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THE BIRSTALL POST MAY 2012
Village history revealed in book A POPULAR history of Birstall from 1900 to 2010 has been revised and updated by local historian John Kilby. John is the President of the Birstall Local History Society and is the author of ‘Birstall Village : A Brief History of Birstall 1900-2010’. He first published the book 10 years ago. He said: “I’ve expanded on some of the details and added new material. I hope the book will provide an interesting look back at the many happenings over the last 110 years.” Reviewer Glenys Ratcliffe writes: “I worked in Birstall for many years and saw the village develop. It is interesting to read John’s book and follow the expansion which is still continuing with Hallam Fields. “Birstall didn’t have one family living in a Grand Hall for generations and Birstall Hall was demolished in 1923. However Birstall was obviously a desirable place to live and many notable figures have occupied the larger houses. John’s list of the residents of the Curzon Avenue area reads like a Who’s Who of Leicester businesses.
“The trams to Belgrave were followed in 1899 by the Great Central Railway and then the Eclipse buses. I remember Allens, which were blue, Kemp and Shaw (maroon) and Boyers (yellow) Boyers had the reputation of never leaving anyone behind and were often packed solid at busy times. Sadly the local companies have been taken over. “John recounts the expansion of education and the churches in Birstall, the mixed fortunes of the shops and businesses and the rise and fall of the cinema. I wonder what someone living in Birstall in the early 20th century would think of the village today? “John’s local knowledge is extensive and these reminiscences will evoke memories for all his readers as well as providing information on many facets of Birstall village life. “There is a good selection of photographs and it has a comprehensive index. If you missed the first edition make sure you get this one. It will be enjoyed by everyone whether a Birstall resident or not.” The book is available, priced £6, from Birstall library, J Michael butchers, Birstall garden Centre or by mail order Pic: a Sibson Rd property, now Barclays bank (£7.50) 0116
302391
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Pic: the centre building is now Greengate Medical Centre & (inset) author John Kilby Pic: a view of Sisbon Road from the Triangle roundabout
Gala Queen
Pic: Leah Chalmers, Birstall Gala Queen 2012
NINE YEAR old Leah Chalmers will be the 2012 Birstall Gala Queen. Leah, a pupil at Riverside school, will be officially crowned on the morning of the Gala day, Sunday July 1, she will make a tour of the park with the Mayor of Charnwood, Diane Wise. Leah said: “I’ve been on the school council and stood up in front of 100
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people. This will be a little bit scary but I’m looking forward to it.” An appeal for a Gala King resulted in no nominations. Birstall Village Gala is organised by Birstall Parish Council and takes place at the School Lane playing field on
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