Guide trip
Guides (l-r) Laura Bennett, Gemma Lawrenson
and Michelle Long
THREE BIRSTALL Guides are celebrating
after they were chosen to represent guiding on trips abroad later
this year.
Gemma Lawrenson (17), Laura Bennett (16) and Michelle Long (16)
will be representing the region’s guides at Jamborees in
Iceland, Malaysia and Switzerland.
Laura, of Spinney Rise, said: “I’m looking forward
to meeting a lot of new people and discovering a different culture
as I’ll be staying with a family in Malaysia”.
Laura will join a group of nine senior section and 27 Scouts
from Leicestershire who will be travelling in December to the
World Scout Jamboree 2003.
Gemma Lawrenson, of Oakfield Avenue, will be part of a group
of 11 Guides representing the Midlands at the Icelandic Scout
Jamboree 2002 for two weeks in July.
Gemma said: “I’m very proud to be taking part in the
Jamboree. Iceland has always been a place that I have been interested
in and so I’m really looking forward to taking part in all
the different activities especially whale watching.”
Birstall Ranger Michelle Long has been selected for the Switzerland
trip. She said: “I’m very excited about the trip especially
the journey over there, which will all be made on public transport.
We’ll be visiting one of the four World Guide centres and
taking part in a lot of activities with Guides from all over
the world.”
Jamborees are huge camps organised by the Scout organisation.
They aim to bring Guides and Scouts together from all over the
world, where they get involved in activities such as helping
the local community, learning new skills and finding out about
the environment, different cultures, science and technology.
Gemma, Laura and Michelle are raising money for their trips by
doing part time jobs and holding fundraising events.
Birstall robbery
DETECTIVES AT Syston are appealing for
witnesses following a robbery in Birstall.
The incident happened on Monday May 20, 2002 at around 7.45pm
when the victim, who was walking along School Lane, Birstall,
was approached by four youths who assaulted him and took his
mobile telephone. Following the assault the four youths made
off along Curzon Avenue.
The first robber was described as white, aged between 16-18 years
old, about 6ft tall of muscular build, with dark brown hair.
He was clean shaven and wore a light blue long sleeved hooded
top and very baggy blue denim jeans.
The second was described as white, aged between 16-18 years old,
about 5ft 11ins tall of thin build. He was wearing a black long-sleeved
hooded top and baggy blue denim jeans.
The third was white, aged between 16-18 years old, about 5ft
11ins tall of slim build. he was wearing a red long sleeved hooded
top.
The fourth was described as a black Caribbean mixed race man,
aged between 16-18 years old. He was about 5ft 11ins tall and
of muscular build.
Detective Sergeant Alistair Cooper from Syston local policing
unit, said: “I would ask anyone who was in the area to think
back, as they may have vital information that could help us with
our enquiries.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DS Cooper on
Leicester (0116) 222 2222 extension 4253.
Football career beckons
Footballer Sam Lancaster
PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL is the long term goal
of Longslade Student Sam Lancaster, who starts at Chesterfield
Football Club’s Youth Academy later this month.
Sam (16), of Spinney Rise, will be joining the Nationwide Division
2 Club’s Youth Team on a three year scholarship contract.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to this challenge
and can’t wait to get started. I feel I can go a long way
in football - one day I’d love to pull a Leicester shirt
on and play for the team I support.”
Sam began playing football at Highcliffe School, Birstall United
and for Stonehill and Longslade. He played Midlands Division
1 football for Ratby and Groby and then New Parks Boys. While
representing the Leicestershire County side at Holmes Park last
year he was spotted by a Chesterfield scout and has since been
making a regular journey to train and play for Chesterfield on
an extended trial basis.
Now he has been offered a contract, midfielder Sam is moving
to Chesterfield and will be aiming to join the 1st team in Future
seasons.
Parish Council notes
THE ANNUAL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on May 13.
Cllr Nigel Coleman was elected chairman for the ensuing year
and Cllr Peter West was elected Vice Chairman.
The Council agreed to discuss the design of the proposed village
sign with artist Norman Sims,. the designer. The Council agreed
that the lighthouse should be removed and replaced with another
element, and that, if possible, various designs be presented
for public consultation.
The Council agreed not to permit a mobile fishmonger to trade
from Parish Council owned land in the village, but to support
any proposal to trade from private land, should permission be
obtained.
The Council agreed to support Wanlip Parish Meeting’s efforts
to improve bus services through Wanlip.
12 representatives from Birstall Bowls Club attended the meeting
and a spokesman reported that the club could not afford to pay
the proposed rental increase of £7500. It was agreed that
the Estates and Recreation Committee consider the matter.
Chairman Nigel Coleman reported that a complaint of misconduct
made against him and Vice Chairman Peter West to the Standards
Board for England had been rejected by the Board. The Standards
Board investigates complaints made about councillors, who have
to comply with a Code of Conduct which is a feature of the Local
Government Act 2000. The complainant was Cllr Chris Clarke.
Cllr Roger Wilson proposed that a vote of confidence in the actions
of the Chairman and Vice Chairman be put to the Council, and
this received unanimous support.
The Council agreed to investigate procedures for painting double
yellow lines on a section of Allington Drive that commonly has
a car parked on it that obstruct the passage of buses.
Refurbished entrance gates to Harrowgate Drive playing field
have been installed, the mesh being replaced with steel plate
to defer unauthorised entry when locked at night.
New signs have been installed at Whiles Lane: no parking on the
grass, and at Meadow Lane prohibiting rubbish dumping.
The date of the next meeting is June 10.
Birstall Parish Council can now be contacted by email. The address
is: bpc@birstallpc.fsnet.co.uk
Sue a medal winner
SUE WILSON of Birstall Bowling Club, who
is partially sighted, recently took part in the International
Paralympic Committee World Bowls Championships in Adelaide, Australia.
To the delight of everyone at the club she played well throughout
and returned with a bronze medal from the Mixed Pairs tournament.
The Club is holding another open evening on Tuesday June 18 from
6-8pm at the club on School Lane playing fields to give the opportunity
for more people to try out the game. Just bring a pair of flat
shoes or trainers. For further details contact Graham on 0116
2677994 or Andy on 0116 2677100.
The junior section is being run on Friday nights from 6.30-8pm
at the club for youngsters aged between 11-18, again just bring
a pair of trainers or flat shoes. For more information on this
please contact Diane or John on 0116 2675457.
Sailing club thriving
WANLIP SAILING Club’s 2002 programme
has got off to a good start with a packed racing, cruising and
social programme.
An Open Afternoon was held in April when, despite some fairly
strong winds, around 15 prospective members had the opportunity
of trying their hand at dinghy sailing.
Wanlip Juniors have been renamed ‘Wanlip Wet and Wild’.
They have their own programme of events, including a series of
Saturday mornings sailing Toppers and Optimists at the Watermead
Sailing Base and a trip to Holme Pierrepoint Watersports Centre
in August.
This friendly family club are always on the lookout for new members.
If you think you may be interested please telephone Chris on
Leicester 2303173.
Flats built on Nelsons’ site
A DEVELOPMENT of 36 residential flats are
planned for Wanlip Lane, on the site of Nelsons Case and Container
Company Ltd.
Nelsons, who moved to their Birstall premises in 1986, have outgrown
the site and will be moving to an industrial estate in North
Leicestershire.
Managing Director Paul Coleman said: “We’re sorry to
be leaving Birstall as I feel we’ve worked well with the
local community and we feel part of the village. The amenities
for the staff - forty per cent come from Birstall - are really
very good”.
The company, who supply corrugated cardboard packaging to major
UK retailers, have seen their business increase dramatically
in the last 18 months. They employ 11 people.
Developers Westleigh have submitted a planning application for
36 flats in one 3 storey block and 2 two storey blocks with 40
car parking spaces.
Birstall Parish Council are objecting to the plans. They say
that the number of parking spaces is inadequate, the increased
number of vehicle movements will present a traffic hazard and
the 3 storey building is not appropriate for the immediate area.
The plans will necessitate the demolition of the stable building,
believed to belong to the Lawn Estate, which fronts the site
along Wanlip Lane.
Pensioner attacked
OFFICERS FROM Leicestershire Constabulary
need to speak to anyone with any information about an aggravated
burglary in Birstall.
The incident occurred on Wednesday May 1, 2002 at about 3pm on
Loughborough Road in Birstall.
The occupant, Mr Walter Needham (71), answered the door to someone
asking to check the water pressure at the house. Whilst this
was being done, Mr Needham disturbed a second male in his hallway.
When he challenged both men, he was beaten around the head and
body with his wife’s walking stick.
The two men then demanded money and threatened Mr Needham. A
quantity of cash was stolen before the men made off.
The two assailants are described as white and in their late teens
to early twenties.
Sergeant Alistair Cooper said: “This was a despicable and
cowardly attack on an elderly man in his own home. Mr Needham
is now recovering from his injuries with the support of his family.
Fortunately, these attacks are rare, but I would urge people
not to let anyone into their homes without first checking their
identity with the authority they claim to represent.
“We are anxious to speak to an African Caribbean man who
was seen walking along Loughborough Road at the time of the incident.
I would like to emphasise that this man is in no way involved,
but he may have vital information about the incident.”
If anyone requires information or advice about crime prevention
or home security they should contact their local crime prevention
officer who will be happy to help.
Anyone with knowledge or information about the incident is asked
to contact Sergeant 823 Alistair Cooper at Syston local policing
unit on Leicester (0116) 222 2222 ext 4253 or Crimestoppers,
which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555111.
Freemasons open doors
FREEMASONS ACROSS the county are staging
a series of events later this month to increase public awareness
about freemasonry.
Freemasonry is the largest fraternal society in the UK and leading
charitable provider, giving £20 million in a typical year.
A number of events are taking place in Leicestershire including
an Open Day at the Masonic Hall, 111 Broad Street, Syston on
Saturday June 29.
From 11am-3pm the hall will be open to visitors for guided tours,
exhibitions, displays, talks and refreshments.
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Rugby club
President’s day
The teams compete to win a lineout
THIS YEAR’S annual President’s
Day event held by Birstall Rugby Football Club on Sunday May
5 proved to be a huge success.
The day began at 10.30am with four teams of local youngsters
participating in a display of touch rugby under the supervision
of organiser and Birstall second row man Ivan Smith assisted
by team-mate Neil Durrant.
The kids were taken through a series of warm up exercises, then
on to tactical movements, and finally a series of touch matches
with each team wearing its own brightly coloured vest. The interest
shown by both children and parents was very encouraging, as in
this event we saw the future for the sport of rugby. After the
event, each player was awarded a momento to remember the day
by.
People were flooding in and enjoying the atmosphere. Youngsters
took turns on the bouncy castle under the supervision of Birstall
player Mark Simmons, whilst others had their face painted by
Sharon Chivers, whose husband Paul later took part in the big
game sporting some of his wife’s handiwork. Retiring club
coach Phil Smith supplied the hungry hoards, mostly adults, with
hot dogs and burgers whilst Kath Lewin made sure no one went
thirsty and the kids were kept sweet with pop and confectionery.
Uncle Tony kept everyone cool with his ice creams.
With quite a large crowd now gathered Birstall’s players
and the president’s men headed to the changing rooms to
prepare for what was to be a momentous display of rugby. Just
before 12.30 the teams paraded on to the pitch, Birstall in their
traditional green black and white shirts and the president’s
15 in red and green quartered shirts, supplied by the Parliamentary
Lions.
For some, it was a very nervous experience walking out in front
of hundreds of spectators all lined up along the pitch cheering,
but at the same time, for all involved a very proud occasion.
The main game kicked off at 12.30. Birstall started with their
regular first 15, led by club captain Glyn Brown. The president’s
team was lead by Birstall RFC’s own club president Mr Andy
Reed MP, himself a long serving player of over 20 years. Included
in the team were Nick Mullins of Radio Five Live, members of
the Parliamentary Lions team, former Tigers stars and senior
members of Birstall RFC. The contest was performed in the true
spirit of the game which gave Birstall’s resident St John
Ambulance first aider Karen Moon plenty to do with minor injuries.
The game was a close fought battle but eventually resulted in
a near win for the experienced president’s team. After the
match drinks and food were enjoyed by all in Longslade’s
community hall, followed by the raffle, drawn by special guest
Nick Mullins with prizes donated by Peter Wheeler of the Leicester
Tigers and other local establishments. Afterwards Andy Reed conveyed
his sincere thanks to all involved and expressed his desire for
the ongoing existence and restoration of Birstall RFC back to
its former glory when the club consisted of more than one team
and boasted a competitive colt’s side.
To everyone who attended and to all involved in the organisation
of this fantastic event, for and on behalf of the club committee,
Publicity Officer, Phill Lewin would like to extend sincere thanks
and to say we hope to see more of you at matches next season,
whether to play or to support Birstall RFC we need you. This
event was an outstanding success and Mr Reed has pledged to make
next year even bigger.
From Phill Lewin
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