JUNE 2010 No. 323

the Birstall postY 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

A BIRSTALL shop has had its licence revoked and a street drinkingban has been proposed: two measures that the Police say willreduce alcohol related antisocial behaviour in the village.

The Booze and News shop on Front streethad its licence to sell alcohol revoked byCharnwood Borough Council’s licensing com-mittee in April. Officers said they saw threeyouths they knew to be 17 leaving the shop,in February, with cans of lager.

The Police had called for the shop to bebanned from selling alcohol on Friday andSaturday evenings, but the licensing commit-tee decided to revoke the licence. The banwill take effect 21 days after the licence hold-er has been notified in writing.

The Police want to introduce a streetdrinking ban to cover School Lane and theplaying field, parts of Sibson Road, WanlipLane, Whiles Lane, Wanlip Avenue, the Cross-ways and Lawn Avenue.

The banning order gives the Police arrestpowers if offenders fail to comply with anofficer’s requirement in respect of publicdrinking or surrender of alcohol. Offendersface a £500 fine.

Charnwood LPU’s Inspector Duncan South-

all said: “We are opting for a street drinkingban in Birstall and consideration is beinggiven to rolling this option out to other areas,coupled with increased patrols. A largeamount of antisocial behaviour is directlylinked to alcohol consumption.”

The Police already confiscate alcohol fromthe under 18s but say they need more powersto deal with drunk-related trouble, particular-ly at the weekends.

Birstall Parish Council is backing the pro-posed ban. The proposal will be publishedand the public will have 28 days to comment.

A street drinking ban has been in place inLeicester city centre since 2001.

PUNCHES WERE turned into pounds at afundraising boxing extravaganza organ-ised by Carl Gunns’ community boxinggym.

The event, staged at Birstall Social Club,was raising money for the girlfriend and new-ly born daughter of Stonehill teacher Mark

SEVEN YOUTHS responsible for sprayinggraffiti on Sibson Road in December lastyear have been dealt with by the Policeand courts.

The culprits were caught after Birstall BeatOfficer PC Richard Carruthers recorded themon CCTV then went out to arrest them, aftercalling for Police back up. Five were arrestedimmediately and a further two after the CCTVfootage was reviewed.

Several shops were marked with graffititags during the incident and one young per-son was seen throwing a paint can into theroad.

On April 21, two youths pleaded guilty atLeicester Youth Court to the charge of de-stroying or damaging property, an offenceagainst the Criminal Damage Act 1971. One

Continued on page 3 Continued on page 3

Shop’s booze ban

Vandalsremovegraffiti Punches

intopounds

Pics: top (l-r) Carl Gunns, European Champion Rendall Munroe & World Champion Lyndsey Scragg.Centre (left pic): Mohamed Ali & Joe Smith, (right pic) Carl Gunns with 4 year old Tommy McCann.Bottom: Lyndsey Scragg (left) and Cameron Brown

Pic: Vinnie Campbell (left)& Brandon Smith

2 the birstall post JUN 2010

WoodlandsDay NurseryWoodlands owners have invested heavily in developingthe 3+ department into a larger space for the children toenjoy and there is now CCTV operating in every roomand the grounds.Katey Lester, co-owner, says: "Parents have become increasinglyworried about safeguarding issues resulting from the appalling inci-dents at other nurseries featured in the news recently. In response tothat, and as part of our ongoing commitment to our clients, wethought that installing the cameras would help to reassure them that

their children are safe, happy and having fun whilst hereat Woodlands. And, rather than detracting from thewarm and homely environment that is Woodlands, theteam hardly notice the presence of the cameras at all -but a few have fretted about how they look on thescreen!"

Woodlands prides itself on its high standardsand excellent approach to childcare. LeonieYates, nursery manager, says: "My team arehighly qualified with the majority being level3. We are supporting 3 team members as they undertake theFoundation Degree in Early Years and I, myself, will com-plete my BA in Early Years in October. I have also been se-lected to commence the Early Years Professional Status andwill have achieved this by April 2011 - which shows that thenursery is actively working to achieve the government's ex-pectations of having a qualified Early Years Professional,(EYP), in every childcare setting by 2015".

The nursery was inspected by Ofsted on 14/01/10. Overallthe inspector awarded the nursery with a 'Good', but in thefollowing areas we were granted the excellent grade of'Outstanding':

1. Effectiveness of partnerships.2. Engagement with parents and carers.3. Outcomes for children in the Early Years FoundationStage.4. The extent to which children achieve and enjoy theirlearning.5. The extent to which children feel safe.

6. The extent to which children adopthealthy lifestyles.7. The extent to which children make apositive contribution.8. The extent to which children developskills for the future.

Leonie says: "We were thrilled with theinspection as it clearly shows that Ofst-ed has recognised the high quality ofour provision and we are all proud to

be part of such a great achievement."

"Have we finished yet?" Katey says, "No,there's a lot more to come, so watch thisspace!"

PARK RD

WoodlandsDay Nursery

Esso Garage

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Day Nursery1 Park Road, Birstall,Leicester LE4 3AX

To find out moreabout us, phone orcall in

0116 2675427woodlandsdaynursery@live.co.uk

Nursery Manager Leonie Yates

Exciting improvements withmore to come this summer

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUN 2010 3

Birstall’s First Team.Birstall were clear winners, 55-7, and after

finishing the game the club were pleased toannounce that they have so far raised a totalof £2500 for the Richard Engelgardt fund.

DRINKING AT the Earl of Stamford doesn’tusually result in hair loss, but it did forone regular who decided to shave off hishair and beard for charity after a postmatch drink.

Tom Burton, a playerwith the Earl of Stamfordfootball team, made thesnap decision whilehaving a pint. MumSandra explains: “Afterquickly asking andgaining permissionfrom the landlords ofthe pub Dawn andHicko, clippers wereproduced and dona-

tions taken. Within an hour Tom raised £405and made his mother, grandmother and otherfamily members very proud!”

The shave-off came the day before thefuneral of Tom’s grandfather, Eric Stretton,who used to go and watch Tom play footballfor the Earl of Stamford and Birstall United.

Sandra said: “On the death of my father Iasked Tom if he would shave his beard andcut his hair as a mark of respect to his Gran-dad. He said he would shave his beard butnot cut his hair and I was resigned to this

compromise.”The family were delighted that the hair and

the beard have gone and with the total raisedfor Eric’s favourite charity, the Derbyshire,Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

Sandra said: “My grateful thanks to land-lord Dawn and Hicko and to everyone whodonated to this very worthy charity.”

was sentenced to an Attendance Centre Orderfor 12 hours and the other was given a fourmonth referral order.

Three of the culprits were dealt with byway of Restorative Justice: they wrote lettersof apology and cleaned up graffiti in the vil-lage. Two others were given final warningsand referred to the Youth Offending Service.

The person who threw the can was madeto pick up litter around the village while un-der supervision.

Elkington who was killed in a motorcycleaccident last year.

Hundreds of people turned out to watchboxing exhibitions featuring members ofCarl’s gym and boxers from clubs in Braun-stone and Belgrave. World Super Feather-weight title holder Lyndsey Scragg andEuropean Super Bantamweight championRendall Munroe also took to the ring.

An auction of boxing memorabilia con-ducted by snooker player Willie Thornehelped to boost the funds, with a total of£1175 raised on the day.

Mark Elkington’s girlfriend of nine years,Sam Shilton, had hoped to attend the event,but was recuperating in hospital after givingbirth to their daughter, Markeira. Mark’sfather Richard and many of the young peoplewho Mark had made such a positive impres-sion on at school were there to show theirsupport.

Carl Gunns said: “It was a fantastic day,the kids really enjoyed it and their parentsdid as well. It was all those who took partwho made it such a success. The boys andgirls from my gym were great – the ring girlsdid a really good job and timekeeper ZoeJones kept her concentration and kept goodtime.”

Pic: Tom Burton with thelandlords of the Earl of

Stamford, Dawn and Hicko,and inset, Tom before

the shave

BIRSTALL RUGBY Club’s President’sDay in May helped to raise morefunds for injured player RichardEngelgardt.

Besides a period of junior rugby touchtraining coached by the club’s professionalteam, there were two matches played on thepitch at Stonehill school – the big match wasformer MP Andy Reed’s President’s XV against

BIRSTALL GALA, the annual summer fixture attended by thousandsof people, will be held this year on the weekend June 26/27.

This popular event, organised by BirstallParish Council, will be held on the SchoolLane playing fields.

On Saturday June 26 from 12noon until10pm there will be live music from steeldrum bands, Stonehill School band and avariety of local bands.

On Sunday, the event starts at 10am withthe gala opened by Charnwood’s New MayorJill Vincent. Attractions include four swingand jazz bands, an Elton John tribute band,Leicestershire Arts Birstall Brass Ensemble, aboxing display by Carl Gunns’ gym and doz-ens of charity and private stalls. A funfair willbe on site for both days.

The Birstall Citizen of the Year award willbe presented and at 7.15pm on the Sundaythe Proms in the Park concert will start withthe ever popular Hathern Band and singerJenny Saunders who made her first appear-ance at the gala last year.

The concert will conclude at 10pm with afirework finale.

It’s not too late to book a stall at the gala– contact Sue Coulson on 2676191 or down-load a form from

www.birstallparishcouncil.org.ukAdmission to the gala is free but purchas-

ing a programme for £1 enters you into araffle for a big prize draw on the Sundayevening and it also lists the whole weekend’sprogramme. They are available now from theparish council office or can be bought on theday.

Nominations are still being sought for theCitizen of the Year Award – to nominatesomebody write to the Parish Council Officestating their name and the reasons why theyshould receive the award. The deadline isJune 14.

Deputy Parish Clerk Sue Coulson said:“Due to a few problems last year with under-age drinking on the park, we are workingwith the Police to address this issue and en-sure it does not re-occur. Stewards have beeninstructed to monitor this throughout theweekend and will be asking people to leavethe park if they are in possession of alcoholand are deemed to be underage. Police fromCharnwood Local Policing Unit will be patrol-ling the Gala and will assist the organisers inpromoting a safe and enjoyable event.”

She added: “Due to large numbers attend-ing last year’s amazing ‘Proms in the Park’event, Health & Safety issues arose aroundpeople having barbeques on the field. Withthis in mind the Committee took the decisionto ban the use of barbeques in the interest ofHealth & Safety, however you are more thanwelcome to bring your picnics, etc and therewill be ample hot food outlets availablethroughout the whole event, so we hope thiswill not deter anyone from attending.”

PC 1124 Kevin Gray, of LeicestershireConstabulary’s North Area Volume Crime Unit,said: “The items stolen in this burglary were verydistinctive and unusual. We would like to hearfrom anyone who has been offered these itemsfor sale, or who knows anything about the bur-glary.”

Anyone with any information is asked to con-tact PC 1124 Kevin Gray 0116 222 2222, followthe instructions to leave a message for a policeofficer and when prompted key in the officers’identification number 1124. Alternatively, contactCrimestoppers, which is free and anonymous on0800 555 111.

POLICE INVESTIGATING shed burglary in thevillage are appealing to anyone who has beenoffered distinctive sports equipment to get incontact with them.

The door to a lean-to shed in Stonehill Avenuewas forced between 7pm on Tuesday April 27 and6.30am the following day. Several items of valuablesports equipment were stolen. These were a £500GT Agressor 2 black and white, 27-geared moun-tain bike; a £350 O’Shea surfboard with a ‘Fat Boy’sticker, a £470 Burton Custom AX snowboard; a setof £75 Halfords bike wheels, and a £165 set ofsnowboarding shoes.

Charityheadshave

Sportsitemsstolen

Gala summer fun

Matchboostsfunds

Pic: Andy Reed’s Presidents XV with Birstall RFC’s first team

Boxing continued from page 1

Vandals continued from page 1

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THE ANNUAL General Meeting of BirstallParish Council was held on Monday May10.

Cllr Stuart Jones was elected as Chairmanof the Parish Council for the ensuing year andCllr Pat Cleere was elected vice-chairman.

PC Richard Carruthers reported on the lastmonth’s crime figures. It was reported thatthere was a problem with drug dealing on thecorner of Wanlip Lane and Wanlip Avenue.

The Council is awaiting quotes for an ex-tension to the CCTV system, to be located onSibson Road and at Whiles Lane.

A resident complained about the speed oftraffic on School Lane and reported that the

shelter on School Lane near the junction withthe A6 was in a poor condition.

It was reported that the County Councilhave identified 44 street lights in the villagethat they intend to replace.

On dog fouling it was reported that notpicking up after your dog on the park wouldresult in a Fixed Penalty of £80. Should thisbe contested by the dog owner, they could beprosecuted and face a fine of up to £1,000.The Council is obtaining quotations from aprivate company for a dog warden service.

The Council have agreed to permit BirstallVillage Cricket Club to erect cricket nets onthe School Lane playing field. The nets andmats will be removed after use, but the poleswill be left in place.

The Council have considered the securityof the Greengate Lane allotment site. It wasdecided that in view of the costs and lack ofrecent incidents, no action be taken but thatthe matter be considered in the light of thenew precept.

The Council agreed to spend £22,775 onthe resurfacing of the Estates Yard.

ONE OF the little ships that rescued alliedsoldiers from Dunkirk made a return tripto the beaches of France last month, tomark the 70th anniversary of the evacua-tion.

‘Chumley’, the smallest of the little shipsstill afloat, was skippered by proud ownerJohn Hoskins, of Midland Window Installa-tions, Birstall.

He said: “Being part of the flotilla is a verymoving experience, Chumley is 74 years oldand requires a lot of care and attention butsaying that, is still capable of the trip toFrance and back.”

Chumley was built in 1934 by the ChryslerMachine Company of Michigan as a 26 foot,four berth motor yacht for racehorse ownerDorothy Paget. It had an 80hp petrol engineand after being shipped to England itachieved a speed of 30mph at speed trials offthe Isle of Wight.

In 1936, Chumley had been converted into

a pleasure launch taking up to 12 touristsaround the bay at Shanklin, the Isle of Wight.

In 1939 comedian Tommy Trinder boughtthe boat and accompanied by Bud Flanagan,skippered it to Dunkirk, one of the hundredsof little ships that rescued soldiers from thebeaches in May 1940.

We’ve recently introduced a new free serv-ice to keep you better informed. The Watchhas a dedicated, local website atwww.villagewatch.co.uk where we regularlypost the latest news about incidents andcrimes in Birstall and Wanlip.

You can also now sign up to receive thelatest news directly by email as soon as itappears online. This service is completely freeand we promise not to use your email ad-dress for anything else. We typically post news2 or 3 times a month. You can unsubscribeat any time by clicking on the unsubscribelink at the bottom of every email.

This is not designed to replace or affectour monthly newsletter. We consistently hearfrom our members that they value the com-munication through the newsletter and theseschemes are designed to add to our monthlyprinted news as well as this regular columnin the Birstall Post.

One warning for you: as the weather startsto warm up, the opportunist thieves are outlooking for windows and doors left open.

From Shreekant Raivadera, Birstall& Wanlip NHW

4 the birstall post JUN 2010

Parish Council notes

John Hoskins bought Chumley in 2000when she was in very poor condition andspent two and a half years restoring her.

He said: “I found out that in a film TommyTrinder made, The Foreman Goes to France’,the man he portrayed in the film, was TomHoskins – the same name as my grandfather.It’s a bit spooky!”

Birstall Crime Report April 10 – May 10,2010

Assaults 6, harassment 3, burglary 3, bur-glary other 8, damage 2, damage to motorvehicle 6, drugs 4, fraud 2, public order 1,theft 8, theft from motor vehicle 7, theft ofmotor vehicle 5, theft stores 4

There were 10 detections in the last 28days. Three Acceptable Behaviour Contractsare in place. The ASB van continues to sup-port Birstall on Friday and Saturday nightscontaining at least two beat officers and mayhave any Special Constables or Police Com-munity Support Officers if available, as well asthe normal levels of response resources. Onelicensed premise is under review. Update forthe graffiti spree on December 18, 2009:three youths have been involved in cleaningup graffiti across the village, two have beencharged to court and two have received finalwarnings. A further youth has volunteered topick up litter after watching CCTV of himselfthrowing litter on the same night. OperationGLAISDALE is in place. This is an operation inorder to catch perpetrators involved in theftfrom vehicles in beauty spot locations overthe summer period. This includes MeadowLane car parks for the Watermead CountryPark. Operation FILBY has been created tocover weekends for Serious Acquisitive Crimein all areas at weekends.

From PC 2139 Richard Carruthers,PBO Birstall & Wanlip

CUSTOMERS VISITING Goscote Nurseries inCossington are in for a treat, as theLeicestershire based catering company, MrBeanbags has opened a café there.

Mr Beanbags has operated cafes and res-taurants in garden centres and nurseries forover 15 years, and are now expanding to joinforces with Goscote Nurseries. The new caféoffers a warm and friendly welcome any dayof the week from their enthusiastic staff andoffers a varied menu for breakfasts, morningsnacks, light lunches and, of course, the tra-ditional afternoon cream tea!

Mr Beanbags’ Carl Durham said: “GoscoteNurseries is a relaxing place, with an estab-lished garden of its own and I am pleased tobe opening a Mr Beanbags branch so thatpeople can stop and enjoy the atmospherewith a cuppa and something to eat”.

The design practice based at the nurseryhas won another award.

Frances Dunham of Goscote Design Prac-tice was awarded an RHS Silver Medal for ashow garden at the Malvern Spring Show.

The garden had a circus theme with acentral performance area and the judgespraised the strong design flair and the atten-tion to detail.

All of the plants used in the garden weresupplied by Goscote Nurseries and are availa-ble to view now.

Goscote Design Practice was recentlyawarded an Association of Professional Land-scapes award for the re-design of a garden inSwithland.

For more information contact GoscoteNurseries or Goscote Design Practice. Tel:01509 812 121, email: sales@goscote.co.uk

STONEHILL SCHOOL’S Year 9 football teamsecured the league championship with a4-0 win over Humphrey Perkins.

Undefeated all season, a strong perform-ance saw them win comfortably with goalsfrom Kiran Patel, Joe Dolby, Tom Baird andan own goal.

The July issue ofTHE BIRSTALL POST

will be published on July 3.The copy deadline is June 18.

Chumley’s return trip

Afternoontea atnursery

League winners

NHW news& crime report

D. UptonGarden Services

0116 2696982Mob: 0781 2335825

All aspects ofgarden work undertakenDriveways • Patios

Blockpaving • GravellingTurfing • Fencing

Slabbing • MowingHedgetrimming etc

The £l.7million facility, pictured above,was almost completed in July 2008 but hasstood empty since then and become a targetfor vandals. The development stopped sud-denly in 2008 after the management companyset up to run it went into administration.

Owned by Leicester City Council, the facili-ty was planned as a community art, craft andIT centre with three workshop spaces, six selfcontained starter business units and a cafewith terrace. The site includes parking foraround 10 vehicles.

Now the City Council is inviting potentialusers to bid for the lease of the buildings and

has set aside £400,000 to spend on complet-ing the site, tendering and security costs.

Cllr Patrick Kitterick, Leicester City CouncilCabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Wewill be very interested in receiving offers fromparties seeking to bring these buildings intouses that will contribute to the local commu-nity. We will be looking at the potential forinterested groups to bring long-term uses tothe site.”

The Greenacres Centre was built with mon-ey from the European Regional DevelopmentFund and Biffaward on the site of a formerkennels.

THE POLICE have revealed crime figures forthe year 2009/10 which show an overallreduction of five per cent for the CharnwoodLocal Policing Unit area, although houseburglaries rose by eight per cent.

Figures for Charnwood LPU 2009/10 com-pared to 2008/9Theft: down 12%Vehicle crime: down 26%All burglary, including non-dwelling: down 8%All violent crime: no changeSexual offences: down 13%Antisocial behaviour: up 4%

Birstall, Rothley, Quorn, Woodhouse, Anstey,Barrow and The Wolds have all seen a“significant reduction” in ASB say Police, as aresult of “targeting locations and individuals atpeak times, coupled with effective partnershipwork with Charnwood Borough Council andother agencies”.

Inspector Duncan Southall, Charnwood LPUCommander, said: “Maintaining these reduc-tions and bringing in a significant, 15 per centreduction in burglary dwelling will be theteam’s primary focus for the next 12 months.My intention is to achieve this via better intelli-gence gathering on those who commit burglary,allowing us to target those who offend most.”

He added: “I would strongly encouragepeople to continue to report ASB incidentswhen they occur – if we don’t know aboutproblems, we can’t tackle them. Where youhave done this we have been able to identifyoffenders, issue warning letters and AntisocialBehaviour Contracts which give the opportunityfor people to mend their ways. For those whochoose not to, we will seek legally enforceableASB Orders (ASBOs) or Criminal ASBOs(CRASBOs). This approach has led to the LPU’sfirst CRASBO being applied for against a sus-pected offender in Birstall. We fully intend tocontinue to use this incremental approach aswell as existing legislation to confiscate alcohol,disperse offenders and arrest for public orderoffences. This is coupled with preventativemeasures such as ASB assemblies that havebeen effectively run in schools by CharnwoodBorough Council.

“The team here at Charnwood have workedtirelessly over the past 12 months to make thecommunities in which you live a safer and bet-ter place to live but this would have been im-possible without your help and for that I thankyou. I can assure you that we will continue todo all we can over the next 12 months to main-tain and, hopefully, improve the service we giveto you but we cannot do this without your helpand support.”

Contact the Police with your views and con-cerns by email:charnwood.lpu@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

A JUNIOR rugby player from Birstall hasreceived an award for his dedication tothe sport.

Josh Smalley (14), a Stonehill pupil, hasplayed with Syston Rugby Club for three yearsand this year was presented with the Clubmanof the Season award by Leicester Tigers’ play-er and England International Louis Deacon.

Josh said: “I was really shocked but proudto receive this award and believe I was cho-sen for it because of my dedication and effortthroughout the season, both at training and atevery match played, whatever the weather.”

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUN 2010 5

THE GREENACRES centre next to Birstall’s GCR station could finallyopen this summer.

THE ANNUAL duck race organised by the White Horse raised£3000 for the Birstall BAGS.

Typical May Day Bank Holiday weather didnot deter crowds from venturing onto theriverbank to cheer on their ducks, or frompatronising the many stalls and games in theWhite Horse car park.

The Birstall BAGS raise money for cancerrelated charities. Spokeswoman Emma Shawsaid: “We’d like to say a big thank you toJenny, Ady, James and Charlotte at the WhiteHorse for their hard work, the canoeists fortheir help on the day, Myles, Simon, Lynn,Krusty’s, the Classic Carpet Company, the Earl

of Stamford, Unique, J Michael’s, the ladiesfrom Birstall Methodist Church and St Jamesfor supplying and manning the cake stall, andeveryone else who helped us raise such afantastic amount.”

The BAG ladies next event is on SundayJuly 4 on Whiles Lane at 11am – their annual3 mile run/walk around Watermead CountryPark, finishing at Birstall United on MeadowLane.

For details www.birstallbags.co.uk or07837 028 451

DAVIES & Greenwood have been voted the besthairdressers in Leicester by the listeners ofLeicester Sound.

With a salon on Sibson Road, Birstall, Davies &Greenwood were in a final three with BarrieStephens and Whites Hair and Beauty when the team,pictured right, were awarded the top prize at anawards ceremony at Leicester’s Cinema Delux.

Josh recently captained Stonehill school’sYear 9 rugby team in a Leicestershire schools’tournament.Pic: Award winner Josh Smalley withLeicester Tiger Louis Deacon

Plans to finish centre

Duck race BAGS cash

Best salon

Policetargetburglary

Rugbyplayersaward

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GAS WORK BYGARY NEWTON

In the April edition of Birstall Post underParish Council Notes it states that a residentraised concerns about the appalling conditionof the ditches along Meadow Lane. Cllr TonyFowler said that Birstall Parish were not re-sponsible.

He is wrong on two counts and I suggesthe makes himself aware of the law covering‘Riparian Water Rights and Duties in Englandand Wales’.

The Environment Agency lists many pointsrelating to water courses.

1. Ownership of adjoining land extendsup to the centre of the water course. TheParish Council have taken steps to own Mead-ow Lane allotment site and therefore own upto the centre of the ditch

2. Under the duties laid down they haveresponsibilities for many things briefly asfollows:

a) to allow the flow of water withoutobstruction or pollution

b) to maintain the bed and banks of anywater course and to clear any debris whethernatural (weeds etc) or man-made

c) to keep the bed and banks clear ofanything that could cause any obstruction

d) to keep culverts, screens, weirs cleare) to be responsible for protection of your

land from flooding (allotments)Another point that should be remembered

is that Birstall Council groundstaff set theprecedent to maintain the ditch some 45years ago, when Birstall Council started tocharge rent for Meadow Lane allotments,when they in fact did not have title to theland. The groundstaff cleared the land at leastthree times per year until 2/3 years ago underthe instructions of the clerk at the time.

The precedent still holds good.The Environment Agency, based at Rothley,

will be only too pleased to explain the situa-tion to Cllr Fowler.

Dave CherryMember Birstall Allotment SocietyLeics Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Asso-

ciation

food served in the restaurant at The Earl ofStamford. We often have lunch there, butrecently went for an early evening meal andthe food was excellent and good value formoney, it is a shame that is not patronisedmore, as with everything in the village, if wedon’t use it we shall lose it.

Arthur and Bettie Harrison

As always, I would like so say a massive‘Thank You’ to the Duty Manager at Somer-field for allowing me to stand outside theshop with my collecting bucket.

Thanks also to the local collection organis-ers, especially John and Sheila Harrison andJane Scott who work tirelessly to keep thischarity at the forefront of people’s minds.

Well done too to all the other collectorswho freely gave of their time in Birstall andthroughout Leicestershire.

See you again next year!Simon Murphy

no one thinks things through. The new trafficlights at the top of Sibson Road, has anyonetried to get through at rush hour? Deadlockfrom Greengate Lane to Sibson Road. I won-der how long it will be before they start dig-ging the road up yet again to alter somethingthe planners had overlooked. And then thereis the gas/water/telephone digging the roadsup. Pot holes left all over the place and thecouncil states we have not got the money torepair all the pot holes. Then who pays forthe humps? Come on planners get your acttogether. I am totally fed up of the humps inour village that used to be so nice.

Name & address supplied

6 the birstall post JUN 2010

YOUR SAY...

The Birstall Post welcomes your viewsand opinions on any subject. Letters,which must include your name and ad-dress, (though not necessarily for publi-cation) can be posted to: The BirstallPost, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane,Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed inat Birstall library or email:editor@birstallpost.co.uk On Saturday June 19 St James Parish

Church will be a hive of activity to raise fundsfor three children’s charities. The day beginsat 9am with a short act of worship then AndyWhite follows with some organ music. Duringthe morning there’ll be sessions of instrumen-tal & vocal music, the St James HandbellPlayers, readings and some members of the663 Ensemble are playing at 1pm. In theafternoon there will be more vocal, piano andorgan music by David Bark and Cynthia Colt-man, piano duo, who will also be joined byGlenis Sismey for some piano trios and byDavid’s pupils.

You are warmly invited to drop in at anytime during the day, refreshments will beavailable and there will be various displays tolook at. Donations will be gratefully acceptedand you may also like to put in a bid for oneor more of the 50-plus items offered for theSilent Auction which is running alongside theDay of Talents.

Cynthia Coltman

Do Birstall villagers know of the lovely

I am writing to thank the residents ofOakfield Avenue, Birstall who kindly donatedto my annual door to door collection for thecharity for young disabled people SCOPE.

A total of £80 was collected, the most wehave ever raised.

Once again many thanks to the peoplewho gave so generously.

Dennis Marshall

To all of Birstall and Hallam FieldsJust to let you know that if you went swim-

ming at Soar Valley Leisure Centre it will costyou £2.90 for an adult.

If you go to Birstall Longslade SwimmingPool it will cost you £2.70 for an adult. Ifyou join Friends of Birstall Swimming Club itwill cost you £2 for an adult for the firstsession. Come and give Birstall SwimmingPool a try.

Lesley Moore

I would like to thank everybody who kind-ly contributed to the annual Lifeboat collec-tion on Saturday April 24 in Birstall.

I did my usual ‘stint’ outside Somerfieldand had a really good time collecting£330.81 for this very worthwhile cause.

One of the most pleasurable parts of theday, as well as raising much needed funds,was the opportunity to meet so many lovely(and generous) people. Conversations rangedfrom how the Tigers and City were going toget on that afternoon (both had very impor-tant matches with ‘play-off’ hopes at stake),memories of Shirley Scott (my father-in-law)who passed away some years ago, BirstallChoral Society (of which I was the accompa-nist for many years), and lots more besides(including lifeboats!)

I would like to comment on the roadhumps on Birstall Road.

I totally agree with the comments made inthe May issue of the post.

These humps do no good to the environ-ment, did I or did I not listen to the Govern-ment go on about how we must cut down onglobal warming/carbon footprint. At the endof the day we are supposed to cut down onour carbon footprint, braking and accelerat-ing away from these humps increases thecarbon footprint plus pollution, not to say thewear and tear on your vehicle.

Yet road humps are going up all over theplace, these humps must hamper the ambu-lance service when taking injured or ill peo-ple to hospital. My uncle who is disabledcannot even come that way to my home nowas the humps and bumps on the roads makehim ill. In fact when he comes to visit menow he has to come the long way around,thus using more petrol.

As for car theft, well if someone stealsyour car they will not be at all botheredabout going over the bumps at high speed,let’s face it, it is not their car to worry about.And I will not call it joy riding, as that is aterm I will never use. If it was so-called joy,then why do so many people end up in themortuary?

The first humps went up in Birstall onWanlip Avenue after a child was run over, butthe children always played on the street any-way. What is wrong with the back gardens,we all have them in Birstall.

Birstall is getting very bad to drive around– constant road works, Stop when the redlight shows is getting a way of life in Birstall.I do know that progress has to be made but

I have read the ongoing saga of irresponsi-ble dog owners over the last few months withgreat interest for two reasons:

1. I am a responsible dog owner whopicks up wherever or whenever is necessary -and I address those who do not do the sameeither because they haven't noticed or theyjust don't care (thankfully in the minority).

2. My garden opens out onto Watermeadpark and our family constantly have to avoidthe mess literally left at our back gate so Ivery much understand the problem.

The reason for my writing is in responseto Councillor Hardington's letter in the lastedition, highlighting the instances he believespeople were allowing their dogs to mess with-out picking up. He mentioned 2 situations onthe Park - one at 5am in the morning wherea man is parked up and letting his dog out todo his business - I agree this is completelynegligent and should be highlighted. Howev-er the other example used was of a dog play-ing ball in the heavy rain at 8pm in theevening. I believe this is my dog being re-ferred to and would like to point out that weuse the park in the winter precisely because itis well lit and we can see what is going on.We cannot throw the ball so far that we can-not see what the dog is up to. I would alsolike to add that a dog who eats a well bal-anced diet regularly, who walks regularly willalso defecate regularly. I can virtually set mywatch by mine, and for that reason can becertain that he would have done his businesson the walk to the park, which would havebeen disposed of correctly.

I agree for the most part with the Council-

Meadow Lane

Day of Talents

Lovely food

Thanks

Birstall Pool

Thanks

Got the humpDog saga

lor's letter, however please do not assumethat we are all irresponsible - the sheer factwe were exercising our dog in heavy rainshows we are responsible owners and cer-tainly do not feel picking up is 'beneath us' aswas suggested.

Maybe there is call for a parks attendantor 'parky' as we used to call them when wewere kids, not only to address this problembut who would also be able to address anti-social behaviour, litter, bullying, underagedrinking, etc.

Anna (name & address supplied)

Birstall GalaSat/Sun June 26/27

On Sat from 12noon until 10pm there will belive music from steel drum bands, Stonehill

School band and a variety of local bands.On Sunday, the event starts at 10am

Attractions include four swing and jazz bands,an Elton John tribute band, Leicestershire ArtsBirstall Brass Ensemble, a boxing display by

Carl Gunns’ gym and dozens of charity and pri-vate stalls. A funfair will be on site for both

days.7.15pm on the Sunday the Proms in the Park

concert will start with the ever popular HathernBand and singer Jenny Saunders.

The concert will conclude at 10pm with a fire-work finale.

• • •

A Summer Concertby The Ratcliffe Choraleat Wanlip Parish Church

on Saturday July 10 at 6.30pmRefreshments

Tickets £5Bring a Picnic

Tea & Coffee available from 4pm• • •

Swithland St Leonard’s CE Primary School PTAwill hold their annual

Summer Feteon the school grounds in Swithland

on Sunday July 4from 12noon-3pm

Stalls to include: BBQ, vegetarian food, re-freshments, mystery wine, cakes, books,

bouncy castle, tombola, football competition,nail painting, raffle and many more

Fun for all the family• • •

Health Action Leicester for Ethiopia

Antiques Fair and Bric-a-Brac Sale

Bring your antiques to sell and buy the an-tiques on offer

Valuations available for a nominal feeRaising funds for a vital new project to upgrade

health centre facilities in rural EthiopiaRefreshments available throughout the day

Sileby Community Centre, 41 High Street, Sile-by LE12 7RX

(car park access from King Street – follow signsto Sileby Station)

Sunday June 13 from 12noon to 5pmAdmission 50p

To book a table, please call 01509 812885• • •

CLASH – Community Leicester Arthritis Self HelpVolunteer urgently wanted to help with Group

AdministrationIf you have available time and experience(including IT) to support the running of this

local self help group, please contact Chris Tho-mas on 07954584402 or email

2006clash@gmail.com

• • •

Loughborough FarmersMarket

2nd Wednesday of the monthDevonshire Square, Loughborough

Between 9am and 2.30pmNext market June 9

Featuring a wide variety of local produce in-cluding a variety of meats both cured and rarebreed, sausage, bacon; fruit pies and savoury

pastries; a wide range of vegetables inc organ-ic; plants & flowers; herbs, handmade naturalsoaps & body care products; honey & beeswaxproducts; chutneys, pickles, jams and pre-serves; wholemeal flour & muesli; eggs &cheeses; bread, cakes. And fruit juices alongwith seasonal products, brought to you by

knowledgeable and friendly traders.For possible stall reservations or further infor-mation, please call our Markets & Fairs Team atCharnwood Borough Council on 01509 634624or email: market.fairs@charnwood.gov.uk. Or

log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk• • •

Friends of Belgrave Cemetery

Open DaySaturday June 12, 10am to 3pm

Supported by the Community Service VolunteerOrganisation, Action Earth and sponsored by

Morrisons SupermarketsJoin us and share your memories

Take a look at photographs of the cemeterypast and present. Purchase ‘Soldiers of Bel-

grave Remembered’ booksCommittee members will be there with Bel-

grave Burial records, if you have any questionsor want to know if you have any ancestors laidto rest here, come along and see if we can helpComplimentary refreshments will be availableBelgrave Cemetery is located next to Red Hill

island• • •

Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

Film Presentations ‘Coco Before Chanel’

Friday June 18 (105 mins)This remarkable story of a fashion icon has nev-

er previously been public knowledge. Hailingfrom the lower class in pre-First World WarFrance, Gabrielle Chanel was revolutionary in

her beliefs that women should be free to dressas they wished. Starting as a back street seam-stress and part-time singer, she was quite un-conventional. Thanks to her liaison with BaronBalson, she developed her flair for hat design.

She even bullied her lover, an English business-man, into setting her up in a small fashion de-sign business. This is an unbelievable true

story of rags to riches, having been nominatedfor a 2010 Oscar for Costume Design.

Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will beshowing this film at Thurcaston Memorial Hall.Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4, conces-

sions £3.50. Price includes refreshments and alucky prize draw. Advance tickets can be pur-chased via the parish office 0116 2367626 or

at the doorThe next film will be shown on Friday Septem-

ber 10• • •

Birstall PoolLongslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall

Selected Free Swim SessionsFor U16s and over 60s

Card requiredPlease contact janehill@longslade.leics.sch.ukor go to www.longslade.leics.sch.uk for the

current timetable• • •

Charnwood Orchestra

Summer ConcertBruckner : Symphony 9Mozart : Symphony 40

Saturday June 26, 7.45pmChurch of St James The Greater, London Road,

LeicesterTickets £8 (Concess. £6)Children 16 and under £2

Rodgers_david@hotmail.comBox Office: 07718 153117

• • •

Charnwood GeodiversityAn exhibition about the geology of Charnwood

Forestfrom 575 million years ago to the present

Birstall Library: June 1-21• • •

Charnwood Arts

Big Knitting GroupExhibition

Every Pocket Tells a StoryCharnwood Museum

Granby Street, LoughboroughMay 1 – June 27

60 bespoke ‘pockets’ from artists all over thecountry

• • •Haven’t got time to go to town for the last

minute holiday clothes or want to update yourwardrobe?

Come to St Theresa’s on Tuesday June 15 for a

Clothes PartyYou can browse a selection of skirts, knitwear,trousers, cardigans and tops, try then on atyour leisure, enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee

Also a chance to purchase some silk flowers orarrangements from Amanda

Feel free to come and to as you please betweenthe hours of 7.30-9.30pm

Proceeds to Samaritans Shoe Box AppealPay on the door £2, or buy a ticket in advance

£1.50Tickets from Hazel 2674008, Daphne 2675721

• • •

A Day of Talents& Silent Auction

St James the Great Parish Church, BirstallSaturday June 19 from 9am until 5pm

Refreshments availableProceeds for three children’s charities

Includes handbell ringing, organ music, pianotrios and the 663 Ensemble

• • •National Space Centre, Leicester

May 29-June 6

Back to the 70sA celebration of 35 years of the

European Space AgencyIncludes retro arcade games: asteroids, space

invaders and pac man• • •

Stories from Aroundthe World

Stories and songs for children and their parentsBirstall library

Saturday June 12, 11-11.45amPart of this year’s Family Learning Festival

• • •Riverside United under 12s 2010/11

Players WantedWe are looking for new players for next seasonAre you fed up of being on the bench or fancy a

new challenge?Riverside may be the team for you

We aim to be competing at the top end of ourDivision, so if you fancy the challenge come and

join our friendly bunch of ladsWe train at Wreake Valley College, Syston 6-7.30pm and most Saturdays, time to be con-

firmed

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUN 2010 7

Last Friday morning saw the coming to-gether of The Bright Sparks, The Simple Set,The No Ideas, The Hopefuls, Brighton Wan-derers, Shamrock and Roses, Troika, Broad-gate 4+2, Lucas Team and Small and Mighty.These were all teams competing for the pres-tigious Keel Cup which the winners hold forone year. This year it was won by Shamrockand Roses with a score of 53½ out of 70.

The evening was deemed to be a great funnight and raised £175 for the Help the He-roes charity.

The following evening Margaret, myselfand a friend went along to St Patrick’s forone of their charity race nights, we said thatwhatever winnings we made we would top upthe £175, fortunately charities don’t rely onour success as we only won £2, £1.60,£1.70 and £1.60 all evening, however otherdonations arrived the following day and thefinal figure to be sent was £200.

A very big thank you to all who helped andsupported this event.

Margaret and Daphne

I was unaware, until recently, of thelengths that Charnwood Council goes to inprotecting young people from hazards. Othersin Birstall might be interested too.

For more years than most remember,Birstall Guides and Scouts have celebratedtheir Summer Gala day by marching fromHighcliffe School to School Lane. It’s a dis-tance of less than a mile and takes about 20minutes. The young people are fully mar-shalled by leaders and assistants. We havealways told the Police and they have kindlysent an officer or two to make sure that noproblems arise. This year, for reasons notentirely clear, we have also had to involveCharnwood Council. They wrote to our Pa-rade Captain setting out various options andrecommendations for us to consider. Thisletter was copied to 39 other public officials.Since parade details have not yet been final-ised, these are obviously all people who havean input into the options suggested to us orwho need to be aware of the stage our plan-ning has reached. We are naturally gratefulfor such comprehensive assistance. Indeed, itmakes us realise how lucky we must havebeen to avoid any injury or incident in previ-ous decades.

No doubt coincidentally, we have this yearbeen asked to pay for the privilege of a pa-rade. I hasten to add that the charge is notfrom Charnwood BC, with whom we have agood relationship and from whom we receivea discretionary 20% off our rates. However,the Highway Agency is likely to make acharge – we have not yet been able to ascer-tain how much – for road closure signs. Thisdespite our assurances that we do not wantor need a road to be closed any more than itwould be closed for a group of slow pedalcyclists riding two abreast.

Since we are a charity and our Gala is afund raising event, we have not (at time ofwriting) decided whether to parade. In caseyour readers are not alerted to our Gala bythe sound or sight of a parade, could I askthem to put an entry in their diary for Satur-day 5 June, 2.15pm, School Lane.

Keith TorranceScout Group Chairman

So everyone is patting themselves on theirbacks because they’ve cleared the streets ofASB. Well, let me say all you’ve done ismoved these yobs on to other areas. Ourservice road on Gwendolin Avenue is regular-ly visited by youths drinking, taking drugs,and causing damage and breaking in. Theresidents don’t report anything because thereis no response from the authorities, so figureswill go down. The evidence of cheap vodkaand lager can be found especially on Fridays.Is this the day these kids get pocket money?Or is it when the local shops will sell toschoolkids? These kids were not around sixmonths ago the time you moved them fromother areas.

Ian Williamson

Noticeboardall details printed free

Thanks

Scout parade

Problem moved

Continued on page 8

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riversideunited1@btinternet.com or just comealong• • •

25 Choirs Concertin celebration of LOROS 25 years

25 Choirs will sing for 25 minutes each atLongslade Community College, Birstall

Saturday June 262.30-9pm

Tickets: £2.50Drop in at any time – stay as long as you likeRefreshments available if you would like to

make it a long stayRaffle 25p

Please support this local charityThanks to all the local shops who have donated

raffle prizesVolunteers needed to man the

car park on the dayContact carolyn.necklen@talktalk.net

• • •By kind permission of Mr & Mrs Waters

At The Close, School Lane, Birstall

Scout & GuideSummer Gala

Saturday June 5, 2.15pmTeas, cakes, stalls, games, barbeque

Admission 20p• • •

Three Gardens Openin Woodhouse Eaves

for cream teas, homemade cakes, a tombolaand book stall

June 5 & 6, 2-6pm41 Beacon Road, 29 Victoria Road,

10 Brook Roadraising funds for St Paul’s Church,

Woodhouse Eave• • •

Watermead Challenge 2010A charity 5 mile run and 3 mile run or walk

In aid of Richard Engelgardt Trust fund, St John

Ambulance, local youth groups/clubsChallenge yourself, enjoy the local countryside

views and fresh airOpen to affiliated and non affiliated runners

Measured routeGet sponsorship for us or your own causes or

simply enjoy the experience!Wednesday July 14 at 7pm

At Watermead Country Park, Syston, LeicesterLE7 1PD (north entrance)

Presented by The Rotary Club of the WreakeValley

Trust Fund Charity no.001119549Entry details at www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk

• • •

Back into netball10 week course for adults 16+Birstall, Stonehill High School

Mondays 6.30-7.30pmJuly 26 – September 27

£2.50 per sessionfor more information

or to book your place contact Matt on 01509632535

• • •

Faces ArtsArt, Dance & Drama Summer School for children

August 2-6, 10am-3pmMethodist Church Hall, Wanlip Lane, Birstall

Jody 079714 23201www.facesarts.co.uk

A BARONESS who has spent her life cam-paigning for humanitarian causes will bespeaking in Birstall this month.

CHILDREN FROM a Birstall dramaschool wowed audiences withtheir sell out show at Babing-ton Theatre.

70 young students from Faces Arts per-formed ‘Show Time’ – a mixture of drama,comedy, music and energetic street dance.

Jody Chesterton, Proprietorof Faces Arts, said: “Thechildren are so dedicatedand what they have

achieved is unbelievable.Sessions are fun, chal-

lenging and givethem confidencein a relaxed envi-ronment. Theirhard work hasreally shown intheir perform-ance – I’m soproud of themall!”

Faces Artsprovides SaturdayTheatre School,Summer Schools,Street Dance andDrama afterSchool classes,

“It will support adults with learning disa-bilities by encouraging and supporting theirinclusion in Birstall and the surroundingarea, promoting independence and choicethrough education, training, employment andleisure activities.”

Some early examples of the group buildinglinks within the local community in andaround Birstall include:

• Inviting staff and pupils from HighcliffePrimary School to join them in the creation ofthe project’s gardens where they expect togrow a variety of fruit and vegetables.

• Volunteers from the project will have anopportunity to work with the rangers based atWatermead Country Park.

• Birstall Library has expressed an interestin an art exhibition being held on its premis-es, following the success of a similar exhibi-tion in Mountsorrel.

• Individuals from the project attend vari-ous activities run in the village hall and localMethodist Church.

• Staff at the project have approachedseveral local businesses about the possibilitiesof Individuals gaining voluntary work and / orwork experience.

For more information contact StevenBrownlow, community opportunities manager,on 0116 230 3112.

To find out more about Community Oppor-tunities visit:www.leics.gov.uk/community_opportunities

8 the birstall post JUN 2010

Caroline Cox, the Baroness Cox of Queens-bury is a cross-bench member of the Houseof Lords and the founder and CEO of HART,the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust.

Born in 1937 she has had a career innursing, as a sociology lecturer, and in 1977became Director of the Nursing EducationResearch Unit at Chelsea College of the Uni-versity of London.

She was made a peer in 1983 and wasDeputy Speaker of the House of Lords from1986 to 2006.

Baroness Cox’s campaign work with HARThas taken her to Armenia, Burma, East Timor,India, Nigeria, southern Sudan and northernUganda.

Baroness Cox’s talk at Birstall’s St JamesChurch on Church Hill, is entitled ‘A light inthe darkness : the privilege of making a dif-ference’. It will take place on Wednesday June16 at 7.30pm.Pic: The Rt Hon.The Baroness Cox ofQueensbury

‘Shake Up’ mother and toddler group anddance parties.

This summer there will be an Art, Danceand Drama Summer School at the MethodistChurch Hall from August 2-6.

For any further information please visitwww.facesarts.co.uk or contact Jody Chester-ton on 079714 23201

A NEW project helping adults with learn-ing disabilities become more independenthas been launched in Birstall.

Charnwood Community Opportunities hasofficially launched the Watermead Project,based in a modernised bungalow in thegrounds of Highcliffe school on Elmfield Ave-nue.

The initiative is part ofLeicestershire CountyCouncil’s Community Oppor-tunities Service which aimsto enable adults with learn-ing disablilities to becomemore independent and inte-grated in their own commu-nities through training,education, work experience,employment and leisureopportunities.

The Watermead Projectopened in February and iscurrently open five days aweek, providing a base forup to 23 users, as well asstaff.

It has attracted support from HighcliffePrimary School, Age Concern in Birstall, thelocal library, the rangers at Watermead Park,various charity shops in the village, the Meth-odist Church and Birstall Parish Council.

David Sprason, Cabinet Member for Adultsand Communities at Leicestershire CountyCouncil, said: “This project was born fromconsultation with local people about the needfor a community base here in the Birstallarea.

A BIRSTALL pub has won a ‘best kept cel-lar’ award.

The Old Plough on Front Street is the area win-ner of the award, assessed by Punch Taverns andHeineken, and will now be put forward for theterritory awards.

The pub, which has just been re-decorated,already has Cask Masque Accreditation for thequality of its beer.

Continued from page 7

Pub’sbest cellar

Peer’s talkon life’swork

Kidsput ona show

Project promotes independence

Pic: the Watermead Project bungalow

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The near 20 mile course through theLeicestershire countryside is organised by theBoys Brigade every year, and this year 1947(Birstall) Squadron ATC entered three teamsfor the gruelling challenge. One team showedquick thinking and determination to finishtop, with a second group just behind in third.

Office in Charge Paul Vissani, said:“Theweather was perfect, it remained warm andsunny throughout. Luckily some of the chal-lenges involved splashing through rivers andstreams while carrying buckets of water. Thishelped to keep all participants cool.

“Not only did the cadets have to criss-cross through the countryside, they also had

to complete the challenges which were posi-tioned along the way. There were many differ-ent types of challenges which the cadets hadto complete; carrying each other on stretch-ers, completing obstacle courses while blind-folded and many other initiative exercises.The three teams which took part showedgood endurance and managed to keep a highmorale throughout.”Pic: Cadets show off their trophies, backrow (l-r) Cpl Collins, Cdt Chapman, CdtAllcock, Cdt Taylor, Cdt Thorne & Sgt Tay-lorFront row (l-r) Cdt Vissani & Cdt Delf

BIRSTALL GOLF Club members proved their generosity by raising £1,125 forHelp for Heroes in the first month after the organisation was chosen as theclub’s official charity for 2010.

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUN 2010 9

A collection at Naz Kullar’s ‘Captain’s Din-ner’ raised £540 and those attending LadyCaptain Pam Hall’s ‘Ladies’ Charity Day’raised £685 via a range of different fundrais-ing activities.

Alan Birchenall, who spoke at the dinner,and who ran in aid of the charity when hedid his thirtieth traditional end of season runahead of Leicester City’s last home game,received the first part of the money on behalfof the charity.

He said: “I haven’t set any target for my

run, but it would be nice to raise £20,000for such a great charity. Birstall Golf Clubmembers have already shown great generosityin supporting it and I hope City fans will too”.Pic: (l-r): Naz Kullar and Pam Hall handover the Birstall donation to Help for He-roes to Alan Birchenall

TRUDGING THROUGH rivers, carrying buckets of water and tackling assault courses werejust some of the highlights for three teams from 1947 (Birstall) ATC Squadron whenthey undertook the Charnwood Hike.

ALL THE Leicestershire nurseries that took part in a survey about the meals they providefailed to meet all of the current guidelines on food for the under fives.

The twelve nurseries in the county, noneof which were in Birstall, had all volunteeredto take part in a national survey as part of atwo year study conducted by LACORS, part ofthe Local Government Association Group.

The food was analysed by LeicestershireScientific Services and nutritionists who re-ported on their findings: Leicestershire Trad-ing Standards is now encouraging parents andcarers to look at the food provided at theirchildren’s nurseries.

The report found that all of thenurseries were putting a lot ofeffort into providing healthymeals but that there was roomfor improvement.

Problems varied but inLeicestershire the analysisshowed high levels of salt atall the nurseries and inap-propriate portion sizes,mainly too large but some-times too small.

A common problem was applyinghealthy eating principles which work foradults and older children to the under fives,despite their very different needs.

The nutritionists recommended that allnurseries reduce the reliance on packet mix-es, gravy, soup, bread and processed meat toreduce salt levels. There was also a recom-mendation to reduce the reliance on bread attea time and use lower salt alternatives suchas jacket potatoes or pasta.

Nationally it was found that some childrenwere not getting enough carbohydrates to givethem energy because they were being giventoo much fruit.

The project showed that food nutritionalstandards were improved when childcareproviders were given better information about

how to give very young children the right diet.A spokesman for Birstall Rainbow Nursery

on Wanlip Lane, who were not part of thesurvey, said: “All parents will know how hardit is to get their children to try to eat or drinknew things and everyone knows now, morethan ever, how important it is for children toheat healthily as early as possible to stopobesity later in life. At Birstall Rainbow Nurs-ery we have always been passionate about theimportance of good, fresh and nutritional

food in every single meal we cook.“We know that nursery age chil-dren are more willing to try a wide

range of foods than they will beas they get older so we intro-duce healthy and delicious foodto them as early as possible.Our locally sourced, home-cooked meals change weeklyso that our children are always

trying something new and ourparents always have peace of mind

about what their child is eating now,and what their attitude to food will be in thefuture.”

David Bull, Head of Trading Standards forLeicestershire County Council, said: “Currentlythere are no legal controls concerning thenutritional content of food provided bychildren’s nurseries as there is for schools,so I am pleased with the enthusiasm shownby all the nurseries involved to engage withthis project and to apply the nutritionists’recommendations.

“Of course it is very important that thefood offered by nurseries provides childrenwith the correct amount of energy and a goodbalance of key nutrients and so, as a result ofthis work, advice and guidance has beenprovided to all nurseries in Leicestershire.”

BIRSTALL’S MP, the Conservative StephenDorrell, was re-elected at the GeneralElection for the Charnwood constituency.

Mr Dorrell increased his majority from8,809 in 2005 to 15,029. He secured 49.6%of the vote, compared to 46.6% in 2005.

Labour’s vote fell by 8.9%, putting them inthird place, and the Liberal Democrats’ voterose by 3.2%. The BNP vote rose by 2.2%and the UKIP vote by 0.4%.Charnwood 2010 Election Result

Stephen Dorrell (Con) 25,560; RobinWebber-Jones (Lib Dem) 11,531; Eric Goody-er (Lab) 10,536; Cathy Duffy (BNP) 3116;Miles Storier (UKIP) 1799.

The turnout was 71.9%

Electionresult

AIR YOUR views and ask questions ofcouncillors and other service providers atyour next Area Forum on June 9.

The next meeting of the Bradgate, Rothley,Mountsorrel and Birstall Area Forum will beheld at Mountsorrel Primary School at 7pm.

One item for discussion at the June meet-ing will be the progress of the projects thatwere identified in March as receiving cashfrom the Forum’s one-off budget of £20,000.

More details: www.leicestershireforums.org

Cadets 20 mile hike

Survey of nursery food

Nextareaforum

Club’s help for heroes

The July issue ofTHE BIRSTALL POST

will be published on July 3.The copy deadline is June 18.

Home CarersRequiredAre you a caring person?Like varied work & job satisfaction?Join our team of carers in the Mountsorrel,Cropston, Quorn, Sileby, Syston, Birstall &Wymeswold areas.Flexible shifts, 10-40 hrs per week, &mornings, evenings and weekends availa-ble.No experience required as all training willbe provided.Up to £7.25hr, plus travel expenses. Tele-phone essential. Ring Debbie between8.30am & 4.30pm for more information on0116 2696247 (quoting reference BP)

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IT’S ALL systems go for the summer tennisseason down at Birstall Watermead TennisClub.

Two open events are being held thismonth in a move to attract new membersfrom the Birstall area.

On Wednesday June 9 from 5.30-9pmthere will be an Open Evening, and if you areunable to make it then, there is a follow-upevent, an Open Morning on Sunday June 13from 10am until 1pm.

For those who do not know where theclub is based, it is situated at the Co-opSports and Social Club on Birstall Road, nearRed Hill Circle. A club spokesman said:“Come along and speak to members and findout what the club has to offer. There will behalf-price membership on offer on both days.

“The club is active all year round andthere are floodlights covering the three all-weather courts, a major boost in the winter.”

There is a varied programme of socialevents planned throughout the year, and onSunday June 20 the club will be holding isannual Strawberry Lunch, social tennis fol-lowed by strawberries and cream, to get intothe Wimbledon mood. On Friday, July 30 theclub is hosting a barbecue.

The summer men’s, women’s, veterans’and junior league matches are already in fullswing which will be followed by the mixedmatches later in the summer.

The spokesman added: “As usual it lookslike being a busy time at the club, so let’s seeas many people as possible at the open eventsto share in the fun and carry on its reputationas one of the leading sports clubs in Birstall.”

VISITORS CAN try pistol shooting in a safeenvironment at a Pistol Gala in July.

On Saturday July 3 The Redhill Revolvers,in association with the Umarex Boys Club, areholding a Pistol Gala at the Co-operativeSports and Social Club (LE4 4DE), Birstall.The event will start at 10am and conclude atabout 4pm after the presentation of awards.

Spokesman Steve Prime said: “Safety briefsand full instruction will be in place on theday for anyonewho is new tothe disciplines.The main aimof the event isto promote thesport of pistolshooting andfor all to havesafe fun. Entrycost will be £5which willallow you to enter all the events and we hopeto have spare pistols for loan on the day.”There will be catering at the event in the formof a snack bar.

For further information please call StevePrime on 0116 2676114 (eve) or 01162676252 (office hours)

A MONTH of mixed results for the 1st and2nd teams, with a whole weekend washedout by rain.

Premier Division 1st team holders withfirst game away at Appleby Magna ended in a100 run defeat, so skipper Dave Sharpe nottoo pleased. But two wins against Twycrossand Bharat and one wash out has seen themclimb the table. An impressive 105 for AndyGalpin against Twycross was the stand outscore. Nice to see two ex-players Trev Colverand Ian Hunt umpiring the 1st team recently,who I’m told are probably the best and fairestumpires on the circuit.

2nd Team results – one win, one defeatand again one wash out, sees them mid-table,but more to come I’m sure. Impressivebowling from S Findley and Mick Jones showsthe team’s strengths – a few more runsplease.

Under 17’s had two games cancelled sotheir first game was against probably thestrongest team in their division Thorpe Arnoldof Melton away with their impressive facilities.A 100 run defeat was hard to take at any levelbut they never let their heads drop, and im-pressive batting by Ashley Coulthard was thehigh point.

Under 13 A’s and B’s have had mixedstarts. Under 13 A’s have had two losses butthe second game at home against Syston,Birstall took them very close with decentbowling from Liam Hopkins. Another dozenruns with the bat may have got them the re-sult they so nearly deserved. Under 13 B’stwo wins and two cancelled games is a 100%start beating Cropston (cup) first game andthen beating Barkby United (league) by 6runs. Both wins with an all round good teameffort. Well done coaches Kev and Jo.

From S Findley

CAT OWNERS are being warned to be vigi-lant after a cat believed to have beencaught in a trap had to have his leg ampu-tated.

The Police have also received two reportsof cats going missing in the village.

Wendy Porter’s cat went missing in Aprilfor four days before he was found, seriouslyinjured. Wendy, of Lawn Avenue, said: “Hisleg was hanging off and the bone showing. Itook him straight to the vet where he had tostay to have his leg removed. There were noother injuries or marks from being hit by acar or attacked by another animal, this canonly leave that this was done by someone ormaybe a trap.”

She added: “I am so concerned over thisand think others should know and be aware.Also, I’m really grateful to family memberswho helped with the vet’s bills.”

Wendy is aware of cats going missing fromthe Wanlip Lane area and from the Crosswaysin recent weeks.

Borrajo’s, the vets on Sibson Road, saythey have not seen any unusual injuries tocats. Head Nurse Carrie-Anne Hunt said:“We’ve not seen any rise in the number ofcats being brought in, and we haven’t heardany rumours about cats going missing.”

10 the birstall post JUN 2010

BIRSTALL METHODIST Women’s Group are afriendly group of ladies who welcome newmembers.

They meet on Monday evenings at 7.30pmin the Methodist Coffee Shop on Wanlip Lane,usually finishing around 9pm.

Spokeswoman Barbara Watson said: “Wehave recently enjoyed speakers on a widevariety of topics, including An Introduction toBats, The History of the Musical, The Life andMonologues of Joyce Grenfell and Puppetsand Marionettes. Quiz evenings, theatre tripsand meals are also popular.

“Our nominated charities this year areADAPT, support for parents of prematurebabies, and the Birstall Special Needs Play-group and thanks go to members and friendswho recently raised an amazing £511 at our

SHAPES HAIR salon in Birstall aim to raiseover £1000 for charity by jumping 15,000feet out of a plane!

Stylists Becki Stone and Jonboy Palmer areplanning the jump at the end of June for twocharities which include Cystic Fibrosis Trustand also Mind, for better mental health.

Shapes are offering 10 free haircuts to-gether with a donation for the charity. Pleaseemail: reception@shapes-salons.co.uk togeth-er with your name, address and a contactphone number.

A NEW loaf of bread has been developed by theMaster Baker at Budgens Mountsorrel.

Named after the village where it has been creat-ed the loaf uses a unique blend of organic andspelt white flour from Claybrooke Mill in Leicester-shire and is combined with Swithlandspring water. The dough created isfermented overnight to producea loaf with a delicious flavourand a perfect crust, sayBudgens.

Guy Coombs, General Manag-er at Farmer Fear’s Budgens andMaster Baker is extremely excitedabout his new loaf. He said: “Wehave developed a loaf of exceptionalquality by sourcing the main ingredientslocally from Leicestershire. The combination of

organic and spelt flours is thought to make thebread easier to digest than the standard whitesliced loaf. But most importantly the loaf is deli-cious. Soft inside, packed with flavour and with aproper crust.

“The loaf is priced competitively for thesize and quality of the product, at

£1.99, for either bloomer or farm-house”. All of the Farmer Fear’srange of products at Budgensaim to provide “exceptionalquality at the right price” andinclude locally producedmeats, pies and cider. Furtherinformation can be found at

www.farmerfear.co.uk.The loaf is now available to

buy in Farmer Fear’s BudgensMountsorrel, on Granite Way.

Auction of Talents. Otherfundraising events are heldthroughout the year andinclude coffee mornings andsales tables.”

She added: “New mem-bers are very welcome so docome and join us and sharein an evening of fellowshipand fun. One pound is all itcosts, which includes re-freshments and if you wouldlike to become a member asmall subscription is due inSeptember.”

The programme for Juneis: June 5 Coffee Morning;June 7 ‘What a WonderfulWorld’; June 14 ‘A Scandina-vian Evening’; June 21 Mem-bers’ Evening; June 28 ‘FinalFling’ – a meal at the QueenVic in Syston

A BOOT CAMP exercise session on aLeicester park has raised £1000 for LOROSsince it started in April.

The group of 40 who attend the LOROSLeicester Boot Camp on Victoria Park are ofall shapes, sizes and fitness levels. They take

part in an hour of exerciseincluding jogging, ballgames, stretching and jump-ing. A percentage of everyclass fee goes directly toLOROS.

For more detailswww.leicesterbootcamp.co.uk

COUNCILLOR JILL Vincent is the new Mayorof Charnwood.

She has represented the Southfields wardin Loughborough on Charnwood BoroughCouncil for the last 15 years.

Councillor Vincent’s daughter, EmmaAronica, will be the Mayoress for the year.

A FORMER Principal of Longslade College hasdied.

Mr Trevor Stratford was principal in the 80sand early 90s. He died in April of motor neuronedisease at the LOROS hospice

Summertennis

Pistolshooting

Stylist’sskydive

Cricketclub

Catinjured

Women’sgroup

Budgens bake new loaf

Trevor Stratford New Mayor

Boot camp exercise class

Visit gardens in theElmfield/Oakfield Avenue,

Fielding Road area of Birstall

GARDEN TRAILSaturday and Sunday 12th and 13th June 2010

2.00pm – 5.30pm

Adults £3.00 in advance £3.50 on the dayAccompanied children free

Garden Tombola, Plant Stall,Children’s Treasure HuntRefreshments, Ices, Raffle

In aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and Church Funds

Birstall Methodist Church’s

Sponsored byBirstall Garden Centre

PALLATTBROS. Ltd

Corgi Gas Reg. Installers

AC RNBUILDERSEXTENSIONSALTERATIONS &PROPERTYREPAIRS

2675658Proprietor RMS Gibbon(

AGE CONCERN

INFOPensions and Pensioners in Election Cam-paigns

Unfortunately in the recent election cam-paigns all the main parties appear to havelargely ignored the dilemma that many pen-sions are going to find themselves in. Readingthe manifestos of the three main parties andnoting the record of previous governments(the Labour government had more than 20ministers in the Pensions Ministry from 1997-2010) it does not seen that pensions werehigh on their agenda. This does not appearencouraging for those who will be pensionersin the next few decades.

Several years ago British pensions, espe-cially the final salary schemes of many privatecompanies, were the envy of many othercountries. Today the situation is very differentwith many final salary schemes in the privatesector fast becoming just a memory. There isapparently a group of well-known companieswho are planning to close yet more finalsalary pension schemes eg Taylor, Wimpey,Pirelli, Barclays, Morrisons, Vodaphone, DairyCrest, Aviva and others.

Increasing longevity has played a large partin the closure of final salary pensionschemes. It is said that a final salary pensionscheme adds well over 20% to payroll costs.During the election campaign the Toriespromised to “reverse the effects of pensionsavers of the previous government’s abolitionof the dividend tax credit for pension funds”but they gave no details of how and whenthey would do this. So we await to see if thiswill be a promise that is honoured.

When it comes to funding retirement it is

becoming a case of every man and womanfending for themselves as you can no longercount on most firms for good pensionschemes nor on the state pension, whetherearnings linked or not.Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is not a pleasant thing to high-light but necessary as unfortunately it doeshappen. Accordingly Age Concern has pro-duced a new Factsheet No.78 (April 2010) –Safeguarding Older People from Abuse.

The factsheet is designed to help you ifyou know an older person who is beingabused or who may be at risk of abuse.Whether you know the individual involvedthrough your role as a professional, carer,relative or friend, you have an important partto play in safeguarding them from abuse.

The information in the factsheet is aimedat raising your awareness and understandingof the issues of abuse and it covers approach-es to safeguarding older people. Any form ofabuse is unacceptable, no matter what justifi-cation or reason may be given for it and it isvery important that older people are aware ofthis and they know that help is available.

The factsheet describes the situation inEngland. There may be differences in thelegislation, guidance and procedures inNorthern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Theinformation in the factsheet is correct for theperiod April 2010 – March 2011 but rulesand guidance sometimes change during theyear.

Cases of abuse against older people regu-larly come to light and many instances ofabuse also go unreported. Abuse can occur in

a person’s own home or whilst they are re-ceiving a service, for example in a hospital orcare home. The abuse may be perpetrated bya friend, family member or a stranger or itmight be by a professional in the course oftheir work with an older person.

The charity Action on Elder Abuse definesabuse as: ‘A single or repeated act or lack ofappropriate action, occurring within any rela-tionship where there is an expectation oftrust, which caused harm or distress to anolder person.’ (1993)

Factsheet 78 is available to be read atBirstall Library where it is with all the otherpublished factsheets in two binders.Factsheets

Factsheets provide detailed information forthose with a specific problem or advisersworking directly with older people. For moreinformation and to view the full range offactsheets available visit –www.ageuk.org.uk/information or call Age UKAdvice 0800 169 65 65 to request an orderform (factsheets are free)

Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland,Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East,Leicester LE1 7LA. Tel:0116 2992233 Fax0116 2992244.enquiries@ageconcernleics.com,www.ageconcernleics.comInformation and Advice Service

Money Matters, Welfare Benefits, Housing& Property, Residential & Nursing Care, Lei-sure & Social Activities, Family & PersonalMatters, Your Rights, Local Services, and mostother issues that affect your quality of life.

Jex Woods

PLANS TO open a hot food takeaway at anew shop on Sibson Road have been re-fused by Charnwood.

It is the second time the owner of 121Sibson Road, the empty shop opposite Bar-clays bank, has had his application refused –the first was in July last year, for a fish andchip shop.

The unit has permission for retail, officeuse or as a restaurant but the owner’s agentsays that it is too small to make a restaurantbusiness viable without a takeaway facility.

The secondapplication at-tempted to ad-dress thereasons for re-fusal given in

July 2009 by including reports by specialistconsultants on noise, smells and increasedtraffic.

Charnwood Borough Council refused theapplication on the grounds that the proposalwould result in an “unacceptable level ofdisturbance to nearby residents by reason ofthe level of activity and its associated noisefrom visitors and car movements.”

The Borough Council also said that therewas a lack of car parking within the locality.

RUNNERS AND walkers of all abilities arebeing invited to take part in a charity runaround Watermead County Park this July.

The Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley hasorganised the ‘Watermead Challenge 2010’ toraise funds for the Richard Engelgardt Trustfund, St John Ambulance and youth groupsand clubs local to Syston/Birstall.

Richard Engelgardt is a player with BirstallRugby Club who became wheelchair boundafter an injury when a scrum collapsed.

The run, which has been licensed by UKAthletics as an official event, has been de-signed to suit entrants of all abilities, with afive mile run twice around King Lear’s Lakeand three times around John Merrick’s Lakeand shorter three mile run/walk event.

Entrance fees are £9 for the five mile run(affiliated runners £7) and £6 for the threemile run/walk (affiliated £4).

A spokesman said: “Once you have en-tered you can get sponsorship for us, for yourown cause or simply enjoy the experience!”

The event takes place on Wednesday July14 at 7pm at the Park’s north entrance, nearthe Hope & Anchor inn. Entry forms areavailable at www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk.

THE BIRSTALL POST, JUN 2010 11

Garden TrailIn the afternoon of Saturday June 12/13,

there are 11 gardens to visit in the Oakfield,Elmfield, and Fielding Road part of Birstall. Inaddition, there are three houses that have al-lowed the use of their front garden for variousstalls (plants, tombola, cakes, and ice creams).Teas will be served at Highcliffe School.

There is a raffle with a £50 Garden Voucherand £20 Aroma Spice Meal Voucher amongstother prizes.

The church is grateful to all those who haveopened their gardens, sold passports, providedraffle prizes, and helped in many other ways.Especially to Birstall Garden Centre for spon-soring the event.

You will need a passport to visit the gardenswhich can be bought for £3 from any of thefollowing shops: Birstall Shoe Repairs, WentRoad News, Kingsgate News, McColls News,Kingsgate stores, Michaels Butchers, PatricksButchers, Birstall Garden Centre, Ruby TuesdayRestaurant, Anne-El-Maria

And of course the Church Coffee Shop.If you purchase ‘on the day’ (from any of

the gardens) the cost is £3.50.Accompanied children are free and there is

a competition for the children.Funds raised are in aid of the Alzheimer’s

Society and Church Funds.Fire At Church

In the early hours of April 21, our Ministerwas disturbed by the phone ringing. It was theFire Brigade ringing to say there was a fire nextdoor (at 38 Wanlip Lane) which had spread tothe side of the Methodist Church premises.

There was considerable damage to the prop-

erty at 38, from the fire, which, by all accounts,started in the garden shed of number 38.

The fire, fanned by the wind, had affectedthe roof, door, and window of the quiet room.Emergency repairs were put in hand to keepthe premises watertight.

It was very fortunate that the Emergency FireDoor in the quiet room did its job and kept thefire to the exterior of the building. Neverthelessthe damage was considerable. New roof soffitswill be needed, a new fire door, a new window,and new carpets all in the quiet room. Therewas some smoke damage in the roof space andsome chairs will need specialist cleaning.

David Bark, the property secretary (who wasin Paris at the time of the blaze) has stated thatinsurance should cover all of the damage. Onlythe quiet room remains out of use, and thecoffee shop reopened the next day, affectedonly by a strong smell of the smoke.Rev Alan Merritt

Many friends will remember Rev Alan Mer-ritt who was minister in Birstall for 13 years inthe 1970’s. Alan now lives in Devon and stillpreaches as a Supernumerary Minister. Sadlyhis wife Marion died in 2008.

Alan will make the journey to Birstall andwill be leading the services at our Church Anni-versary on Sunday June 20.Tesco Vouchers

The Prte-School which meets on ourpremises are collecting Tesco (and other)school equipment vouchers to help providenew play equipment. If you’ve any vouchersthere is a collecting box outside the concerthall (or drop them in the church letterbox).

From Tony Moore

Methodist church news

P/10/1034/2: Hannah Parade, 8 & 9Stonehill Ave – change of use from officeto caféP/10/1018/2: 661 Loughborough Road –erection of 2x illuminated & 3x non-illu-minated advertisementsP/10/0913/2: 49 Woodgate Drive – erec-

tion of 2-storey extension to rear ofdwellingP/10/0916/2: Thakrars, 222 BirstallRoad – extensions and alterations tobungalow to form a 2.5 storey houseand first floor extension over garage toform home office

Emptyshop

Watermeadrun

Planning applications

Help us in our work helpingothers less fortunate than

ourselves

All gifts and donations gladlyaccepted at the

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION19 FRONT STREET • BIRSTALL

or Ring 2674817

NOT SELF”“SERVICEVEHICLE TESTING

STATION

MOTTESTING

PETROLS • DIESELSMOTORCYCLES

CROPSTONGARAGE

37 - 39 Station RoadCropston, Leicester

0116 2362363

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REGULAR MEETINGSNIFTY FIFTIESTues 11.40am to 12.40pm Sileby Parish CommunityCentre. An exercise class designed for the active 50+age group. Fun, sociable & very good for you. Fullyqualified instructor Kate 2412646AEROBICS & BODY CONDITIONING(RSA Qual.Instructor) Co-op Sports & Social Club Tues6.30pm Step/Total Body Conditioning; Thurs 6.30pmAerobics/bums & tums. Tel:Sue 077 396 36650 or trypersonal training in the privacy of your own homeROYAL BRITISH LEGION WHIST DRIVEEvery Thur: 2.30pm Legion Club, Front St.ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTIONMeet 3rd Thursday each month, Legion Club, FrontStreet 8pm. New members welcome. Tel:2674817ROYAL BRITISH LEGION BRANCH MEETINGMembers meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at7.30pm. Legion HQ, 19 Front St, BirstallCOFFEE SHOPTues-Sat 10-12noon, Birstall Methodist CentreBIRSTALL SOCIAL CLUBEvery Tue: Seq Dancing 8-10.30pmBIRSTALL SOCIAL EVERGREEN CLUBEvery Tue:2.15pm Birstall Soc ClubDIANE GROSE SCHOOL OF DANCE & DRAMADance, Drama & Fitness Classes for Children & AdultsEnq 2674775ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATIONMeet Royal British Legion, 4th Wed in every monthtel:2609658ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOESEvery Mon:8pm. The Sir Henry Pearce Lodge No.30.Every Fri:8.30pm. The Progressive Lodge No.6565.Meet at Birstall Social Club - all members of RAOB, GLEwelcomeBIRSTALL CARERS SUPPORT GROUPWelcomes all carers. Regular meetings at the St JamesDay Care Centre, Fridays at 2pm. (Except the last Fri-day in the month). For further information contactMarlene 2674714ACORN UNDER FIVESTel: 0116 267 2795 Toddler Group 18-36 months andyounger siblings Mondays 9-10.30am & 10.30-12noon. Preschool 8.30-11.30am and 12.30-3.30pm,five days per week except Friday pm in theAutumn/Spring term. Highcliffe Community Centre,Greengate Lane, Birstall LE4 3DLBIRSTALL QUILTERSEvery Wed afternoon 1.30-3.30pm Birstall MethodistChurch Rooms, Wanlip LaneRAINBOW CO-OPERATIVE PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP(Charity No:1045204) Co-op Sports & Social Ground,Birstall Rd. Open weekdays 9.30am -12noon, also ex-tended care available for a small extra charge.Childrenfrom 2yrs - 5 yrs. LEA funding available for all 3+ yrs.Our new play area provides the addition of safe out-door fun. Enquiries tel Julie 2671828,mobile:07793630612HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY (HATS)Every Wed 7-9.45pm, Greengate Hall, HighcliffeSchool. New members welcome. Tel: Jenny 01162128757BALLET, TAP, MODERN JAZZ & MUSICAL THEATREDANCE CLASSESChildren’s Dance and Musical Theatre classes (Dance,Drama and Singing) held weekly at Birstall Methodist

Church on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. IDTAexams taken in the above subjects. For further infor-mation tel: Sharon Wood on 01509 550 923BRIGHT HOUREvery Tuesday, 2.30pm. Birstall Methodist CentreBIRSTALL LABOUR PARTYSecond Thursday 7.30pm Luther King Centre, Longs-lade Community College. Sec Tel: 2674293THURCASTON EARLY LEARNING PLAYGROUP9am-1pm, Thurcaston Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane.Please contact Lisa Sterland on 07904 170 196 for afree prospectusBIRSTALL & WANLIP NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHAdvice shop every third Saturday of the month at oldCouncil Offices, 10 Sibson Road. Information and helpon home security & NHW & postcoding of bicycles.10am to 12 noonBIRSTALL INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCHSundays 10.45am and 6.30pm (except July/Aug) atHighcliffe School Community Centre, Greengate Lane.For details/enquiries tel:2214883WANLIP PRE-SCHOOLWanlip Church Hall Mondays to Fridays 8.30-12.30,1.30-4.30 Children from 2-5yrs, funding from 3yrs.Ofsted Registered Tel: 2672192BIRSTALL METHODIST PRE SCHOOL Children from 2.Funding for 3+. Mon & Fri 12.15-3.15pm, Tues, Wed& Thur 9am-12noon. Tel 2675690 session times orLaura Freer 2671910 or Kay Hilton 2207045BIRSTALL ST JOHN AMBULANCE COMBINED DIVISIONBadgers First Aid & activities for 5-10 yr olds. Thur6-7pm Tel: 2209188. Cadets:First Aid & activities for10 yrs to adult. Thur 7.15-8.45pm Tel: 2106237.Adults: Friday 7.30pm. Phone Eddie Sim on 01162719168, mobile 07841 448126TEA DANCE - every Thursday, 2-4.30pm, Rothley Cen-tre, Mountsorrel Lane, Admission £1.50 contact2303013STARLIGHT THEATRE SCHOOL Tuition in Ballet, Tap,Modern Jazz, Lyrical, Drama, Acrobatic, Greek & Model-ling. Exams & Medals taken in the above. BTDA Examsare part of the National Curriculum and means they areequivalent to GCSE or A level Dance.Details ring: 0116 2355495, Mobile 07703 472702COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY Thursdays, 9.45-11.30am atBirstall Methodist Centre. Peter Molesdale 2929670BIRSTALL UNITED JUNIORS FC. Football Academy forboys and girls aged 4-6 every Sat 10.30am to noon.All welcome. Bring appropriate clothing, shin guardsand football boots.GENTLE EXERCISE TO MUSIC CLASS Birstall Village Hall,2-3pm every Tuesday. Open to exercise referral mem-bers and non-members. Further details ring Nita atCharnwood Borough Council on 01509 634836SINGING SALLY’S Tuesdays Highcliffe Community Cen-tre, Greengate Lane, 1.45-2.30pm £3 per session.Contact Singing Sally on 01536 772545GUNNS BOXING GYM The Reading Room, Birstall Road.Mon-Fri & Sun Morning. Contact Carl Gunns 2671494BIRSTALL RUGBY CLUB Training at Longslade playingfields, Wanlip Lane, Tuesdays 7.15pm, 1st team, Social& Vets Teams for the 08/09 season. Players wanted.Tel: D Bonser 07841584206BIRSTALL AIR TRAINING CORPSTuesday and Thursday 7.30-9.30pm, 1947 SquadronHeadquarters (in grounds of Riverside PrimarySchool). New members aged 13 to 17 welcome. Tel:

0116 267 2868ST JAMES CHURCH BABY & TODDLER GROUP Birstall Vil-lage Hall, Monday 1.30-3.30pm during term-time.Contact Marion 2673817 or Elaine 2673030CLASH Community Leicester Arthritis Self-Help Groupmeets on the second Wednesday of each month atLongslade College in the Luther King Centre from 7-9pm. Contact Christine Thomas 2200988,www.leicestershirevillages.com/birstall/clash.htmlCAPITAL ARTS CHILDREN’S CHOIR Children aged 6-16,meets Tuesday evenings, Loughborough Town Hall5-6.30pm, Kathleen Shanks (Musical Director) Tel/Fax0116 2672035. Phone or email for details:capitalarts@btconnect.comTHE WAY AHEAD group for people with learning diffi-culties, Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane,Thursdays (term time only), 7-9pm. Enquiries: Debo-rah 0116 2606309 or Pam 0116 2674818 or Gemma:sportygem19@hotmail.co.uk1st BIRSTALL GIRLS’ BRIGADE Are you aged between 5and 18 yrs? Would you like to make new friends, havefun, earn badges and go on camp? The Girls’ Brigadeis an exciting Christian organisation that meets everyTuesday during term time at Birstall Methodist Church,Wanlip Lane, Birstall. From 6.30pm. For further infor-mation ring Susan Wheeler 2209318INDOOR BOWLING: Tuesdays & Thursdays, from 10amto 12noon. Open to the public. Birstall Village Hall.0116 2676191FITNESS CLASSES Gentle Circuit/Body Conditioning, forall ages and abilities. A great way to keep fit.Wednesdays 7.45pm Longslade College, Wanlip Lane,Birstall. 0116 267 0807 for further detailsIN B TWEENIES A parent, baby and toddler group runby ADAPT for parents with children who have been ona neo-natal unit. The group meets every Tuesday from10am to 12noon at Syston Community Centre, SchoolStreet. Tel: Nicky on 07771 718041www.prembabies.co.uk. ADAPT reg charity 1080112RED POPPY JIVEFirst & third Wednesdays every month at The RoyalBritish Legion Club, 19 Front Street. Free admissionfrom 8.15pm. Old & new rock’n’rollers welcome. Youcan phone 2671202 or 2673233 for more informationLEICESTER WINDSURFING AND SAILBOARD CLUB at Wa-termead Country Park welcomes new members. Formore info call Ricky Driver on 0116 2365213 or visitwebsite www.leicestersailboardclub.co.ukFACES ARTS Thursdays, Highcliffe School, dance, dra-ma & art. Jody_chesterton@hotmail.com or07971423201TICKLED SKINK Children’s singing sessions themedaround habitats of the world. Exotic animals. For 2-5yrs old & their younger siblings, Tuesday, 1.45-2.30pm at Pavilion, School Lane, School Lane playingfield 07951853204BIRSTALL WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Monthly meeting plusspeaker and much more. New members and visitorswelcome. 7.15pm Highcliffe School Community Centre,Greengate Lane

12 the birstall post JUN 2010

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERLongslade College, Wanlip Lane,

Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GHEditor: Mr Jerry Jackson

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0116 2674213Correspondence, news etc

can be handed in at:Birstall Library or to our office in the

Youth Centre,Longslade College, Birstall

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SAT 5BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Coffee MorningMON 7BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP What a wonder-ful worldWED 9BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB 7pm Outing to Barkby HallTHUR 10BIRSTALL & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY WanlipChurch: an evening visit. Chris Palmer. Birstall VillageHall 7.30pmMON 14BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP A ScandinavianEvening. Dr Sue AblettMON 21BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP MemberseveningWED 23BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB Janine Hall. Mary, Mary. Bir-stall Village Hall, 7.15pmMON 28BIRSTALL METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP Final Fling

Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32 words:50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in(inside an envelope) at Birstall library.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p aword. You are liable for the trade/business rate if youare offering a service for which you are asking forpayment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale.All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra.Max 50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.

Small Ads

AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Seaports,Long Distance, Courier. Tel: 0777 1984806

TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted byex-BT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV.Over 25 yrs experience. John 2675132

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy.Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions,conversions, new build. David IvesB.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 /07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk

EARN £400-£600 per month part-time de-livering and collecting catalogues 18+ Call0116 2986894

RUNNER BEANS: seeds for cultivation 40 for£1, for bean bags etc 1000 for £2. Plants15 for £2. Also exercise rowing machine£20 ono 0116 2921619

TO LET in Syston. 2300 sq.ft workshop &warehouse, additional offices, kitchen & 2toilets. Good sized private yard for very se-cure parking. Tel: 0116 2921678/07764567953 to view and discuss terms

PROM DRESS, dark purple, size 14 £30 ono.0116 2674362

UPRIGHT PIANO Chappell of London. Ironframe, overstrung, under damped. Lovelycondition, tuned regularly, dark colour£200 ono. Tel: 07851 216771

Index of Advertisers

A QUALIFIED fitness instructor fromCharnwood’s Active Together Team will beconducting free health checks at BirstallLibrary.

The health checks include measuring bodyfat percentage, weight, blood pressure, bodycomposition, basal metabolic rate, musclemass and total body water percentage.

The checks will take place on Thursdays:June 17, July 15, August 19 and September16 between 10am and 1pm.

To take advantage of this offer book a freehealth check by contacting Birstall Library on0116 305 8756

The July issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on July 3. The copy deadline is June 18.

Health checks

Tel: 0116 267 2583Mob: 07967 191975 Buy DELL products here

CareHelp At Home (Egerton Lodge)............9ChildrenNikki Arkley.........................................11Birstall Rainbow Nursery.......................10Tiny Talk Leicester...............................4Woodlands Day Nursery.......................2ClothesSupacare.............................................10ComputersNTL Computers....................................12Energy Performance CertificateDavid Jackson......................................9FeetFoot Medics.........................................7FoodWoodcock Farm Shop...........................4FuneralDe Montfort Memorials.........................11Midland Co-Op Funeral.........................10Garage ServicesChips Away..........................................3Cropston Garage..................................11KM Vehicle Services.............................5P Moore..............................................3GardenBee & The Bean...................................9Co Arb.................................................9Four Seasons.......................................12Goscote Nurseries................................1Lancaster Landscapes..........................1J Oughton............................................7Martin Page.........................................5D Upton...............................................4HairElizabeth Zehfewkes............................4Health & BeautyBlue Moon Beauty Salon.......................11HomeAbacus Domestic Heating.....................5Acorn Builders.....................................10Birstall Alarms......................................11Birstall Plumbing Ltd............................8

Alan Chambers.....................................4Control Electrics Ltd.............................11County Roofing....................................1DA Roofing & Building..........................3Elliott & Ball........................................5Peter Ingham.......................................7I-Security Services...............................9JPM Air Conditioning.............................8Maclean Environmental Ltd...................3Mectric Ltd...........................................3Simon Oates........................................1Odd Job Man........................................4Pallatt Bros..........................................10Permahomes........................................11Powerup Electrical Services..................12Rak Tailor Home Improvements.............10RWS Plumbing.....................................8Soar Valley Heating..............................4Steven Squance...................................8LaundretteDR Launderette....................................5LeisureBirstall Watermead Tennis Club.............7Longslade College (Pool).....................6Swan Inn.............................................8Tebbatt Electronics..............................12Mini CabAirport Cars.........................................12Franks Taxis........................................7OpticalOpticare..............................................1Prospecs Eyewear................................12Henry Smith & Hamylton......................4TelecomsJ Rigley................................................12TuitionPinewood Literacy................................5Venue For HireMidland Co-Op Sports & Social Club......9WindowsMidland Window Installations................1Weatherlock Windows Ltd.....................8Wilson Windows...................................3