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Magician Matthew Taylor (15) with his assistant
Jessica Robinson (15)
Magical time
A MAGIC show and workshop has raised £70
for charity.
Magic Time was aimed at children and staged at Birstall Methodist
Church in August.
The performance and workshop were presented by Birstall magician
Matthew Taylor assisted by Jessica Robinson.
The cash will go towards the Little Theatre disabled access fund.
New approach
CHARNWOOD PLANNERS are working in a new
way with the developers of the Hallam Fields site, in a bid to
create a “high quality development that the community can
be proud of”.
The Borough Council have set up an internal design team to work
with the developers Jelsons, before a detailed planning application
for the site is submitted.
Charnwood Planning Officer Steve Lewis-Roberts said: “The
design team have had three meetings with Jelsons so far. Our
design approach will be a new one for the county - we’re
aiming for a high quality distinctive development”.
Mr Lewis-Roberts said that the design approach would:
result in a sustainable development where the car is not completely
dominant, and with easy access for pedestrians, cyclists and
public transport
reflect the character of the immediate environment
provide a safe and secure environment
put an emphasis on the landscaping of open spaces
provide distinctive housing ie not look like an anonymous, uniform
development that is common up and down the country.
Mr Lewis-Roberts said that the Council had sent a delegation
to visit the new development at Poundbury in Dorset, which has
a similar design ethos.
The first phase of development at Hallam Fields will comprise
300 dwellings. The total for the site is 900. Of this 900, 135
will be “affordable housing” says Mr Lewis-Roberts,
and 90 of these 135 will be low cost, shared ownership properties
administered by a Housing Association.
There will be in the region of 20 different house types and sizes
on the site, including some with 5/6 bedrooms.
The developers will provide £350,000 for a community building
at the heart of the development.
Boxing gym a first for Birstall
Carl Gunns in the Reading Room
A NEW boxing gym is set to open in the
village later this month.
The gym is the initiative of local boxing manager Carl Gunns,
who used to look after British Middleweight Champion Tony Sibson.
Carl said: “I’ve been in the boxing game for 40 years
and ever since I moved to Birstall 20 years ago I’ve dreamed
about opening my own gym in the village”.
Gunn’s gym will be located in the Reading Room on Birstall
Road, next to the Scout headquarters. The gym will be a training
base for three or four fighters including Paul Butlin from Melton.
Carl said: “It will be a strictly no smoking, no drinking
gym, fitted out with punch bags, speedballs and a 12 foot ring”.
He added: “I’m looking for a high profile fighter to
come along and open the gym, which I hope will attract some sporting
personalities to the village”.
Carl is licensed as a manager, trainer and second by the British
Boxing Board of Control. The Board are supplying some of the
gym equipment with the rest being donated by Carl’s friends
in the boxing world.
Although principally a training gym for established fighters,
Carl would welcome enquiries from local young people. He said:
“If there are any young lads out there who are interested,
the doors will be open”. You can contact Carl on 2671494
Parish Council Notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on August 12.
Steve Lewis-Roberts from Charnwood Borough Council gave a presentation
to councillors on the latest news re the Hallam Fields Development.
It was reported that the police had made arrests following damage
to a telephone kiosk, a distraction burglary and damage to school
property.
Cllr Peter West commented on the poor quality of policing in
respect of their harassment of young motorists. Mr Kevin Unitt,
whose letter on the subject was published in the July Birstall
Post, was present at the meeting and reported that he and his
friends were often stopped by the police for no reason, and asked
to produce their documents. They were shown a lack of respect
by officers, he said.
It was agreed to invite the Area Commander, Chief Superintendent
Ian Stripp, to a meeting to raise the matter with him.
It was reported that Pamela Martin has resigned from the Parish
Council, which now has three vacancies.
It was reported that three cycle stands will be erected at Birstall
library.
Station Road robbery
CAN YOU help detectives investigating a
robbery in Station Road, Birstall on Saturday July 20?
At about 4.30pm on Saturday July 20 a 72 year old man and his
wife were returning to their car which was parked on the railway
bridge in Station Road, Birstall when they saw a man in it.
The couple shouted at the man who grabbed a bag of shopping from
the brown Austin Maestro and swung it at the 72 year old owner.
The owner avoided it but in doing so fell over and fractured
his leg.
The offender then rode off on a pedal cycle along Station Road
towards the A6.
He is a white man, between 5’7” and 5’8”
and in his early twenties. He was clean shaven and of slim build.
He was wearing a baseball cap which is described as pale green
in colour.
Detective Constable Steve Winterton of Syston CID, said: “This
was a cowardly incident which has left a 72 year old man in hospital
awaiting surgery on his leg. We need to hear from anyone who
witnessed the incident or who was in the area at the time. We
are particularly keen to speak to a man who stopped and spoke
with the victim after the incident.
“The man we would like to talk to drove along Station Road
from the direction of Birstall Golf Club. He spoke to the victim
briefly and then drove off. This man may have vital information
about the incident and I urge him to contact us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Syston CID on
Leicester (0116) 222 2222 ext 4253 or Crimestoppers, which is
free and anonymous on 0800 555 1111.
Chess champion
Chess champion Michael Anderson
ELEVEN YEAR old Michael Anderson has won
the Highcliffe School Chess Championship for the third successive
year.
Michael, of Woodgate Drive, started playing the game when he
was five and is now one of the best junior players in the East
Midlands.
He said: “I like strategy games and chess is a challenge
and it’s fun. I’m good at playing without my Queen
- I like to swap it early and then get it back with a passing
pawn.”
Michael plays for the Leicestershire Primary Schools Chess Association
where he is taught by Paul Finley.
“Competitions are the best place to play chess as it makes
you think better and you can improve” said Michael, who
will be starting at Stonehill this month.
When you play your friends you know what moves they are likely
to make, but when you’re playing someone you’ve never
played before you don’t know what to expect.”
Range of WEA courses
THE WEA are offering a variety of courses
this autumn in Birstall and Rothley with one or two new subject
areas.
At Birstall Longslade College on Monday evenings there will be
a chance to learn about Canals of the East Midlands with Bob
Payne.
At the Rothley Centre on Tuesday mornings, Brian Taylor returns
after a very successful exploration of the Wild West in the 19th
century with a 1000 mile journey to Antarctica to tell a tale
of heroism, blunder and plunder.
On Wednesday evenings Janis Baker returns to the Rothley Centre
with ‘Artist of the Twentieth Century’. This course
takes a look at some of the most influential artists of the 20th
century.
On Tuesday evenings at Longslade Albert Horton with ‘Treasures
of the Earth’ takes a fresh look at the Earth’s resources,
how they were formed, how they are extracted and the impact on
local environments.
Most of these courses start during the week commencing September
24. ‘Treasures of the Earth’ starts on October 1.
To find out more about these courses, phone the Branch Secretary
on 2675212, the treasurer on 2675086 or pick up a brochure from
your local library, or visit our website: www.birstallandrothleywea.org.uk.
Email:-msmith@birstallandrothleywea.org.uk
Rider’s new boots
A NATIONAL horse riding magazine has presented
a 91 year old Birstall resident and riding enthusiast with a
pair of riding boots.
Horse and Rider magazine gave Mr Wright the boots after they
published an article written about him by his son.
Arthur Wright of Grove House, Abbeyfield decided to try horse
riding when he was 77. He had never been on a horse in his life
and despite breaking a collarbone in the early days of learning
to ride, a mishap which he described at the time as “just
unlucky”, he continues to enjoy his riding.
Getting to the stables proved to be a near impossibility after
he decided to give up driving his car. But his problem was solved
by Beverley MacDonald who owns Park View Stables in Thurcaston,
who picks him up from Birstall every week and takes him to her
stables. She said: “He always enjoys his ride. It shows
that age is no barrier to riding”.
Abbeyfield is very proud of Mr Wright, who also in his spare
time, carries out a spot of gardening in the grounds surrounding
Abbeyfield. A spokesperson at Abbeyfield said: “Mr Wright
is one of our most popular residents, who is always willing to
give a helping hand and advice - no wonder he keeps so young
thinking. He is our expert in organising the tombola stall which
is always popular at our various functions and regularly provides
excellent photographs for Abbeyfield’s records.”
Police praise girl
POLICE ARE praising the actions of a 15
yr old girl following an incident in Loughborough Road, Birstall.
At about 1.30pm on Wednesday July 17 a 15 yr old girl walking
along Loughborough Road, Birstall was approached by a man in
a vehicle. The man, who was driving a red/burgundy vehicle, offered
her a lift three times.
The girl shouted at him and he drove off towards the western
bypass, going round the roundabout and back towards the city,
passing the girl.
The driver is an Asian male, aged between 30 and 39, clean shaven,
and of medium build with short dark hair. He had a strong Asian
accent.
Sergeant Trevor Adams of Syston local policing unit said: “The
man did not attempt physical contact or incitement and the girl
acted very sensibly. We praise her for her actions and for reporting
the incident to the police. If anyone has experienced a similar
incident or has any information about this man they should contact
us.”
He added: “We would encourage people to consider their personal
safety at all times. Keep an eye on who is around you and remember
that there is safety in numbers so try to walk in a group if
you can. Avoid isolated or badly lit areas and keep all valuables
out of sight.”
For further information on personal security please contact your
local crime prevention officer on Leicester (0116) 222 2222
Feast of fun at picnic
Tara, Rebecca, Elliot, Lily, Jacob, Amber
and Lauren at the Busy Bees Teddy Bears’ picnic
BUSY BEES Mother & Toddler Group held
a Teddy Bear’s Picnic to raise funds for the group.
Busy Bees meet every Friday morning from 10am to 11.30am (term-time
only) at the Village Hall on School Lane.
Miranda Vendyback said: “The children bought their teddy
bears for the feast which they all enjoyed. Games and a singalong
went down well, and we ended the session with goodbyes to the
children who were leaving to start school in September and to
say goodbye and thankyou to Michelle Pollard who has run the
group for the past two years.”
She added: “We will be starting back on Friday August 30
at 10am and would welcome any new members. All you need to do
is bring yourself plus baby/toddler and a mug for your coffee.
All drinks and biscuits provided and we only charge 75p per person.”
You can contact Miranda on 2675508.
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10 successful years
JOHNNY GREEN, the Birstall Duckmaster from
Birstall, is hanging up his hat following 10 hugely successful
duck races for LOROS.
The 2000 plastic ducks, racing down the stretch of water alongside
While Lane embankment has attracted thousands of people over
the years and provided good family entertainment. In all over
£55,000 has been raised towards the work of the Hospice.
Despite giving up the duck race, John and Sheila Green still
fundraise for LOROS by selling the cuddly toys on their fruit
and vegetable stall at Leicester Market.
John said: “The duck race has given me a great deal of satisfaction
- something money can’t buy. It always had a special atmosphere
and I’ll miss it. The generosity of so many people has been
tremendous and I’d like to thank the people of Birstall
for their amazing support over the years.”
Waste collection
CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has started collecting
garden waste for composting in South Charnwood villages, including
Birstall, in partnership with the refuse contractor Onyx Municipal.
Have you taken advantage of this new service yet?
How do I use the service?
1. Buy the sacks at 50p each from Birstall Parish Council, Village
Hall, Birstall Road and Birstall DIY, 285 Birstall Road
2. Fill five sacks or more with garden waste for composting.
You can pool together with neighbours as long as there are five
sacks available at one address. This is done in order to keep
costs down.
3. Call the Council on 01509 634715 or 634698 to arrange collection.
This will be collected within seven days from an accessible spot
on your property.
What can I put in?
Yes please!
Grass cuttings, leaves, small twigs, hedge trimmings, raw fruit
& vegetables from the garden, weeds & old garden or houseplants,
flowers
No thanks!
Plant pots, wireties, seedtrays - plastic, glass or metal, gravel
or stones, logs & thick branches, meat waste & bones,
fish or cooked food.
Spokeswoman Julie Deakin said: “Please do not overfill the
sacks - if you can’t pick it up, we can’t either, and
may have to leave it behind.
“Once collected, the material is transported to the County
Council’s Composting Facility at Lount in the north of the
county. This is then made into County Compost, which is available
to buy at Household Waste sites across the Borough”
Further information on Charnwood’s Garden Waste Collection
for Composting service can be obtained by contacting the Recycling
Line on 01509 634712. For details about County Compost call 0116
2657339
Break for carers
A SERVICE that helps the carers of older
people is being extended beyond Charnwood.
Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland’s Respite Service
provides support and help to carers by giving the carer a well
earned break.
Executive Director of Age Concern, Anthony Donovan, said: “Carers
are often unsupported, weighed down by the burden of having to
look after somebody 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks
a year.”
Age Concern’s service provides Care Respite workers who
will sit in for the carer, enabling them to have a break - perhaps
catching up on sleep. going to the shops or even enjoying a night
out with friends. Mr Donovan said: “Care workers will be
trained to a high standard in order to provide a quality service.”
Already operating in Charnwood, the service will be extended
into the Hinckley, Bosworth, Oadby, Wigston and Blaby areas.
There are a number of vacancies. Anyone wishing to become a Respite
Worker with Age Concern should ring 0116 2992271 for an application
form. The normal hourly rate of pay is £5.05 with enhancements
during evenings and weekends. Hours of work are flexible.
Asda superstore
A NEW ASDA superstore will be built in
Thurmaston, on a site opposite the Co-op.
The decision to grant planning permission has been contested
by the Midlands Co-operative Society, but their appeal was rejected
by the Secretary of State.
Work on the site, which will also include sporting facilities,
will commence in the autumn and the ASDA superstore is expected
to open by Easter 2003.
WI news
IT ALL seemed to have happened ages ago
when the May meeting minutes were read at the August meeting
of Birstall & Wanlip WI.
June was the 84th birthday of this WI and was celebrated by almost
all the members and some guests having a meal together at ‘The
Bluebell’ at Rothley. Obviously no formal business was conducted
that night. No meeting was held in July so it was lovely for
everyone to meet up again on August 4.
Vicki Green of Barkby & Beeby WI gave her report of the IGM
held at Brighton. She attended as delegate on our behalf and
after other business was dealt with the meeting moved on to a
part entitled on the programme as ‘Amongst Ourselves’
This took the form of four members giving short reminiscences
of part of their lives.
Kathleen Allen talked of her life as a Land Army girl, Freda
Jones was in the WRNS and Fleet Air Arm. Betty Barker had several
amusing poems that she had written whilst working for Cascelloid
for over 30 years and Dorothy Gregory had been an unhappy evacuee.
This all proved very interesting and entertaining and Rosalie
Morling sincerely thanked all the speakers for their talks. It
was surprising to hear of happenings in other persons’ lives
before any of them joined the WI. It was agreed that there would
be no need to panic if in the future a speaker was unable to
attend. A few more memories and experiences could be used to
fill the space!
Next meeting will have Miss Joanna Lucas talking about a Denman
College Cookery Course with the Best Six Homemade Biscuits as
a competition.
This will be as usual at Highcliffe School, Greengate Lane at
7.15pm on September 2.
From Mrs M Belton
Be a councillor
BIRSTALL PARISH Council currently has three
vacancies for councillors.
Anyone who wishes to become a councillor is invited to submit
a letter to Hugh Knight, the Clerk, Birstall Parish Council,
the Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall.
Contact Hugh if you would like to know more about being a councillor
(2676191, 9am-1pm, Mon-Fri, closed Wed), or attend a Parish Council
meeting to see the Council at work. Parish Council meetings are
open to the public, and the dates of meetings are publicised
on village noticeboards.
Chairman of Birstall Parish Council Nigel Coleman said: “As
a parish councillor you can try to do something to pick up people’s
concern and see if you can make a difference and improve things.
At Birstall Parish Council we have got involved in some areas
that others perhaps might not have, we have tried to address
the drug misuse problems of the village for example. Much of
the work goes on quietly, but if you consider that our parks,
play equipment, hanging baskets, Christmas lights, new car park,
various newly enhanced areas and our summer festival are worthwhile
things which add to the quality of life in Birstall then I would
recommend you consider applying to become a member.”
He added: “The Council has 21 members and is not run on
a party political basis. You will not get much praise as a parish
councillor, but what matters is that by and large you represent
the wider view of the community to the best of your ability.
You are part of a team running a business, we have income and
expenditure, decisions to make as to whether to spend on one
area or another. But what is important is that we make well informed
decisions and execute them to the best of our ability in the
best interests of the community. The time commitment is not that
great, you can just come to one meeting once a month, but you
can get very involved if you wish. I perhaps spend up to 10 hours
a week involved with council business. I would really be pleased
to hear from anyone of any age or background who is interested
in putting a little back into the village.”
Drug pushers targeted
AN OPERATION to target drug suppliers and
production is being heralded a success by officers from Syston
local policing unit.
Since May 2002, officers from Syston local policing unit working
on Operation Audio, have executed six search warrants allowing
them entry into premises in the Syston, Thurmaston and Birstall
areas.
As a result of these warrants, five people have been arrested
and substantial quantities of drugs including cannabis, heroin
and amphetamine, along with equipment used to cultivate cannabis,
have been seized.
Sergeant Ivan Odell of Syston local policing unit said: “Operation
Audio is an initiative designed to help us identify and trace
those responsible for the supply and production of drugs in our
area.
“The operation relies on information from the public as
each piece of information passed to us is carefully recorded
and collated in order to build up a bigger picture of where to
beast direct our resources.
“Even the smallest detail can help us to help make a big
impact upon those who supply and produce drugs in our communities.
So please keep the information coming”.
If you have information about drugs related crime or criminals
in the Syston area please approach your local officer or contact
Leicestershire Constabulary on Leicester 0116 222 2222. Alternatively,
please call Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous on 0800
555 111.
New school opens
Anne Oliver, Monica Osborne and students
THE STARLIGHT Theatre School’s new
premises at Hadrian Road, Mowmacre Hill, was officially opened
on June 6 by the President of the British Theatre Dance Association,
Miss Ann Oliver.
She presented the school, which has three fully equipped dance
studios, with a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
Principal, Monica Osborne of Birstall, said “Since our opening
we have had two examination sessions, all passing with excellent
results and our annual visit to Butlins in Skegness for the once
a year gala weekend organised by British Theatre”.
She added: “The rest of the year proves to be very hectic,
we shall be dancing at the Leicester Cathedral on Monday September
9, we are having a further four examination sessions, BTDA festivals
in September/October and our annual show at Babington Community
College is in December.”
The school has three qualified teachers and one student teacher
covering ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, modelling and drama, a
stage class for all ages and a cabaret team which takes bookings.
All enquiries please ring 0116 2355495 or the Principal Mrs Monica
Osborne on 07703 472702.
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Birstall bowlers dominate
BIRSTALL BOWLING Club dominated the final
stages of this year’s Leicester City & District Parks
bowls competitions, held in Abbey Park at the end of July.
The club won four out of the six finals including the singles
for the fourth time in five years and the mixed pairs for the
third time in four years.
In the singles, Andy Wye won the title for the second time, comfortably
beating Tony Middleton of Abbey Park 21-6, having edged past
club mate Stuart Hartop 21-18 in a far closer semi final. Jan
Everitt & John Hurst won the mixed pairs for the second time,
beating Margaret & Derek Lowe from Humberstone Park in the
final 20-17, this after picking up a three on the last end of
the semi final to win by one shot. Dave Clarke, Wayne Parkin
& Jan Hunt had to play an extra end in their semi final of
the triples, before finding the going far easier in the final,
beating Chris Payne’s triple from Rushey Mead 20-10 with
an end to spare. In the fours final Dave Clarke, Wayne Parkin,
Andy Wye & Dennis Measom won 22-11 against Gary Harding’s
four from Glenfield, also with an end to spare, after winning
the semi final by a similar margin.
Meanwhile, Diane Hurst reached the Semi Final of the County Ladies
singles for the second time in three years before losing out
to England junior international Heather Stapleford. Heather,
from Oakham, went on to represent Leicestershire in the singles
at the National Championships at Leamington Spa and got to the
quarter final stage having earlier reached the final of the National
two wood singles, losing that by just one shot.
Older people
AN INFORMAL discussion at Birstall Village
Hall later this month aims to identify issues important to older
people.
September 2002 has been designated Older Persons Month by Age
Concern Leicestershire and Rutland and the theme of this month
will be ‘listening to older people’.
The aim of the theme of listening month is to ask three simple
questions that are designed to offer older people the opportunity
to tell Age Concern what is important to them and to take into
account both the positive and negative aspects of their lives.
The three questions will be:
1. What things are good about your life and the way you live?
2. What things cause you problems and difficulties?
3. What changes would make your life better?
An informal discussion group has been arranged to take place
at Birstall Village Hall on Thursday September 26 from 1.30-2.30
pm when older people will be able to meet together and answer
these questions.
The intention is to collate responses from all the discussion
groups in the county in order to identify common themes that
may help both Age Concern and other agencies to improve the way
in which they listen to older people and plan services for them.
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