Birstall Post (482) September 2023

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Birstall he irstall os bakers No. 482 needed SEPTEMBER 2023 Dedicated Birstall PCSO retires Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

AFTER ALMOST two decades on the Birstall beat, popular Police Community Support Officer Mark Butler is retiring.

Mark, 66, said: “After almost 18 ½ years, I’m finally swapping my patrol boots for some comfy slippers as I am

retiring on August 29, 2023.

“Unfortunately, for the past three years since COVID-19 hit us all, I have been

Pic: PCSO Mark Butler will be putting his feet up after 18 years on the Birstall beat

on restricted duties, so have been unable to patrol the streets of Birstall and Wanlip, however, I have been working behind the scenes.”

Prior to the lockdown, and for the last 15 years, Mark was a constant policing presence within the villages and became a familiar face and got to know many residents in the area.

He said: “I have enjoyed walking the beat, engaging with everybody that I came across and those who required some support from the police, whether that be the most vulnerable people within our community, victims of crime or offenders. Hopefully, I’ve made a positive difference to many lives over my time on the beat.

“I really enjoyed engaging with the young people, carrying out school talks and local events and working closely with the Birstall Youth café and other youth organisations within the village.

“As I’ve often said, I’ve got the best job in the world, where I can get paid for talking to people and drinking tea.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everybody within the community, particularly the Parish Council, the Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch and the local schools, for the friendship and support they provided over the years while in my role as your Police Community Support Officer.”

AS THE schools go back and the nights get a little longer, it can only mean one thing - it’s time to don your aprons and prepare for The Great Birstall Bake Off! The event organisers are appealing to the people of Birstall to take part in the event, which this year takes place on September 23 and 24.

Charlotte Foy from the White Horse said: “The baking competition returns for its eleventh year of raising money for Macmillan, and over that time you wonderful bakers and cake eaters Continued on page 2

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Birstall Guide’s Korean adventure

A MEMBER of Girlguiding Birstall has recently returned from the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.

Florence Joyce, 14, was the only Ranger from Leicestershire to attend.

She was selected last year, along with a handful of other Girlguiding members Continued from page 1 have helped to raise over £11,000 for the cancer charity that helps so many families and no doubt has touched the lives of many in Birstall.

“So, we need local people - or anyone that’s willing to travel with their bakes (we have had entries from all over the country!) to enter one or more of our categories of Cupcakes /Traybakes, Cakes, Biscuits, International, pastry, Bread, Free from, Best decorated and Best under 16.

There is also a big prize for the best in show!

“There are always some wonderful prizes for our winners, so why not get involved? We have a children’s category too, and love all the entries we get from the kids, so why not get the whole family baking and have a family competition too? Wooden spoons at dawn!

“The baking entries need to be bought to The White Horse pub between 912noon, on Saturday September 23, where it all gets judged in the afternoon by a panel of experts, including last year’s winners and the lovely ladies from the WI! “On Sunday 24, from 11am, we need even more people to come to the pub

across the Midlands, to attend with a Scout group from Warwickshire. Florence raised £4,000 to cover her travel and kit costs by hosting glass fusion workshops, cake sales, and by making and selling ‘grass heads’.

In Seoul, the group was greeted by rain but not deterred as they explored local food markets and met the very

friendly local people.

When they arrived at the Jamboree in Saemangeum, the ground was still wet, but with true Guiding and Scouting spirit, the group persevered and set up their tents. Florence then attended the opening ceremony alongside and buy and eat all the cake as part of the other 45,000 particMacmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morn- ipants. ing. The cake sale has a wonderful garThe next day, Florden party atmosphere with music, a ence took part in variraffle, bunting and entertainment for ous activities, including children, and the winners are given their traditional paper-makrosettes and prizes.” ing and climbing.

“Everyone that enters tells us how When activities were much fun they have had getting involved, paused while organisand many categories have been won by ers handled the difficomplete baking novices in the past, so cult conditions on site, please don’t think being new to baking is an excuse - let this be your moment to shine and discover a new hobby!” said Beccy Kay Founder of the competition.

“We love to make up some super hampers for the prize winners and raise some extra money via a raffle, so if anyone or any local businesses would like to donate something suitable for this, then you’d be helping out too!” she added.

The organisers would love to have a bouncy castle again this year, and anyone who knows a local supplier who might give a good rate for this charitable cause should contact the White Horse.

For more information, see the White Horse Birstall Facebook page. For entry forms, download one from the White Horse website www.thewhitehorsebirstall.co.uk or pop into the pub to pick one up.

Pics: (left) Guide Florence Joyce & (above) with a friend dressed in traditional Korean clothing

the ever-resourceful participants arranged badge swap stations in the shade tunnels and spent time meeting other international members. When the UK Continued on page 3

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

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Continued from page 2 contingent left the Jamboree to relieve pressure on the site, they travelled back to Seoul to continue their adventure.

Kind and apologetic locals gifted chocolate bars, face masks, and even theatre

Annual fundraiser for Gunns’ Gym A SPONSORED fun run around Watermead Country Park helped raise funds for Gunns’ boxing gym.

The annual Campbell Run is named after gym member Dylan Campbell, 16, who was killed by a speeding car in Birstall in 2018. Around 60 young people took part.

After the run, on Sunday August 6, gym members, supporters and their families gathered in Birstall Village Hall for a party featuring food, drink and entertainment

and football game tickets.

Activities in the following days included ‘Seoul searching’, where participants made their way around the city to find different things and other international Scouts. They were also able to see the sights, including going up the Seoul N and Sky Towers, visiting the Gangnam area, a historical prison and war memorial, and the base camp at the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. At times, Florence and her friends felt like celebrities, with many locals keen to take photographs and selfies with them!

Florence’s personal highlight of the trip was going to a temple in traditional Korean clothing called Hanbok. For the girls, this meant wearing dresses consisting of seven layers of fabric - petticoats and overskirts topped with coloured silk fabrics. The boys also wore Hanbok suits with trousers, tunics and swords, which they all loved and felt awesome in (but also very hot!).

Finally, all the participants were able to come back together to enjoy the closing ceremony - a spectacular K-Pop concert and fireworks!

Florence loved her three weeks in Korea, although it was not the jamboree experience she planned for. She and her friends spent time interacting with the local people, shops and markets and having a truly unforgettable experience.

Florence wishes to thank everyone who supported her on this adventure, from the amazing leaders who looked after her on the trip, and her leaders in Girlguiding Birstall, who have given her the confidence to be able to go on this adventure, to all those who helped her fundraising efforts and the people asking after her while she was away. The support of the amazing community in Birstall has really meant the world.

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

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Pics: A full village hall enjoying the show organised by Carl Gunns (inset)

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Carl Gunns said: “I think the turnout was the biggest we've ever had, you just couldn’t move in the village hall! I’m grateful to all who gave us raffle prizes including a voucher from the White Horse and one from Carl at Birstall Fisheries.

“We were presented with a beautiful cake in the shape of a boxing ring, it really was special, brought in by Sophia and baked by her gran.”

The event raised £300 for the upkeep of the Birstall Road gym, which is open six days a week with around 300 young people attending regularly.

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Parish Council notes

Birstall Boots best for service BIRSTALL’S BRANCH of Boots the chemist has received an award from Boots’ bosses for their excellent customer service.

The award recognises the Birstall branch as providing the best customer service in the area, and the staff have been shortlisted for a larger regional celebration for Boots later this year.

Jagruti Ranchhod, Store Manager, Boots Sibson Road, Birstall, said: “We pride ourselves on offering excellent

service to our customers in Birstall and were thrilled to receive this recognition in our area. Everything we do is to serve our local community, and we always strive to make sure our customers have a great experience in store, so it feels nice to have been recognised for this.

“We are also super excited to receive a nomination for the regional event later this year and are keeping our fingers crossed!”

Pic: The award winning Birstall Boots team

Young Leicestershire consider forming A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish links with existing youth groups in the Council was held on August 14. village, such as sporting groups, to widChairman Robert Vincent reported en the activities that take place at the there had been several comments from youth club. the public praising the hanging baskets PC Stuart Venables and PCSO John along Sibson Road, and he thanked the Harrison presented the crime report.

Estate's Team for the baskets and the The local police team were thanked planting on the roundabout.

County Councillor Dan Grimley report- for the assistance it had provided at the gala, and for dealing with an issue with ed that bus shelters will be erected on local shops. PC Venables reported that Loughborough Road near Red Hill burglary figures for April and May were roundabout in September. low and that a prolific Birstall burglar The chief executive officer of Young had been remanded in custody. In reLeicestershire, Alison Jolley, reported to sponse to a question, he said that burglacouncillors on the youth work activities ries occurred across the village, and they are providing, on behalf of the were not clustered. council, from the School Lane pavilion.

The council considered new costings The youth club had previously been from artist Giles Meakin regarding the open two evenings a week, catering to Covid mural, originally planned for a different age groups. These have now wall in the car park on The Crossways, been merged into a single session, and and to consider proceeding with the since then attendance has increased. mural project.

Meetings have taken place to discuss Comment was made that the project the possibility of providing sessions suitawas not universally popular. ble for young people with learning disaPutting the artwork on PVC panels bilities. would have the advantage of it being Ms Jolley reported that the youth club promoted itself on social media and sent mobile.

It was agreed to pay Mr Meakin for information to local schools. the work he has done on the project so There had been an incident earlier far, which has included workshops with this summer where staff and users had local school pupils. Their artwork will felt threatened by some visitors to the form the basis of the design. café. Since then, Young Leicestershire It was agreed to move ahead with the has reviewed the facility’s risk assessproject, by having the artwork printed ment and redone its safeguarding trainonto four PVC banners which will be 5 ing. There have been no further feet tall. The cost will be £766. The incidents.

Cllr Kirsty Haywood suggested that Continued on page 5

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

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Continued from page 4

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

estimate for The Crossways car park mural was £3520.

The council considered a proposal to buy six aluminium ‘Tommy’ soldier statues, to be placed around the route taken by the Remembrance parade.

Local businesses would be invited to sponsor the statues, which cost £175 each. It was agreed to purchase six statues, subject to permission being obtained for installation on The Triangle roundabout.

The council considered the continuation of arranging an annual civic service and lunch.

Comment was made about how inclusive the event was, and whether or not it was outdated. It was agreed to proceed with the service at Saint Theresa’s this year, and the events committee to consider a new approach for 2024.

The council received a report from Age UK detailing the use of the assisted bathing service, which is provided at the Age UK Day Centre in the village hall. Comment was made that more effort should be made promoting the service to Birstall residents, and it was agreed to write to Age UK, urging them to widen their promotion to local residents.

Birstall couple’s 60th anniversary

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A BIRSTALL couple are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary later this month.

Linda and Ron Cavers were married in St Peters Church, Belgrave, and have lived in Birstall for over 50 years.

They met in a Rothley pub, where a darts game was going on; men versus women.

“I noticed him, and that was it,” said Linda.

“There was a touch of hands as we swapped the darts.”

Linda was 17 when they met, and Ron was 19.

They married two years later and had one daugh-

Pic: Linda & Ron Cavers in the garden at their Birstall home and (left) on their wedding day

ter, Cheryl.

Ron, 82, began his working life as a telephone engineer and ended it at Jelson, as company secretary.

Linda, 80, worked in hosiery before a career in retail, at Fenwicks in the fashion department.

Linda said: “People have often said it’s like we are joined at the hip. Everything I do, I do with

Ron in mind, and he feels the same way.”

The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with close family at the Wheatsheaf in Woodhouse.

The October issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 29.

The copy deadline is Sep 18.

Simon now a disability rights campaigner

A BIRSTALL man’s experience of paralysis and his long road to recovery is the subject of a documentary film released in 2022.

After a routine visit to his chiropractor in 2104, Simon Sansome’s legs gave way on his walk back to his car. This would be the last time he would ever walk again.

Newlywed Simon, now 41, awoke the next day paralysed and was rushed to hospital. His doctor reviewed his injury and decided on a treatment plan, unknowingly causing irreversible damage, leaving Simon severely paralysed.

The last time Simon ever made love to his new wife Kate, they had conceived a child. While Simon was in hospital, the couple lost their baby along with any chance of ever conceiving again.

Being told he may never sit up and losing the family they so wanted, Simon told Kate she should leave, but Kate stayed with him. Through months of hospitalisation, Kate kept her job, their home and everything they had built together. Little by little, Simon regained the ability to sit; he knew if he could sit,

he could work.

Simon was finally released from the hospital for care at home, but the struggles were far from over. He lost his job, and the impact on their income meant they were facing losing their home. He was paralysed and facing the worst.

The documentary, ‘Access All Areas’, tell Simon and Kate’s story, and how Simon used his experience to help, support and advise thousands of disabled people Pics: (above) Simon with wife Kate & (right) with around the UK. the actors that portray them in the docu-drama, Olly Simon was born Bassi & Sarah Jane Honeywell and brought up in Interviewed by The Birstall, attending Riverside, Stonehill Mirror, Simon said: “It is and Longslade schools before being only because of Kate that elected as a Birstall borough councillor I am here today. She in 2014. He is now a disability rights could have walked away, campaigner. but she stayed with me.

“After four months, I managed to sit up for about 30 seconds, before I collapsed and passed out.

“But realising I could sit up for 30 seconds, despite losing all the muscle mass in my body, I knew I could build my core strength and eventually sit up for longer. I knew if I could sit up, I could sit in the car, I could drive, I could sit at a desk, and I could do something with my life. That is when it hit me.

It was not about what I could not do, but what I could. I could have lived quietly on benefits for the rest of my life,

but I decided to grab life by the horns and try to make something of it.

“That is what I believe I have done.

I am fighting for equality and inclusion for the disabled community because if I do not, I feel I would slip into oblivion.

“The one thing I am most proud of is the Snowball Community app, it is like TripAdvisor for the disabled community. It lets people rate services and businesses according to how disability-friendly they are, so people won’t get turned away from restaurants, pubs and venues as they can already see if a place is accessible.

“My disability has given me a passion and a burning in my belly to try to improve the quality of life for others, and it has also given me confidence to do things I would never have done.”

‘Access All Areas’ is available to view on a number of streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime.

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

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James Curtis

Henry Smith

7

Reece Barker

Awards for training FOUR BOXERS at Birstall’s Tactical Basement Boxing Club have received awards recognising their progress in training.

Henry Smith and James Curtis, students at the Cedars Academy, received a bronze award. Reece Barker from Thur-

maston and Declan Squires from Syston received the Bronze Merit Award.

Anyone wishing to join the club, which trains at the Birstall Social Club, for sessions on Monday and Friday from 7pm to 8pm, can contact Dean Spencer on 0797 951 1501.

Pic: Declan Squires (left) with trainer Dean Spencer

Longslade reunion EX LONGSLADE Pupils from 1970-80 met at a school reunion at Birstall Village Cricket Club.

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

Around 40 people attended on July 16, and while many were local to the village, some had travelled from as far away as Belfast and Blackpool.

Elaine Hunt said: “Old stories were

shared, old friendships renewed, and a few teachers were mentioned - mostly good! Thanks to everyone who bought raffle prizes and tickets. We raised £86 for Birstall Bags.”

The money will be added to that already raised by the cricket club and handed over at the end of the cricket season.

Pic: Former Longslade students meet up

Noticeboard all details printed free Photographic Exhibition that captures life in and around Leicester’s Melton Road comes to Leicester Museum and Art Gallery from September 9 This Golden Mile is the work of Kavi Pujara, who began to photograph the neighbourhoods close to Leicester’s Golden Mile as a way to reconnect with the city, its residents and his own past after 30 years of living in London.

Kavi Pujara is a self-taught photographer. He works as a film editor for the BBC alongside independently making personal, long-term documentary photo projects. He was one of the winners in the British Journal of Photography, Portrait of Britain 2020 and recipient of a Martin Parr Foundation photographic bursary in 2020.

This Golden Mile opens at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery on 9 September and runs until 31 March 2024. Entry to the museum is free. For opening timesvisit www.leicestermuseums.org

Coffee Morning & Sale at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7PR to be held on

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 handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Mural I noted in the August edition of the “Birstall Post” that a covid mural is proposed as an addition to the Crossway car park.

Yes, the Covid epidemic was a very bleak time. But this mural could acknowledge the lives of those people that lived in Birstall who died as a result of the Covid outbreak.

Not a lot of money to spend in order to remember them.

Carol Withers

Saturday 21st October 2023 10am to 12 noon stalls to include Cakes, Handicrafts, Books, Bric A Brac, Greetings Cards, Gifts, Plants, Tombola Raffle Everyone Welcome £1 Entrance, to Include Coffee/Tea & Biscuits All monies to be used in research in Leicester University and University Hospitals

Charnwood Arts Society Meets 7.30pm, Church Rooms Quorn.

Autumn Meetings: Thur 12th Oct: Conserving Books of the National Trust How old books of various construction and age are cared for.

Thur 9th Nov: They Make no Noise. The Art of the Conductor How the conductor determines the direction of an orchestra.

Thur 14th Dec: The Curious History of Christmas Food How it's changed with illustrations from medieval manuscripts to 19th century prints 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 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 perform for us once again this year.

30th Sept: Ann Marie Fraser Friday 29th music quiz starting at 8.30pm Room hire available for wakes, ring 07894715049

Dementia & Support through Fellowship 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

Belgrave Heritage Trust An afternoon talk by Denis Kenyon on The work of the at risk War Memorial Project.

Tuesday 12th September at 2pm Cross Corners Community Art Centre Thurcaston Road Leicester LE4 5PF All welcome. £4.50 includes refreshments

Talk by Louise Morse at Birstall Methodist Church Sat 23rd September 2023 10.30am to 3pm & also on ZOOM For details or to book a place contact: Charles Hilton Email: chashilton@me.com Tel: 0782 839 4276

Birstall Tea Dances Held at St James, Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DH Fridays 3.30 – 5.30pm September 15 & 29 £6 each on the door Tea / coffee included Home made cakes available, We ask for donations

Friday Night Films

Birstall Royal British Legion Club 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 2nd Sept: Karen west female vocalist 16th Sept: Adam James male vocalist in Thurcaston “Operation Mincemeat” (Sep 8, 128 mins) In 1943, German forces had occupied Europe so the Allies were determined to launch an assault on Hitler’s troops but these Allies needed to be protected. British officers fabricated an almost absurd disinformation plan to trick the German commanders. Starring Matthew MacFadyen and Colin Firth, this is a superbly clever U.K. espionage film, based on a reallife WW 11 Operation.

“A Man called Otto” (Oct 13, 124 mins) Tom Hanks is one of our favourite actors. In our humorous October film, which was nominated for two Academy Awards, Tom Hanks plays a cantankerous widower.

Otto is continually disapproving of his neighbours’ ways, until a new family sees beyond his grumpiness. Will this unexpected friendship turn Otto’s life around?

“The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” will be shown on November 10.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

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films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw and refreshments during the interval.

You can pay for your tickets at the door, if there are any left, or buy in advance from: Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619 Have you any time to help support

Rothley village Community Library?

Birstall Methodist Monday Group

Cedar Care Circle

Birstall Flower Club

Hi everyone. I hope you're all well. The summer has been a little wet to say the least, here's hoping for a balmy September! Our next meetings will be on September 11 & 25. Venue is Brunchies Café, Hallam Fields Road, Birstall from 1pm.

If you care for someone who has been diagnosed with dementia you will probably be feeling overwhelmed and possibly isolated.

24/7 caring takes its toll. Come along and chat with us. We all understand how frustrated and angry the situation can make you feel.

Enjoy a break, discuss how you feel, ask questions, between us we try to help. Lisa and the girls are so lovely looking after us. We are very fortunate to be able to get together in a social setting with all the amenities that the cafe provides. If you'd like to chat first call me on 07905760556, my name is Barbara.

Loughborough Concert Band presents

at All Saints’ Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston Sat September 23 6.30pm for 7pm This year’s theme is music from films and television -something for everyone!

Tickets £10 (under 16s free) includes a glass of wine (or soft drink) and light refreshments at the interval Please order your tickets from Jane Westby 0116 235 2226 mowestby@virginmedia.com

Wed Sept 27, 2023 Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm Demonstrator: Lynne Sharpe Title: My Floral Gems Visitors £5 Queries to: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437

the Coffee Shop Sept 7: Cheque presentation to Cedar Care Circle Sept 14: Amongst ourselves Sept 21: A.G.M. Sept 28: Antiques with Chris Greaves For more information contact June 0116 2675615

The October issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 29.

The copy deadline is Sep 18.

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Sunday September 24, 2023 10.45amVenue: The Day Centre, The Village Hall, Birstall Road, (junction with School Lane) Birstall (LE4 4DH) Birstall Independent Baptist Church Enquiries: 0116 221 4883 http://www.birstallbaptistchurch. org.uk

Birstall Methodist Thursday Group welcomes old and new lady members to our new season of weekly meetings, 2pm each Thursday in

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

Programme for September 2023 The Birstall Methodist Monday Group meets at 7.30pm in The Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop every Monday evening (apart from Bank Holidays). Our Autumn Programme will recommence in September after the summer break.

The following are details of our

The Band Sounds Out

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We are still looking for additional volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare each week or fortnight please think about your local library. The Library runs entirely on voluntary help from a friendly and committed team. We are looking to increase the numbers of people we have to help during opening hours.

Currently volunteer do so on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Training at a time and date to suit you.

Contact us via the email below if you are interested in volunteering or want more information info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co. uk

September Programme. Please note that we will be choosing our Project for 2023/2024 at our AGM on 11 Sept. We look forward to seeing you all again – please bring a friend if you wish – it would be good to welcome new faces! Please contact Eileen 2929670 for further details.

4 Sept: Quiz Night with Diane 11 Sept: Cheque Presentation to MND – followed by AGM 18 Sept: ‘My Childhood Memories’ Graham Tennant 25 Sept: Harvest Supper (Bring and Share)

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Current Priorities Charnwood Police Burglaries Local Police are aiming to reduce burglaries at domestic dwellings in the area Local Officers will engage with the community proving crime prevention advice, and encourage the use of security measures to make properties more secure. Attending reports of burglaries to secure any evidence and pursue reasonable lines of enquiries to identify any New Service, New Scams offenders.

It is becoming common for car park Vehicle Crime charges to be paid through a phone app Tackling all elements of vehicle crime rather than by putting coins into a maPolice aim to tackle different elements chine. This can be very convenient, but of vehicles crime such as theft, TWOC we should not be surprised to learn that and ASB caused by vehicles scammers are using this development to Police aim to tackle vehicle crime devise new ways to trick us out of our through the use of Problem management hard-earned cash. profiles. This will be targeted patrol The Which? Scam Alert Service is times to disrupt the use of ASB with warning about a new trick - people who vehicles, and disruption tactics on a believe that they are signing up to comwider scale using specialist officers. pletely legitimate parking apps, such as Theft and associated offences will be JustPark, Parkonomy, PayByPhone and targeted by pursuing reasonable lines of Ringgo, find instead that they are comenquiry to assist identify and prosecute mitted to a £39.99 regular monthly offenders in a timely manner subscription to a company called AlltainTackling County Lines ment, for what is described as an ‘enterPolice are developing and targeting tainment package’. people within the area that are drug Which? researchers who searched on dealing, exploiting vulnerable people by Google for the genuine JustPark app cuckooing addresses and causing antifound that the top result was for a websocial behaviour from this type of crime. site called uk.apkpac[.com], which Gathering intelligence from the comprimarily promotes apps and games. The munity, providing a robust response by webpage appears to include a link to executing search warrants, and applying download the JustPark app, but it actual- any necessary closures order to stop ly hosts a number of 'clickable' adverts criminality and protect the public. for Alltainment, which seem to be deBirstall Specific signed in such a way that someone Drugs - Development of intelligence would assume that they are linked to Local officers are out and about within different sites.

Birstall and Wanlip, speaking to local A variation of this scam tricks people residents to gather current/accurate into simply scanning QR Codes, either in information and intelligence that can be person or online, through websites and acted upon in order to hold drug unofficial app stores that are also linked dealers/users accountable, which will to Alltainment. subsequently make our streets a safer This appears to be a growing probplace. lem with QR Codes. They are a very Road Safety - Excess Speed - Speeding convenient way to link to all sorts of vehicles is an ongoing issue on our things but are impossible to read with roads, that is very well established. As a the human eye. Make sure that they policing team, we will be out on the come from a known and trusted source roads at locations highlighted by local before you scan them. residents on a sporadic basis. Please Genuine companies make their apps watch your speed. available through reputable sources like If you are concerned about road Microsoft Store, Apple App Store and safety in Birstall & Wanlip —Request Google Play. There is no need to use enforcement and make a difference. Find other, unofficial app stores if the app out more by visiting the Leicester, Leicesyou require is available from these trust- tershire & Rutland Road Safety Partnered sites, but a great need to be very ship website: www.speedorsafety.com wary if they are not! where you can complete a short CommuYou can report scam ads directly to nity Concern Site Request. the relevant platform and the Advertising A message from PC 1365 Stu Venables Standards Authority (ASA). While the ASA Unfortunately since the last block of only regulates ads from legitimate busiBurglaries within Birstall (the last one nesses, it notifies all participating platbeing 21st of May 2023) we have had a forms with key details of reported scam few more that have now been reported adverts, so that they can be identified these are as follows; and removed.

- Shed (between 08th July & 12th If you give away your bank details or July) lose money to a scam, phone your bank - 2 x Business premises— (overnight immediately using the number it supplies, between 14th & 15th of July) for example, on your card or statement.

- Residential (between 12th & 15th If you become aware of a scam or have July) been affected by one, report it to Action - Residential (29th July) Fraud so that other possible victims can We have been able to identify 2 x be warned about it as soon as possible. suspects related to the residential BurglaKeep safe from crime. ries— One of the suspects was arrested Ed Chambers, Watch Chairman and stolen property was recovered—very likely they will be charged and sent to court (currently on police bail) and the

NHW news

& crime report

Pic: Birstall Beat Team (l-r) PC1365 Stu Venables, PCSO 6389 Nuala Sherlock, PCSO 6174 Jon Harrison

2nd where no further action was taken as per the wishes of the victims.

The business premises are still under investigation and being linked to others around the county and the shed burglary has been closed, due to lack of evidence, albeit I am still trying to gather information surrounding this.

In relation to the male that has featured along the Sibson Road over recent months, we are making some good progress in regards to addressing this behaviour and we have recently seen a reduction in the anti-social behaviour being reported. This is being closely monitored and we are working with a multi-agency approach to secure the best outcome.

I hope you are all enjoying the summer holidays, kids will soon be back to school. I am really pleased to say that during the summer holidays on the whole the kids have been well behaved, which is great to see.

Just a heads up that we have seen an increase in vehicle crime locally, specifically within Anstey. Please do not leave anything of value in your vans or cars and certainly nothing on display as these criminals are skulking around and will take advantage of opportunistic situations.

Please be extra vigilant during this time and ensure that you report any suspicious activity without delay, as this will help us to keep the pressure on the criminals that live amongst us. If you see a crime in progress please call 999.

If you could help us out, we are trying to get everyone in Birstall & Wanlip signed up to Neighbourhood Link, which is where we shared up-to-date information which is mostly email based and allows you to privately respond. Please see further details by visiting the website: www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk I would like to inform you that Sergeant Alice Forfar has now moved onto another area/department and therefore we are awaiting a new sergeant to be allocated to the team. I will hopefully be able to update you soon, once they have been appointed.

Lastly, PCSO 6611 Mark Butler has now retired after 18 & 1/2 years of service within Birstall and Wanlip, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark for all his efforts over the years, he has been a really inspiration and pleasure to work with. Mark has tutored many new PCSO’s the majority of which have since joined as Police Officers included in that is myself and Sergeant Alice Forfar amongst many more and he will be missed, despite the fact I am sure we will still see him from time to time walking around Birstall in his slippers.

Good Luck with your retirement Mark and enjoy it.

All the best and stay safe PC 1365 Stu Venables

Crime Figures Birstall and Wanlip 1.8.23 – 18.8.23 All other theft offences, 4 Burglary, 2 Criminal damage, 6 Drug trafficking, 1 Drug possession, 1 Public disorder, 2 Vehicle crime, 5 Violence with injury, 6 Violence without injury, 9 Events Beat Surgery: Located at the Robert Dickinson Building on Sibson Road (within the Short Stay car park) - on the following dates/times.

- 03rd September 2023 (10am 12pm) - 16th September 2023 (10am 12pm) - 24th September 2023 (10am 12pm) Beat Surgery: Located at Wanlip Church and Community Hall, Riverside Mews, LE74PH, on the following dates/times.

- 24th September 2023 (1 - 2pm) Please feel free to attend, to meet your local officer, ask any questions or discuss any community concerns you may have. Additionally local residents can bring their cycles to the surgeries to have them officially marked for free.

Information regarding the scheme can be found on the website: www.bikeregister.com or explained on the day.

Upcoming events We are holding a Bike Register event between 12noon and 3.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28, at St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall which will be part of the Summer Fete. Feel free to bring along you cycle and get it marked for free.

We also have a roads policing operation scheduled to take place in Birstall within September 2023. We will be targeting a wide range of offences, seat belt, mobile phone, drink/drug driving and speeding as well as e-scooters and illegal e-cycles.

From the Birstall Beat Team

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

10

Runners’ Watermead challenge OVER 370 keen amateur runners and fun runners took part in the 13th Watermead Challenge on July 4.

Organised by the Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley, the event saw the 5-mile traditional route around Watermead Country Park and the reintroduction of a 3-mile fun run.

Rotary Club Nigel Coleman said: “The Watermead Challenge is a big part of our calendar and once again we have been so well supported by the large number of entrants. Most importantly, we were indebted to the superb management of the event by our Race Director and his team of helpers.

“This year, we reintroduced the 3-mile fun run, and I spoke to several people who said it was their first fun run and that it was a very safe and friendly atmosphere”.

The club always attracts a good field of runners from many local running clubs, and all the results can be seen on the Watermead Run Facebook page.

Nigel said: “A special mention goes to male runner Dan Hallam in a winning

HATS’ December panto preparations

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR Theatrical not every character is human either.

Society’s next panto will be “Lit- Intrigued?

Our amazing props member, Phil tle Panto of Horrors”, a pantoWalton, is once again going to be very mime by (and with the busy. He has already started to think permission of) Limelight Scripts, about the huge amount of work he will have to do and has made a start. So, directed this year by Micheal pencil the dates in your diary and make Smith.

sure you don’t miss this fabulous show.

Sue Withers from HATS reports: And check out our Facebook page for Micheal, and all of the HATS members, regular updates/photos of our rehearsals. are looking forward to bringing you a Dates for your diary: fabulous show: we can’t wait to get startDecember 7, 8 & 9 in the evening, ed. with an additional matinee performance The roles have been cast and have on the 9th. resulted in some very happy faces. ReVenue: Birstall Social Club 16-18 hearsals have started and have already Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS. resulted in some hilariously funny epiTickets: £7 and £6 concession. £22 sodes, not all scripted, I might add. for a family ticket (two adults and two That’s the joy and fun of belonging to our group, we can all laugh at ourselves children).

Discount for group bookings of 10 or and each other, and we ultimately want more people. our audience to do the same too. There Box Office: 0116-2209594 and 07948 is nothing better than laughter to lift 796675 your mood and feel like a child again.

Facebook: Yes, as I’ve said previously, pantos are www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/ not just for children, they are for all ages.

What better way for adults to find their inner child again, than to sit through a performance with a bag of sweets? Obviously, if you can bring a child or children with you, that would be brilliant, but feel free to come without them too.

So, the flavour of this panto is a little different from the traditional, as you might have guessed from the title, but it still has all the elements of what Pic: Prop maker a traditional panto includes: Phil Walton dame, villain, comedy etc, and

Pic: Runners taking part in the Watermead Challenge

time of 25.53 minutes and female runner Clare Frankland in a winning time of 28.31 minutes.”

The event has raised over £4,000, and this will be used by the Rotary Club to support numerous projects locally, nationally and internationally.

“Big thanks to all the runners and to the many volunteers who made it all possible.

See you all again in 2024,” said Nigel.

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Club’s Memorial day BOWLS CLUB Memorial Day is a popular event in the calendar at St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club.

It honours and remembers club members who have passed away over the years. The afternoon of Sunday August 13, provided perfect bowling conditions, with a gentle breeze and light cloud.

Teams of three were drawn out of a hat

from the 30 players taking part. There were four matches spread over the afternoon, each played to five ends. With this format, the whole thing moves at a brisk pace and ensures a variety of opponents.

The winning team, Pete Woods, Rachel Smith and Mick Marlow, were presented with the Memorial Trophy.

The trophy was originally provided by the family of John Cort, who played for the club for many years. The afternoon, organised by John Foulds and Mary Linnet, was rounded off with delicious samosas, scones and tea.

From St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club Pic: Trophy winners - Pete Woods, Rachel Smith and Mick Marlow

Hearing dogs visit Birstall group MOST PEOPLE are aware that dogs can be trained to help people who are visually-impaired – not so many know that dogs can be trained to help people with hearing loss too.

Birstall Lipreading Group were lucky to meet two Hearing Dogs, Zyla and Grace, when we were visited by Merleen Watson, a volunteer for Hearing Link Services earlier this year.

Merleen gave an excellent presentation outlining the support offered by the charity; they believe that everyone should receive the support necessary to live life to its fullest potential.

Whilst not everyone with hearing loss will require the services of a Hearing Dog, many may benefit from the range of services that Hearing Link has to offer.

This could be practical advice on assistive devices, or more personalised support and guidance. For more information about Hearing Link Services, please visit: https://www.hearinglink.org/ If you have hearing loss and would like to meet others to socialise, share ideas and improve your lipreading skills, please consider joining our lipreading group. We meet weekly during term time at Birstall Library on Saturday mornings. All ages and abilities are welcome. Your first session is free of charge, so you have nothing to lose!

Here’s what some of our members say about the group:

‘It’s exercised my brain, is great fun with lovely people and is very informative.’

‘It’s good to learn a new skill & helps me feel I can do something to make my struggles with hearing loss more manageable.’

‘It is helpful to me to find a group of people who understand the issues loss of hearing can raise & to learn about possible resources & coping strategies’ ‘I feel like I’ve found my tribe.’

‘I cannot express to you how much these sessions have helped me, not just with regard to the reading of lips, but also with me coming to terms with my hearing loss and having a friendly supportive place to discuss how I feel about it.’

For more information about Birstall Lipreading Group (and other classes available) please contact Jenny Cluley: Email: jenny@readinglips.online Text: 07889 544997 From Jenny Cluley, Lipreading Tutor Pic: Meet Grace: she is a ‘Hearing Dog’ puppy-in-training, sponsored by the Birstall Lipreading Group

River litter pick A VOLUNTEER group led by Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) meet monthly to pick up litter from the River Soar.

At their July litter pick, they filled 28 bags and recovered a fridge and a mountain bike.

A spokesperson for LOPC said: “We meet up once every month and spend half a day paddling along the river and picking up as much rubbish as we can in that time.

“We try to keep the river as clean as we can, and also collect litter from the banks and towpaths too. We welcome people who

said the LOPC spokesperson.

They added: “As you contribute to improving the environment for all users, we find our litter pick team enjoy a great sense of satisfaction from the positive impact made on the environment. At times we have literally collected a full truck of rubbish from the river in a

single session, which really makes you feel like you’re making a difference to the river environment.”

Over the past five years, the group has collected more than 17 skips worth of litter from the river and riverbank.

Upcoming Litter Picks Wednesday 13th September 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm want to walk alongside the river collectSunday 22nd October 2023, 12:30pm ing litter, while others can reach litter – 3:30pm from boats.

Saturday 18th November 2023, “This is a great opportunity to get out 9:30am – 12:30pm canoeing, meet new people and feel Saturday 16th December 2023, good about having a positive impact on 9:30am – 12:30pm our environment.”

There is a £3 charge to cover our Every year tonnes of rubbish is costs and purchase litter-picking equipthrown, dumped or finds its way into the ment.

River Soar.

How to get involved “As well as being a hazard to wildlife, You can book your space at it also completely ruins the place spoilwww.lopc.co.uk. ing what should be a pleasant place for Click on the “Individuals, Families people to come and enjoy, whether it’s a and Clubs” link canal boat trip, going canoeing or kayakTel: 0116 2681426. ing, or even a walk along the riverside,”

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

12

Red Hill allotments’ open day RED HILL ALLOTMENT site held an open day on August 19.

Pic: Martin Finnemore with a marrow

The organisers delivered a fun event for all the family, with home-made produce and allotment-grown fruit and vegetables for sale.

There were refreshments, competitions, children's activities, and a scarecrow trail.

Plots on the site are available to rent; call 07707 973018 for more details.

Pic: Serving cake are Sandra Holyoake (left) & Ella Clayton

Pics: (above) Krzysztof ‘Chis’ & Malgorzata ‘Margaret’ Gula were winners of Best Allotment in the City as well as best allotment, Belgrave Allotment Society; Donald Trump was voted the best scarecrow

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THE BIRSTALL POST

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

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Hallam Fields school end of term art HALLAM FIELDS Primary School hosted its whole-school end-ofyear art exhibition in June.

It was an opportunity for children across all year groups to showcase the artwork they produced this term.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) children created animal silhouettes which they glued onto coloured backgrounds. The Year 1 Bears moulded their own clay figures - based on the work of British sculptor Antony Gormley - while Year 2 painted a fiery landscape based on The Great Fire of London.

Putting a modern spin on it though, the children included some iconic landmarks such as London Bridge, Big Ben and the London Eye. The Year 3 children, inspired by their research on Stephanie Peters’ natural

THE COMMUNITY group have delivered quilts and angel gowns to the LRI.

disasters artwork, created their own pastelbased colourings of erupting volcanoes.

The Badgers in Year 4 created their own printing blocks based on their India topic, and Year 5 created their own tile paintings inspired by their work on early Islamic geometric and

vegetal patterns.

Alongside their art, each child also produced a linked piece of writing; these ranged from reflections on their work to newspaper articles.

“We would like to thank the children for their efforts alongside all the adults who supported, and we are looking forward to hosting our next exhibition in the autumn term,” said teacher Mr Spedding.

Helping our Community LE4 Birstall

We have also gifted locally some dementia muffs and twiddle items. If you care for someone with dementia locally, these are available free from the group.

With our own fundraising and dona-

Fundraising for Birstall man A FUNDRAISING event for the family of a Birstall man, who was killed in car crash, was held at the Crown Pub in Anstey in July.

Officers were called to the crash involving a BMW in Leicester Road, Anstey, at about 10:30am on Saturday March 18, 2023.

Kieran Andrews, 26, of Wanlip Lane, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 22-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop following a collision, was released on bail.

The police have now concluded their investigation into the accident and

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THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

Pic: dementia muffs and twiddle items

tions made to #payitforward we have been able to make a substantial donation to a local family to enable them to make memories at a very difficult time.

Birstall Running Club, which is a great asset to Birstall, were appealing for donations to replace the club “trolley.”

We were very pleased to be able to do this.

A big thank you to everyone for generously donating items for an army veteran who has been homeless for seven months and has been given a property.

He was delighted with all the items gifted and we wish him well for the future.

If you feel we can help in anyway, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

0789 499 5164

Dementia talk Come and try the imaginarium A DEMENTIA expert how social groups, espeis giving a talk in cially Churches, can become more open and Birstall.

inviting to both carers Louise Morse is the and sufferers. author of several books All are welcome to on old age, including attend the full session, dementia. She is a which will run into the Cognitive Behaviour afternoon until about Therapist and holds a 3pm (bring a packed Master's degree examin- lunch – refreshments ing the effect of caring will be available). for loved ones with The session will be dementia. broadcast on Zoom.

Her talk, at the For more information, Methodist Church on to book a place, or to Wanlip Lane, on Seprequest the Zoom passtember 23, starting at code etc, then please 10.30am, will be divid- contact Charles Hilton, ed between general chashilton@me.com or dementia information call 0782 839 4276. with a question and answer session, and

did with, and as, children. Often when we reach adulthood, this ability remains but is dormant. Members of ‘Imaginarium’ experimented with stimulating Do you remember listening as a the imagination using words and picchild to the tales told by older members tures to set off flights of fancy. of the family, or sitting with visiting Stretching the imagination and storyfriends at home and hearing stories that telling can be approached in many captivated your attention and imaginadifferent ways, and as a new group tion? While some people enjoy writing, we’re experimenting with a few of these others might like to express memories to see which works best at getting the and imagination in other ways. 'little grey cells' working. Using words, With the working title ‘Imaginarium’, items and picture prompts, we develop acquired from Walt Disney, I enjoyed stories from a few facts, which take us many fascinating conversations with to a new place where the current verinteresting people at the U3A ‘Open Day’ sion is all that matters. Starting with in April, and a new group was added to questions like, what do these characters the variety of groups already offered. tell you? Where are they from, and what We all have a story in us, and with the are their stories? Look at any image or help of a few props at the first meeting, object and allow your imagination to I was delighted for them to be shared create a story around it. What does it irrespective of being true or false, as say to you? What ideas come into your our imagination is a wonderful asset. head when you look at it?

Storytelling is something many of us Members volunteered to bring along

IMAGINARIUM. WHAT on earth is that I hear you ask? It’s just your imagination…

News from the churches THROUGHOUT AUGUST, the Social space in the old part of St James has been filling up with all kinds of 'goodies', from bric-a-brac to toys, games to books.

It really is quite amazing, and by now, in September, it will, hopefully, have been translated into a lovely day out for the people of Birstall and provided some much needed revenue for the Church roof repairs.

Ride & Stride Funds will also have been raised through this year's 'Ride and Stride' on Saturday September 9, a sponsored cycle/walk around as many churches/chapels as possible over the day.

Funds will be shared with the Historic Churches Trust as usual, helping to preserve our wonderful ancient buildings.

Mothers’ Union August has also seen the annual service dedicated to, and held by, the Mothers’ Union and their founder, Mary Sumner. From the beginnings of the Mothers’ Union, it has now become a worldwide organisation, dedicated to bringing hope and help where it is needed. In Leicester and Birstall, it has worked to provide much needed holiday breaks for families, bags of essential toiletries for emergency hospital stays, tiny knitted layettes for premature babies and beautiful blankets and shawls for still-borns, and also chocolate treats and

THE BIRSTALL POST SEPTEMBER 2023

SEP

Easter eggs.

Rev’d Angela Tarry & Rev’d Robin We have also had a treat this month in welcoming Rev'd Angela Tarry back to St James, the Church she grew up attending, and now returned to officiate at a very special service for her parent's Golden Wedding anniversary. It was really lovely to see her and made the day very happy for Paul and Helen.

Staying with Anniversaries, September 22 sees the celebration of Rev'd Robin's Emerald Anniversary of Priesting (55 years), and will be celebrated with a Mass/Eucharist at St Mary de Castro in Leicester. Rev'd Robin says that there 'may be cake'!

Many congratulations and thanks to him for his lifetime of service.

Harvest Festival A festival of flowers and photos is being planned for the Harvest Festival weekend at Our Lady and St Nicholas Church in Wanlip (October 1). The Churchwardens are looking for photos of Wanlip village or the church that have been taken over the years, for the display, and would love to hear from anyone who could loan them any photos.

The pictures would be scanned and copied, so they would quickly be returned.

If you would like to help, please call Debbie Shephard on 07860 951116 or email debbie.shephard54@gmail.com.

She would be very pleased to hear

from you.

Also in Wanlip, Old Nick's Coffee Shop is back in business now that the road has reopened! Don't forget - the second Tuesday of every month, from 10am - 12noon.

From Birstall Parish churches

Reasons for thanksgiving Christians are called to be thankful people and we think about that particularly as we come to the harvest season.

The apostle Paul wrote: ‘In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ When Jesus Christ began His last journey towards Jerusalem, He met ten lepers outside a village and He healed all ten, but only one of them came back to thank and praise Him. ‘And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back and glorified God with a loud voice. And he fell down on his face at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan. And answering, Jesus said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?

Were none found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”’ Our thanks are not only expected but are also appreciated.

We all have so much for which to thank the Lord: His care of us and provision for us; the beautiful creation around us, family and friends, our skills and abilities – the list is endless.

Christopher Wordsworth (18071885) wrote a hymn (in 1863) in which he mentioned some of our reasons to give thanks – ‘O Lord of heaven and earth and sea, to Thee all praise and

three things: 1. A ‘story starter’ statement that we all will build on.

2. A portable item that has a story behind it for the rest of us to delve into and come up with our own interpretation.

3. A work-related story from our own experience.

Come to a meeting of ‘Imaginarium’ and tell us. Help to shape how storytelling and using your imagination can be fun!

Interested? Before becoming a Member of ‘Syston and District U3A’ you can enjoy a ‘Taster session’ of this group and one other from the diverse choice of groups on offer, or come along to our monthly meeting instead.

For more information on joining, and to contact any Group Leader, simply visit our website at www.systonu3a.org.uk From Syston and District U3A

glory be; How shall we show our love to Thee, Who givest all?’ He points to our gratitude for the Lord Jesus Christ: ‘Thou didst not spare Thine only Son, But gav’st Him for a world undone … For souls redeemed, for sins forgiven, for means of grace and hopes of heaven; Father, what can to Thee be given, Who givest all?’ Other verses touch on peaceful homes, health and, appropriately for this time of year when we give especial thanks for our food and that the harvest is gathered safely: ‘Sweet flowers and fruits, Thy love declare; Where harvests ripen, Thou art there, Who givest all.’

Christopher was the nephew of the famous poet, William Wordsworth. He studied at Cambridge, where he was a distinguished scholar and later lecturer, before he spent some time as headmaster of Harrow School. He was ordained in the Church of England, serving 19 years in a Berkshire parish before being appointed as Archdeacon of Westminster and then as Bishop of Lincoln, where he served for 15 years before his death. He was a prolific writer – on classical themes and a commentary on the Bible as well as hymns and believed that the first duty of a hymn-writer should be to teach sound doctrine.

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

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

THE BIRSTALL POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Birstall BAG’s cancer corner Lung Cancer in Non-smokers smokers and non-smokers. Almost no one thinks they have lung cancer when World lung cancer day was last month they have a cough or shortness of breath on August 1. It is often assumed that or other similar symptoms. Even if you’re people diagnosed with lung cancer are a smoker, that’s not the first thing you past or present smokers and it is true, think of. People who have never smoked smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK. Even light or occa- rarely had ‘dramatic’ or disruptive symptoms, and regularly attributed them to sional smoking increases the risk of lung common illnesses like colds or hay fever, cancer, and that includes breathing in which meant they didn’t initially think that other people’s cigarette smoke. making an appointment with their GP was But some people who get lung cancer necessary. don’t smoke. In fact, up to 14% of peoSmokers, on the other hand, were ple with lung cancer in the UK have never more likely to have multiple symptoms, smoked. Birstall BAGs would like to other chronic health conditions like share some insight into Lung Cancer in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease non-smokers.

(COPD), and to have disruptive To put it into perspective, if lung cansymptoms, like coughing cer in people who have never smoked up blood. That meant was a separate disease, it would be the that while they might eighth most prevalent cause of cancerrelated death; higher than ovarian cancer, notice new symptoms as unusual, and leukaemia and lymphoma.

In some ways, lung cancer is a distinct would make an apdisease in people who have never smoked, pointment to see a doctor, they often put as it has unique molecular and biological it down to existing characteristics, and it responds differently health conditions to treatment. rather than suspecting Diagnosis cancer.

But regardless of your smoking status, When people who your route to diagnosis as someone with smoke experience a lung cancer symptoms should be the cough or breathlessness, same, right? You notice your symptoms; their automatic thought is, you go to the doctor; you get a diagnosis.

Unfortunately, as new research, funded by ‘Oh, my COPD is playing up’ or ‘My asthma is playing Cancer Research UK, has revealed, that up,’ And so, because isn’t always true. they tend to have COPD The study compared people who have or asthma check-ups never smoked directly with current and regularly, it doesn’t feel former smokers with regards to seeking like a massive leap for help and experiences in primary care, them to go and get it primary care being, for the most part, checked out. their GP. Whereas non-smokThe study interviewed 40 people with lung cancer: 20 of those were people who ers, who don’t have had never smoked, 11 were former smok- a chronic disease and have much less ers and 9 were current smokers. What the researchers found paints quite a com- dramatic symptoms assume it will go plex picture. away. It takes a There are lots of similarities between

long time for them to realise something is wrong.

Sadly what the researchers found is that once people got past the point of their initial appointment that the biggest differences began to appear. The study revealed that smokers tended to remain vigilant until they received a diagnosis and were quick to arrange follow-up appointments if the medication they were originally prescribed, like antibiotics, didn’t clear their symptoms. By contrast, people who have never smoked were falsely reassured by their GP that their symptoms were benign, as it aligned with the patient’s own thoughts.

This often resulted in long periods be

fore they thought about booking another appointment, even in some cases in the presence of alarming symptoms like coughing up blood.

Whereas the researchers found that smokers, whose antibiotics or new inhaler didn’t work, would be back in the surgery as soon as they could. So, while smokers and non-smokers may both put off contacting their GP initially, the real delays for people who have never smoked begin after that, with some waiting up to several months before going back to the GP. Detecting lung cancer early Diagnosing lung cancer early, in both smokers and people who have never smoked, can make all the difference to survival outcomes.

When diagnosed at its earliest stage, 57% of people with lung cancer will survive their disease for five years or more, compared with just 3% of people when the disease is diagnosed at the latest stage.

If we can diagnose more lung cancers earlier, we can see more people with lung cancer surviving their cancer for longer.

Birstall BAG's message is that don’t assume because you are a non-smoker that any symptoms you have cannot be lung cancer – they could!

For further information: https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/202 2/11/25/why-do-non-smokers-face-delaysin-getting-a-lung-cancer-diagnosis/ https://ruthstraussfoundation.com/profe ssionals/non-smoking-lung-cancer/ https://www.egfrpositive.org.uk/aboutus https://www.alkpositive.org.uk/ https://roycastle.org/ 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

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