Methodist news
Cinderella - At the Seaside
The Cinderella story is well known. But where did the story take
place - fairyland? If you come to see the Men's Pantomime, you
will discover that the story starts at the seaside!
Preparations have not been without incident. This year Cinderella
is a very small, young and really lightweight character. However
when her coach (you remember the one that the Fairy Godmother
magics up to take poor Cinders to the ball) was assembled, the
wheels buckled, and Cinder's coach lay in pieces on the floor.
Luckily Cinders was not riding in it, a bit of joinery from our
expert carpenter and all was restored.
The scenery is almost finished. Mick Joyce who designs and paints
it is fascinating to watch, almost like Rolf Harris in his skill
with eye and brush.
The Pantomime takes place during half term week, Tuesday to Saturday,
February 14-18. Phone Deborah or Victoria on 2122513 for tickets
- but please only between 6-9pm.
Carpenters Arms
As you may guess, the Carpenters Arms is in fact a pub. to be
more precise it was a pub. It is located on Wharncliffe Road
in Loughborough (where you turn for Nottingham). It supports
homeless people in various ways including providing accommodation.
For a number of years our church has supported this valuable
work.
On January 22 Dettie Wallington, who is part of the team at the
Carpenters Arms will be taking part in our morning service. She
will tell us much more about the work that goes on there. Please
join us at 10.30 if you would like to hear more.
Santa Festival Result
The church is grateful for the support received for the Santa
Festival and Christmas Market held in November. The final financial
result was £3,210.22 split between NCH Action for Children
and church funds. Thanks to all who helped in any way, also to
those who came and contributed financially.
Prize for painting
A PAINTING by local artist Norman Sims
has won a prize at the Catmose Open Art Exhibition.
His pastel of a landscape, a view of Lake Garda, won the Oakham
Town Partnership prize.
Norman, of Colindale Avenue, was a founding member of the Leicestershire
Pastel society and is President of Birstall & District Art
Society.
Public question local police
THE SYSTON Local Policing Unit held its
Consultative Meeting at Birstall Village Hall on December 7,
2005. 39 members of the public attended plus officers from the
Leicestershire Constabulary and David Saville, a member of the
Police Authority, who chaired the meeting.
After David Saville has welcomed the audience, Chief Superintendent
Geoff Feavyour, Commander of the North Policing Area gave an
overview of crime in the North Area. The total number of house
burglaries had risen by 20 across the whole area in the current
year.
Violent crime had also risen, but there is considerable evidence
that changes in recording practices, and high profile police
operations aimed at catching people for less serious offences
may be distorting these figures. Certainly in more recent months
there were less violent crimes recorded than in the same period
last year. He also talked about the impact of new technology
and IT crime, particularly related to internet scams.
Chief Supt Feavyour is confident in the way that his officers
are coping with the Neighbourhood Policing project, which was
introduced in October 2005. He will be trying to keep a local
presence on the beats with the Police Beat Officers and the Police
Community support Officers.
Inspector Chris Alcott, Commander of the Syston Local Policing
Unit (LPU), reported that although there had been an increase
in burglaries on Syston LPU since April 2005, far more were being
detected, with offenders being prosecuted. There has been a decrease
in burglaries of business premises and robberies, but the number
of thefts of motor vehicles has risen.
He is pleased with the positive feedback that his officers have
had from the community following the introduction of Neighbourhood
Policing. He informed everyone of the Voice Mail Number - 0116
222 2222 ex.9076 and the email address - syston.lpu@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk,
which are two alternative methods of contacting officers at Syston
LPU. Telephone contact should still be made on 0116 222 2222,
CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111 or 999 in emergency.
Several people at the meeting complimented the impact of beat
officers and Police Community Support Officers, but there were
questions about the lack of continuity of the same officer on
the Beat. It was agreed that young people in particular build
up a relationship and trust with beat officers, so that they
could discuss their own concerns.
There was a discussion about the withdrawal of traffic wardens,
and developments that will see the local authority eventually
take on the task.
The amount of paperwork for officers was questioned and the public
was reassured that senior personnel are looking for ways to reduce
the burden for operational officers. There was concern expressed
about the impact of some Government initiatives that appeared
to carry heavy bureaucracy.
There was some discussion about potential police force reorganisation
into bigger, regional forces. Restructuring of the local police
forces and the amalgamation of the forces in the East Midlands
is likely, although there are different options as to how the
mergers would be undertaken. The audience was assured that beat
policing would continue.
Chief Superintendent Feavyour thanked the residents for attending
the meeting to share their concerns and to help with consultation
on their suggestions for future policing in Leicestershire. Inspector
Alcott stated that the meeting had showed a positive view of
the community spirit in the area and the willingness of people
to be involved.
Planning applications
Mrs Lovett - erection of single storey extension to side of
dwelling. 47 Walker Rd
Birstall Garden Centre - variation of condition to allow first
floors to be used as showrooms. 23-25 Sibson Rd
Mr I Hayward - erection of two storey extension to side of dwelling.
39 The Crossways
R Batten - felling of 1 yew tree and trimming of 4 yew trees.
1 Park Rd
Birstall Parish Council - erection of palisade fencing (1.8m)
to side of playing field. South side of playing fields along
School Lane
Mr & Mrs I Black - two storey extension to side of semi-detached
house. 44 Wanlip Ave
Mr & Mrs M Hollis - erection of detached chalet bungalow
including new vehicular access. Land adj 27 Worcester Ave
Mr & Mrs A Wylie - erection of a conservatory to rear of
dwelling. 91 Harrowgate Drive
Vodafone Ltd - erection of 12m monopole with 3 antennas and associated
equipment cabinets. Pavement opposite 671 Loughborough Rd
Mr & Mrs A C & E White - erection of porch to front of
dwelling. 24 Castlegate Ave
Mr & Mrs D Reddell - erection of detached dwelling with new
vehicular access off The Wayne Way at rear of no.10 and erection
of single storey extension to side of no.10. 10 Hill Rise
Mr M Flower - first floor extension to side and conservatory
to rear of semi-detached house. 53 Blenheim Rd
Mrs M Young - erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling. 30
Lawn Ave
Goscote Hall Estates - replace brick wall with timber fencing.
Goscote Hall, Goscote Hall Rd
Bowls club’s Spanish tour
Our picture shows some of the 41 people from Birstall Bowling
Club who went on a Bowls tour to Spain in the first week of November.
They were based in the Mojacar area and played three matches
before returning to Birstall a couple of days before the club's
Diamond Jubilee Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation evening.
Your Say...
I believe Dr McNeil in his letter headed Access Dec 2005 issue
is referring to previous letters printed by Birstall Post from
my husband.
We have lived in Birstall not far from the main road for 47 years
before it was dual carriage way, when Wanlip Lane was the main
road to Syston running past the Hope and Anchor with a little
hump backed bridge over the river and before the Western or Mountsorrel
bypasses were built. Both of us crossing the main Loughborough
Road pedestrian crossing at Bentley Road and Greengate Lane by
car in the rush hour and many other times of the day. So yes
we have witnessed the rush hour plus the increase of traffic
at other times and many bumps and near misses at the Bentley
Road junction where motorists must wait and then dive for a clear
space. Surely a good island will benefit those who at present
turn through the gap past Bentley road.
This is just the reason why we want good safe access to both
the Hallam Fields Estate and the Industrial Estate. There is
likely to be 1,000 cars plus from the housing and many more from
the planned industrial estate not to mention the petrol station
with HGV parking on it and the Park and Ride if it ever happens.
Perhaps two islands: one for the housing and one for the industrial
estate (as stated on the original plans) with lights will be
needed. Let's get these built at the very start not wait for
accidents to happen and then cause more major hold ups with road
works as is happening now on the Loughborough Road/Western Bypass
junction and the Hobby Horse island: Yes, they are putting traffic
lights up on the islands.
M A Briers
I must reply to a letter that appeared in the December issue.
Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County are not co-operating.
Leicester City Council has just announced that they will not
fund the Ivanhoe Line. Northwest Leicestershire wishes to extend
the Ivanhoe line. Before 1998 there was a large authority of
greater Leicestershire, consisting of Leicester, Leicestershire
and Rutland. Now there are three separate authorities, each doing
their own thing.
More communication is needed. Leicester City plan to have a connection
to the Western bypass for Ashton Green. On the original plan
there was a connection nearby at Thurcaston. The Inspector cancelled
the junction because the Leicester Road at Thurcaston was a quiet
country road. The phone companies plan to erect a tower at the
Greengate Lane/Loughborough Road junction; the developers plan
bus lanes and alterations to Greengate Lane. Why can't people
talk to each other?
When the access/exit to Hallam Fields was constructed the 40
mph was extended. The speed limit should have been to the A6/A46
Junction. The plan of 900 dwellings and commercial units means
that Birstall extends to the A6/A46. There is a factory nearby
on the Mountsorrel bypass. The access/exit to Hallam Fields will
be almost as busy as Greengate Lane/Sibson Road. The Hobby Horse
island is being upgraded. The uncontrolled small island on the
Mountsorrel bypass is a pathetic disgrace. The Western bypass
is part of the Bath to Newark route. How long before other people
plan to build in central Wanlip? If Wanlip disappears in bits
and pieces we might as well rename the whole area as Birstall
cum Wanlip. I was once informed that there have been only two
owners of Wanlip since 1066 when the official language was either
Norman French or Latin.
The original four Park & Rides have been cancelled. A new
start is planned at Fosse Park. The Park & Ride at Birstall
is now a side show, but if central government take over and plan
a 1,000 Park & Ride at Birstall below the footpath/dog walk
a lot more than a few square metres will be needed from the school
playing fields. A space must be reserved adjacent to the A6/A46
junction for a Park & Ride.
If nothing is done then more traffic will travel through Birstall;
more people will chance the two dangerous manoeuvres on the Sibson
Road/Loughborough Road junction and the Bentley pedestrian crossing
will be very dangerous. A motorist is in a queue. He has travelled
from the A6/A46 junction. He wants to turn left at Bentley Road.
He can't wait. The pedestrian crossing is green for people and
red for vehicles. Then he pulls out of the queue, drives on the
footpath before the crossing, drives over the blind grating and
accelerates down Bentley Road. It is slick and dangerous driving;
even driving on the footpath is illegal.
These road problems must be addressed now: not after so many
dwellings have been occupied.
Les Briers
I'd like to express my thanks to everybody who supported the
recent HATS Panto 'The Sleeping Beauty'. I hope you enjoyed the
show and left our 'theatre' in good spirit.
the cast and crew from the Highcliffe children to the principals
really enjoyed performing for you and hope you will enjoy our
forthcoming production in April which will consist of one act
plays. However if you can't wait that long, why don't you actually
join us by coming along on a Wednesday night (school term time)
at 7.30pm.
Mike Burger
Chairperson
All the volunteers and members of the Gunns Community Gym
would like to wish Carl Gunns good luck in the Finals of the
Year of the Volunteer Awards that is staged in January. The finals
will be held at the Drury Lane Theatre in London. We know that
without your dedication that there would be no gym in Birstall.
Andy Corbett, Gunns Gym Secretary
The staff at Gordon Davis chemist would like to wish a Happy
New Year and welcome customers, old and new, to our newly extended
and refurbished shop.
Jennifer Field
I would like to respond to Alice Dobbie's remarks printed
in the November edition of The Birstall Post.
In response, I would like to say how upset and offended I am
when I pass through Belgrave where I was raised, to see Belgrave
Hall Chapel dressed up as a Hindu temple. This is where my husband
and I married, and, as far as I am concerned, the identity of
this building has been changed without consultation with the
general public.
I don't suppose the fact that this upsets and offends me will
have any influence whatsoever.
Anne Godby
I am writing to congratulate the new groundsperson at Birstall
Cemetery. His hard work, commitment and dedication to his job
has without doubt made this a cemetery to be proud of. Congratulations
to the young man concerned and the people who employ him and
I wish him very success in his job and long may it continue.
John Hoskins, Midland Window Installations
Please may I thank the wonderful people of Birstall once again
for your loyal support for my poppy sales along Sibson Road.
A great total of £219 was realised, well done to you all.
A special thanks to Krusty's for the very welcome daily cup of
tea.
Sadly, The Royal British Legion is still needed as much as ever
before. We lost men in the 1914 to 18 war; we lost men in the
1939 to 45 war and all the other wars in between. Today we are
still losing them, young men with a future who have given their
lives and limbs so readily so we might have a better today.
I was talking to a young solder with a young family who bought
a poppy and thanked me for selling them, he had just returned
from active service, sadly five of his comrades did not. I should
have been thanking him.
We will remember them all with pride. See you all next year along
Sibson Road?
Mrs V A Joyce
Vice President, Birstall Royal British Legion, Women's Section
The women's section of the Royal British Legion Birstall would
like to thank those residents who gave so generously to our carol
singing on a cold and foggy December 8 evening
Carol Lakin (sec)
In the light of last month's avalanche of exaggerated and
ignorant letters about golliwogs, I feel it is important that
people understand the history of this character before bleating
about political correctness gone mad.
The golliwog was created during a racist era. He was drawn as
a caricature of a minstrel - which itself represented a demeaning
image of black people. Although the original golliwog was jovial
and friendly, later golliwogs reflected negative beliefs about
black people - thieves, miscreants and incompetents. There is
little doubt that the words associated with golliwogs are often
used as racial slurs. With this knowledge I hope that your correspondents
will realise that comparisons to gnomes, Father Christmas, Betty
Boop or the seven dwarves are quite ridiculous. And objections
to golliwogs are not always born of political correctness, but
serious and deep-rooted issues of race, religion and culture.
For my own part, I do not have a problem with golliwogs as I
am mature enough to understand their place in our culture and
to brush off most racial abuse. But I will defend other people's
right to object to the racial stereotyping, prejudice, assaults,
taunts and bullying that are unfortunately associated with golliwogs.
What if, upon seeing this figure of a golliwog on Sibson Road,
a group of children started teasing and bullying a passing black
or Asian child? If you've never been jeered at and called golly
or wog, you'll never understand the emotion that this character
can produce.
There will always be debate over whether the golliwog should
be preserved and passed on as a cherished cultural artefact and
childhood tradition, or retired as a relic of an earlier time
when anti-black racism was as casual as it was blatant. It serves
no useful purpose to reduce the tone of this debate to sarcasm
and personal attacks.
Mr Shreekant Raivadera
Slimmers’ amazing weight loss
THREE BIRSTALL slimmers have lost 15 stone
between them at the Birstall Slimming World group.
At the group's end of year party, Margaret Brewster received
her 5½ stone award, and was crowned the group's 2005 Woman
of the Year. Margaret said "I am delighted and I eat so
much". And John Tompkins, featured before in the Birstall
Post for losing 5 stones was named the Man of the Year for 2005.
John said: "What a difference a year makes, I feel great
and my diabetes and blood pressure have all improved. I have
to say thanks to the group of people at Birstall who made Tuesdays
fun and, of course, my wife Janet who comes with me and has herself
lost more than a stone!"
Pic: (l-r) award winning slimmers Linda Ward,
John Tompkins and Margaret Brewster
Linda Ward joined Slimming World in September 2004 and in six
months lost 4½ stones to become the Greatest Loser for
2005 (awarded up to March). Linda said: "At Slimming World
you choose your own target, and I am losing more steadily now
- I am determined to keep going although it's not always easy.
I am a quietish person and, like most others, felt quite nervous
at first. I was made to feel most welcome and I've enjoyed making
new friends."
Consultant Mandy Cross, who has been running the Birstall classes
for seven years, said: "Every pound is celebrated at Slimming
World, losing weight is not easy. We are proud of our three slimmers,
however they represent just three of our super 90 slimmers here
in Birstall."
The group meets on Tuesdays at the Village Hall and members new
and old are welcome at any time.
Mandy can be contacted on 01664 567260 or log onto www.slimming-world.com
for more information. Happy New Year from all at Slimming World.
Anglican news
FOLLOWING THE excitement of Christmas with
its carol singing and joyful celebrations at our churches, January
can seem quite an anti-climax.
However for the Anglican congregations at St James Birstall and
Our Lady and St Nicholas, Wanlip it has been a particular delight
to have our new Rector and his family with us for the first time
and we are looking forward to the new year and a new
impetus to our church life.
We start the New Year with the very popular Christingle service
on January 1 at 11am when all are invited to contribute to the
work of the Children's Society, which plays such a large part
in helping children in distress. The following Sunday January
8 we share in a Churches Together service at the Methodist church,
the Covenant service, when there is the opportunity to rededicate
ourselves to our faith for the new year. Further opportunities
for all the churches to come together occur on Wednesday January
18 at 7.30pm in St James' church during the week of prayer for
Christian Unity, and on Thursday February 2 at 7.30pm when we
meet in the lovely old church at Wanlip to celebrate the ancient
festival of Candlemas.
Although opening St James church every Saturday morning between
10am and noon has proved worthwhile, both for local people and
visitors, it has been decided to discontinue this during the
colder months of January and February and to re-start in March
when more people are attracted to a Saturday morning stroll!
On the social side, we are looking forward to a social evening
on Saturday January 28 at 7.30pm at Wanlip when there will be
a fun quiz and a 'bring and share' supper. Tickets (limited in
number) can be obtained from Sandra on 267 7238. Next month we
are planning an evening meal at a local 'hostelry' on Shrove
Tuesday, the day before the start of Lent. Watch this space!
From Beryl McHugh
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Graffiti arrest
POLICE HAVE been logging and photographing
graffiti in the village and an arrest has been made.
The arrested individual's bedroom was marked with the same graffiti
tag found in the village.
Zebra crossing and new surfaces
Pic: Richard Shepherd, Chairman of Charnwood
Highways Forum and Stuart Jones, Chairman of Birstall Parish
Council beside the new zebra crossing.
TWO NEW zebra crossings, road surfacing
and a new section of block paved pavement are the latest improvements
to Sibson Road.
The £100,000 scheme was delivered by Leicestershire County
Council in partnership with Birstall Parish Council.
Richard Shepherd, Chairman of Charnwood Highways Forum, said:
"I am very pleased that the County Council has been able
to add real value by working with the Parish Council in delivering
these highway improvements".
Chairman of Birstall Parish Council Stuart Jones said: "These
improvements really look good and the zebra crossings are having
the effect of slowing traffic on Sibson Road. The long term plan
is to extend the block paving outside the Triangle shops all
the way to the chip shop."
Age Concern info
Keep Warm, Keep Well
With weather forecasters stating that statistics are indicating
this winter is likely to be more severe than those of recent
years, Age Concern Leicestershire and Rutland urges all older
people to take the necessary precautions in order to stay healthy
and well.
The Executive Director of Age Concern, Mr Anthony Donovan has
stated: "If people follow the advice given then hopefully
they will stay well and avoid admittance into hospital."
Things to bear in mind:
o Stay indoors if you can
o Wear several thin layers of clothing rather than one thick
layer
o Wear appropriate headwear - the main source of heat loss is
through the head
o Food is fuel and helps to keep you warn. Aim to have at least
one hot meal a day. Have hot drinks regularly throughout the
day, particularly before going to bed.
o Moving around generates extra body hear, so any kind of activity
will help to keep you warm. Try not to stay sitting still for
long periods. Spread periods of sitting down throughout the day
so that rest and activity is alternated on a regular basis.
o Try to keep a temperature of 21°C (70°F) in all rooms
during the day. If this is not possible, at least keep the living
room warm and warm the bedroom and bed before going to bed. Keep
the bedroom window closed at night.
o Set centrol heating to come on before you get up and off when
you go to bed.
o Ensure your home is properly insulated. For further advice
contact Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland on 0116 2992233
Chip and Pin: Update
The Chip and Pin Programme has announced that there has been
a reduction of £36 million in fraud on counterfeit, lost
and stolen plastic cards in the first six months of 2005, following
the launch of Chip and Pin technology. From February 14, 2006
cardholders must use their Pin if they want to be sure of being
able to pay with their Chip and Pin cards. This announcement
will mean no change for most cardholders, including the 83% of
disabled customers who are able to use Chip and Pin.
For those customers unable to use a Pin number because of a disability,
banks and building societies are providing Chip and Signature
cards so that they can continue to sign to make card payments.
These customers need to contact their card company to obtain
a new Chip and Signature card before February 14, 2006, as their
old Signature Card will no longer be valid for making payments
after this date.
Chip and Pin has produced a leaflet explaining the changes. It
includes a step by step guide, tips on choosing and remembering
a Pin, and a 'frequently asked questions' section.
I Love Pin 14 February 2006.4pp. Available free of charge from
Chip and Pin, c/o Four Communications plc, the Communications
Building, 48 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7FG. Tel: 0870 442
7898. Also available on the internet at www.chipandpin.co.uk/reflib/consumer05.pdf
Ofcom Action on Silent Calls
Telecoms regulator Ofcom has announced measures to take action
on 'silent calls' and has published the outcome of an investigation
into seven companies. Silent calls when automated calling systems
used by call centres for telemarketing, market research, debt
collection and other purposes, generate more calls than the call
centre agents can deal with. These abandoned calls can cause
anxiety and annoyance. Ofcom has amended its policy on persistent
misuse to combat this problem and outlines a series of requirements,
including:
o abandoned calls should carry a recorded information message
identifying the source of the call and offering the customer
an opportunity to decline further calls;
o calling line identification (CLI) must be presented on all
outbound calls from call centres using automated calling systems.
CLI allows access to the telephone number by dialling 1471;
o abandoned call rates must be below 3% of total calls for any
24 hour period and
o records must be kept to demonstrate compliance.
(Ofcom Press Release, October 31, 2005)
Statistics for Motability Scheme Customers
From October 1, 2005 accessibility guidelines for all cars available
on the Motability Scheme will appear on the quarterly price list.
The information has been produced for Motability Operations by
the national research charity Ricability (the trading name of
the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs). The statistics
will enable people choosing a new Motability car to create a
short list of cars that fit their own personal mobility needs,
for getting in and out of the car and transporting a wheelchair.
Some of the measurements available include the height of the
seat from the ground; the entry space; door height; door opening
angle; and whether the vehicle can carry a wheelchair.
(Motability Press Release, October 11, 2005)
Cancer Services Announcements
The Department of Health has issued three press releases on cancer
relating to breast cancer survival rates, funds for a cancer
drug and resources for new scanning technology. Based on a report
from Cancer UK, the press release states that nearly two thirds
of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are now likely to
survive for at least 20 years. Breast cancer is most commonly
diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 69. Eighty per cent of women
diagnosed in this age range will survive and 72% will reach the
20 year mark.
The Secretary of State for Health has announced that, from the
beginning of October 2005, women diagnosed with early stage breast
cancer will have the opportunity to be treated with the drug
Herceptin. As soon as the drug receives receives a licence, it
will be fast tracked for use throughout the NHS.
The Health Minister has announced £20 million additional
capital investment over two years from 2006-07 for new scanning
facilities. There will be a mixture of fixed site and mobile
units. New national guidelines have been issued to ensure equal
access across the country to scanning facilities.
Dept. of Health Press Releases, October 5,10 & 11, 2005
Access All Ages: Mind Campaign
The charity Mind has launched a campaign to highlight the neglect
and misrepresentation of the mental health needs of people in
later life.
The report accompanying the campaign highlights:
o the discrimination and stigma faced by older people with mental
health problems
o the lack of support and treatment, together with the practice
of requiring a move into generic older people's services at age
65;
o the lack of choice of treatment options;
o the training needs of staff who provide services to older people
with mental health problems;
o issues concerning potentially harmful treatments; and
o the themes of planning for later life and the involvement of
service users.
The report is illustrated with case studies and is based on a
survey undertaken by Mind in May 2005 involving 489 people aged
over 50 with experience of mental distress.
Access All Ages : Mental Health Needs In Later Life Must Be Met
Not Marginalised. 25pp. Available free from Mind, 15-19 Broadway,
London E15 4BQ Tel: 020 8519 2122. Fax: 020 8522 1725
Thanks for Pedestrian Crossings on Sibson Road
A big thank you to Leicestershire County Council for installing
two pedestrian crossings along Sibson Road. This will make crossing
the road easier and safer for everyone but particularly for many
elderly people.
Jex Woods
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