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AFTER WORKING almost 30 years for Birstall
Parish Council, the last 25 of them as Clerk, Mrs Doreen Wilson
has retired.
Colleagues and councillors said their goodbyes to Doreen at a
surprise party in the Village Hall, where she was presented with
a bouquet and a stone leprechaun for her garden.
Doreen said: “It really was a surprise, I had no idea until
I walked into the hall and saw everybody there. It was fantastic
and I really enjoyed myself”.
Doreen, of Poplar Avenue, began working for the Council in 1971
as assistant to the Clerk of the Parish Council, Jim Richardson,
and in 1976 became clerk herself.
Doreen Wilson (centre) pictured with the guests
at her surprise party
The principal duties of the Clerk are to carry out the instructions
and business of the Council and to act as a point of contact
for the public. Birstall has 21 councillors and is one of the
largest Parish Councils in the county.
She said: “When I started we were in an office in Leicester,
opposite Victoria Park. We moved to the 10 Sibson Road building
in December 1971.
“Basically the work of the Parish Council hasn’t changed
but has become intensified. When I started there was very little
outside the Parish that affected us but that has changed, especially
over the last few years. For instance, we now work on schemes
in partnership with the Borough and County Councils and have
been able to take on new projects as more money has become available
from various sources.”
Doreen is particularly pleased to have worked on the development
of the Village Hall, where the Parish Council Office is now located.
She said: “What started as a project to replace the portaloo
changing rooms on the School Lane playing field mushroomed into
a £500,000 development. I’m also pleased that the
Sibson Road enhancement and Crossways car park will be underway
soon.”
She added: “What I’ve enjoyed about the job has been
the variety. I’d like to thank all the councillors and officers
for their support over the years and for the good working relationships
that have been established.”
Doreen’s secretary, Mrs Barbara Watson, has worked with
her for 22 years. She said: “Having worked with Doreen for
many years I have always admired her professionalism. She has
extensive local knowledge and always put the interests of Birstall
and its residents first. I would like to wish her all the best
for her retirement.”
Parish Council Chairman Mr Nigel Coleman said: “Before I
became a Parish Councillor I did not fully understand the responsibilities
of the Parish Clerk. It is no small task and Birstall has been
very lucky to have had such a committed person as Mrs Wilson
to uphold the actions of what has to be one of the largest Parish
Councils in the county if not the country. Thank you Doreen,
enjoy your retirement.”
Editor of the Birstall Post, Mr Jerry Jackson, said: “I’d
like to thank Doreen for her patience and assistance in helping
me to report the activities of the Parish Council in my 13 years
as editor. She has done a difficult and often thankless job with
a great deal of dedication and skill.”
Development closer
CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has given the
go ahead for development on land north of Harrowgate Drive.
The Council’s Cabinet has recommended that the Borough of
Charnwood Local Plan 1991-2006 be adopted, subject to some modifications.
Following a public enquiry, which saw an unprecedented number
of objections to the development in Birstall, the Inquiry Inspector’s
report recommended development of 900 homes.
Charnwood’s Director of Planning and Technical Services,
Mr Jonathan Hale, has produced a report setting out proposed
modifications to the Inspector’s recommendations, and it
was this modified Local Plan that has been accepted by councillors.
The plan states that approximately 810 dwellings will be constructed.
As well as residential development, the site will include associated
shopping, community facilities, playing fields, public open space,
a six hectare business park and a park and ride area.
It was agreed that Charnwood seek to negotiate contributions
from the developer in the following order of priority:
• The establishment of commercially viable public transport
services penetrating the site to a level and frequency that ensures
the delivery of genuine transport choice
• The establishment of a commercially viable park and ride
operation
• Additional parking and/or environmental improvements along
Sibson Road
• The construction of a cycleway along the Great Central
Railway from the A46 Leicester Western Bypass to Henson Close
• Provision for improved public access and landscape improvements
to land east of the A6 north of Stonehill High School
• The provision of a rail halt on the Great Central Railway
to serve the development
The plan also gives conditions for the phasing of the development:
“The successful development of the site will depend upon
the phased completion of the various elements of the scheme.
The bus priority measures along the A6 through Birstall and the
provision of Park and Ride facilities are vital parts of the
proposal and should be provided at the earliest opportunity.
In addition the Council will expect the implementation of the
structural landscape planting before the end of the second planting
season following the commencement of development in order to
secure an effective and appropriate landscape framework which
is capable of maturing as the development proceeds.
The Council is anxious too that the development should proceed
in an integrated mixed use basis and to that end the developer
will be required to provide access roads and servicing arrangements
to the industrial allocation, and to commence marketing of that
element of the site before 200 houses have been completed on
the site.
Similarly as community needs increase as the housing is developed,
it will be desirable to link the delivery of community and recreational
facilities to specific stages of the development. These matters
will be the subject of further negotiations with the developers
and will be outlined in the Development Brief to be prepared
by the Borough Council in consultation with the eventual developers
and delivered through planning conditions and planning agreements
as appropriate.”
The number of houses proposed for the site has increased from
the original 600 to comply with the latest government guidance.
This requires that housing density be 30 to 50 houses per hectare
compared to the previous average of 25.
Jelsons have already submitted a planning application for the
site which includes 900 homes.
The site has 27 hectares allocated for residential development
which could allow for a maximum of 1350 dwellings, at 50 houses
per hectare.
Head of Plans and Conservation at Charnwood, Mr Dave Hankin,
told the Birstall Post: “It’s extremely unlikely that
there will be development at anything like 50 to the hectare.”
Mr Hankin explained that following the council’s approval
of the modifications there will be a statutory six week public
consultation period which is expected to start in the second
half of May 2001. The Council then has three options, after considering
any objections received.
• proceed to adopt the Local Plan
• propose further modifications in response to objections
• cause a new public inquiry to be held, with a new Inspector
Teacher retires
Pic: Mr Jovo Maric (left) and Alan Baker with
the Stonehill Year 8/9 football team holding their certificates,
medals and trophies.
A SUCCESSFUL and respected teacher has
retired from Stonehill School after teaching PE there for 27
years.
Mr Jovo Maric (54) of Holt Road joined the school in 1973 and
has helped to establish an impressive sporting record for the
school, particularly in football and cross country running.
Mr Maric said: “My many years of teaching at Stonehill have
been both an interesting and rewarding experience. Leaving the
school after more than two and a half decades leaves me with
mixed feelings and very many happy memories. I have enjoyed teaching
you all and most of your parents, either at Stonehill or John
Ellis Community College”.
He added: “I feel particularly proud of both individual
and team successes in football and cross country, resulting in
Stonehill being firmly placed amongst the top sporting schools
on the County map. I would like to take this opportunity to express
my sincere thanks and gratitude to all those parents who have
helped and supported my school teams in many ways. Your help
with transport in particular has enabled the school to take part
in a variety of activities which have enriched the school curriculum.
“Stonehill has been such a big part of my life, however
I am sure I will equally enjoy spending time travelling and pursuing
my hobbies of skiing, playing tennis, continued involvement with
football and taking up golf.”
The schools current Year 9 football team recently set a school
record by winning the League Championships for the third successive
season without losing a single match.
Headteacher Mr Alan Baker said: “Since Mr Maric joined us
the school has enjoyed an enviable reputation for its sport and
particularly its football, and in 1999 we received the Sportsmark
Award. We wish Mr Maric and his family well for the future and
thank him for his valued service to the school.”
Parish Council Notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on April 9.
It was preceded by the Annual Parish meeting at which County
and Borough Councillors read their reports on the year [full
text here].
Cllr Tony Stott reported that the Sibson road improvement scheme
would be out to tender next week with a three week return date.
he added that the delays to work being started on The Crossways
car park were frustrating. They have been caused by negotiations
with the owner of the neighbouring property over a party wall.
Cllr Stott said that the Council had been extremely lucky in
having such a dedicated clerk as Mrs Doreen Wilson, who has recently
retired.
Cllr Chris Clarke requested that working parties to consider
Parish Council business should be more widely used. He added
that the members of the principal sub committees did not have
enough independent, non party affiliated members.
Cllr Bernard Crayfourd replied that Parish Councillors did not
work on a party basis. Cllr Tony Stott said that there were no
organised party groups on the Council.
PC Kev Palmer reported that a resident had apprehended a car
thief in Gwendolin Avenue.
The Parish Council expects to receive a one off payment of £5000
for granting permission to site the mobile phone mast at the
Birstall United Football Club site on Meadow Lane.
Councillors discussed the Local Government Act 2000, Draft Model
Code of Conduct. this act introduces a new ethical framework
for local government, designed to secure high standards of conduct
in public life.
Cllr Dave Cherry reported on unauthorised use of the football
pitches on School Lane by Birstall United, and subsequent damage
to the cricket square.
Councillors agreed that if the club repeated the episode, they
would be denied use of all pitches.
Cllr Shirley Scott reported that people playing golf on the School
Lane playing field were also damaging the surface for cricketers.
There is a byelaw prohibiting golf on the playing field.
A working party will meet to discuss the provision of a new cemetery
building.
The Council has received additional requests for the provision
of festive lights this year including Boots, Sapphire Kitchens
and New World Florists.
Students get involved
STUDENTS AT Longslade Community College
have been involved in the democratic process both locally and
nationally.
The work started in November when three students: Lindsay Frost,
Donna Nutall and Carly Harris attended an information day and
election for the UK Youth Parliament. The day was held at Bosworth
College, Desford where three young people were elected to represent
Leicestershire in the new Youth parliament which meet at the
end of February. The young people also felt that they needed
a follow up day to prioritise issues for the Member of Youth
Parliament to take down to London.
From this the three girls planned a Countywide Youth Conference
in February. The Conference was held at Beaumanor Hall and both
Lindsay and Carly ran workshops during the day. There were also
presentations both from Coventry City Youth Council and about
the new Connexions Service. Evaluations show that 99% of the
30 delegates enjoyed the day and there are calls for the County
Council to organise at least two County Conferences each year.
During the Spring Term the Youth Drop-in Centre at 10, Sibson
Road has started to host monthly meetings with Birstall Parish
Council. Again Longslade students have been involved and the
last meting prevented the Council from wasting £15,000
on a half pipe for skateboarders. Local ‘boarders explained
that a proposed coated steel pipe was not liked and consequentially
would be a waste of money. Following discussions a decision was
made to build the half pipe from concrete and the young people
attended the Council meeting to hear the decision to accept their
recommendations approved by the full Council.
Finally, on Tuesday March 27, three young people from Longslade’s
youth centre were invited down to London for a conference on
youth work, hosted by the Dept for Education & Employment.
At the Conference Claire Hartshorn, Natalie Gutteridge &
Carly Harris listened to and spoke with the Minister for Lifelong
Learning Malcolm Wicks MP. They also had the opportunity to make
comments and ask questions about the new Connexions service.
Park closure hits trade
BUSINESSES IN Newtown Linford are struggling
because of the closure of Bradgate Park to the public as a result
of the foot and mouth outbreak.
The park has been closed since February 26, drastically reducing
the numbers of visitors to the village.
Peter Farmer, Garden Centre Manager of Bradgate Nurseries and
Garden Centre told The Birstall Post: “I estimate that my
trade has been affected by about 40-50%. Visitors to Bradgate
Park often visit the tea rooms and the shop as a ‘package’
and obviously if the Park is closed the others suffer. There
is a Spring promotion at the moment of 20% of selected items,
usually this sale would be in the autumn”.
He added: “This morning I have noticed several Birstall
families in here - Birstall people have been very supportive
throughout this difficult time”.
Mark Whenray, Postmaster of Newtown Linford Post Office and Newsagent,
is also suffering a severe loss of trade estimating that his
business has been cut by around 45-50%. He said: “I should
think the other businesses in the village are suffering more
than I am as I do have regular customers and a news round. Another
problem is the lack of car parking due to Bradgate Park Car Park
now being locked. The only space is outside my shop, sufficient
for 6-8 cars. When that’s full there’s nothing else
near”.
He added: “The worst thing about all this is not knowing
when it will end. If I had a definite date it would be easier
to budget, maybe I would take out a loan to tide me over. At
the moment every week I put money into the till rather than take
it out”.
Club presents awards
BIRSTALL VILLAGE Cricket Club held their
annual presentation night at the Bluebell Inn, Rothley in April.
Everyone enjoyed the evening with some tough (but
friendly) skittles being played, followed by a hearty supper
of faggots and peas or chicken and chips.
The winners of the awards were: 1st team Andy Galpin, batsman
of the year/player of the year; Andy Corbett, bowler of the year/
best league fielder. 2nd team John Wilkinson, batsman of the
year; Martin Fisher, bowler of the year; Ben Reynolds, player
of the year.
A special award went to Hamish Carnan who received an engraved
miniature bat to celebrate scoring over 100 runs during a game
last season. Hamish was also made a Life Member of the club for
all his hard work. An emotional Hamish said: “It’s
very special to be a life member especially that it’s my
25th year with the club. I’ve got lots of memories from
playing in the junior teams to the present day. We have two good
adult teams and two youth teams who enjoy the social side of
cricket as well as the playing side.”
With the weathermen predicting an ‘Indian Summer’ the
club have bought two gazebos, so if anyone fancies a pint from
the bar there’ll be plenty of shade to sit in or somewhere
to keep dry if the wet weather continues.
The season starts on May 5 and if you’d like to attend games
to support the side, they play on School Lane at 2.30pm on Saturdays.
St John’s cadets
BIRSTALL ST John’s Cadets received awards
and certificates at a presentation event held at the Rothley
Court hotel.
Karen Moore (17), pictured left, received the Grand Prior Awrds,
the organisations’s highest. She is joined by cadets Nadine
Solon, Siam Morris, Craig Mawby, James Hassell, Julie Hodgson,
Leanne Davies and Nicola Davies.
Free online database
VILLAGE WEBSITES across the County, including
Birstall’s, are just one of the information resources available
free at Birstall Library’s new Infolinx terminal.
Based on a comprehensive local information database, the new
computer system includes web links to a wide range of websites
from Ofsted reports to NHS Direct and East Midlands Airport.
Other links include homework search websites for children, and
village websites across the county.
Also featured is a geographical search facility where users can
key in their postcodes to search for facilities and a map of
the local area. The new computer service is free of charge with
a small charge for printouts of 20p per sheet, and is an ideal
way to familiarise yourself with the internet.
Years of service
Jo Glover, Sheila Ludlam and Bill Allen
AFTER YEARS of hard work and commitment,
the Abbeyfield Society expressed their heartfelt thanks to Mrs
Jo Glover, Mrs Sheila Ludlam and Mr Bill Allen who retired from
the Executive Committee of Abbeyfield, Birstall and Wanlip earlier
this year.
Presentations of appreciation were given at a small tea party
on Friday April 20 where residents and other helpers were able
to say goodbye and a pesonal thank you to their friends.
Executive Committee Chairperson Doreen Wilson said “during
their terms of office they accomplished such a lot for the good
of the residents, especially in the major improvements on the
refurbishing of Grove House kitchen”.
Village Watch news
MAY IS the month when gardening gets really into full swing
and of course is the time of the year when the burglar also has
a field day.
We have already had reported to us garden shed break-ins and
loss of garden equipment. Most of these reports are on the houses
on the west side of the A6. Please fit a shed alarm and be sure
to lock it securely. Remember also to make sure that the hinges
on the shed are bolted to the frame and door, not screwed. It
only takes a second or two to undo the screw of the hinges on
the door even if it is securely locked and they are away with
your tools.
May is also the month when the Watch runs its anti burglar campaign.
From Monday May 7 there will be a display in the Wanlip Lane
Library and from the 14th we will be out in force every night
postcoding and advising people in Birstall how to keep safe.
Also we will be targeting areas to recruit more households into
the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
The Police have reported to us a ladies handbag snatch on Greengate
Lane. This may be a one off incident but ladies be aware and
carry your personal alarm at all times. We still have them to
sell at our Saturday morning advice shop in the old Council Offices
on Sibson Road, third Saturday of every month. We will code anything
that you bring to us and you can have a cup of tea or coffee
whilst we do it for you. Children don’t forget those expensive
bikes and scooters.
Please remember to report any incidents to the Police or the
Watch as soon as possible. Ring the Police on 999 if it’s
a real emergency or alternatively ring the Watch telephone 2676397
or the Police on 0116 222 2222 for information, help and advice.
The Help the Aged Handy Van Scheme has not been running for a
few months due to staff problems, however I am assured this has
now been overcome and all those people who have waited so patiently
should be receiving a visit in the near future.
Crime Report March 2001: Burglary dwelling 6, Burglary not dwelling
5, Criminal damage 3, other crimes 5, other thefts 5, Robbery
1, suspicious incidents/persons 23, theft of/from motor vehicle
6.
From Peter Allen, Chairman
WI news
Mrs Marie Lloyd was a very enthusiastic speaker at the April
meeting of Birstall & Wanlip WI.
Her subject was ‘The History of Gardening’. Marie had
recently been on an intensive course at Denman College on this
subject and she spoke of the various fashions in gardens right
from early Egyptian times up to the present day. Hanging Gardens,
Herb Gardens of the Monasteries, Knot Gardens etc up to the present
day, ‘Easycare’ gardens with slabs and decking’!
This was followed by tips for things to be doing now in greenhouses
and gardens (weather permitting) and an all important item this
year, moss in lawns and the best way to deal with it! Rosealie
Morling proposed a vote of thanks to Marie for a very interesting
talk on such a wide subject.
Doris Green gave a report on the Annual Council meeting which
she had attended as delegate along with seven other members.
All agreed that it had been an excellent meeting and everyone
was loud in praise of Paul Whittaker who talked in the afternoon
about his career in music even though he is profoundly deaf.
Mary Marvin also reported on the Bradgate Group Meeting held
at Thurcaston on March 21 which also proved to be a very enjoyable
evening with a hilarious speaker who talked and dressed up in
his capacity as a pantomime dame. Dorothy Gregory, the Group
Secretary, is to be commended for arranging such an amusing evening.
It is hard work organising these meetings and a great relief
when all works out well.
The competition for a hand decorated plant pot was won by Mrs
Joan Merrick.
Next month’s meeting on May 14 will be the Resolution meeting
with a competition for ‘A Limerick’.
This will be in Highcliffe School Hall Extension, Greengate Lane,
Birstall at 7.15pm.
Legion women
BIRSTALL ROYAL British Legion Women’s Section held its
60th Anniversary celebrations at the club in Front Street, Birstall
in March.
Around 80 members old and new, some with friends, gathered together
to reminisce about old times. They were entertained by a local
group from Thurmaston called ‘Terry’s All Gold’.
Mr Tony Griffith presented a certificate to Mrs Betty Hyde, Chairman
of the Women’s Section on behalf of the National Executive
to commemorate the 60 years. To make our evening extra special
one of our members Mrs Winnie Benskin was presented with the
Legion’s highest award, the Gold Badge, by Mrs Evelyn Hamilton.
Retiring county secretary Mrs Benskin’s award was a culmination
of over 50 years’ work for the women’s section. Unbeknown
to Winnie her family were present, coming from Derby and Oadby
to make her evening special.
Planning applications
Birstall Garden Centre - 2 storey extension to rear, 1st floor
extension to side, insertion of 1 dormer to rear, 1 dormer to
side and loft conversion to detached shop. Sibson Road
Mr & Mrs S Pinsent - single storey extension to rear and
2 storey side/rear extension to semi detached dwelling. 15 Cedar
Avenue
Heritage Pub Co -provision of playground and associated equipment
to side of public house. The Trees, Stonehill Avenue
Mr P Barsby - single storey extension to rear of terraced house.
11 Oakfield Avenue
Mr P Kyviacou - single storey extension to side of take-away
with erection of staircase to rear for 1st floor flat. 1A Sibson
Road
Mr K Millar - erection of conservatory to rear of semi detached
house. 14 Hallam Avenue
Karl Watson - retention of storage and maintenance workshop and
of mobile toilet. Rectory Field Nursery, Wanlip Lane
Amelia Williams - single storey extension to rear of semi detached
house. 29 Went Road
Mr & Mrs Allwood - erection of 2 storey side extension to
semi detached house. 3 Sycamore Road
Mr & Mrs Hodges - extension to 1st floor over existing garage.
38 Whiles Lane
Mrs M Eden - change of use from A1 retail use to tea shop for
sale of hot and cold food. 1A The Meadway
Mr P Goodwin - 1st floor extension to side of semi detached house.
19 Gwendolin Avenue
Mr Giga - erection of single storey extension to rear, canopy
to front and insertion of bay window to front of detached house.
128 Harrowgate Drive
Football record
LOCAL FOOTBALL team Birstall Stamford have set a new record
by winning the Charnwood League Premier Division for the fourth
year running.
The team won 13 of their 14 matches, losing only one game. Leading
goalscorers were Chalkie White with 40 and Sonny Smith with 36.
President of the club Mr Carl Gunns said: “I am just ecstatic.
Every season we are winning trophies and I take my hat off to
the players and the management team who have done a great job.
There have been some disagreements but we have all pulled together.”
The side have also won the Premier Cup and reached the semi-finals
of the Everards Cup and the Charnwood Bitter Cup.
The reserve team are top of the Charnwood League’s Division
One, and the A team are top of Division Three.
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