Birstall Post (480) July 2023

Bus os review No. 480 paused

the Birstall p t Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

JULY 2023

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

Birstall chef’s TV challenge A BIRSTALL chef is excited to be progressing through Channel 4’s new TV show, Five Star Kitchen: Britain’s Next Great Chef.

Pic: Chef Jordan Brady, who runs JB kitchen on Lambourne Road

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A REVIEW of bus services that put routes at risk of being withdrawn has been paused.

Jordan Brady, who runs JB kitchen on Lambourne Road, said: “To have been selected to cook alongside this group of chefs is somewhere I never thought I would be.”

Jordan is one of 13 chefs to take part in the show, broadcast each Thursday night on Channel 4.

In this new high-stakes competition, talented, up-and-coming chefs battle it out to prove they have the culinary skills and business brain to win a once-in-alifetime prize – running the Palm Court restaurant in the exclusive hotel, the Langham in London.

Set inside the hotel, the competition is judged by culinary legend, and Lang-

The county council is to receive a share of a two-year £160m Government funding ‘pot’, which it says will help the authority to support the future of public transport, particularly in rural areas of the county.

One of the services that was to be reviewed was the 22B Saturday service to Birstall.

The council has been awarded £1.78m from first-year Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus (BSIP Plus) funding as part of Department for Transport (DfT) settlements to more than 60 local transport authorities in England.

The announcement has been welcomed by Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport,

Continued on page 2

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ham chef, Michel Roux Jr. Working with him are Ravneet, Gill, pastry supremo and hospitality consultant, and leading global restaurateur, Mike Reid.

Across six episodes, Roux and his team will put the chefs through a range of challenges designed to test the skills they’ll need to survive in the elite world of five-star dining. Not only must they prove they can deliver five-star cuisine, but also that they have what it takes to turn a profit and run a restaurant business at the highest level.

29-year-old Leicestershire-born Jordan was a self-confessed, badboy growing up – always in trouble with the police and struggling with drug abuse in his early years.

After a bad break-up, he eventually ended up homeless and had to live in the woods, hunting and eating rabbits to survive.

Walking miles to keep his job as a junior chef in the kitchen, he credits this as saving his life: first getting his own flat, and after years working his way up the ladder, to owning his own restaurant.

His signature dish is ‘rabbit in the woods’, to represent his journey and show off his concept that three simple flavours are all you need to make a luxury dish. It impressed the judges, getting him through to round two, when he had to make an expensive dish using the finest ingredients, followed by a two-course lunch for £30.

Jordan said: “This is cooking at the highest level in one of the most exclusive hotels in the world.

Do I have what it takes to be a five-star chef?”

Five Star Kitchen, 8pm Thursdays, Channel 4.

Local canoeists are medallists SOAR VALLEY Canoe Club have their boathouse at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre on Loughborough Road and recently took a team of 14 paddlers to the 62nd International Liffey Descent in Ireland.

The race is one of the top canoeing events in Europe. Competitors race the 18 miles from the K club in county Kildare, to the Garda rowing club in Dublin. A large release of water provided by the Irish electricity board ensures the river Liffey is full to create a testing course for paddlers, who must shoot ten weirs, several rapids and run with their boats for 500 metres around a dam.

The club chairman Richard Vincent is from Birstall. He said: “This was probably our most successful Liffey so far, with a total of three golds, three silvers and one bronze medal.”

Results: Jacob Holmes 1st senior white water racer Colin Smith /Colin Cartwright 1st Senior Canadian double Richard Vincent/Patrick Allinson

1st over 49 kayak double Jamie Christie/Emma Christie 2nd mixed kayak double Brian Mcnaulty/Dave Bradburn 2nd senior Canadian double Kerry Christie 2nd. Senior white water racer

(Kerry raced in the senior men’s class because the ladies class was not quorate) Malcolm Blowers 3rd masters kayak single.

Pics: (left)Kerry Christie; (above) Jamie Christie/Emma Christie (on the right shaking hands with the class winners)

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THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

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Blue skies and sunshine at Birstall gala!

MEMORIES OF last year’s soggy Saturday were banished at Birstall Gala when sizzling summer sunshine helped visitors enjoy one of the biggest events in the village’s calendar.

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

Organised by Birstall Parish Council, the event featured performances by local bands and stalls, funfair rides, entertainment and a Proms in the Park concert with firework finale.

Chair of the Events Committee at Birstall Parish Council, Kirsty Haywood, said: “What a fantastic turn out to Birstall Gala. Great to see families out in the sunshine enjoying themselves. The gala is a culmination of a year of planning and week of setting up and we definitely had the right weather for it.”

Continued from page 1 as an opportunity to “help us better shape the public transport offer in our rural areas.”

And while the council assesses how the funding allocation will be distributed, Councillor O’Shea is encouraging people to get back on the buses and take advantage of a current £2 fare cap extended by the Government as part of the announcement.

Councillor O’Shea has also confirmed that the council will be pausing the passenger transport policy and strategy review of the services, which the council currently subsidises, although more than 90 per cent of the bus network is run by the commercial sector.

However, the council has also made it clear that the funding boost does not mean it will reinstate bus services withdrawn over the past few months.

Councillor O’Shea added: “It is vital that bus services offer value-for-money and, in using this additional money from Government, we need to ensure it is directed to offer greater connectivity for our communities, rather than continuing to subsidise low-value services.”

The DfT will announce BSIP Plus funding for 2024/25 later in the year.

Pic: Soloist Jenny Saunders performing with the Hathern Band; (above right) Birstall PCSO Jon Harrison looks on as visitors pose for pics behind the wheel of a Police car

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Rebecca runs first marathon for MNDA BIRSTALL’S REBECCA Warrington has completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Last year she ran seven half marathons in seven consecutive weekends, also for the MNDA. Rebecca writes: When I started running in 2018, I said I didn’t want to run a marathon. So many people after the 7

in 7 said that I should run a marathon or that I should just run London. I still didn’t want to run a marathon and I certainly didn’t want to run a generic one like London. If I was going to do it, I wanted to run one which meant something. Then Kevin Sinfield announced the Rob Burrow Marathon on Breakfast TV in May 2022, and I’d signed up before the end of the interview. As had 12,000 other people by the time we all got to the start line. I signed up with no goal,

other than to raise as much money and awareness as I could and complete the course before the road closures were lifted and without medical assistance.

This was in June last year, May 2023 seemed so far away. Plenty of time to start training.

Training started on New Years Day 2023, in the middle of one of the coldest, driest most unpredictable winters on record. Running four times per week with yoga and strength sessions. Marathon running certainly isn’t easy and it does take over your life. Midweek runs ranging from 5k to 8 miles with hills and speedwork built in and long runs on a Saturday, still trying to incorporate my beloved Watermead parkrun.

But the training was paying off, a 5-minute PB over the half Marathon in Cambridge was a good yard-stick to see where I was at. It was after this that the wheels fell off. In March, in the snow, I turned my ankle. I heard a loud pop/clunk. I had a cricket ball size lump on the side of my ankle and was sat in an ambulance on the way to the Royal with a suspected broken ankle. I sat in the triage area waiting for my scans, I told my ankle that unless you are broken you will be running the marathon. I told the doctor that I had a marathon to run in May, he said my ankle wasn’t broken but there was an 8-week recovery time, so I would be unlikely to be running a marathon. He had no measure of my determination to run this marathon. After two weeks off and some very

Pics: Rebecca Warrington running the Leeds Marathon

intense physio, I was ready to build back up to distance. I knew I would be undercooked for the marathon, but as MND awareness and completion were the goals, not sub 4 hours, it was a case of remembering to be kind to myself and complete my goals.

On the start zone at Headingly stadium, I was very, very nervous. But I shouldn’t have been - the whole of the very large start area was awash with orange and blue MND vests all there as one big team. It was very emotional when I crossed the start line, the wall of Continued on page 5

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Three new houses PLANS FOR a row of three terraced houses on The Crossways have been submitted to Charnwood Borough Council.

Birstall couple’s 70th anniversary A BIRSTALL couple have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Douglas Derry and Patricia (nee Stewart) met when they were 15 years old, fell in love and married five years later, aged 21 and 20 respectively, on June 6, 1953, just three days after the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Douglas (Doug) was educated at Moat Road Boys School and spent 32 years as a serving Police Officer in Leicester, retiring as a Sergeant. Aged 70 and as an avid reader of the classics, Doug sat and passed his first 'A' level exam in English Literature, following two years of study at Longslade College.

Patricia (Pat), originally from Great Yarmouth, had been evacuated aged seven to Nottingham and then Leicester due

The plans show the houses will be located behind what was formally Glenwood Fine Art, and opposite The Crossways car park. There will be provision for three parking spaces within the site.

Charnwood has returned the application to the applicant, as it has been completed incorrectly.

The reference is P/23/0917/2.

Pics: Doug and Pat Derry are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary; (left) on their wedding day

to the threat of heavy bombing in Great Yarmouth. Now, aged 90, Pat is taking computer lessons to improve her IT proficiency.

Pat and Doug have two children, five grandchildren and two (and a half) great-grandchildren and celebrated their anniversary with family and friends at a party on Saturday June 3, in Birstall.

Daughter Karen said: “They truly are wonderful, kind and jolly people who are as much in love now as ever - they still give each other a Valentine’s card every February 14!”

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

Continued from page 4 noise cheering us off was like nothing I had ever heard. The start itself saw us head into Leeds centre with an out and back section. After about 3 miles, I saw Kev pushing Rob Burrow in his chair heading back the other way about 5 miles in, again that was very emotional.

It was time to settle into the running, as I had lots of it to do. As with all long runs, you join up with people and hear their stories and then break up as they or you feel better or worse. I heard stories about loved ones, carers, support available and research that still needs to be carried out into causes of this disease and the continued hunt for cures. It is those stories and those friendships born out of shared experiences which get you round when your legs hurt, or when you realise just how massive Otley Hill is (5k of uphill if you needed to know).

Heading back into Leeds after five hours of running was great, partly because it was downhill, but mainly because the crowds were still out in force.

The people of Leeds really got behind this event and understood what it was trying to do for one of their own. The finish line was very special, on the pitch at Headingly stadium with all the supporters and fans cheering you in. Even managed to answer a question often asked of people who run against me: can you manage a sprint finish at the end of a marathon? Yes, apparently, I can. After the 7 in 7 last year, I thought nothing would top that feeling, but this does, in a different way. I completed it in 5hrs 40, which means I achieved my goals of completing before the road closures were removed and I didn’t need medical help. I have also raised just under £600 so far.

I’m happy to have completed it and so proud of the funds and awareness I have bought to MND. I will continue to fly the colours at future running events.

•Rebecca is fundraising for the Motor Neurone Disease Association on justgiving.com, if you would like to donate.

The August issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on July 28.

The copy deadline is July 17.

TERRY ALLEN

est. 2002

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THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

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Action packed coronation Scout camp BIRSTALL SCOUTS celebrated the King’s coronation on a four day camp.

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

Cub Leader Sue Farnham reports: 20 scouts with six leaders of Birstall Scout group headed out to camp, and we started our celebrations once the kit was unloaded with royal crafts and games.

The next morning, 20 cubs and beavers joined us for an action-packed day of activities; we tried shooting, mountain boarding, go-karting and caving, which was very wet due to the rain. We built shelters and lots more. The site church, St Thomas’s, was opened to allow us to ring the church bells to celebrate the coronation, and every member on site had a go, some more vigorous than others. Once the day-visitors had left, the campers lit a fire, toasted marshmallows and waited for dinner.

On Sunday, the campers were to cook their own lunch on a fire built by themselves. Some fires took longer than others, and some young people thought they were going to starve. In true scouting spirit, the older scouts helped the younger cubs and everyone was fed. Our coronation lunch, served at night, was very traditional and the Eton mess went down very well.

The weekend was full of crafts, games, frivolity and ended in a giant water fight.

Thank you to all the young people involved for making the coronation memorable. Thank you to all the leaders involved for giving up their time and a special thanks to Rachel (Cub Leader) who organised the whole thing.

If you want to be involved, we are always looking for adult volunteers to join our team, we take children from four to 18 in various sections. Please email Birstall53rd@outlook.c om for more information.

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THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

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Amy and Lee’s London Marathon story TWO RUNNERS from Birstall completed the London marathon in April, raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and LOROS. Amy Coombe (35) and Lee Mansfield (37) were inspired to run by Stuart Preston who was diagnosed with MND in January 2022. Stuart, who grew up in Birstall, is Amy’s uncle and Lee’s fatherin-law.

Amy, of Orchard Road, said: “Stuart inspired me to get into running many years ago, after watching him in the London Marathon several times.”

It was Lee’s first marathon, but Amy’s second. She said: “It was an amazing experience, even more so remembering why we were doing it. When the legs felt like they couldn’t go anymore, I ran with my heart.”

Lee, who lives on Colindale Avenue, said: “I chose to support that charity in

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

honour of Stu. He was diagnosed in 2022 after being a keen long-distance runner for many years. He has now lost the use of his hands, arms and legs and almost all of his speech.

“He has inspired me to complete a challenge which I wouldn’t have even considered, or even dreamt of

before, to be his legs for the day. Stu is my father-in-law, and we have always had a close relationship as we have a shared love of woodworking and upcycling. The charity MNDA has supported Stu and our family, and we hope that by raising funds for them, we can help in their search for a cure for this horrible disease.”

Lee had never run a marathon before and had only been running for eight

Pics: Marathon runners Amy and Lee

months before the race.

He said: “I didn’t sleep the night before, because of nerves!”

He finished the race in 4 hours, 35 minutes, and Amy’s time was 5 hours, 22 minutes.

Amy and Lee have so far raised £5500. To donate, go to justgiving.com, and search for ‘Amy Coombe’ or ‘Lee Mansfield’.

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JULY 2023 Visit our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk and join our Group on Facebook

You Do Not have to be without Neighbourhood Watch in Your Street While the overall managing group for Neighbourhood Watch in Birstall and Wanlip is closing down, it provides the opportunity for local areas to set up their own smaller schemes that are much easier to manage and adapt to their own needs.

There is a lot of support and advice available both locally and nationally. All that it needs is for somebody to take the initiative and find out how may of their neighbours are interested in joining together to protect each other from criminal activity. It could be just a few houses or flats, part or all of a street, or a group of streets.

For the few months that Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch will continue in existence, we shall be glad to give what assistance we can.

Email us at: watch@villagewatch.co.uk Information about the new Watch organisation for Leicestershire can be found at: www.nhwleicestershire.co.uk These web links have guidance and information about Neighbourhood Watch and why it is important to be a member www.ourwatch.org.uk www.nwnshop.myshopify.com www.ourwatch.org.uk/crime‐prevention www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy5ZMb_qaLw

There were a number of burglaries in Birstall during May that occurred during the day when the occupants were out.

This was after a welcome drop during the previous two months.

Please make sure that you check that all doors and windows are locked before you leave home and always set your burglar alarm, even if you are going out for only a short time.

Potential thieves will be on the lookout for easy pickings and will usually chose a poorly secured property over one that is more difficult for them to break into. Do not make it easy for them.

Always keep valuable items in a secure place, such as a safe, and do not leave them lying around in plain sight where they can easily be seen by a burglar.

If you spot someone acting suspiciously, please tell the Police. If it looks as if a crime is in progress dial 999 immediately.

If you just think something does not look right, still call them on 101 to tell them about your concern.

Our Local Police Beat Team produces a monthly Newsletter with news of crime and other local issues.

You can read it in full each month on our website: www.villagewatch.co.uk/police

The Fatal Four The Police conduct regular roadside checks for the four driving offences that lead to the majority of road accidents, injuries and deaths.

Speeding ● Mobile Phones Seat Belts ● Drink and Drugs

Parking Issues The majority of the streets in Birstall are not subject to yellow line or other restrictions and anyone is allowed to use a parking space on a first‐come‐first‐served basis, even if it is directly outside your house. This can be frustrating, especially if spaces are scarce, and can sometimes lead to heated disputes between neighbours.

The pavement is deemed to be obstructed when a vehicle is parked on it leaving less than 1.2 metres clearance, forcing pedestrians or mobility scooters into the road to get past.

Parking enforcement was once the sole concern of the Police but responsibility is now shared with, in our case, Charnwood Borough and Leicestershire County Councils. The Police still have powers to deal with dangerous parking.

It is a complicated issue with no easy solution. You can find more information at:

www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/parkingenforcement The Watch would like to thank Birstall Parish Council for its continued support © Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch – watch@villagewatch.co.uk – 0756 2422 756

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

Birstall Burglaries

The August issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on July 28.

The copy deadline is July 17.

Mental health café

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

A NEW mental health café is opening in Syston and will welcome visitors from the surrounding villages.

Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafés offer local support for people who need immediate help with their mental health. The cafés are drop-in centres for anyone to come and talk about their mental health – no appointment is needed.

Tracey Pollard, from the RCC (Rural Community Council Charity Leicestershire & Rutland), will be running the Syston Mental Health Café. She said: “Having a Neighbourhood Mental Health Café in Syston will make a real difference to the town and the surrounding areas – with over 12,000 residents in Syston alone, and great access links to other local villages, it makes the perfect place for someone to be able to access mental health support in their local area, without having to travel into the city”.

After running a local project primarily targeting mental health in Melton & Rutland for the last two years, Tracey knows how important this café will be in helping and supporting people with urgent mental health and well-being needs.

“We wanted to create a unique café, combining a welcoming, safe space for socialising, and a confidential area for individual support, where people can feel calmer and more confident about getting the help they need locally,” she said.

“Our rural coffee connect barista coffee van will attend each café, offering free hot drinks to anyone who comes along – a warm drink and a listening ear go a long way in helping people feel more supported and positive about their future.”

The Syston café will start on Thursday, June 22, from 12pm – 3pm at the Syston Community Centre, School Street, Syston LE7 1HN. It will run every Thursday from that date.

Tracey said: “Everyone is welcome, and we hope that this will become a local hub for anyone struggling to cope and give them the support they need to move forward and improve their mental health and wellbeing.”

For more information on the café, call or text Tracey on 07752 183044.

Birstall referee wins award FOOTBALL REFEREE Minesh Gupta from Birstall has been recognised for his work encouraging people to become a match official, winning a national award.

Minesh (45) has been a football referee for more than 25 years. He said: “My passion for diversity started 10 years ago when I couldn’t see many people that looked like me.

“So I wondered why, and through various kinds of research, found it was just not appealing for anyone to become a referee, and there was no real targeted intervention. In recent years this has become better, but the lower end of the game, and higher, still lacks South Asian people getting into refereeing. There are a number of stakeholders trying their best to help the problem, but still loads more work to be done locally.”

Minesh started a campaign called ‘FindOurRef’ a year ago, and Minesh visits Faith Schools, Community Centres, BAM Grassroot Football Clubs, Temples and Diversity Events promoting refereeing.

In June, Minesh was invited to Wembley Stadium for the Football Association’s first ever National Referees Awards, where he was the overall winner in the

Pic: Minesh (centre) with senior leaders at the FA, Peter Elsworth (right), Head of Refereeing and Mark Bullingham, CEO of the FA.

Championing Diversity category.

He said: “The award means so much to me, as the work I have been doing is only the start, and there is a long way to go. Since starting my work, I have generated leads for people to begin their refereeing journey which makes me proud, as I am contributing towards the FA National Strategy around Recruitment.”

Minesh started refereeing in grassroots lower down the leagues, but now officiates at Step 3-4 football, which is non-league, semi-pro. He is an assistant referee on the National League North, and coaches new referees that are trying to progress in the men’s and women’s game.

New Leicester charging bays NEW on-street electric vehicle charging bays are set to be introduced across Leicester city centre later this year.

Leicester City Council is proposing to create 38 new electric vehicle charging bays at ten locations in and around the city centre following a successful bid for £480,000 of funding from the Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

The new charging bays will replace some standard pay-and-display parking bays and will feature a mix of fast and rapid charging points.

Parking in the new charging bays will be free for electric vehicles on-street but there will be a charge at Dover Street and Glenfield Road car parks. Drivers will need to pay to use the chargers.

Rapid charging bays will have a daytime parking restriction of up to one hour. Fast charging bays will also have time restrictions on their use, but these will vary depending on location.

Any vehicle found parked in a charging bay without a cable attached will incur a fixed penalty notice. All bays will be clearly signed as ‘Electric vehicle recharging point only’.

The charging bays are intended to provide a top-up service. Rapid chargers can give up to an 80 per cent charge within an hour, with fast chargers providing around half of that over two hours.

Evening parking in the charging bays will be unlimited and free for electric vehicles.

The ten locations where the new charging bays will be installed:

East Bond Street/New Bond Street Fleet Street Humberstone Road, close to its junction with Clyde Street Peacock Lane South Albion Street

Yeoman Street Dover Street Car Park Charles Street Glenfield Road East Car Park Belgrave Road Car Park (Donaldson Road)

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Noticeboard all details printed free Free IT help!

10am-12pm Third Tuesday Every Month Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop Wanlip Lane, Birstall No Need To Book – Just Drop In! Free “Drop In” session from Age UK to help you use a smart-

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, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

E-scooters Is anyone else in the village concerned about e-scooters riding on pavements? A lady on the pavement was killed by one in Nottingham only a few months ago. Whenever I go out I see e-scooters, with riders of various ages, riding about on pavements. I have contacted the police and they are not interested, even though these vehicles are illegal. I contacted the Police and Crime Commissioner and got a standard reply that he has written to MPs to “clarify” the law. What can be done about it? Is this a Council matter, possibly County Council?

Name & address supplied

phone, tablet, I-Pad or laptop computer.

Never used a computer?

No problem! We can lend one to get you started!

0116 204 5117 digitalchampions@ageukleics.org. uk Once again after a very successful show in 2022 Birstall scouts & St James’ Birstall parish church are putting on a

Last Night of the Proms Show In aid of the church and the Scouts Saturday 30th September at 7pm doors open from 6.30pm Tickets £10 per head on the door Regularly you can see the small kids training on the street and up people's drive when his parents park on double yellow lines to pick their kids up. No adult is ever with these children.

Also I am aware a while ago when somebody I knew asked to see the DBS and Carl couldn't produce them only his, all workers/volunteers should have one.

There are a lot more issues I could raise but I won't as this is not a muck slinging fight.

Yes Carl you do a good job but asking for a handout is over stepping the mark in my eyes.

Name & address supplied Regarding kids training in the drive, I have got permission from The Grange for people to skip there.

Regarding the dropping off, that is untrue, they all park on the car park, or most of them, you might get the odd one.

Parking on the yellow lines has nothing to do with the gym.

All volunteers and workers in the gym have got a DBS, I wouldn’t allow them to work with the children if they did not have one.

Please get your facts right before writing letters to the Birstall Post. If you feel you would like to come and talk to me, I’d be glad to talk to you and explain what we do at the gym.

The situation between the gym, and the duck race has been finalised, the gym did receive some money sometime ago from the duck race, but I wasn’t told it had come from the duck race, or I wouldn’t have written my letter to the Birstall Post about The White Horse.

I would like to apologise if I have personally upset anybody connected with the duck race.

Carl Gunns

Sour grapes?

To say that I am flabbergasted to read that Carl Gunns has the cheek about not receiving any donations from the duck race. Is this sour grapes? I am nothing what so ever to do with the duck race organisers. I am sure they put in a lot of unpaid work into setting up a terrific day which they took over from Mr Green several years ago.

I see Mr Gunns gets lots of donations including from Birstall parish council.

These other groups don't get this advantage.

But what worries me the most though are two things:

Fantastic job What a fantastic job our Birstall street cleaner does in keeping our pavements and green spaces clean. He certainly gets around from one end of Birstall to the other end and I never see him standing around.

I think we are very lucky to have someone who is so proactive in his work and really seems to care.

He’s a keeper for Birstall I hope!

I think his name is Max. Many thanks From a resident, Roman Road

or if you get them in advance £8 per person and £20 for a family of four (two adults and two children under 12) We are proud to have the Bilton Silver Rugby Band to preform for us once again this year.

It will be all the familiar music and songs, and lots of flag waving If you would like tickets please phone the number below 0116 2674031 or 07842336745 Or from St James’ church office The Charnwood Orchestra End of season concert June 24, 2023, 7.30pm Church of St James the Greater, London Road, Leicester LE2 1NE Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien, Glazunov: Violin Concerto - Soloist Seb Wyss – Shostakovich: Symphony No.6 Tickets can be reserved in advance by emailing tickets@chanrnwoodorchestra.org .uk for more options please visit, www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

Big Birstall Yard Sale 2023 Saturday July 8, 10am-2pm Message, text, phone 07841448511 to be added to the map (free of charge or donation) Map will be digital this year and posted a week before the date If you would like to donate any amount please drop off payment to 68 Gwendolin Ave, Birstall.

All monies to go to Helping the Community-Pay it Forward

Birstall Royal British Legion Club Front St, Birstall All old and new members will be very welcome Bingo every Tuesday starting at 9pm Quizzes every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9pm Pool tables at only 50p Saturday Entertainment 8th July Billy de Laine Steve male vocalist 22nd July TBC Friday 28th July music quiz starting at 8.30pm Room hire available for Wakes, ring 07894715049

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If you or someone you know is caring for a spouse, parent, partner or friend who has dementia, why not join us for a couple of hours at Brunchies cafe Hallam Fields Road Birstall? Our meetings in July are the 10th and 24th at 1pm. You will be made most welcome.

We are a social group brought together by the diagnosis of dementia. Just to talk to fellow carers about their ways of coping with this 24/7 role helps so much. Just drop in as and when you can.

My name is Barbara and you can contact me on 07905760556 if you'd like to chat WANTED: grazing land to buy, not to rent. For a pony. Ring Dean 07305 800777 Ex Longslade Pupils between 1970 – 1980

School Reunion Sunday 16th July At Birstall Village Cricket Club School Lane Playing Fields From 1pm – 6pm In December 2014 Tony Sabey set up a facebook page for pupils who attended Longslade School from 1970 to 1980, he is now assisted

by Su Pollard. The group was set up to help people keep in touch with old friends, have a bit of a gossip, a laugh and to share photographs and stories of the “good old days” The group has gone from strength to strength with almost 500 members. It was thought that it would be great to

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

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have a reunion and also reach out to those that do not use social media, here are the details.

What better place to celebrate and meet up, than on the park where most of us played as children and probably now take our grandchildren! The cricket club has seating inside and around 30 outdoor seats. If a lot of us are able to make it, it might be worth bringing an outdoor seat of your own.

Hopefully the weather will be kind, the gazebos will be up and the club bar will definitely be open.

Perhaps you could bring your old school photographs, embarrassing or not! We can make new memories and have a great afternoon.

The Brand

Open Grounds Colonel Robert and Mrs Janie Martin are kindly allowing the Charnwood Group of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust to hold an event in the grounds of The Brand, Woodhouse Eaves, to raise funds for the Trust.

The grounds will be open on Sunday 10th September 2023 from 11am until 4pm when there will be guided walks, wildlife activities, refreshments and more. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit this beautiful Charnwood estate and to find out more about the wildlife there.

The entrance fee will be £6 for adults and £2 for children. Money raised will go to the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Birstall Tea Dances

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

County Councillor Dan Grimley reported that a review of bus services that put routes at risk of being withdrawn had been paused. One of the routes was the Birstall 22B service. He encouraged people to use the service and said there was a good chance it would be retained.

A member of the public urged councillors to vote in favour of the proposal to provide a Covid mural on a wall in The Crossways car park.

Linda Pile was co-opted to fill a vacancy on the council.

Artist Giles Meakin presented his report on the progress he has made with preparations for a Covid mural on the wall of The Crossways car park.

All Birstall’s schools have been invited to participate in the project, but only Highcliffe School had responded. Giles worked with 60 Highcliffe pupils to produce a draft design that was presented to councillors. The design features three panels: before, during and after Covid. Mr Meakin said the design would take about two weeks to paint on the wall, and should last around 20 years.

Several councillors commented favourably about the design and congratulated the children that had been involved.

The clerk reported that there may be grant funding to help pay for the project.

It was agreed to authorise the expenditure of £3520 to proceed with the project.

The police report was presented by PCSO John Harrison. He said that crime figures for burglary were looking good at the moment.

The council agreed to spend £1791 on motor insurance for the council’s vehicles.

Councillors discussed undertaking a governance review, conducted by the ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì

Held at St James, Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road Birstall LE4 4DH Fridays 14th & 28th July £6 each on the door Tea/coffee included into entrance price Home made cakes but we ask for donations Further information contact Jackie 07908607405 or email: lucasjackie86@gmail.com

Parish Council notes

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New website BIRSTALL MEDICAL Centre has launched its redesigned website.

“It is clearer and easier for patients to use,” said Edmund Chambers, Chairman of the Patient Participation Group.

“It contains information about the practice, the services it offers with advice on how to make best use of them, as well as links to do such things as order repeat prescriptions and make appointments.”

The website is designed to be accessed on most computers, tablets and smartphones.

Birstall Medical Centre’s main site is on Whiles Lane, Birstall, with a satellite site on Border Drive in Beaumont Leys. www.birstallmedicalcentre.com

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Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils. The process involves LRALC consultants visiting the council, speaking to councillors, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, and then issuing a report, making a series of observations and recommendations, based on statute, proper practices, and good governance standards.

The council agreed to authorise the expenditure of £2000 to proceed with the review.

Councillors received the monthly report from Young Leicestershire, the providers of the youth service run from the pavilion in the school Lane playing field. It was reported that there had been a ‘nasty incident’ that had resulted in the police being called. Issues were raised regarding the effectiveness of the safeguarding of the young people present.

PCSO John Harrison reported that the police knew the people involved in the incident and that he liked to think that the police could talk to these individuals and stop a similar incident from happening again. Several councillors expressed their concerns about the safety of the young people at the facility and the low numbers of young people attending.

The chief executive of Young Leicestershire will be attending the August meeting, and it was agreed to send a letter to the organisation asking if they can guarantee the safety of the young people attending and if not, to pause the provision until the August meeting.

Councillors discussed a proposal to purchase Tommy statue figures from the Royal British Legion. Each figure costs £175.

It was agreed in principle to support the proposal, subject to the provision of further details.

Councillor Kirsty Haywood attended a meeting of the Broadnook Foundation

and presented a report. The foundation 13 is a liaison group that shares information about the progress of the Broadnook Garden suburb development with representatives from neighbouring parishes. Cllr Haywood reported that the developers are currently on target with the work so far. She said it would be 2027 before a new parish was created for the development.

She reported that the developers described the ‘short-term pain’ for Birstall in phase one of the development, due to pressure on education and health facilities.

Chair Robert Vincent commented that the developers seem to have no concern at all for the impact of Broadnook on Birstall.

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& crime report Property Fraud Your home is probably the most valuable asset you own, but are you aware that it can be the target of fraud? Whoever’s name appears on the Land Registry is the legal owner of the property. While it is a rare occurrence, a fraudster can steal the title and own your home.

This is most commonly done through identity theft, when someone pretends to be you and goes through the conveyancing process of selling your property to another innocent buyer. They become the legal owner, and it is almost impossible for you, the original owner, to recover it.

It would be very difficult to do this when the owner is actually living in the property but this is not always the case, and there is a greatly increased risk of fraud when: • a property has no outstanding mortgage that would have to be cleared • a property is empty or has been bought to let • the owner spends time abroad or is otherwise absent • the owner is infirm or in a nursing or care home • a relationship has broken down It is important, therefore, that you do whatever you can to protect your home from this risk.

HM Land Registry offers a service that will alert you if there is any activity affecting the registered ownership of a property. You can monitor: • any property that is already registered with the Land Registry • the property of a relative; you do not have to own the property to set up an alert • up to ten properties at a time You will receive an email alert whenever there is activity on any of the properties you are monitoring.

An alert will tell you the type of activity (such as an application to change the register or if a new mortgage is taken out), who the applicant is and the date and time it has been received.

Not all alert emails will mean fraudulent activity. If you do not think the alert is about anything suspicious, you do not

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Signing up to Property Alert will not automatically stop fraud from happening. You will have to decide whether the activity on Pic: Birstall Beat Team (l-r) PS242 Alice Forfar, PC1365 Stu Venables, PCSO 6389 Nuala Sherlock, PCSO 6174 Jon Harrison the property is potentially fraudulent and then act ted by youths not using the facilities. We our roads, that is very well established. quickly. The alert email will tell you who are aware of who are mainly involved in As a policing team we will be out on the to contact. regards to this and will be challenging roads at locations highlighted by local Create a Property Alert account by them with their parents/guardians and residents on a sporadic basis. Please going to the web address: partner agencies and going forward we watch your speed. If you are concerned propertyalert.landregistry.gov.uk will also be aiming to visit the youth café about road safety in Birstall & Wanlip Ed Chambers, Watch Chairman, Birwhilst being run, in order to engage with —Request enforcement and make a differstall & Wanlip NHW the users and to reduce any further ence. Find out more by visiting the issues at the location.

Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Current Priorities Lastly please consider signing up to Safety Partnership website: Charnwood Police Neighbourhood Link, this allows us to www.speedorsafety.com where you can Burglaries - Local Police are aimsend messages (email or text) to specifcomplete a short Community Concern ing to reduce burglaries at domesic neighbourhoods, and therefore releSite Request. tic dwelling in the area vant target audience and therefore A message from PC 1365 Stu Venaenable us to keep you better updated in Local Officers will engage with the bles relation to is happening and also give community proving crime prevention I am pleased to inform you that as a you a opportunity to respond privately. advice, encourage the use of security result of information and intelligence Please visit the website below for further measures to make properties more sereceived we have been able to secure a details. cure. Attending reports of burglaries to couple of search warrants from the All the best and stay safe secure any evidence and pursue reasona- magistrate court in order to enter a PC 1365 Stu Venables ble lines of enquiries to identify any couple of addresses within Birstall. One offenders. of those addresses was located on Lough- Crime Update Crime summary— Birstall and Vehicle Crime borough Road, no Cannabis plants were Wanlip Tackling all elements of vehicle crime found being cultivated at this address, Police aim to tackle different ele23rd of May 2023 until 19th of June however some other concerns were ments of vehicles crime such as theft, 2023 identified which are being addressed.

TWOC and ASB caused by vehicles Violence with injury 5 The second address was at the old Police aim to tackle vehicle crime by Violence without injury 15 Barclays Bank located on Sibson Road, the use of Problem management profiles. officers surrounded the location on Vehicle Crime 7 This will be targeted patrol times to Shoplifting 4 Wednesday the 14th of June 2023 and disrupt the use of ASB with vehicles, All other theft offences 6 executed the warrant, during which time disruption tactics on a wider scale using two males were arrested and a large Criminal Damge 5 specialist officers.

Public Disorder 6 number of cannabis plants seized— Theft and associated offences will be Drug Trafficking 1 Investigation is ongoing. targeted by pursuing reasonable lines of Misc Crimes 2 As you can see we are listening and enquiry to assist identify and prosecute Last Burglary dwelling reported to despite not being able to see things offenders in a timely manner have been committed within Birstall and happen immediately off the back of Tackling County Lines Wanlip was on May 21, 2023 on Curzon information you may provide or reports Avenue.

Police are developing and targeting you have made, we are working very In regards to the vehicle crime the people within the area that are drug hard behind the scenes to develop intellivast majority relate to theft of number dealing, exploiting vulnerable people by gence and hold those accountable that cuckooing addresses and causing antiare causing harm within our community. plates.

Events social behaviour from this type of crime.

We will be continuing to develop Gathering intelligence from the comBeat Surgery - Saturday July 29, information and intelligence and will munity, providing a robust response by 2023 - Between 10am and 12pm locatwith no doubt be knocking on some executing search warrants, applying any ed at the Robert Dickinson Building on more doors soon with our big red key. necessary closures order to stop the Sibson Road (within the Short Stay car I would like to thank the Neighbourcriminality and protect the public. park) hood Priority Team (NPT) that are Birstall Specific Please feel free to attend, to meet based out of Loughborough Police stayour local officer, ask any questions or Theft (retail specific) - Due to the tion as with their ongoing help and suphigh amount of retail Thefts being report- port the issues that are being highlighted discuss any community concerns you may have. Additionally local residents ed within Birstall the local beat team will by local residents within Birstall and can bring their cycles to the surgeries to be completing a review, working with Wanlip, are being developed and adhave them officially marked for free — retail outlets in order to offer recommen- dressed in a more prompt and effective Information regarding the scheme can dation linked to target hardening/crime response. be found on the website: prevention and requesting support from Since we arrested the male that was partner agencies with the aim of identify- committing burglaries within Birstall and www.bikeregister.com or explained on ing and targeting the offenders, leading getting him remanded into HMP we have the day.

Upcoming events to a reduction in crime. not had any further Burglaries reported Drugs - Development of intelligence - within Birstall & Wanlip, which is absoWe are holding a BikeRegister event Local officers are out and about within lutely fantastic news. However please do between 10am and 2pm on Sunday July Birstall and Wanlip, speaking to local 30 on Whiles Lane, Birstall. Feel free to not become complacent by ensuring residents to gather current/accurate bring along you cycle and get it marked your home/property is safe and seinformation and intelligence that can be for free. cure—don’t leave windows/door open acted upon in order to hold drug I am also planning on conducting and remain vigilant and please consider dealers/users accountable, which will further road safety operations, this will reporting any suspicious activity to us subsequently make our streets a safer be targeted towards the fatal four offencwithout delay. place. es (Speed, Drink/Drugs, Seat belt and Police have received reports of ASB Road Safety - Excess Speed Mobile Phone) around Birstall & Wanlip. surrounding the youth Café on School Speeding vehicles is an ongoing issue on Lane, Playing fields, that is being commitPCSO 6174 Jon Harrison will be look-

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

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ing to conduct further Beat Surgeries from Brunchies café on the Hallam Fields Estate and will post further information via Neighborhood Link. For further information on Neighbourhood Link please feel free to look at the following link: http://www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk/ In regards to an increase on number plate theft, the local team will arrange a local event to offer crime prevention advice in regards to this and also provide anti-theft screw to enable number plates to be better secured, making it harder for thieves when trying to steal them. This will be advertised locally and via social media (FaceBook—Charnwood Police page) and Neighbourhood Link.

Successful club is growing LOCAL TEAM Birstall Rugby Football Club isn’t resting on its laurels after an impressive 22/23 season and is looking for new players to join it.

The club reached its highest league position in its history, finishing ninth in Counties 1 Midlands East (North) division, after their recent promotion. The club reached the County Bowl final, losing out to Loughborough RFC, and brought silverware back to their base at the Co-op sports ground on Birstall Road with a victory over Sileby Vikings in the Presidents Cup. The club hopes to attract new players to strengthen its already established two teams in preparation for the 23/24 season.

“We are always on the lookout for people to join our ‘Greendog’ family. No

matter what experience, there is rugby here for everyone,” said club spokesman Tim Hopcroft.

“Players of all ages and abilities are always welcome to join the Birstall RFC

‘Greendogs’. We are currently running touch rugby sessions on Thursdays at 7pm, and all are welcome,” he added.

Pic: Birstall RFC

Helping our community WE CONTINUE to support our local community in many ways.

**We have just held a bike register event on Saturday June 17 at the Watermead Country Park, alongside the Watermead Park Run which was a fantastic day, lots of participants of the run and general visitors of the park alongside local residents attended the event and we managed to get lots of cycles marked up, which will absolutely help in the fight against crime.

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Gifting equipment, dinners and making items for our local hospitals. Our funds raised and donations received all go back into the community, so if we can help, please get in touch.

We would like to say a huge thank you to HATS, that has once again supported #payitforward and given us a cheque for £211.

We were invited by the White Horse team to meet with them and Carl Gunn’s

Raw sewage in street A HEAVY downpour in June saw raw sewage emerging from cracks in the road on Castlegate Avenue.

Residents were dismayed to see human excrement and toilet paper floating down the road, some of it ending up on private property.

Callers to Severn Trent were told that raw sewage on private property was not their responsibility, but the responsibility of the householder, and that blocked drains were the responsibility of the County Council.

The following day, Severn Trent attended the scene and found that there was a blockage in the sewers on Saltersgate, which they cleared. They also cleaned the sewage from two properties on Castlegate Avenue.

Pics: (top) sewage entered a conservatory on Castlegate Ave; (bottom) dried remains of sewage on Castlegate Ave

re the Duck race. There were comments were able to explain, as a recipient of made on social media and a letter about the funds from the 2022 duck race, what was expected of us. the gym having All ducks had to be never been chosen.

Helping our Community counted, missing ducks Charlotte from the LE4 Birstall renumbered, and sponWhite Horse had sorship forms needed previously offered to frequently be delivthe opportunity to ered throughout the Carl, but he didn’t village and collected. feel he had the We were required to be support at the time.

“Webster” at the BrownThe White Horse team explained the preparation that goes ies, Guides, Co-op, and the schools, and sell duck-related items that we sourced into the event on their behalf, and we and paid for. We promoted the event on social media and posters. A selection of good quality raffle prizes had to be obtained. All local businesses and shops were approached for gifts. The car park at the White Horse was used for stalls, and we had to plan and book the stalls.

We also sold tickets online for the first year, and it was a great success. We were happy to sell online for the recipients this year.

I think many people had the impression that you just turned up and accepted the cheque. A lot of commitment and time is required.

Mr Gunns offered his apologies to the White Horse for a letter written to the Birstall Post. This was accepted and felt it was needed to move forward. Mr Gunns had been invited to attend and see how the duck race works but unfortunately, he had a business meeting on the day. Charlotte Foy said it would be great to see the gym’s supporters run a stall and have an understanding of what’s required to hopefully support Gunns’ gym, which is a great asset to the village. Thanks to funds raised and proceeds of the duck race, we were able to give £500 to Carl for much-needed equipment.

The Community group thanked the White Horse for the opportunity they were given and assured continuing support at future events.

If the group can help in any way, please get in touch.

0789 499 5164

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Police knife search BIRSTALL AND Wanlip’s Police Beat team conducted a search for knives in a Birstall park.

Club’s women win trophy BIRSTALL RUNNING club were out in force at the Livingston Relays a relay race of 400 runners held on May 28 at the Mallory Park racing track in Leicestershire.

The club’s men had four teams of four runners, and the ladies had two teams of three runners. Each runner had to complete a three mile circuit.

Birstall’s Veteran Ladies Team beat off 18 other teams to win the first place trophy.

Kim Blount also won the trophy for the fastest overall Vet female runner in a time of 19 minutes and 13 seconds.

The knife sweep of the School Lane playing fields was done as part of Operation Sceptre, a nationwide police initiative to tackle knife crime across England and Wales, bringing together all 43 police forces and British Transport Police in a week of intensified action.

Throughout the week of action, forces coordinated activity which targets knife crime from the root cause right through to enforcement.

Commander Stephen Clayman is National Police Chiefs’ Council knife crime lead. He said: “In previous operational roles, I spent a number of years leading homicide investigations and dealing with the harsh consequences of knife crime and the devastation it brings to families, friends and communities.

“Later when working to deliver local policing services I saw first-hand the complexities of tackling knife crime and just how many people inside and outside of policing are committed to reducing harm to our communities.

Pic (right): Gemma Steele (left) presenting the trophy and medals to Birstall’s Veteran Ladies Team Kim Blount, Donna Corrigan and Nadine Fields

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“Introduced in 2015, Operation Sceptre has galvanised activity, dedicating a week to intensified activity twice a year. This doesn’t mean we only look at this twice a year, but Sceptre is an opportunity to really focus on our efforts to tackle knife crime at a number of levels – from engaging with young people in schools to proactive patrols and knife sweeps.

“As ever, partnership working is integral to our approach and this week will also shine a spotlight on the many initiatives where policing joins charities, local organisations and government to bring real change for our communities.

“This is an ongoing mission and one which needs collective ambition, energy and patience.”

No knives or weapons were found during the sweep on the playing field, said PC Stuart Venables. He added: “Engagement with the estates team at Birstall Parish Council confirmed that no knives or weapons have been located within the park in recent times during frequent maintenance of the area.”

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

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Duck race support GCR war weekend VISITORS TOOK a step back in time over a weekend in June, as stations along the Great Central Railway held their annual World War Two event in commemoration of life in wartime Britain.

Stations across Leicestershire, including Birstall, Rothley and Loughborough,

OUR PICTURE shows Paul Clements, (left) and Charlotte Foy from the White Horse presenting a cheque for £5936 to Kev Glover from Birstall United Juniors Football Club. The club were the main beneficiaries of the 2023 White Horse Duck race, held in May.

hosted activities and entertainment, giving visitors a taste of life in the 1940s.

Hundreds of re-enactors brought the stations and trains to life wearing period clothes, giving twenty-first century visitors the closest experience to time travel they can get. Scenes were staged throughout the weekend invoking the warring forties, including a skirmish (pictured above, and left) between Allied forces and the Germans at Birstall’s Leicester North station.

Bowls’ big weekend BIRSTALL BOWLING Club hosted two events as part of Bowls England’s Bowls’ Big Weekend, a national initiative to encourage new bowlers to try out the sport.

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Amongst the many visitors to the club were England Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jamie-Lea Marshall and Bowls England President Deepak Tanna.

If you missed out and would like to have a go at bowls, please see the contact details below.

Meanwhile, Kat Bowman, Jan Everitt, Jenni Golding and Di Hurst just missed out in qualifying for the National Championships at Leamington in the ladies county fours competition, losing to Pam Sutton’s Kingscroft four in the semi-final.

In the men’s county fours, John Hurst, Roger Cooper, Andy Wye and Shane Hayes were also one game away from qualifying, they lost to Joe Dawson’s Kingscroft four in their semi-final.

For more information about the club, please contact Steve on 07870 327568 or Diane on 0116 2676245 or visit our website www.birstallbowlingclub.co .uk.

You can also search for our Facebook page.

Pic (above): England bowler Jamie-Lea Marshall (left) with visitors to Birstall’s Bowls’ Big Weekend event: (left) Bowls England President Deepak Tanna (left) with event organiser Steve Bacon

Benefits advice CITIZENS ADVICE Charnwood advice on possible benefits available if you have a mental health problem.

Living with mental health can be challenging. It can be even more challenging if you’re unable to work because of it.

No one should have to face their problems alone. We can help you understand what benefits you could apply for to help with living costs like bills and rent.

Universal Credit You could get Universal Credit if you can’t work because of your mental health.

You could also get it if you work fewer hours or are in lower paid work because of your mental health. This will give you a set amount of money each month for living expenses and can help towards housing costs like rent.

If you’re not fit for work, you’ll need to give the Department of Work and Pensions a fit note (sick note) when you apply. You can find more information on this and how NINETY STUDENTS from the Ceto make a claim on the Citizens Advice dars Academy performed Shrek, website, www.citizensadvice.org.uk The Musical, in front of a packed Statutory Sick Pay If you’re struggling at work because of house at the Palmer Tomkinson your mental health and are too unwell to Centre. work, your employer could pay you StatutoParents, students, and the local comry Sick pay for 28 weeks. If you’re on a munity gathered to enjoy the talented zero hours contract, you can still get sick pay.

You shouldn’t be made to feel bad about asking for sick pay you’re entitled to.

If your employer says no and you’re not happy with their explanation speak to one of our Advisers.

New Style Employment and Support Allowance VISITORS TO the Great This is the main sickness benefit for Central Railway are bepeople who can’t work because of a health ing invited to stand on problem. It’s paid when Statutory Sick Pay the hotplate, feel the (SSP) ends or if you can’t get SSP. You must have paid enough national insurance heat of the fire and contributions and can get it at the same meet the engine crews. time as other benefits like Personal IndeAn extra 10 minutes has pendence Payment and Universal Credit. been added to the waiting Council Tax reduction times at Birstall’s Leicester To help with housing costs, Charnwood North station, to give passenBorough Council have a council tax reducgers a chance to experience tion and council tax support scheme that the steam and diesel locomocan reduce your council tax bill if you’re tives. on a low income. Before applying check Trains run between Loughon their website, www.charnwood.gov.uk and look for ‘Council Tax, discounts and borough and Leicester North, Exemptions’. and when they reach their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) destination, the heritage steam Sometimes our mental health can make or diesel locomotive moves to it difficult to do daily tasks like washing, the other end of the train for dressing, cooking, eating, seeing people or the return journey, a process finding your way outside. If this is happenknown in railway slang as ing to you, you might be able to apply for ‘running round’.

PIP. It isn’t means tested and it won’t be General Manager of the affected by your income or savings. You Great Central Railway, Malcolm Holmes, can also claim alongside other benefits like said: “We know so many of our visitors Universal Credit.

Attendance Allowance If you or someone you know is pension age or over, and their mental health is making it difficult to do daily living tasks like washing, dressing, eating or keeping safe at home, there are benefits to help you pay for support. Attendance Allowance won’t affect your state pension and you can CENTREBUS has started a new 128 claim it if you’re still working and earning service between Leicester, Birstall money.

(Greengate Lane), Sileby & Barrow Pension Credit Upon Soar, providing three trips a This is a weekly benefit to boost your day in each direction, per day, Monincome based on how much money you day to Saturday. have coming in and you don’t need a naThe 128 will depart from Stand SD tional insurance record.

Cedars students’ musical show performances of the young actors and actresses.

In addition to the evening shows, there was an afternoon performance for our local primary schools.

“It was an excellent opportunity for young children to experience the magic of live theatre and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment,” said a Cedars spokesper-

son.

“Our students have been working tirelessly for months to perfect their performances, dedicating two nights a week after school to rehearsals. They have set the bar high for future productions, and we cannot wait to see what they will accomplish next.”

Feel the heat at the GCR

New bus service

in St Margaret's Bus Station.

Continued on back page

now have no direct memory of steam locos when they ran on Britain’s railways, but are still fascinated by them. By changing our timetable and allowing trains to wait for longer at Leicester North, we want to encourage families to stand on the footplate of a steam engine, feel the heat of the fire and meet our engine crews. It’s part of our drive to make every visit rewarding and full of memories.”

Malcolm said: “We hope to inspire new generations to come and volunteer with us and learn to drive locomotives themselves. Once upon a time, it was said everyone wanted to grow up and be an engine driver, and we want to awaken that passion!”

Pic: a family stand on the hotplate of a loco at the GCR’s Leicester North station

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THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

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St Margaret’s hot shots WE HAVE cause for celebration at St Margaret’s Bowls Club.

At the end of last month, during a Saturday afternoon friendly match at Burbage, one of our teams scored maximum points, otherwise known as a Hot Shot. The side was made up of teams of four, with each player delivering two bowls per end. On this occasion, our team delivered all eight of their bowls closer to the jack than any of the opposition's bowls.

As you will appreciate, this is quite a rare event, which many players do not achieve in a lifetime of bowling.

The team now have a certificate to commemorate the occasion.

From St Margaret’s Co-operative Bowls Club www.smcbc.com

Pic: St Margaret’s bowlers after winning a Hot Shot at Burbage: Christine Harrison, Alex Rajczyk, Mary Linnett & Terry Kerridge

News from the churches

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

Mary's Church in Melton Mowbray, and IT IS usually 'Bats in the Belfry', but with the support and prayers of the this time it is 'Bees in the Belfry'. congregations of both St James and Our That is right; in Wanlip church there Lady and St Nicholas. is a bee problem in the belfry, which From Birstall Parish Church has, unfortunately, led to the suspension of bell-ringing practice for the time The Church: what is it? being.

‘The Church’ is not bricks and morBell-ringing training will, however, tar: families move house or a business continue to be held at St James church on Sundays from 3 - 4.30pm, and hand- has new premises, but they are still the same family or business. The Church is bell ringing practice on Thursdays at formed from every Christian who has 7.30pm. We will ring! ever lived, although our local churches There must bee something very spetoday are made up of Christians from cial about Wanlip, as you might rememthe area. The Bible describes Christians ber that some time ago, a swarm attached itself to the bench outside Wan- in a church in the same way in which you can talk about people coming togethlip Hall. Perhaps the Churchwardens er for town meetings, called out from might consider making it economically what they are doing and called together viable with Wanlip Honey? That would to meet to worship God. The Church bee really good (sorry - have got fixated belongs to God’s ‘New Creation’, which now!). will come to fruition when the Lord St James Monday Group is busy (you Jesus comes again. It is pictured in get the picture), having enjoyed a super supper and social evening at a member's many ways including as a building and also as the Body of Christ and the Bride house, which was held on a lovely, sunof Christ. ny summer's evening (I wish - it was In the Old Testament, the Temple in actually on the night of the enormous Jerusalem was the visible symbol of the thunderstorm when the heavens presence of God with His people, but opened!). But it did not dampen the now, in New Testament times, God is spirits and the enthusiasm of the mempresent in His people, His Church, by bers, which was very British! Now they His Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus said can look forward to a day trip to Newark in August, when it will be a market “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” The day, with all the fun that goes with marApostle Paul wrote to the Church in kets.

Ephesus: ‘Now therefore you are … of In June, our churchwardens were the household of God, and are built admitted during the Archdeacon's Visitaupon the foundation of the apostles and tion Service for our Deanery, held at St

prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone … in whom you also are built together for a dwelling place of God through the Spirit.’

Our hymn this month is ‘The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord’ written by Samuel John Stone (1839-1900). Stone was born in Staffordshire, studied at Pembroke College, became a curate in Windsor and, from 1874, served in London parishes until his death. Hymnologist Erik Routley wrote (in 1955): ‘“The church’s one foundation” is one of the dozen greatest hymns in English … The first time you sing it, you realize that it is saying something of importance and saying it with authority; the fiftieth time you sing it you begin to realize what a depth of doctrine and truth there is in it.”’ Stone wrote this hymn in 1866, based on the ninth article of the Apostles’ Creed.

Stone touches on membership of Jesus’ Church: ‘She is His new creation … From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride; with His own blood He bought her and for her life He died … Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth …’ He also touches on current troubles but, ‘… soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song … and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.’

You are warmly invited to join us for our Sunday services – see the Diary section for details, or contact us: http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk or 0116 2214883.

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

Check for drips SEVERN TRENT is encouraging people to check for water leaks in their homes which could be costing them hundreds of pounds each year.

You might already be familiar with some basic water-saving tips around the house, such as cutting down shower times and not running the tap when brushing their teeth, but unseen leaks could mean that they're spending more than they need on their water bill.

Customers can send a video of a suspected leak with their mobile phone to Severn Trent, where an expert engineer will review the footage and advise the customer whether they can fix it for free, or instead recommend a water-safe plumber.

Aeron Parsons, Water Efficiency Analyst at Severn Trent said: “What people may not realise is that they may be losing a lot of water each year through leaking taps, toilets or showers. While it may not sound like much, a leaking loo could waste up to 400 litres of water each day – that's the same as 700 pints, or five full bathtubs – which could cost them £300 a year if they’re on a meter!”

Once received, Severn Trent’s team of expert engineers will review the video, and if they believe that there’s a leak, will either repair it free of charge or provide details for a qualified WaterSafe plumber in the area.

Aeron continued: “It can be tricky to tell whether your toilet, tap or shower is leaking, but we’ve tried to make it really easy for customers to get an expert opinion from one of our engineers. Just by sending us a short video, we will be able to check whether there's a leak and support the customer in getting the repair made.”

For more information on how to report a suspected leak using the Vyn platform, visit stwater.co.uk and click on Send us a video of your problem or issue on the homepage.

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

Screening for Lung Cancer Lung Cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. With over 48,000 people diagnosed each year, it is also not surprisingly considered one of the most preventable. The UK has recently started to introduce a targeted screening program for lung cancer that Birstall BAGs would like to provide some information about.

What is cancer screening?

Screening means testing people for the early stages of a disease. This is before they have any symptoms. For screening to be useful, the tests: need to be reliable at picking up cancers overall must do more good than harm to people taking part must be something that people are willing to do Screening tests are not perfect and have some risks. The screening programme should also be good value for money for the NHS. It’s important to remember that lung cancer screening will not prevent you from getting cancer. It aims to find the cancer early when you have the best chance of cure.

Screening for Lung Cancer Lung cancer screening aims to find lung cancer early. This is when there are more treatment options available, and they have the best chance of cure.

In the UK, the National Screening Committee recommends that people at high risk of lung cancer are invited to screening. This is called targeted lung cancer screening The targeted lung cancer screening programme is new. So it’s likely that it will take some time before

this is available for everyone.

When it’s up and running, everyone aged between 55 and 74 who either smokes or used to smoke will get an invite for an assessment. If this shows that you are at high risk of lung cancer, you will be offered a low-dose CT scan of the lungs.

We don't have all the details on how lung screening will work yet.

For example, we don't how often people will be invited. Experts are still deciding on the best way to do the screening across the UK. In parts of England, some people are invited for a Lung Health Check. This will continue while the screening programme is being introduced.

Why has lung cancer screening been recommended?

The UK National Screening Committee is an independent organisation. They look at the research and advise on screening programmes. The committee has recently recommended that a targeted lung cancer screening programme is offered across the UK. Screening for lung cancer has never been offered in the UK before because previously the evidence wasn’t clear.

Targeted Lung Health Checks are a pilot that started in some areas of England in 2019. Experts have now looked at the evi-

dence from this pilot and other studies.

They found that screening people at high risk of lung cancer saves lives from the disease, and the benefits outweigh the harms.

It will take some time to roll out the new screening programme across the UK. This is because they need to create more

capacity to do lung assessments and CT scans.

Who has targeted lung cancer screening?

When it’s up and running, everyone at high risk of lung cancer will be invited.

It is for people who: are aged between 55 and 74 and either smoke or used to smoke What happens during lung cancer screening?

First, you have an assessment with a health professional. They ask you some questions to find out more about your lung cancer risk.

If this shows that you are at higher risk of lung cancer, you have a low-dose CT scan to take a detailed picture of your lungs.

Getting your results A specialist doctor, called a radiologist, looks for anything abnormal on the CT scan. You should hear the results within a few weeks. They will also give you information about what happens

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The benefits system can sometimes feel complicated and overwhelming, but don’t feel alone. Our Advisers are here to help.

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next.

You might have more tests if the scan shows something abnormal. You might be referred to a specialist if it shows that you may have lung cancer.

If you would like to check your eligibility please discuss it with your GP. We hope you have found this helpful, and if you would like Birstall BAGs to cover any particular cancer in this column, please do drop us an email: Birstallbags@hotmail.com For local support and information about cancer services, please contact:University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189 For more information on the funds Birstall BAGs have raised, the projects we support and forthcoming events, see www.birstallbags.co.uk or look us up on Facebook or email birstallbags@hotmail.co.uk

Planning P/23/1027/2: Land North of Birstall Leicestershire Birstall, Access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of Road 2 and 3 to the west of Phase 1 residential parcel P/23/1025/2: Birstall United F.C Meadow Lane Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4EU Erection of telecommunications pole P/23/1012/2: 22 Castlegate Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3FB Erection of single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.49m, with a maximum height of 3.57m, and height to the eaves of 2.45m P/23/0982/2: 19 Station Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3BB T1 Spruce - Fell, casting excessive shade upon house and neighbouring property. Proximity to house with exposed sail. T2 Blue Abies Reduce height to leave finished height at approx. 15ft.

P/23/1002/2: 13 Hallam Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3DN. Erection of single storey side/rear extension P/23/0980/2: 10 Sycamore Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4LT Erection of single storey side and rear extension P/23/0926/2: 13 Fieldgate Crescent Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3JE Erection of first floor side/rear extension, conversion of garage into habitable space and changes to fenestration P/23/0925/2: 276 Birstall Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4DH Erection of part single storey, part two storey extension with balcony at rear, hip to gable end roof conversion at each side of house P/23/0905/2: 4 Hallam Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3DN Erection of front, side and rear single storey extensions P/23/0888/2: 115 Roman Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4BF The erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 8.0m, with a maximum height of 3.5m, and height to the eaves of 2.9m.

P/23/0889/2: Broadnook, Land North of Birstall Leicestershire. Reserved Matters application for 154 dwellings and associated infrastructure (P/22/0333/2 relates) P/23/0913/2: 4 Bramley Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4FG. Erection of single storey side and rear extension (Revised scheme ref: P/22/1083/2 refers) P/23/0879/2: 14 Curzon Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4AA. Erection of single storey rear extensions, first-floor rear extension and raised deck (Resubmission of Planning Application ref: P/22/0898/2)

THE BIRSTALL POST JULY 2023

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