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Pic: (l-r) Jill (Steve Harding) and Widow
Goodbody (Les Gale) in the GIant's kitchen (Clive Wood)
Panto fun and frolics
THE BIRSTALL Men’s Pantomime ‘Jack
and the Beanstalk’ played to packed audiences for six performances
in February and what a show - this is what panto is all about:
fun, frolics and of course romance.
Thanks to Jean Valentine who once again has produced the Show
continuing the tradition and following in the steps of her late
husband John who started writing scripts some 50 years ago bringing
so much happiness to all who have played and those who have watched
the Pantomime over the years. Many generations of families have
trod-the-boards together over the years. The panto Cow this year
is played by father and son Richard and Peter Tinley. Christopher
Kilby plays the lead of Jack whilst his father plays Scooby a
Royal servant of the King, together with Brian Cuttill playing
‘Doo’.
All the men more than enjoy the Pantomime - they enjoy the fellowship
of each other.
Brian Cuttill & Les Gale
Les Gale, Ron Forbes, Brian Cuttill and Gerald Morling have all
played in panto for more than 30 years and Gerald now helps with
production. John Towson and Mike Allan, the King and the Fairy,
likewise have been more than treading-the-boards but help with
new scripts and giving the finishing touches that are necessary.
This is always a family affair with many wives helping and many
thanks to Jean Gale this year who has ‘soldiered on’
making the men look the part with costumes, plus makeup.
Jill Bailey has been musical director for over 30 years and enjoys
every minute playing her piano and Tony Moore following in his
late father’s footsteps has played in panto over the last
20 years as Eric Wakefield who once again has joined the panto.
Myles Harrison after many years of treading the boards took on
the arduous task of ‘Props’ not only being in charge
but making and moving together with his ‘team’ while
once more Mick Joyce with his paint and brushes creates scenery
beyond compare, making this the 20th year he has been busy with
his ‘brushes’ for the panto. Returning to the panto
this year is Tim Lacy, but not in the cast, but playing his drums
and making a good sound with Jonathan Wheeler on guitar: a real
added bonus to the show together with great choreography by Sally
Montague-Mason.
The ‘Giant’ in the plot is Clive Wood, very well cast
as is Les Gale, who once again enjoys being the Dame as Widow
Goodbody.
Steve Harding takes the part of Jill and together with Richard
Kilby as Jack make a most convincing couple - well done lads!
Widow Goodbody while watering her Beanstalk never forgets her
flowerpots and like magic up pop Bill & Ben the flowerpot
men played by young Jack Bishop and a larger than life flowerpot
man Jack Beer giving many in the audience a reminder of bygone
years on TV.
Many thanks to the Men’s Chorus and the Dribley ‘team’
of Alan Chapman, Mike Allann, John Towson and particularly Martin
Jones who ‘chaired’ the motley crew. A panto needs
a good lighting crew and father & son, Keith & Martin
Wright, once again ‘light’ up the stage together with
Roger Dickman.
Jean Valentine would like to thank those who helped in any way
and to all who came to the show. All monies raised will go to
the Church and charities to be named at the next meeting in March
which will be announced - once again thanks to all.
From Audrey Cuttill
Phone mast campaign
VODAFONE HAVE found the “least suitable
position in Birstall” for a mobile phone mast, says Greengate
Medical Centre, who are organising a campaign opposing the mobile
phone operator’s plans.
Vodafone want to erect a 12 metre (39ft) 3G mobile phone mast
on the green triangle of land outside Greengate Medical Centre,
on the junction of the A6 with Greengate Lane.
Duncan Mann, the Medical Centre’s Practice Manager said:
“My initial reaction to the plan was shock. 3G masts must
go somewhere, but this is the least suitable position for one
in Birstall.”
He added:” The green patch outside the surgery is one of
the few green patches in Birstall. It would therefore be highly
regrettable to spoil this by the erection of a mast, it would
totally dominate the landscape.”
Mr Mann is also concerned that radiation from the mast might
affect equipment in the Medical Centre. He said: “In common
with many general practices, we use an increasingly sophisticated
array of microprocessor based diagnostic equipment, and we believe
that the potential exists for the electromagnetic radiation emitted
from mobile phones, and thus also this mast, to cause interference
with this type of equipment. It is for this reason that you will
be asked to turn off your mobile phone when visiting a hospital
and of course when flying on a commercial airliner.
“I am sure that Vodafone will argue that the signal output
strength from this transmitter will not give rise to any such
difficulties. However, given that 3G mobile masts are known to
have even higher output than 2G masts, we are unwilling to take
this risk. We are also mindful of the fact that the government
want GPs to take on an increasing range of diagnostic services
in the community, rather than in hospitals as at present, and
we would not wish to find that our ability to provide improved
services to the residents of Birstall was blighted by the effects
of this mast.”
There is little scientific evidence linking the use of mobile
phones and phone masts to damage to human health. Mr Mann said:
“The jury is still out on this, and it may be another generation
before we can gain real insight into any health problems arising
from long term exposure to electromagnetic radiation. In 2000,
the Stewart Report found no known health problems caused by mobile
phones, but advised caution especially among the young, until
more research was carried out. A further report in 2004 backed
this up, and advised parents of children under 9 not to use mobile
phones until the health risks were better known.
Greengate Medical Centre has invited the nearby dental practices
and the veterinary surgery to support their campaign opposing
the mast, and are organising a petition.
Birstall Parish Council and Stephen Dorrell MP are also backing
the campaign.
Residents can sign the petition by calling in at Greengate Medical
Centre. The Centre has six GPs and provides primary health care
for 10,000 patients.
Help to make Birstall book
A COMMUNITY project has been launched that
aims to widen participation in learning by enabling Birstall
residents to create a book about the village.
The Charnwood Neighbourhood Learning Project is funded by the
Learning and Skills Council, a government agency that promotes
post 16 education. The project is being managed by the charity
Charnwood Arts in Birstall, Mountsorrel and two areas in Loughborough.
Stacy Prendeville
Stacy Prendeville is co-ordinating the Birstall project. She
said: “Our approach will be based on developing and delivering
a community arts project in each area alongside an assessment
of participants’ interests and needs in respects of learning.
“My community arts project will take the form of a book
and I am hoping to meet people in Birstall who would like to
help participate in its production. From reporting on local history
and events to discussion of the future - people involved could
write stories, supply photography, artwork, recipes etc - anything
they want to represent/talk about. I can also provide taster
sessions for those people in photography, artwork, writing etc
- for free. I am hoping to engage with not only people in existing
groups but to meet people who may not currently be involved in
any groups or education. The book will then be distributed for
free amongst the community.”
She added: “I can also be a learning friend to anyone who
requires one - helping people to find a course, the bus to get
there or arranging flexible free taster sessions on subjects
of interest.”
On Monday afternoons (1.30pm) from March 28 at Birstall library
anyone can drop in to find out more or contribute to the project.
To find out more contact Stacy at Charnwood Arts on 01509 821035
or email info@stay-see.com.
The project will last six months, from January to June 2005.
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Rubbish
THE BOROUGH Council’s recycling service
launched in September last year has already had an effect on
the amount of rubbish that the Borough sends to be dumped in
landfill sites, according to the Council’s recycling chief,
Peter Rook.
He said: “Between October and December 2003 we sent over
10,000 tonnes of rubbish to landfill sites, most of which are
in Leicestershire. For the same period in 2004, in other words
soon after the new recycling service was introduced we sent just
7,380 tonnes to land fill. That represents a drop of about 27%
year on year.”
Cllr Dr Jill Vincent, the Cabinet Lead member for recycling said:
“This is really good news. It means that as a result of
the new service and the co-operation of people in Charnwood we
have stopped 2,600 tonnes of rubbish being dumped. As most people
know the service is still in its infancy so it is even more encouraging
to think that this is just the beginning. I’d like to thank
residents for their co-operation, their efforts really do make
a great difference.”
Cemetery
BIRSTALL CEMETERY’S opening times
will change with effect from March 27, 2005.
After this date, the cemetery will close at 7pm in the summer
and at dusk in the winter. It will open at 8am throughout the
year.
A new glade area has been prepared for the scattering of ashes,
rather than in the Garden of Remembrance.
Loss of a Birstall citizen
WITH THE death last month of John Charles
Shirley Scott, the former headmaster of Stonehill School, Birstall
has lost one of its most prominent citizens.
Shirley was born in 1929 at 58 Loughborough Road, Birstall and
lived most of his life in the village.
J C Shirley Scott
After graduating from Nottingham University with a degree in
Latin, Mr Scott spent four and a half years in the RAF. In an
interview he gave to the Birstall Post in 1993 he said: “I
couldn’t be a pilot as I’d dislocated my neck when
I was 18 and couldn’t turn my head round easily, so after
a degree studying Latin, Greek and Ancient History, I went into
radar. I spent some time lecturing on physics, became a fighter
controller, and spent three excellent years as a training officer
for the Dundee Fighter Control unit. I travelled all over the
country and spent some time in Germany. Those years taught me
a lot about people.”
Mr Scott first planned a career in teaching when he started university,
and after his National Service in the RAF, obtained his first
teaching post in 1956. The early part of his career was spent
at the Humphrey Perkins School in Barrow-upon-Soar where he taught
Latin, Greek and Ancient History. Then after 12 years at Garendon
Boys School, he came to Stonehill in 1977 as headmaster, retiring
in 1993.
Shirley was always active in community life, as a conductor of
Birstall Choral Society for 40 years, as a member of Birstall
Parish Council, as Warden of the Church of Our lady and St Nicholas
in Wanlip, and the moving spirit behind the formation of Birstall
Local History Society some 20 years ago.
He was founder and musical director of Scott’s Follies,
an old time music hall society that gave charity performances
not only in Birstall and Leicestershire but neighbouring counties
also, as well as a keen church chorister and bellringer.
A committed Christian, his strong faith and his family were most
important to him.
His friend Mike Smith knew him from boyhood. He said: “It
is not widely known that he was always ready, quietly and unobtrusively,
to give his time to those in need or meeting difficulties. Shirley
was a man who allied his considerable qualities of leadership
and innovation with friendliness and warmth and had a very wide
circle of friends.”
PE Teacher Di Batterham, now retired, worked with Shirley throughout
his time at Stonehill School. She said: “He was the most
brilliant head to work with - good humoured, he had the respect
of the staff and the children. He was always very supportive
of my time involved with hockey, as a player and manager, and
he made my career a very happy one, those years working with
him at Stonehill were some of the happiest of my life. He was
a great character and we loved him”.
Richard Wallis, a friend of Shirley’s and a former Chairman
of Birstall Parish Council, said: “The very sad and untimely
death of Shirley Scott moves me to put pen to paper to say a
few words about a truly remarkable man. There will be many tributes
paid to Shirley not only from his immediate family but also from
his many friends and colleagues, for his interests and involvement
in the many aspects of the life of Birstall are legendary and
numerous.
“The dictionary describes a citizen as someone who lives
in a city, town or village and also as someone who partakes in
full membership not only of his country but also of the area
in which he lives and works. This description certainly applied
to Shirley who for most of his life lived and worked in Birstall.
“Shirley’s attitude to life was to get involved and
get involved he did with both the Churches of Birstall and Wanlip,
the Twinning Association, Local History Society, British Legion,
Choral Society, Parish Council and doubtless many others that
I do not know about. Each of these organisations will remember
Shirley in their own way, with their own special thoughts and
memories but it is in his capacity as headmaster of Stonehill
School and as fellow Parish Councillor that I remember his outstanding
qualities as a leader and teacher. He had a fine intellect, his
clear insight and immediate grasp of problems, his sense of moral,
civic and social responsibility and his ability to include all
made working with him not only a pleasure but also a privilege.
“Shirley had a strong faith and a deep love of music, from
jazz to choral, from music hall to church music. His piano and
organ playing will be much missed as will his natural ability
with language which made him a very much sought after guest speaker
and he was an absolute wizard at the crossword.
“All this could not have been achieved without the love
and support of his wife Jane and his daughters Amanda and Lucy
and their families. My thoughts and prayers are with them all
at this time.
“So rest in peace my friend, for in an age where a whole
new generation are being taught the meaning of citizenship your
legacy of sharing and commitment to the life of the community
stands as a shining example to those who will follow. Shirley
Scott; a true citizen both OF and FOR Birstall.”
Shirley Scott is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jane, two
daughters and four grandchildren. His funeral was held at The
Church of Our Lady and St Nicholas, Wanlip on February 22. A
Thanksgiving service was held at St James Church on February
26.
Pic: Dr Duncan McNeil (left), former Vice
Chairman of BIWATCH and Nick Birchall, former Chairman, present
a cheque for £82 to Youth Development Worker Louise Himan.
Gift to centre
BIRSTALL YOUTH Centre has received a donation
after a local community project was wound up.
BIWATCH was formed in the 90s to help the Police implement a
local policing plan. It also organised a Drugs Roadshow at Longslade
College.
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Tesco vouchers
LONGSLADE COLLEGE is appealing to readers
to help them collect tokens that can be exchanged for equipment
under the Tesco Computers for Schools Scheme.
Over the last seven years the college has obtained a variety
of items including two printers, a digital camera, sensor equipment
for scientific experiments, software, a portable interactive
whiteboard and for the last two years, a computer.
They would gratefully accept vouchers from readers to add to
their collection. These can be sent to the college: Wanlip Lane,
Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH. FAO Sheila Beatty. The College,
as always, appreciates this support.
Guided walk of discovery
Tom Ball (left) & Mike Smith
BIRSTALL LOCAL History Society’s latest
fully illustrated publication is The Birstall Trail - a guided
walk of discovery that will make you aware of many unknown facts
about your village.
Do you know:
• what Birstall Hall, Goscote Hall and Lawn House looked
like in their prime?
• what building now stands on the site of the old village
workhouse?
• the name of the wealthy maiden lady who owned two of the
biggest houses in the village?
• which thatched pub in Birstall had a mortuary in its yard?
• what business occupies the building that was Birstall’s
first school?
These and many other facts about our village past can be found
in this new book that illustrates and tells the stories of 34
significant Birstall buildings and landmarks, most of which are
now, sadly, demolished or past their former glory. The Trail
starts at the Village Hall on School Lane and a street map in
the back of the book guides you around its number landmarks.
Designed and written by Mike Smith, the meticulously detailed
pen and ink illustrations are by Tom Ball, who is well known
for his cover illustrations for the church magazine, Contact.
This is the ninth book that the society have published since
it was founded twenty years ago, which makes it one of the county’s
most prolific small local history groups. It costs £3,
obtainable from J Michael, butcher, Sibson Road; Graham’s
fruiterer, Kingsgate Drive; Dhillon’s supermarket, Rosetree
Avenue; Birstall Library, Wanlip Lane; Parish Council Offices,
School Lane. By post £3.50 from 140 Birstall Road, Birstall,
Leics LE4 4DF
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Borough freezes tax
THE BOROUGH Council’s component of
the Council Tax will see no increase this year compared with
last.
Council Leader Max Hunt said: “The Borough finances are
in good shape which means that we can confidently propose a zero
increase in Council tax and still have enough revenue to do all
the things we want to improve the quality of life for people
in the borough.”
He added: “In next year’s budget we have committed
to an increase in staff and resources to reduce anti-social behaviour,
are spending £300,000 to improve playgrounds and we are
putting extra effort and resources into keeping our streets clean,
we are well on the way to doubling the amount of household waste
that we recycle and we will for the first time be running great
new leisure centres...this against the backdrop of zero tax increase
represents great value for residents.”
Besides the Borough Council element, Council Tax also includes
a sum raised by the County Council, Leicestershire Police, the
Fire Services and the Parish Council.
The County Council is planning a 2.9 per cent increase and the
Police and fire authorities are expected to levy an extra five
per cent each.
The Borough Council says it has avoided a rise by finding efficiency
savings and taking £127,000 from reserves.
STONEHILL SCHOOL staged a production of the
musical Bugsy Malone in February.
Our picture shows cast members (back row, l-r): Samantha Scott
(Bangles), Charlie-May Bingham (Tillie), Leah Geary (Lorretta)
(Front row l-r): David Johnson (Fat Sam), Ferys Warren (Shoulders)
and Adrian Alihodzic (Knuckles)
Club’s bright future
BIRSTALL’S TENNIS club has been celebrating
its most exciting year since it was formed.
At the recent Birstall Watermead Tennis Club annual general meeting,
chairman and treasurer Roger Bartlett told members that developments
and improvements in the past 12 months had given real cause for
optimism.
In an upbeat annual report, he said the installation of floodlights,
the resurfacing of two of the three courts, plus an enlarged
members’ room, including kitchen facilities, had given the
club a new lease of life.
The main project in the next year will be the resurfacing of
Court Three - hopefully in September, before next winter’s
league matches take place.
Looking forward to the summer, the club is planning another open
day on Sunday, June 5. Last year’s event proved so successful
with may new members joining, it was felt that it was well worth
repeating this year.
In the meantime, the club is renewing its appeal for more women
and teenage girls, to boost the pool of players for the two summer
and winter league teams.
So, why not join a fast-growing and friendly club - annual adult
membership is £80, family membership £140, juniors
pay £27 and students £33. Give the club a ring by
contacting either chairman and treasurer Roger Bartlett on 2675273,
or secretary Laura Morley on 2674844. Alternatively, pop down
to the club, which is based at the Co-op Sports and Social Club
on Birstall Road and see what facilities and events are on offer.
Congratulations are due to Laura, 18, who is now a fully-qualified
tennis coach, and has already brought on a crop of promising
young players. Well done, Laura!
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