Birstall Post Mar 2010 (320) by The Birstall Post

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

MARCH 2010

N E W S P A P E R

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Efforts tackling ASB THE POLICE and local councils are urging the public to keep reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour as they continue their efforts to tackle the problem. Charnwood Borough Council has a specialist team dedicated to investigating complaints of antisocial and nuisance behaviour and bringing to justice the perpetrators. They co-ordinate the multi-agency respons-

es given to antisocial behaviour issues, which occur across the Borough and work closely with partner agencies including the Police, Youth Offending Service and Parish Councils. A Charnwood spokesman said: “The Anti Social Behaviour Team is able to offer advice and assistance to people who are experiencing antisocial behaviour and support people who wish to set up a witness support group to address particular antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhood.” Charnwood has published a booklet called Safe & Secure which defines antisocial behaviour, how to report it and what happens after a complaint has been made. It is available from libraries and the Parish Council Office, or can be downloaded at www.charnwood.gov.uk/uploads/anti_social_ behaviour_booklet.pdf To report antisocial behaviour contact the Charnwood Team on 01509 634920 or 01509 634533. Email: communitysafety@charnwood.gov.uk. Write: Charnwood Borough Council, ASB Team, Southfields, Loughborough LE11 2TR ASB update: • the Sibson Road car park CCTV has been effective and resulted in the five individuals arrested on December 18 for criminal damage being re-interviewed and a further seven offences admitted. All have been released on bail. • two Acceptable Behaviour Contracts are in place • an ASB van is arranged for every weekend where at least two beat officers and any Special Constables or PCSOs on duty assist. • the Licensing Sergeant has been working with one particular licensee on underage drinking issues in Birstall • with the support of the police, the Parish Council is investigating the procedure for introducing a street drinking ban in Birstall • CCTV: this is operational at the Sibson Continued on page 2

Pic: World Champion Lyndsey Scragg with young people at Gunns’ gym

Champion visits gym A WORLD boxing champion was a special guest at Gunns’ gym on Birstall Road last month. Lyndsey Scragg (30) is the Super Featherweight Global Boxing Council world champion. The Wolverhampton fighter, who boxed for England during her amateur career, spoke to young people at the gym about how she got started in the sport. Continued on page 2

No. 320

the birstall post MAR 2010

Gym continued from page 1

Charnwood’s budget

She told them: “At this age you have a lot of opportunity to make progress if you have confidence, stay disciplined and train hard.” Some of the girls needed a little persuasion before getting into the ring to spar with Lyndsey. “Come on girls, it’s not everyday you get a chance to step into a ring with a world champion!” said Carl. Hundreds of young people attend Gunns’ gym, including 150 girls. Carl said : “This is the first female world champion ever to come

A BELOW inflation Council Tax rise and savings of £2.5million are being proposed by Charnwood Borough Council.

Pic: Lyndsey in the ring with Vinny Campbell (9) and (top pic) Milly Moss (17)

to Leicester and to think she came to my gym is something to be proud of”. Boys and girls at the gym learn boxing skills, exercise and discipline from qualified trainers and can work through a bronze, silver and gold award scheme as they progress. Punches are not thrown at the head. Carl said: “I don’t allow headshots in my gym, I am not a believer in kids knocking each other about.”

The Authority is proposing to increase its share of Council Tax by 2% for the year 2010/11. This would see Charnwood’s share of band D bills rise from £100.61 to £102.62, a difference of £2.01 a year or 3.9pence per week. Total ‘savings’ of £2.5million are proposed, reducing the budget for 2010/11 top £19.4million from £21.9m in 2009/10. Council Leader Mike Preston said: “The recession has affected everyone and the council is no exception which is why we have to tighten our belts. We recognise times are tough which is why we are committed to as low a council tax rise as possible and saving money while trying to reduce the impact on services. In the current year we are on target to save a

total of nearly £2m and in 2010/11 this figure will rise to £2.5m compared with our original budget for 2009/10.” The key savings next year are: • £1.3m on the Environmental Services and Vehicle Fleet Contracts • £245k through freezing/deleting senior management posts • £230k through salary savings achieved as part of a Service Review Programme • £440k of various one-off costs which will not be required next year • £200k savings by reducing insurance premiums and disposal of a surplus leasehold property. Final Council Tax bills for Charnwood will include precepts levied by the County Council, Parish Councils and the police and fire authorities.

Youth drop-in funding continues BIRSTALL’S FRIDAY night youth drop-in centre has been hailed a success. The Parish Council run project has just finished its 16 week trial at the pavilion in the centre of the School Lane playing field. At their meeting in February, councillors agreed to extend the facility indefinitely after listening to youth worker Helen McNulty explain the impact the project was having. Around a dozen young people also attended the meeting and spoke about why they liked the youth centre and wanted it to continue. One said: “Before this we were just hanging around on the park in a big group, we like to have fun, not cause trouble and this youth centre has really helped. It’s fun

and we’d like more than just Fridays.” One young man said that he was sitting in the park getting drunk every Friday night but after going to the youth centre he had stopped drinking. Another commented: “The youth centre is good, it keeps us out of trouble and it’s something to do, Fridays were really boring before with everyone just drinking and smoking. When there’s any trouble, staff deal with it really quickly.” Two councillors who have visited the sessions said they had been impressed with what they had seen and how the staff maintained a good balance of keeping things informal while staying in control

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A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on February 8. PC Richard Carruthers reported that the majority of those arrested for criminal damage in Birstall on December 18 were not from Birstall. He said that forensic handwriting analysis is undertaken to establish evidence in graffiti cases. He reported that the public are telling him there is a need for a CCTV camera at the junction of Sibson Road and Stonehill Avenue. PC Carruthers said that burglary dwelling was down 4.5 per cent over the last 12 months, burglary other than dwelling was down 43.6 per cent and vehicles taken without consent was up 55.6 per cent. Cllr Pat Cleere reported that he had seen six pairs of policemen patrolling in Birstall on a Friday night. Youth worker Helen McNulty reported on the success of the Friday night youth drop in centre at the School Lane playing field pavilion, and several young people told councillors how much they enjoyed the facility. It was agreed to continue funding the project indefinitely. The council discussed the introduction of a Designated Public Place order to deter public drinking. Such an order would give the police the power to confiscate alcohol from adults if they refused to refrain from drinking. The clerk was instructed to investigate the procedure for introducing such an order. The council has agreed to make safe a damaged bollard on Sibson Road near the junction with the Wayne Way after failing to negotiate any contribution from the landlord. A representative from Jelson Homes will be invited to the Council to summarise plans for the future development of Hallam Fields. The Council adopted a new schedule of fees for cemetery charges, following a review of charges levied by other local authorities. The fee for a grave space purchase will increase from £80 to £200. Interment of coffin prices have increased from £50 to £200 for those aged 2-12 at the time of death, and from £250 to £450 for those aged 13+. There is no fee for those aged 0-2. The fee to inter ashes under turf increases from £30 to £100 for residents and £300 for non residents. The full schedule of charges is available from Birstall Parish Council.

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Youth Worker Helen McNulty said the 16 week trial period had enabled the staff and young people to get to know each other and decide how they would like to move forward: cooking and karaoke were two activities that young people said they wanted. Helen said she had organised a visit by a sexual health advisor and that similar visits were possible, with participation by the young people being voluntary. The council agreed to extend the project and have budgeted £10,000 for 2010/11. This pays the youth workers’ salaries and operating costs. A £60 donation from a Police fund has been made for a karaoke machine. The youth centre is open on Fridays from 7-9pm and is attended by around 40 young people. It is staffed by two youth workers and volunteers.

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CLEARING AN overgrown area will create 18 new allotment plots on Birstall’s Greengate Lane allotment site. Birstall Parish Council are to create the additional half plots after receiving a request from Birstall Allotment Society, who would like to see the waiting list for allotments reduced. There are currently 105 plots and a waiting list of 38, with allotment sites at Worcester Avenue, Meadow Lane and Greengate Lane. The new plots at Greengate Lane are on an area of land earmarked for an extension to the cemetery but the council say this will not be needed for at least ten years and that new tenants would be advised of the situation and given at least two years’ notice to quit. In a bid to reduce the waiting list further the council has considered what actions it could take about those tenants who have two plots. A suggestion that tenants with two plots be given notice to quit was rejected in favour of making a request that second plots be given up voluntarily. The rent for second plots will also be tripled to £69 per full plot per year with effect from January 1, 2011. No new requests for a second plot will be considered. The Council say that some tenants have surrendered their plots during the tenancy renewal process which will free up a further six plots. When added to the new Greengate plots this will reduce the waiting list from 38 to 14. The Council has also decided to contact Leicester City Council and Charnwood Borough Council about the possibility of spare land being made available to reduce the Birstall waiting list still further. • To request an allotment in Birstall contact the Parish Council on 2676191 or admin@birstallpc.org.uk See also www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk

DISCOVER THE best way to grow your own vegetables however small your garden. Derek Cox from BBC Radio Leicester’s ‘Down to Earth’ show will be at Syston Library on Tuesday March 30 at 7pm supporting the BBC ‘Dig In’ campaign by explaining the best way to successfully grow potatoes, carrots, runner beans, tomatoes, courgettes and salads in containers and small spaces. Derek Cox is an experienced gardener and one of the longest serving team members from the Down to Earth show on Radio Leicester. The show was originally launched in 1967 and is the longest running BBC Radio programme. The BBC will be running their Dig In campaign again this spring to encourage people to grow their own vegetables. Whether people have a garden, an allotment, a window box or simply a yoghurt pot, people are urged to get digging wherever they can. If you would like to find out how to grow your own greens contact Syston Library (0116 3053500) for a ticket. Tickets cost £2 and booking in advance is necessary as places are limited. More information about Syston Library can be found at www.leics.gov.uk/syston_library

ASB continued from page 1 Road car park and School Lane playing field, provided by Birstall Parish Council.. They say they do not have the budget to extend the scheme along Sibson Road • evidence regarding the identity of graffiti tagger RAIN has been passed to the police.

THE BIRSTALL POST, MAR 2010

Students cook meal ELDERLY PEOPLE from Riversdale Court enjoyed a three course meal at Birstall Youth Centre.

Pic: Students sharing the meal they made with residents from Riversdale Court Seven guests enjoyed a meal prepared by Stonehill students taking part in a 10 week programme of activities that lead to an ASDAN award. The guests were served soup, roast chicken and vegetables, trifle, strawberries and ice cream, all prepared in the Youth Centre’s kitchen, and a Victoria sponge cake (pictured above) made at home by one of the students, Ella Pinsent (13). Riversdale Court’s Warden Anne Petrie said: “I think bridging the gap between old and young like this is lovely. Everyone really enjoyed the meal, the students were very nice.” Pic: (l-r) Clara Atkins (14) and Chloe Moore (13) at work in the kitchen.

Birstall NHW news gala & crime report in June

ALL MEMBERS should have now received the envelope in which to put their annual contribution to the scheme. We have kept the minimum contribution to £1, but of course you can donate any amount. It really does represent good value for money. There are several security devices and warning stickers which are free to members and other, larger items are sold at cost. We do not make a profit from our sales as we feel it is important for people to be as safe as possible. There are personal alarms, which have proved popular with runners and walkers, shed and window alarms and our bicycle coding with free padlock, plus security markers for valuable home equipment. Many reported break-ins are from the rear of the house so a padlocked side gate is a great deterrent. All these devices are available at our Advice Shops, held every third Saturday in the month from 10am to 12noon opposite the garden centre by the new carpark. There is also the opportunity to speak to a member of the police force. The next Advice Shop is on March 20. It is never too late to return your envelope, Just give it to you co-ordinator or if you have mobility problems, ring the Watch on 2676397 and we will arrange collection. From Evelyn Holden for the NHW committee Crime Report, Jan 11-Feb 8, 2010 Assaults 12 (3 detected), harassment 7, burglary 4, burglary other 2, damage 24, damage to motor vehicle 3, drugs 1, fraud 4, theft 2, theft from motor vehicle 5, theft stores 1

BIRSTALL’S TWO day summer gala will be held this year over the weekend of June 26/27. The event is organised by Birstall Parish Council who are now taking bookings for stalls on June 27 – last year there were over 65 private and charity stalls. For details contact the Deputy Clerk Sue Coulson on 2676191 or admin@birstallpc.org.uk. The Council are now also inviting nominations for the award Birstall Citizen of the Year, which is presented each year at the gala. Send your nominations, and an explanation of why they should receive an award, to the Parish Council. Nominees do not need to be volunteers. Deputy Clerk Sue Coulson said: “The Parish Council would like to thank all who were involved in last year’s gala which proved to be the best ever for attendance, thanks to the glorious weather for the whole weekend.”

Golf win BIRSTALL GOLF Club’s Ladies team got 2010 off to a flying start with victory in the first round of the Mail on Sunday competition at Glen Gorse. While the score-line was an emphatic 4-1, the game was much tighter than that, with only Birstall’s Sue Bailey winning easily. Claire Bailey, Sue Banbury and Chris Hyde all won their games at the 18th.

Reality TV star A TV show with nine brides-to-be competing to win an all expenses paid wedding was really hard work but fun, says Birstall’s Claire Elkins. Claire (26) was one of the contestants on the show and gathered round the TV with her family to watch the first episode, which was broadcast on February 15. “I’ve always wanted to be on television and watching the first episode on Monday was brilliant, it was great to be reminded of what we got up to on the show” said Claire, of Hawthorn Avenue. ‘Brides on a Bus’, hosted by ‘I’m a celebrity, get me out of here’ contestant David Van Day, follows the nine women as they travel on a bus from Land’s End to Gretna Green, taking part in a series of challenges with one of them being voted off each day. Claire, who runs a dog grooming business

with her husband Darren, said: “My favourite challenge was the sheep herding, I was whistling and shouting and really getting into

Pic: Reality TV contestant Claire Elkins

it. “Although we were competitive, all the girls were really nice.” Husband Darren said: “I was so pleased to see Claire on screen, I am so proud of her, she did so well and was definitely the most beautiful girl on the show, I am a very lucky

man!” The show was filmed in September and Claire has been sworn to secrecy about how she did in the competition. ‘Brides on a Bus’ is at 10pm on Mondays on Wedding TV, which can be found on Sky and Freesat.

Speed checks VOLUNTEERS ARE set to start recording vehicle speeds on Greengate Lane this month, in a bid to improve road safety. They will be operating as part of the County Council’s Community Speed Watch (CSW) scheme. This involves trained volunteers using hand hald radar guns to record the speed of passing vehicles. The scheme has been set up by Kevin Preston of Moorgate Avenue. He said: “We visited every house on Greengate Lane to tell them about the scheme and got a lot of support, with many people saying “It’s about time somebody did something about the problem”. Forty signatures were obtained supporting the scheme and there are now 12 volunteers taking part. Being caught speeding by the radar gun does not lead to prosecution – drivers receive a warning letter from the police instead. Kevin would like to recruit more volunteers: contact him on 0116 3057336 or kg.preston@ntlworld.com For more details about the scheme: www.bealocalhero.com

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the birstall post MAR 2010

February is Vote panto time for Sarah

THE METHODIST Men’s Pantomime was once again a virtual sellout, with very few tickets left unsold for the six performances of Dick Whittington.

A YOUNG woman from Birstall is looking for votes to help her get through to the finals of Miss Natural Curves 2010. “I’ve always wanted to model but am not tall enough and don’t have the figure!” says Sarah Carr (21) of Halfpenny Close, Hallam Fields “The winner of the final will go on to Miss England 2010, to represent all the curvy girls in England” says Sarah, a junior administrator with Jelson homes. To vote for Sarah go to www.misnaturalcurves.co.uk. Voting closes on March 31.

Pic: Sarah Carr needs your vote

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Pic (top): Richard Kilby as Idle Jack (Fitzwarren’s lazy shop boy) Pic (above): Brian Cuttill as Alderman Fitzwarren, Elliott Harrison as Alice Fitzwarren (Ald F’s daughter), Mike Allan as King Rat Pic (left): Ben Moore as Tommy (Dick Whittington’s cat), Joseph Zehfewkes as Dick Whittington

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This year the cast used a brand new script, written by the producer, Richard Tinley (centre, main pic) who also took the part of the Pantomime Dame ‘Sarah Stewpot’ – and a jolly fine Dame he made too, leading the audience and encouraging their participation. The character of ‘Idle Jack’ was well acted by Richard Kilby. His confident manner made him a real star of the performance. The lead character, Dick Whttington, was very ably taken by a young newcomer to the Men’s Pantomime stage, Joseph Zehfewkes. His lady friend was taken by another new young face Elliott Harrison, whose dad was stage manager – younger brother Isaac was one of the chorus. Mike Allan played a brilliant ‘King Rat’ with a most convincing performance. You almost thought he would triumph over Dick with the help of his two henchmen, Ron Forbes and John Towson. Needless to say as in any pantomime the good always wins! Excellent scenery and colourful costumes together with David Bark in charge of the music made the 2010 pantomime one to remember.

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YOUNG ADULTS are being offered the chance to sample the culture of Loughborough’s twin town Schwabisch Hall in Germany, as part of a study scholarship that’s up for grabs at the Goethe Institute. Candidates aged 18-26 are being offered the chance to win the three and a half week summer scholarship placement to study German from August 2-26. The town of Schwabisch Hall will meet costs such as course fees and board and lodgings. The student has to meet cost of travel to/from Schwabisch Hall. For more details go to www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/goetheinstitutes cholarship

GLOWING PRAISE from their customers should help hairdressers from a Birstall salon win a national award. Four stylists from Birstall’s Davies and Greenwood salon on Sibson Road have been nominated in the nation’s Favourite Hairdresser award, run by Head & Shoulders. They are Darren, Kolla, Stephen and Nicola. Comments posted on the Head & Shoulders website include: • I can honestly say that Kolla is hands down the best hairdresser I have every had. I walk in looking and feeling drab and after a few hours in the magical chair with Kolla’s magical hands and her creativity I walk out feeling like the belle of the ball. It has taken me many years to find a hairdresser who understands what I want but at the same time throw in new ideas that excite me. Now that I have found Kolla there is no way she is getting rid of me. Kolla is my number one. • Apart from his totally professional attitude Darren always shows a personal inter-

est and through this he knew that my 16 year old daughter was coming to stay with me and that for her own wellbeing a good makeover was needed. Despite the short notice Darren suggested I bring her in and cleared space in his appointments to look after her personally. He spent a great deal of time showing her around the salon and all the beauty treatments and after putting her completely at ease he treated her like a princess. When I picked her up the most striking thing which me was that apart from looking fantastic it was as though she had had a therapy session! I know Darren spent far longer than he would normally and in that time he managed to make her feel fantastic and really boosted her self esteem. For more details on the awards www.headandshoulders.co.uk www.daviesandgreenwood.com

Free stuff

Learning network

A CHILD’S bike and a 23 inch TV are just two of the items recently offered for free on a new website. The online Freeuse resource offers a quick and easy way for residents to advertise their unwanted possessions, or search for an item that they could put to good use. The website – put together by the Leicestershire Waste Partnership – is designed to reduce the amount of waste generated by giving old household items a new lease of life. It’s estimated that £5.6 billion pounds worth of good quality usable household items are thrown away in the UK every year. Councillor Michael Rook, Chair of the Leicestershire Waste Partnership, said: “The new Freeuse site went live at the end of November and it has already saved its first tonne of waste from going to landfill. With more and more people using it, we are optimistic that Freeuse will make a difference in further reducing Leicestershire’s waste.” Visit www.freeuseit.org for more information and to start giving and taking items for free.

STUDENTS AGED 5-18 are studying together online as part of a pioneering project that is being led from Longslade College. Eleven schools are involved in the project, including all the schools in Birstall and some in Anstey in Glenfield. The Virtual Leaning Environment is an online network that enables students to access resources such as worksheets and talk to each other and their teachers in study groups. The network also allows teachers to track what work is being done, and when, and to mark it. Parents also have access to look at their children’s work. Younger students can also benefit by being able to access the resources of the school above them. The network is currently only available via computer but an application for use on mobile phones is being developed. A County Council spokesman said: “The tool is an excellent way of engaging pupils who may not respond as well to conventional teaching methods and we are encouraging schools in Leicestershire to develop the resource, in line with government expectations that every pupil should have access to a personal online learning space and that every school should have integrated learning and management systems.”

THE BIRSTALL POST, MAR 2010

Fined for littering SMOKERS WHO dropped their cigarette ends in Loughborough town centre have been prosecuted. Charnwood Borough Council brought charges against Joseph Kelly (42) of Brook Street, Shepshed and Kevin Ellis (47) of Hensons Lane, Thringstone and George Clarke (52) of Manor Drive, Loughborough, after they were caught littering. Magistrates heard how Ellis dropped a cigarette end in the taxi rank in Granby Street, Loughborough, in May 2009. Ellis, whose case was heard in Melton, was fined £350 and ordered to pay £250 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Kelly was spotted dropping a cigarette end in the Cattlemarket, Loughborough in June 2009. Loughborough Magistrates handed him an £80 fine and ordered him to pay £40 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Clarke was caught littering in the town’s Southfield Road last August. He was ordered to pay a £175 fine, £276.38 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge by Loughborough Magistrates after he failed to pay a fixed penalty notice issued by a street warden who witnessed the incident. Hilary Fryer, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “One dropped cigarette may not seem much, but litter breeds litter. Litter is a huge problem and an estimated 28.5 million tonnes of waste are collected in England every year. If everyone put their litter in the bin it would save millions of pounds a year and make communities look and feel better.” The cases were referred to Magistrates after the men failed to pay fixed penalty notices within 14 days. The fixed penalty fine is £80 reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days. The amounts of the fines and costs issued by Magistrates vary owing to the accused’s ability to pay.

Plough’s Tennis quality award winners beer A BIRSTALL pub is celebrating after receiving recognition for the quality of its beer. The Old Plough on Front Street has been awarded accreditation from Cask Marque, a national scheme which recognises excellence in the service of real ale. The pub’s licensee Avril Howells said: “Customers often ask what my accreditation means and I always explain that my cask ales have been independently tested for clarity, temperature, aroma and taste – and I have been awarded a certificate of excellence. I’ve found a broader spectrum of people give beer a go when they know that it’s of the best quality.” Roger Clayson of Cask Marque adds: “The quality of beer in cask is better than it has ever been and it continues to perform well. However, we want to reach the masses. There is nothing like the taste and nothing like the experience of enjoying hand pulled cask in a local pub.” Other local pubs with Cask Marque accreditation include the Three Crowns, Barrow upon Soar, the Coach & Horses, Kibworth and the Red Lion, Earl Shilton.

THEY MAY be the second and third men’s teams at Birstall Watermead Tennis Club, but they both came top in recent county competitions. At Tennis Leicestershire Annual Awards Evening held at the Tigers ground, members of both teams were presented with framed certificates to recognise their achievements. The men’s second team won Group 7 in the 2009 Winter Leagues, and the men’s third team topped Group 7A in the 2009 Summer Leagues. Awards to clubs from around the city and county were presented by Mark Cox, president of Tennis Leicestershire, and BBC Sports presenter John Inverdale.

Pic: (l-r) James Berry, Daryl Hill, Mark Stones and Dave Watson celebrate the club’s success

John told the audience the state of tennis in Leicestershire is as strong as it has ever been and praised the hard work put in by all the clubs, especially in bringing on junior players.

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Get fit at bootcamp in park “PREPARE TO be energised in the great outdoors!” is the message from Dane Farrell, who is leading boot camp style fitness sessions at Watermead Country Park.

Pic: trainer Dane Farrell

Dane, a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer, has many years experience in the health and leisure industry. He said: “I love being outdoors and I love training outdoors. Birstall is blessed to have Watermead Country Park, and that will be the venue for my Bodyfit Bootcamp.” Boot camp style training involves a mixture of exercise and includes team building games and activities. “It’s hard work, tough, but fun” says Dane. The 60 minute sessions are aimed at all shapes and sizes and levels of fitness. There are three meetings a week, mornings or evenings, with 18 sessions costing £135. A full money back guarantee is offered to those not satisfied with the results. For details or to register call Dane 07876 658628 or visit www.bodyfitbootcamp.com

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THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 3. The copy deadline is Mar 19.

the birstall post MAR 2010

YOUR SAY...

The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Helpful I am writing to tell you that there are some good youths and girls (quite a lot, I suspect) in Birstall. They are not all vandalising yobs. On Wednesday evening, February 17, I was going with my daughter to Loughborough Town Hall theatre when her car broke down on Dalby Ave/Blenheim Rd corner, the clutch cable had snapped. We were about to attempt to push it back home when a group of girls and youths came along the road, going in the opposite direction. They all offered to help but four boys came forward and said they would push it for us and push it they did, along Blenheim, round into Allington and half way along Worcester Ave, to the front of my house. They all refused money which I offered them. We are extremely grateful to these boys for their help and also for restoring my faith in the youth of Birstall. I was beginning to despair after all the bad publicity recently about the damage done to shops in Birstall. The names of these boys are Thomas Bird, Brian Jervis, Shane Ward and Luke Hartwell. Their mothers should be proud of them. We even managed to go to the theatre, in

another car, and were only five minutes late. We couldn’t have done it without them. Mrs P Chapman

Thanks Sylvia Collison and family would like to thank everyone for the kind messages, cards and flowers on the death of John Collison. Also for the generous donations for Rainbows Children’s Hospice. Special thanks to the Rev Stephen Crofts for the beautiful funeral service. God bless you all. Sylvia M Collison

National Care Service In February’s edition of The Birstall Post one article caught my attention. It was part way through the Age Concern Info, and announced the ‘Personal Care at Home Bill’, also known as the National Care Service (NCS). I was delighted to read this, as no other local paper has announced that this Bill has now passed its second reading in the House of Lords with no division called. I sincerely hope that this cross-party consensus continues, as I do believe that the NCS will in the future be seen as important a British Institution as the NHS is today. We live in an ageing society, in the last decade life expectancy has gone up by 2 years, and infant mortality has fallen by 20%. This is great news, but of course it means that there are more of us around who need care now, or will need it in the future. Being enabled to choose to continue living independently in our own homes for as long as is medically possible is almost always a person’s first choice. The NCS will provide funds to support an estimated 400,000 most needy people to have care in their own homes, rather than having to go into residential homes. Some people say that the nation cannot afford it, but the cost of residential homes, and the resultant burden on the NHS costs far more. Enabling people to stay at home gives them a better quality of life, helping them to say in contact with their friends, family and community. The nation can afford it and must afford it. Thank you Birstall Post and Age Concern for highlighting this fantastic new project for Britain. Eric Goodyer Charnwood’s Labour PPC

War memorials In four years’ time it will be 100 years since a certain crown prince was assassinated, an event which sparked two world wars. Some of us have deeply ingrained memories of Hitler’s bombers doing their best to kill us – by the time that last war finished I was five years old, and I still do not know what I did to annoy that dictator, that he would want to

exterminate me there and then. Further, when I think that both my grandfathers had died at the hands of the Kaiser’s army – was not that enough for him? Be that as it may, the County Council (not exactly, but it gives an air to this appeal) are reviewing all the existing war memorials in Leicestershire; they need to know their condition, which wars they commemorate, and if possible a brief history of those mentioned: what regiments they were in, where and possibly how they died, which wars they took part in. As heritage warden for Birstall I have volunteered to collect this information locally. I have already submitted pictures of the war memorial at St James Church together with a list of names. I may have missed something – perhaps there is a memorial at one of the schools? Or in a social hall or a private building? If you know of any such memorial, please contact me on 267 6946 – there is usually an ansaphone on when I am out. Are any of your relatives commemorated on any of these memorials, or perhaps on one in another parish? Do you have any information you could share with me, or would you prefer it if I did not fish about in your family history? Please let me know on the above number. Dr D A C McNeil

Responsibility When people talk about the problems of ASB in Birstall, they often complain: why aren’t ‘they’ doing something about it, they presumably being the Council, the Police, the politicians. Obviously ‘they’ have a role to play, but the blame doesn’t lie with them, it lies squarely with the perpetrators. Incidentally those responsible are not always in the 10-16 age bracket. Some of Birstall’s problems I’m told coincide with pub closing times. This drink fuelled bad behaviour blights our town centres on Friday and Saturday nights and often accompanies big sporting events and football matches. I’m always shocked at the numbers of police I see at football matches – why as a society do we seem to be prepared to accept this fact : that even with the police to separate them, a significant proportion of football supporters will violently attack each other, often drawing in innocent members of the public. In more than 30 years of taking an interest in how Birstall deals with ASB. I think this is an era when ‘they’ are doing more than ever to deal with the problem. The different agencies are meeting, talking and taking action in the form of ASBOs, ABCs, restorative justice, Environmental Action Weeks, graffiti removal, CCTV, on street youth work and the provision of youth centres like the successful one provided by the Parish Council. Public meetings have been held about the problem and the public urged to report incidents so resources can be planned and directed. But when problems arise, there’s only so much ‘they’ can do. If a bunch of people are determined to get drunk, scratch cars, break windows and daub graffiti they can do it. It doesn’t matter if we have two, three, four or five police officers assigned to Birstall, or whichever party is in power at Westminster. When it comes to bad behaviour, the responsibility for it lies squarely with the perpetrator. Addressing this behaviour is a much deeper and more complex problem than increasing the number of police on the streets. N Green

ASB action Having read the article 'Trail of damage' in the Feb 2010 edition and previous articles about Anti Social Behaviour in Birstall I felt I had to finally say something. I am a resident of Birstall and have been for 20 years. I am also employed as the lead officer in dealing with Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) in another local Police authority in Leicestershire which makes me very qualified to speak about the subject of ASB. The authority I work for is widely recognised as the best in the Midlands at dealing with Anti Social Behaviour. It has one of the highest success rates in the country at stopping ASB quickly and effectively. So it frustrates me that there is the scale of ASB in Birstall and the various agencies appear to be playing lip service to dealing with it. The local Police, Charnwood’s ASB Team, Neighbourhood Watch, Youth Service, shopkeepers should be all working together to address these issues quickly and effectively. The mistake these agencies have made is that they have in the past worked in isolation, failed to communicate with other and allowed small isolated incidents to go unchecked

which has led to more regular serious incidents. The Impact Team have put themselves on a pedestal as being the agency that solved ASB last summer in Birstall and yet 4/5 months later it's back. A quick fix was all they did. So, what should we all do? The tools I and my team use are varied and effective. They include the use of Mosquitos [fixed electronic devices that emit a high pitched noise that only those under 25 can hear], Classical Music deterrents, ASB Advice letters to parents of children who are part of a group hanging around the streets of which members of that group are causing ASB (with ASB 'you are guilty by association'), ASB Warning letters to known culprits or those strongly suspected of ASB. The Police and ASB Team meet with the child and parent when the ASB Warning letter is issued. These letters have a 95% success rate in stopping the ASB dead in the area I work because they are issued within 48 hrs of the incident. This allows the parent a chance to address their child's behaviour as soon after the incident as possible. Should the letter fail then the child is placed on an Acceptable Behaviour contract. This is a contract of conditions agreed with the child/parent. They can include curfews, non association with certain friends in a public place, prohibited from entering certain buildings (shops, schools) or entering certain streets. These conditions are shared with the local police, shop keepers and Neighbourhood Watch in order to assist the young person in sticking to the conditions. We would also target parents of these children should they fail to co operate with the ASB Team. We would also target all shops which sell alcohol to young people. Target parents who allow their child to take alcohol from their house or in some cases buy the alcohol for their child. Dealing with ASB is not rocket science. The only rule to success is this, 'Deal with ASB quickly and effectively'. Instead of all the agencies working in Birstall patting each other on back, how about they get on with improving how they deal with the issues in Birstall. You will never get rid of ASB but you can be much slicker in how you deal with it when it raises its ugly head. I deal with all sorts of ASB, some very serious. I work closely with the victims of ASB and I see the negative effect it can have on their lives. Birstall is not a war zone, so let’s get it under control. Steve Parker

Jessica Robinson Sadly I lost contact with my daughter Jessica (born June 1987, Guildford, Surrey) who lived in Leicester and who was still there nine years ago. She went to Leicester High School for Girls and was also involved with ‘The Little Theatre’. I know she was trying to find me via the ‘Missing-you’ website in February 2005, but unfortunately, I have only just discovered this. If anybody has genuine information about her or her whereabouts, I can be contacted via info@oakwoodcraft.com James Robinson

Thanks Further to the article on Belgrave Cemetery in February’s Birstall Post, the book ‘Soldiers of Belgrave Remembered’ raised the total of £934.96 towards providing a Memorial in Belgrave Cemetery to those Belgrave men who lost their lives in two World Wars. This amount was through sales and donations, including £300 from Mr Jack White and his committee’s Battle of Britain Dance at Birstall Social Club in 2008. From this total £752 was spent on the polishing and engraving in large 4” panelled letters in gold leaf LEST WE FORGET on black granite kerbs forming the base of the memorial. The remaining £182.96 was donated to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, in appreciation of their excellent work and records, without which I would not have been able to research the book. My thanks to Leicester City Council Bereavement Services, who provided the granite, plaque, and installation, and also to Mr John Tomlinson of Birstall, for his excellent photo of Belgrave Cemetery on the front cover and for helping me collect names and proof reading my finished work. Last but not least, thank you to all who bought a book or made a donation to this project. Brenda Watts

THE BIRSTALL POST, MAR 2010

Noticeboard all details printed free

Friends of Birstall Swimming Pool

Bowling at Belgrave

Needs adult swimmers to join them on Fridays from 12.30-1.30pm £2 first visit contact Lesley on 2671625 •••

Belgrave Bowls Club and Belgrave Ladies Bowls Club would like to welcome new members for the 2010 season. The clubs are situated on Thurcaston Road (off Abbey Lane) and have two greens available for play weekdays and weekends. Both new and established players are welcome and we are offering free membership for the first year of joining. Tuition available for new players Further information please contact: Men’s Secretary 2870787, Ladies’ Secretary 2674234 •••

Long Term Care Fees Discussion Forum Age Concern and PSA Financial Services invite you to attend a FREE 1 hour informative forum on the subject of Long Term Care Funding This will be of particular interest to those who are paying their own care fees The forum will be run by Damian Mitchell of PSA Financial Services who is an Independent Financial Adviser specialising in all aspects of Long Term Care. In addition a representative from Peter Astill legal practice will be available to take questions The forum will address the following subjects: • How to stop wasting money on care fees • How to avoid tax on money invested for care • Legal requirements including wills and powers of attorney • Inheritance tax After the presentation there will be questions and answers followed by an opportunity to discuss your own individual needs in private Tea & coffee will be provided

March 23 at 6.30pm The Day Centre, School Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3AH Please come and participate in what has proven to be a very beneficial evening in the past ••• Birstall Methodist Women’s Group

Coffee Morning March 13, 10am to 12 noon Methodist Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane Various stalls including: bags, boxes, cakes, raffle, books and good bric-a-brac Proceeds in aid of our projects: Special Needs and ADAPT (Support for Premature Babies) •••

Leicester City Male Voice Choir St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall April 24 at 7pm Tickets £6 inc light refreshments Tel: 0116 2677023 Proceeds to St James Day Centre, School Lane, Birstall •••

Quorn Live: Are You Experienced Saturday March 20, 7.30pm Rawlins Community College, Quorn Charity Event: Help for Heroes Europe’s BEST Jimi Hendrix Tribute band, plus local support bands Tickets £7.50 from Midland Diving, Apple Tree (Quorn), Bradley’s (Quorn) or Ticket Hotline 07812 166 846. No tickets on door/over 18s •••

The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery Group Annual General Meeting Saturday March 20, 10am to 12noon The Methodist Church, Fellowship Room, Wanlip Lane All are welcome Further info: www.leicesterchronicler.com.belgravecem etery.htm ••• Birstall Methodist Church Coffee Shop &

Table Top Sale In the large hall Saturday March 20, 10am to 12noon In aid of LOROS •••

The Women’s World Day of Prayer Annual Service at Birstall Methodist Church Arranged this year by women of Cameroon Friday March 5, at 7.30pm Followed by coffee and biscuits Everyone welcome •••

Loughborough Farmers Market Devonshire Square, Loughborough Between 9am and 3pm Every month Next market March 10 Wide variety of local produce: meats, sausage, bacon & cured meats, rare breed meats, meat, savoury & fruit pies, fruit & vegetables inc organic, plants & flowers, herbs, therapeutic herbal products, honey & beeswax products, chutneys & pickles, jams & preserves, homemade cooking sauces, wholemeal flour, muesli, fruit juices, eggs & cheeses, bread & cakes. To book a stall or find out more call Markets and Fairs team 01509 634624, email: markets.fairs@charnwood.gov.uk or log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk ••• Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society presents

Fish Out of Water a comedy by Derek Benfield Thurs/Fri/Sat, May 13/14/15 at 7.30pm Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Birstall Tickets £5. £4 concessions, disc for group booking Tel: 0116 2128757 or 07757854719 or email hatsbirstall@hotmail.co.uk A play that will give you everything from a quiet chuckle to a raucous belly laugh Don’t delay book today! •••

Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘Morris – a Life with Bells on’ Friday March 12 (100 mins) This film is a heart warming British comedy about a Morris dancing troupe who incur the wrath of traditionalists by pioneering an extreme version of freeform Morris dancing. ‘Morris’ scored exceptionally in the Seattle Film Festival. We anticipate a light-hearted, fun evening. ‘Julie and Julia’ Friday April 9 (123 mins) Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4, concessions £3.50. Price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw. ••• Saturday March 27 from 10am to 2pm at Birstall Methodist Centre

Good-as-New Boutique (excellent quality clothes & accessories) Table Top Sale Cards, jewellery, pictures, cakes, preserves, toys, dolls, shell-craft, collectables, bric-a-brac Coffee Shop refreshments, soups/hot dogs Admission free ••• Birstall Royal British Legion

Members Notice Sat Mar 6: Paul Ravell (M/V) Sat Mar 13: Scott Bateman (M/V) Sat Mar 20: Carl Stevens (M/V) Sat Mar 27: Kriz (M/V) Dancing every Sat night with live entertainment Free meat raffle, Bingo and not forgetting ‘Open the Box’ Every Tues night Bingo starting at 9.30pm Quiz nights Sunday March 14 & 28 starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday March 21 Rock & Roll nights Wednesday March 3 & 17

Food available every Sat 12-2pm ••• Help the Heroes Fund

A Quiz Night in St Theresa’s Social Area, Front Street Friday May 7 at 7.45pm £2 per person, pay on the door This is to help raise money for our injured servicemen to receive treatment at special hospitals being built by public donations The winners will take away the KEEL Cup which they keep for a year, then hopefully return to defend it next time Bring along a team max 6 players per table and pit your wits against the brains of Birstall A raffle and tea & coffee available at the interval or you can supply your own cold refreshments All welcome ••• Birstall Ladies Bowling Club are having a

Coffee Morning Saturday March 6 At the Methodist Church (Coffee Shop), on Wanlip Lane Between 10am-12noon On sale will be cakes, preserves, books Also a tombola & raffle All welcome •••

Barn Dance Saturday April 17 7.30-10.30pm Birstall Village Hall Tickets £5.50 Bring your own food and drink Proceeds to LOROS Tel: Joan 2677516 or Daphne 2675721 ••• Charnwood Arts

Artzone Workshop for children 8-14 Charnwood Museum, Loughborough 10.30am-12.30pm Sat March 6 : Explore the travelling life in a gypsy inspired session Sat March 13 : A Cornish View with Quorn artist Jo Sheppard £5 each of £2.50 concessions Pre-booking essential on 01509 233754 Full programme at www.charnwoodarts.com Charnwood Arts also runs a volunteer programme so if you are a young person with aspirations to become a teacher or just want to spend time getting some experience working in an arts setting then please contact Emma Bagley 01509 821035 or jemmab@charnwoodarts.org.uk

PETE INGHAM Plastering & Property Maintenance

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The Charnwood Orchestra Sat March 20, 7.45pm All Saints Parish Church, Loughborough Rimsky-Korsakov: Fantasia on Serbian Themes Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No.1, sol: Warren Zielinski Brahms: Symphony No.2 £8, concessions £6, 16 years and under £2 Tickets: 0771 815 3117 or rodgers_david@hotmail.com •••

One Hundred Years of Girl Guiding an Exhibition at Leicester Record Office, Long Street, Wigston Magna February 22 – April 16 Photographs & memorabilia ••• Birstall Methodist Church

Annual Garden Trail Saturday June 12 and Sunday June 13 2-5.30pm This year the Garden Trail will be in the Elmfield Avenue/Oakfield Avenue/ Fielding Road area Teas, ice creams, garden stall, tombola and raffle will be part of the trail Passports will be on sale during May and June at the usual retail outlets Details will be published later Proceeds for Alzheimer’s Society and Church Funds Please note this in your diary to support this local initiative •••

Fashion Show Friday March 26 at 7.30pm In the Birstall Methodist Church Concert Hall Come and buy ‘Designer’ labels and clothes from some of your favourite High Street stores Tickets £5 (inc.tea/coffee and cakes) which can be booked by Tel: 0116 2677576 or by email bark_foundation@btinternet.com Proceeds for the HOTPEC Orphanage in Cameroon •••

Birstall & Wanlip NHW Advice Shops Security devices, personal alarms, locks etc for sale at cost prices. Bicycle Coding with free padlock. Police surgery. 10-

D. Upton Garden Services All aspects of garden work undertaken

Driveways • Patios Blockpaving • Gravelling Turfing • Fencing Slabbing • Mowing Hedgetrimming etc

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12noon, Sibson Road car park. Saturday March 20. •••

Birstall Swimming Pool Change of access From February 1, access to the pool after 5.30pm Mon-Fri and at all times during weekends and school holidays will revert back to the Longslade main entrance or the footpath from Wanlip Lane. Pedestrian access at Stonehill is still available. During term time access is via Stonehill School up to 5.30pm and from 5.30pm onwards via Longslade ••• Leicestershire Record Office Can help you research family and local history To view a video about the facility go to: www.leics.gov.uk/recordoffice •••

Enjoy singing? Come and try singing with Leicester Male Voice Choir – no auditions We meet at the Methodist Centre, Wanlip Lane, Birstall on Wed evenings at 7.45pm and sing until 9.15pm You’ll enjoy this friendly choir who sing a range of popular songs and hope more men will join them Give us a try Any queries: 0116 2696577 ••• Barrow Panto Group Family Pantomime

Sleeping Beauty Fri & Sat March 5/6 7pm, Sat matinee 2pm Humphrey Perkins Community Centre Cotes Road, Barrow LE12 8JU £6, £4 concessions from Judith 07718153117 rodgers_david@hotmail.com ••• Birstall BAGS

Annual Duck Race at The White Horse, White Horse Lane Monday May 3 If anybody would like to run a stall, donate a prize for the tombola or just help us out on the day all support would be gratefully received Contact Emma 07837028451, Rachael 07989822173 ••• Sat Apr 3 9.30am – 12.30pm

Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop Tombola, Raffle, Cake Stall, bric-a-brac, plant stall Raising funds for Childreach

the birstall post MAR 2010

Goscote garden winners A LOCAL garden design practice has won a national award. Goscote Design Practice, based at Goscote Nurseries in Cossington received their award from the Association of Professional Landscapers for a garden that they designed and built last year in the village of Swithland. The judges commended them on their excellent design, attention to detail and strong planting, creating a contemporary garden which offset the traditional Swithland slate house. The nationwide awards were presented by James Alexander-Sinclair, the well known garden designer and broadcaster, who has featured on BBC’s Gardeners World and coverage of the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show.

Methodist news

Pics: the award winning garden design

APL Vice-Chairman Mark Gregory said it had been a record year for entries, with high standards in both small and large schemes. Goscote Design Practice’s Director Andy Bayley said: “It is great to be recognised for all our hard work and effort and to be able

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to compete with the highest standards in garden design and landscaping.” Goscote Nurseries are celebrating 45 years of supplying quality plants locally and nationally and have recently redeveloped the site, adding a larger car park and a greater selection of plants. www.goscote.co.uk

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Birstall fire HQ LEICESTERSHIRE FIRE Service have been given the go-ahead to build their new headquarters in Birstall. Charnwood Borough Council’s planning officers have approved Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s £12m complex, to be built within the Hallam Field’s site. The service wants to move from its Glenfield HQ, its base for more than 50 years. The new station will include a fire station for three fire engines, an administrative building, a community room, gym, rest area, kitchens and a lecture room. It will have a wind turbine to save costs. The fire service says the move will cut costs on office accommodation and improve 999 cover in north Leicestershire.

Women Of The Cameroon Each year in March, the Joint Churches in Birstall join in the Womans World Day of Prayer. This year the service was written by the women of The Cameroon. This is especially close to the Methodists in Birstall, as Rev Edward Sakwe and his wife Esther and family are citizens of that country – and will be returning there in August. This special service is at 7.30pm on Friday March 5. Rev Rachel Parkinson will be the speaker, and Esther and her friends from the Cameroon will be taking part. All are most welcome (including men!). Charnwood Hike Date The hike this year is on April 24. Organised by Old Boys of the Boys Brigade its aim is to give lads and girls the chance to develop their map reading skills by participating in this competitive event. It is open to teams of three aged 12 to 18. There are also veterans teams for those ‘over 18’. Teams go from point to point with ‘incidents’ at each checkpoint. Teams are likely to end up rather ‘muddy’. For more details contact Neil Clarke 01664 569698. The entry fee is about £12 per team. Copyright Workshop This workshop is open to anybody who deals with copying, printing or producing words and/or music for use in public worship It is to be held at Syston Methodist Church (High Street) on March 25, 2 to 4pm. The speaker is Chris Williams from Christian Copyright Licensing International – CCLI. If you would like to attend please tell Jo Kay (236 6312 or jokay62@yahoo.com) Date For 2010 Birstall Garden Trail The 2010 Garden Trail is to be held in the Elmfield & Oakfield Avenue area with a few gardens on Fielding Road. Book the date in your diary…Saturday June 12 and Sunday June 13, 2 – 5.30pm. As in previous years there will be ice cream, teas and garden plants around the trail and a free children’s competition. Proceeds for Alzheimer’s Society and Church Funds FASHION On March 26/27 There are two quite unrelated events taking place, relating to Ladies Fashions! On Friday March 26 there is a Fashion Show at 7.30pm. You can buy ‘Designer’ label clothes which have come from a variety of High Street stores. Admission is by ticket only which needs to be booked in advance. The £5 ticket includes tea or coffee and cakes and can be booked by calling 0116 2677576 or email bark_foundation@btinternet.com. Proceeds for The HOTPEC Orphanage in Cameroon (which incidentally raised £395 at their Coffee morning on February 13). On Saturday March 27 A Good as New and Boutique and Table Top Sale is to be held from 10am to 2pm. All the table tops have been allocated and sold. Hopefully, if the weather is kind the Good as New and Boutique will be outside, while the table tops will be inside. The coffee shop will be open as usual with soup and hot dogs too. Funds are to raise ‘working finance’ for the Christmas Festival. From Tony Moore

Parish Church news

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SUNDAY MARCH 14 is Mothering Sunday this year and the day when we can really expect that the daffodils will be with us, in the posies which are traditionally handed out at the services at St James. All Mums and Grandmas will be particularly welcome at 9.30am or 11am that day. Although Easter itself is not until April this year, Palm Sunday is on March 28, which is celebrated in the Church of England with the giving of palm crosses to the congregation at all services. This commemorates the day when Jesus was greeted by excited crowds waving palm branches, as he rode into Jerusalem in the days before he was arrested, tried and executed. There are several special events at St James in the following week, including a performance of the well-known Easter cantata “Olivet to Calvary” by a local choir, the Cossington Voices, with soloists Bob Brown and Simon Cleaver and organist Andy White. Churches Together in Birstall and Wanlip will hold their annual Passover Supper in the Village Hall on Wednesday March 31, for which tickets can be obtained from the individual churches. Everyone is invited to come to the new Birstall car park on Good Friday morning at 10am for a short service, followed by hot cross buns at the Methodist Church. On Easter Sunday April 4 there will be services at Birstall and Wanlip at all the usual times, plus an Easter vigil at Wanlip followed by a communion service. How about getting up early that day to see the sunrise through the beautiful East window of Our Lady and St. Nicholas? From Beryl McHugh

Small Ads 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 a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, 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.

AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Seaports, Long Distance, Courier. Tel: 0777 1984806 TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV. Over 25 yrs experience. John 2675132 AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395/07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk FOR SALE Kung Fu Karate outfit 170cm. Offers around £10. Also Scouts (Beaver) outfit size 30” (76cm) vgc £10 ono. Please ring 2671527 FRENCH EXAM?/Holiday home?. Help from qualified language teacher. Tel: 0116 2201206

Beards for Richard PLAYERS FROM Birstall Rugby Club are growing beards to help raise money for an injured team mate. During a pre-season training game in August 2009 Richard Engelgardt from BRFC dislocated his spine when a scrum collapsed. A club spokesman said: “Though Richard is recovering well in Hertfordshire Stoke Mandeville Hospital he was informed during December that he is unlikely to ever walk again.” A number of players have pledged to put away their razors for 79 days from January 1, to help raise money for the Richard Engelgardt Trust Fund by growing beards. The club hopes to raise over £2000 and any contributions will be gratefully received. If you would like to make a donation there is a sponsorship form at the Plough on Front Street.

Stonehill TV PUPILS AT Stonehill School have launched their own television station. Stonehill TV aired its first 15 minute programme in February and featured news, reviews, sport and interviews with staff. With the help of teacher Daniel Mattson, 25 pupils aged 11-14 have worked for six weeks to write, film and edit the show.

Planning 70 Beechfield Ave – erection of two storey extensions to side and rear, and single storey extension to rear of dwelling 1A The Meadway – installation of an extractor flue pipe Unit 3, 121 Sibson Road – change of use from A1, A2 and A3 to A3 and A5 Industrial Development, Land at Hallam Fields – change of use of units 33-35 from category B1/B2 to B1, B2 and B8 Somerfield Supermarket, 10 Wanlip Lane –display of 4 illuminated fascia signs and 18 non-illuminated informative signs Land to north of Harrowgate Drive and West and East of the A6 – discharge of Conditions 4(a) to 4(h) and Condition 6 of Planning Permission P/00/2507/2 Development of Hallam Fields Phase 1AWestern side, Land off Hallam Field Road – discharge of condition 4 of Planning Permission P/09/157/1/2 32 Oakfield Ave – erection of single storey extension to side of dwelling

Parking fines 14,000 FIXED Penalty notices were issued in 2009 to motorists parked illegally in Loughborough. The tickets resulted in Charnwood Borough Council collecting more than £400,000 in fines.

THE BIRSTALL POST, NOV 2010

AGE CONCERN Pensioners Who Have Overpaid Tax on Savings Accounts Could be Eligible for a Tax Refund HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched its TAXBACK campaign to encourage pensioners who have overpaid tax on interest from savings to claim it back and to register for savings interest to be paid gross in future – IF they are non-taxpayers. Banks and Building Societies are required by law to deduct 20% tax from the interest on everyone’s savings before it is paid. Pensioners however, and indeed other savers of lower age, who are non-taxpayers, or who qualify for the 10% savings rate, will be due a refund if their savings have been taxed at 20%. It is easy to claim and can be done using HMRC form R40. The time limit for making a claim is five years from January 31 following the end of the tax year (April 5). For example, the tax year 2004-2005 ends on April 5, 2005, so the following January date is January 31 2006. Therefore the claim must be made by January 31, 2011. As well as claiming any overpaid tax, nontaxpayers can also get future savings interest paid gross, ie without the deduction of any tax, by completing a simple form (form R85) and sending it to their bank and/or building society. As part of the campaign HMRC will be writing to around 3.4million Pension Credit recipients, asking them to check if they have overpaid tax on any bank or building society interest. The letter will be accompanied by a help sheet, which pensioners can use to calculate their annual income and allowances and whether they may be due some money back. For further help and advice call HMRC on 0845 366 7850 or visit the website www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxback. Post your claim form R40 to: FREEPOST RSCS-LYHX-HUCC, HMRC, Saxon House, 1 Causeway Lane, Leicester LE1 4AA Perk Up Your Pension Most people are failing to adequately plan for the kind of retirement they hope to have, or have already retired and feel woefully let down by their pension scheme. This book shows simple ways to increase your wealth in retirement and it is relevant to everyone. Find out how to plan for the future you want to have. £5.99. Tel: 0870 44 22 120 or order on line www.ageconcern.org.uk/bookshop Ladies Take Note When you claim your state pension check your entitlement to National Insurance Contributions allocated to an ex-spouse. This can be whether you are divorced or widowed and can make a difference to your income especially if you have not earned enough contributions yourself. Using your ex-spouse’s contributions does not affect their pension. If you are separated but still married you cannot use your spouse’s contributions and if you remarry you are not entitled either, but contact the Pension Service because the dates of your changes in circumstance may make a difference. Website: thepensionservice.gov.uk or 0845 6060265. Booklet PM6 Pensions for Women is a useful source of information for pension related matters. Lasting Powers of Attorney Lasting Powers of Attorney replaced the previous regime of Enduring Powers of Attorney in October 2007 but the forms were too lengthy and confusing and they caused many problems. As a result, shorter and much

INFO

simpler forms were introduced from October 1, 2009. They are extremely useful legal documents which allow you to appoint one or more people to make decisions on your behalf about your financial affairs or (under an LPA Health and Welfare) health care and welfare matters. Communicating with the Ageing Parent – the 40/70 Rule Most adult children have a major communication obstacle with their parents that stems from continuation of the parent-child model. The fact that many families still operate according to a parent/child model rather than a peer-to-peer one makes these conversations particularly difficult. What does an adult daughter say to her dad when he’s hit a light pole with the car? How does a grown son ask his widowed mum about her new relationship? How does the adult child have the ‘money talk’ with his/her parents? Many of us have faced such questions. Sensitive issues like these prompted Home Instead Senior Care to launch a public-education campaign designed to help adult children and their parents bridge the communication gap when it comes to discussing sensitive subjects. The campaign is based on original research conducted in the Us and Canada by Home Instead Senior Care. Surprisingly, this research revealed that nearly one-third of adults in the US have a major communication obstacle with their parents that stems from continuation of the parent-child role. In other words, it can be difficult to get the conversation going because older people are still treating their adult offspring like children. Because of this obstacle, both adult children as well as their elderly parents may wait until an emergency before talking. The 40-70 Rule means that if you are 40, or your parents are 70, it’s time to start the conversation about some of these difficult topics. Likewise, there are many topics that the elderly themselves should begin discussing with their children when they are 70. The 40-70 Rule Key Messages The goal with the 4070 Rule is to help adult children begin positive conversations with their parents before a crisis of emergency occurs. The reality is that most often adult children don’t discuss their parents’ needs until an emergency or crisis happens. For example, a broken hip caused by a fall could be the trigger for you to talk with your father about the need for him to consider having

some help around the house. With the 40-70 Rule we are removing the crisis trigger and instead saying if you are 40 years old, or your parents are 70, it’s time to get into dialogue with them about topics such as what options to explore if they eventually need assistance to remain at home. Many adult children would like to know more about their parents’ situation so they can help their parents if necessary. While most adult children speak to their parents at least weekly, the children are in the dark about a variety of topics concerning their parents’ well-being. For example, nearly half of adult children would like to know more about whether their parents are taking their medications properly; and 45 per cent would like to know more about their parents’ nutrition. Children are hesitant to approach these topics because they don’t want to threaten their parents’ independence. Adult children have the most difficult time addressing independence issues with their parents. Forty-two per cent of adult children said it would be most difficult for them to speak with their parents about their parents’ need to move out of their home. Thirty per cent of adult children said it would be most difficult for them to speak to their parents about their parents’ need to give up driving. Nearly one-third of adults have communication breakdowns with their elderly parents because they feel their parents still view them as a child. This parent-child dynamic is by far the largest communication obstacle faced by adult children. This dynamic colours all of the conversations these children have with their parents, and makes it much more difficult for these adult children to help their parents access necessary resources. For example, adult children who are stuck in the ‘parent-child mole’ are much less likely than other adults to speak with their parents about a variety of topics, including their parents’ healthcare needs, their parents’ social needs such as loneliness, or their parents’ need for assistance around the house. We have developed the 40-70 Rule campaign to provide resources to adult children

who want to help their parents before an emergency or crisis occurs. With the assistance of Dr Jake Harwood, communication expert and author, we have developed a booklet which provides practical conversation starters and ideas for adult children. We also have created an assessment tool for adult children to gauge the quality of their conversations with their parents. Both the booklet and assessment tool are available at the website 4070talk.com. The 40-70 Conversation Starters booklet and 4070talk.com website provide a variety of ideas for adults who are facing the most sensitive senior subjects. For example, if you are an adult child who feels like your parents still view you as a child and not as an adult, then a change of place might be helpful in your conversations. If you most often converse with your parents at their house, which is perhaps full of your childhood memories, you might consider speaking with your parents at your

house, or perhaps at a neutral location. Or in another situation, maybe you begin to notice signs that your mother may need help around the house, but you don’t want to threaten her independence, in a case such as this, it’s important to move toward solutions that provide the maximum, amount of independence. Look for answers that optimise your mum’s strengths and compensate for problems. For example, maybe your mum’s physical strength is the issue and she would be fine at home with just a little help around the house vacuuming. Here’s an example from the guide: You’re Going to Wear That? You’re planning a birthday party for your 85-year-old mother and she insists on wearing her favourite blue dress. Because her eyesight is poor, she can’t see that the dress is stained and worn. What do you do? It’s important to determine whether this really is an issue – that the stains are worth addressing with your mother. If so, be direct: “Mum, did you know that your favourite dress is stained?” Then offer to have it cleaned, or better still, suggest a shopping trip: “Mum,

this is a really special occasion. I’d love to buy you a new dress. Let’s go shopping.” If she still wants to wear the dress, then a family conflict or a fight with your mum is simply not worth it. You may need to work out a way to overcome any embarrassment that you feel at your mum’s appearance, but ultimately what she wears should be her choice. The embarrassment that you feel is your problem, not hers. However, if she knows you are apprehensive about the dress and willing to help her find a new one, she will probably agree. Here’s another example from the guide: Mum’s not Safe at Home Lately, when you’ve been visiting your widowed 83-year-old mother, you notice bruises on her arms and legs. She said she’s just clumsy, but you suspect she’s been falling. You know she’s too independent to ask for help. How do you find out? Bruising is a complicated issues. On one hand, bruising occurs more easily in older people, sometimes (especially with certain medications) bruising can occur without any injury, fall or impact of any kind. So depending on your relationship with your mum you may be able to believe her if she says that she’s not falling. On the other hand – and at the other extreme – repeated bruising might indicate either falling or some other form of physical trauma (eg physical abuse of some kind, perhaps). Of course, these two considerations lead to completely different solutions. In the first case, there’s no cause for concern. However, if the bruising is significant she might want consider medication adjustments. Ask her to consult her doctor. In the second case, intervention is clearly needed. It’s another case where considering the entire context is important. Has the increase in bruising occurred at the same time as some other change in her life? For instance, noticing significant bruising soon after your mum started receiving support from a new home care assistant, or after she moved into an assisted living facility, would be immediate cause for alarm. Similarly, seeing bruising after she’s started on some new medication also might be a reason to attend carefully to the issue (eg certain medications might cause disorientation which can lead to falls). Why not start the conversation like this: “Mum, that’s a nasty looking bruise! Where did you get that?” And then probe with another question if she gives a generic response such as “I’m just clumsy”. For instance: "Mum, this whole family is clumsy, but we aren’t all walking around with big bruises on our arms and legs. Come on, how did it happen? from Jex Woods

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All gifts and donations gladly accepted at the ROYAL BRITISH LEGION 19 FRONT STREET • BIRSTALL

or Ring 2674817

the birstall post MAR 2010

REGULAR MEETINGS NIFTY FIFTIES Tues 11.40am to 12.40pm Sileby Parish Community Centre. An exercise class designed for the active 50+ age group. Fun, sociable & very good for you. Fully qualified instructor Kate 2412646 AEROBICS & BODY CONDITIONING (RSA Qual.Instructor) Co-op Sports & Social Club Tues 6.30pm Step/Total Body Conditioning; Thurs 6.30pm Aerobics/bums & tums. Tel:Sue 077 396 36650 or try personal training in the privacy of your own home ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WHIST DRIVE Every Thur: 2.30pm Legion Club, Front St. ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION Meet 3rd Thursday each month, Legion Club, Front Street 8pm. New members welcome. Tel:2674817 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION BRANCH MEETING Members meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7.30pm. Legion HQ, 19 Front St, Birstall COFFEE SHOP Tues-Sat 10-12noon, Birstall Methodist Centre BIRSTALL SOCIAL CLUB Every Tue: Seq Dancing 8-10.30pm BIRSTALL SOCIAL EVERGREEN CLUB Every Tue:2.15pm Birstall Soc Club DIANE GROSE SCHOOL OF DANCE & DRAMA Dance, Drama & Fitness Classes for Children & Adults Enq 2674775 ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION Meet Royal British Legion, 4th Wed in every month tel:2609658 ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES Every Mon:8pm. The Sir Henry Pearce Lodge No.30. Every Fri:8.30pm. The Progressive Lodge No.6565. Meet at Birstall Social Club - all members of RAOB, GLE welcome BIRSTALL CARERS SUPPORT GROUP Welcomes all carers. Regular meetings at the St James Day Care Centre, Fridays at 2pm. (Except the last Friday in the month). For further information contact Marlene 2674714 ACORN UNDER FIVES Tel: 0116 267 2795 Toddler Group 18-36 months and younger siblings Mondays 9-10.30am & 10.3012noon. Preschool 8.30-11.30am and 12.30-3.30pm, five days per week except Friday pm in the Autumn/Spring term. Highcliffe Community Centre, Greengate Lane, Birstall LE4 3DL BIRSTALL QUILTERS Every Wed afternoon 1.30-3.30pm Birstall Methodist Church Rooms, Wanlip Lane RAINBOW CO-OPERATIVE PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP (Charity No:1045204) Co-op Sports & Social Ground, Birstall Rd. Open weekdays 9.30am -12noon, also extended care available for a small extra charge.Children from 2yrs - 5 yrs. LEA funding available for all 3+ yrs. Our new play area provides the addition of safe outdoor fun. Enquiries tel Julie 2671828, mobile:07793630612 HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY (HATS) Every Wed 7-9.45pm, Greengate Hall, Highcliffe School. New members welcome. Tel: Jenny 0116 2128757 BALLET, TAP, MODERN JAZZ & MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE CLASSES Children’s Dance and Musical Theatre classes (Dance, Drama and Singing) held weekly at Birstall Methodist Church on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. IDTA exams taken in the above subjects. For further infor-

mation tel: Sharon Wood on 01509 550 923 BRIGHT HOUR Every Tuesday, 2.30pm. Birstall Methodist Centre BIRSTALL LABOUR PARTY Second Thursday 7.30pm Luther King Centre, Longslade Community College. Sec Tel: 2674293 THURCASTON EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUP 9am-1pm, Thurcaston Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane. Please contact Lisa Sterland on 07904 170 196 for a free prospectus BIRSTALL & WANLIP NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Advice shop every third Saturday of the month at old Council Offices, 10 Sibson Road. Information and help on home security & NHW & postcoding of bicycles. 10am to 12 noon BIRSTALL INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH Sundays 10.45am and 6.30pm (except July/Aug) at Highcliffe School Community Centre, Greengate Lane. For details/enquiries tel:2214883 WANLIP PRE-SCHOOL Wanlip Church Hall Mondays to Fridays 8.30-12.30, 1.30-4.30 Children from 2-5yrs, funding from 3yrs. Ofsted Registered Tel: 2672192 BIRSTALL METHODIST PRE SCHOOL Children from 2. Funding for 3+. Mon & Fri 12.15-3.15pm, Tues, Wed & Thur 9am-12noon. Tel 2675690 session times or Laura Freer 2671910 or Kay Hilton 2207045 BIRSTALL ST JOHN AMBULANCE COMBINED DIVISION Badgers First Aid & activities for 5-10 yr olds. Thur 6-7pm Tel: 2209188. Cadets:First Aid & activities for 10 yrs to adult. Thur 7.15-8.45pm Tel: 2106237. Adults: Friday 7.30pm. Phone Eddie Sim on 0116 2719168, mobile 07841 448126 TEA DANCE - every Thursday, 2-4.30pm, Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Admission £1.50 contact 2303013 STARLIGHT THEATRE SCHOOL Tuition in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Lyrical, Drama, Acrobatic, Greek & Modelling. Exams & Medals taken in the above. BTDA Exams are part of the National Curriculum and means they are equivalent to GCSE or A level Dance. Details ring: 0116 2355495, Mobile 07703 472702 COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY Thursdays, 9.45-11.30am at Birstall Methodist Centre. Peter Molesdale 2929670 BIRSTALL UNITED JUNIORS FC. Football Academy for boys and girls aged 4-6 every Sat 10.30am to noon. All welcome. Bring appropriate clothing, shin guards and football boots. GENTLE EXERCISE TO MUSIC CLASS Birstall Village Hall, 2-3pm every Tuesday. Open to exercise referral members and non-members. Further details ring Nita at Charnwood Borough Council on 01509 634836 SINGING SALLY’S Tuesdays Highcliffe Community Centre, Greengate Lane, 1.45-2.30pm £3 per session. Contact Singing Sally on 01536 772545 GUNNS BOXING GYM The Reading Room, Birstall Road. Mon-Fri & Sun Morning. Contact Carl Gunns 2671494 BIRSTALL RUGBY CLUB Training at Longslade playing fields, Wanlip Lane, Tuesdays 7.15pm, 1st team, Social & Vets Teams for the 08/09 season. Players wanted. Tel: D Bonser 07841584206 BIRSTALL AIR TRAINING CORPS Tuesday and Thursday 7.30-9.30pm, 1947 Squadron Headquarters (in grounds of Riverside Primary School). New members aged 13 to 17 welcome. Tel: 0116 267 2868 ST JAMES CHURCH BABY & TODDLER GROUP Birstall Village Hall, Monday 1.30-3.30pm during term-time. Contact Marion 2673817 or Elaine 2673030

CLASH Community Leicester Arthritis Self-Help Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Longslade College in the Luther King Centre from 79pm. Contact Christine Thomas 2200988, www.leicestershirevillages.com/birstall/clash.html CAPITAL ARTS CHILDREN’S CHOIR Children aged 6-16, meets Tuesday evenings, Loughborough Town Hall 5-6.30pm, Kathleen Shanks (Musical Director) Tel/Fax 0116 2672035. Phone or email for details: capitalarts@btconnect.com THE WAY AHEAD group for people with learning difficulties, Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Thursdays (term time only), 7-9pm. Enquiries: Deborah 0116 2606309 or Pam 0116 2674818 or Gemma: sportygem19@hotmail.co.uk 1st BIRSTALL GIRLS’ BRIGADE Are you aged between 5 and 18 yrs? Would you like to make new friends, have fun, earn badges and go on camp? The Girls’ Brigade is an exciting Christian organisation that meets every Tuesday during term time at Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. From 6.30pm. For further information ring Susan Wheeler 2209318 INDOOR BOWLING: Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 10am to 12noon. Open to the public. Birstall Village Hall. 0116 2676191 FITNESS CLASSES Gentle Circuit/Body Conditioning, for all ages and abilities. A great way to keep fit. Wednesdays 7.45pm Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. 0116 267 0807 for further details IN B TWEENIES A parent, baby and toddler group run by ADAPT for parents with children who have been on a neo-natal unit. The group meets every Tuesday from 10am to 12noon at Syston Community Centre, School Street. Tel: Nicky on 07771 718041 www.prembabies.co.uk. ADAPT reg charity 1080112 RED POPPY JIVE First & third Wednesdays every month at The Royal British Legion Club, 19 Front Street. Free admission from 8.15pm. Old & new rock’n’rollers welcome. You can phone 2671202 or 2673233 for more information LEICESTER WINDSURFING AND SAILBOARD CLUB at Watermead Country Park welcomes new members. For more info call Ricky Driver on 0116 2365213 or visit website www.leicestersailboardclub.co.uk FACES ARTS Thursdays, Highcliffe School, dance, drama & art. Jody_chesterton@hotmail.com or 07971423201 TICKLED SKINK Children’s singing sessions themed around habitats of the world. Exotic animals. For 2-5 yrs old & their younger siblings, Tuesday, 1.452.30pm at Pavilion, School Lane, School Lane playing field 07951853204 BIRSTALL WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Monthly meeting plus speaker and much more. New members and visitors welcome. 7.15pm Highcliffe School Community Centre, Greengate Lane MON 1 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Latvia past & present. Mr A Ozolins MON 8 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Network Spring Event at Rothley. Let’s do it with Cole Porter. Mr C Simpson TUES 9 BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING CLUB. Recent Roamings. John Tinnings. 7.30pm. Rothley Centre THUR 11 BIRSTALL & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY 19th Century Computer Pioneers. David Herbert. 7.30pm Birstall Village Hall SAT 13 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Coffee Morning 10am-12noon MON 15 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP The History of the Musical. Mrs Anne Hughes MON 22 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Joyce Grenfell. Her life and monologues. Miss Hilary Ayling WED 24 BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB Pauline Foster. Colours of my mind. 7.15pm. Birstall Village Hall MON 29 BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Jelly Babies and Sugar Pigs. Mrs Janet Key

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Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

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