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Scheme revised
THE SIBSON Road improvement scheme has
been revised after contractors’ estimates exceeded the scheme’s
budget by forty per cent.
Estimates of £250,000 have been received for the scheme,
which has a budget of £180,000 and aims to improve the
section from the Alliance & Leicester to the Crossways.
Parish Council Chairman Nigel Coleman said: “I was shocked
by the figures. It seems that several of the elements, such as
the seating, street art and the lighting display, are more expensive
than was anticipated.”
He added: “I’m still confident that we will be able
to deliver a scheme that the public are expecting.”
Charnwood Borough Council’s Martin Tincknell said: “We
asked five contractors to quote for the work and had a reply
from two, which were significantly over budget.”
The scheme’s architects, Paul Harris Associates, were asked
to revise their plans and produced a scaled down scheme which
has already been rejected by Mr Tincknell, who said that it had
lost too many of the original plan’s features. The architects
have now been asked to produce another revised plan.
Mr Tincknell said the plan was to start work on the scheme this
year, with a six week break in the run up to Christmas to minimise
the disruption for local traders. Work would then restart in
the new year.
Family support group
Helen Wootton, Sharon Willday and Group
Facilitator Nicky Voss of Birstall’s new family support
group
A NEW family support group that aims to provide emotional
and practical help to parents has started in Birstall.
Home-start volunteers give support to any parent with at least
one child under five. They often represent a lifeline for many
families who are finding it hard to cope. The volunteers are
carefully trained and, as parents themselves, know just how tough
it can be sometimes.
In the South Charnwood villages approximately 48% of families
referred to Home-Start are mothers suffering with postnatal illness
or depression and 49% of mums say that they feel very isolated,
sometimes to the extent that they can no longer physically leave
home or access other services in the community. Home-Start volunteers
are determined to respond to these families as quickly as possible
and so have just started a new Family Support Group in Birstall.
Nicky Voss is the group facilitator and is supported by Faith
Timbergen and Jo Locke.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact
Helen Wootton, South Charnwood organiser on 01509 239786.
Last concert
BIRSTALL CHORAL Society is to be wound up later this year.
The 56th Annual General Meeting has endorsed the Committee’s
recommendation to disband after the Christmas Concert.
This will be a Programme of Christmas Words and Music on Tuesday
11th December 2001 in Birstall Methodist Church at 7.45pm in
aid of the National Children’s Home - Action for Children.
The Society is not alone in this situation. Many choirs are having
problems in providing four-part harmony and with the restrictions
placed on the choice of challenging programmes.
Since 1945 the concerts given by singing members have raised
considerable funds for charities whilst the fees of quality soloists
have been paid by a number of friends whose patronage has been
much appreciated. The repertoire has been extensive and of a
high standard under conductors Louis Higginson, Walter Pole,
Richard Butt, and for the last 40 years, Shirley Scott.
Rugby club’s plea
BIRSTALL RUGBY Club is in danger of collapsing because
of a shortage of players.
A recent fixture against Burbage RFC had to be cancelled when
Birstall couldn’t field a full side.
A club spokesman said: “We are extremely disappointed with
the situation when our club with such potential and team spirit
finds itself in this predicament. We have a number of players
out with minor injuries at the moment especially from the forward
contingent and there are also players who are otherwise engaged
on match day.”
He added: “Sadly after past success in the junior merit
table, the club finds itself in danger of collapse and this would
not only be a great loss to the regular members, some with the
club for many years, but also to Birstall itself. Towns and villages
need local recreational activities such as rugby, football, cricket
etc as well as the other social events that go with the clubs
involved, to maintain community spirit and provide entertainment
for both youth and senior members of society.”
The club had hoped to reinstate what used to be the Birstall
colts team, a facility for youth players who would eventually
graduate up to the adult squad, but this prospect grows more
and more distant.
The spokesman said: “We urgently need, both on a youth and
adult scale, players of any experience, persons to assist with
training or supervision and we also desperately require sponsorship”.
If you are interested in playing or think you could help with
one of the other positions that need filling, please call the
club now on 0116 2207062 or 0116 2675645. Better still, why not
attend fitness and tactical training on Tuesday nights 7.30pm
at Newfoundpool football ground, Meadow Lane, Birstall, All will
be made welcome.
Parish Council Notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on September
10.
Allotment holders on Greengate Lane have been told that their
plots will not be required for cemetery grave spaces for a further
10 years. The Parish Council had previously sent out notices
to allotment holders giving them notice to vacate their plots
but had subsequently reconsidered this decision, rescinded the
notices, and apologised to the tenants.
The four retailers on Wanlip Lane, near the junction with Lambourne
Road, have asked the Council to consider installing festive lighting
on their premises this Christmas.
It was reported that no information had been received from Charnwood
Borough Council to questions that had emerged at the first meeting
of the Parish Council’s working party to consider the community
facilities on Hallam Fields.
The issue of employing consultants to give advice on planning
matters, such as the Hallam Fields development, was discussed
by councillors.
Councillors discussed the recent acquittal of Cllr Clarke, who
was charged with participating in a meeting when he should have
declared an interest. Chairman Nigel Coleman said that, as far
as he was concerned, the acquittal had been on a technicality
and the issue of whether or not Cllr Clarke would have been acquitted
of the charges brought against him, had the charge date been
correct, remained unresolved.
Cllr Clarke commented that his opportunities for taking part
in the Council’s discussions of Hallam Fields had been obstructed
without justification. He said that the Council had conducted
the whole affair in the manner of a personal vendetta against
him.
Sibson Road resurfacing
The recently completed section of Sibson Road, from the Crossways
to Birstall Garden Centre, was officially opened last month.
Pictured cutting the ribbon is Chairman of the County Council
Dr David Pollard accompanied by Roger Wilson, Peter Williams,
Jeremy Prescott, Derek Spolton, Chris Bennett, Charnwood Mayor
and Mayoress Tony and Eva Stot, Nigel Coleman, Martin Tincknell,
Wendy Crawford, Bernard Crayfourd and Hugh Knight.
Doctors merge
BIRSTALL MEDICAL Centre on Whiles Lane has merged with Drs
Raivadera’s practice on Harrowgate Drive in Birstall.
The new partnership will consist of: Dr S Kaur, D K S Sher, Dr
E Hampson, Dr T V Raivadera, Dr S T Raivadera
Monday to Friday: Both practices will continue to operate as
before from their own premises. Doctors may swap sessions at
either surgery. The opening times will remain the same apart
from Saturdays.
Saturdays: Harrowgate Drive surgery will close on Saturday, but
patients may attend Birstall Medical Centre on While Lane for
emergencies only.
Work experience
LONGSLADE COLLEGE is looking for Work Experience Placements
for our Post-16 students from 4th to 8th February 2002 and for
Year 10 students from 7th to 17th May 2002. Can you help?
Although many of our students have part-time jobs, Work Experience
adds a vital extra dimension to our students’ education.
It provides many of them with the opportunity to experience jobs
far beyond the usual compass of either a 14/15 year old or 16/17
year old. Work Experience is an educational exercise that helps
students to develop or extend the range of skills and knowledge
that will be relevant to their adult life. By spending two weeks
in an adult working environment they are able to gain an insight
into the world of work, its discipline and relationships.
We encourage students to make their own arrangements where possible
as part of the learning process and we would welcome your assistance
with this whether you are the boss of, or an employee working
for, a vast multi-national corporation or a small local company.
could you offer an opportunity for one or more of our students?
We provide employers and students with all the help and support
they need to make Work Experience both safe and worthwhile. The
law requires us to follow a very detailed procedure including
our visiting the company, in advance, to carry out health and
Safety, Risk Assessment and insurance checks. If you feel that
you have a suitable placement to offer, or would like further
information about our Work Experience programme, please contact
myself or Lesley Barry at the College.
From Mr C Corcoran, Head of Careers
Junior bowlers triumph
BIRSTALL BOWLING Club started a junior section last season.
On Saturday August 25 this year, history was made when a team
of four juniors from Birstall played four juniors from Goodwood
as part of the Saturday friendly match between the two clubs.
The result was a massive 40-9 victory for the Birstall team.
This was the first time that the four, aged 12 and 13 had played
together and this shows that there is certainly good potential
for the future. The club has six juniors altogether, five boys
and one girl, the youngest being 12 and the oldest 17.
Elsewhere, Birstall lost out by seven shots to Ibstock in the
Semi Final of the County Unbadged competition. Joel McCann. Ivan
Slack, John Hurst & Andy Wye won 28-16 but this couldn’t
quite cancel out the rink of Dave Clarke, Dennis Measom, Wayne
Parkin and Jan Hunt who lost 8-27.
Birstall ladies have finished top of Section 2 of the Ladies
Friday Triples League. As champions they are promoted to Section
1 next season.
Finally, the club held its annual charity night at the end of
August,. raising £260 for the English National Visually
Handicapped Bowls Association. Also at the end of August, the
club played Rushey Mead for the St John’s Cup which Birstall
won. On the night £167 was raised for St John’s Ambulance.
Witnesses sought
OFFICERS AT Syston local policing unit are appealing for witnesses
after a distraction burglary in Birstall.
The incident took place about noon on Tuesday August 28 when
a young man called at the home of an elderly woman. He suggested
that she went to her neighbour’s address and while she was
distracted entered the house and stole cash and a mobile ‘phone.
DC Matt Spradbury of Syston local policing unit said: “Members
of the public should be alert to bogus callers and always make
sure they know who they are letting into their homes. They should
always check the caller’s identity with the organisation
they claim to represent. If they are in any doubt they should
contact the police as soon as possible on 0116 222 2222”.
The suspect is described as white and in his late teens. he was
riding a red cycle.
Anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident who may
have seen this youth should contact DC 182 Matt Spradbury on
Leicester 0116 222 2222 ext 4252 or Crimestoppers, which is free
and anonymous, on 0800 555111.
Youth club
THE SPACE Youth Club was formed in 1991 for young people with
moderate learning difficulties.
It is open from 6-7.30pm on Thursdays at Longslade’s Youth
Centre.
Members help to plan the programme which includes opportunities
to learn from a range of activities such as cooking, playing
pool, videos, arts and crafts. The club also plan trips out and
an annual weekend residential.
Subs are 20p per week which funds club activities including drinks
during the evening while there is a tuck shop to sell sweets
etc. New members are always welcome, for more information contact
Janice on 0116 2129525.
Rip off
IN AN effort to help stop rogue traders from ripping off the
public, Trading Standards, in conjunction with the DTI, have
launched a new website ripofftipoff.net
This is an on line facility for consumers or traders to tell
the ‘rip-off tip-off’ team - anonymously if they wish
- about rogue traders who they suspect are ripping-off the public.
Rogue builders and car dealers, unscrupulous doorstep traders,
traders who sell or make counterfeit goods, loan sharks, bogus
homeworking schemes and bogus competitions are some of the areas
that the ‘rip-off tip-off’ team want to hear about.
Check out the website at www.ripofftipoff.net REMEMBER you information
could help stop someone else from being conned or ripped-off.
Girls’ Brigade
(l-r) Back Row: Rev Chris Gray, Susan Wheeler,
Mrs Hazel Hillier, Front Row: Karen Thrower, Davena Belcher,
Fiona Banner, Miriam Gray
TWO NEW Lieutenants were commissioned and two Young Leaders
dedicated at the Re-Enrolment Service of the 1st Birstall Girls’
Brigade, conducted by the Rev Chris Gray and held at Birstall
Methodist Church.
Mrs Davena Belcher and Miss Karen Thrower, the new Lieutenants,
and Miriam Gray and Fiona Banner, the new Young Leaders, all
gained the necessary qualifications through attending a weekend
training course, and through assessment during company activities
and completing written papers.
The new appointees were welcomed into their positions by Mrs
Hazel Hillier, Girls Brigade District Commissioner.
Karen has been a member of the 1st Birstall G B Company since
she was five, and has worked her way right through the ranks,
while Mrs Belcher became involved some five years ago when her
two daughters Carly and Kirsty joined. Miriam and Fiona Both
joined the Girls Brigade as Explorers (the 5 yrs - 8 yrs age
group).
The 1st Birstall Girls Brigade now has some 60 members, and meets
at Birstall Methodist Church from 6pm on Tuesday evening. For
further information please phone Mrs Susan Wheeler, Captain,
on 220 9318.
Mothers reach 125th
IF I were to ask you what you think the Mothers’ Union
is all about, what would be your reply?
Many people have a fixed idea that the Mothers’ Union is
a group of ladies whose sole purpose of meeting is to have a
cup of tea and a chat - not so! The Mothers’ Union is a
Christian organisation which promotes the well-being of families
world-wide. Since being founded by Mary Sumner 125 years ago,
the Mothers’ Union has become a worldwide organisation and
one of the most visible fruits of the 70 million strong Anglican
Communion. Did you know that today there are over one million
members of the Mothers’ Union making it the largest Christian
women’s organisation in the world, with members in 62 countries.
The aim of the Society is the advancement of the Christian religion
in the sphere of marriage and family life.
In furtherance of that Aim our five objects are:
1. to uphold Christ’s teaching on the nature of marriage
and to promote its wider understanding
2. to encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith
and life of the Church
3. to maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in
prayer, worship and service
4. to promote conditions in society favourable to stable family
life and the protection of children.
5. to help those whose family has met with adversity
These objects are achieved by developing prayer and spiritual
growth in families; studying and reflecting on family life and
marriage and their place in society; resourcing our members to
take practical action to improve conditions for families both
nationally and in communities in which they live.
To achieve all it sets out to, the MU has to be adaptable and
move with the times. Whilst many of the problems in society have
changed over the years, children and families are still suffering
as a result.
2001 is the 125th birthday of the MU and as such is a remarkable
achievement worthy of both celebration and thanks to God. As
a ‘thank you’ offering every MU branch in the UK and
Ireland has been asked to hold a celebratory event. Any money
raised will support this year’s 125 Project Fund which will
be used to support Literacy and Development in Africa as well
as Parenting 2000 here in the UK.
Here in Birstall and Wanlip, our branch is organising a 125th
Birthday Celebration Concert in the village hall on Sunday October
28 at 3pm. The concert will comprise various entertainments,
plus refreshments and admission will be by the purchase of a
programme. The cost will be £2.50; children over 5 years
and senior citizens £1.25. Under 5s will be admitted free.
Programmes are available from: Mrs B Rhodes, 3 Woodgate Drive,
Birstall Tel: 2673504
Club will bounce back
ANOTHER SEASON comes to an end for Birstall Village Cricket
Club and for the first team it ended in relegation.
Captain Andy Corbett says: “After playing cricket for 25
years on the local circuit I’ve never played in a team that
has been relegated before, so it is very disappointing after
all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and also on
the pitch. Birstall Village is one of the most hard working clubs
I have played in”.
He added: “Birstall Village was one of two clubs to be relegated
along with Coalville club Snibston Grange. Oddly enough these
two clubs have some of the best pitches and changing facilities
in the league. Hopefully we can get straight back to the premier
division but we will need to play with more commitment and passion,
but we will bounce back.”
The second XI had a better season finishing within the top four
of their league. Team captain Steve Findley says: “We only
lost 2 games out of 18 and have beaten the champions Wigston
Town and only lost our games in the holiday period, when it was
difficult to field a full strength squad. With a lot of good
youngsters coming through the ranks from Hamish Carnan’s
under 13’s team we should have another good season next
summer.”
October 2001 Birstall Post continues here
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