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Birstall Post April 2001 (213)

Police called

A HEATED meeting of Birstall Parish Council ended with the Police being called when a councillor refused to obey the Chairman’s request that he leave the room.
The last item on the agenda of the meeting, held in the Village Hall on Monday March 19, was: Mr C D Clarke”, a confidential item discussed in committee.
Cllr Clarke was told by the Chairman, Nigel Coleman, that he had to leave the meeting as this item concerned him. Cllr Clarke declined to do so and said that if it concerned him he wished to be present to hear what was said.
Cllr Clarke was repeatedly asked to leave the meeting and he continued to refuse. At this point the Police were called, the meeting was suspended, and after 20 minutes at 11pm two officers arrived.
They spoke to Cllr Clarke for several minutes in the hall while the other council members concluded the meeting in the lobby. The Police then left the hall. Cllr Clarke was not charged with any offence.
Cllr Clarke said: “The whole handling of this by the chairman and the clerk was entirely inappropriate and an improper use of police time”.
Earlier in the meeting, Cllr Roger Wilson walked out following several exchanges between himself, Cllr Clarke and the Chairman.
Chairman Nigel Coleman stated at the meeting that Parish Council business took up 10 hours of his time each week and that meetings were taking longer than necessary to get through. If these issues could not be resolved he said he would consider relinquishing the Chairmanship in May.

Blue Cookie

ENTERPRISING STUDENTS from Longslade College were prizewinners at a Leicester Trade Fair in March.
The 12 students received £25 after judges decided theirs was the best stall at the Young Enterprise Trade Fair, held on Humberstone Gate.
Young Enterprise, a charity, gives young people first hand business experience by inviting them to run their own company. Longslade’s Young Enterprise Company is called Blue Cookie, started in September 2000.
Marketing Director Hayley Stocks (16) explained: “Our first main project was to design, market and produce packs of hand made Christmas cards. This involved months of hard work, but once a successful production line was set up we soon saw the benefits.
”Following the success of the cards, the company has decided to publish a pocket size information guide to Leicester called Teenagers Guide to Life.
Blue Cookie were delighted to be awarded best stall at the Leicester trade fair. Hayley said: “We were extremely pleased, as we had all spent a tremendous amount of time and effort on the stall and on the company itself. Blue Cookie would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far - please keep it up for the future”.
Blue Cookie comprises: Dan Pearson, Managing Director (17); Adam Brunskill, Dept Managing Director (17); Rebecca McManus, Company Secretary (17); Jennifer Holmes, Personnel Director (16); Ben Otto, Dept Personnel Director (17); Hayley Stocks, Marketing Director (16); Andrew Thompson, Finance Director (17); Pooja Raninger, Dept Finance Director (17); Chi-Yong-Wong, Sales Director (16) Joe Collier, Dept Sales Director (17); Paul Rodgers, Operations director (17); Jiten Palmer, IT Co-ordinator (17)
The company’s website is www.bluecookie.8m.com

Leader leaves

A BIRSTALL playgroup leader has left her post after 12 years in charge.
Mrs Janet Woodward of Orchard Road ran the Bumble Bees Pre-School group in the Youth Centre of Longslade College.
She was presented with gifts by the playgroup staff, the Community College, and parents and children.
Janet said: “I will miss the children very much, but I’m looking forward to new challenges”.
Co-worker Nicola Spiers said: “Janet was more than a leader, she was a friend to us and to the children. She is a very warm person and a true carer.”

Library activities for kids

TO CELEBRATE Easter Birstall Library will be hosting a session of stories and activities for 5-8 year olds at 11am on Monday April 9.
Our regular monthly storytelling session for Under 5s will start at 10.15am as usual.
Libraries in the Birstall area are holding an Easter colouring competition for Under 5s and for children aged 5-8 years. Prizes of an Easter egg will be awarded. Call into Birstall, Anstey, Mountsorrel, Rothley and Quorn Libraries for your free colouring sheets or get one on the Birstall mobile vehicle. Entries, with a name and address, to be handed into the library. Closing date for the competition is Saturday April 14.
Also at the library in the run up to Easter there will be a display of local places to visit including venues unaffected by foot and mouth restrictions.
With ideas for days out from Snibston to Nottingham Caves, the display will be useful for parents or anyone wanting a different day out. The display runs until the end of April.

Police seeking help

POLICE OFFICERS from Syston are seeking public help after two street robberies in Birstall.
The first incident happened on Thursday March 1 in Wanlip Lane at 3.40pm when a woman had her mobile phone snatched from her hand.
The offender is described as a white man, aged between 16-18 years old and around 5’10”. He was wearing dark clothing with a white baseball cap. Following the incident the man was seen to get into the back of a white vehicle.
The second incident also happened on Thursday March 1 in School Lane, Birstall at 3.50pm when a 14 year old boy on a bicycle was stopped by two men and had his mobile phone taken. The first offender was described as white, approximately 16 years old, 5’10” of thin build and wearing a dark baseball cap. The second was described as black, between 18-19 years old, between 6’ to 6’2” tall. Both left the area in a small black car.
Neither of the victims were injured but both were distressed by the incidents.
At present the two incidents are not being connected.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Louise Fenton at Syston local policing unit on (0116) 248 5675 voice mail number 4332 or Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 1111.

Parish Council Notes

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on March 19.
In view of the attendance of Mr Herbert, the Parish council’s planning consultant and Mr D Hankin and Mr S L Roberts from Charnwood Borough Council (in the context of their responsibilities for the Charnwood Local Plan, and the proposed Hallam Fields development respectively), the meeting opened with consideration of item 10 on the agenda: Response to planning application for proposed development at Hallam Fields.
Mr Herbert, went through his report to the Parish Council dated 14.3.2001 which updated his previous report dated 3.1.2001 in connection with Jelson’s application for 900 houses. The new report was to try and assist members in pinpointing the issues raised by Jelson’s application which should receive coverage in the Parish Council’s formal comments on the proposals.
Drawing attention to the 50% increase in housing numbers, Mr Herbert was concerned that, due to the possible development of the site by more than one developer, some or all of the elements of the development proposed in the Local Plan might not be implemented, and the site be turned into one great new housing estate.
Mr Herbert was concerned about the possible loss of landscaping and open space provided for in the Local Plan proposals and mentioned the topic he felt caused most concern to members, the transport and traffic implications of the development, bearing in mind the Inspectors disregard of objections by Birstall Parish Council in this regard at the Public Inquiry.
Comments were made about the complexity of the processes now applicable to this site. It was going through the Local Plan process, but was now also going through an entirely separate planning application process, and there was the distinct possibility of a third process being involved, that of call in by the Secretary of State.
Mr Hankin and Mr Roberts tried to clarify the situation as it now stood. In respect of the Local Plan process, the Borough Council had not yet decided its response to the Inspector’s recommendations, but when its modifications to the Local Plan were proposed, the Parish Council would have full opportunity to make whatever comment they felt were appropriate during a consultation period.
In respect of the planning application, this was independent of the Local Plan process. the Birstall Parish Council should make whatever objections to the application it felt were appropriate, for example from objection to the whole scheme, to objection to any specific proposed provisions of the application in whatever detail the Parish council felt appropriate.
In respect of the matter of the TIA, the Traffic Impact Analysis on which the Inspector had largely relied in his reports. Mr Hankin commented that the developer’s consultants had carried out very extensive traffic surveys and produced the massive amount of data which comprised their TIA and supported their conclusions. Mr Hankin pointed out that although other submissions had been made to the Public Inquiry, these had not been comparable with that submitted by the developer’s consultants, and the Inspectors had been left with Hobson’s choice in his assessments and recommendations.
In the light of this, one councillor commented that it would seem futile and probably a waste of time and money for the parish Council to seek to pursue the issue of traffic matters, other than in the terms of general concerns in respect of that issue, when making objections to the application.
It seemed to be tacitly agreed, that what was needed was a coherent view of the development of the site the Parish Council felt would be most appropriate for Birstall, and that this is what should be submitted as the BPC response. It was resolved that this be carried out in collaboration with the Parish council’s consultants.
Mr Hankin commented on the timing of the two processes. The Charnwood Borough Council was holding a series of Council meetings to consider the modifications to be proposed to the Local Plan and it was hoped these would be finalised and approved by the Borough Council on April 10.
Consideration of the Planning application would follow in April or May at the earliest. The clear implication was objections made to the application by the Parish Council up to the time of that consideration would be taken fully into account by the Borough Council in arriving at their decisions.
It was reported that it was not the Borough Council’s intention to start consideration of the planning application until after the modifications proposed to the Local Plan have been approved by the Borough Council. This item finished at about 9pm when results of the bus questionnaire were considered in open session.
Mr Crayfourd read out the main figures for the benefit of the public, and on virtually all the questions, the responses, amounting to over 40% of those invited to participate, were split 50/50 on the issues. It was acknowledged that the route had presented difficulties to the drivers, and taking this into account, it was concluded that the best and most satisfactory way round all the problems, for passengers and drivers would be the restoration of the previous bus route with alterations to pavements at key corners, which would make turning easier, and avoid any need for buses to mount pavements. It was resolved that the bus company be asked to agree the return to the original route in the light of these proposed improvements, to the obvious approval of the public who had attended the meeting.
In the matter of accounts for payment, £1903.50f scheduled for payment in March for tree work was queried. It seemed that instead of pollarding and the felling of some trees identified by the Parish Council, pollarding had not been done, the identified trees had not been felled, but others which were to be kept had been felled in their place. In these circumstances it was proposed the Estates Committee look into the matter on the basis of referral of payment back to the Borough and County Councils who had been involved in the mix up.
By this time it was 10pm and it was agreed to continue to 10.15pm. Consideration of The Local Government Act 2000 - Draft Model Code of Conduct Consultation Paper, Final Proposals on General Principles of Conduct was deferred because of the lateness of the hour.
A Planning application for a pharmacy at Greengate Medical Centre was basically opposed as a potential intrusion of commerce into a residential area.
At 10.20pm Cllr Chris Clarke was asked to leave the meeting as the last item on the agenda ‘Mr C D Clarke’, concerned him. Cllr Clarke replied that if it concerned him he wished to be present to hear what was said. In view of Cllr Clarke’s refusal to leave the meeting, the Police were called, arriving at about 11pm.

Wet woodland

CHARNWOOD WILDLIFE has started work on a scheme that will turn two grassland fields next to Watermead Country Park, off Worcester Avenue, Birstall, into wet woodland.
The Charnwood Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) calls for the creation of 10 hectares of wet woodland by 2005. The two agricultural fields off Worcester Avenue in Birstall are owned by Charnwood Borough Council. They have been vacant for a number of years, and Charnwood Wildlife say represent a unique opportunity to substantially contribute to one of the BAP targets, as well as make use of about 2.4 hectares of vacant land.
The smaller field consists of 0.93 hectares. It is hoped to involve local schools or the local college from the design phase through to the implementation phase. The woodland would then serve as an educational resource in the form of a field study facility and would have restricted public access.

Footpath under construction in larger field
The larger field consists of 1.39 hectares and will provide a link between Watermead Country Park and the Parish Council public open space and playing field area, off Meadow Lane. A stone-surfaced path is being constructed to facilitate this link. The woodland will be managed to permit visitors to walk through it. Suitable species for planting include alder, willow, hawthorn and hazel.

The small field
Improved access to fields has been considered within the proposals, to ensure future management.
The project was approved by the Charnwood Wildlife Committee at its meeting on November 14, 2000 and by Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet on December 7, 2000. A planning application was submitted for change of use from agricultural land to wildlife area. At the same time, Charnwood Wildlife undertook a consultation exercise with the adjacent landowners on the initiative. Planning permission was granted on February 6, 2001.
After an anticipated three year establishment phase, the management of the two woodland areas will be transferred to the Director of Housing and Public Services, under the guidance of a Management Plan prepared by Charnwood Wildlife. Long-term management will entail the regular maintenance of paths, rides and glades and a programme of block coppicing on a rotational basis, which will be considered in more details when the Management Plan is prepared.

Councillor pleads guilty

A BIRSTALL Parish Councillor has pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage after he removed a ‘keep dogs on lead’ sign from Birstall cemetery with a hacksaw.
Cllr Chris Clarke of Harrowgate Drive was ordered to pay £138 compensation to Birstall Parish Council, who own and manage the cemetery. He was also ordered to pay £35 towards the prosecution’s costs.
The case was heard at Leicester Magistrates Court on March 6.
Cllr Clarke told the Birstall Post: “The action has cost me well over £1000. I am pleased the magistrates did not see the need, under the circumstances, to penalise me, but I heed their comments that people should not take the law into their own hands.”
Parish Council Chairman Nigel Coleman said: “I’m glad this has been resolved and I hope we can now put the matter behind us”.
On March 30 Councillor Clarke was summoned to appear before Leicester Magistrates Court on the charge that on August 7, 2000, he, while being a local parish councillor, took part in a debate in a council meeting when being barred from doing so, by virtue of holding a pecuniary or non pecuniary interest contrary to section 94(2) of the Local Government Act, 1972.
This hearing was postponed from March 15.

New home

Are you an active older person? Fed up with being lonely? Looking for some stimulating company, but also needing privacy?
Are you feeling just a little insecure living on your own? More than anything, do you want to retain your independence? Do you want to live in a well-maintained private accommodation with no additional financial worries for just £138 per week?
If you find yourself answering yes to the above questions, then taking up residence in one of our Abbeyfield houses in Birstall may be just the answer you are looking for. The resident housekeeper provides lovely home-cooked meals each day. Various social events available regularly together with good company.
Why not ring me on 0116 2677445 to find out more. Together, we can make security in older age happen.
From Gillian Ward, Abbeyfield

Bus route

RESULTS OF the questionnaire into the bus service in Birstall’s Riverside ward have been published by Birstall Parish Council.
After discussing the findings of the questionnaire at their meeting in March, councillors agreed that the bus company First Leicester be asked to revert to the original route along Orchard Road, Lambourne Road and Allington Drive.
615 questionnaires were delivered with 257 replies: 42%. The main findings were:
Happy with present service? Yes 63% No 37%
How often do you use the bus? Weekly 44%, Daily 36%, Monthly 9%, Seldom 9%, Never 2%
Should the route be reverted back to Orchard Road and Allington Drive? Revert back 51%, Leave along 31%, no definite answer 18%.
The Parish Council will also request that pavements at certain key corners be altered to make turning for buses easier.
Parish Council Chairman Nigel Coleman said: “I’m very pleased with the response to the questionnaire which showed that residents had genuine concerns.”
The questionnaire was organised after some residents on the estate complained about large buses, road safety, noise, vibration and damage to parked cars.

Birstall cricket

BIRSTALL VILLAGE cricket club have joined the re-formed Leicestershire Senior League.
The first team will be in Division One of the first teams, and the second team will also be in the Second Team’s Top Division.
At a recent AGM, Andy Corbett was re-elected Cup and First Team Captain and Steve Findley was elected Second Team Captain. Steve was promoted from Vice-Captain due to the 2nd team having a good season in the league and also winning the 2nd Eleven League Cup. Steve says “I have asked Hamish Carnan to be my vice-captain, he’s a former 1st team captain with plenty of experience and the younger players will learn a lot from him.”
The new season starts May 5 and the club are already preparing for the Birstall Mellennium day on July 1.
Let’s hope for a long dry summer?

Club appeal

BIRSTALL RUGBY Club is appealing for community support to help stop their club from collapsing.
This long established club has seen some fine moments in its history but despite a brief revival last year when the side won the merit table title and were runners up in the Spring Cup, it is now struggling to survive.
Player Phill Lewin said: “We need to draw attention to the club and all it stands for, from all age groups. Please help us to resurrect this team and restore a facility for the youngsters of Birstall to become part of a sport in which Leicester are without doubt the best”.
Players aged 14-40, and anyone wishing to help provide training, are invited to contact Owen Flanders 2213947, Phill Lewin 2207062 or Simon Cox 2675645.

Mobart shop closes

Bob, Joan and Mark Smith of Mobart

A LONG established shop on Kingsgate Avenue will close at the end of April.
For the last 15 years Joan (63) and Bob Smith (65) have run Mobart, the domestic appliance sales and repair and hardware store.
Joan said: “After 15 happy years in our shop Bob and I are retiring at the end of April. We would like to thank all our customers for their patronage and most importantly their friendship”.
She added: “Getting to know our customers has been a real pleasure and I will miss them. They have shared our family’s happiness and sadness with us as we have shared theirs.”
The business has suffered badly from burglary in the past. During one 13 month spell in the 1990’s thousands of pounds worth of stock was stolen in numerous attacks. Joan said: “It was very upsetting. Whenever the phone rang we all jumped like cats, fearing it was another burglary. But our customers were very supportive.
Mobart, established nearly 50 years ago by Bob’s father, will be continued by the third generation, the couple’s son Mark, repairing domestic appliances. The shop is closing but Mark can be contacted on 2673136, 01509 814595 or 07753 658772.
Joan and Bob have lived in Birstall for 40 years and plan to remain here. Joan said: “One final comment to the residents of Birstall. Please, please use your local shops, without them the village will die”.

Birstall festival

MORE THAN 30 people representing a variety of village organisations attended a meeting last month to help plan Birstall’s Summer Festival.
The free event, on Sunday July 1 on the School Lane playing field, will raise money for local charities.
There will be a wide variety of stalls, exhibitions, music and competitions before the event concludes with a free proms-in-the-park concert performed by the Hathern Band.
Local charities that would like to benefit from the proceeds of the event should contact Cllr Bernard Crayfourd c/o Birstall Parish Council, Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall.
The Summer Festival is organised by Birstall Parish Council and Birstall Golf Club.

Bowls open day

THE NEW outdoor bowls season starts this month & Birstall Bowling Club are looking for new members.
The club will be holding an open evening on Tuesday April 24 between 6- 8pm at the club on School Lane playing fields in Birstall for anyone who is interested in trying out the game. All you need to bring are a pair of flat shoes or trainers and we will provide the rest.
Members of both the Men’s and Ladies clubs will be on hand to offer advice if required. If you can’t get along to the open evening, ladies can visit the club on Monday afternoons from May 14 at 2.15pm while men are welcome on Tuesday nights from May 8 at 6.15pm. For further information, please telephone Grahame on 2677994, Andy on 2677100 or Betty on 2216743.

Village Watch news

AT LEAST two incidents have occurred in Birstall where teenagers carrying mobile phones have had them taken away from them by force.
This is not an isolated incident in the county but is the first time for people in Birstall. The Police ask people to be on their guard when using mobiles in the street and to report any incidents as soon as possible with as much information about the person/persons committing this crime.
Cycle thefts are still one of the major crimes still being committed and it is essential if you leave your cycle then you lock it securely before leaving it.
Householders in Birstall and Wanlip are at the moment being targeted with leaflets and knocks on the door for garden clearance and tree pruning etc. Be sure before you give any of this work to them that you get a firm quote in writing and that you know who these people are and where they come from. We have in the village experienced persons who advertise that they do this work. Why not support your local tradesmen.
The Annual General Meeting of the Village Watch will be held at the Methodist Church on Wednesday April 25 in the Coffee Bar at 7.30pm. Everybody is welcome. After the formal meeting there will be an open forum when Birstall Drugs forum will give a presentation, also the new Local Police Commander Inspector Duncan Cullen will be present. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available and we look forward to seeing you at this meeting.
From Peter Allan
Chairman Village Watch.
Crime Report, Dec 2000-March 2001
Burglary Dwelling 12, Burglary Not Dwelling 8, Criminal Damage 22, Drugs Related Incident 3, Fraud & Forgery 2, Other Crimes 10, Other Thefts 23, Robbery 2, Suspicious Incident/Person 48, Theft of/from Motor Vehicle 17.

Computer courses

SHORT INTRODUCTORY courses in computer skills are being offered by Longslade after Easter to meet the demand from people wanting more from their computers.
Computing for the Terrified, CLAIT, Becoming Webwise and extra CLAIT modules are all offered at Longslade. Saturday courses include Email and Internet made Easy and Organising Your Desktop.
Pick up a leaflet at Longslade College or Birstall Library.

Emily Harris remembered

Emily was the lady who was regularly seen all over Birstall and even further afield (Thurmaston, Rothley and towards Leicester) morning, noon and night over many years. She was always seen with her dog on a long lead (a long rope tied on to a normal lead) and a shopping trolley in tow. Emily was sometimes referred to as “the bag lady of Birstall”, but this is a misuse of the expression, for Emily lived in her own house for 61 years.
Emily Webb was born on January 26, 1912 in the Southampton area of Hampshire. She went into service in Hampshire in 1926, aged 14 and is known to have been in service in London in 1932. Emily was next in service at Grantham. At this time she met her husband-to-be, John Harris, who was a gardener at Thorpe Satchville Hall, the hunting lodge of the family that Emily served. Emily married John in April 1936.
After her marriage Emily kept a shop at Ibstock. In 1938 the shop was sold and she and John moved into their house in Lime Tree Avenue, Birstall. This house cost £525 new, but would have cost £535 with the bathroom tiled! John Harris went to serve in the forces in 1939 as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery. He was killed at El Alamein, Egypt on December 3 1941 before the main battle of El Alamein, 1942. There were no children of Emily’s marriage and she never married again.
Emily worked for Leicester City Transport from 1940 for 35 years 7 months as a conductress, at first on the trams, then on the buses and finally she was an assistant in the City Transport canteen. On her retirement in 1976 she was presented with a long service certificate.
After retirement Emily eventually became the woman we all came to recognise as she walked everywhere collecting different things that she considered useful for recycling or putting aside for potential later use.
The 1990s became unkind years for Emily. She broke her hip one winter and after her return from hospital getting about was never so easy. The next disaster was when her dog Tess was run over by a van near the Stonehill School gates in the summer of 1997. Tess was buried in the garden in Lime Tree Avenue. Tess was 11 years old. The last dog that Emily had was an RSPCA rescue dog called Barney. Eventually Emily went into the Woodlands Retirement Home, Park Road, Birstall in May 1999. Emily had a fall before Christmas 2000 which necessitated a spell in hospital, but after returning to the Woodlands she developed pneumonia and she died peacefully on February 1, 2001 aged 89.
Emily’s funeral at the Gilroes Crematorium on February 9 was attended by a small group of Friends. ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ was sung. The flowers from the funeral (including flowers in the name of Barney, the dog) were passed on to the Wodlands. Barney is now owned by a Birstall couple. Emily’s ashes are due to be taken to El Alamein by The British legion. Emily’s husband of so short a married life has his name recorded on a memorial there.
There must be many Birstall people who have their own personal memories of Emily Harris. This is written for them, and for others, to know that one who was so much a part of the fabric of our life here is now a part of our history.

WEA courses

Birstall and Rothley WEA invite you to join their Summer Courses
‘Our Roman and Saxon Past’
Tutors: Nick Cooper, John Lucas, Paul Courtney and Douglas Clinton
Join our local time team to travel back to Ratae, the tribal capital of the Corielthauvi and the surrounding Roman countryside. Wander through Roman ruins to look at the changing buildings and layout of Saxon Leicester. Join the company of pagans, priests, hermits and saints as Christianity comes to Anglo-Saxon Leicestershire. A combination of indoor sessions and guided tours will open your eyes to mosaics, wall paintings, architecture and sculpture from the first thousand years of recorded history. This six week course starts on Monday April 30 at 7.30-9pm at Longslade Community College, Birstall.
There are three indoor meetings on alternate weeks at Longslade with field visits to Leicester, The Jewry Wall and Museum and the church at Breedon on the Hill.
‘Houses and Gardens of the Grand Tour’
Tutor Brian Taylor
Discover how, in the 18th century, a visit to Italy as part of the hugely influential Grand Tour of Europe, dictated the design of many of Britain’s country houses and their parklands.
There will be one class meeting, of one and a half hours at the Rothley Centre on Tuesday June 5 at 10am followed in the afternoon by a visit to Chillington Hall. Subsequent visits are planned to Arbury Hall on Tuesday June 12 and to the National Trust’s West Wycombe Park on Tuesday June 26. All three visits will be by coach.
‘Adult Learners Week’
A Free Taster Session at Birstall Library
Tuesday May 15, 7-9pm
An Introduction to Interior Design
with Marc Hagerty
Learn how to use a framework of basic skills and techniques to help structure your own ideas. Colour theory, colour scheming, fabrics and curtain design, flooring, lighting design and simple paint effects, together with tips and a few trade secrets. This course is aimed at students who want to be introduced to interior design and would like to gain some insight into the subject.
For further information ring the branch secretary on 0116 2675212
Pick up a brochure from your local library or visit our website
hhtp://homepage.virgin.net/mj.smithwea/wea/

GCR embankments

THE CHIEF Executive of the Great Central Railway met with Birstall Parish Councillors last month to walk the section of line from Birstall station to the Greengate Lane Bridge.
Accompanying Mr Graham Oliver were councillors Chris Clarke, Dennis Marshall, Eva Stott and Tony Stott.
The aim of the meeting was to discuss the GCR’s repair and maintenance of the track and embankments. In the past this has provoked some criticism by councillors, who have been concerned at the destruction of wildlife habitat.
The following report of the meeting was provided by Cllr Clarke.
The wildlife potential of that section of the line was noted, particularly the beneficial existence of hawthorn and brambles. Mr Oliver commented that the embankment in that section had always been regarded as somewhat unstable, but apart from felling two or three trees near the Park Road bridge as a gesture to a resident, only routine maintenance work was planned for the section.
The section would eventually be double tracked, but presently, management work was confined to the track side and trimming the bottom two or three metres of the east side of the embankment with a mechanical flail.
Mr Oliver emphasised GCR’s close collaboration in the past with the Parish Council, and reaffirmed that the Parish Council would be consulted before work was carried out in the section. This was important because, due to the economic situation, the responsibility for the maintenance of good environmental working practices now rested with individual work area managers instead of a designated environmental control officer.
It was agreed that the attraction of the existing deciduous trees in leaf in the spring, summer and autumn along both sides of the section at the southern end of the line, was a major visual attraction which should be retained for the benefit of residents and passengers alike.
Although the advantages of complete clearance of sections of the embankment to facilitate its repair and maintenance was mentioned, the environmental damage was considered an unacceptable price to pay, unless it could clearly be shown to be absolutely necessary.
A major problem was litter, which was obviously not generated by the GCR or its passengers. Cllrs Marshall and Clarke both commented that they kept an eye on the track generally, on occasion removing litter in the process. Mr Oliver thanked them for their practical help, noting only the need for care while they were so engaged. The opinion was expressed that the majority of the local community were proud of their Railway and very supportive of it. The walk lasted about two hours and was characterised by the confirmation of mutual agreement not disagreement in respect of environmental issues associated with the Birstall section of the track.

Mother’s Union

THE MOTHERS’ Union is specially concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian family life.
Its aim is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life. When the Mothers’ Union was formed in 1876 social conditions were very different to those of today, but here we are, in the 21st century, with social difficulties relevant to our own day and age.
The Birstall and Wanlip Mother’s Union continues to meet on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month at 2.30pm in the Village Hall and on the fourth Friday evening of the month at 131 Allington Drive, at 7.45pm. We are always pleased to have visitors to our meetings. Perhaps we shall see you there?
From Carol Woods and Margaret Phillips

Birstall coffee shop

AT 10am on Tuesday March 2, 1981 Birstall Methodist Church opened its new Coffee Shop on Wanlip Lane.
Twenty years later it has become a village institution; a meeting place for friends, a place to pop into on the way home from the shops and somewhere for people living alone to visit, where they find people to talk to. The visionary behind the Coffee Shop was the late Nancy Stuart. She campaigned for it and when it was established, guided its early years tirelessly.
She insisted that it was not a money raiser for the church, but a service to the community and that principle guides it still. Over the years many, many people have helped run the Coffee Shop, including friends from St James’ and St Theresa’s churches and people of no church at all, and, of course, Methodists. Without their help it could not have continued.
Over the years the profits of the Coffee Shop have been distributed to many charities including LOROS, Rainbows, St Theresa’s and St James’ charities, the Day Centre and a special project in South Africa to help poor communities build educational premises. Since 1989, £19,464 has been given to these and other charities.
If you have not visited the Coffee Shop, call in sometime. you are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome.
From Walter Cockerill

New canoe group

A NEW group has begun for all Kayakers interested in taking part in any form of Kayak/Canoe racing or competition.
The Leicestershire Competition and Training Group started in January, based at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre who are supporting the group with its start up and development.
The group aims to attract any existing paddlers or young people not yet into the sport who have an interest in racing/competition such as White Water Racing, Slalom, Marathon or Sprint events. They can be associated with a club or not, the aim is to pool the talent to provide an active base, enabling the individuals to benefit from the high level of coaching, facilities, fleet of boats and equipment available. The individuals continue to represent their own clubs and can impart new wisdom back to their clubs.
Member Jes Oughton said: “The benefit of training as a dedicated group are obvious, more detailed benefits include advice on nutrition, training schedules and race co-ordination from experts can also be provided.”
The group already includes National Squad coaches, a Current National Junior WW Racing champion, a GB Junior Slalom Squad Paddler and many paddlers who regularly compete at a national level as well as beginners who show potential.
For details call Jes Oughton on 0116 267 3200 or Angie Hampton at the LOPC 0116 268 1426.

WI news

AT THE March meeting of Birstall & Wanlip WI. Final arrangements were made for the delegate and other members attending the Annual Council Meeting at the De Montfort Hall on March 20.
Birstall & Wanlip WI had volunteered to provide flowers for the stage for this meeting so a bit more organisation was needed this year. Mrs Olin was given a birthday card and a new member was welcomed. All this together with a very full sales table made for a god busy evening.
The speaker was Mrs Daphne Remington, who lives in Birstall and is a very talented botanical artist. Daphne brought along many of her beautiful flower pictures to illustrate her talk and members were thrilled by them, especially the gardeners when they could recognise some of the more unusual flowers! Mary Belton gave a vote of thanks to Daphne and lots of questions were asked. Altogether another happy and successful meeting.
Next month there will be a talk on ‘Garden History’ by Mrs Marie Lloyd who is a member of Hungarton WI. This will be in Highcliffe School Hall Extension, Greengate Lane at 7.15pm. The competition will be for a hand painted plant pot done by members themselves!

New mobile library

A NEW mobile library service for people living in the Harrowgate Drive area of Birstall will be launched on April 11 2001.
The service will be provided by Leicestershire’s newest mobile library offering a range of books for adults and children including large print, books on tape and picture books. The mobile also has a disabled lift for wheelchair users.
Existing customers of Birstall library are welcome to use the mobile library in addition to the Wanlip Lane library. Just bring your existing library card or other proof of name and address to use this free service.
The new service will run on alternate Wednesdays from April 11. The timetable details are: 14 Fielding Drive 1.45-2pm; 46 Queensgate Drive 2.05-2.20pm; 99 Harrowgate Drive 2.25-2.40pm

Choral soc

MEMBERS & FRIENDS of Birstall Choral Society sat down to a delicious meal at their annual dinner on February 20.
This was held in the Village Hall and provided by Rosvita. Afterwards flowers were given to Jane Scott and the catering ladies while Shirley Scott was presented with a cheque and book to mark appreciation of his work as conductor of the choir. He has been working in this capacity for over 40 years. This was a very happy occasion and thanks were given to all who helped to organise it.
The Choral Society will be giving a recital of Easter Music at St James Church on Tuesday April 10 at 7.45pm
From Mrs M Belton

Noticeboard

Your Say...

The future of our country is in our hands...in fact the future of the whole world is in our hands! That is quite a statement but let’s just think about it for the moment. We only have a short amount of time here on Earth and we can either help or hinder, we can make a mark or we can do nothing. Now before everyone reading this goes on the defensive and says “what can I do? I’m only one persons in billions etc etc”, can I suggest that we all play a part, whether intended or not, by our everyday actions. Those of us fortunate enough to have our own children, by loving them and teaching them such things as care and respect for the environment and other people, by instilling in them a high moral standard, we actually hold the whole future in our hands. In other words if we don’t teach the above then we will end up with a ‘me only’ society that will ultimately spell destruction. Wow! what a statement, but one that is only intended to show that we all have an ability and ultimately a responsibility to do what we can and also leads me very nicely in to the next bit:
An ambulance driver, here in the UK, recently told us that he had done a course on children and that one of the things that came out was that “The first 10 weeks of a child’s life can have a profound effect on his/her life in general”. For us that was very interesting because we had just returned from a second trip to the Philippines working in an orphanage and once again have been faced with heart rending stories that make you ask why? Many people may have heard in the press recently of the baby found in a skip and have possibly asked why, and what can we do about it? But do we really think any further of the consequences if that baby had not been found, or do we just shut that bit out preferring not to think about it? The sad reality is that this is happening more than we care to think about, and like many things we seem to think that if we shut it out then it doesn’t really happen.
Little Emmanuel, who is three and has two hour long convulsions, closes his eyes when you say “I can see you” to him, thinking that by doing that we can’t see him any more. If he keeps up with his medication than he doesn’t have the convulsions and he really is a lovely little boy. When a child is adopted, their new parents come to the orphanage to collect them and they always spend a little time with all the children. Emmanuel goes to the parents every time and calls them mummy and daddy, but of course they haven’t come for him. His record does not look good, two hour long convulsions, but one day there will be a special mummy and daddy for a special little boy.
Katie was two weeks old when we arrived and had literally been thrown away, it was witnessed. She was tossed in the grass like a piece of garbage and, referring back to what the ambulance driver had told us, this had no doubt had a profound effect on her short life so far. She was one of the three babies that would be with us almost constantly during out three week stay. (The new-born babies always spend six to eight weeks in the flat to give them “A good start and a one to one” before going down with the other babies.) Katie was to spend the majority of her time with my wife and during out first week was very difficult to console, very often crying nearly all day and night. One thing that was very obvious was that each time she was put down or held away from your body, she threw her arms out and panicked...could this be a reaction to being ‘thrown away’? By the end of our stay she was a completely different baby, to see her lying across my wife, to see her smiling at my wife, and ultimately to see her sleeping peacefully on our bed or in her crib without the previous panic, was more than I can actually describe. It made it doubly hard for us to leave because the bond was obvious, but after our return and the conversation with the ambulance driver we realised that even our three week stay had played a major part in that little girl’s life.

Sisters Heidi Baker (15) & Heather (15) with babies Katie & Rosie
Daniel is seven months old, weighs 10 lbs and has spent most of his life in and out of hospital. On the day of our arrival he had just come home after a 17 day spell in the hospital with seven of those on a respirator. He was obviously a very ill little boy, he couldn’t lie down because he would choke. One of my daughters in particular got very attached to him and spent a lot of time playing with him and feeding him. Frequently he would be sick all over her but that did not put her off. After about one week he was so ill again he had to go back in to Makati Medical Centre, a private hospital but the only one that could help. The results of a whole body scan revealed that two thirds of one lung and one third of the other lung had collapsed whilst the remainder was badly diseased. We went to see him and he was on oxygen and a drip, he was trying to cry because he couldn’t breathe, but couldn’t properly because he was too weak. My daughter held him and sobbed, the outlook was a grim and we all expected that he would die. But against all the odds he improved so much that he came home after about five days and as I write is still improving and has been out for 15 days which is the longest spell ever. He is still a very ill little boy but there is hope!
That is just three children out of 46 at Shalom and three out of countless millions around the world. How can we not try to help?
Finally, can we thank everyone who helped us achieve this by giving both time and finance, everyone played a part and no matter how insignificant it may seem, we are all able to do something. (By the way I ended up with blue hair that was kindly donated by Richard Anthony hairdressers of Lutterworth.)
Len Baker, Wanlip Lane.

Has anyone from the Council read City Edition pm of the Leicester Mercury page 7 dated Wednesday March 14, 2001. The Mercury reports it has discovered that a Park & Ride may be built at Birstall linked to the centre by bus priority measures along the A6 if Leicester City wins £20m from central Government to tackle congestion. Loughborough Borough Council (Charnwood) planned this several years ago and the Inspector passed the plans. Can the Mercury editor persuade the Leicester and Loughborough Councils to talk to each other and Loughborough obtain some of this £20m. After all who pays the building and maintenance of the Park & Ride on Plan A or Plan B submitted to Loughborough Council.
Once again if development goes ahead in Wanlip why cannot traffic calming measures be constructed in Greengate Lane. The measures taken along Wanlip Lane slows traffic down. The infants and junior schools along Greengate Lane need consideration. The alterations of the junction Greengate Lane/Loughborough Road make it easier for traffic to use Greengate Lane.
Finally cannot the local Council state that Greengate Lane bridge will not be straightened.
L A Briers

When my oldest daughter and family lived in Birstall my son-in-law bought a pup for a Christmas present for his children. It was a collie. I hadn’t seen it and asked my granddaughter what sort of dog Daddy had bought. She replied “A lavatorydor”. She thought it was a labrador.
When they went to live abroad they gave me Fred the dog. He was pure joy. When he was 14 years old he wasn’t well. I’d made arrangements to stay with my oldest son and his family in Switzerland for a holiday. My daughter agreed to stay at my house while I was away to look after Fred.
In Switzerland John took us by car to the foot of a mountain. We walked to the top and back. I was in my 80s and very tired at the end. When we got home I flopped in a chair and promptly fell asleep. A quarter of an hour later I jumped up. “Fred just wakened my with his nose” I said. The family thought I’d dreamt it but I had not. An hour later the ‘phone range. It was my daughter from England “Sorry Mum, we just had to have Fred put to sleep”. I said “I know. He came to say goodbye before he went. I didn’t shed a single tear. I knew he was well now.
Please, friends, who mourn the death of pets, remember their bodies, like ours, are amazingly wonderful caskets. It is a pity the caskets have to be discarded but we have to face the fact and thank God for the memories of our pets.
Eva Pearson

Dr and Dr Mrs Raivadera would like to thank all the people who have asked after the doctor’s health following his operation and sincerely appreciate the flowers, cards and good wishes.
Dr and Dr Mrs Raivadera

The Poppy Appeal for the year 2000 has raised a record amount of £7633.25 in the Birstall and Wanlip district.
I should like to thank everyone both for the money donated and for all the help given by the many volunteers and local businesses and schools.
John Holden
Poppy Appeal Organiser

I would like to thank all the people who attended our recent coffee morning at which we raised £203. Thank you all.
Angela Parkin
Birstall Royal British Legion Women’s Section

May I take this opportunity of thanking all the kind people who have constantly channelled used postage stamps and picture postcards through various people in the village for the Lifeboat Institution.
If anyone in the future does Spring cleaning these days the postcards which are often unearthed on these occasions would be particularly appreciated as they are sold to dealers who sell them on to collectors of different topics. Discarded jewellery, medals and foreign coins will also be very acceptable.
I have a porch where they can be left if I am unavailable.
Jean Ward, 3 Kilby Ave

Nature Notes

I will admit - the last few weeks have brought me a problem. To the best of my knowledge I am foot-and-mouth free, yet I am confined. I may not ramble over the countryside as I have been used to doing, lest I become a carrier, and all the animals I meet go down at once with the plague.
Now according to encyclopaedia foot and mouth disease is a ‘contagious eruptive viral fever which causes deterioration of milk yield and abortions in cattle’. So? Am I a pregnant cow? No! What has it all got to do with me?
To understand fully the dangers to animals of my tramping through the countryside, one needs to know what a virus is, and how it differs from a bacterium. To start with, a bacterium has life, and a virus does not. In fact a bacterium is like a sort of amoeba (the thing you learn about in schools), a single-celled animal which reproduces by simple cell division. So, put a bacterium in the wrong environment and you will kill it. Thereafter it is virtually harmless, unless in decomposing it generates nasty chemicals.
The virus is a nasty chemical. With all the media attention to DNA in recent years there must be few people who do not know that this is the stuff of life, the double-spiral nucleus which splits whenever a cell divides. The single spiral left in the half-cell now acts as a pattern to chemically recreate itself, becoming the double spiral again. It carries information about cell structures from mother to daughter cells. It is the stuff that makes me left handed (?perhaps) whilst it makes others short sighted.
Supposing that a rogue bit of this DNA escaped - a bit that gave you ‘flu for example. If it gets into a cell it can replicate itself, making for several days’ misery. If it does not, it just sits about like any other chemical. You cannot kill it, for it never lived. To de-activate it you have to break it up chemically, which can be a nasty process. In fact, many of the chemicals involved would do you no good at all in their own right.
So this rogue bit of a DNA spiral can sit on me and do no harm at all. Even if it got into my body the things it produces are harmless to me. Bit if it gets into a pig, or a sheep, or a cow...
The trouble with a virus is that it can sit on pretty well anything; it can sit on dust, or birds, or flies that will carry it through the air. It will sit on Wellington boots, on cars, on dogs which will carry it along the ground. The birds, or flies, or dogs will show no ill effects; only the next cow, or sheep, or pig that it meets.
I hope the first spring chiffchaff visits me this year, just for a change.

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