|
The Birstall Post. SEPTEMBER 2000 (No. 206) |
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| Learning new football skills were five year olds (l-r) James Rudkin, Thomas Brant & Taylor MacMillan |
Football crazy! |
| HUNDREDS OF Birstall children went
football crazy last month. Charnwood Borough Council Recreational Services Department organised an exciting days programme on the School Lane playing field for children aged five to 11. The day was just one of many sporting activities Charnwood have staged for young people this summer, several taking place in Birstall. |
Scheme agreed |
| SIBSON ROAD residents and Parish
Councillors have agreed on a scheme for improvements to a section
of Sibson Road. At a special meeting of the Parish Council on August 21, two plans for improvements drawn up by the County Council were discussed by residents and councillors. The plans were for the section of Sibson Road between The Crossways and Birstall Garden Centre and all the affected residents received a letter inviting them to the meetings - eight attended. Mr Tony Lockley from Leicestershire County Council said that the existing loose gravel surfacing was a health and safety hazard, and that replacing it this year would tie in with other environmental enhancements planned for the whole of Sibson Road. After discussion it was agreed to proceed with a plan that will feature block paved areas and residents' parking bays, parallel to the carriageway. The provision of public seating, railings, trees and planters will be subject to further discussion. The scheme is expected to cost £35,000. It is hoped that a grant will provide £10,000 and the Parish Council is expecting to contribute the same amount. The work should be completed by April 2001. Charnwood Borough Council are to produce a scheme for the northern section of Sibson Road. This will be more difficult, as much of the pavement is in private hands and individual agreements with the property owners will have to be negotiated. The construction of a car park on the Alldays site is expected to be completed by April 2001. Charnwood have received tenders for the demolition and construction work and will meet with Parish Councillors later this month to discuss progress. In June, the Parish Council organised a workshop to discuss the findings of the Sibson Road questionnaire published in the Birstall Post. The workshop was led by two independent facilitators: Lynn Galletly and Alan Shaw. The main conclusions were: • Keep on-street parking on Sibson Road as it is Continue with plans for extra car parking • Make bays attractive • Retain traffic flow in and out of Sibson Road having access to shops • Traffic calming. Two pedestrian crossings the preferred option, one at Barclays Bank, the other between Stonehill Avenue and Wanlip Avenue • Consideration of restricting access times for delivery lorries • A mixture of decorative paving and tarmac • Some trees in strategic positions • Flowers/planters/litter bins/seating near to shops • A tourist board type sign detailing village layout • Develop relationships with shopkeepers • Explore schemes for attracting new businesses • Consider installation of CCTV A 'Planning for Real' consultation exercise is planned for October before a formal consultation closer to Christmas. It is hoped that plans will be approved in January 2001 and then tenders invited. |
Fifty years together |
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|
Bob & Rita Stafford with Bob's Vincent
motorcycle
A BIRSTALL couple who met at an RAF base in Germany in 1949
are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary this month. |
Parish Council notes |
| A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish
Council was held on August 1. A letter had been circulated to councillors by Cllr Chris Clarke regarding the matter of a declaration of interest and the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to discontinue legal proceedings against him. To clarify the position, the Parish Council's solicitors had been asked to give an opinion. It was the solicitor's view that Cllr Clarke had a pecuniary interest in the Charnwood Local Plan which he should declare. The next item on the agenda was 'Declarations of Interest'. Councillors Ackroyd, Coleman, Scott and Wilson declared a pecuniary interest in the Local Plan. Councillors Tony Stott and Eva Stott declared a non pecuniary interest. Cllr Clarke did not declare an interest. Cllr Roger Wilson proposed that Cllr Clarke be reported to the police for not declaring his interest as he did not wish the integrity of the Council to be affected. Nine councillors voted in favour, one against, and there were two abstentions. The Council discussed its response to the Inspector's Report in the Charnwood Local Plan, as reported in the last issue of the Birstall Post. A special meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on August 21. Together with residents and a representative from Leicestershire County Council, councillors discussed improvements to Sibson Road (see story, front page). Work by the Parish Council felling willow trees on Meadow Lane was stopped after the Senior Ecologist at Charnwood Borough Council reported that the trees were an important habitat for bats. A programme of maintenance, including pollarding, has been drawn up. |
Secure your garage |
| THE AVERAGE contents of an 'up-and-over'
garage are worth £2,250 but the 1998 British Crime Survey
found that whilst 9 out of 10 garages had locks, 14% of their
owners admitted to leaving them unlocked and unattended at least
once a week. Generally household insurance policies cover garages as they are considered to be part of the house, but most householders forget to include the value of the contents of the garage when working out how much cover they need. If you buy something new - a new lawnmower this summer for example - then don't forget to adjust your cover level. If you are under insured, your insurer can refuse to pay out the full cost of your loss. Some garages also have a door leading into the house, giving thieves easy access - unseen - to all your possessions, so the financial damage could amount to far more. Also remember that your insurance cover might be worthless if you don't have working locks on your garage - and remember to use them. Insurers can refuse claims if you haven't taken adequate precautions to protect your property. From Birstall Village Watch |
Club reach semi finals |
| BIRSTALL BOWLING Club's good run
in this year's County Cup ended at the Semi Final stage when
they were beaten by New Lount 57-96 at Loughborough on Sunday
August 13. All four rinks lost although two of those were by one shot each. The scores were: Bob Turner, Wayne Parkin, Dave Clarke & Jim Fearn 20 - P Newman 21 - John Healey, Tony Boswell, John Hodgetts & Stuart Hartop 18 - G Hodges 19 - John Hurst, Bob Crowson, Garry Mitchell & Andy Wye 12 - M Poole 29 Dick Cooper, Rick Everitt, Ivan Slack & Jan Hunt 7 - A Hollis 27. New Lount went on to win the final and also won the County Singles & Fours trophies. There was better news in the Parks Finals with Birstall picking up the Mixed Pairs trophy for the second successive year. Jan Everitt & John Hurst easily overcome Pat & Tony Norton of Old Humberstone 25-14 to follow up last year's win by John's wife Diane & Andy Wye. In the Final of the Triples, Dave Clarke, Wayne Parkin & Jan Hunt lost 16-22 to the Glenfield Triple skipped by Roy Cockett. Meanwhile, in the National Ladies Finals at Leamington Spa, one of Leicestershire's two representatives in the Two Wood competition was Birstall's Pam Ratcliffe. Unfortunately, despite a determined performance, she lost in the first round 9-16 to Sue Harriott from the Exmouth Madeira club in Devon. Another Birstall player, Diane Hurst, was just one game away from going to the National Finals in the Singles. In the County Quarter Final she comfortably beat Chris Percival 21-9 and although she was playing well, lost to Clare Cheney 12-21 later the same day in the Semi Final to just miss out. Also this month is the great news that Birstall's Sue Wilson has qualified to represent England in the Singles competition at the World Blind Bowls Championships which are to be held in Girvan, Scotland next year. Birstall also won the Leicester and District Bowls League 3rd Division, winning 8 out of 10 matches. They're now promoted to the 2nd division next season. |
Krusty cash |
| £1,000 HAS been raised by
four members of a team from Krusty's Bread Shop, Sibson Road,
for the Leicestershire Combined Children's Charities. Their loyal customers sponsored Di Kearney, Teresa Bertram, Dave Chapman and Pete Whitmore on a 20 mile walk last May. The team would like to thank all their customers for their support, especially Brian (Miles Platt), Rheinhart (A1 Hydraulics) and Mark at MCW Electricals. |
Choir moves base to Birstall |
| LEICESTER CITY Male Voice Choir
have recently moved to their new rehearsal venue at Birstall
Methodist Hall on Wanlip Lane. This move has been decided on the grounds of cost, accessibility and in consideration of the plans for the future of one of the major male voice choirs in the Midlands. The choir have over 60 years of a fine tradition of singing and have decided that with a change of venue they must look to the future with new ideas of presentation and recruitment. They intend to intensify their recruitment in order to attract new members and will operate an open door policy for rehearsals. Anyone who is interested can come along and sit in and listen to what they do and then join in if they feel like it! They plan to visit local community homes and liaise with the schools to present new entertainment for the community working with the children to encourage music making between old and young and to establish male voice singing as a worthwhile hobby. Their Musical Director is Richard Dunn himself an accomplished singer and organist and also past Head of Music in various schools. He now devotes his time and skills as Co-director of Soar Valley Music Centre along with his wife who teaches music at the school and is also the accompanist of Leicester City Male Voice Choir. The Choir meets every Wednesday evening in the Methodist Hall from 7.45-9.15pm and will be more than happy to see any man who may be interested in singing. For any further information or help please do not hesitate to ring the secretary Cliff Lee on 2993950 or Gerald Morling on 2675009. From Gerald Morling |
Drug use warnings |
| A MEETING later this month will
provide an opportunity for parents to find out more about drug
use among young people, and the warning signs to look for. The meeting at Birstall Village Hall on Monday September 11 at 7.30pm has been arranged by the Birstall and Wanlip Drug Forum, a mixture of public service experts and local volunteers. Parents of children who are in the process of moving from high school to upper school and are worried about possible drug problems and substance abuse are invited. They will be told of warning signs for which they should watch and ways in which they should respond. Speakers will include Carol Wood, County Council Drug Project Co-ordinator and a senior police officer. There will also be an open question time and a period during which questions can be asked in confidence. Parish Council Chairman Nigel Coleman is concerned that parental anxiety in the area may have been heightened by a recent tabloid newspaper article about problems in Birstall. He said: "We will open the meeting to any parents in the area, including other villages in South Charnwood, such as Rothley, who feel they may be meeting challenges. There are ways of gaining help and we want to ensure that as many people as possible know how to face the issues". |
Drug issue in Sun |
| BIRSTALL'S DRUG problems were splashed
over two pages of the Sun newspaper in July. The paper reported on the disproportionately high number of registered heroin addicts in the village, described as "posh Birstall". It featured interviews with Parish Council Chairman Nigel Coleman, Police Inspector Glenn Brown and a registered addict and his parents. The Birstall Post reported in our April 2000 issue that there were 50 registered heroin addicts in the village and that the Birstall and Wanlip Drug Forum had been formed to address the issue. |
Obituary |
| MR PETER de Haro of 154 Wanlip Lane
passed away suddenly at home on July 22 aged 74. Peter was a member of the Birstall St John Ambulance Brigade for many years. He regularly provided first aid cover at many local events as well as at the Donington Race Circuit and Leicester City Football stadium. Peter also helped at the Friday Disabled Group at the Highcliffe Community Room and could be regularly found offering assistance to his neighbours in the warden controlled elderly persons complex. Peter will be greatly missed by many. He leaves a son and daughter-in-law Trevor and Tracey and two grandchildren. Trevor would like to thank family, friends and neighbours for all the messages of condolences on the loss of his father and for the generous donations for LOROS. |
Bonfires |
| BONFIRES CAN be very irritating
to neighbours - the smell and smoke are the subject of many complaints
to local authorities. Smoke prevents your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out and reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads. They cause air pollution and can be dangerous. Alternatives to a bonfire are composting, recycling or disposal at the local tip. There are no byelaws to prohibit bonfires. A ban would be difficult to enforce and occasionally a bonfire is the most practical way to dispose of garden waste. If you are determined to have a bonfire follow these guidelines: Only burn dry material Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint. Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire or to encourage it Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens Avoid burning when the air quality in your area is poor or very poor. (You can check this by ringing 0800 556677, or looking at Ceefax P.404 or Teletext p.187) Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder - douse it with water if necessary |
Planning applications |
| Mark Patrick - extension to shop
on ground floor and 1st floor extension over for flat. 85 Sibson
Road Mr & Mrs C Edward - removal of flat roof & replacement with pitched roof on outbuildings to rear of semi detached dwelling. 74 Woodgate Drive K Watson - erection of bungalow, Rectory Field Nursery, Wanlip Mr K R Riley - site for the erection of a detached bungalow, land adjacent Rectory Field Nursery, Wanlip Mr & Mrs Cromley - single storey extension to rear of detached house. 136 Harrowgate Drive Mr K & Mrs H D Gartshore - extension for conservatory to rear of detached house. 49 Woodgate Drive Mr & Mrs Toone - extension for garage and store to front/side of detached house. 49 Rectory Road, Wanlip Mr P Wilcock - single storey extension to side of semi detached house. 27 Holt Road Mr & Mrs G Booth - demolition of garage and erection of 2 storey extension to side, lst floor extension to rear and raising the roof height to 0.6 metres to detached house. 21 Oakfield Avenue |
Fun loving group welcomes new members |
| HERE WE go again! The Highcliffe
Amateur Theatrical Society's annual recruitment drive! What can we say that will tempt a dozen or more enthusiastic people from this very large village and its surroundings to rush to the phone and call the numbers below to say that they are dying to join us? We could try giving Air Miles to all new members! Or, how about offering to do your ironing for a month if you join! Or, better still, giving all new recruits free Internet access! All this sounds great but no amount of incentive will persuade someone who can't act or sing or paint scenery or make costumes or operate lights and sound or do any of the other vital jobs which are essential parts of putting on a play or a pantomime, to join a new and improving group of amateur dramatists. And, looking at it from the opposite point of view, anyone who can act, sing or paint scenery etc would not need any such incentive if they really wanted to put their talents to the test for their own and many others' enjoyment. The problem is time! How many of these talented people who abound in this locality have enough time to devote to this all consuming pastime? Strangely enough, most of our members only spend a couple of hours a week when they come to our normal Wednesday evening meetings or rehearsals. Some of the more committed do put a bit more time in. And, of course, if you have a part to play in putting on one of the shows, you will need to be available every night during the week of the performance. All this is leading up to the same point. We do need more members if we are to improve and expand our activities. We need people who want to get up on stage and perform but we are not looking for Birstall's answer to Sir Laurence or Dame Judi! We do need more male actors, a normal plea from practically every Am Dram group - why is that? Just as important, we need people who want to do backstage work, scenery, costume, and props etc or even just make tea! We think we are a fun loving group and we always try our best to give a warm welcome to new members. We don't just spend our time rehearsing and painting scenery. We organise social events ranging from skittles evenings to trips to see other Am-Dram performances and sometimes to the professional theatre in Leicester or maybe Nottingham. Oops!...Nearly forgot!..... We start rehearsals for our pantomime on September 6. This year it's Rumpelstiltskin, a merry tale of lust and power and other normal pantomime things. The performances are at Highcliffe School on Greengate Lane, Birstall from Thursday to Saturday, November 23-25 starting at 7.15pm plus a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. Tickets are £3.50 (£2.50 concessions) and are available from Jenny Garner tel: 2128757. So come on! If you want to be involved with this or any of our future productions, take a deep breath and take the plunge! Find out more by phoning Elaine Hunt on 2201235 or Rod Atkins on 2216019. |
A level success |
| LONGSLADE COLLEGE maintained its
reputation for good A level results by staying ahead of the national
picture with a pass rate of 89.7% (national pass rate 89.1%) Mr Alan Wheeler, Vice Principal, said that he was particularly pleased with the results which showed a 1.5% improvement from the previous year. "The results reflected well on the hard work of the students, the commitment of the teaching staff and the support of parents" he said. Nearly all Longslade's A level students have obtained the grades which they require to enable them to move on to higher education, vocational training courses or employment. Mr Wheeler added: "there were plenty of smiling faces around as students received their results slips this morning". There were some outstanding individual achievements which included two students who obtained the highest grades in at least four A levels: David Wallace with Business Studies A, French A, Maths A, General Studies A, English B and Richard Hubbard with Chemistry A, Maths A, Further Maths A, Physics A. |
Village concert |
| AFTER THE success of Birstall's
Millennium event held on July 2, the Parish Council has decided
to stage the event again next year. The organising committee will once again consist of members of the Parish Council and Birstall Golf Club who worked so well together in the organisation of this year's event. The committee will be chaired by Cllr Nigel Coleman. The Council has made its first award from the proceeds of this year's event to Birstall Bowling Club. Four sets of training bowls have been provided for the use of novices, both young and old. |
WEA courses |
| THE WEA in Birstall and Rothley
are working together with Birstall Library to offer students
on art and archaeology courses this autumn free training to use
the internet using 'BBC Web-wise' and then two hours free internet
access. The Archaeology course will be on nine Monday evenings starting on September 25 at Longslade College, Birstall. We will be told about all the recent discoveries in the county with the archaeologists who are working on site. The two art courses are 'A New Look at 20th Century Paintings' with Janis Baker who will solve the puzzle of Picasso! unravel the dreamlike pictures of Salvador Dali! and more! Take the mystery out of modern paintings. This course is on Wednesday evenings at the Rothley Centre from September 27 for nine weeks. On Thursday evenings at Longslade you can join Erica Middleton to study 'Colour in Art'. We will find out how the old masters made their paints and how the modernist painters developed the use of colour and how it is being used now in the contemporary art world. 9 weeks Brian Taylor is the tutor for 'The Grand Tour of Europe in the 18th Century. Discover why so many of our civic buildings and stately homes and their interiors resemble classical villas or Greek temples. This 15 week course is at the Rothley Centre on Tuesday mornings starting on September 26. The Methodist Church rooms in Birstall are being used for the literature course '20th Century Women in Literature and Life' with Janine Liladhar. Explore a range of representations of women in literature, newspapers and magazines from the last century. Writers will include Virginia Woolf, Germaine Greer and Anne Oakley. This is a nine week course on Thursday mornings from September 28. Information about all these courses is available in the WEA brochure available from your local library. To enrol and for further information contact Mike Smith the WEA branch secretary at 32 Beechfield Avenue, Birstall LE4 4DA or tel: 2675212 |
Distraction burgalry warning |
| TWO ATTEMPTED distraction burglaries
in Birstall have prompted the Police to warn residents to be
on their guard when answering the door to unexpected callers. A young man has called on houses in Wanlip Lane and Castlegate Avenue claiming to have a sick child in the car and asking to use the phone. After using the phone, the man claims the person he has called - sometimes he says it is his brother in law - cannot help and he then asks to borrow some money for a bus. His plans have failed as both his targets so far have brought their cordless phone handset to the door, and not allowed him to enter their home. The Police have checked the numbers dialled by the man and confirmed that he only presses a few buttons to get rid of the dial tone. No call is actually placed, so the Police suspect that the man is attempting to get into people's homes and distract them in order to steal something - known as a 'distraction burglary'. The Police have taken fingerprints, but would like to hear from anyone else who has been approached with a similar story, or by any other bogus caller. The Police would especially like to hear from anyone with information on the vehicle being driven by this man, or vehicles used by other bogus callers. Distraction burglaries by bogus callers claim over 16,000 victims every year but the true figure is believed to be much higher because many people do not report the burglary. This is a particularly nasty crime as its victims are usually the most vulnerable people in our society. More often than not, they are older people living alone. From Birstall Village Watch |
Extra service |
| DID YOU know the Parish of Birstall
& Wanlip is having an extra service each Sunday morning? Commencing on September 10 there will be a short, informal act of worship from 11.30am-12noon in the Village Hall, School Lane. Everyone is welcome. For further information please telephone the church office 2671797 (open Wed & Fri, 10am-4pm). |
Magic show |
| A MAGIC Show has raised £70
for a charity that cares for bears. Boy magician Matthew Taylor presented an hour of fun and magic at the Birstall Methodist rooms in August. The proceeds have gone to the charity Good Bears of the World. Matthew would like to thank all those who supported his performance. |
WI news |
| MARY MARVIN took the Chair at the
August meeting of Birstall & Wanlip WI as Dorothy Gregory,
President was away on holiday. Members were thanked for their support at the Millennium Day held on Birstall Playing Fields on July 2 when Birstall & Wanlip WI ran a successful bric-a-brac stall. A percentage of the money made at the stall went to the Parish Council for the Land and Lewis Charity which provides parcels for elderly people at Christmas time and the rest of the proceeds went to WI funds. A coffee morning was also held in July and proceeds from this too will go to WI funds. The speaker for the evening was Mrs June Dawson who came, with two friends, from Earl Shilton. Her subject was called 'A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That' and consisted of poems, songs and anecdotes. Most of the poems were written by June herself and were very entertaining. Songs were sung to a tape accompaniment and a 'copy' banjo, with 'George Formby' verve and vigour. Everyone was kept highly amused by June's enthusiasm and happy smiling face. Rosemary Kelham's vote of thanks echoed everyone's feeling and the applause was enthusiastic. Rosalie Morling won the competition for a 'A Pair of Pretty Earrings' and the evening ended on a very happy note. |
Double feature |
| THE LATIMER Players' next production
is a double feature with dinner being served between two one-act
plays. The first is called "Who Calls?" by local dramatist David Campton and produced by Norman Harrington. This strongly atmospheric play is set in a Victorian kitchen and has mystery, surprise and drama. The meal will help the audience to relax from all the tension before the evening's second offering "Chinamen", a comedy by Michael Frayne. The plot is based round a young couple who are hosting a dinner party and are anxious that one of their guests does not meet the man's wife, who has left him for a younger man. There are humorous and strenuous efforts to keep their guests apart. The venue is the Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston on Thursday, Friday & Saturday October 26, 27, 28. Doors open 7pm, curtain up 7.30pm. Tickets may be obtained from Brian Hooper, 173 Leicester Road, Thurcaston, Leicester LE7 7JL. Tel: 0116 2203046 and Vi Davis, 203 Leicester Road, Thurcaston, Leicester. Early booking is advised as seating is limited. The Latimer Players look forward to seeing you. From David Parkes Bowen |
New talking books |
| BIRSTALL LIBRARY has recently received
a new collection of talking books. In addition to popular fiction such as Dick Francis and John Grisham, the collection includes short stories, extracts from Shakespearean plays and several classics. Books on tape and radio plays are an excellent service for anyone with visual difficulties but are now equally popular with drivers, for bedtime listening and as an alternative to music around the house or on your Walkman. They can be borrowed from the library from as little as 50p for three weeks loan and are free to people who are registered blind or partially sighted. The new Internet service at the library is also proving very popular with many slots booked up well in advance. Contact the library for further details of the service. |
Cheerleaders TV appearance |
| A TROUPE of 18 boys and girls from
the Harlequins Dance & Performing Arts Studios performed
before TV cameras for the second time this year. The studios Co-ed Cheerleading Display Squad 'The Harlequin Gems' appeared on Central TV in conjunction with the charity 'When you Wish Upon a Star' to give a special performance and a rousing send off to the charity's' cars participating in a sponsored drive across America. Earlier this year a troupe of dancers from the school were filmed by the production team for the Michael Barrymore show 'My Kind of People'. The 'Harlequin Gems' troupes have performed at over thirty events all over England this season including Skegness Carnival where they were delighted to be asked to participate in a full week of family entertainment next year. The senior cheerleading display squad recently spent a fantastic day with the Royal Airforce at RAF Wyton, where they appeared in support of a major sports tournament. Rehearsals are already in full swing for the cabaret troupe to participate in theatre bookings for October in support of the Leicester Magic Circle after which pupils can look forward to a well earned rest and a chance to concentrate on examinations and medal test work. New members of all ages are always made welcome and would-be dancers and cheerleaders can contact the principal of the studios Diane Grose on 2674775 to arrange a free trial session. |
Noticeboard |
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Do you enjoy meeting people and making new friends? Are you looking for lively and stimulating conversation? Why not consider joining Birstall Discussion Group? We meet on alternate Thursday afternoons 2-3.30pm at the Methodist Centre, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. The group is part of NASO (National Adult School Organisation). Discussions are usually based on subjects taken from the NASO handbook, this year's theme being 'A Fresh Start'. Sep 14: Visit to Ibstock Brickworks; Sep 28: Fashion, The Mood of the Times; Oct 12: Numbers Count; Oct 26: Joint Meeting/President's Visit; Nov 9: 1000AD - What was it Like?; Nov 23: Humourous Poetry; Dec 7: Christmas Get-together. Just call in or contact Lynda Smith, tel:0116 2671303 * * * Leicestershire Parents Group of Diabetes UK presents a 60s, 70s, 80s DISCO at The Luther King Centre Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall on Saturday October 21 7pm till 11.30pm Licensed Bar, Fancy Dress optional, Trafficator Disco, Raffle, Over 18s only, Tickets £5 Tel: Ian 07940513873 * * * Coffee Morning at Rothley Court Hotel Westfield Lane, Rothley on Thursday Sep 7 10.30am-12noon Stalls: Cakes, Cushions & Crafts, Plants, Exclusive Cut Price Lingerie, Dried Rose Arrangements by Helene Donation £2 includes unlimited coffee and cakes All proceeds to Roecliffe-on-the-Move Reg Charity no.218186 * * * Birstall Choral Society invites singers to 'Come and Sing the Messiah' in St James Church, Birstall on Sat October 28th at 7pm Admission £5 Proceeds to LOROS & Rainbows Contact Sec: Mrs P Pearson 2673824 * * * The Labour Party Autumn Fayre at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on Saturday October 14 beginning at 12noon Books, Records, CDs, Bric-a-brac, Tombola, Christmas Stall, Toys, Raffle, Produce, Refreshments * * * WANLIP PARISH MEETING There will be an Annual General Meeting on Friday October 6 at 7.30pm in the Church Rooms, Wanlip * * * BIRSTALL SOCIAL CLUB Members Notice Sep 2: Family Night Disco with Peebles Disco. Bring the kids. Sep 9: Dancing to Kevin Thompson Sep 16: Dancing to Soar Valley Sounds Sep 23: Dancing to John's Music Sep 30: Dancing to Harmony Oct 7: Dancing to Ready Mix Sounds Free Admission CCTV cameras in operation Bingo Sat, Sun night, Thurs plus Crack the Safe, Sun lunch plus Cash Raffle, Giant TV screen for all Sky sporting events. Function room available for bookings with or without Disco You know it's the place to be * * * Monday afternoon Pre School Group 1pm to 2.30pm at Birstall Scout Hut Starts September 11 For carers and children Why not just come along £1.50 inc refreshments Tel: 0796 826 3976 for more info * * * Birstall Methodist Church AUCTION October 14, 1.30pm (viewing 12noon) * * * Highcliffe Primary School are holding their Autumn Fair on Saturday September 23 from 1.30-5pm Lots of Games and Stalls Refreshments, Ice Creams, Cakes, Books and Toys, Tombola, Coconut Shy, Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Tattoos and much, much more... A Fun Day for Everyone Admission: Adults 20p Children free * * * Birstall Royal British Legion Club Members Notice Sat September 2 Ben Fisher (solo) Sat September 9 T.B.C. Sat September 16 'Mr D' (solo) Sat September 23 Krackle & Pop (m/f duo) Sat September 30 Karen West (solo) Wed September 6 Whist Drive 7.30pm start Thurs September 7 Bottle Bingo Eyes Down 9pm Wed September 20 Charity Concert 8pm. All proceeds to cancer charities. There will be at least 3 top artistes appearing at the concert along with a Tombola Stall and Bingo. If you want to support a very worthwhile cause come along and enjoy yourself. If you want to donate a prize it will be gratefully accepted at the club. Thank you. Bingo every Tuesday evening at 9.30pm, every Saturday evening Dancing to Live Entertainment, Bingo, Free Meat Raffle and not forgetting 'Open the Box'. * * * Birstall Walking Group invite you to a Coffee Morning In aid of Macmillan Nurses on Thursday September 28 from 10am to 12noon at Birstall Bowling Club Behind Sibson Road car park 50p inc coffee & biscuits Cake Stall, Raffle, Bring & Buy Stall * * * Bradgate Sewing Circle Coffee & Craft morning Craft sales, cake stall, displays of work on Saturday October 7 from 10am-1pm at the Rothley Centre Admission 50p inc coffee & biscuits Raffle, variety of stalls * * * Birstall & Wanlip Drugs Forum Tackling Drugs for a Better Britain Open Evening Monday September 11 at Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road at 7.30pm All welcome * * * Avril invites you to help make Friday September 29 from 10am-12noon The World's Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Relief at 45 Rectory Road, Wanlip Books, Raffle, Bring & Buy * * * St Theresa's Social Group Day Trip to London to do as you please All welcome Saturday September 30 Depart Birstall 8am, Return 6.30pm Cost: £9 Contact 2675721 |
Your say... |
| I am writing as the owner referred
to in the letter from the parent whose child was bitten by my
dog recently in Sibson Road. I was shocked and embarrassed by the behaviour of my pet when this incident occurred and simply did not anticipate that he would act in this way. Although I did apologise sincerely at the time, I would like to reiterate my genuine regret to the little girl and her mother for the distress caused to them. This incident has proved to be a salutary experience for myself and in future, my dog will be muzzled if I do every need to leave him tethered in a public place. I am aware that this matter could have been reported as a complaint and I am extremely grateful that the mother chose not to do so on this occasion, and hope that I would choose to act as politely, mercifully and kindly as the child's mother did on this occasion. Once again my sincere apologies and gratitude. Chastened dog owner (name & address supplied) |
| In reply to L Briers' letter regarding
making Greengate Lane into a major road - may I say that all
the objections to this new development were more relevant when
the estate on the north side of the lane was built with 1000
houses and three entrances onto Greengate Lane. That turned a
pleasant country lane into a 'major road'. Furthermore the house frontages on the west side had their grass verges shortened in order to widen the lane. I thought at the time that the new houses should have been set back more to allow this. There was a farm track behind the houses on the north side of Harrowgate Drive leading to Loughborough Road - this land was annexed (stolen!) by most of the householders to extend their rear gardens, so I don't see how any of those guilty of this act could have the nerve to complain! When we purchased our house on Walnut Avenue in 1952 we were informed by our solicitors that the land north of Greengate Lane was a green belt (so much for green belts) and would not be built on, yet within three years that land was being built on without the shenanigans of BAD FOR BIRSTALL. We just accepted it as a development of Birstall, after all our side of Loughborough Road was developed in the same way. Maybe the objectors would have preferred Birstall to remain as it was 100 years ago - but where would these objectors be living now! Do they realise that where they live was developed from farm land. Development is a fact of life. With increasing population people have to live somewhere. I have seen Birstall grow from a population of three thousand when we had a fine policeman to fifteen thousand with one or is it two policemen. I wonder how many residents remember Sergeant Middleton a formidable man. J A Booth |
| Sara, Emma & Sue of Unique on
Front Street would like to thank everyone who donated or sponsored
them in the 'Race for Life' along with an extra donation from
Dave Evans and staff. The Grand Total was £150. Sara, Emma & Sue |
Sunday school trip |
| BIRSTALL METHODIST Church have provided
the following account of their Sunday School outing - a day trip
to the seaside. Didn't we have a luverley time, the day we went to Skeggie, bobbing along, singing a song, and all for under a fiver you know..... The sun was blazing as we left. Kids awake at 6am and full of chatter, and were delighted when they met up with their friends at the bus at 8am. The Sunday School Trip was on its way. The senior section set a very good example on how to behave, ha!ha! I think they'd nodded off! The sun was kind and stayed out for us, Donkey Rides, the little train that took us for a ride along the back of beyond, the Fun Fair and lunch was all done in the first two hours. Spades to the ready. We were waiting for 3pm to come around. A Sand Castle competition was next on the menu. While waiting on the beach Skegness lifeboat was launched. There was a capsizing of a sailing boat, rockets over the sea and rockets from land to acknowledge that the lifeboat was on its way - it was very exciting - all were rescued. The sky became very black. Between the loud music from the Fun Far we could hear thunder and a wonderful display of lightning - then down came the rain. We were kept dry by what looked like bus shelters all along the prom. Did it rain! Then it all dried up and we were able to get back on the beach. There were some lovely creations. Chris Gray, who, incidentally, found time to lie on the beach and go to sleep - judged the work and declared every one a winner. The sun was so lovely it was really hot for us all. Then we started to play rounders. Ooooh there was some dirty play at times. Rugby tackles etc but a great time was had by all. Some of the children still found the energy to have a game of cricket, but unfortunately, it went very dark again and we knew that the rain was back to stay. Dodging the spots we found an empty shelter where we waited for the bus that would take us home. There were some Indian people sat near us who smiled and said "Bloomin' English weather - like a bloomin' monsoon" - we all sat and laughed together. The rain abated a little so we made our way to where the bus was to pick us up. The driver was right on time. Headcount 47 - all here - off we go! Our little ones slept all the way. Thinking to myself they'll wonder where they are when they wake up. The last time they were awake they were at the seaside - now they were back safe and sound, thank God, in Birstall. We had a loverly time, being together with friends. (Thanks to Janet and Julie) From a Weary Traveller - Shirley Harrison |
Slimming success |
| HELPING POLICE achieve their dreams,
especially when it comes to losing weight, is no mean achievement. Slimming World Consultants are well known for being the most dedicated when it comes to real help and support through one of the most difficult things anyone ever has to do in their lives. So winning a special award for doing just that is pretty exceptional. Birstall's new Slimming World Consultant, Mandy Cross, has received a very special award for just this. Mandy recently attended Slimming World's 2000 Awards Ceremony, as a special guest, receiving an all-expenses weekend in Nottingham. At the Awards Mandy was one of just two consultants to receive a very special award that being of 'Triple Gold Award'. A Slimming World class earns a Gold Award for true dedication and commitment to attendance and weight loss and there are just 70 classes holding Gold status out of 6000 classes. Many was recognised for holding not one, not two, but three classes at Gold status, along with Liz Hoare of Wigan. These two consultants are the only two out of 3000 consultants to achieve such records. Mandy has recently taken over the running of the Birstall class, held at the Village Hall on a Tuesday at 6pm and 7.30pm and says her goal is to make Birstall her fourth Gold class. Birstall is well on the way, the members having just achieved a Bronze Award. Birstall members lose between 15 and 20 stones a month with between 10 and 15 target members attending weekly, maintaining their weight loss, making Birstall one of the best weight losing areas in the country. For further details please ring Mandy on 01664 567260 |
Gujarati books |
| BIRSTALL LIBRARY now has a new Gujarati
books collection. The collection has been introduced in response to a recent Leicester University report 'Older People from Asian Communities in Leicestershire'. The report, which studied the social needs of Asian elders in Birstall, Syston and Thurmaston found, among other findings, a significant demand for Asian language literature in local libraries from people having to travel into Leicester to obtain Asian language books. As a result, special funding has been made available to provide the collection which consists mainly of novels with a few cookery, poetry and other special interest titles. The library is also now receiving the weekly Gujarati magazine 'Gavari Gujurat'. A special event is being planned during Divali to promote the new collection. Further details will follow in October's 'Post'. |
Nature Notes by Finch |
| There was chaos in her kitchen. The
good lady always goes downstairs first thing in the morning to
collect the morning paper, take her pills, make a coffee and
retire once more to bed - to read said paper. This particular
morning she went down as usual and... "They're all over the place! I had to put ant powder down! They're horrible!" I am not a morning person. These days it takes me two or three hours from waking up to get down to the jobs in hand, so such intelligence as I received that morning did not really sink in. In all fairness the resulting reprieve was not to the ants' benefit, as all the windows and doors were shut: there was no escape except by the way they had come in. This was by a small crack between tiles and floor, and it would be rather like going the wrong way down Filbert Street at 5pm on the Saturday that City beat Manchester United 4-0 at home, for an ant to attempt that retreat. When I did finally confront the problem flying ants were launching themselves from the kitchen window into the far recesses of the kitchen, whilst the workers were milling round the dead bodies of their comrades, ignoring the vast patches of white ant powder. As much of this action took place behind the washing machine which I had laboriously moved the previous week to wash the floor (its annual clean), I felt little immediate sympathy for these wretched insects. I set about sweeping bodies, ants, dust and anything else into the waste bucket, moved the washing machine yet again, and sealed up the Filbert Street entrance with ant powder. Then I chased all those aviators out of the window. Imagine if you will a world in which Macdonalds' hamburgers fly round at a height of not more than four feet, pursued by hungry children. If any hamburger is to get to where it is going, it is advantageous for hundreds of hamburgers to be flying about at the same time, as any child eating a hamburger will (a) be to busy to catch another, and (b) probably be too full to want to. If only a few hamburgers were to fly at any one time, spread over several weeks, the chances are they would all be caught and eaten. So it is with ants and starlings. By that evening there were still one or two flying ants wandering around the window, but thereafter peace was restored, pills collected, coffee made, and papers read without insect interruption. I must get the sealant out. R.I.P. |
Small Ads |
| WOO'S WILLOW Cattery, open all year.
Mountsorrel 01509 412119 BOX AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Seaports, Long distance, Courier. Tel: 2677281 BOX SIGMA 28-80mm, AF mini zoom macro lens, aspherical, Nikon D fit, mint, boxed and unused. £75 new, accept £50 o.n.o. Contact the Birstall Post, daytime on 2674213 TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV. Over 25 yrs experience. £22 complete. John 2675132 BOX WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Beautiful natural images to treasure forever. For a brochure call Stuart Hollis Photography Tel: 0116 268 1341 Mobile: 07971 266336 BOX BIRSTALL BASED boffin offers 'A' level Chemistry tuition. £12.50 per hour. Contact 2676946 ELIZABETH MOBILE hairdresser. Tel: 0116 2672142 BOX PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL tutorial support: Physics & Mathematics. Contact: 2214044 BOX HELP WITH garden needed by elderly lady, mainly weeding and tidying up. Tel:2677436 HORSE MANURE for sale, no straw included, £1 per bag. Free delivery Birstall area Tel:2671181 AVANT DE Luxe 4 wheel scooter, as new. Cost £2800 with battery charger and basket. 0116 2677535 YOUNG ENERGETIC lady wishes to clean and/or iron for busy people. Ring Gail on 0116 2903403 AMBITIOUS? Can you spare about 8-12 hours per week and would like some extra cash? If 'yes' ring Matt on 0116 2903403 for a FREE information pack FOUND Girls/Ladies watch in Goscote Hall Road on Friday August 11. Tel: 2673317 £5 REWARD for return of lost bunch of keys in April. I will collect. Also lost leather purse, zip fastener with a flap and 2 press studs. My phone number is 2677896 REGISTERED CHILDMINDER Full time vacancy. Insured, car owner, non smoker, home environment. Tel: Julie 2677990 BOX HIGH CHAIR & Swing all-in-one £12 ono. Push chair with cover, teddy beat patterned £7.50 ono. Girls clothes 0-5 yrs. Boys clothes 0-9 months. Prices for clothes 25p-£1.50 max. Baby Gym made for Boots £5 Tel:2207995. PHILLIPS FOOD processor £20 ono Tel: 2207995 ACCOUNTS PREPARED Tax returns completed by qualified accountant. Low rates for sole traders/small businesses. Tel: 2673951 BADMINTON CLUB looking for League players Tuesdays & Thursdays 8-10pm Ring: 2677372 ARE YOU housebound, in need of a perm, s/s or just a trim. Call Sue on 2675728 |
Massive discounts in adult learning |
| FROM THIS month adult learning is
going to be cheaper. Martin High School and Longslade Community
College have lots of courses available at only £25! The new government Individual Learning Accounts offer a fantastic opportunity for almost everyone over the age of 19 to choose up to £150 worth of learning from a variety of eligible courses. All the computer courses, languages, GCSE's and most of the other courses that lead to a qualification are eligible. First students need to register with the Individual Learning Accounts Centre by calling 0800 072 1072 or at www.my-ila.com. This offer only applies to the first million applicants nationwide. Further details from ILA operators on 0800 072 5678 or Longslade Community College 2673389 |
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