Birstall Post (408) July 2017

the Birstall post Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

JULY 2017

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 408

Yard sale treasures IT WOULDN’T be summer without the Big Birstall Yard Sale and this year’s event takes place on Saturday July 8.

“It’s well worth a visit, you never know what treasures you might uncover!” says organiser Fiona Barnes, who started the event five years ago.

Pic: Tim Davies’ team taking part in the Wolf Run at Stanford Hall

Birstall Wolf runners go wild!

A TEAM from Birstall completed the six mile Wolf Run in June, raising more than £500 for good causes.

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the group successfully negotiated underground and aerial obstacles and a swim through a lake.

Tim said: “All of us got through the weird and wonderful obstacles together and survived with only a few cuts and bruises.

“The weather was atrocious considering it is summer, and one member of the team even lost a trainer in a mud pit because the rain had made it even harder to get out of!”

Continued on page 2

With the help of her fiancé Ben, Fiona has been busy leaflet delivering and promoting the event on facebook - more than 98 addresses have registered and the total is rising every day.

Villagers set up their own yard sale and visitors can tour as many as they like, using a map. Each venue has raffle tickets for sale as part of the fundraising.

Fiona said: “This year the event will be supporting Riverside school in celebration of their 80th birthday and will hopefully raise much needed funds for equipment and projects.”

Continued on page 2

Cllr Marshall replied that the council was acting on the advice of the Information Commissioner’s Office, when asking A member of the public, Paul Mercer, the question, so that any member of the began filming the meeting. The Chairman, public present can indicate that they Ann Marshall, asked those present if don’t wish to be recorded. The council anyone intended to record the meeting. is not seeking to prevent meetings being Mr Mercer, when asked directly, said recorded, she said. the question was illegal, there was an Councillors considered a petition absolute right for anyone present to received requesting that a dog park area, record meetings, and he would report the chairman for breaching the Members where dogs can be exercised off the lead, be provided in Birstall. It has been Code of Conduct. signed by 250 people, with 74 of those

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on June 12.

Yard sale continued from page 1 Last year the yard sale raised £1122 for ADAPT Prem Babies.

Fiona said: “The main challenge this year was not knowing whether or not we

would be able to go ahead with the yard sale. My mother-in-law Gillian has been fighting cancer since September last year and had a huge major operation at the end of February from which we were warned she may not wake up.

Thankfully she's now recovering, but the situation has meant that everything yard sale wise is a little more rushed this year.”

She added: “We've once again had lots of great support from everyone with leaflet delivering, envelope

people from Birstall. The council’s petitions policy requires 100 local signatures before it will be considered.

Chairman Ann Marshall said the issue had been the subject of a public consultation, there had been a meeting with dog owners, and the issue had been debated in detail by the council, resulting in the decision to employ an enforcement officer. There are lots of spaces for exercising dogs off the lead, she said and there is no available space on the parish council’s land.

Comment was made that any such park would have to be managed and maintained by council staff who would

donations and facebook sharing, and also a huge thank you to the Parish Council for once again helping us with printing costs.”

The event starts at 10am and goes on until 4pm. Fiona said: “ Buy a map from the Co-Op for 50p, follow the trail of yard sales, pop in and have a filled roll and coffee at the Methodist church, visit Riverside to celebrate their 80th birthday - it’s a great community day for everyone!”

Pic (left): Last year’s event got off to a wet start: Farrina Riley making the most of the conditions

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have to collect the dog waste. Cllr Sheila Alcock said some dog owners will walk their dogs where they want to and if no-one is around, will let their dogs off the lead.

Cllr Julian Howe said 74 signatures shows there is a need and the Estates and Recreation Committee should discuss it. Cllr Gina Beck said a dog park area would be used by the elderly who can’t get to Watermead Country Park and that there was room for a dog park on the School Lane playing field near the A6.

Cllr Ed Marshall said there were lots of places where dogs can be exercised off the lead, and that the Council had to consider there had been several incidents of people being bitten by dogs off the lead including a small child and a member of staff, and that one incident resulted in the dog being destroyed.

The Council agreed to reject the petition on the grounds that there were less than 100 local signatures, and re-affirmed its decision not to provide a dog park.

PC Dave Jaeckels reported there had been one arrest for vehicle crime. There had been a police operation on the Hallam Field estate on May 22. Officers checked vehicle doors and found 46 unlocked cars in 90 minutes. He urged motorists to check their cars are locked before leaving them parked.

There have been eight thefts from motor vehicles in June. One suspect has been identified. PC Jaeckels said anyone witnessing antisocial behaviour or drug dealing should report it to the Police, with the date, location and time.

This can be done by calling 101 or emailing the beat team. All reports are logged and analysed, to build up intelligence about local problems.

Wolf Run continued from page 1

He added: “I’m so proud of all the team for achieving their targets and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who donated for my team and thank the team themselves for all the hard work they put in to make this happen.”

The Wolf Run team were June and Jason Reed, Nadine and John Michael, Claire Curtis, Sara Mitchell, Jaz Patel, Lisa De Marco and Simon Lingham. They raised funds for Birstall BAGS, Tommy’s and Age UK. Tim is now hoping to sign up a new team for another fun run charity challenge.

JULY 2017

Parish Council notes

THE BIRSTALL POST

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Diamond couple celebrate 60 years together VELMA AND Dick Allen began courting on Velma’s 21st birthday, married three years later and are celebrating sixty years of being married to each other on July 10.

“I thought he was gorgeous, a really handsome man” said Velma (84).

The couple began their married life in a flat on Loughborough Road in Belgrave before moving to Birstall in 1962 with their son Paul and daughter Louise. They live on Allington Drive.

The couple have played sport together over the years, with Dick encouraging Velma to take up golf and bowls.

Dick (87) said: “Velma is a very kind lady with hundreds of friends, when we go shopping together we get stopped every 20 yards or so and a trip that should take an hour, takes two.

“She’s looked after me very well, especially since I’ve had trouble with my balance, without her I don’t think I’d still be here.”

The couple, who have four grandchildren, will be celebrating their anniversary with a family get-together at a hotel in Norfolk.

Dick said: “We’ve rubbed along together very well, we’ve been friends and that’s the main thing – we still have a laugh together.”

Pic: married 60 years: Dick & Velma Allen

How you voted

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EDWARD ARGAR was re-elected as Conservative MP for Charnwood at the General election, with a majority of 16,341.

The Conservative candidate secured 60.4% of the vote, an increase of 6.1% compared to the election in 2015. Labour candidate Sean Kelly-Walsh secured 30.8% of the vote, an 8.9% increase compared to 2015.

The Liberal Democrat candidate Simon Sansome received 2,052 votes, 3.7% of the votes cast and 3.2% less votes than 2015.

The biggest fall in votes was for the UKIP candidate, Victoria Connor received 1,471 votes, compared to 8,300 in 2015, a fall of 13.3%.

The turnout was 70.7%, up from 67.6% in 2015.

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JULY 2017

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Lorry crashes into Village Hall A LORRY reversed into Birstall Village Hall on June 14, damaging a corner of the building used by the Age Concern Day Centre.

The incident happened at 8.30am and no day centre users were present at the time.

There was a large crack on the wall and the Fire Service was called to assess the safety of the building. After they examined the loft space it was decided to cordon off one office and one toilet.

Builders were called to make safe loose brick work and assess the necessary repair work.

The lorry driver was unhurt and the operation of the Day Centre that day was unaffected.

Parish Council Clerk Sue Coulson said: “The Parish Council staff team witnessed the incident and reacted immediately with an initial risk assessment of the potential dangers to persons and property, to arranging for the appropriate services to attend and placing the required safety cordon and a pedestrian diversion onto the highway for members of the public to pass safely.

“I would like to thank a local building firm, D A Roofing, for dropping everything he was doing that morning, to attend the scene, and to confirm to the Fire Brigade that the building would be made safe that day, by a team of builders. This enabled the Fire Brigade to hand the incident over to the Parish Council for them to manage to completion. I would also like to thank Leicestershire County Council’s Highways Department for managing to get the manpower and resources to place an appropriate pedestrian diversion onto the highway”.

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Pic: damage caused by a lorry that reversed into the Village Hall

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The Cedar Mews Care Home on Hallam Fields Road has a 10 out of 10 score.

The home opened in January 2017 and provides elderly and frail residential care and dementia care. It has 72 beds across three floors.

Home Admissions advisor Ben Dalgetty said: “We combine luxurious surroundings with genuinely caring people and our goal is to enable people to live well no matter what difficulties they face. With our warm, inviting and supportive atmosphere we really can make the difference.”

Two reviews from the website: • My partner looks forward to his day at Cedar Mews each week, and he returns full of praise for the welcoming friendly care received in most comfortable surroundings, the company of friends, and the excellent food served. This is so reassuring to know for me as his carer, and enables me to enjoy my day off, knowing how very well he is cared for.

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JULY 2017

A BIRSTALL care home is the highest rated in Leicestershire on the review website www.carehome.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST

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Hundreds enjoy scorching summer fair VISITORS TO this year’s summer fair at Highcliffe school needed plenty of ice cream to cool down on what proved to be one of the hottest days of the year.

There was dancing by students from Faces Arts, loads of stalls, bouncy castles and go-kart racing at the event on June 17, organised by the PTA and which raised funds for the school.

“I'd like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers and staff who made the Summer Fair such an amazing success!” said Executive Head Scott Fewster.

Pics: (from top left) Penny (3) & Dominic (6) keeping cool; Chester (8) welly wanging; go-kart racers; PCSO Mark Butler shows Rhys (5) how to start the Police van’s siren

The Aug issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on July 29.

The copy deadline is July 14.

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JULY 2017

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6

Introduction of 30 hours FREE funding The Hunny Hive Day Nursery have been open since November 2016 and are pleased to announce that their team is expanding and the family of Hunny children and parents is growing rapidly. The children have settled superbly and are making rapid progress within their learning and development due to the rich, varied and imaginative experiences planned by the staff.

Due to the introduction of the 30 hours free early education entitlement, the Hunny Hive have planned to open their large, purpose built preschool room to accommodate parents wanting to take advantage of the increased hours of funding. If you would like to know if your child is eligible for the 30 hours funding please contact Sian, Nim or Mel at the setting on 0116 2672039.

The Hunny Hive are also proud to announce that they have listened to the feedback from their parents and the local community and they have decided to hold a holiday club for primary school aged children and an afterschool club from September 2017, picking up from the new Hallam Fields Primary School.

The holiday club will consist of a range of fun, engaging activities and within the larger holidays will include trip days. A booking form will be available prior to the holiday to enable parents and children to see the range of activities on offer. The Hunny Hive would like to take this opportunity to thank their parents for their continued support and look forward to welcoming and supporting more children and families within Birstall and the neighbouring villages.

Here are a few words from the Hunny Hive parents: “My child has settled in amazingly and always gets excited when we get to the door in the morning. The staff are friendly!”

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JULY 2017

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Dancers delight judges A BIRSTALL dancer is part of a street dance crew that came third in a prestigious dance competition held at the Curve theatre in May.

Man filming meeting objects to question

THE BIRSTALL POST

JULY 2017

A MEMBER of the public attending a meeting of Birstall Parish Council objected when he was asked if he intended to film or record the meeting.

Paul Mercer, a freelance journalist, was sitting in the public seating area at the meeting held on June 12 in the Village Hall and began filming the meeting from the start.

Mr Mercer, who is also a member of Charnwood Borough Council, replied to the chairman Ann Marshall that she was breaking the law by asking that question, that he had all her words on tape and said he would be making a formal complaint to the monitoring officer at Charnwood Borough Council.

Cllr Marshall said the council did not wish to prevent meetings being recorded, but in asking the question were acting on advice received from the Information Commissioner’s Office so that any member of the public present who did not wish to be filmed could make that fact known.

She then moved on to the next item on the agenda and Mr Mercer continued to film the meeting.

Since 2014 the law in England allows anyone to record or film the open sections of council meetings, without notification of their intention to record.

Mr Mercer told the Birstall Post: “The right to record meetings is important because is one of the ways that we can make sure our elected representatives are accountable, and we can see what they are doing. The freedom to see and report on what’s happening is needed for a healthy democracy.”

Cllr Ann Marshall said: “The advice we have been given so far is that people can film and record, we have no prob-

lem with that, but if there are members of the public present who wish to speak in the public participation slot, they have a right to say no, that they do not wish to be recorded. That’s the advice we have received but it’s ongoing, we are still awaiting definitive advice on this matter.”

Of Mr Mercer’s conduct at the meeting she said: “I thought he was rude and aggressive and there was no need for it.”

Prior to the June meeting, Birstall Parish Council had sought advice from Adrian Ward, the Monitoring Officer at Charnwood Borough Council. On June 16 Mr Ward passed on to the Parish Council the advice he had received from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regarding he recording of meetings.

This advice stated that it is lawful for anyone to record the open portion of council meetings. The advice from the ICO further stated: “...it would be reasonable to expect the Parish Council to provide some sort of fair processing notice to make it clear that recordings can be made during public meetings. This could take the form of a written statement on the agenda, or an oral statement at the start of the meeting, or a prominent notice in the meeting room.”

Monitoring Officer Adrian Ward told the Birstall Post: “Based on the relevant legal requirements, anyone, including a councillor, can record the public session of a council meeting, and whilst it may be polite for them to give an indication that they are going to do so, there is no requirement to seek permission or to provide any notification.”

Georgia Smith (12), a pupil at the Cedars Academy, dances with MDC who train and dance at Studio 79 in Leicester.

The youngest crew in the competition, with ages ranging from 8-12 years, MDC secured third place in the Midlands Best Dance Crew competition.

Georgia said: “I still can’t believe we came third, we weren’t expecting to get a trophy as this was our first competition and we were up against older and much more

experienced crews.

“We couldn’t stop hugging each other, some were crying and laughing, it was awesome and we are really excited for our next competition.”

Georgia has been street dancing since the age of seven after being inspired by watching Diversity on Britain’s Got Talent.

Pic: the MDC street dance crew

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Support At Independent Age, the older people’s charity, we’re always trying to help as many older people as possible. Right now, we want to encourage older people in the East Midlands who may be feeling lonely to get in touch with us to find out about our Friendship services, which could help to reduce loneliness.

We have friendly, trained volunteers waiting to make regular calls to the people who need them to help make a difference to their lives, so we’re keen to hear from people who may have lost touch with close friends or family and

Bowls They always say that taking up a new activity is good for you. So is being outside. And so is gentle exercise. Bowls offers all of these in abundance and in a

relaxed friendly setting too.

We have held two Open Days this season and are always looking for new members.

Why not try a little taster? We run beginner sessions most Fridays and Mondays from 6pm. There is no charge and no obligation, so you have nothing to lose. All you need is flat soled shoes or trainers. We supply everything else.

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Slipper Has anyone lost a slipper like this? found in my garden at Bramley Road recently.

In the past, the fox has taken one of my gardening boots into my neighbours garden , and chewed the back of it , before leaving it on their lawn . I had the embarrassment of having to go round and ask for it back.

I had also planted up some old leather shoes in Bob Flowerdew style...the

fox decided to move them to another part of my garden.

This year I have seen a very healthy looking adult and one equally healthy looking young one in my garden, as well as my hedgehog family ,who look forward to their cat food, so why is my garden still full of snails? Not to mention the bats.

Stephanie Houlden

Bell Most of the pathways round Watermead Park are shared between pedestrians & cyclists. Many considerate cyclists ring their bell when approaching pedestrians from behind. Could all cyclists consider adopting this excellent habit?

All too often cyclists tear past pedestrians without a sound – and it can be quite alarming. If you haven’t got a bell, then shout loudly to warn walkers of your approach.

Tony Moore

Thinking of others The other day in between the rain storms I visited the shops on Sibson Road. The sunshine lifted my spirits as it seemed a long time since it last shone.

Conversation seemed to reflect this.

In my local bank the person in front of me was drawing out a large sum of money in cash, and going to go home across the park because it was a nice day.

Continued on page 11

JULY 2017

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, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

would like to find someone friendly to talk to.

One in five older people in the UK are in contact with friends, family and neighbours less than once a week, while for one in 10, it’s less than once a month. In addition to this, around 40% of older people say the television is their main form of company. We want to help all those who need us, but we can only help the people who get in touch with us.

Receiving a regular call can be invaluable to someone who is lonely. Having a volunteer for a regular telephone call can provide vital companionship for older people who are lonely, enabling them to feel more connected to their local community.

Many of the older people we help have told us that it can make a huge difference to their wellbeing if they have a call to look forward to each week or fortnight. Chronic loneliness can be really damaging to a person’s health, so we hope to help make loneliness a thing of the past for East Midlands residents.

Older people who would like to receive regular calls from a volunteer can sign up at www.independentage.org/getsupport/receive-regular-phone-calls-orvisits or by calling 0800 319 6789.

Jeanette Bates Head of Wellbeing at Independent Age

THE BIRSTALL POST

YOUR SAY...

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JULY 2017

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JULY 2017

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removed. Now that they are enclosed, notices have to be take to the council Later in another location somebody offices for approval before they are diswas discussing their holiday at the end of the month, so could they pay their bill played (or not).

13 copies are required, presumably and cancel the papers for those weeks. one for each noticeboard. Apparently Addresses and dates were clearly given. only notices advertising events or servicOn my way home I met a friend who es relative to Birstall will be displayed, at is slightly deaf. She told me that her the Parish Council's discretion. I took in neighbours on both sides were away on a coach tour. Her turn for a holiday was 13 copies, about an event in Birstall, in good time to be displayed, but I did not whenever and she trundled away with see any of them on the noticeboards her shopping trolley. (admittedly I did not check all 13 noticeThe talking of holidays and the nice boards, but old paperwork and notices weather, got me thinking that each conversation I overheard was putting person- were on the one outside the library, along with one advertising an event in al safety at risk. The walk across the Thurmaston, but not my notice. park, the location of the person cancelI wonder who paid for the noticeling their papers and my friend walking boards, and what exactly their purpose home, could easily have been followed is now? by someone with a view to committing Name and address supplied crime then or at a later date. People it seems are creatures of habit.

Stand in front of your home and Thanks imagine it whilst you are away on holiThe family of the late Michael Pacey day. Have you left your wheelie bin out would like to thank everyone who attendfor collection before you went, its empty ed his funeral and all of those who now and standing outside on the pavement. The Birstall Post, advertising fliers, made generous donations to LOROS. A total of £682.50 was raised. Also many charity bags have all been rammed into thanks to everyone for their cards and your letterbox. What does this say? Nokind messages of condolence. one is home - Yipee thinks a burglar.

Sandra, Billy, James, Barry & Don't make it easy for them. Ask a John friend or neighbour to remove the bin, put it out of sight if possible, also keep an eye on the letter box by making sure Thanks it appears closed from the outside. Offer The Royal Mail is a very busy service, to do the same for them if they will look so it is not surprising if the odd letter is after yours. mis-sorted and put through the wrong Still standing at the front of your letter box. I would like to thank the home, if you have any rooms where the back garden can be seen from the road, person who re-directed a letter correctly addressed to me. This letter was importhink about making this view less obvitant correspondence relating to the new ous. If you can see there is no-one at Community Hall at Hallam Fields. In home all day until you return, so can everyone else. Perhaps leave a few things today's climate of everyone being very busy, it is nice to know that residents of lying around on the draining board or Birstall are helpful towards one another. dining room table to suggest you have just left the room, it works for me. Some This makes Birstall a pleasant place to live. may laugh but don't be too tidy before Mr Reynolds you go out!

The tradition of cancelling the milk and papers no longer applies to most Thanks households. The policeman is no longer on the beat passing our homes as we I would like to thank you all for the have seen in our youth, look after yourstamps that you sent to my father over self and your neighbours. the years, for the Guide Dogs for the Getting back to my walk along Sibson Blind.

Road, I noticed several shops had bowls Fred has passed away age 88 years of water outside for passing dogs to old and in his memory please continue drink from. This is an excellent idea. to send them to me.

Humans get thirsty during hot weather Pam Savidge, 18 Rosetree Ave, so do the birds, cats and dogs. So if you Birstall LE4 4LS have a garden and a pet please think about putting a dish of fresh water daily. Thanks Remember cats and dogs can also get On Saturday May 27, my grandson sunburn so keep them out of the sun Ben held a ‘Cuppa and Cakes’ day at my between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm, just house to help with the cost of a trip to like we should be!

The sun continued to shine until I got Borneo, for a month, in the summer of 2018. This trip is to take part in commuhome. My thoughts collected together, I started to write this and it began to rain. nity work with Camps International and is organised through his school.

Oh well that's the British Summer for On the day, over £700 was raised you. through donations and a raffle. Can I Thoughtful Birstall Resident. thank all those generous neighbours, friends and family members who so kindly made cakes, gave raffle prizes or Noticeboard just attended in support of Ben. To Yvonne Butterworth, whose unstinting The Parish Council are patting themwork in the kitchen meant everything selves on the back about the new noticeboards around Birstall (recently in the ran like clockwork, I send my love and heartfelt thanks.

Birstall Post).

Valerie Skeffington Previously notices could easily be pinned up, rearranged, and old ones

THE BIRSTALL POST

JULY 2017

Continued from page 8

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Running Club Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.15 for 6.30 run Birstall School Lane playing fields – showers & toilets available We also meet on a Wednesday night at Sibson Road car park at 6.15pm for 6.30pm run Speed work sessions also available on Wednesdays for those wanting to improve Contact Deryk on dwoods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 www.birstallrc.org.uk

Councillor Surgery Last Sat of every month 10am to 12noon 10 Sibson Road, Old Council Office Talk to your District & County Councillors to discuss any issue of local concern

The Baldwin Trust Holiday Fun with the kids

Boat Trips Boarding at Birstall lock, nr the White Horse pub, Front Street, Birstall £5 per person, under 3s free Children must be accompanied by an adult Every Wed from July 19-Aug 23 First trip at 10am, then hourly.

Last trip 4pm www.bladwintrust.co.uk Rothley & Birstall Methodist Churches

Holiday Club for Primary School Ages (under 5s must be accompanied) at Rothley Village Hall Monday 17th July – Friday 21st July 10.00 –12.00 £2.00 per day or £8.00 for the week Includes a drink & biscuit Themed crafts,games,celebration stories Lots of fun

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Fun Day & Charity Danceathon to support East Midlands Children’s Heart Care Association Saturday 8th July 2017, l0am-3pm 79 Midland Street Leicester LE1 1TG We need your help to keep children's heart services in Leicester.

Enabling nurses/carers to continue with the support for families who have a child with a heart defect and also to provide much needed medical equipment for Ward 30 and the Paediatric intensive Care Unit at the Glenfield Hospital. Any donations and money raised from this event will go towards making life easier and more comfortable for young patients and their families whilst in hospital. Please complete the consultation questionnaire details at www.eastmidlandscongenitalheart .nhs.uk St Patricks Church, Beaumont Leys Lane

Summer Gala Sunday July 9th, 11.30 - 2.30pm Cake Stall, Our Famous Bottle Tombola, Toys, Games For All, Craft Stalls And Much Much More.

Cream Teas, Ethnic Food, Bbq Takes Care Of Sunday Lunch Proceeds to help pay for repair of church roof

Summer Fair St. Peter's Church, Market Place, Mountsorrel Saturday 8 July from 11am to

5pm.

Activities will include, competitions, games, displays, a variety of stalls and a free bouncy castle.

Refreshments including tea and cake and a BBQ will be served all day. All proceeds in aid of Sorrel Youth Cafe (reg. charity) St James'

Summer Fayre Monday 28 August from 12 noon to 4pm at St James' the Great Church, on the lawn and in the church, Church Hill, Birstall Stalls, Games, Tea and Cakes, Hot dogs, Entertainment, Craft Activities, Raffle and Bouncy Castle.

Photography competition - For details about competition please visit www.birstall.org/events Entry 50p for adults Proceeds towards:- The Admiral Nurses; Birstall BAGS; One Roof Leicester; and the Church We Look Forward To Seeing You

Big Birstall Yard Sale Saturday 8th July 10-4 Supporting Riverside Primary School PTA Masses of Yard Sales all in Birstall Village plus huge charity raffle Printed maps of stall locations available from the Co-op & each stall (50p each) Refreshments available at the Methodist Church's Pit Stop Café

Funday & 80th Birthday Celebrations at Riverside School

For further details and updates, please visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/BigBirstallYar dSale Or Call or text Fiona on 0754 7293545 Open Day at

Belgrave Cemetery Situated near Red Hill Island on the A563 Sunday 9th July 10am - 3pm Rededication Service 11am In honour of a brave soldier a new memorial will be rededicated to Pte. Archibald Toach. Who died of war wounds 10th July 1928. aged 28 years All are welcome to attend Want to locate a family grave ?

Burial records will be available Guided walk at 2pm by Sandra Moore Refreshments available For information about The Friends of Belgrave visit www.friendsofbelgravecemetery.org.uk

Sewing for Fun Workshop At WEA Quest House, Woodgate Chambers, Woodgate, Loughborough LE11 2TZ Tues & Wed 4 & 5 July - 10am – 3pm £38.50 or free if in receipt of an income related benefit Pop-Up Sculpture Workshop At WEA Quest House, Woodgate Chambers, Woodgate, Loughborough LE11 2TZ Mon & Tues 10 & 11 July – 10am – 3pm £38.50 or free if in receipt of an

income related benefit Please telephone WEA Loughborough Office on 01509 268636 for details or visit www.wea.org.uk

Birstall Library Omni Service Do you enjoy reading, but struggle to get out to the library?

Birstall library offer a minibus collection and drop off service every 4 weeks. Our driver picks you up and returns you home after your visit to the library, where you can choose your books with help from our volunteers and enjoy a cuppa and a chat in a friendly, social atmosphere.

Our next Omni visits are 26th July and 23rd Aug. Please contact Birstall Library on 0116 3058756.

Seussical The Musical!

Come along and enjoy the wonderful world of Doctor Seuss! Fun for all the family, this year's musical theatre production by the young performers and musicians

from Soar Valley Music Centre takes us from the Planet of Who and the Smallest of Small to the Jungle of Nool and the Largest of All! The show takes place at the

JULY 2017

Studio79Youth

THE BIRSTALL POST

12

Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall and tickets for the performances on Saturday 8th July at 3pm and 7pm and Sunday 9th July at 1.30pm cost £8.50 each and can be booked by calling 0116 266 4153 Soar Valley Music Centre

Summer Music Weeks Are you looking for ways to entertain your children or grandchildren during the long summer break?

Soar Valley Music Centre might be able to help with their two Summer Music Weeks.

'Music is Fun!' runs from Monday 17th July to Friday 21st July, 10am - 3pm daily (drop off from 9am). Aimed at 6 - 12 year olds, this fun week will give children the chance to develop their musical skills and, at the end of he week, perform in a concert for family and friends.

'Rock and Pop' is our Music Technology week. Running from Monday 31st July to Friday 4th August, 10am - 3pm daily (drop off from 9am) this week is aimed at 9 - 16 year olds and is for those who want to learn more about the rock and pop world.

Participants will be able to put a band together, record their own tunes and put on a concert at the end of he week Both weeks are £55 per child per week. Places are limited and can be booked by calling 0116 266 4153

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 11th July, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the

Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, to watch professional artist Steven Ashurst giving masterclass demonstration on painting a portrait in Oils. Don’t be intimidated by the medium, this could be just the hobby for you!

Tuesday, 8th August, at 7.00 p.m.

Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy Professional artist David Wilcox: a demonstration in watercolours entitled “Dancers”. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Newcomers and visitors most welcome.

Demonstration ends at 9pm.

Members £1; Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Age Concern Birstall and Wanlip

200 club winners May 1st Mrs M Hewson; 2nd Miss D Skipper; 3rd Mr Thompson 4th Mrs G Ward June 1st Mrs K Mobbs; 2nd Mr T Luxton 3rd Mrs M Young; 4th Mr G Heath

Summer Fun Day Riverside School, Birstall July 8th between 10am and 2:30pm Join us for a day of fun and celebration at Riverside Primary School to coincide with the Big Birstall Yard Sale. Help us to celebrate the schools 80th Birthday and join in the yard sale fun, with a PTA ran sale, selling second hand kids clothes. There will be a fabulous display of old school

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photos, dating back to when the school was young.

Bouncy castle Cakes, cream teas, hot dogs, treasure hunt East Midlands Singing for Fun choirs present a

Summer Gala Concert – featuring Soloists Thursday 20th July 7.30pm St James the Great, Birstall Supporting Rainbows Hospice.

During the Interval refreshments will be served. Tickets available in advance & on the door.

Book now £6 Adults £5 Concessions (Under 12s free) Dawn Kitchener 07515391823, Chris Ebbern 07792 089104

Birstall British Legion 1st Double Trouble 8th Michelle 15th Jane Allen 22nd T.B.C 29th T.B.C Dancing every Saturday night with live Entertainment Bingo Free Beer Raffle Not Forgetting Open the Box Every Tuesday Bingo starting at 9.15pm Quiz every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm Sunday Quiz 9th and 23rd Juiy starting at 9pm Accoustic night Sunday 16th July starting at 8pm Food available every Sat 12-2pm Wakes catered for Free Wi-Fi available

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APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF PREMISES LICENCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That Birstall Parish Council has applied for a licence to use the premises known as School Lane Playing Field, Birstall for the purpose of Regulated Entertainment (Live Music, Recorded Music and Performances of Dance) for the Birstall Gala 2017, to be held on: Saturday, 5th August 2017 11:00am - 10:00pm Dated: 1st July 2017 Any objections or representations in respect of the application should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, Charnwood Borough Council, Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TX. Representations/objections must be received by: 28th July 2017.

A record of the application can be inspected at the Council Offices at the aforementioned address (and website) during normal office hours. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application. Any person found guilty of such an offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine in the sum of £5,000.00

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THE BIRSTALL POST

JULY 2017

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down driveways. He has been interviewed and released at this time pending further enquiries.

We have also seen a rise in criminal damage offences with a total of 16 crimes being reported, many of which appear to be mindless acts with stones being thrown at house windows and passing vehicles. Again, we have identiA BIRSTALL man has been fied some possible suspects for some of these offences who we are currently in jailed for two years after he the process of speaking to about their arranged to meet a 13 year involvement. old girl in a Beaumont Leys We have had four house burglaries reported in May which is up by one car park for sex. offence compared to April. We have Aaron Jones (23), of Loughbrough however had a male arrested in relation Road, turned up in a van for his meeting to a number of these burglaries and a with ‘Lauren’, who was in fact a fictitious vehicle that was taken in one of them character created by The Midland Huntwas also recovered which was a positive ers - a group that aims to trap men who result. Again, this male has been interwant sex with underage girls. viewed & released at this time as there Jones found Lauren on facebook and are a number of outstanding enquiries during nine days of online chat he showthat still need to be completed. ered her with compliments, sexualised For further crime information please the conversation, sent her graphic imagvisit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ es of his genitals and set up the meeting Crime Prevention Advice Pic: Jailed - Aaron Jones in the car park on March 5, 2017. PoIn light of the recent horrific events lice were tipped off before the meeting between February 24 and March 6. He in Manchester, now would seem a good and arrested Jones at the scene. also admitted attempting to meet a child time to remind all residents to remain On June 16 at Leicester Crown Court, on March 5 after sexually grooming her. vigilant and to be alert towards possible Jones pleaded guilty to attempting to Jones will be put on the Sexual Ofterrorist activity. The chance of anything incite a child to engage in sexual activity fenders Register for 10 years. happening locally is very remote however if you do have any concerns about a suspicious looking package and / or the behavior of an individual, please report this on either 101 or to the Anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. Remember, your actions could help prevent a similar incident occurring and further unnecessary & devastating loss of life.

Neighbourhood update Due to the number of thefts from AN OPEN day at Belgrave vehicles we have had recently, on May cemetery in July will include 22 the beat team in conjunction with a number of the Police cadets conducted a a ceremony to remember a vehicle crime initiative on the Hallam Royal Marine from Leicester Fields Estate. This involved checking car door handles to see if vehicles had been who served in World War I. left unlocked as in a large number of At the eleventh hour of Sunday July 9, cases there is no sign of a forced entry, 2017, the grave of a Great War Royal suggesting they have been left insecure.

Marine will finally be marked with a In an hour and a half almost 50 vehicles headstone on the eve of the 89th anniverwere found to be unlocked, with the sary of his death. Representatives of the owners being made aware and appropri- Friends of Belgrave Cemetery and the ately advised so that they could secure Leicestershire & Rutland Branch of the them.

Western Front Association will gather Please make sure that you are securwith invited guests to unveil a headstone ing your vehicle at all times as we becommemorating Private Archibald Willieve that this is still one of the main liam Toach, 4th Battalion, Royal Marines ways that vehicles are being broken into. Light Infantry, who was injured during Pic: Archibald William Toach Meet your local police team; the audacious Royal Navy raid on Zeefully recover. His gallantry would reTesco, Sibson Road. Monday 24th July brugge Harbour in the early hours of St emerge ten years later when he saved (5pm – 6pm).

George’s Day (April 23) in 1918. two people from drowning in the sea at Co-op, Wanlip Lane. Thursday 13th Toach, who had fabricated his age to Bournemouth, shortly before he died at July (both 3pm – 4pm). enlist, received severe injuries to his the age of 28.

Sibson Road Beat Office. Saturday right arm, from which he would never He rests with his parents at Belgrave 15th July (both 10am -12pm). cemetery, near Red Hill Island, without a Kingsgate Ave shops. Monday 4th July memorial.

Theft of vehicle -1 (1pm – 2pm).

“Now, thanks to the efforts of “The Total = 64 Crime Report: May 2017 Friends” and with donations from the From PC 1759 Dave Jaeckels, PCSO’s Assaults – 2 Western Front Association and Loughbor6611 Mark Butler and 6552 Mo Musa.

Burg dwell – 4 ough stonemasons Kevin Sharman and NL60 – Birstall Police Office.

Burg non-dwell – 2 Kevin Mitchell this anomaly will finally http://www.leics.police.uk Damage to vehicle – 8 be corrected” said David Humberston, Tel: 0116 2677355 (Please note this Other damage – 8 Chairman Western Front Association is an advice line only – Please use 101 Drugs offences – 0 Leicestershire & Rutland branch. or 999 to report crime Fraud – 0 The ceremony will form part of an Public Order – 0 Open Day being held on Sunday July 9 at Robbery – 2 The Aug issue of Belgrave cemetery, which will also inSexual offences – 1 clude a guided walk at 2pm led by SanTHE BIRSTALL POST Theft – 11 dra Moore. Refreshments will be will be published on July 29.

Theft cycle – 0 available throughout the day.

The copy deadline is July 14.

Theft from vehicle – 25

Man caught by paedophile hunters

Those lazy, hazy days of summer.

One of the best and most effective things that you can do in crime prevention is to talk to your friends and neighbours. Now that we are in the summer season and enjoying the sunny days and long light evenings, make a special effort to chat to your neighbours.

When you get to know more about them and their families, it automatically follows that you begin to care about their safety and well-being and them also about you. Without even thinking about it, you begin to ‘keep an eye’ on their property and are much more likely to notice if something is not quite right such as a stranger in their garden or someone you don’t recognise showing an interest in their car.

Not spying This is not spying, this is caring about your friends. Those criminals who visit our streets for whatever reason or purpose, do not like ‘nosy neighbours’ and being watched. The sight of someone looking out of a window in an adjoining house or taking a few extra seconds to look when parking their car is often enough to move on a casual opportunist thief. It is also an excellent prevention against elderly residents becoming victims of distraction burglars and scam tradesmen.

Trust your own instincts Always trust your own instincts if you think something is not right. Take a moment to check it out, or if a crime is being committed, phone the police immediately but do not ever put yourself in a position which could be dangerous. A street where neighbours ‘look out’ for each other in this way is far less likely to be a popular hunting ground for petty criminals.

So this summer, enjoy the good weather and have a chat with you neighbours. How about instead of having that well-earned cup of tea sitting in the sun in the back garden, take your chair out to the front and you might even get a neighbour to join you!

Don’t forget our regular Advice Shop and Police Surgery on the third Saturday of each month, 10am until noon, at 10 Sibson Road. We promise to offer you a free cup of tea or coffee!

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW Crime update We have unfortunately seen a large rise in reported crime in May with 64 crimes being reported compared to just 30 in April. Once again, thefts from vehicles continues to be the main issue with another 25 being reported during May, nine of which occurred in just one night. On a positive note, a male was arrested in relation to these after being seen acting suspiciously in the area, looking into vehicles and going up and

Memorial for a Leicester Marine

JULY 2017

& crime report

THE BIRSTALL POST

NHW news

Long flight to Bradgate Park A POLYSTYRENE model plane thrown by a child from a bridge in Wales was found 150 miles away in Bradgate Park.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported the story in May, saying there was a possibility that the aircraft, which has a 21 inch wingspan, could have flown the entire distance on strong air currents.

Professor Christopher Brencher, from the department of Aeronautical Engineering at City, University of London is reported as saying: “It all depends on the weight of the aircraft and the wind. If you have a very light craft and strong currents than you will get enough lift and it can travel very long distances.

“It’s how dandelion seeds travel, or how birds stay on the wing for hundreds of miles. Vortices in the

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GCR chief resigns THE GREAT Central Railway’s chief executive has resigned after less than a year in post.

Pic: the plane was launched from the Menai Bridge

air may also have helped lift it up.”

The model aircraft was launched by five year old Tamara Lee from the Menai suspension bridge in Anglesey. The Lee family wrote their name and address on the model, interested to see how far it would travel.

They then received a postcard from a woman named Kathy who said she had found the model glider in Bradgate Park and hidden it in a tree.

It has not been recovered.

Andy Munro has resigned for family reasons, say the GCR. He took over from former managing director Bill Ford in July 2016.

The GCR say that Mr Munro’s decision to leave will not affect the plans for the £18million heritage museum or the bridging-the-gap project.

The new museum will be built at the Leicester North Station near Birstall and is expected to open to the public in 2021.

The bridging-the-gap project will connect two sections of the track so that passengers will be able to travel from Birstall through Loughborough, where the line currently terminates, into Nottinghamshire.

While the GCR looks to recruit a new CEO, Richard Patching will be the acting CEO.

Faces Arts show Elvis FACES ARTS, the locally based and well established performing arts company for children, performed their final show of the year at the Groby Community College in May. Local children from Birstall and the surrounding areas participated in three performances.

Faces Arts Director Jody Chesterton said: “A huge well done to all the children who took part.”

Faces Arts host a variety of classes for children and will be staging their summer School at the Cedars Academy, July 31 - August 4, £75 per week.

For more information on the variety of sessions or performances, visit www.facesarts.co.uk. Tel: 0797 1423201

grows beard A VOLUNTEER at Carl Gunns’ gym is growing his hair and beard for a year to raise funds for the gym and Stand Up to Cancer.

THE BIRSTALL POST

JULY 2017

Simon Elvis (46) of Beechfield Avenue, said: “This is the first time I’ve ever done anything for charity so I would appreciate all the help I can get!

“Unfortunately I’m not likely to meet the fitness standard required to run marathons, I keep my hair short so can’t shave it off, so thought I’d do the opposite and grow it for a year.”

To support Simon go to: www.mydonate.bt.com/fu ndraisers/simonelvis1

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Wartime scenes along GCR line A NOISY battle reenactment at Birstall’s GCR station was one of the highlights of the Great Central Railway’s wartime weekend in June.

JULY 2017

British Army paratroopers joined French resistance fighters to attack the German garrison at the Leicester North station. The event also featured period entertainment, displays of military vehicles and visiting dignitaries including Winston Churchill and the King and Queen at stations along the line. At Quorn station there was singing and dancing across three stages, a real ale tent, shopping village, an air raid scenario and land army and working farmer equipment displays.

Hundreds of re-enactors brought the stations and trains to life wearing period clothes, giving 21st century visitors the closest experience to time travel they can get.

THE BIRSTALL POST

16

New menu at the White Horse THE WHITE Horse in Birstall organised a special occasion for customers to try out its new menu.

THE BIRSTALL POST

JULY 2017

“The evening was a roaring success and everybody enjoyed trying the new options” said James Foy, business director at the White Horse.

Zoe White, Head of the Kitchen, said: “The menu reflects new trends in eating out. We have become well known for our burger selection over recent times so we still have ten options here including the controversially named ‘Miss Piggy is dead’. We have sourced a new brioche bun from our family bakers, Milner’s in Blaby and we also now accompany the burgers with a homemade crunchy coleslaw. Milner also supply handmade focaccias for the gourmet sandwiches which are delicious.”

The offering for vegetarians, vegans and for those who need a gluten free option has also increased, and a children’s burger has been added to the kids’ menu.

There are more choices of chilled drinks, a new drinks list to go with the new food menu and some premium wines are available by the glass.

Outside, there are new benches in the garden where an outside area has been designated for non-smokers.

The White Horse is now open all day every day, with food served 12-2.30pm, 6-9pm, Monday to Friday, 12-9pm Saturdays and 12-6pn Sundays.

James said: “We have steadily grown the business over the soon to be nine years we have been running the White Horse and we are always reinvesting and looking for opportunities to do things better.”

17

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Kids are superheroes

Cream tea fundraiser A STRAWBERRY cream tea event in a Birstall garden has raised £456 for Save the Children.

There was a raffle and a visit by MP Edward Argar, who spoke about the the situation in Yemen in connection with the work of Save the Children.

Pic: Rector of Birstall & Wanlip Vince Jupp (left), Josephine Burgess & Edward Argar MP

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PRE-SCHOOL children at Half Pints on Loughborough Road had fun at a special superhero day.

Dressed in superhero costumes they ate super foods, made their own power potions and showed off their super strength knocking down a wall.

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Aspiring to Excellence The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4GH Tel: 0116 2677107 We are currently looking to recruit:

The post holder is required to assist the Catering Manager in offering and promoting the provision of an effective, efficient and healthy food service for the academy and its users. The role will include working in the kitchens and servicing food to the users.

This post is designated as a regulated activity and requires enhanced criminal records check for a regulated activity (including a barred list check).

If you would like to come and visit the Academy or have any queries please do not hesitate to contact our Human Resources department on 0116 267 0801.

Closing date: 12th July 2017 Please complete and return the application and monitoring forms on our website www.thecedarsacademy.org.uk and return to alistair.keates@thecedarsacademy.org.uk.

Please note CV’s WILL NOT be accepted.

THE BIRSTALL POST

Based at The Cedars Academy in Birstall, part of the Lionheart Academies Trust 12.5 hours per week (39 weeks per year) Hours of work will be Monday to Friday 12pm to 2.30pm (during term time).

Grade 2 pay point 3 (currently £7.78 per hour) Reference: CACA1

JULY 2017

Catering Assistant on a casual contract to start in August 2017.

19

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.

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

Welsh trip for running club BIRSTALL RUNNING Club went to Aberystwyth this year for its annual trip, stopping on the way to join in the Dysynni Trail Fest Challenge with 10k and 15k runs.

There were great runs by everyone on a tough course with Tim Tickner once again getting a great result coming in second overall in a time of 53.37. Also Tim had his long hair cut off for charity with pledges still coming in for a Birstall runner’s grandson, Louis, towards his rehabilitation treatment.

Other winners included Elisa Whittlestone, Nikki Welyczko and John Starbuck, all coming first in their age categories.

Another great achievement for a Birstall runner is Steve Hickingbottom who travelled over 8,000 miles to South Africa to run the Com-

rades marathon which is an ultra-marathon of 87 km. He finished it in a very respectable time of 9 hours and 47 minutes covering over 54 miles, climbed 5,568 feet and burned 7,359 calories.

John Orgill ran his very first park run at Braunstone park and came in first in a time of 17.27 and Andy Finlow ran his 100th park run with his son running in his first!

From Birstall Running Club

Electrician Registered part P Fuse board upgrades Garage/Shed supplies Garden/Security lighting Extensions • Rewires Additional sockets/lights Landlord certificates • P.A.T. testing All work guaranteed

Pic: Steve Hickingbottom

At the Rothley 10k there were a lot of Birstall runners taking part and Paul Gowdridge was fifth overall in a time of

Workshops for pre school children

THE BIRSTALL POST

JULY 2017

WORKSHOPS FOR babies and toddlers that aim to develop a sensory based skill set have been launched by Mountsorrel’s Victoria Wright.

One of the sessions is called Baby Lingo and uses British Sign Language to enable baby to communicate. It has been featured on BBC Radio Leicester and East Midlands Today.

Charlotte is a parent who attended the Baby Lingo workshop with her son. She said: “I wanted to learn a language with my son so I knew when he grew up he would have the basics embedded into his brain so he could go on and learn other languages. I have also had the benefits of being able to commu-

37.50.

A great run from Lisa Spence who came in third at the Beacon Hill summer solstice run and a PB from Mel Snutch running four minutes faster than last year.

There have been some great runs by a lot of the new runners who have recently joined Birstall running club so well done to them all and everyone who competed in all the recent races.

nicate with my son from a much earlier age through signs. The great thing is the more he is learning to talk, the more signs we as parents are able to teach him. I am certain it will open more avenues for him as a child.”

Sessions are held all over Leicestershire including Mountsorrel/Sileby, Syston and Loughborough and cost £6 or £44 for an eight week course.

If you are interested in joining the workshops go to www.babbles2016.co.uk

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Planning P/17/1193/2: 1 Park House Close – removal of branch to 1 fir tree. (Tree Preservation Order) P/17/1060/2: 40 Birstall Road – erection of single and two storey extensions to rear, single and two storey extensions to side, alterations to roof including dormer window to rear and raising of roof. Erection of detached outbuilding and application of external render to dwelling P/17/1152/2: 3A Park Road – felling of 1 multi-stemmed yew tree P/17/1068/2: One Stop Stores, Unit 1, Hallam Fields Local Centre – installation of 3 external air conditioning units with acoustic housing to rear and ATM with security bollards to front of building P/17/1044/2: 58 Sibson Road – crown raising of 1 monkey puzzle tree to 6 metres and removal of overhang on driveway

Birstall Parish Council VACANCIES: SENIOR GROUNDS PERSON / HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICER 37 HOURS PER WEEK - MONDAY to FRIDAY Salary Scale LC1 (23-25): £21,057 to £22,434.

Birstall Parish Council is a busy and expanding parish and they are looking for someone to assist the Estates Team with all general ground maintenance and to assist the Clerk by ensuring that the Council meets their Health & Safety obligations and operates within the constraints of the Health & Safety at Work Act of 1974.

The successful applicant will work as a member of the Estates Team and deputise for the Estates Team Manager during their absence and be able to undertake the duties designated to the post.

GROUNDS PERSON 37 HOURS PER WEEK - MONDAY TO FRIDAY Salary Scale LC1 (15-17): £16,772 to £17,547 per annum.

Birstall Parish Council is seeking a motivated person looking for a new challenge to play a key role in helping us to manage and maintain the excellent standard and condition of the playing field areas, the Cemetery and the Parish Council owned car parks situated in Birstall.

You will need to have an interest for working outdoors and have experience of meeting and dealing with the public on a daily basis. You must have good verbal and written skills and deliver a positive image of the Parish Council. You will be able to demonstrate an ability to work independently and communicate effectively with a wide range of people.

Successful candidates will be required to work occasional evenings, weekends and Bank holidays on a seasonal shift rota system.

For an informal discussion please contact Sue Coulson on 0116 267 6191 Application forms for both posts are available to download from the Parish Council's website on: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk Or you can telephone the office to request a copy be posted to you or made available for you to collect from the Council offices, or you can request the application form by email to admin@birstallpc.org.uk.

Please note, for both vacancies: Do not send in your CV, they will not be considered and the Closing Date for both vacancies is : 3pm - Monday, 31st July 2017

20

Fire service taster day for women BIRSTALL FIRE and Rescue Service held a taster day to encourage women to join the fire service.

WI celebrate their 99th 34 BIRSTALL and Wanlip WI ladies met at the Platform Café at the GCR’s Leicester North station on June 5 to celebrate our 99th birthday.

Our speaker was museum curator Roger Shelly who told to us about the proposed new railway museum to be situated beside the station in Birstall.

There is still a lot of fund raising to be done but it is hoped that eventually there will be vintage buses linking Birstall Park and Ride to the museum and on to the Pumping Station on Corporation Road. Viewing areas both above and

walkways below the museum are planned and we viewed pictures of the proposed site.

Afterwards the ladies enjoyed a very good meal and a glass or two of wine.

We meet again on July 3 at our usual venue of Elmfield Hall, where we will learn about ‘Kinder Falconry’ from speaker Tina Adey and the competition will be a ‘bird in any medium’.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

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More than 100 women attended, taking part in ladder climbing, equipment lifting and a blindfold test to see how they would cope navigating inside smoke fuelled buildings.

Kelly Walker, 39, of Mountsorrel, who has spent the past 15 years working with children who have been expelled from school, was keen to switch to fighting fires instead.

She said: “I just came to look around really, but they got me doing everything and when I struggled they were really supportive.

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Remi Brewin, 17, of Hamilton, went along and is now set on a role in the fire service. She said: “I’ve always wanted to be in the public services and doing this has been difficult but really good fun.

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officer, said he was pleased with the turnout. He said: “We’ve had a lot of people throughout the day. The women we’ve seen today are exactly the sort of people we want to recruit.”

In Leicestershire, only three per cent of firefighters are female, while another three per cent are from non-white backgrounds.

JULY 2017

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New service to Mountsorrel Club’s new home

THE GREAT Central Railway is offering a choice of destinations for the very first time for travellers.

The award winning Leicestershire heritage line is well known for transport- Pic: passengers alighting at Mountsorrel station with the heritage centre in the background ing thousands of families between LoughRailway Vehicle Preservations Travelling nity have come together to relay more borough, Quorn and Woodhouse, Post Office set will recreate a once comthan a mile of track, create a heritage Rothley and Leicester North stations. centre for Mountsorrel and a nature trail. mon sight on the national rail network, Now for the first time it can say ‘all dropping off and picking up mail bags at It was officially opened by HRH Prince change for Mountsorrel’. speed. Three steam locomotives, a heritCharles in January this year.

On the weekend of July 22/23, trains age diesel will run passenger trains and Steve Cramp who led the project said: will run from the GCR’s main line route take turns on the travelling post office “Our open weekends with trains on the onto the newly rebuilt Mountsorrel demonstration train. branch have been very popular but havbranch line. Trains have run on the “It is a weekend not to be missed” ing through trains from the Great Central branch before from the new heritage said Michael. “It is a salute to the many Railway for the first time is very exciting. centre but they have always stopped thousands of hours invested by the comshort of connection to the munity by the Mountsorrel Railway main line. The ‘through trains’ will mean passenMORE ATTRACTIONS have opened at gers can join at Quorn or the Mountsorrel and Rothley Heritage Rothley stations and go Centre on Swithland Lane. direct to Mountsorrel.

The Mountsorrel Railway museum, “We’re delighted to be quarry heritage building, Spinney Trail, chalking up some railway the Den building area and the high level history.”, said Michael seating area and refreshment kiosk are Stokes from the Great Cenall now open. tral Railway. “Passengers The railway museum building is in will be able to travel onIt will mean passengers can travel directthe base of the old quarry and will have board our vintage diesel railcar from ly to our new heritage centre to discover railway vehicles with an historic connecQuorn station to the branch line juncthe story of this industrial railway. We tion to Mountsorrel on display. One of tion at Swithland Sidings, before travelhope to stage shunting demonstrations these is the steam locomotive ‘Elizabeth’ ling directly onto the branch line to with our Mountsorrel Railway wagons the only surviving steam locomotive from Nunckley Hill and Bond Lane stations at and of course the popular nature park when the Mountsorrel railway was in Mountsorrel. At the same time our main alongside the railway will be open to operation. line trains will run between Loughborexplore.”

Also on display are three restored ough and Leicester. It is a really special Before the GCR can run regular servMountsorrel Granite wagons and a moment to offer a choice of destinations ices on and off the Mountsorrel branch former Bardon Hill quarry Ruston and and routes to travel on, and very unusuthe signalling at the branch junction Hornsby 48DS diesel locomotive and a al in the heritage railway world.” needs improving. The Mountsorrel Railyellow mineral wagon, both of which are The event comes almost a decade part of the Leicestershire County Council since efforts by volunteers to rebuild the way Project began a campaign to raise collection and were formerly based at branch line began. After clearing a heavi- £75,000 in March, which has now been Snibston discovery museum. They will be ly overgrown trackbed the local commu- achieved.

To make the weekend extra special used for shunting demonstrations.

The refreshment kiosk has tea, coffee, Parisella ice cream, cold drinks and crisps and will soon be selling freshly baked Belgian waffles.

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The pitches have recently undergone a multi-million pound resurfacing as part of the Environment Agencies £31m project to protect the area that runs from The Abbey Pumping Station to the Birstall Co-op Sports Ground.

“The new pitches are of very high quality as good as any in the county and have a complex drainage system to protect them from flooding” said club spokesman Graham Cree.

As pat of the arrangement to exclusively offer all year round rugby to the site, Leicester City Roosters Rugby League (formerly Leicester Storm) will play their home games on the pitches during their season in the summer months.

“While we leave a lot of history and memories behind us at Stonehill school we look forward to the next step in our development. We are excited with the opportunity to be able to showcase rugby to the local community and create stronger links within it” said Graham.

“The club would like to thank the Cedars Academy for its hospitality over the last 40 years. We would also like to offer special thanks to Mat and Avril who have made us feel at home at the Old Plough. We look forward to continuing our fantastic relationship in the future over a beer or two.”

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BIRSTALL RUGBY Club will play their home fixtures at the Birstall Midland Co-op Sports Ground on Birstall Road as of the 2017/18 season.

Caroline Dinsmore is licensed and regulated by AAT under licence number 5865.

MEMBERS OF Birstall Flower Club were able to relax and enjoyed a wonderful evening of flower arranging by NAFAS demonstrator Beverley Short.

She was very entertaining, and the raffle winners were very excited to have one of her arrangements to take home. The club’s plant stall was a huge success and there were many wonderful and unusual plants for sale at a very realistic price. The club’s summer outing (July 5) is to Hemingford Grey, Oundle and The Old Rectory, Sudborough and there is no club meeting in July. The next meeting is on August 23, 2017, why not come and have a look at what we do?

From Birstall Flower Club

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21

A WOMAN has been fined £220 after she dropped a cigarette out of her car window.

Lisa Hamilton, of Cleveland Road, Loughborough was prosecuted by Charnwood Borough Council after she was seen littering in November last year.

Leicester Magistrates’ Court was told that on November 2, 2016 an employee of the borough council was in a car directly behind Hamilton while in traffic on Epinal Way, Loughborough. She saw Hamilton drop the cigarette end onto the road before driving away.

Council officers later traced the vehicle by its registration plate and found it was registered to Hamilton who was then sent a Fixed Penalty Notice for £80.

If the notice had been paid within 10 days it would have been reduced to £50. However, Hamilton failed to pay the charge despite several letters from the Council.

Hamilton was charged with failing to comply with the Fixed Penalty Notice. She did not attend the hearing and the case was proven in her absence.

She was fined £220, ordered to pay costs of £165 and a victim surcharge of £30, totalling £415.

City heritage days SOME OF Leicester’s best historic buildings will be opening their doors to the public in a new monthly programme of heritage-themed activities.

The latest programme of Heritage Sundays: Tours and Open Days 2017 will give visitors the chance explore for free some of the city’s finest historic buildings.

A number of new attractions have been added for the first time this year, clustered around the city’s picturesque Castle Gardens, The Newarke and nearby De Montfort University’s campus.

The Heritage Sundays take place on the last Sunday of each month until November 2017, running from 11am to 3pm.

New sites for 2017 include the 14th century Trinity Hospital Chapel and the nearby tranquil Trinity House Herb Garden in The Newarke, which was once used to grow medicinal herbs for the hospital patients.

De Montfort University’s Heritage Centre will also be open to visitors, showcasing the only remaining ruins of

the Church of Annunciation, where King Richard III’s remains were publicly displayed following his death at Bosworth in 1485.

Visitors can also explore the nearby 15th century Magazine gateway building or climb to the top of the neighbouring Castle Motte for views over the picturesque Castle Yard, The Newarke and waterside Castle Gardens. From May 28 onwards, Leicester Castle’s Great Hall will also be open for Heritage Sundays.

Other key buildings on the route include St Mary De Castro Church, where Henry VI was knighted and Geoffrey Chaucer was married, and the medieval Turret Gateway which originally separated the religious church precincts from the castle.

Newarke Houses Museum will open its fine herb gardens – some of the oldest in Leicester – which along with its later Regency-style garden offer visitors a

The new Top Trumps game – ‘Leicester: 30 Things to See and Do’ – pits the Guildhall (dating from 1390) against Curve Theatre (built in 2008), the Clock Tower (five decorative details) against Jewry Wall (one decorative detail), and the National Space Centre (Top Trumps rating: 96) against the city’s leafy New Walk (Top Trumps rating: 75).

Each of the 30 playing cards also bears a special rating of blue ducks to reflect the attraction’s ‘ey up me duck’ status and indicate how ‘Leicester’ it is.

The new game is on sale at the Visit Leicester information centre and at New Walk Museum priced at £5.99.

THE FRIENDS of Belgrave cemetery have been recognised for the work they do preserving and promoting the cemetery on Red Hill Way. On behalf of the volunteer group chairwoman Dorothy Marshall was presented with a Belgrave Network Busy Bee Award certificate. It is the fourth year in a row the group have been recognised in this way.

Pic: Trustee of the Waterfront Academy Michael Burgess & Dorothy Marshall

Cricket Corner

New top trumps A POPULAR card game that has captivated fans of all ages since the 1970s now includes a version that is dedicated to Leicester and its attractions.

Volunteers recognised

IT'S BEEN a disappointing month for the clubs two Saturday sides with matches lost to the weather and a number of players being unavailable.

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beautiful haven of plants and wildlife.

The original Newarke Wall can still be seen, complete with the gun loops used to defend the castle in 1645 during then English Civil War. For those wanting a more in-depth tour of the area’s history, Blue Badge Guides will run guided walks of the Magazine this month, and Leicester Castle Great Hall from May 28. Booking is essential, and can be done through Visit Leicester on 0116 299 4444 or at www.goleicestershire.com Leicester City Council’s heritage manager Sally Coleman said: “Heritage Sundays give people the chance to explore the city’s fascinating history, including being able to visit places which aren’t normally open.

“This year we’ve joined forces with De Montfort University, whose campus contains a number of important medieval sites such as the Trinity Hospital and herb garden, as well as being home to the university’s own heritage centre.

“There really is a wealth of history in Leicester, and these events are a great way to learn more about the city’s past and appreciate the historic buildings around us.”

Full details and dates of all Heritage Sunday events are available at: www.visitleicester.info

The first XI lost to league leaders Shree Santan by two wickets and struggled to two draws with Sileby and Newtown Linford. Only Max Vincent has shown much consistency with the bat.

The 2nd XI had a good win over Sapcote with George Agar starring with bat and ball, but then suffering heavy defeats in their next two games. On the plus side the midweek team have won every match so far.

On the social side the club held its first darts competition where George Agar defeated Christian Caine in the final.

Andy Lord and Elaine Hunt were the “bookies” again in a race night held in the club house which was well attended and an enjoyable evening was had by all while raising money for local charities.

Upcoming games at Birstall and hopefully in some sunshine) 8th July: 2nd XI Kibworth 15th July: 1st XI Electricity Sport 22nd July: 2ndXI Countesthorpe 29th July: 1st XI Shree Santan From Birstall Village Cricket Club

The Aug issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on July 29.

The copy deadline is July 14.

JULY 2017

Cigarette fine

THE BIRSTALL POST

22

Birstall ladies bowling club’s diamond jubilee THIS YEAR is Birstall Ladies Bowling Club’s Diamond Jubilee and the club recently played host to a Bowls Leicestershire Ladies team as part of the celebrations.

Birstall President Madeleine Stuart-Reid welcomed County President Joyce Dorricott and her team for a special match which Birstall won on a pleasant afternoon last month.

Four ladies from the club are also celebrating after qualifying for the National Championships. Rosemary Groves, Jan Everitt, Jennie Groves and Di Hurst reached the county fours final by beating a team from

News from the churches

THE BIRSTALL POST

JULY 2017

AFTER THE periods of glorious weath- there are no unexpected snags, worship er in June, many people will be hopon 16th July will be back in the church ing the same will continue into the with new chairs. holiday month of July.

Friends are invited to ‘sponsor’ a However, the churches' annual parish chair at £100, or sponsor a carpet holiday took place in late June when a square for £5. Contact David for more coach load of 40 people enjoyed a 5 day details (2677576). break in Herefordshire. Also in June our Methodist Circuit Service at Edgehill Pioneer Community Workers helped to ‘All Saints’ organise a community lunch at the Cedar The final Circuit Service of Leicester Mews Care Home (with the generous North Circuit (Before the merger with help of the Home) on the Hallam Fields the Trinity Circuit) takes place on Sunestate, to help people, particularly those day July 30 with the Edgehill congregaliving on their own, to have the opportu- tion who now meet at the Parish Church nity to meet each other and socialise. of All Saints on the corner of Gypsy Lane July started appropriately on Satur& Catherine Street. It is almost opposite day 1 with a delightful evening of songs the Hindu Mandir that faces you as you for a summer evening, provided by the reach the traffic lights at the junction.

Ratcliffe Chorale at St. James, with proPlease note the Service is at 10.15am. It ceeds to charity. is a large church with plenty of room, Members of Wanlip Church thank all but parking will have to be in nearby those who supported the May Fayre, streets. Contact a steward if you have which raised an excellent total of £603, seats available, or if you require a lift. to be used to continue the refurbishment The Edgehill congregation had their of the Wanlip Church and Community own premises in Edgehill Road (on the Hall. Although still more than a month Cromwell Estate just off Gypsy Lane). ahead, preparations are already being Following structural problems with the made for the popular St. James Annual church on Edgehill Road, the congregaGarden Fete on Bank Holiday Monday tion put that property up for sale and August 30 - so put the date in your dianow pay a small rental to All Saints Angliry! can community for Sunday Morning From the parish churches (St James worship and Thursday coffee morning . the Great, Birstall and Our Lady and St Holiday Club For Youngsters Nicholas, Wanlip) This year the Holiday Club will be run

by James Blackhall from July 17-21, but No Seats at the Methodist Church the venue will be at Rothley Methodist At the present time, the worship area Church in Howe Lane. Do contact James of the Methodist Church on Wanlip Lane (jamesblackhall@gmail.com) for more has now had all the pews removed. As details or if you can volunteer to help. indicated in last month’s Birstall Post, Regular Financial Giving the pews are to be replaced by chairs.

Birstall Methodist Church is grateful The new chairs are expected during the week beginning July 10. In the mean- to those friends who give regularly to time the existing carpet is to be removed support the work of the church here in Birstall and the Circuit. Giving can simply and a new floor covering laid. be loose money on the collection plate Sunday Worship on July 2 & 9 will or, week by week, using the envelope take place in the concert hall. Assuming scheme or monthly, via a Standing Order.

New packs of envelopes have been issued in June to start on July 3. Many friends are able to allow the church to reclaim Income Tax via ‘Gift Aid’. The Church is grateful for the additional 25% this brings to Church funds. If you would like more information contact Tony Moore (mobile or text 07885985141 or, after July 11, (0116 2676207)

Shepshed in the semi final, and will be one of two Leicestershire representatives at the Championships, which take place in Leamington Spa next month.

From Birstall Bowls Club Pic: Birstall Ladies Bowling Club and Bowls Leicestershire Ladies celebrate the club’s Diamond Jubilee (Picture taken by Tony Griffith)

From Birstall Methodist Church

Report on The Lodge Trust Family Fun Day The Lodge Trust would like to thank all who supported their Fun Day on May 20, in spite of the heavy rainfall during the afternoon. People’s generosity made a good contribution to the fund-raising and will help them continue their work with adults with learning difficulties both at Market Overton in Rutland and towards the project to open a similar unit at Milton Keynes. The Special Olympics athletes had their own stall and received over £300 towards the cost of getting to the competition later in the year. Craft items made by service-users are on sale at the Country Café, which is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, inclusive.

See the website for more details: www.lodgetrust.org.uk.

Sunday Services We will meet in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane (LE4 3DL) on the first three Sunday mornings in July (2nd, 9th & 16th).

These services begin at 10.45am and there is a Sunday School for junior children.

The visiting speaker on July 2 is John Todd (Loughborough). There will be an evening service in Birstall on July 9, starting at 6pm: please ring for venue. Due to the school holidays we are not in the school on either 23rd or 30th – nor through August. However, we will continue to meet to worship, so please ring for arrangements and venues. You are most welcome to join us for our services.

For further information about BIBC please ring 0116 2214883.

Duckling rescued

From Anne Taylor, Birstall Independent Baptist Church

Mob: 0792 1703 765

THE FIRE and Rescue service rescued a duckling from a drain.

Officers were called from the Birstall station when a member of the public reported the trapped duckling.

After it was released officers reunited it with its family.

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Birstall BAG’s cancer corner group improves both quality of life and survival. www.cancer.gov (National Cancer Institute) Having cancer can be very hard to cope with. When you are trying to cope with an illness there is no right or wrong way to feel. Everyone is different and you will deal with things in your own way. Self help and support groups bring people together to offer mutual support and give you the chance to talk to others who can understand what you are going through. Each cancer support group is different, but you can expect a warm welcome from someone who has been in the group for some time www.macmillan.org.uk Support groups can be face to face, monthly, weekly, on social media such as facebook, be for the person with cancer, just their carer or both. They may have a social side to them or be more formal with an invited speaker.

Some groups are set up for all cancers

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Cancer support groups are meetings for people with cancer and those touched by the disease. They can have many benefits. Even though a lot of people receive support from friends and family, the number one reason they join a support group is to be with others with similar cancer experiences. Some research shows that joining a support

please contact the University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre who keep an up to date register of what is available across the city and county.

University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189 For more information on the funds we have raised, projects we support and forthcoming events see www.birstallbags.co.uk Contact the BAG’s by email birstallbags@hotmail.com Birstall BAG’s Registered Charity Number 1160190

THE BIRSTALL POST

Cancer Support Groups Birstall BAG’s are committed to providing cancer support within our community. We initiated and have funded the Birstall and Wanlip Time Out group for several years now and are in the process of launching and negotiating other support group opportunities. We thought we should share some of the rationale for being involved with these initiatives.

Here is what some leading cancer organisations say about cancer support groups: Having cancer is often one of the most stressful experiences in a person's life. However, support groups help many people cope with the emotional aspects Cancer.net

whilst others are just for 1 particular type of cancer. They vary considerably.

Your first experience might not be suitable for you but please consider trying others. The benefits can be quite life changing.

If you would like more information about the range of Cancer Support Groups in Leicester