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Birstall Post November 2002 (232) cont.

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Village Watch news

THE WATCH has produced another new initiative in the fight to keep crime away, especially aimed at the ‘Bogus Caller’ or someone who calls at the door and you do not recognise them.
It is aimed at the vulnerable people in the village, disabled, partially sighted or deaf who cannot readily recognise the person or persons at the door. This is in the form of a bright yellow card that tells the caller to go to a nominated neighbour and gives the number of the house that they can make their enquiry at. The householder does not have to open the door but just show the card to the caller through a window. The nominated neighbour can check the caller’s identity and return with them to reassure their neighbour that it is a genuine caller. These cards are available from the Watch at our Saturday Advice shop and each street co-ordinator has one as a sample.
What a pity they weren’t post-coded.
The police have recovered a quantity of electrical/power tools which they are convinced have been taken from sheds/garages in the Birstall and Wanlip area. Have you lost some of your tools? If you have then please contact the police at Syston or the Watch on 2676397 and let us know. This will help to get a conviction but if you cannot then the tools will have to be returned to the person whose property they were found on. Incidentally according to research, less than half of shed burglaries are reported. It really is important to report the loss and of course to have the items post-coded.
Now the darker nights are here please be careful and ensure that you lock up the shed and garage, that good housekeeping means that you have put away the tools from the garden in a locked shed or garage. Your garden spade left out can be the means of getting into your neighbour’s house.
In the run up to Christmas please ensure that you keep those presents that you have bought early out of the sight of prying eyes or you can lose them. If you have bought a new television set don’t advertise the fact by putting the box it was packed in out in the street for the refuse collectors. Break it up and put it in the black bag. This applies to all cartons that have contained domestic appliances/computers etc. Keep one step ahead of the thief and don’t forget to post-code those new items.
From Peter Allan, Chairman Birstall & Wanlip NHW
Crime Report 22.9.02 to 22.10.02
Burglary dwelling 4 (Goscote Hall Rd, Park Rd, Curzon Ave, Windmill Ave); Burglary Other 6; Theft from Motor Vehicle 4; Theft 5; Damage to Motor Vehicle 2; Damage 2.

Cross country

A PUPIL at Riverside School competed in the County League Cross County race at Braunstone Park in October.
Seven year old Kerby Dutton was running in her first County League race and finished sixth in the Year 3 Girls’ Race.
Kerby hopes to follow in her sister Ashleigh’s footsteps, who was both County and County League Champion.

Carl Gunns with some of the boxing equipment purchased for the gym in the Reading Room, which he has cleaned and redecorated

Gym plans prove popular

PLANS FOR a boxing gym in the Reading Room on Birstall Road have resulted in dozens of enquiries from young people and their parents.
Organiser Carl Gunns said: “I must have had about 100 phone calls after the story about the gym was published in the Birstall Post. Initially I had planned that the gym would be only for professional fighters to use, but there has been so much interest I’ve decided to open it up for the youth of Birstall as well.”
Carl has arranged for WBF Super Middleweight champion Robbie Reid and Super Featherweight Commonwealth Champion Dean Pithie to attend the official opening of the gym, which will be in the first half of November - look out for posters in the village for the date.
Robbie Reid will be bringing his World Title belt and will be happy to pose for photos and sign autographs.
Gunns’ Gym will be a not-for-profit organisation, for boys aged 13 and over. Carl is licensed by the Boxing Board of Control and the gym will be inspected by the Board to ensure safety standards are met and that all the necessary insurance and child protection arrangements are in place.
The gym will have a professional and an amateur trainer and is expected to be open five nights a week from 7-9.30pm, and Sunday mornings. There will be £1 a week charge.
Carl said: “If I can get even a few young boys off the streets and teach them a bit of discipline and respect, it will be terrific.”
Carl a presentation of his plans to parish councillors at their last meeting and received their enthusiastic backing. Chairman Nigel Coleman said: “I welcome this project for young people in Birstall and the Council will be supporting the gym in the form of a donation once it is up and running.”
Readers can contact Carl Gunns on 2671494.

John Brennan & Steve May

Great North run great!

AFTER TAKING part for the first time in the Great North run last month, two Birstall men are already preparing for next year’s event.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it. It was a real privilege to take part” said John Brennan (42), who ran the 13 mile course with his friend Steve May (51)
John, who like Steve lives on Elmfield Avenue, said: “The welcome we had from the people in the north east was very warm and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. We can’t wait for next year!”
The pair completed the cause, their first half marathon, in two hours. John raised £200 for Jubilee Action, a homeless charity.

WI news

“BOTTOM ONE over, two together, turn” was being chanted like a mantra as members of Birstall & Wanlip WI tried their hand at plaiting straws.
Mr John Towson gave a very interesting talk and demonstration on the subject of corn dollies at the October meeting. John stressed the point that this art was originally passed on through farming families and would probably have died out by now except for the WI movement who have kept it going as one of their handicrafts. Nowadays with the advent of combine harvesters and therefore the demand for corn with shorter stalks it is difficult to find the older kinds being grown but there is one local leicestershire farmer who specialises in these varieties, not only for ‘dolly makers’ but to supply straw suitable for thatching. Everyone was supplied with five heads of wheat and some thread and then the fun began. It was fun too, and John was kept busy tackling all the crises of broken straws and fumbling fingers but everyone had a laugh and some creditable results to take home. Freda Jones gave a vote of thanks to John which everyone supported. Freda also won the competition for a homemade mask.
Business was quite brief as some forthcoming events were deferred until next meeting, as some members were away on holiday. The skittle match against Thurcaston 7 Cropston WI was lost though all present had enjoyed the evening which was concluded by enjoying some good traditional food.
Mrs Josey Packwood will conduct a flower arranging workshop at the next meeting. This will be on November 4 at Highcliffe Greengate School at 7.15pm Members were asked to bring scissors and some greenery with them. Any visitors to this meeting will be most welcome
From Mrs M Belton

Art on show

BIRSTALL & DISTRICT Art Society’s 8th annual exhibition of paintings will be held on Saturday, Sunday & Monday, November 9,10,11 in the Birstall Village Hall on Birstall Road.
Doors open at 9am each day and will close at 7pm on Saturday and Sunday and at 5pm on Monday.
Exhibition Co-ordinator Fred Parrott said: “We make an effort each year to improve the appeal and quality of the event for our members and the public who support us very well.
“This year is no exception, there will be more than 300 pictures on display expressing a wide spectrum of work from beginners to the more experienced artist.”
Painting demonstrations will take place throughout the three days. Entry is free. There will be a free raffle for everyone who comes through the door and refreshments with home made cakes are available from 30p.
Fred said: “Why not pay us a visit, you may find just the right painting for your lounge or maybe solve several of your Christmas present problems. We look forward to seeing you and your family and friends for a jolly good browse and finish with a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit or cake.”

Factory plans

PLANS FOR the erection of two and three storey buildings to form 36 flats following the demolition of the Nelsons factory on Wanlip Lane have been approved by Charnwood.
A condition of the permission will be that the developers make a contribution of £27,600 towards the provision of enhanced play facilities in Birstall.

Have your say

YOUNG PEOPLE in Birstall are being invited to make their voices heard.
Birstall Parish Council want to involve young people in its activities and is seeking to develop a register of interested individuals who are prepared to make their views known.
Trevor Wise, Youth Tutor at Longslade College, is supporting the scheme. He said: “It’s really important for young people to be able to make their views known in a constructive way, and to raise and examine matters of civic and community concern.”
Any young person living in Birstall and aged between 14 and 18 can complete the Youth Registration form below which will enable the Parish Council to send out information about developments in Birstall which may affect young people. This could lead to the formation of a Youth Parish Council if there is enough interest.
The development in Birstall is just part of a bigger picture in which young people across the UK are getting involved in decisions that affect them. Charnwood Borough Council is currently planning an event for young people to make their views known and the County Council now has a youth council known as the County Youth Council Leicestershire or CYCLe for short. The county’s youth have also elected three young people as Maps to represent Leicestershire in the UK Youth Parliament.
Trevor Wise said: “The future is in the hands of today’s youth and I really hope that they take advantage of this opportunity by registering an interest today.”

Youth Council Registration Form
Interested young people must be living in Birstall and aged between 14 and 18 inclusive
An adult living in the same house as the young person must sign all forms
Young Person’s name
Date of Birth
Householder’s name
Signature
Householder’s address

Please return this form to:-
Hugh Knight at Birstall Parish Council, The Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester

Information provided will only be used for the purpose of involving young people in the work of the Council.

Noticeboard

Monday group’s cash

Methodist Women present their cheques to Marjorie Willimont of the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Society and Sue Hallatt of VISTA.

THANKS TO the generosity of the ladies in the Monday Group and the support of the local people of Birstall, the group's fundraising has gone from strength to strength this year.
Pat White, Vice Chairman of the Methodist Women’s Monday Group said: “A very sincere thank you to everyone who has supported our Christmas Stall, the March, June and October Coffee Mornings, and a very special thank you to June and Barbara for their wonderful contributions.
The group presented cheques totalling £2400 on Monday September 30 to Marjorie Willimont of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society and Sue Hullatt of ‘VISTA’ (Society for the Blind - Children’s Section).
“The little girl to the front of the photograph, Lottie Eaton inspires our enthusiasm for VISTA, and Alzheimer’s was chosen with Ray Gifford and John Howard foremost in our thoughts” said Pat.

Your Say...

The flower arrangements and displays were first class at the Birstall Methodist Church (October 5/6 weekend).
The thought and care displayed by Bridget and her helpers was of the highest order and brought happiness to all who visited the church.
Doreen M Pearce (Mrs)

Are all Birstall people over the age of 50 the happiest people on this earth?
On September 26 I went to a meeting in the Village Hall at 1.30pm. Three representatives from Age Concern were there and me, the only one to turn up. This meeting was well advertised in the Birstall Post, shop windows and the Leicester Mercury.
Three questions were asked.
1. What things are good about your life and the way that you live?
2. What things cause you problems and difficulties?
3. What changes would make your life better?
I was hoping to meet new faces and possible make new friends, which is quite difficult when you are on your own. What a waste of time for these people from Age Concern, especially when they are doing their best to make life better and more interesting for the over 50s in Birstall.
So I take it no-one has any complaints or grumbles or suggestions to make Birstall a better and safer place to live in. Everyone over 50 must be very happy with their lot.
J A White, Birstall

The development in Wanlip - the developers are copying Poundbury in Dorset. The developers have not asked the bus people for any consultation before commencing with the development. Contacting the bus people during and after the development is too late.
Why cannot we see a large scale map of the development including Park & Ride and alterations to Greengate Lane.
These maps should be complete and in colour and the Greengate map should show the whole of Greengate.
This includes traffic calming outside the schools and also includes Greengate Lane (Leicester City)
Les Briers

On Friday September 27 Tessie Bear (my Jack Russell) and myself drove down to the Country Park to go walkies (as we usually do, most days).
We drove into Meadow Lane (Birstall) car park to be met by a smashed grey G Reg Escort saloon car, which had been driven by joy riders, ram raiders, whichever. Tyre and skid marks everywhere. As I got out of my car, a lady with a little dog approached me, very upset. Whilst she was walking her dog, her car had been hit, her number plate smashed, the remains on the road, her car scratched, obviously by the G Reg Escort.
The Police were informed, the car stood there for two more days. Lo and behold on our Sunday morning walkies, surprise, surprise, the car had been set on fire taking the fence and bushes with it. Why wasn’t something done about this in the first place? Anyone could have been knocked over. Surely someone noticed them as it was 1pm lunchtime. Usually there is someone around (courting couples in the car park as a rule).
According to form, crime rate is dropping in Birstall. Tell me where?
A J Gamble (Mrs)
PS Flytipping goes on down there as well. People just do not care any more. Do they not realise this all comes out of their council tax. I noticed in the Birstall Post police on bikes in and around the Country Park.

Ray is my friend. He suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. He and I were ministers in Churches Together for five years in Birstall and how well we all got on - Methodists, Anglicans, Catholics - a good Christian community. We sadly saw Ray’s mind start to fade. For a little while he was able to cope, with the wonderful support of his lovely wife, Wendy and the full co-operation of the Methodist community; but only for a short time. He had to retire. Wendy nursed him at home, and then he had to come into hospital.
Ray is now in the Evington Centre, in the grounds of the Leicester General Hospital. I see him twice every week in my work of visiting the wards there. What a beautiful hospital complex the Centre is and what a fine dedicated staff we have there. Families must feel very reassured when they visit.
Ray and I sit together in the open lounge or in the small quiet room. If we are alone I sing “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” and he croons to the melody. I say the Our Father and now and then he seems to recognise the words and smiles. He does not speak, just make noises - but there was one wonderful moment: I came around the corner of the ward corridor and there was Ray walking towards me. “Hello Ray” I said. “Hello mate!” he replied - the old greeting! It remains a precious memory, I wish it could happen again. Sometimes, when I mention the names of his good Methodist people, tears come to his eyes. He remembers.....
His Methodist friends come to see him all the time. I feel privileged to be amongst them. My friend’s mind has gone, Wendy recently died of cancer and God has left Ray to be looked after by a fine hospital and his Church friends. We shall be faithful.
Father John Daley

Birstall Quilters thank everyone who supported their sale in aid of the Leicestershire Air Ambulance. They helped us to raise £536.08 during the morning of October 12.
Christine Hewson

The Concert of Light Music performed by the 663 Ensemble & Friends at St James Church on Saturday September 21 attracted a large audience. After expenses cheques for £242.50 have been sent to the Sargent Cancer Care for Children & St James Day Care Centre for the Elderly. Many thanks to all who supported the event.
Cynthia Coltman

Planning applications

Mr G M White - site for 2 detached dwellings (access from Firfield Ave). Rear 621 Loughborough Rd
Mr N Langton - erection of 2 storey extension to side and rear of semi detached dwelling. 29 Holt Rd
Mr & Mrs Glover - erection of 1st floor extension to rear of semi detached dwelling. 92 Gwendolin Ave
Mr & Mrs D Armstrong - erection of single storey extension to rear of semi detached dwelling. 91 Gwendolin Ave
Mr & Mrs J Medcalf - erection of 1st floor to front of semi detached dwelling and conservatory to rear. 8 Kedlestone Ave
Mr & Mrs Chandler - erection of 2 storey extension & linked garage to side of semi detached dwelling. 16 Copeland Rd
Mrs V K Harding - erection of 2 storey extension to side and single storey extension to rear of semi detached house. 72 Denegate Ave
Mr J Harding - erection of conservatory to rear of detached house. 11 Worcester Ave
Mr & Mrs Newton - erection of 2 single storey extensions to rear of semi detached dwelling. 55 Park Rd
Mr S Chamberlain - erection of single storey extension to rear of semi detached house. 7 Clarke Grove
Mr & Mrs A Evans - erection of single storey extension to rear of semi detached dwelling. 38 Holt Rd
Mr A J Lewin - attach 2nd satellite dish to front of dwelling. 8 Walker Rd
Mr S Raikundalia - site for erection of 1 detached bungalow. 35 Went Rd
TSN & JD Coleman - erection of linked garage to side of semi detached dwelling. 199 Harrowgate Drive

Giving thanks for animals

ALL CREATURES great and small were welcome at an animal service organised by Birstall & Wanlip Mothers Union and held on the St Jame's Church lawn.
Our picture shows 16 year old Tyson the Jack Russell with Mrs Liz Darlison and Joanna Faulks (6).

Age Concern Info

NEW AGE CONCERN WEBSITE GOES LIVE
Age Concern England has redesigned its national website which has an updated look and is easier to use.
There are a number of brand new features on the site including:
Shop On-Line - you can now order and purchase books directly from the new site
Donate On-Line - Visitors can make a secure donation with a credit card
PDF Factsheets - Download factsheets that you can view, print and refer to later off-line
Easier Navigation - All requests for easier navigation have been incorporated by designing new sections, making information easier to find.
You can still log on at:
www.ageconcern.org.uk
or - www.ace.org.uk
or - www.ageconcern.co.uk
You don’t need to change the url or address you have used before.
The Web Team welcome your comments on usability, navigation, accessibility and any other areas of interest.
Please contact Hannah Metcalfe (020 8765 7410) or John Bown (020 8765 7396)

PREPARING FOR WINTER
As we become older it gets harder to keep warm enough to stay healthy and many older people as temperatures begin to drop, face a real threat. Many older people live in dangerously cold homes every winter in a bid to avoid massive heating bills; many put themselves at risk by not turning up their heating because of the fear of debt.
Currently one in five older people live in poverty in the UK and cutting down on essentials such as heating or clothing can seem the only way for some people to get by. Ironically pensioners are the biggest group missing out on benefits.
Government figures reveal that up to 770,000 older people, who are eligible for income support (now also called - minimum income guarantee), do not claim it, and this leaves £940 million unclaimed every year. Many older people also miss out on other benefits such as attendance allowance. In some cases claiming all the benefits that are due can enable people to double their income.
The Government also has money put aside specifically to help older people to stay warm during the winter months. The annual Winter Fuel Payments are currently £200 and are normally paid automatically. Unfortunately for some people no matter how much they heat their home it can still feel cold. That is because older people often live in older homes which are poorly insulated and let the heat escape. A Government survey shows that 60 per cent of older people’s homes do have some double glazing but only 30 per cent of homes have all windows double glazed. It is estimated that every household wastes £278 worth of energy each year.
To help older people make their homes more energy efficient, the Government offers the Warm Front Plus Grant. This is available to people over 60 who receive income related benefits and it can be used to improve insulation in the home or even install a central heating system to main living areas.
Age Concern offers a range of free factsheets including ‘A brief guide to money benefits’ and ‘Help with heating’. These can be read at Birstall library or they are available from Age Concern’s free information line on 0800 00 99 66.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR FLU JAB?
One of the illnesses associated with winter is influenza (flu), a highly infectious illness which older people and people with long-term illnesses or breathing problems might be particularly susceptible to. It tends to start with symptoms such as a fever, chills, headache and aching muscles and is more severe than a head cold. One of the safest ways to guard against it is to be vaccinated. If you’re over 65 it is strongly recommended that you contact your GP or local surgery to get your free flu jab. Even if you had the jab last year, the strains of flu change so it is important to get vaccinated every year. The job does not give you flu - prevention is far better than suffering.

TAXAID
Taxaid is a charity which provides a free and independent advisory service to help people with personal tax problems who cannot afford an accountant - on the telephone or by appointment only. Tel: 020 7803 4959, 10am-12noon, Mon-Thurs

ANOMALIES AFFECTING WOMEN’S PENSIONS
Many women who paid the full rate of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are finding they are no better off once their husband reaches 65 than women who paid the reduced rate or who did not work. They will all receive a pension based on their husband’s contributions, at most 60 per cent of the full state pension.
Unless married women have paid at least 39 years of Class 1 contributions to receive a full state pension of £75.50 they will only qualify for a reduced pension in their own right from when they reach the age of 60 until whenever their husband reaches 65. They will then receive a married women’s pension. Those who spent less than 10 years making full contributions find that these count for nothing. A minimum of 10 yrs of full contributions is needed to receive 25 per cent of the basic state pension.

WHERE WERE YOU ON SEPTEMBER 26?
The meeting which took place at Birstall village hall on Thursday September 26 had been announced in the Birstall Post and Leicester Mercury and on several posters throughout the village. There must be at least 3000 people in Birstall over the age of 60 and it was thought we would have at least 20-30 people attending. The Head of Fieldwork at Age Concern Leics & Rutland had come specially to Birstall to take part and he and my wife and I waited until almost 1.30pm before just one person turned up! That lovely lady made us feel that we hadn’t been completely rejected. Nevertheless it was very disappointing that we did not get the input that we were asking for from elderly people in Birstall.
Jex Woods, Chairperson, Age Concern Birstall & Wanlip

News from Watermead Country Park

As the days shorten, the early morning mists and dews become common place and most of our summer visitors have now begun their journeys southwards to warmer clines. It is time for us to reflect on the work carried out over the past several months and to look forward to the hard winter period that can be a testing time for both wildlife and rangers alike.
The final grass cut is now taking place on most of our country parks and the hedges that require trimming are being cut back. Those with abundant fruits and berries are left a little later to enable the winter thrushes to feast on nature’s banquet.
The Wet Wild and Wonderful special event held in September was once again a great success, with many people enjoying a lovely day out.
Within the next couple of weeks work will once again start on our winter programme. Some of the small islands on the lakes are to be cleared of vegetation and covered in pebbles to try and increase the number of Common terns that we have nesting. Unfortunately, carrion crows and magpies predated many eggs and young terns this past year. These corvids sit in the surrounding trees and bushes, watching and waiting for their chance to partake in any easy meal. The adult terns are helpless to stop this theft as they need open areas to be able to mob the culprits.
The nature reserve has changed dramatically during the past fifteen years or so. The mudflats and low lying vegetation are now transformed to tall and thick tree cover. Good habitat in itself, though not what we would like to see, especially in front of our two bird hides. Last winter we removed a number of trees and some of the thicker vegetation and have in return noticed an increased number of wildfowl and waders using these preferred areas. As part of our management plan for this area, it is important that we continue to work intensively to try and return particular habitats back to their most productive, in terms of wildlife usage.
Within the county of Leicestershire, Norfolk Reeds beds are an uncommon habitat. Small pockets of this nationally important plant do exist, though mainly along river corridors and in a tiny number of wetlands. Watermead Country Park north rangers, have over the past 12 years worked tirelessly to create large areas of reedbeds within the country park, from around an acre and a half in 1986 to a little over four acres today. We have a five-year management plant for this area, and it is hoped that our reedbed cover will extend to around eight acres in total as well as many small pockets spread around the park. Most of the work involved will be that of clearing invading willow and alder scrub, cutting our existing reedbeds on a rotation system and digging out areas to new reeds to colonise. As well as the rangers who work at Watermead Country Park north, we also have a great deal of help from our colleagues at Beacon and Bosworth Country Parks. Volunteers also contribute immensely to the amount of work that can be carried out during the winter months, helping to move vast quantities of cut reed and brush.
As well as participating in many surveys for this area, we also have members of the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) carrying out their own work. To help us determine the numbers of individual species, special nets are set to catch those birds in that particular area. These are weighed, measured and fitted with a tiny identification ring, enabling us to get vital information about the species that frequent this habitat. Records have now been kept since 1997, and it’s very encouraging news.
Dale Osborne, Watermead Country Park Ranger