained.

There are almost 1,000 litter and dog binsaround the Borough which are maintainedand emptied by the Borough Council, throughthe Contract with Serco.

The Council collects all fly-tipping on Bor-ough Council maintained land. Once report-ed, it will be investigated and photographed,and then passed for removal. Rubbish will beremoved within 24 hours of being passed for

removal following investigation.To report problems email

cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk or phone01509 634 563.

Comment was made about the problems ofdog mess on Orchard Road and litter onFront Street.

A member of the public commented thathe was regularly reporting graffiti to the Bor-ough Council but that the response was “hitand miss”. If the graffiti was on property notowned by the Council it was less likely to becleaned.

He added that cars were regularly break-ing the speed limit on Greengate Lane andsuggested that the council consider support-ing the Community Speedwatch initiative.

The Clerk reported that British Telecomhave indicated they will not remove the phonebox on the corner of Wanlip Lane and Wind-mill Avenue because it is well used. Someresidents would like it removed as it is ameeting point for drug dealers.

The council agreed to spend £3391 a yearon legal support from Ellis Whittam PLC, forboth employment and health and safety law.All existing policies will be reviewed andre-written as part of the deal and regularupdates and training is provided. The compa-ny will act as the ‘competent person’ if it isnecessary to deal with the Health and SafetyInspectorate after an accident.

Councillors discussed the problem of dogfouling on the School Lane playing field. CllrMary Houghton said she was very concernedabout the problem, which seems to be gettingworse. She said we are encouraging childrento play in a dog’s lavatory and that thecouncil’s responsibility was to provide a playarea for children, not for dogs.

Dog owners take no notice of threats tointroduce byelaws banning dogs, she said.

Cllr Sheila Alcock suggested prominentsigns be erected in the park stating that un-less the situation improves, a dog ban wouldbe introduced.

Cllr David Gaskell said that unless any dogban byelaw was enforced, it would have littleeffect.

Cllr Pat Cleere said he would welcome adog ban but in practice it would not work,the selfish dog owners would continue to lettheir dogs foul and the responsible ownerswould suffer.

read. The victim then enters their PIN as normal,but the ATM cannot eject the card as a lip foldedat the end of the loop prevents it from doing so.

The card is retained and the victim thinks themachine has malfunctioned. The criminal willhave either watched the PIN being entered overthe victim’s shoulder or will now step forwardand suggest the victim re-enters their PIN whilehe watches. When this fails and the victim hasleft, the criminal retrieves the loop and thetrapped card and uses it to withdraw cash fromthe victim’s account.

The second method involves attaching a‘skimming’ device, an electronic machine that fitsover the card slot that reads the card details andrecords PINs. This method does not require thecard to be retained. The details are then copiedto a blank card and used to withdraw cash.

Police advice to protect yourself from ATMfraud is:

• do not use a machine where people arestanding around it suspiciously

• do not use a machine that appears unusualor out of the ordinary

• shield the key pad with your hand when youenter your PIN

• do not accept advice from ‘helpful’ stran-gers when using an ATM

A BIRSTALL pub has won an award for its outstanding food and drinkservice just one year after being taken over by new owners.

Ashton Green continued from page 1

Cash machine continued from page 1

BIRSTALL UNITED under 16s v Hinckley United18/10/09

Birstall started the game very sharp, winning allthe tackles and the headers. Many more ballswhich were played through Hinckley’s defencegave them problems, with Jacob Horne hitting a fewgood shots that drifted over the bar. In the secondhalf, Hinckley were the more dominant team forthe first 15 minutes, but good goalkeeping fromMichael Burnes kept Birstall in the match. Eventual-ly, a corner from James Hulme allowed Jack Wrightto score a bullet header from six yards out, butBirstall only managed to hold on to their lead forfive minutes before a tackle on the edge of the boxled to a free kick for Hinckley, which was blastedinto the top corner. The game ended 1:1

From James Hulme

United U16s

Pub celebrates win

ParishCouncilnotes

Continued on page 3

Colour CelebrationStill taking bookings to save between 25% to 50%

during our colour celebrationright up to the 30th of November

Christmas SavingBook December and save 10% early bird discount

Open 7 days a week all through December(available for bookings taken in November only)

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2009 3

It was agreed to investigate employing adog warden in a bid to get a successful pros-ecution with the subsequent publicity actingas a deterrent.

It was reported that fast-food litter wasappearing on the A6 pavement near HallamFields, dropped by people using the servicearea outlets.

It was reported that some residents havebeen complaining about ash from fires startedby Parish Council staff who are burning felledtrees on Meadow Lane.

It was suggested that the council makeefforts to identify any vulnerable person inBirstall who is suffering from persistent anti-social behaviour, following the high profilesuicide of a mother and daughter in Barwell.It was reported that one such individual, onWanlip Lane, was being supported by thePolice.

The council agreed to obtain quotationsfor fencing between the School Lane playingfields and Loughborough Road.

It was reported that three sites for a pro-posed skate park were under considerationand that the indicative cost of £55,000 waslikely to be achieved with existing funds andgrants. It was agreed that Meadow Lanewould not be attractive to younger children ortheir parents, that use of the car park nearthe Bowls Club on the School Lane playingfield would result in objections and a reduc-tion in parking spaces and that the sunkenarea might be better kept for a multi-usegames area if future funding allowed.

A suggestion was made that there wassufficient space on the Birstall Road side ofthe new pavilion or near the children’s playarea.

The council agreed the allotment rents for2011. The 2010 figure is given in brackets :Full £23 (£22), Half £12 (£11), Full, pen-sioner £12 (£11), Half, pensioner £6(£5.50)

LONGSLADE HAS been judged to be a‘good’ school following an inspection byOfsted in September.

Co-principal Dr Mike Griffiths said: “Justover four years ago we were in special meas-ures, two years ago we were satisfactory witha number of good features and now we are agood school with a good capacity to get evenbetter. At the feedback session after the visit,Inspectors said we should be extremelypleased by the development of the college.”

Ofsted can award four grades: Outstanding,good, satisfactory and inadequate. Those fea-tures of a school that are graded as ‘good’are defined by Ofsted as “very positive fea-tures of a school. A school that is good isserving its pupils well.”

In all the key areas evaluated by the In-spectors, Longslade was graded as ‘good’.These are:

• How effective is the school?• What is the school’s capacity for sus-

tained improvement?• Outcomes for students – achievement,

progress, safety, skills for work, contributionto the community

• Provision – the teaching, curriculum,guidance and support

• Leadership and management• The Sixth Form

The report found that:• “Most students enjoy being at Longslade

and staff are proud to be part of its commu-nity”

• “The vast majority of students behavewell in and outside lessons”

• “Three times as many students take partin extra curricular sport and fitness activitiesthan at the time of the last inspection[2007]”

• “Mainly good and some outstandingteaching exists alongside a smaller amount ofsatisfactory and occasionally inadequateteaching. This variability leads to differentrates of achievement across subjects. Inspir-ing and exceptional teaching enables studentsto make outstanding progress.”

• “Arrangements with partner high schoolsfor students entering year 10 are outstand-ing.”

• “The college goes to great lengths toensure vulnerable students are able to settleand achieve well.

• “The quality of learning for pupils withspecial educational needs and/or disabilitiesand their progress was graded as‘outstanding’.

• In the sixth form teaching is ‘good’ andthe choice of studies available to students isextensive, including advanced level, appliedcourses and BTEC studies.

The Inspectors identified three areas forimprovement: improving attendance of somestudents, using assessment and grade datamore effectively and improving still furtherthe learning continuity with high schools.

Longslade College is a secondary school.Nationally, the overall effectiveness of second-ary schools inspected by Ofsted between Sep-tember 2007 and July 2008 were: Outstanding17%, Good 40%, Satisfactory 34% and Inad-equate 9%

Longslade’s full Ofsted report can beviewed at www.ofsted.gov.uk. Longslade’sunique reference number is 120261

PUPILS AT Stonehill School are once againtaking part in the Future Chefs cookerycompetition.

In October students from year 8 and 9took part in the school heats, preparing ameal for two people for less than £4.

Judging the efforts were Stonehill’s FoodTechnology teacher Jocelyn Brown and chairof the governors, Andrew Dent.

Jocelyn explains: “We are looking for nu-tritional balance, appearance, flavour andpresentation as well as how the pupilsworked throughout the hour they had to pre-pare the meal. The competition has provedvery popular in the past, with a good mixtureof boys and girls taking part.”

MANY PEOPLE in the East Midlands whoare entitled to a cash increase in theirincome are missing out simply becausethey assume they are not entitled toWorking Tax Credit (WTC), says HM Reve-nue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC have set up on online calculatorenabling anyone who thinks they might beeligible for WTC to quickly find out for surewhether they are likely to be entitled – and byhow much.

The average amount of WTC unclaimed is£1,600 a year so some people will qualify forsignificantly more.

Working Tax Credit is payable to peoplewho are in work and on a low income, andyou don’t have to have children to qualify. In2007/08, £720 million was paid out to claim-ants of WTC without children.

Anyone with queries about tax credits cancheck online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxccreditsor, to make a claim, call the Helpline on0845 302 1415.

BIRSTALL’S PLAYGROUP for children with special needs has been boost-ed by a fundraising event organised by a grateful parent.

Debra Green has been taking her little boyto the playgroup for over a year now. Shesaid: “The support I have received both formyself and Jacob has been invaluable. Someof the children who attend are extremelydisabled and the one-to-one support theyreceive is fabulous. Also the support formums both from the carers and other mumsis invaluable. There is no other play group ofthis type in the whole of Leicestershire and itrelies solely on charitable donations for itssurvival.”

Debra decided it would be a great idea toraise some money to say thank you for thesupport it has provided to her and her familyand with help from her colleagues from Uni-versity Hospital’s NHS Trust’s InformationManagement and Technology Department,organised a quiz night and raffle in July. Acheque for £1020 was handed over to Debo-rah Hoggar, playgroup leader and her team.

Deborah said: “The playgroup was startedover 40 years ago by a mother who had achild with Downs Syndrome and felt tradition-al play groups did not offer the kind of sup-port that children with special needs orspecific disabilities require. It is still held inthe same church hall and the demand for theservice has never diminished. We werethrilled to receive this support from Debra.”

Continued from page 2 ‘Good’ school praised

Increaseyourincome

Futurechefs

Playgroup ‘fabulous’

The December issue ofTHE BIRSTALL POST

will be published on Dec 5.The copy deadline is Nov 20.

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A BRICK thrown at the window of a Nation-al Express coach as it passed through Bir-stall smashed a window, forcing the driverto stop.

The incident happened at about 8.11pmon Tuesday September 15 when a NationalExpress coach was travelling along the A6Loughborough Road in the direction ofLoughborough.

As the coach passed the junction withBentley Road a brick was thrown at the near-side window causing it to smash. A tub ofmargarine was also thrown at the front of thebus.

The driver safely stopped the bus andnobody was injured.

Passengers saw a group of three youths,believed to be involved in the incident in thearea at the time. They are described as about14 years old and one of them had long hair.

PC Kevin Gray, who is investigating theincident said: “Did you see a group of threeyouths matching this description in the Bent-ley Road area that Tuesday evening? If so,please contact me.

“We’re appealing for anyone who mayhave information about this incident or re-members any suspicious activity in the areabetween these times to get in touch.”

Anybody with any information is asked tocontact PC 1124 Kevin Gray on Leicester 2222222, follow the instructions to leave a mes-sage for a police officer and when promptedkey in the officer’s identification number1124. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers,which is free and anonymous on 0800 555111.

Beware When Using ATMs!Birstall has recently come under attack by

criminals who have compromised ATM ma-chines outside building societies and banks.

There was a deliberate attempt to forcemembers of the public to use the one ma-chine which was apparently working. Howev-er the criminals had to set this machine upso they could obtain card details of users viaa camera.

When using ATMs be alert to your sur-roundings and always cover the keyboardwith you hand so that your pin number isprotected.Remember to ‘Let There Be Light’

As winter approaches and the dark eve-nings descend it is a good idea to make surethat your houses are lit with external andinternal timed lights. You can use low energylight bulbs coupled with timer switches tovary the times.

This deters would be burglars who willavoid these properties and also provides awelcome to home coming family members.Be Seen, Be Safe

Cyclists• ensure lights are in good working order

to front and rear of cycle• wear fluorescent or lighter clothing

which is widely available in eye catching de-signs

• parents should be particularly alert totheir children’s safety when riding cycles

Remember all cyclists can get their ma-chines postcoded free of charge at the Satur-day Neighbourhood Advice Shop every thirdSaturday in the month. Next date will be No-vember 21, between 10-12noon at 10 SibsonRoad, opposite Birstall Garden CentreHalloween

Where ‘ No Thanks’ Trick or Treat postersare displayed please respect those people’swishes and don’t call at the properties

From Birstall & Wanlip, Neighbour-hood Watch, Ed Marshall, Chairman

4 the birstall post NOV 2009

Steve visited Birstall Rainbow Nursery onWanlip Lane to open the new outdoor playarea which has been partly funded by a coun-cil grant from Leicestershire County Council.

Nursery Manager Paula Wright said: “Thenew play area is amazing, the children love itand it will be in use throughout the year withour giant undercover walk-in sandpit, thenature area and climbing wall up to the castlein the sky, the dig pit, stone area and growingbeds. It’s great to see them having such awonderful time.”

She added: “The owners have also re-vamped the front of the nursery which isspectacular and we have had many lovelycomments from both parents and passers by.

“The fete was great with lots to see and doand a big thank you to the fire brigade forattending – the children and parents love tohave a go!”Pic: (l-r) Steve Walsh, Tony Slipper (owner), KellieButler (Deputy), Sue Slipper (owner)

FORMER LEICESTER player Steve Walsh was the special guest at a Birstall nurseryschool’s summer fete.

Crime Report : Birstall 14.9.09 to14.10.09

Assault and harassment 9, burglary 5,burglary other 3, damage 6, damage to motorvehicle 11, drugs 2, fraud 2, theft 10, theft ofcycle 1, theft from motor vehicle 4, theft ofmotor vehicle 1, theft stores 4

There were 17 fewer recorded crimes thismonth compared to last. Sibson Road carpark is receiving extra police attention.

PC Richard Carruthers 2139

MORE THAN 4000 visitors attended theGCR’s steam railway October gala week-end.

Takings for the event were £71,000. Eightlocomotives were in steam at one point in-cluding guest engines Black Prince and OliverCromwell.

Great Central Railway president Bill Fordsaid: “It’s great news. A real boost for us andfor the area too. Lots of our visitors camefrom across the country and stayed for morethan a day. The line up of engines, which wedubbed ‘the heavy metal show’ clearly cap-tured imaginations. We’ve already startedmaking plans to put on a great show this timenext year.”

Bill added: “The tributes we’ve had frompeople who visited the gala are a reflectionon the staff and volunteers who worked sohard to stage it. There was a lot of interest inthe ongoing projects around the railway withmany people taking a bus tour to the rapidlydeveloping Mountsorrel branch.”

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Cllr Wilson spoke to pupils at a schoolassembly, met the school council and was

given a tour by Chairman of the GovernorsDavid Bark and headteacher Andy Hayman.

“This school is absolutely terrific and hasimproved so much since my last visit, as May-or, five years ago” he said.

“There’s a happy and efficient atmosphereand it’s a school Birstall can really be proudof” he added.

Andy Hayman said: “The timing of Roger’svisit is ideal, as we’ve just got the schoolcouncil up and running which is about de-mocracy and citizenship – the pupils havenow met an elected councillor and can seehow it operates in the real world.”Pic: (l-r) David Bark, Roger Wilson, SheilaWilson and Andy Hayman with the River-side school council

FOR THOSE of you who have been to HATSprevious pantos at Highcliffe School, thereis no need to tell you when it is on.

But, for those who have missed out inprevious years, and those who haven’t andare very forgetful, it’s on stage during the lastweek in November. Or, to be exact, November26, 27 & 28. We think it’s just about the firstpanto of the season: let us know if you knowof one that’s staged earlier. This year we arepresenting Dracula – the Vampire StrikesBack, by Thomas Ribbets and Tim Saward.

Not a tradition subject for a panto butthere is plenty of fun and frolics as our he-roes and heroines try to stop Dracula gettinghis hands on the treasure. But first they mustdiscover the identity of the London Blood

Doors are open half an hour before curtainup. Tickets for the panto are available nowand you can reserve yours by phoning thebox office on 0116 2128757. Prices are £5(£4 concessions). As usual there will be areduction for group bookings.

Once again we would love to see morepeople from Birstall and the surrounding areacoming so see our shows or actually joiningour happy band of thespians.

So, if you have a couple of hours or moreto spare each week, why not get in touch byphoning HATS secretary on the above numberor just turn up at Greengate Hall on anyWednesday after 7pm.

From Rod Atkins, HATS.

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2009 5

A LADIES evening organised by the Charnwood branch ofCancer Research has raised £790 for the charity.

The event, held in the Village Hall, Woodhouse Eaves,featured various free treatments for visitors including reflex-ology, aromatherapy, hand, head and shoulder massage.There was also advice about the various uses of aloe vera,nail care, hand care and beauty problems.

To encourage everyone to start early with their Christmasshopping there were stalls selling jewellery, stationery, de-signer clothes, Christmas wrapping paper, home made pick-les, jams and Virgin Vie cosmetics.

Jan Gaskell, Chair of the Charnwood branch of CancerResearch, said: “Buying Christmas gifts in the warmth of thevillage hall while eating a slice of home-made cake provedto be an ideal shopping experience.”

She added: “This year we would like to thank husbandsDoug and David who set out all the tables and chairs andprovided the ‘muscle’ and then left returning at 10pm to

help pack everything away.Many thanks to all our sup-porters, both old and newwho helped us to raise amagnificent total of £790.Without your support wecould not have achieved thistruly wonderful result.”Pic: Mary Allen(right) andKath Grundy (centre)fromBirstall choosing itemsfrom the large collectionof jewellery on sale

PUPILS AT Riverside Primary school welcomed Roger Wilson, Chairman of the CountyCouncil when he visited the school last month.

Fiend! It sounds a bit horrific but don’t wor-ry, it’s all in the best possible taste. With theusual mixture of music, dancing, comedy,knockabout and a sprinkling of horror wehope it will be a great time for kids from 3 to93!

So make sure you don’t miss out on thefun and frolics. Book your tickets now forNovember 26, 27 & 28. Evening performanc-es are at 7.15pm and there will be an addi-tional matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm.

Pic: Doreen & Rod Atkins readyfor some biting. Photo by L Meachem

A 22 YEAR old man has been chargedwith a number of offences followingan incident in Birstall.

The incident happened on WednesdaySeptember 16, shortly after 12noon inSibson Road, when a man was assaultedwith an iron bar prior to a road trafficcollision.

A man attended Loughborough localpolicing unit on Friday September 18 tospeak with officers and was subsequentlyarrested.

The 22 year old man has beencharged with affray, actual bodily harm,aggravated taking of a motor vehiclewithout consent, dangerous driving, driv-ing without a driving licence, drivingwithout insurance, failing to stop at anaccident and failing to report an acci-dent.

He was due to appear at LeicesterMagistrates Court on Friday, October 30.

Iron barassault

BIRSTALL METHODIST Church hostedthe Leicestershire County Councilcivic service.

It was led by the minister, the RevRachel Parkinson and the Bishop ofLeicester the Rt Rev Tim Stevens. Villag-ers and dignitaries from all parts ofLeicestershire attended including theacting chief constable, the Lord Lieu-tenant and the chairman of the CountyCouncil, Cllr Roger Wilson, who lives inBirstall and is a long-standing memberand lay reader at the Methodist Church.

The second lesson was read by theLord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jenni-fer, Lady Gretton. The Bishop of Leices-ter gave the sermon and the offeringwas shared between Birstall MethodistChurch and the Launde Abbey Appeal.

Civicservice

87 Harrowgate Drive – single storeyside extension42 Worcester Ave – erection of detachedsingle garage66 Sibson Road – erection of a roof ex-tension, single storey extension to rearof dwelling and extension to garage

Planningapplications

Chairman tours school

Charityfundraiser

TheDecemberissue of

THE BIRSTALL POSTwill be published

on Dec 5.

The copydeadline

is Nov 20.

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Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester. LE4 4GH

Following our recent successful taster evening we are delighted to offerfurther sessions as part of our Supporting Parents programme.

Surviving with Teenagers

Wednesday 11 November (Max. People 12)

Workshop 1 2.00 – 4.30pm Room 4A ADLC

Workshop 2 6.30 – 9.00pm Room 46 LKC

Listening, Communicating, StrengtheningRelationships.

Help! The teenagers have takenover the computerMonday 16 November (Max. People 12)6.30 – 8.30 pm

Hints and tips for parents on home computing.Computers available for your use.

Surviving Key Stage 4Wednesday 25th November7.00 – 9.00pm Luther King Centre

Session 1 Peer PressureSession 2 Drinking/Alcohol Abuse

General information for parents on these topics

** Please note some sessions have amaximum group size.

-------------------To book a place on any of these sessions

or for further detailsplease contact:

Lyndsay King- Extended Services

Tel: 0116 267 0807 / 267 7107Email: lyndsayking@longslade.leics.sch.uk

Surviving Post 16 (The Sixth Form)

Tuesday 10 November 7.00 – 9.00 pm

Session 1 - Life in Post-16

Parents will have the opportunity to learn moreabout:

The LeCAP application process. (For coursesand apprenticeships.)

What support students receive in Post-16 fromAcademic Tutoring to Learning Mentoring

Understand the Transition process from year11 – 12

Understand what opportunities students havein Post-16

Session 2 - Explaining the UCAS process

Parents will have the opportunity to learn moreabout:

What does UCAS stand for?

What do students need to do to apply touniversity?

What is the role of the teachers, tutors andPost-16 within the application process?

How can parents support?

Supporting parents

Longslade Community College

I would like to say a very big thank you toall friends and neighbours for the lovely flow-ers, cards and cakes received after my recentoperation.

Bless you all.Joan Bowler

May I take this opportunity to thank theresidents of Blenheim Road and LambourneRoad, Birstall for their most generous dona-tions to the LOROS house-to-house envelopecollection during September. You raised avery impressive £78 – well done, and thankyou to everyone.

Katherin Dunne

Taking into account the behaviour of somemotorists, any delay must be deplored. In twodays this week I saw firstly a north-boundmotorist do a U-turn at the Hallam Fieldsroad, despite the signs banning it; and sec-ondly a young man in a black car who droveat speed down the closed bus lane: ploughedthrough the cones at the Bentley Road junc-tion: turned his car through the pedestrianspace between the two new islands, thenturned into Bentley Road against the trafficlights, which were red to south-bound traffic.

If motorists can behave thus, what chanceto school students stand?

Dr D McNeil

Many thanks to those readers of the Postwho responded to my pleas for informationon ‘the Hut’ in Cliffe Road.

Not only did they correct my mistakenbelief that Miss Henson taught there (which,of course, she did from her own home nextdoor!) but they furnished me with details ofthe person who did use the building, therenowned pianist Maud Randle (for whomthe Leicester composer Benjamin Burrowswrote at least two pieces of music) and ‘TheHut’ itself..

Sadly no photo had been forthcoming sofar, and so maybe I could ask again for any-one who might have a photo of what soundsto me like a fairly unique building for thispart of the world! Also any further informa-tion on Maud Randle would be very muchwelcomed.

I can be contacted on 0116 2676427 oremail rmp6@leicester.ac.uk.

Many thanks.Robert Pugsley, 54 Cliffe Road

ever lost it. Please contact me on 2674995 ifit is yours, and I will be pleased to give itback to its owner.

L Walton

6 the birstall post NOV 2009

YOUR SAY...

The Birstall Post welcomes your viewsand opinions on any subject. Letters,which must include your name and ad-dress, (though not necessarily for publi-cation) can be posted to: The BirstallPost, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane,Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed inat Birstall library or email:editor@birstallpost.co.uk

The family of the late Eric Moore wouldlike to thank friends and neighbours for alltheir support and kind donations on behalf ofthe British Lung foundation which amountedto £450

Mrs A Davis

I’d like to say a big thank you to every-body who supported me in my fundraising forChildreach International, with whom Iclimbed Mount Kilimanjaro. I made it to thesummit on Sunday September 13 havingraised £3,000 for the charity.

I couldn’t have raised this amount withoutthe support of friends from around Birstalland of the White House, so thank you somuch.

Having visited the schools and trainingcentres being run by the charity in Tanzania Ican assure you the money is being put to themost incredible use to give the children afuture.

Chris Kilby

By now I should have bored your readerssilly with my protestations about the ineptre-design of the A6. However, as a past gover-nor of a local school, I am concerned for thesafety of pedestrians using that road, so Imust take up the pen.

The efforts to block the unofficial hole inthe wire fence in the north-east corner ofStonehill school playing fields repeatedly fail– yet a simple gate, which I suggested wouldallow students access to a pedestrian crossingat the Hallam Fields Road junction, has beenconstructed but only for the use of Transco.For students’ use, a gate must connect, appar-ently, to a length of dual carriageway, leadingto the school car park.

We heard it several times on the Watchphone in the last month: ”I didn’t want tobother the Police with it” or “Nothing hap-pens anyway, so why bother?”

It’s simple. If you don’t report it, then – asfar as the Police are concerned – it didn’thappen. And the criminals get away with it.Some people have said that it’s actually selfishto not report a crime because you’re depriv-ing other people in our area of the right levelof Police resources.

So if you are the victim of a crime – nomatter how minor you might think it is – thenalways report it to the Police on 222 2222.

You may not get an immediate response.But this doesn’t mean that nothing is happen-ing and it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reportthe incident.

Often, the Watch gets feedback on reportsfrom the Police and we try to make sure thatgets through to members.

If the Police have an accurate picture ofthe level of antisocial behaviour, suspiciousbehaviour and ‘petty’ crimes as well as moreserious crimes, then they will give our areamore attention.

And more Police attention means lessattention from the criminals, vandals andtroublemakers.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

I heartily agree with the comments madeby Pravin Parmar in issue no.315 of the Bir-stall Post regarding the ‘Improvements at theA6/Greengate Lane/Sibson Road junction. Thedesign seems to employ the system used allover Leicester which would appear to be: ifthere is any danger of the traffic actually flow-ing stop it quickly and for as long as possi-ble.

The powers that be do not seem to realisethat to proclaim to be an ‘Environment City’requires more than just putting up fancy signson the main roads into the city. Many of mycustomers who do not live locally dread com-ing to ‘Traffic Light City’ which is a commonlyused and more accurate description.

Research and common sense (rememberthat?) tell us that to get the maximum pollu-tion from a car, drive it for short distancesand stop it frequently. There is nothing moresoul destroying than watching the next set oftraffic light turning to red as one is leavingthe previous set and then to sit waiting for thenon-existent traffic to cross the junction be-fore the same cycle is repeated again. Shouldyou somehow manage to negotiate a coupleor three sets of lights without stopping restassured the next three sets will be even slow-er to make up for it. It is almost as if this isbeing done on purpose to make motoring soannoying that we will all give up and usepublic transport. Or do the local authoritiesmaybe have shares in the traffic light manu-facturers?

Ed G Trzoska

I have in my possession a spent bullet (Ithink) on a gold chain, picked up on TheCrossways. I think it must be of value to who-

Noticeboardall details printed free

Birstall Methodist ChurchSaturday November 28 from 10am to 2pm

Table Top Sale(held in conjunction with Christmas Festival)

Tables @ £10 eachContact Margaret – 0116 2671181

• • •St James the GreatChurch Hill, Birstall

Sunday November 1 at 3pm

All Souls ServiceWe will be holding a short service of hymns,

readings, prayers and reflection for those whohave lost a loved one recently or in the past

Open to everyone in the parishYou will be very welcome

Refreshments after the service• • •

Barn DanceSaturday November 14

Birstall Village Hall, 7.30-10.30pmTickets £5.50

Bring your own food and drinkProceeds go to the Samaritans Purse ‘Shoebox’

AppealTel: Hazel 2674008, Daphne 2675721

• • •

Charity Bridge DriveOrganised by Loughborough Lions

At the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane,Rothley

Wednesday November 11 at 1.30pm with after-noon tea providedOnly £6 per person

To book a table please contact Jackie on 01162303317 or Ann 01509 232422

• • •Leicestershire Parents Group of Diabetes UK

Presents

60s, 70s & 80s DiscoSaturday November 14

At Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane,Birstall

From 7-11.30pmTrafficator disco, licensed bar, pop quiz, raffle

Tickets £6Tel: Ian 0116 2301150 – 07946127572

• • •Sunday November 22 at 7.30pm

A welcome return of the

Ibstock Brick Brass BandAt St James’ Church

Pay on the doorMonies to the band and a donation to the

church• • •

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Student gate

Report it

The Hut

Stop start

Found

Yes folks it’s Panto time againHighcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society presents

Dracula the VampireStrikes Back

by Thomas Ribbits and Tim SawardAt Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane,

BirstallThursday & Friday Nov 26 & 27 at 7.15pm, Sat-

urday Nov 28, 2.30pm & 7.15pmTickets Adult £5, Concessions £4, discounts for

group bookings available from either email:hatsbirstall&hotmail.co.uk, tel: 0116 2128757

or 0775784719Comedy in a Jugular VeinDon’t delay book today!

• • •

Abbeyfield Autumn FairChurch Hill, Birstall

Tuesday 10 November, from 10am to 12noon20p admission

Tea & coffee, biscuits, cake also a home bakedstall, tombola, treasure trail, book stall and

gift stallAll proceeds are to go to the residents outing

and entertainment fund• • •

Loughborough Farmers MarketDevonshire Square, Loughborough

Between 9am and 3pmNext market November 4

• • •Birstall Methodist Church

Christmas FestivalFriday 27th/Sat 28th November

‘Golden Fanfare’Trees, displays, arrangements

Friday 10am-7pm/Saturday 10am-2pmAdmission to the church £1 (accompanied chil-

dren free)

Outdoor Christmas MarketFriday 3-7pm

Table Top SaleSaturday 10am-2pm

Tables @£10 each, contact 2671181Refreshments served throughout the event

Light lunches Fri/Sat 12-2pm• • •

Age Concern

Christmas Toy &Tombola Bazaar

At the Age Concern Furniture Shop, BirstallFriday/Saturday, November 27 & 28Lots of toys and gifts for Christmas

9am-5pmtel: 0116 2672098

Please come and support us and have fun too!• • •

Friends of Birstall SwimmingPool

needs adult swimmers to join them on Fridaysfrom 12.30 to 1.30pm

£2 first visitcontact Birstall Pool on 2673461 or Lesley on

2671625• • •

Charnwood Conservative Association

Christmas FairSaturday December 5, 10am to 12noon

at The Rothley CentreAdmission 50p

Raffle, tombola, produce stalls, cakes, gifts,games and books

Rt Hon S Dorrell MP will be attending• • •

Richard Hill School

Christmas FairSaturday November 28 from 1.30-4pm

At Richard Hill School, Anstey Lane, ThurcastonSanta’s grotto, Christmas craft stalls, games,teas, home-made cakes, face painting, choco-

late fountain and lots more!All welcome

Further details please ring 0116 235 7980 orcontact richardhillpta@aol.com

• • •Belgrave Hall Museum

Craft FairSaturday November 22From 11am to 3.30pm

Various stalls selling food, drink, local produce,gifts etc

Artists exhibiting include:Ingrid Jarvis of Aura Art Glass

www.auraartglass.com who makes beautiful lampworkbeads and jewellery

Alex Williamson www.alexwilliamson.com who spe-cialises in distinctive contemporary jewellery, and

Anne Harrison www.anneharrison.co.uk who producesstunning embroidered landscapes

• • •

Members NoticeBirstall Royal British Legion

Sat Nov 7, John McCartney (M/V)Wed Nov 11, 40s Night Singalong (F/V)

Sat Nov 14, Fior (F/V)Sat Nov 21, Sam Bailey (F/V)Sat Nov 28, Karen West (F/V)

Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment

Free meat raffle, Bingo and not forgetting‘Open the Box’

Every Tues night Bingo starting at 9.30pmQuiz nights Sunday Nov 8 & 29 starting at 9pm

Acoustic night Sunday Nov 15Rock & Roll nights Wed Nov 4 & 18Food available every Sat 12-2pm

• • •Bradgate Sewing Circle

Coffee Morning and SaleThe Rothley Centre

Saturday November 14, 10am to 11.30amStalls will include homemade cakes & provi-

sions, books including children’s books, Christ-mas gift stall, cards, gifts for children to buy,tombola, raffle with great prizes and much

moreAdmission and coffee 50p

This year the charities we are hoping to sup-port are Mablethorpe Children’s Holiday Home

and the Macmillan Nurses• • •

Birstall Flower ClubInvites you to a demonstration by

Ann Horsley entitled‘In Anticipation’

on Wednesday November 25at 7.15pm

Birstall Village Hall, School Lane, BirstallTickets £6 (inc refreshments)

Available from 0116 2674206, 0116 2128460• • •

Rothley Bowling Club

Autumn Fayre and CoffeeMorning

At the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane,Rothley

Saturday November 21, from 10am to 12noonRaffle, tombola, cakes, home made produce,

crafts, books, bric-a-brac etcAdmission 50p inc tea/coffee

All welcome• • •

Coffee Morning/Bring and Buyand Music

Saturday December 510am to 12.30pm

at St James the Great Church, Church Hill, Bir-stall• • •

Birstall St James Church Social GroupInvite you to a

Quiz Afternoon andCream Tea

On Sunday November 22 at 3pmBirstall Village Hall, School Lane

Cost £3• • •

Belgrave Cemetery RemembranceSunday Service

November 8.10.45 for 11am

Conducted by the Rev Pam HaynesAll are welcome

Further information tel: Dorothy 0116 2672018• • •

The ladies of Birstall Bags would like to inviteyou to a

Gift Nightat the Earl of Stamford

on Friday November 13All proceeds go towards cancer

related illnessesTickets £3 each to include a free glass of wine

or soft drinkA variety of stalls to browse around including:handbags, scarves, jewellery, body shop, hand

made cards and home made preservesTickets available from Emma 07837028451 or

Rachael 07989822173Please come along and enjoy a relaxing evening

with us and start your Christmas shopping!For more information please visit our website

www.birstallbags.co.ukThank you for your support

Emma, Rachael, Jo, Helen. Liz, Lesley• • •

Syston Band’s ChristmasConcert

Saturday December 12At the Syston Methodist Church, High Street,

SystonDoors open at 7, concert starts at 7.30

Tickets cost £5 (including complimentary mincepies) and accompanied children are free

To book tickets or for more information call0116 2675823

• • •Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

Film Presentations‘The Young Victoria’,

Friday November 13 (104 mins)This charming British Costume Drama chronicles

Victoria’s rise to power, focusing on the early turbu-lent years of her reign. Prior to her coronation, Victo-

ria was at the mercy of her scheming mother andadvisors. However, her first cousin, Albert, defies pro-tocol to outwit the schemers. The young Victoria soon

learns to be assertive in politics and determined inher legendary romance. Emily Blunt gives a stunning

performance as Victoria.

‘A Bunch of Amateurs’Friday December 11 (97 mins)

This British film starring Hollywood legend, Burt Rey-nolds, was selected for a Royal Film Performance lastyear. A leading Hollywood star is attracted to Britain

to play the title role of King Lear at ‘Stratford’ believ-ing he will be appearing at Stratford-upon-Avon, the

birthplace of William Shakespeare. Instead he finds hehas signed on with the ‘Stratford Players’ in the Suf-

folk village of Stratford St John.Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be show-ing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Startingat 7.30pm, tickets cost £4, concessions £3.50. Price

includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw.Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office

0116 236 7626 or at the door.• • •

Birstall Royal British LegionWomen’s Section

Coffee MorningSaturday November 28, 10am to 12noon

tombola, cakes, books, jigsaws, bric-a-bracAll welcome

• • •Bishop Ellis Primary School, Barkby Thorpe

Lane, Thurmaston

Annual Christmas FairOn Saturday November 28

From 4-6.30pmLots to see and do, games to play, stalls to browse,

look for that special Christmas giftRelax to the sound of Marwood brass

See Santa in his grottoWe look forward to welcoming everyone

For more details www.bishopellis.leics.sch.uk• • •

Support for victims ofDomestic Abuse

Loughborough Women’s Aid (LWA)We help all victims, male and female and their

families.Support can be an informal chat, in depth help

or refuge accommodation.Call LWA on 01509 55 25 49

www.lwa.org.uk• • •

NHW Advice SurgeryMeet your beat officers

Free postcoding of bikesSaturday November 21, 10am to 12noon

10 Sibson Road, Old Council Office

• • •A good time was had by Birstall residents at the cine-ma presentation organised by Birstall Parish Council inthe village hall of the Walt Disney film ‘Race to Witch

Mountain (PG)The next cinema event will be on Wednesday

November 18 at 7pm presenting:

Public Enemies (15)

Johnny Depp stars as charismatic 1930s bank robber JohnDillinger, whose exploits thrilled the American public dur-ing the Depression. Despite his folk hero status, Dillingerwas declared Public Enemy No.1 and became the primetarget of a fledgling FBI, headed by Melvin Purvis

(Christian Bale). This engrossing and stunningly acted filmcontrasts Dillinger’s criminal career and romance with girl-

friend Billie (Marion Cotillard) 139 mins

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2009 7

D. UptonGarden Services

0116 2696982Mob: 0781 2335825

All aspects ofgarden work undertakenDriveways • Patios

Blockpaving • GravellingTurfing • Fencing

Slabbing • MowingHedgetrimming etc

TO CELEBRATE the 40th anniversary of manlanding on the moon, Cubs and Beaversfrom Birstall spent a day at the NationalSpace Centre, Leicester.

They explored the numerous halls includ-ing learning about weather systems. Here theyhad a chance to record their own weatherreport against a green back-ground which superimposedthem over the weather map. Oneslight problem was that theywore their green Cubs’ topsmaking them invisible on screenapart from seeing their handsand faces.

They also learnt about theplanets, solar system and starconstellations.

As they climbed the towerhousing the rockets there weremore tasks to perform on rocketpropulsion and life support,before finally getting a chance torelive the ‘one small step’ mo-ment made famous by Neil Armstrong, who asa boy was a ranger, America’s equivalent ofscouts.

As they returned to Earth (the groundfloor) there were more hands-on tasks tocarry out such as using remote mining dig-gers, driving ‘Mars Rovers’ as well as tryingout the Micro G Manoeuvre Module.

In recognition of the effort put into the'out of this world experience’ they all earnedthe Cub Scout Astronomy badge.From Ged Sessions

8 the birstall post NOV 2009

A BIRSTALL businessman had been named as the East Midlands YoungDirector of the Year by the Institute of Directors (IODs)

Pic: Cubs in the rocket tower

Pic: Beavers walking on the moon

Steve Walker (31) of Steve Walker Associates received his award at the IOD’s annual busi-ness leaders dinner, held at Trent Bridge, cricket ground, Nottingham.

Steve’s business, based at Cliffe House on Church Hill, is a management and training consul-tancy. He also runs a business providing NVQ training.

He said: “It’s an honour to win this prestigious award against great competition. to be iden-tified as the region’s leading entrepeneur is a great accolade.”Pic: Steve Walker (right) with Ron Lynch, IOD’s East Midlands Regional Director, and Mike Carr,EMDA’s Executive Director of Business Services and Shahid Sheikhn, IOD Leicestershire Chairman.

A FULL size jukebox that plays CDs or mp3 files is avail-able now at Broughton Interiors, Anstey.

The classic style jukebox hasseven colour LED tube lighting, aremote control player and has aUSB connection for attaching yourmp3 player.

Broughtons also have a rangeof reproduction telephones fromthe 1920s to the 1970s includingthe wooden candlestick designand the 70s trim phone

FUNDRAISING BY the Ladies of the Birstall Methodist Women’s Group continues to sup-port local good causes.

WITH THE return of the darker nights andwith the annual Remembrance Day serviceon Sunday November 8 at St James, au-tumn seems well upon us and Christmas isjust around the corner!

The various religious festivals of light tak-ing place in Leicester in the autumn months,should not make us forget that Advent, theprelude to Christmas, is also a season of lightin the Christian church. The first Advent can-dle is lit at services on Advent Sunday Novem-ber 29 in St. James and Wanlip churches –and the children can start to open their Ad-vent calendars! At 6pm in St James thatevening there is also a special ‘ChurchesTogether’ Advent Service in which candlesand music play a large part. All are wel-come.

To cheer a dark November day, why notcome along to a Quiz afternoon with creamtea, taking place in the Village Hall on SundayNovember 22 at 3pm, and later return to StJames for the Ibstock Brass Band concert inthe evening at 7.30pm?

A fortnight later on Saturday December 5there will be a Coffee Morning, with Bringand Buy and raffle, at St. James church be-tween 10am and 12.30pm, to which all areinvited (proceeds for Church funds). Duringthe morning there will be music, played bysome of Cynthia Coltman’s pupils.

From Beryl McHugh

Giftideas

Cubsinspace

News fromParish churches

Fundraising groupCoffee mornings, a Christmas table, Jill’s

quizzes, Barbara’s fete, raffles and otherevents helped to raise £2600 which wasdivided equally between Birstall Girl Guidesand the county Air Ambulance.Pic: pictured with their cheques are IvanBall from the county’s Air Ambulanceservice and Marie Upton from BirstallGuides

Advertise in

The birstall post53 x 70mm £26 • 53 x 142mm £44

109 x 70mm £44 • 109 x 142mm £781) Decide what size you want. 2) Send us asketch of your ad. 3) We design, publish &

send you the billCALL for an advertising rate card, or view

online at www.birstallpost.co.ukPRICES EXCLUDE VAT

PETE INGHAM

Professional Services IncludeAll Types of Plastering

Garden Work

267 4194

Plastering &Property Maintenance

FencingSlabbingBlock PavingPatios

Free Estimateand Personal Attention

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Guaranteed WorkmanshipTOTAL COMMITMENT TOQUALITY51 Walker Rd, Birstall

Business award

AGE CONCERN

INFOThe Elderly are Happiest!Research has found that people in general are

mentally healthier in their twilight years despite theproblems associated with old age and approachingdeath. Instead of concentrating on a rosy view ofthe past or on a bleak future, pensioners generallyhave learnt to live in the moment and have adopteda ‘life is too short’ attitude to negative feelings. Theproblems of old age may be greater because of illhealth and gradual age-related decline but researchhas found that elderly people are better able todeal with them because of experience. Older peopledo not seem to dwell in the past as some popularstereotypes claim but they do not think as muchabout the future as younger people do. Much of thebenefit to mental health comes from living in thepresent eg stopping to ‘smell the roses’ and notic-ing what is good about life. Unlike a lot of youngerpeople, the elderly are better at controlling angerand stress levels, regulating their emotions andavoiding conflict with others. Research has foundthat, except for people with dementia-related dis-eases, mental health generally improved with age.Thinking of Paying your Builder in Cash? ThinkAgain

If any elderly people (or people of any age) arethinking of having extensive building work carriedout eg creating a granny annexe or having a showercubicle installed or a bathroom or kitchen refur-bished they need to think carefully about agreeingto pay a builder in cash. The Government is closingin on builders who do not declare earnings for VATpurposes and may target customers it thinks hascolluded. This could be anyone who has paid abuilder, plumber, electrical or carpenter in cashand not insisted on proper paperwork detailingbilling for VAT.

Where HMRC finds that something has not beendeclared – particularly VAT – they are investigatingbuilders and asking customers to corroborate theiraccounts. Customers are being told that if they donot provide the required information within a settime, there is a £300 penalty plus £60 per daythereafter. If the customer’s account does not tallywith that of the builder, HMRC will demand to seepaperwork, such as quotes and invoices, whichsome people paying in cash may not have.

The National Audit Office’s report of last yearestimated that in 2005 two million people workingin what is known as the ‘hidden economy’ were

responsible for a loss of £1.5 billion in all taxes.Thus HMRC is now looking hard at the construc-tion industry’s grey market.

If you do find yourself the subject of an enquiryinto your builder’s accounts it is essential that youappear as co-operative as possible. You must dem-onstrate that you did not know your builder intend-ed to avoid VAT. This does not mean you cannotpay cash for building work in order to get a dis-count – you should just ensure that your invoicecontains a section showing how much VAT you arepaying and keep a copy of it. If you are havingextensive work done – such as a granny annexe etcthen you can be fairly certain that your builderought to be registered for VAT, so you should insiston the necessary details being shown on an invoice.Help with Heating Costs – A Warmer Home forWinter

When it comes to high fuel costs, many pension-ers are feeling the pinch and the cold. If you arenot heating your home well enough because you’reworried about your next bill, you could be puttingyourself at risk of cold-related illnesses like pneu-monia. Find out how you might give yourself awarmer home this winter.What is a Winter Fuel Payment?

The Government will again be making WinterFuel Payments to most people aged 60 or over forwinter 2009/10. A Winter Fuel Payment is an annu-al payment to help people aged 60 and over withthe costs of keeping warm this winter.

If you are aged 60 to 79 and you are entitled toreceive a Winter Fuel Payment, this year you willget either £125 or £250 depending on your cir-cumstances in the qualifying week (Sep 21-27,2009). If you are aged 80 or over and you areentitled to a Winter Fuel payment, this year you willget either £200, £275 or £400 depending on yourcircumstances in the qualifying week, self fundersin care homes should also enquire. You do not paytax on Winter Fuel Payments.

The Pension Service will make automatic pay-ments over a number of weeks from early Novem-

ber 2009 until Christmas 2009. If you have notreceived your automatic payment by Christmas2009 you should call the office that pays your ben-efit or call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline 0845915 15 15.

If you need to make a claim for a payment forwinter 2009/10, you should return your claim formon or before March 30, 2010.

In line with changes to State Pension age forwomen, the qualifying age for Winter Fuel Paymentswill rise gradually between 2010 and 2020, from60 to 65. This means that from winter 2010/11onwards both men and women will need to havereached women’s State Pension age by the end ofthe September qualifying week.Cold Weather Payment

Extra payments are made when the weather isvery cold in your area. You can get an additionalamount a week when the average temperature hasbeen or is expected to be 0°C or below for sevenconsecutive days.

Can I claim it?You need to be aged 60 or over and claiming

Pension Credit, it will be paid to you automatically.Winter Fuel Payments should be received automati-cally. Winter Fuel Payments should be receivedautomatically; however, if you’re a man aged 60-64you will need to make a claim because you are notof pension age yet. Check if you are entitled andask about your payment, or to make a claim,phone the Winter Fuel Helpline on 08459 15 15 15by March 30, 2010.Warm Front Grant

Warm Front is a government funded schemewhich offers grants to make your home warmerand more energy efficient. It includes a package ofinsulation and heating improvements, up to thevalue of £3,500 (or £6,000 for oil fired centralheating).

Can I apply?You must own or privately rent your home.You must be receiving one or more of these

benefits: Pension Credit, Council Tax Benefit, Hous-ing Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Disability LivingAllowance of Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.The Warm Front Programme is run by the EagaGroup. To apply for a grant, phone 0800 316 6011or visit the Warmfront website.Help from Energy Suppliers

If you have a low income, your energy suppliermay help to improve the energy efficiency of yourhome by offering you products like insulation freeof charge. They may also provide help with free ordiscounted cavity walls and/or loft insulation. If youspend more than 10% of your income on bills youmight also be eligible for a Social Tariff. Everyenergy supplier is different so it pays to check theireligibility criteria. For help from energy suppliers,contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centreof the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99. AgeConcern and Help the Aged can help you. Call ustoday: Age Concern National Information Line: 080000 99 66. Help the Aged SeniorLine: 0808 8006565Aged 65 or Over?

Or know someone who is? Information andadvice is available in various formats and is provid-ed by many agencies, but sometimes it can be diffi-cult to access the services you need.

The Information & Advice team at Age ConcernLeicester Shire and Rutland is committed to im-proving accessibility to relevant information andadvice throughout Leicestershire, for people aged65 and over.

To have your say on what information is provid-ed in Leicestershire and how you would like toaccess it, please give us a call. We’d love to hearfrom you! By working together we can improvecommunication, information and advice acrossLeicestershire.

Please contact:Lian Frost, Information & Advice Project, Age

Concern Leicestershire Shire & Rutland, LansdowneHouse, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA.Tel: 0116 2992279. Email:lian.frost@ageconcernleics.com

Useful Websiteswww.bt.com: free online directory enquirywww.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk: useful site

from the Financial Services Authoritywww.comparethemarket.com: works with a

range of business partners and insurance providersto provide price comparisons for the best deals forinsurance prices

www.national.co.uk: for rail advicewww.identity-theft.org.uk: for tips and advicewww.getsafeonline.org: free pubic service to

both consumers and businesses to use the internetsafely and to protect themselves from identity theft

www.ripofftipoff.net: advice on avoiding com-mon trading scams

nhsdirect.nhs.uk: health advicewww.which.co.uk: an independent organisation

that campaigns to protect consumer rightswww.VisitBritain.com: Britain’s national tourism

agencywww.kelkoo.co.uk: one-stop online shopping

comparison site helping shoppers find, researchand buy products online

www.pricerunner.co.uk¨price comparison sitewww.shopsafe.co.uk: UK online shopping direc-

tory which checks the security, delivery, range ofgoods and prices of 3,000 listed secure UK onlineshops as well as voucher codes, special offers,bargains and gift ideas

www.citizensadvice.org.uk. andwww.adviceguide.org.uk: Citizens Advice Bureau

(CAB) national network of free advice centresww.veterans-uk.info + FREE Veterans Helpline

0800 169 2277 – Veterans Welfare Servicewarmfront.co.uk – 0800 3l6 2805 – help with

heating costswww.lloydspharmacy.com/fatagecalculator: web-

site for calculating bodyfatwww.waspinator.co.uk: need a deterrent to

wasps, try this web sitewww.trcrc.com = The Really Caring 60+ Re-

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VAT law provides certain reliefs for people whoare “chronically sick or disabled”. “Chronic” istaken to mean lasting a long time and thereforeexcludes injuries of a temporary nature. However, along term condition does not, of itself determinewhether someone is chronically sick or disabled.For example, not all those suffering from long termback problems will be chronically sick or disabled;some will and some will not, depending on theseverity of the problem. “Disabled” is also taken torefer to a long term condition and includes mentaldisabilities. Relief under this provision is not re-stricted to those who are registered as disabledpersons. For further details and information Notice701/7 VAT ‘reliefs for disabled people’ contact HMRevenue and Customs on 0845 302 02 03 (8am-8pm Mon-Fri) or www.hmrc.gov.uk. More informa-tion and copies of Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs fordisabled people and Notice 701/59 motor vehiclesfor disabled people are available on this site orgoogle National Advice Service.

Jex Woods

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2009 9

THE OUTDOOR season finished last month atBirstall Bowling Club with Margaret Freemanand Roy Nutting holding their respective Presi-dents Days.

Another successful season saw the club win theLadies County Fours title, the County GreenwoodCup, four Parks trophies, the Ladies Friday TriplesLeague and promotion to the first division of theMen’s Leicester League. A ladies fours team alsoreached the last 16 in the country at the NationalFinals.

The club finals took place in September andthe winners for the year are below:Ladies Winners:

Championship: Pa Walker, Runner Up: VelmaAllen

Handicap: Val Ross, Runner Up: Sue AndrewsMaiden: Anne Boden, Runner Up: Val RossPairs: Anne Boden & Pa Walker, Runners Up:

Barbara Mullins & Velma AllenTwo Wood Pairs: Velma Allen & Diane Hurst,

Runners Up: Dorothy Lightfoot & Jan EverittFielding & Everitt Cups: Carol Eaton & Pam

RatcliffeDue to illness, the ladies Three Wood and Two

Wood finals will be played next season.Men’s winners:

Championship: Tom Cowles, Runner Up: DaveClarke

Handicap: John Hurst, Runner Up: Jan Hunt

Maiden: John Eaton, Runner Up: Nev CassThree Wood: Tony Boswell, Runner Up: Stuart Har-

topTwo Wood: Andy Wye, Runner Up: Richard SmithPairs: Bill Alexander & John Lee, Runners Up: Ken

Smith & Dave ClarkeClub Night Cup: Colin Potter

Mixed competition winners:Club Open: Jan Everitt, Runner Up: Andy WyeSaunders Cup: Diane & John Hurst, Runners Up:

Pam Ratcliffe & Dave ClarkeAdnett Cup: Pa & John Walker, Runners Up: Pam

Ratcliffe & Dave AmeyMore information is on the club website

www.birstallbowling.co.uk

Bowls club season

Pic: the winning Greenwood Cup team.

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stall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. From 6.30pm. Forfurther information ring Susan Wheeler 2209318INDOOR BOWLING: Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 10am to12noon. Open to the public. Birstall Village Hall. 01162676191FITNESS CLASSES Gentle Circuit/Body Conditioning, for all agesand abilities. A great way to keep fit. Wednesdays 7.45pmLongslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. 0116 267 0807 forfurther detailsIN B TWEENIES A parent, baby and toddler group run by ADAPTfor parents with children who have been on a neo-natal unit.The group meets every Tuesday from 10am to 12noon at SystonCommunity Centre, School Street. Tel: Nicky on 07771 718041www.prembabies.co.uk. ADAPT reg charity 1080112RED POPPY JIVEFirst & third Wednesdays every month at The Royal British Le-gion Club, 19 Front Street. Free admission from 8.15pm. Old &new rock’n’rollers welcome. You can phone 2671202 or2673233 for more informationLEICESTER WINDSURFING AND SAILBOARD CLUB at WatermeadCountry Park welcomes new members. For more info call RickyDriver on 0116 2365213 or visit websitewww.leicestersailboardclub.co.ukFACES ARTS Thursdays, Highcliffe School, dance, drama & art.Jody_chesterton@hotmail.com or 07971423201TICKLED SKINK Children’s singing sessions themed around habi-tats of the world. Exotic animals. For 2-5 yrs old & their young-er siblings, Tuesday, 1.45-2.30pm at Pavilion, School Lane,School Lane playing field 07951853204BIRSTALL WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Monthly meeting plus speakerand much more. New members and visitors welcome. 7.15pmHighcliffe School Community Centre, Greengate LaneSTEPHEN CROFTS was recently ordained in

Leicester Cathedral and will be working as Cu-rate in the parish, in the churches of St Jamesthe Great, Birstall and Our Lady and St Nicholas,Wanlip.

He says: “It has been just three months sincewe first arrived in the parish of Birstall and Wanlip,and my family and I have felttruly welcomed into the com-munity. So much so that italmost feels as though wehave always lived here. Itcertainly wasn’t long beforethe new curate was beingdressed up to be part of thechildren’s summer holidayclub dramas – I’m sure it allhelps! We’ve been deeplytouched by everyone’s wel-come, thank you to all who have made settling intothe village such a comfortable thing”.

The date for our Toy Service this year will beNovember 29. Toys again will be going to theCharnwood Toys on the Table Appeal.Hogwarts Party

Our Sunday Club are holding a Hogwarts Partyon October 31 for their members and friends.Hogwarts is the name of the school in the HarryPotter books. The idea is that it allows the young-sters in the Sunday Club to participate in the ‘fun’side of Halloweeen traditions, such as dressingup, whilst staying in the clearly fictional and verymoral world of Harry Potter.Christmas Festival

Taking place on Friday afternoon and eveningNovember 27 and Saturday morning November28 will follow a theme of ‘A Golden Fanfare’ andthe church will be decorated with this theme inmind. For exact times see the notice board pagein this edition of the Birstall Post.

In addition to the decorations in the churchthere are other attractions. On Friday there willbe an outdoor Christmas Market , and on Satur-day morning a Table Top Sale. The coffee shopwill be open throughout, and will be serving lightlunches on both Friday and Saturday.Web Site improved

Do look at the improved web-site(www.birstallmethodistchurch.org.uk). The layoutand navigation have a more updated appearance.It is regularly updated and well worth exploring.It carries many pictures too.

BIRSTALL & WANLIP NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHAdvice shop every third Saturday of the month at old CouncilOffices, 10 Sibson Road. Information and help on home security& NHW & postcoding of bicycles. 10am to 12 noonBIRSTALL INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCHSundays 10.45am and 6.30pm (except July/Aug) at HighcliffeSchool Community Centre, Greengate Lane. Fordetails/enquiries tel:2214883WANLIP PRE-SCHOOLWanlip Church Hall Mondays to Fridays 8.30-12.30, 1.30-4.30Children from 2-5yrs, funding from 3yrs. Ofsted Registered Tel:2672192BIRSTALL METHODIST PRE SCHOOL Children from 2. Funding for3+. Mon & Fri 12.15-3.15pm, Tues, Wed & Thur 9am-12noon.Tel 2675690 session times or Laura Freer 2671910 or KayHilton 2207045BIRSTALL ST JOHN AMBULANCE COMBINED DIVISIONBadgers First Aid & activities for 5-10 yr olds. Thur 6-7pm Tel:2209188. Cadets:First Aid & activities for 10 yrs to adult. Thur7.15-8.45pm Tel: 2106237. Adults: Friday 7.30pm. Phone Ed-die Sim on 0116 2719168, mobile 07841 448126TEA DANCE - every Thursday, 2-4.30pm, Rothley Centre, Mount-sorrel Lane, Admission £1.50 contact 2303013STARLIGHT THEATRE SCHOOL Tuition in Ballet, Tap, ModernJazz, Lyrical, Drama, Acrobatic, Greek & Modelling. Exams &Medals taken in the above. BTDA Exams are part of the NationalCurriculum and means they are equivalent to GCSE or A levelDance.Details ring: 0116 2355495, Mobile 07703 472702COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY Thursdays, 9.45-11.30am at BirstallMethodist Centre. Peter Molesdale 2929670BIRSTALL UNITED JUNIORS FC. Football Academy for boys andgirls aged 4-6 every Sat 10.30am to noon. All welcome. Bringappropriate clothing, shin guards and football boots.GENTLE EXERCISE TO MUSIC CLASS Birstall Village Hall, 2-3pmevery Tuesday. Open to exercise referral members and non-members. Further details ring Nita at Charnwood Borough Coun-cil on 01509 634836SINGING SALLY’S Tuesdays Highcliffe Community Centre, Green-gate Lane, 1.45-2.30pm £3 per session. Contact Singing Sallyon 01536 772545GUNNS BOXING GYM The Reading Room, Birstall Road. Mon-Fri &Sun Morning. Contact Carl Gunns 2671494BIRSTALL RUGBY CLUB Training at Longslade playing fields,Wanlip Lane, Tuesdays 7.15pm, 1st team, Social & Vets Teamsfor the 08/09 season. Players wanted. Tel: D Bonser07841584206BIRSTALL AIR TRAINING CORPSTuesday and Thursday 7.30-9.30pm, 1947 Squadron Headquar-ters (in grounds of Riverside Primary School). New membersaged 13 to 17 welcome. Tel: 0116 267 2868ST JAMES CHURCH BABY & TODDLER GROUP Birstall Village Hall,Monday 1.30-3.30pm during term-time. Contact Marion2673817 or Elaine 2673030CLASH Community Leicester Arthritis Self-Help Group meets onthe second Wednesday of each month at Longslade College inthe Luther King Centre from 7-9pm. Contact Christine Thomas2200988, www.leicestershirevillages.com/birstall/clash.htmlCAPITAL ARTS CHILDREN’S CHOIR Children aged 6-16, meetsTuesday evenings, Loughborough Town Hall 5-6.30pm, Kath-leen Shanks (Musical Director) Tel/Fax 0116 2672035. Phoneor email for details: capitalarts@btconnect.comTHE WAY AHEAD group for people with learning difficulties,Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Thursdays (termtime only), 7-9pm. Enquiries: Deborah 0116 2606309 or Pam0116 2674818 or Gemma: sportygem19@hotmail.co.uk1st BIRSTALL GIRLS’ BRIGADE Are you aged between 5 and 18yrs? Would you like to make new friends, have fun, earn badgesand go on camp? The Girls’ Brigade is an exciting Christian or-ganisation that meets every Tuesday during term time at Bir-

Coffee ShopThe Tuesday to Friday morning coffee shop,

which has helpers from all three churches inBirstall has been able to declare a surplus of£3800, and has decided to donate this to thefollowing charities etc

Marakissa Clinic Gambia £1000LOROS £1000St.James' & St Theresa's £400 each for a

charity of their choiceThe Macular Disease Society £400Alzheimer’s Soc. Side by Side £400Birstall Guides Building Fund £200

Memorial ServiceOn the evening of Remembrance Sunday No-

vember 8, our Minister Rev Rachel Parkinson willhold a special service of remembrance, forfriends & relatives who have died. This 6pm serv-ice is open to anyone who would find it helpful.The 10.30 morning service, led by Rev Ian Masonand assisted by Joan Rumball, will include thetwo minute silence for those who have died inconflict and war.Toys on the Table

MethodistChurch news

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

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p aword. You are liable for the trade/business rate if youare offering a service for which you are asking forpayment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale.All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra.Max 50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.

Small Ads

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

TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV. Over25 yrs experience. John 2675132

SINGING FOR Fun. New classes starting inJanuary in Quorn, Rothley, Syston and Wood-house Eaves. All levels of vocal ability andexperience welcome! For further informationor to reserve a place, contact 01509412152. Wolrich@AOL.com

PRIVATE FRENCH TUITION : Need help withGCSE/A-levels/holidays? Call AlexandraMichael 07969 029495

MON 2BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP WonderfulWords. David SiddonsMON 9BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP The culturalsignificance of Coleorton Hall. Ms Gabriella MaffioliTUES 10BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING CLUB ‘Tails’ of India. SteveWoodward. 7.30pm Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane,RothleyTHURS 12BIRSTALL & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY. Gypsiesin Leicester. 16th-19th Centuries. David SmithMON 16BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Christmas Ta-ble. New project speakerMON 23BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Feeding theEnglish Country House. Dr Wendy FreerWED 25BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB Open meeting. National Dem-onstrator Ann Horsley. In Anticipation.MON 30BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP The History ofShopping. Mrs Wendy Eccles

REGULAR MEETINGSNIFTY FIFTIESTues 11.40am to 12.40pm Sileby Parish Community Centre. Anexercise class designed for the active 50+ age group. Fun, so-ciable & very good for you. Fully qualified instructor Kate2412646AEROBICS & BODY CONDITIONING(RSA Qual.Instructor) Co-op Sports & Social Club Tues 6.30pmStep/Total Body Conditioning; Thurs 6.30pm Aerobics/bums &tums. Tel:Sue 077 396 36650 or try personal training in theprivacy of your own homeROYAL BRITISH LEGION WHIST DRIVEEvery Thur: 2.30pm Legion Club, Front St.ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTIONMeet 3rd Thursday each month, Legion Club, Front Street 8pm.New members welcome. Tel:2674817ROYAL BRITISH LEGION BRANCH MEETINGMembers meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.Legion HQ, 19 Front St, BirstallCOFFEE SHOPTues-Sat 10-12noon, Birstall Methodist CentreBIRSTALL SOCIAL CLUBEvery Tue: Seq Dancing 8-10.30pmBIRSTALL SOCIAL EVERGREEN CLUBEvery Tue:2.15pm Birstall Soc ClubDIANE GROSE SCHOOL OF DANCE & DRAMADance, Drama & Fitness Classes for Children & Adults Enq2674775ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATIONMeet Royal British Legion, 4th Wed in every month tel:2609658ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOESEvery Mon:8pm. The Sir Henry Pearce Lodge No.30. EveryFri:8.30pm. The Progressive Lodge No.6565. Meet at BirstallSocial Club - all members of RAOB, GLE welcomeBIRSTALL CARERS SUPPORT GROUPWelcomes all carers. Regular meetings at the St James Day CareCentre, Fridays at 2pm. (Except the last Friday in the month).For further information contact Marlene 2674714ACORN UNDER FIVESTel: 0116 2672795, Pre school groups: 8.30-11.30am and12.30-3.30pm, 5 days a week. Toddler group: 1-2.30pm, Mon& Wed. Place: Highcliffe Community Centre, Greengate Lane,BirstallBIRSTALL QUILTERSEvery Wed afternoon 1.30-3.30pm Birstall Methodist ChurchRooms, Wanlip LaneRAINBOW CO-OPERATIVE PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP(Charity No:1045204) Co-op Sports & Social Ground, BirstallRd. Open weekdays 9.30am -12noon, also extended care avail-able for a small extra charge.Children from 2yrs - 5 yrs. LEAfunding available for all 3+ yrs. Our new play area provides theaddition of safe outdoor fun. Enquiries tel Julie 2675264,mobile:07793630612HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY (HATS)Every Wed 7-9.45pm, Greengate Hall, Highcliffe School. Newmembers welcome. Tel: Jenny 0116 2128757BALLET, TAP, MODERN JAZZ & MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE CLASSESChildren’s Dance and Musical Theatre classes (Dance, Dramaand Singing) held weekly at Birstall Methodist Church on Mon-days, Wednesdays and Thursdays. IDTA exams taken in theabove subjects. For further information tel: Sharon Wood on01509 550 923BRIGHT HOUREvery Tuesday, 2.30pm. Birstall Methodist CentreBIRSTALL LABOUR PARTYSecond Thursday 7.30pm Luther King Centre, Longslade Com-munity College. Sec Tel: 2674293THURCASTON EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUP9am-1pm, Thurcaston Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane. Please con-tact Lisa Sterland on 07904 170 196 for a free prospectus

10 the birstall post NOV 2009

New curate

Tel: 0116 267 2583Mob: 07967 191975 Buy DELL products here

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERLongslade College, Wanlip Lane,

Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GHEditor: Mr Jerry Jackson

Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213Correspondence, news etc

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

Youth Centre,Longslade College, Birstall

editor@birstallpost.co.uk

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