Birstall Post Nov. 2001 (215) cont.

Planning applications

R G Everitt - erection of 2nd storey extension over garage to side of semi detached house. 33 Woodgate Drive
Mr R Burke - erection of single storey extension to front of semi detached house. 48 Greengate Lane
Mr K Watson - formation of car park with landscaping. Land adjacent Rectory Field Nursery, Wanlip
Mr K Watson - erection of bungalow, Rectory Field Nursery, Wanlip
Mr & Mrs Cluley - erection of 2 storey extension to side of semi detached dwelling with single storey extension to rear. 52 Wanlip Lane
Sowden & Co Ltd - change of use of two shops to two dwellings, 34-36 Front Street, Birstall
Mr K Watson - erection of stables in paddock adjacent Rectory Field Nursery, Wanlip
Mr & Mrs Ashley - erection of garage to side with conservatory to rear and porch with pitched roof to front of semi detached house. 649 Loughborough Road

Your Say...

At 3.15pm on the 29th June 2001, 28 of us set out on a Journey of Discovery to the Wintershall Estate in Surrey, to witness England’s answer to Oberammergau. This is an open air play in three acts of the Life of Christ.
As always the coach journey was a pleasant and relaxing journey with all mod cons, it’s like sitting in your armchair at home, meeting up with old friends throughout the area and making new ones, helps to make these excursions a great experience.
On arrival at our hotel ‘The Moat House at Shepperton’ set in its own grounds away from the main roads, we were shown to our spacious rooms to freshen up before our evening meal. This was a delicious carvery with more than enough to eat. A little libation in the bar afterwards, a chat with all the newcomers and off to bed ready for an early start in the morning.
After a wonderful three course breakfast and looking like Sherpas we climbed aboard the coach with bags, coats, chairs, wheelchairs, drinks, biscuits, bananas and the kitchen sink which fortunately was attached to the coach. We settled down for the short journey to Wintershall.
We were all a little apprehensive, would the weather stay dry, what would it be like, would it stay true to the Gospels? As we joined the other pilgrims on the crawl up the driveway you could feel the anticipation in the air, everyone seemed to be smiling and ready for a wonderful time.
We arrived at the top for the first act ‘The Birth of Christ’ and the son came out at the same time as the son of God appeared, and never left us all day. The cast mingled with the crowd and you immediately felt caught up in the action. The slaughter of the first born had everyone distressed with the realistic scenes of murder and the anguished screams and cries of the parents. Jesus Mary and Joseph then went into exile in Egypt.
We then all moved down the hill to scene 2 which was like being in an amphitheatre. The scene opened with John the Baptist and his followers and down the hill in white robes walked Jesus. His presence sent a tingle through your body and the hairs on the back of your neck stood up. All through act two you had to pinch yourself because you were there with him, he was present before you totally man totally God.
A small kindness by the actor playing the part of Jesus moved us all, while riding on the donkey on the way to Jerusalem an old lady was unable to move far enough back, he stopped the procession, put out his hand and touched her and told her not to worry, and her whole face lit up, she was radiant, if this could be done by an actor think how the real Jesus would have affected her.
The third act of the crucifixion and rising from the dead was equally compelling.
When he finally walked away to his Father in heaven, there were lumps in everyone’s throats.
The crowd erupted in applause and there was more than one wet eye.
We returned to the coach as if walking on a cloud. The experience was unforgettable and a return next year is a definite.
The journey back to the hotel was held in quiet wonderment at what we had experienced. Our last night at the hotel and no one could talk about anything else, no one wanted to go to bed in case the spell was broken.
Sunday and a pleasant journey home with an unforgettable experience.
If you would like to be part of this wonderful experience after reading this. Please join us next year. Contact 2675721.
Peter Stephenson

The last issue of the Birstall Post had a most poignant poem from 15 year old Becca Needham about the terrorist attacks on America on September 11. I wanted to write to thank Becca for this thoughtful, mature, contribution to your paper. We live in uncertain times, many people are saying that they will remember where they were when these terrible events happened, much as they did for the assassination of John F Kennedy. For my part I was on Sibson Road with some VIPs and other Councillors for the opening of some of the enhancement area, the picture of this also in the October edition was taken about the time the second plane hit the twin towers, the opening which marked the completion of phase 1 seemed to pale into insignificance.
I don’t know that I hear the voices as Becca puts it, I struggle to cope with the enormity of it, 16,000 lorry loads of rubble removed from the site in four weeks, and still a pile five stories high, but I certainly wake each day fearing what the morning news will bring, a feeling I have never had before.
Nigel Coleman, Chairman Birstall Parish Council

Yet again this year youth leaders of Longslade Community College organised a fun-packed fortnight of activities for our 8-12 year olds in the second half of July. This scheme has been running for so long now that I think it is rather taken for granted. But I should like to thank the hard working team of people who work so hard to make it a success.

Rock climbing in the outwoods
The man at the hub of things is Ian Martin, (Tini to his friends) who is helped by some of our young people, most of them present or past members of the youth club. There was David McCafferty (Macca), in charge of sport, Emilie Coley, a very cool organiser, Joe Cooper, Sarah Topley and Jenny Alnutt. Interesting Art work was led by Dianne Kennedy and Lindsey Blyghton - the children had to be quick off the mark to get in there.
There was an optional hour of fun sessions in the pool every day and a choice of basketball, football, pool, computer games and plenty of other activities. In addition to the regular morning sessions several outings were arranged for the afternoons, such as ice skating, ten-pin bowling, rock climbing and raft building. I was invited to go along to watch the last two activities and was very impressed by the way safety was strictly enforced without, in any way, spoiling the fun. Peter Sapsford, Longslade’s Community Vice-Principal, gave up some of his holiday to lead the rock climbing in the Outwoods. The sheer cliff, about 20 feet high, looked very daunting, but the children, in harnesses and hard hats, all managed to climb it, under Peter’s calm and cheerful instruction. Most of them also dared to abseil down again.
For the raft building they went to the outdoor pursuits centre at Quorn. There the two teams were confronted with a pile of hefty logs, some large barrels and miles of rope. The task was to build a raft, which would carry all four to the other side of the river and back without sinking or tipping over. There was much discussion and experimenting, but eventually both teams produced a vessel of sorts. Then it was on with the life jackets and hard hats and the team with the triangular craft launched it and scrambled aboard. Sad to say, the barrels started to come adrift before they were halfway across and the crew had to swim for it. The second team, who had made a very sturdy looking square raft, pushed off and paddled triumphantly across and back, bearing the flower trophy from the plants on the other side. They finished off with a cool swim and a hot shower.
On behalf of all the children and parents or grandparents, like me, may I thank Tini and his team for running the play scheme. It provided two weeks of safe and enjoyable entertainment for the children and much needed relief for the adults who care for them during the long summer holiday.
Grateful Gran, June Raynor

The Riverside Community Primary School and The Riverside Family Association would like to thank everyone who supported us at our September Fete and special thanks to the following businesses for donating prizes:-
Tomorrow’s World Travel, Glenwood Fine Art, The Bakery, Pete’s Fruit & Veg, Supacare, Mark Patrick Butchers, Good Companions, Coombs, Birstall Hair & Nail Studio, Crazy Prices, Notions, McColls, Gordon Davis Chemist, Louise Kelham Photography, Choicewise, Shoepermarket, Krusty’s, New World Florist, Birstall Jewellers & Anne-El-Maria.
Thanks again to you all.
Angie Smith, Treasurer
Riverside Family Association for Riverside School

We just wanted to email you to thank you for such a good website. Originally from Birstall we are now living in Turkey and you can get pretty homesick out here. Now we feel in touch with Birstall every month as we can read what’s happening.
Keep up the good work.
Daniel and Linda Rhodes
(Bethany, Katy and Michael)

In May the garden at 18 Park Road was open two days running for the National Gardens Scheme to raise money for charity. Sunday 13th was a really lovely day and many visitors came. Monday was cool and wet but a few brave folk came and supported us. Altogether £620 was raised, the best figure yet. We would like to thank all those who came and those who supported the opening in other ways, particularly Roy White who grows plants for the stall each spring and Ivy Clay who comes each year to help energetically in the kitchen.
The dates for 2002 when the garden will be open again are May 19 & 20 from 2pm. Please make a note on next year’s calendar or in your diary and come again. We would be pleased to see you.
David and Rosie Ives

The concert performed at St James Church on Saturday September 22 by the 663 Ensemble & Friends raised a total of £561 which has been divided between the church and local hospices. Grateful thanks to all who supported the evening.
Cynthia Coltman

A wet, wild & wonderful event was held in September on Watermead Country Park.
I attended this excellent event and was very disappointed at your coverage of it ie a picture of a lovely old car along with two lines of writing.
You could have mentioned the dog trials which everyone (including the dogs) enjoyed, ferret racing, pet handling, coracles, windsurfers and canoes were in action on the water (free trials of canoeing), fly fishing competitions, many interesting marquees, not to mention lots of tasty things to eat etc. Proceeds were in aid of Rainbows Children’s Hospice. The weather stayed fine, if windy, and I would like to thank the park wardens and other organisers for holding such an unusual and enjoyable show on our doorstep.
Joy Norton

My son is addicted to heroin

HEROIN ABUSE is a serious problem in Birstall, affecting the lives of hundreds of people - the users, as well as their family and friends.
The Birstall Post received this story from the mother of an addict who lives in the village.
All the names have been changed.

The front door opens and I give a sigh of relief, he's home safe "Thank you God". He'd been gone about an hour during which time my heart thumped, my head ached and the pumping of my blood through my body was so loud I felt ill. He walked upstairs and went into his bedroom, stayed a few seconds and then went to the loo. The whole cycle of fear starts again, you see my son is a 'heroin addict' he had just been to get his supply. My next fear is, is the drug pure enough for him to survive! When he leaves the house I am torn, I want to scream, to fling myself about like a mad women, to rant and rave against him, God, dealers anyone - anyone- anyone. I pray he does not get caught, I pray he gets caught, I turn on my husband who understands fully my pain and hurt but he is no help, he has his own pain and hurt to deal with, we are different and have different ways of dealing with it. But at the same time we support each other, in some ways our love has grown stronger and in some ways also weaker.
Nothing in life could prepare you for this 'living hell' you can liken it to several situations, standing behind a see-through STEEL barrier watching your child walk into fire, over a cliff or any life threatening situation and not being able to stop them. Your whole body sings with pain, each emotion and feeling is heightened to bursting point. Our life is taken over with worry, hurt and suspicion.
Normal family life - in any degree- ceases! You permanently walk with shame, fearful of stopping to speak to friends or acquaintances in case they KNOW........ I want to walk proudly with my son, I listen to others telling me of their children’s achievements and lives, my heart is dark with pain and jealousy - something alien to me, I have always taken joy in others’ happiness and now when I say "Oh that’s lovely, I’m so happy for you" it’s just words. My shame in admitting that makes me feel worse.
We love our son, we mourn the one we have lost but there are remnants in the one we have got. I look sometimes into his eyes and my heart breaks, he is in there waiting to be set free.
Every aspect of our life is affected with heroin addiction, my family also hurt, we have always been a close knit family, now they try but they feel embarrassed, they do not know what to do consequently we have gone from most weekends visiting or having visitors to nothing and only occasional visits out, from the phone never stopping to silence. Why when drugs are involved does it become difficult to communicate, if he had cancer or any other terminal disease, my house would be full, my phone would constantly ring. Is the answer that we have become lepers, are they afraid that it is catching. We have learned to cope. The sad thing is I know people care but I can no longer make the effort, I need them to do that now, all our strength is being taken up by trying to live normally, and to keep my son safe and alive until he comes back.
Birthdays, no card says 'Son we love you no matter what' even something so small as purchasing them causes trauma and tears, I have often had to leave a shop after reading the words I wish I could send to my youngest, the same as I do for the other two. Presents, the only thought when buying them is, will he sell this! and when asked by family what does Arthur want, I say no cash, they look, they know, they understand, they are embarrassed.
Teenagers come to the door to be told to go away, my son knows no one 'normal'. Again another change, my house has always had an open door policy for my children’s friends! Now instead of answering the door with a smile, I glower and frown and answer stonily......... with my husband shouting in the background unrepeatable phrases for them to go away.
Where did we go wrong, or did we. This scourge has hit this planet throughout the world, the silent war which has travelled under the guise of a 'low life' problem. Look around, open your eyes, it is across all walks of life, in a controlled situation it is being used and people are working using it! The only difference being they can keep their jobs because they can afford to pay for their habit. The fear is, has this got to be structured into life now - or have we got to fight it, become aware of it and destroy the people preying on our future generations, for the true dealers at the top are not addicts, they are parasites living on human misery, spreading the rippling misery through addiction. FOR GOD’S SAKE LISTEN, FOR YOUR OWN SAKE LISTEN AND BE AWARE, do not treat it as a infectious disease, HELP! stamp it out, find solutions, not only for my son but for any human being out there. They all come from families, parents, who are NORMAL (whatever that may be) . Have compassion and thank God in heaven if your children are safe. Remember it is not enough that they are, keep them that way and keep your future clean.
It took two years for me to conceive my youngest and knowing what I know now, would I have persevered - Yes definitely! I already had two sons and the pregnancies had not been easy, no glowing skin or shiny hair, just nausea from day one to the end, and high blood pressure, I most certainly did not bloom and then with my third it all went haywire, if I got a cold it became flu, twice I threatened to miscarry, I was in and out of hospital with high blood pressure and once had a sick bug and ended up in hospital totally out of control, severely dehydrated and on a drip for three days. Towards the end things started to look up, started to feel a bit more energetic, and decided to take my two sons for a picnic in the fields at the back of the house, everything was okay until I got bitten! my leg swelled instantly to twice the size, a feat in itself as I am no small lady, I managed to get home and sit down with my legs up, the skin was tight and felt as if it would burst then my jaws clamped together! My husband’s cousin rang the doctor and once again I was taken to hospital! I longed for the day when I could give birth and feel normal again!
28th October 1979 I was sitting watching 'the life of Mohammed Ali' the boxer with my husband and felt a need to go to the loo, nervously I realised I was in labour, Alan rang the hospital, arranged for the two boys to be looked after by my sister and took me in. My two other sons had been born at home and I wasn't looking forward to giving birth in hospital, but the doctor would not entertain a home birth due to the pregnancy problems. 2am, 29th October 1999 I looked into the bright red face a replica of my mother in law. My first words were good gracious it’s your Mum, we laughed as this tiny creature with my mother in law's face opened his eyes, yawned and went to sleep ( a habit, he has yet to break). Although I had longed for a daughter as soon as I looked at my son, all thoughts of a girl left, I was so happy. Believe it or not I was in a ward of 6, 5 baby girls and my son!! True to form Arthur slept 5-6 hrs at a time but when he woke for his feed, boy did we all know it, the nurses used to joke and very rarely kept him waiting.
He was such a happy contented child and truly loved and adored by his brothers. Peter 7 became like a second Mum and saw to all his needs, James only 5 had little idea on that side so played with him instead including giving him sweets! I was always on guard and very often found sticky sweets in Arthur’s tightly closed fists.
His christening was a day to remember, happy and free and all remarked on what a lovely happy and contented baby he was. His life was, smiling, eating and sleeping. This was basically it until he was about 14 years. He had sailed through school, a good student in fact above average, his teachers had high hopes especially his science teacher who maintained he would have a brilliant career in research.
Unfortunately things started to go wrong, he bunked off school, became rebellious and irritable and stubborn, we lived with this thinking it was the usual teenage years! We were wrong, we discovered he was smoking cannabis, we were really upset and tried to talk to him. He was indifferent to our efforts, on one side we had people telling us it was okay to smoke this stuff but our hearts told us NO it was wrong. His life has moved on to being totally taken up with drugs, when can I get, how can I get, if, how much can I get, The operative word being 'I' Arthur's drug taking is the centre of his own life and that’s all he exists for. He still loves us, he worships his 3 year old niece but the difficulty is finding the correct help for him to stop. He tries and fails, fastrack is insufficient, he and many others need more, they need a concentrated programme in a rehabilitation centre with follow up help. No centre exists in Leicester the nearest is Sussex, £400 per week (some centres charge £1000 per week), one bed in Glenfield hospital, where they are treated alongside with mental patients, with less compassion, the doctor in charge has written them off before they arrive, the system in there is not working and instead of realising it is not the right help the addicts are blamed for the unsuccessful outcome.
Why don't you throw him out, make him stand on his own two feet, ( I have seen users in this situation and there is nothing to hold them back, they deteriorate rapidly) make him get a job, (users very rarely are consistent in work unless maintained as they have to have the drug at regular intervals) make him stop, (we have tried) lock him up, (we have done this) stop feeding him, (he borders on malnutrition as it is users do not need food) don't let him, you’re too soft, you’re not hard enough - these are all phrases being constantly thrown at us and I reply. He's, our son, we love him, we would care for him if he was disabled, we brought him into this world, we have done this alone waiting for help, this is the way it works for us in order to have some semblance of family work. It is killing me living with him but I would die without him. Eventually he will realise how much we love him and how much he loves us, and with the correct help, then that will be enough.
We are keeping him safe, free from crime to feed his habit, he does not at present claim benefits as he has not the commitment to go each week to sign on and we are too ashamed to insist, at least we are paying not the government.
It has taken 5 years from cannabis to heroin for us to reach this decision, its hard, and we have together other parents in the same position started a support group, each having their own ways of dealing with the problem, but we support each other and are in touch with various groups, ie Paget House, Addiction, NHS Drug team, and police trying to find answers and to provide correct help for this 'lost generation'
The drug problem is serious, it is the dealers who benefit, the user thinks they can take it or leave it until they take it and then they are hooked, unless answers are found it will destroy the major countries of the world and still it is classed as a 'low life' problem. NO it is an underground problem which people are choosing to ignore or kick under the carpet.
On the other side of the coin and one of which I am fully aware is the crime resulting from drug addiction. Whilst not all crimes committed are by drug users, I am sure the percentage is high, so please do not think that I accept or ignore this spinoff activity. We have suffered within our own home not only from our own son but also from his fellow users. Precious items, everyday items, rarely used items - trips spent retrieving things from pawn shops, searches made amongst secondhand shops - all in the hope that these items maybe found. You will find that the majority of drug users commit crime within their own home for the most part and it is only when this source is exhausted that they turn outside the home, and commit petty crimes. There is of course a second type of user who go on to become hardened criminals and evolve into dealers of drugs and fencers of stolen goods, moving up the tree as it were! But I strongly feel this type would have resorted to crime anyway, whilst the catalyst is drugs.
For any teenager, parent, or partner reading this please remember once you start taking drugs you no longer have a CHOICE ......... your choice becomes a NEED!

The Susan Jones Family Trust meet in the Village Hall, Birstall once a month, providing support for the families of drug users. They can be contacted at PO Box 6006, Anstey Leicester.
Another contact is the Leicester Drug Advice Centre 2470200.

Noticeboard

Leicestershire Parents Group of Diabetes UK
60’s, 70s, 80s
Disco
at The Luther King Centre
Longslade Community College
Wanlip Lane, Birstall
on Saturday November 17
7.30-11.30pm
Over 18s only
Licensed Bar, Trafficator Disco, Raffle
Tickets £5
Tel: 07940513873
* * *
Charnwood Conservative Association
Christmas Fair
November 17
from 10.30am to 12noon
at the Rothley Centre
Stephen Dorrell MP will be attending
Father Christmas and various stalls
Entrance 20p
* * *
Belgrave Ladies Bowling Club
Autumn Fayre
on Saturday November 24
from 10am to 12noon
Homemade Cakes - Bumper Raffle, Books, Tombola, Bric-a-Brac etc
Coffee Shop
Belgrave Bowling Club, Thurcaston Road
(first right turn off Abbey Lane after Redhill Circle)
* * *
Birstall St James Monday Group
Christmas Fair
on Saturday December 1
from 11am - 3pm
in Birstall Village Hall
Stalls, Raffle, Hamper etc & Lunches
Admission free
All proceeds to Rainbows & LOROS.
* * *
Birstall Flower Club
invites you to watch
Margaret Rumens
demonstrate
‘Christmas Flowers’
at the Village Hall, Birstall
on November 28
at 7.15pm
Members £3; Non-members £6
Includes Wine & a Mince Pie
Tickets from: Sylvia Simes 2674206, Mary Linnett 2672247, Pat Hipwell 2675926
Bring a Friend and have a Fun Evening
* * *
Christmas Coffee Morning
on Wednesday November 7
in the Community Room at Highcliffe Primary School
from 9am - 1pm
Top Quality Cards and Paper, Sales Table, Christmas Decorations, Tombola
Proceeds to Acorn Funds
Please come and support us
* * *
Wanlip Christmas Coffee Morning
Saturday November 24
from 10am-1pm
in Wanlip Church Hall
Various stalls including Plants, Tombola, Leather Goods, Christmas Crafts/Decorations, Cards, Paintings, Toys, Almost New and Hamper Raffle
Light refreshments available
Admission free
* * *
Leicester Symphony Orchestra
LOROS Gala Night
Thursday November 15
7.45pm
A full evening of orchestral pieces, arias and duets
by Bizet, Sullivan, Verdi, Puccini, Lehar, Wagner, Rossini, Gounod, Glinka, Mozart and Delius.
Soprano: Katerina Mina
Tenor: Dominic Natoli
* * *
Birstall Methodist Church
Garden Trail 2002
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June
* * *
2002 Birstall Festival/Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations
Any individuals or organisations are welcome to attend a public meeting on
November 19 at 7pm
in The Village Hall
* * *
Birstall Royal British Legion Women’s Section
Coffee Morning
in aid of The Poppy Appeal
Friday November 9
from 10am to 12noon
Cake Stall, Book Stall, Tombola, Bric-a-Brac
All welcome
* * *
Birstall Fellowship Church
invite you to hear
‘A Vet’s Experience’
A talk in the ‘My Life & Faith’ series
on Wednesday November 14
at 7.30pm in the Community Room, Highcliffe School, Greengate Lane
* * *
Riverside Community Primary School
Applying for a School Place?
Will your child be 5 years old on or before August 31 2003?
If you have not yet applied for a school place
please call at the school office to complete the necessary admission forms
* * *
Birstall Scouts
Christmas Bazaar
Saturday December 1 at 2pm
at Scout HQ Birstall Road
Cakes, Toys, Games, Books, Bric-a-Brac, Refreshments
Adult admission 20p
* * *
Age Concern Birstall & Wanlip
Annual General Meeting
at 7.30pm
on Wednesday November 7
at St James Day Care Centre
Everyone welcome
* * *
Birstall Social Club
Members’ Notice
Nov 3 Dancing to Kevin Thompson
Nov 10 Dancing to Harmony
Nov 17 Dancing to Alf’s Music
Nov 24 Dancing to Ready Mix Sound
Dec 1 Dancing to Alf’s Music
Dec 2 Sunday Children’s Christmas Panto
Admission to ticket only
Free admission
Bingo Sat, Sun nights, Thurs plus Crack the Safe, Sun lunch plus Cash Raffle
Function room available for bookings with or without disco
Giant TV screen for all Sky TV Sports Events
Tues nights are Don’s Dance Nights
Come and enjoy yourselves
It’s the place to be
* * *
Members Notice
Birstall Royal British Legion Club
Sat Nov 3 Twinz (duo)
Sat Nov 10 Shine (duo)
Sat Nov 17 Mr D (solo)
Sat Nov 24 Bryan Ricky (solo)
Sat Dec 1 Phill Voss (solo)
Fri Nov 9 Women’s Section Coffee Morning
from 10am to 12noon
Sat Nov 10 The Poppy Dance starting at 8.30pm
Sun Nov 11 is Remembrance Day
Wed Nov 14 Whist Drive starting at 7.30pm
Thurs Nov 29 Branch AGM starting at 8pm. All members are asked to attend.
Every Tues night Bingo starting at 9.30pm
Every Sat night dancing to live entertainment, free meat raffle, Bingo and not forgetting ’Open the Box’.
Subscriptions are now overdue
* * *
Want to play Rugby for a local team?
Birstall RFC
Urgently need to increase their squad
Interested?
Call now 0116 2207062
* * *
Foreign & UK stamps
now being collected for
CORD
a Christian organisation helping refugees and needy people in various parts of the world. Please cut stamps from the envelope leaving a wide border.
They can be left at the St James Church Office, Church Hill
on Wednesdays and Fridays
10am-4pm

Age Concern Info

AGE CONCERN INFO
Charnwood Lifeline
This service is available to any resident of Charnwood Borough. An alarm unit can be installed in your home or if you prefer to keep your own telephone it can be converted. All you need is a telephone socket and a 13amp power point. The alarm unit comes with a pendant which can be used 100 metres away.
Simply by pressing either the red button on the alarm telephone or your pendant you will send a signal direct to the Control Centre where trained staff will quickly assess the situation and take any necessary action.
The Lifeline service gives security and peace of mind in any emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, at a very modest cost.
If you would like to know more about Charnwood Lifeline, please telephone 01509 643970.
Post War Credits: Amounts Unclaimed
A Parliamentary Answer (20 Nov, 2000) which has recently been brought to Age Concern’s attention states that an estimated £33 million of Post War Credits remains unclaimed. These Credits were issued following additional taxation imposed during the Second World War and repayments can still be made. The money people receive will vary although the amounts are modest - typically about £25.
People who still have Post-War Credits and who wish to claim should contact::- HM Inspector of Taxes, Post-War Credit Centre, Ty Glas, Llanihsen, Cardiff CF14 5ZN Tel: 029 2032 6689.
Retirement Flats: VAT on Service Charges
In a Parliamentary Question the Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked what estimate he has made of the average cost to residents of retirement flats of the imposition of VAT on service charges. In reply, Dawn Primarolo said service charges to residents of retirement flats are exempt from VAT.
Winter Fuel Payment for Winter 2001-2002
The Government has confirmed that the winter fuel payment for winter 2001-2002 will again be £200 for eligible households. It is urging people who need to claim in order to get a payment this year to do so as soon as possible in order to ensure that they receive their money before Christmas. Most people who are entitled to a payment will receive it automatically but some people will need to claim if they are: 65 during the week 17-23 September 2001; not expecting to get a state pension, Income Support or another benefit (excluding Housing and Council Tax Benefit) during that week; and have not previously received a payment. Most people over 60 are eligible for a payment of £100 or £200 although there are some exceptions, such as people who have been in hospital for over 52 weeks.
It is estimated that around 500,000 people will become eligible for the payment for the first time this year. For more information about claiming, people can contact the winter fuel payments helpline: tel 08459 151515 or on the Internet at www.dss.gov.uk
J Woods
Chairperson Age Concern Birstall & Wanlip

home
back to Back Issues list