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Birstall Post October 2006 (276) cont.
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Thousands more homes
CHARNWOOD WILL have to find land for thousands
of additional homes after population estimates were revised upwards
by the Government.
The East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) has suggested that
95,000 more homes are needed in the county in the period 2001
- 2026, 30,000 more than originally thought. The figure for Charnwood
has been increased from 8,833 to 19,033 homes, the largest increase
in any Borough.
The Government has offered Leicestershire County Council millions
of pounds in funding if the authority agrees to more housing,
to cope with the predicted popularity increase. This would pay
for improvements to roads, hospitals, schools and other services.
A new Leicester eastern bypass could be built.
The number of new homes built in the county from 2001 to date
currently stands at 13,703
The County Council has been alarmed by the proposals and at their
cabinet meeting in September expressed concern over the Government's
estimate of how many homes are required.
County Council leader David Parsons said: "We feel that
people need a respite from recent high levels of housebuilding
in their areas, so we think new developments should be concentrated
on a few areas where services can best be provided."
The county have advised that the housebuilding target be cut
by 14,400, from 95,000 to 80,600. they say there should be 4,400
fewer homes in Harborough, 2,500 less in Melton, 1,250 less in
Blaby, 1,000 less in North West Leicestershire and 5,250 less
in Oadby and Wigston. They have made no recommendation that the
19,033 proposed for Charnwood be reduced.
Mr David Hankin, Director of Development at Charnwood Borough
Council told the Birstall Post: "The County Council's press
statement makes interesting reading. Other than that I can't
comment. The County Council has a statutory responsibility to
advise EMRA on its proposals, but the Borough Councils do not.
It would not be appropriate for the Borough Council to make a
comment at this stage."
He explained that after receiving advice from the County Council,
EMRA will make its recommendations known in the Regional Plan.
The consultation process on this plan began on September 28 and
Charnwood will not make an announcement until December 2006.
Charnwood Borough Councillor Roger Wilson said: "I don't
think these proposals will affect Birstall too much. The areas
for growth in Charnwood are in Loughborough and the Hamilton
development which could encroach into the Borough. But why are
we in Charnwood the ones who have to have so many new homes,
it does seem to me as if Charnwood is being penalised."
Composting cone trial
VOLUNTEERS ARE needed to take part in a
Charnwood Borough Council run pilot scheme to trial an innovate
product - which makes a meal out of unwanted food.
Charnwood recycling officers are looking to recruit 250 households
to take part in the environmentally friendly free pilot, which
will begin next month, before considering offering the scheme
to homes throughout the Borough.
The Green Cone Food Waste Digester helps cut the amount of raw
and cooked meats, bones, vegetable scraps, dairy products, egg
shells, teabags and bread that is normally thrown in black bins
and dumped in landfill sites. Instead, food waste is thrown into
the green cone, which is buried in a sunny spot in the back garden,
and is naturally reduced to carbon dioxide, water and a small
nutrient-rich residue.
The benefits of installing the odour free and pet safe cones
include:
o minimising the amount of waste thrown in black bins, therefore
reducing the need for landfill and large-scale treatment plants
o cleaner dustbins
o waste food can be dispensed of immediately in the easy to maintain
green cones.
Cllr Sandie Gough, Charnwood Borough Council's Cabinet member
for Leisure and Environment, is signing up to the pilot scheme
and said the green cone can save 20 per cent of household waste
being thrown in black bins.
She added: "A small difference in your lifestyle can help
make a big difference to the environment. A large amount of household
waste is kitchen waste and the green cones will eliminate the
smells created by food rotting in black bins.
"Having five children, there's often not a lot of food left
in our house at meal times but the great thing is everything
can go in the green cones - whether it be bones, egg shells or
vegetable peelings. They are a fabulous idea as they will substantially
reduce the amount of waste put in black bins while the natural
goodness from the food will enrich the soil in your gardens.
"I hope they really take off and people quickly sign up
to the pilot scheme - I certainly will be!"
The lower section of the cones needs to be buried 42cm (17 inches)
below ground level, while the 70cm (27 inch) upper level is designed
to maximise solar heating, which helps break down the waste,
without causing smells.
A four litre caddy is supplied to collect waste that needs to
be taken out to the green cone and residents will be asked to
weigh it before it is emptied. People will also be asked how
often they took the caddy out to the green cones and if they
had any problems. A special event will be staged next month when
residents can collect their green cones and be shown how to install
them in their back gardens.
Anyone wanting to register for the scheme or find out further
details should call 01509 634563 or email cleansing@charnwood.gov.uk
The final 250 chosen for the pilot will be made up of residents
across Charnwood and will include individuals and families of
varying sizes so the results reflect a cross-section of the Borough's
population.
99 bus saved
A BIRSTALL bus service will be retained
after the County Council reversed its decision to axe it.
Plans to withdraw the 99 service from Mountsorrel to Leicester
via Thurcaston met with large scale local opposition from residents
and parish councillors.
Thousands of people signed petitions objecting to the proposed
cuts, which the County said were necessary to make a £150,000
saving to its bus subsidy budget.
At a meeting in September, the County Council's ruling cabinet
agreed to continue to subsidise the 99 service as well as two
others, the 45 and 73, because of "the high numbers of mobility
impaired passengers affected."
Nick Rushton, the cabinet's transport spokesman, said: "I
have listened to what the scrutiny committee has said and I would
like to thank the people for raising their petitions. We continue
to spend highly on public transport despite being the second
lowest funded authority in the whole country."
Ray Hunt of Orchard Road campaigned to save the 99 service. He
said: "I'm very pleased that the County Council have reversed
their decision. I've noticed that there are more people using
the service than ever before, and I hope this continues."
He added: "I'd like to thank everyone who helped and worked
so hard to get the 1752 names on our petition."
Laura’s trophy haul
Pic: Men's singles winner David Hutchinson
with triple champion Laura Morley
BIRSTALL TENNIS star Laura Morley will
need to clear a large space in her trophy cabinet following her
latest sporting triumphs.
For Laura, 20, won no fewer than three titles at the Birstall
Watermead Tennis Club's Finals Day on a gloriously hot September
day. First, she defeated Caroline Burrows 6-3, 6-4 in the ladies
singles. Then she won the women's doubles event with Kate Watson,
7-5, 6-1. Then to cap a terrific day, Laura clinched the mixed
doubles title with Mile Lale in an epic three setter, beating
David Hutchinson and Chris Muir, 2-6, 7-6, 6-4.
David, however, had major success earlier in the day, beating
Robin Batten in the men's singles, in another closely fought
match, 6-4, 7-6, making up for losing in last year's singles
final.
Pic: Sam Williams (left) and Christian Berry,
winner and finalist in the junior singles - they
were also a successful pairing in an
all-conquering first men's team.
Meanwhile, in the men's doubles Mike Smith and John Hurst defeated
Sam Williams and Dave Evans in a three set thriller, 6-2, 4-6,
6-4.
Sam did gain some success though, winning the junior singles
final 7-6, 6-4 against Christian Berry. The teenagers are two
of the most promising young players at the club and were a highly
successful pairing in the men's first team this summer.
A club spokesman said: "The championship, run for the first
time over two weeks with the presentation evening on the final
Saturday, was brilliantly organised by Daryl Hill, who even found
time to win the men's singles plate.
"It's been a great year for one of Birstall's fastest developing
sports clubs. The men's first team was unstoppable, winning all
their county league matches and, along with the second and third
men's team, plus the ladies second team, all gained promotion."
Free check ups for children
PREVENTING BACK pain starts in childhood
and a local chiropractor is offering free spinal check ups for
children in October and November.
Chiropractor Thomas Jeppesen said: "The majority of the
conditions I am presented with are due to bad habits and posture
that can be traced back to childhood.
"From the age of 2 we can start to see misalignments of
the spine. The body will adapt to and compensate for these changes
and the areas of most stress are very likely to cause problems
later in life. What we do and how we do it also affects the condition
of our spine. In most cases problems can be prevented by changing
how we do things so that undue pressure is not put on the spine
and by regular spinal maintenance for example in the form of
chiropractic care."
Dr Jeppeson added: We check our teeth regularly, we MOT and service
our car but very few people realise the importance of a properly
functioning spine!"
A few simple rules:
o School bags - a rucksack is the best option as long as you
carry it over both shoulders and the straps are adjusted so that
the bag is held close to your back
o Keep it light - make sure you only carry essential items
o Footwear - wear good soft-soled shoes that are supportive and
have a good grip on the ground
o Exercise - the fitter you are the less likely you are to injure
yourself
o Move around - don't stay in the same position for more than
30 minutes
o Posture - make sure you are sitting upright with a good back
support. This rule still applies when watching TV or playing
computer games
The Health on Hand Chiropractic Clinic is supporting the national
charity 'BackCare' by offering children a free spinal check-up
in the months of October and November. Please call 0116 2101619
for details.
MOT for your eyes
MOTORISTS NEED to be aware of the importance
good vision plays while driving.
That's the message from local Optometrists Shaishav Shah and
Paresh Patel of Opticare, Loughborough Road. "Visual performance
is a major factor in road safety that many people overlook"
said Mr Shah.
The driving test requires that drivers can read a car registration
plate at a distance of 67 feet, but the next time they are required
to be tested is aged 70.
Mr Shah's advice is that drivers have their eyes tested every
two years.
Recent research by the RAC revealed that 23% of people have not
visited an optician within the last two years. Of those who have
visited their optician for spectacles or lenses, one in five
say they don't always wear them for driving.
Distance vision is not the only kind that's important for motorists.
Mr Patel said: "An eye test will also pick up other factors
that would affect the safety of your driving, such as peripheral
vision, pupil reflex and colour vision deficiencies."
There is a fee for an eye test but they are free for those aged
60 and over, 17-18 year olds in full time education and some
other groups. An optician will advise you if you think you qualify
for a free eye test.
To arrange an eye test at Opticare Opticians, Birstall, call
2677855.
Guest at garden party
DOROTHY MARSHAL, chair and founder of Friends
of Belgrave Cemetery Group, was a guest at a garden party that
recognised the achievements of women in the local community.
Pic: Dorothy Marshal (right) is greeted
by Marlene Stuart MBE, co-chair of
LeicesterHERday Trust.
Held at the Leicester Mercury Offices, the event aimed to celebrate
the contribution of women in the voluntary social and charitable
sectors.
Dorothy is to be found at Belgrave Cemetery nearly every Sunday
morning, rain or shine, helping visitors to identify the resting
place of their loved ones or helping towards the improvement
and conservation of this Victorian Cemetery, which was opened
in 1881.
The events Dorothy has organised in 2006 attracted many new visitors
and raised the profile of the group which now has members throughout
the country with links to Belgrave.
For her achievements, she received a certificate, photograph
and a brooch, in recognition of her efforts.
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Stonehills safety charter
STONEHILL HIGH School in Birstall has announced
that it has signed up to the 'Safe Schools Charter', launched
earlier this year by the national personal safety charity, the
Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
The charter is designed to support schools throughout the UK
in the challenge of creating and maintaining a safe school community.
The aims of the Charter are to:
o Help schools develop appropriate policies and procedures for
improving personal safety;
o Encourage schools to spend more time teaching children about
personal safety and how to avoid and defuse violence and aggression
in school;
o Engage the whole school community in becoming actively involved
in improving their personal safety.
Headteacher of the school, Mr Alan Baker, said: "Our aim
is to create the safest possible environment for our pupils to
learn in. We want to ensure everyone's safety inside and outside
school. Everyone should care for others and be aware of their
own personal safety."
On signing the Charter, the school received a pack containing
practical advice and guidance for governors on meeting their
responsibilities in relation to personal safety and guidance
for staff on how to ensure their own and others' personal safety
within the school environment. It also included helpful lesson
plans and activity suggestions to encourage and support children
and young people to think about safety within the school community
and on their journeys to and from school.
Julie Bentley, Chief Executive of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, says:
"We are delighted, as I am sure parents will be, that Stonehill
School has singed up for the Safe Schools Charter and are showing
their commitment to putting the personal safety of both their
pupils and staff so high on their agenda."
Taking a stand
CARL GUNNS and Andy Corbett were recently invited to Birmingham
Motor Cycle Museum, to receive a certificate to recognise their
achievements regarding taking a stand against antisocial behaviour.
The awards are a new government initiative, part of its Respect
agenda, and aim to recognise the difference individuals can make
in their communities.
Pic: Carl Gunns (left) & Andy Corbett
Carl received a cheque for £1,000 which he will put towards
equipment for his Gym. He said: "It was a great day, it
was all paid for from the train fare to Birmingham and a 4-course
lunch, there were guest speakers and it was also nice to meet
up with others who do a lot of voluntary work within their communities".
Both Andy and Carl are working with local beat bobby, Chris Falle
and CSO Mark Butler on a new initiative called KINS: Key Individual
Networks. This scheme involves the police and key members of
the public working together to identify local problems. Issues
which are currently being tackled are antisocial behaviour, under-age
drinking and litter.
Longslade exam results improve
RESULTS FOR GCSE and A levels at Longslade
College have improved compared to 2005.
Principal Dr Mike Griffiths said: "I would like to congratulate
all students at the college who took exams during the summer
on their excellent results. The college had a record year at
all levels."
GCSE results:
o % of 5 A* to C grades : 2005 (51%), 2006 (57.4%)
o % of 5 A* to G grades : 2005 (94%), 2006 (97.3%)
o % of 1 A* to G grades : 2005 (98%), 2006 (99.5%)
A Level results:
o % of A to E grades : 2005 (97%), 2006 (97.3%)
o % of A, B, C grades : 2005 (52%), 2006 (64%)
o % of A & B grades : 2005 (32%), 2006 (36%)
Dr Griffiths said: "These results reflect the hard work
put in by staff to improve learning and teaching over the last
few years and I would like to thank them on behalf of parents,
students and governors.
Cheerleading class starts
THE FIRST session is free at a new cheerleading
class for girls aged 6-16 that starts in Birstall this month.
The Amy Owen School of Cheer starts on Wednesday October 4 at
Longslade's sports hall with the first class free for all ages
and then £3 for each class thereafter. Prizewinning teacher
Amy Owen (25) has been cheerleading since the age of 12 and runs
the Queni Dynamite Cheerleaders , an award winning troupe that
has competed in Europe and the USA.
Pic: Amy Owen
A USASF qualified coach, Amy said: "These will be fun classes
where young girls can learn how to stunt, tumble, dance and cheer
in a safe environment. Cheerleading isn't about dancing with
pom poms, it's a contribution of dance, stunt, tumbling and cheer
and being able to entertain a crowd."
She added: "My aim is to give young children something to
be interested in, give them exercise and self esteem. Cheerleading
is great!"
Amy's cheerleading class will be split into three age groups:
6-9, 10-12 and 13-16. Classes last 45 minutes and run between
5pm and 7.15pm.
For more information contact Amy on 0792 1768449.
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Rainbow summer fete
A SUMMER fete at Rainbows Nursery on Wanlip
Lane raised £508.
Half will go to the 'Tommy's' charity for mothers
and babies and half to buy equipment for the nursery.
 
Pics: Billy Barrie and his mum looking through
the white elephant stall & Joseph Whyman having a car put
on his hand with mhendi
Pic: Adam Olinski enjoying a crawl around
in the airflow
Nursery Manager Paula Wright said: "Our most popular attraction
this year was the chocolate fountain. We would like to thank
all the local shops in the area for donating prizes for our raffle."
Pic: Sophie Cooper and her daddy enjoying the chocolate fountain
Birstall team win county title
A YOUNG Birstall Golf Club team maintained
the club's excellent record on the County Men's Foursomes by
winning a tense final over Hinckley at the Rutland County course.
Pic: (l-r) Scott Wormleighton.
Stuart Marriott,
Brian Payne, Chris Webb & Richard Reed
The team triumphed by two holes over a determined Hinckley outfit.
On a day when both sides had trouble reading the greens, they
could never break clear, but held on to bring the trophy back
to Birstall for the fourth time in a decade, having won previously
in 1997, 1998 and 2003.
Team captain Stuart Marriott hailed the victory as "absolutely
fantastic for the club", as it was achieved with what may
well be the youngest team ever to win the event - Marriott is
28, playing partner Chris Webb (20) while the other pairing combined
Scott Wormleighton (18) and Richard Reed (19).
While being delighted with the team that won the final, he also
paid tribute to Graham Marshall, who added considerable experience
to the team when playing in all the previous rounds:
"This year's team is totally different to the one which
won the event in 2003. Both Graham and I played during the 2003
competition, but neither of us appeared in the final. Graham
played every round this year but sadly was not available for
the final.
"I hope this victory is the basis for the club to progress
and be able to challenge for the County Scratch League again
in the near future. Despite losing a number of highly experienced
players over the past few years, we have a new, young first team
coming through. It's an exciting time to be captain!"
He added: "The match was a close match throughout. Several
times we got ahead by four or five holes only for Hinckley to
fire straight back. The course was a good test. If you missed
the fairway the rough could be deep. You needed to drive well
to win. It was a fair course and we enjoyed the challenge."
In the first match Wormleighton and Reed were never behind against
the Whittle brothers Mark and Steve: "We must have made
seven or eight birdies during the day. We were never behind,
but could never get clear", said Scott.
In the second match the Birstall pair led for most of the way
from their opponents Richard Haines and Les Britton, but slipped
behind by a single hole late in the afternoon, before recovering
to square the 36 hole match.
Shot of the day goes to Marriott at the 513 yard par five 8th
when - after an excellent drive by Webb - he drilled a three
wood from 230 yards to two feet for a conceded eagle.
o Birstall Golf Club is enabling ladies to try their hand at
golf by holding a series of Ladies Golf Nights over the year.
The club prides itself on giving all comers a friendly welcome,
and the evenings have helped a number of players get started,
says organiser Louise Taylor. She said: "The aim is to let
ladies have a go to see if they like the sport. It can be very
daunting to approach and join a new club where you know few people
and where everyone else is an established player.
Pic: Louise Taylor watches sister Claire Bawm
take one of the first swings of her career.
"We have held several evenings over the year and they have
been very successful. We will be holding more in the future,
and anyone interested in attending can contact me via the club,
or speak to our secretary Sue Chilton."
Ladies president Pat Adams hopes to attract new players to the
game. "Golf is a terrific sport and we hope presenting ladies
with this opportunity to try it with no pressure or cost will
encourage them" she said.
"Birstall is a friendly club with a beautiful course that
is not over-long or too difficult for beginners, but still presents
a good challenge to experienced golfers. It also has a beautiful
club house and active social calendar."
For further information of future Ladies Golf Nights please contact
the club on 2674322.
Methodist church news
Flower Festival
If you receive your copy of Birstall Post early, you may be just
in time to visit our Flower Festival on Saturday September 30,
10am to 4pm, or Sunday October 1, 2-4pm. Admission is just £1
and is towards the cost of our new and urgently needed boiler.
If you wish to give more than a pound, Rev Edward Sakwe will
be pleased to accept your gift on Saturday. Refreshments are
available on Saturday.
"Fit for a King"
74 members and friends enjoyed a fantastic lunch at church on
Sunday September 3 in Bark's Bistro - one diner described the
meal as "fit for a king". It was prepared and cooked
by our resident chefs 'David & Pete' (the dynamic duo) and
supported by spouses Joy & Liz.
Cream Tea Result
£455 was raised when 'Cream Teas' were being served at
8 Hermitage Road. Despite the weather, cloudbursts and thunderstorms,
everyone had a fantastic afternoon. Thanks to all who supported
or helped at this event. All £455 goes to the Carpenters
Arms, which helps the homeless of Charnwood.
The Methodist Church also continues to support the hostel throughout
the year by collecting non-perishable food items - a collecting
basket can to be found in the Coffee Shop and also the foyer
of the church.
Coffee Shop Helpers Needed
The weekday Coffee Shop is open from 10am to noon on Tuesday
to Friday. Volunteers are needed to help serve, also bakers to
donate a cake or scones once a month. If you would like to help,
phone Diane on 2677100 or Jackie on 2673501.
Pantomime Rehearsals
Pantomime Rehearsals have just started. If you would like to
join the men who will tread the boards in February, then do contact
Gerald on 2675009. Practices are every Thursday and some Mondays.
Advance Notices
Churches Together will be holding their annual Barn Dance/Supper
on Saturday October 21 at the Village Hall. Tickets priced at
£5 (child £2.50) available from Daphne on 2675721.
On November 24 & 25 the Methodist Church will be decorated
and this year the theme will be Christmas Songs and Carols depicted
by scarecrows, Christmas trees, flowers, models, displays - whatever
takes your fancy. If you have a flair and would like to exhibit
contact Marjorie (2673470) or Mary 2672606. The event will include
an outdoor market on Friday 24 from 3-8pm.
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News from St James
LIKE MANY voluntary organisations, the
church is very largely run, and much of its work is carried out,
by committees.
There's a committee which looks after the structure and repairs
needed to the church building, another which has responsibility
for the finances, another which deals with planning services
and music, one which looks after the pastoral side of church
life, another which plans work with children and young people,
a mission and outreach committee and so on!
The 'big one' though is known as the PCC (Parochial Church Council
- not to be confused with the Parish Council!) this is the 'senate'
of the church; most of the app. 30 members (the churchwardens
are automatically included) are elected by the congregation once
a year and can serve for a maximum of three years. Locally, the
two churches of St James, Birstall and Our Lady and St Nicholas,
Wanlip have a combined church council, chaired by the Rector,
Rev James Shakespeare. All the other committees report to this
and any major decisions have to be approved by the Church Council.
If you've ever been a member of a committee, you will know that
there can be meetings which are anything but riveting, but when
big issues are at stake the chairman has to make sure that every
one has a chance to pass their opinion before decisions are voted
on. One issue which is causing much discussion at present is
a proposal by the Leicester diocese that churches should work
in partnership, grouped together in 'clusters' to share facilities,
help one another and to strengthen the Christian presence in
an area.
As Birstall and Wanlip stand at the border between city and county,
we have a choice about which direction we may look to seek a
partnership - with parishes in the north of Leicester City or
with churches in Charnwood district. Which to choose provoked
a very lively discussion at the last meeting of the PCC: no decision
was made but the choice has to be decided on before the end of
the year, so the debate will continue.
Another, much less contentious initiative this autumn, is the
re-launch of the Churches Together house groups, which meet,
usually fortnightly, in private homes to discuss matters of individual
faith and belief which there is no time to explore fully in the
Sunday church services. If this idea interests you, do come along
to a meeting in the Village Hall on Friday October 6 at 7.30pm
to hear what is planned, or phone 2674913 for further information.
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Corbett’s cricket corner
THE SEASON has been a mixed one for Birstall
Village Cricket Club.
The first team won the premier league with two games to play,
a remarkable achievement as the team only stayed up on the last
game of the season. The second team were relegated on the last
day of the season. The juniors played well in all their age groups
with all teams finishing midway of just below in their respective
leagues and five juniors representing Leicestershire and two
at district level.
Pic: Birstall Champions (back row l-r): Doug
Topley, Christian Kane, Richard Sharpe, Paul Oldcorn, Pete Sharpe,
Paul Snuggs, Andy Lord, Jonathan Gaydon, Liam Grest; (front row)
Andy Corbett, Martin Fisher, Andy Galpin (capt), Matt Smith,
Ian Bartlett
Winter nets will be held at the Soar Valley Leisure Centre for
the juniors in October but because of the high membership now
the age for the nets will be 11 years to 16 years as it will
be hard ball only.
Pic: Birstall Bowls Club & Birstall Village
Cricket Club before their friendly game of bowls
The annual bowls match between the cricket club and the bowls
club took place in September. The match was won by the bowls
club, 82 shots to 65. Bowls captain Richard Smith said: "We
did expect to win but were surprised at how good the cricketers
and the juniors were. We will be hoping to beat them again next
year".
Cricketers Captain Andy Corbett added: "It was a very enjoyable
evening which included a hot supper. Many thanks to the bowls
club for making us all very welcome and to Jenny the chef for
putting on the supper."
Club secretary Andy Merry has nominated Andy Corbett for the
OSCAS (outstanding service to cricket awards) which will be held
at Lords.
The juniors presentation night will be held some time in October
at Birstall Social Club, members will be notified nearer the
time.
From Andy Corbett
Ken Leech remembered
WELL-KNOWN amateur singer and actor Ken
Leech from Birstall has died at the age of 79.
Pic: Ken Leech
Mr Leech, a production engineer at Rolls-Royce in Mountsorrel
for 32 years, had been involved with local drama and operatic
groups since he arrived in Leicester after being orphaned during
the Second World War.
Most recently he was a member of the Wigston and District Male
Voice Choir, taking part in two concert tours to Cyprus. His
wife, Mary, said: "He loved his singing but he also loved
acting and comedy. His favourite all time part was Ko Ko in Gilbert
and Sullivan's The Mikado. I've had so many cards from people
saying they will miss his lovely voice."
As a teenage schoolboy Mr Leech was evacuated to Cornwall and
lost his mother, father, sister and brother during a London bombing
raid. He moved to his aunt and uncle's home in Leicester, joined
the RAF and served in India until he was demobbed in 1948.
He married Mary in 1951 and they lived in Birstall for most of
their married life. As a neighbour of former Stonehill headmaster
Shirley Scott, he joined Scott's Follies - which performed to
raise money for charity, and also read for Talking Newspapers
for the Blind for several years.
A tenor, Mr Leech started singing with Spencefield Operatic Society
and was a member of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic society.
He took part in Leicester Drama Society's music halls at the
Little Theatre and also the Men's Pantomime at Birstall Methodist
Church, where he was a member for more than 40 years. Peter Ward,
musical director of Wigston and District Male Voice choir, said:
"Ken was a very versatile musician and could sing everything
from serious music to ballads. He was greatly respected and will
be sorely missed."
Mr Leech leaves a wife, daughter and two granddaughters.
Wife Mary said: "The family would like to thank the many
friends for their cards, kind thoughts and messages which have
been much appreciated."
Bowls club news
BIRSTALL BOWLING Club finished joint fifth
in this year's County Greenwood Cup competition.
Winning three rinks and drawing the other, the club finished
on +39 shots, just seven shots behind the winners Coalville.
Also in the county, Diane and John Hurst, who were runners up
in the County Mixed Pairs last season, reached the quarter final
this year before losing to Maureen Cairns and Ken Frost of Leicester.
Diane, along with Jan Everitt, were part of the Leicestershire
ladies team that won the Middle England league title. Playing
together in the final match of the season against Cambridgeshire
their rink won 42-8, which helped the county record four wins
out of four in the competition.
In the Loughborough Triples League, the Lighthouse team finished
runners up in division 1 while the Sands were bottom of Division
2 and are relegated. In the Leicester League, Birstall were relegated
from Division 1.
Following the Birstall v Rushey Mead annual charity game, £200
was raised for the local St John Ambulance. The money comprised
of donations and a raffle, this included a £50 contribution
from Rushey Mead.
The outdoor season has now finished but if you are looking to
play bowls next season at Birstall, for more information about
the club, men can call Grahame on 2677994 or Andy on 2677100,
while ladies can contact Jan on 2122578 pr Diane on 2675457.
You can also visit the Birstall Bowling Club website, the address
is: http://beehive.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/birstallbowlingclub
or go to Google and search for 'Birstall Bowling Club'.
Your Say...
Did anyone see the inverted rainbow high in the sky above
School Lane playing fields on Saturday September 9. I was with
my granddaughter who saw it. Does anyone know what would cause
this on a sunny day with not a drop of rain in sight?
M A Briggs and Ellie
We would like to say a very big thank you to all who manned
stalls, helped transport goods, provided gifts and all who supported
us at our Coffee Morning.
£500 was raised which is being taken out to the Aids Orphanage
in South Africa.
Daphne and Sabina
Post readers may have heard or read news about an additional
4,000+ homes being proposed for the suburbs of North Leicester.
What is actually happening is that the East Midlands Regional
Assembly, one of those dull sounding organisations I wrote about
previously, is consulting on proposals for new housing figures.
Other press stories recently have illustrated how our population
growth (to 60 million people) will affect housing needs, and
the planning system is required to find places to put these new
homes. This proposal is additional to the current employment
site issue.
The conveyor belt of planning these days runs from Europe to
local planning authorities via intermediaries including county
councils, and is nationally headed by Ruth Kelly's Department
for Communities and Local Government, from whence Planning Inspectors
(who decide the fate of controversial sites at Local Inquiries)
now operate. Leicestershire County Council has a duty to advise
EMRA on the 'sub regional strategy for the Three Cities sub area'.
In plain English, where the County Council recommends placing
new housing, in each of its districts, between now and 2026.
The County Council is being offered financial incentives to agree
to take much more development than previously agreed, and it
suggests allocating Charnwood the highest proportion of these
'extra' houses, 10,200 more, making our new total 19,033 by 2026.
4,850 of these would be for the 'Leicester Principal Urban Area'
ie the villages and fields from Anstey eastwards to the north
of Hamilton.
Locally, memories are strong and bitter of our unsuccessful attempts
to prevent the Hallam Fields development, but the best chance
to stop any field being built upon is the very first time someone
thinks it might be a good idea.
I urge interested readers to watch out for the dry sounding consultation
stage of the Draft East Midlands Regional Plan review, which
will be available at libraries and via the Internet.www.charnwood.gov.uk
'Have Your Say'. Consultation opens on September 28 and closes
on December 21. Please have your say at this early stage, because
once principles for development are agreed they are almost set
in stone. The process of decisions on how many, what areas and
finally particular sites will have moved on. The further down
the process an unpopular decision is, the more certain it becomes.
I wish I could reassure people that Birstall will not continue
to creep inexorably north towards Mountsorrel, as the city crawls
east via Beaumont Leys/Ashton Green towards the Gates and Hallam
Fields. The fact is however, a rising population, including our
people, needs to live and work somewhere. Now is your chance
to think and suggest where.
Helena Edwards
I would like to give my heartiest congratulations to all concerned
with the floral displays around the village this summer.
The hanging baskets were superb and the planters on the playing
fields and outside were a riot of colour and a joy to behold.
They have all given me personally a great deal of pleasure, my
thanks to you all. Well done!
Mrs J N Gale
My sister in Quorn has maggots! So have my friends in Birstall!
Not on their person thank goodness, but crawling from their wheelie
bins - despite wrapping perishable food scraps in plastic bags
before binning, enterprising flies are managing to start their
families of thousands. It's surprising what they can do in our
globally warming climate in two weeks. Absolute bliss to come
from the cavernous depths of the borough refuse vehicle and find
a nursery in the equally homely wheelie bins where the air is
tempting. Let's settle here and raise our wriggly kids!
Now if Charnwood removed these breeding grounds on a weekly basis
say via, dare I say, another plastic lidded box wherein wrapped
waste food could be deported, the problem would be more than
halved. Furthermore the stinking groaning dinosaur refuse vehicle
would become more sociably acceptable. Particularly if fitted
with a sanitising deodorising spray. Currently, Birstall and
Quorn literally give off a sickly odour every fortnightly collection
day.
Other local authorities comfortably afford weekly collections
and some even supply a wheelie kit for plastic bins which become
too heavy for some householders. Also, I found recently that
half size wheelie bins are available on request from Charnwood
Borough Council for those of us who, predictably, are effective
recycling agents for the Borough Council, and who put most of
their waste into the coloured bags and boxes.
I do wish, however, that Birstall residents at least would not
give their waste glass to Charnwood - they have enough revenue.
We in Birstall enjoy summer hanging baskets and Christmas lights
financed through separated deposits of brown, green and clear
glass on the local Somerfield car park. What does Charnwood Borough
Council receive for mixed colour broken glass?
I make no apology for being a grumpy councillor or for any perceived
lack of political correctness. I feel that many will support
my views and hopefully Charnwood BC will listen. What say you?
Gerald Hardington
I would like to convey my sincere thanks to all the people
along the route on which the above bus travels for their help
and support given to me in my efforts to keep the services running.
I would also like to say a big thank you to councillor Roger
Wilson for his help and advice, also Birstall Parish Council
for their support.
Finally I must ask all the people to whom this 99 service means
so much to use it and support it at every possible opportunity
to make sure we are not put in the position of requiring yet
another petition to maintain the service.
Raymond J Hunt
May I through the Birstall Post thank all my friends in Birstall
for the many get well cards, gifts and visits following my recent
operation.
It has meant so much to me knowing that so many people care.
I am pleased to say that I am recovering slowly, but still require
the local nurses to change my dressings daily. Hopefully I will
soon be on my feet and able to thank you all personally.
Janet Jasper
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New season’s goal scoring bonanza
Pic: back row (l-r): Sean Connor, Austin Farrell,
Tom Corbett, Ryan Simmonds, Kishan Sangarni, Daniel Taylor, George
Ager, Adam Oliver, Tom Harvey
Front row: Callum Harris, Luke Chantry, Shane Glover, Arron Paige,
Glyn Chivers, Antony Klein, Arron King, Trev Thomas
BIRSTALL UNITED under 14s have
undergone a major change over the closed season.
After falling out of the league last season due to the lack of
players, the squad now consists of 20 young players, most of
them from other teams.
Managers Kev Glover and Paul Chivers are delighted with the start
to the new season having played 3, won 3, scoring 31 goals without
conceding any.
Sponsors are currently being sought to sponsor the new away kit,
any local business that would be interested should contact Kev
Glover 0116 2677049
WI news
After what seemed like a very long time
since the June meeting, members of Birstall & Wanlip WI were
able to hold the September meeting at Highcliffe School.
In July there had been a coffee evening at the home of Mary Marvin
and any members who were able to attend has a pleasant evening
in the garden.
On September 4 Mrs Green was able to give a very interesting
report of the AGM in Cardiff in June and everyone received two
copies of County News plus free teabags and tokens courtesy of
Yorkshire Tea.
The speaker for the evening was Mrs Brenda Woodings who have
a deep insight into her subject 'To be a Farmer's Wife'. There
are no farms left now in either Birstall or Wanlip and the last
of Birstall's fields are now being turned into a large housing
estate so it was very interesting and informative to hear about
life on a farm at first hand. It also has its amusing side too,
but 'wellies' are first priority and rounding up wandering stock
in the early hours of a winter morning would not really be amusing!
Mrs Woodings was warmly thanked for her contribution to the evening,
but no-one volunteered to change places with her!
The net monthly meeting will be on October 2 when Mrs Lynn Mellor
will talk on 'Ghosties and Ghoulies'. This will be at Highcliffe
School, Greengate Lane, Birstall starting at 7.15pm
Litter louts
LITTER LOUTS will be named by Charnwood
Borough Council in a bid to create a Cleaner Greener environment.
Those caught daubing graffiti on buildings, fly-tipping or abandoning
vehicles by a new team of street wardens - set up as part of
the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 - will also
be identified.
The primary aim of the Act and the council's approach is raising
public awareness and prevention and a 100-day publicity period
started at the end of September.
Following the publicity period, offenders could be issued with
a fixed penalty and their names and addresses published on the
Council's website and in the local media.
Cllr Max Hunt, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: "It's
all about shared responsibility. The aim of the 100-day campaign
is to raise awareness and raise standards and, ultimately, only
use enforcement as a last resort.
"The wardens are not going to be hunting for problems but
will issue fixed penalty notices where flagrant breaches of the
act happen."
Councillors discussed the level of fines to be handed out by
the authority's new team of street wardens at a cabinet meeting
on Thursday, September 21.
Normally, fixed penalty notices are issued to adults but the
law does allow councils to present fixed penalty notices to juveniles
aged 10 to 17 under certain conditions.
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Arthritis care
ARTHRITIS CARE Leicester Self-help Group
is a new group that met for the first time at Longslade College
in the Luther King Centre on Wednesday September 13 from 7-9pm.
Guest speaker, Dr Al-Ansari, answered questions about rheumatoid
arthritis and joined in the discussion about arthritis in general.
Members welcomed the opportunity to use the hydrotherapy pool
at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, which is scheduled to begin
at the end of October. A further opportunity has arisen to use
the long-term conditions gym facilities at the Peepul Centre.
A decision was also taken to affiliate as a Group with Mosaic:
shaping disability services.
The group will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at
Longslade College in the Luther King Centre from 7-9pm. An information
table with Arthritis Care leaflets is available at each session
and a monthly bring and buy will be held. All new members are
welcome.
If you would like to attend one of the Challenging Arthritis
courses, please ring Arthritis Care 0845 650 4400 (leave your
details for further information and notification of the next
course in Leicester).
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Supper with friends
A NEW group has been formed to provide
an opportunity for people to meet in a friendly and informal
way.
'Supper with Friends' is for unattached men and women over 45
who want to improve their social lives, without belonging to
a dating or match-making group.
The group meets once a month, at different locations, for meals
out, theatre trips, Christmas outings etc. The emphasis is on
friendly, relaxed, informal settings, with time to circulate
and talk to others in the group throughout the evening.
The venues will be spread across the county, initially meeting
near Loughborough, Leicester and Melton Mowbray and there will
be opportunities for members to suggest events, venues and activities.
Anyone interested can contact 01664 424390 or email supperwithfriends@hotmail.co.uk
for further details without obligation to join.
Burglary figures cut
UNDERCOVER POLICE patrols and the vigilance
of Birstall's Neighbourhood Watch resulted in a drastic fall
in house burglaries in Birstall this summer.
Between July 17 and August 13, there were no reported burglaries
in the village, compared to 23 in the eight weeks prior to July
17.
The rise in burglaries in May and June was due to criminal gangs
travelling from other counties to target homes in Birstall, say
Police.
In response, the Police increased undercover patrols in the village
and made 10 arrests.
Planning
14 Barngate Close - erection of single storey side & rear
extension & conservatory to rear of dwelling
41 Sycamore Rd - erection of 2 storey extension to side of dwelling
21 Birchtree Ave - erection ot 2 storey side extension with single
storey canopy at front & single storey extension to rear
of dwelling
10 Highgate Ave - erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling
7 Sibson Rd - single storey extension to side/rear, formation
of flat roof to side extension and installation of shop front
142 Birstall Rd - erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling
New lights
THE STREET lights on Wanlip Lane will be
replaced in October.
The work will be carried out by Leicestershire County Council
in collaboration with the Electricity Board. The work to replace
the 28 columns should take about three days and cost approximately
£18,000.
A County Council spokesman said: "The existing concrete
street lights are at the end of their life and the opportunity
is being taken to relight Wanlip Lane to the current standards,
by installing 8m steel columns with lanterns that give a white
light output."
Banker
A WOMAN who started her career in banking
26 years ago has returned to the branch where it all started
- Barclays Bank on Sibson Road.
Alex Stacey (42) is a personal banker, she lives in Birstall
and has spent most of her career at branches in Thurmaston and
Loughborough but returned to Birstall at the beginning of September.
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Nature Notes
"Plus ca change, plus les meme chose" as they say
in France (approximately). One of my first tasks, as I saw it
when I was 'elevated' to assistant heritage warden, was to test
an observation I had made in Home Park (next to Hampton Court)
many years ago. When I compared the results of several years'
bird maps for that park I found that the positions of the territories
held by certain species hardly changed from one year to another.
In my younger days I was much taken by the idea of 'ornithological
rescue', a concept used in archaeology to describe emergency
digs on building sites, much like the dig that recently revealed
iron-age Birstall - which is now a balancing pond. Instead of
old pots and organic chemical residues I was going to map the
birds on threatened sites. How big an area would I require to
census? Could I get away with a smaller one than recommended
by the powers that be? I tested several smaller sites, one of
which was the Birstall cemetery in Greengate Lane, and compared
the results with a 'recommended' site I was already working.
Almost inevitably, my test was inconclusive.
Now, 20 years later, I had the chance to test another theory
- that the sites of the various bird territories would be the
same as they were 20 years ago. Once more, I did battle with
the elements, trying to squeeze in visits on days convenient
to me and mildly clement. I drew up all the maps, though on this
occasion they were not checked by the whizz-kids of the BTO who
had moved on to other things. I did the comparison. It was not
good.
Just as the small size of the cemetery defeated me when I was
a 'rescue' addict, now it defeated me on this latest theory -
the bird populations were just not big enough for the results
to have any meaning. True there was some relation between years
for the less common birds (one to three pairs), often with a
stretch of the imagination, but the common ones? More to the
point - there was only one 'common one' 20 years ago - the blackbird
- and it was down to one pair last year. I wrote it all up, sent
it to all interested parties, and gazed despondently out of my
window.
I remembered a time in the autumn when little flocks of meadow
pipits and skylark used to fly over, going west, and when large
flocks of Canada geese descended nightly upon the harvest fields.
The Canada geese are still with us, but find adequate food without
having to exert themselves these days. Occasionally the odd pipit
or skylark will pass over, for old time's sake. Now it is the
wood pigeon flocks that have replaced them.
"The more things change, the more they stay the same",
as we may say in English.
Age Concern info
Bathing Service
Are you struggling to manage to have a bath or a shower independently?
St James Day Centre, School Lane, Birstall can help! We have
a height-adjustable bath and seat and a bath nurse to help.
Baths are available by making prior arrangements on Mon/Wed/Thursday.
Clients must provide own transport.
Costs - £3 for residents of Birstall and Wanlip; £4
for those residing outside these areas. (People arranging to
have supervised baths at private nursing or residential homes
can pay several times these amounts.)
For more information contact Helen on 2677023
Where there's A Will There's A Way
Writing a will is something all of us should do. A will ensures
that our wishes regarding any property or money or jewellery
etc we might have are carried out and those we love and care
for actually benefit. A will also enables us to plan such things
as our funeral, again making sure that everything is carried
out as we intended.
Age Concern Leicestershire and Rutland has managed to persuade
firms of local solicitors to reduce their charges for will writing
until October 31 to £30 + VAT for a single uncomplicated
will. This represents tremendous value as most firms of solicitore
usually charge in the region of £85 - £135 + VAT.
Anyone wishing to take advantage of what is a very good offer
needs to telephone 2992233 to receive a booklet giving them further
details of the solicitors involved in the promotion.
A Guide to Housing Options for Older People
Age Concern has published a guide to housing options for older
people. The book was written by the Elderly Accommodation Council
(EAC), the Association of Retired Housing Managers (ARHM) and
Age Concern's Advice, Information and Mediation Service (AIMS).
The guide explores the options aailable to older people and particulary
looks at retirement housing as one of the solutions available
to olde people. The book is aimed at older people as well as
those supporting them and covers the questions that might be
asked, and should be asked, before making a decision.
To order any book(s) from Age Concern Books or for a catalogue
please contact 0870 4422120, or write to Age Concern Books, Units
5&6 Industrial Estate, Brecon, Powys LD3 8LA. You can also
order online at - www.ageconcern.org.uk/bookshop
Direct Payments - Advocacy Support
Direct Payments are a cash alternative for services that Social
Care would otherwise arrange for Service Users. Social Care Services
approve a care plan, then direct payments are made to the service
user to enable them to buy in their own care.
Direct Payments Advocacy Support is a new and exciting opportunity
for Age Concern Leics and Rutland to expand their advocacy provision.
It will aim to ensure that service users voices are heard and
any issues with Direct Payments resolved.
The Advocacy statement is:- "Advocacy promotes social inclusion,
equality and social justice by empowering people. It enables
them to express their personal views and needs, thereby achieving
their rights and entitlements. It also assists people in securing
relevant information and knowledge, enabling them to make informed
choices."
Yasmin Shaikh states: "As the Direct Payments Advocacy Co-Ordinator
I will recruit volunteer advocates to support service users.
If you would like more information about this service, or the
volunteering opportunity, please contact me on 0116 2992239.
My working days for this project are Monday, Wednesday afternoon
and Friday. I shall be based in the Information and Advice Department
in the Age Well Centre at Lansdowne House, Leicester."
Blue Badge Online Parking Map
A new interactive online service, the first of its kind, was
launched on July 26, 2006 to make it easier for disabled people
to find designated Blue Badge scheme parking bays in 64 cities
across the UK. It will enable people to search by postcode, town
or area name and will outline any time restrictions or special
notices which may apply to the bays. The Blue Badge map can be
viewed on the internet at www.direct.gov.uk/bluebadgemap
(Dept for Work and Pensions Press Release DAC 031, July 26, 2006)
Guide to Human Rights for Older People
The British Institute of Human Rights has published a guide to
human rights aimed at older people. The guide, part of a series
designed with different audiences in mind, explains what human
rights are and gives examples of situations where they could
be relevant. It suggest practical steps that older people can
take if they believe that their human rights have been breached,
and provides a list of useful contacts.
Your Human Rights : A Guide to Human Rights for Older People
46pp. Available free from the British Institute of Human Rights,
School of Law, King's College, London, 26-29 Drury Lane, London
WC2B 5RL. Tel: 020 7848 1818 Fax: 020 7848 1814. Email: admin@bikr.org
Chief Medical Officer's Report 2005
The Department of Health has published the annual report of the
Chief Medical Officer for England. The report highlights the
key health challenges facing the country and reviews progress
with issues raised in previous annual reports. Key themes in
the report include:
o the continuing level of inappropriate variation in medical
interventions, which runs contrary to the delivery of health
services on an equitable basis;
o an examination of the airline industry, the culture of safety
and its lessons for health services and
o preparation for pandemic influenza
The Chief Medical Officer on the State of Public Health. Annual
Report 2005. 78pp. Available free from Department of Health Publications,
PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH Tel: 0870 1555455,Fax: 01623 724524.
Email: dh@prolog,uk.com. Also available on the Internet at www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/13/73/67/04137367.pdf
Guide to Osteoporosis
A guide to osteoporosis has been published, supported by various
pharmaceutical companies and the Department of Health. It is
aimed at people of all ages who are interested in improving bone
health. It explains the physiology of osteoporosis and provides
practical guidance on prevention, by age group, through healthy
eating and exercise. Relevant medication is explained.
The guide is supported by a website : www.actnowosteoporosis.co.uk
from which a pictorial exercise programme can be downloaded.
Act Now, Protect the Future - a Guide to Osteoporosis for All
Ages. 23pp. Available free from Red Door Communications, Tel:
020 8392 6924. Email: info@actnowosteo.co.uk. Also available
on the Internet at www.actnowosteoporosis.co.uk/index.html
Taxes and Savings guide 2006-07
The updated 2006-07 edition of Understanding Taxes and Savings
(formerly an Age Concern guide) is now published under the Heyday
name. It aims to help readers make the most of their money, providing
independent and impartial advice. It includes information on:
o the tax system
o personal income
o tax allowances
o self assessment
o claiming tax back
o the principles of saving and investment
o banks and building societies
o annuities
o pension planning
Understanding Taxes and Savings 2006/07 by Paul Lewis. 208pp
Price £7.99 (plus £1.95 p&p). ISBN: 0862424178.
Available from Heyday Books, Units 5&6, Industrial Estate,
Brecon, Powys, LD3 8LA. Tel: 0870 800 1155, Fax 0870 800 0100
Moving to Spain
Written by a former journalist who retired to Spain 20 years
ago, this book aims to provide people interested in going to
live there with practical information that will help them adapt
to life in another country and avoud many of the pitfalls.
Chapters cover the pros and cons of living in Spain, the people
- including the international community; cultural and other differences;
where and when to take up residence; managing the financial side;
property ownership; bureaucracy and taxation; quality of life;
health and security and other key aspects of day-to-day living;
and returning to the UK. Contact details of relevant organisations
are also provided. Moving to Spain : Everything You Need to Know
by Cyril Holbrook. 177pp. Price £7.99 (plus £1.99
p&p) ISBN : 0862424267. Available from Heyday Books, Units
5 & 6, Industrial Estate, Brecon, Powys LD3 8LA. Tel: 0870
8001155
Fair Treatment at Work Research
The Department of Trade and Industry has published research on
unfair treatment at work. Around 1.7 million people (6.9% of
employees) reported being treated unfairly in the last two years,
including 0.8% who reported unfair treatment because of their
age. Older employees are less likely to report unfair treatment
of any sort than younger workers. People aged under 25 are more
than twice as likely as over 45s to report age-related unfair
treatment.
The research asked employees if they had suffered discrimination
in the last two years and 3-5% of workers felt they had: 0.8%
reported age discrimination and 14% of employees reported they
had seen a colleague treated unfairly in the last two years,
with 1.9% saying it was on grounds of age.
Fair Treatment at Work Survey 2005 : Executive Summary by Heidi
Granger and Grant Fitzner 22pp. ISBN : 0856054011. Available
free from Employment Market Analysis and Research, Department
of Trade and Industry, Bay 4101, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H
OET. Tel: 0845 015 0010 (Quote ref. URN 06/1380) Email: publications@dti.gsi.gov.uk.
Jex Woods
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