Methodist news
Chanterelders Choir
On Saturday December 2 this choir will be giving a concert at
the Church. Admission by programme is £4 and is available
at the door. Proceeds all go to the NSPCC and the music starts
at 7.30pm.
Toys for Needy Children
On Sunday December 3 the 10.30am morning service will include
the receiving of gifts and toys for the Charnwood Toys on the
Table Appeal. Toys will go to children who might not otherwise
get a gift at Christmas. Toys on the table started over 20 years
ago, initially by the Round Table. The need is still high for
donated gifts and toys. No need to wrap anything up, just bring
it along to church in a carrier bag!
Girls Brigade Christmas Service
On Sunday December 10 the Girls Brigade, from Birstall and the
surrounding area will meet at 3pm for a Christmas service especially
for them.
Dress-up Nativity for Children
On Sunday December 17 at 3pm is a special event for younger children
who would like to follow the Christmas Story and dress up as
we go along. If you've got some suitable clothes bring them along,
if not still turn up as we've got plenty!
Carols by Candlelight
This popular Christmas Service of lessons and carols is at 6pm
on Sunday December 17. All are welcome.
Stable Story
On Christmas Eve, the morning service will include 'Stable Story'
which is presented by the Sunday Club.
New Year's Day
There will be a New Year's Day Service on Monday January 1. The
Rev Edward Sakwe follows the Cameroonian practice of holding
a service of worship on the first day of the New Year.
Christmas Appeal
The Christmas appeal this year will go to help the homeless people
of Charnwood to celebrate Christmas. Funds will be raised by
a Christmas Card postal service, donating in lieu of cards and
the collection at the 10am Christmas Day service.
Shoe Boxes for Kosovo
Friends from the Catholic Church, Birstall & Wanlip Parish
Churches and other friends in Birstall together collected a total
of 261 shoe boxes which were sent to children in Kosovo. They
were filled with gifts for children. This year we had 101 more
boxes than in 2005. The scheme is a national one run by the Samaritans
Purse organisation.
Club develops girls’ football
BIRSTALL UNITED Juniors Football Club has
now entered the female football scene.
Pic: the Under 10s Vixens
Pic: the Under 12s
From an initial open day held in July 2005 and in partnership
with the County FA and two local schools they have continued
to develop the girls to the stage that they were able to enter
two teams in the highly competitive Leicestershire & County
Girls League this season.
The Under 10 team has started well in the League, going unbeaten
to date and currently sitting in second place.
The Under 12s have faced far more experienced sides who have
been playing competitive football for three years and have still
given a good account of themselves so far.
The Vixens as they are known are fully supported by the Juniors
and play their home games at Mowmacre Hill due to the Club now
having outgrown the Meadow Lane facilities.
Vixens manager Cathy Scragg says: "Despite the size of the
village we have been able to develop the girls who are willing
to attend and I am pleased that we were able to enter the League
this season."
She added: "The Club is still looking for players to strengthen
and develop the new teams coming forward, if you are aged between
8 and 11 years old and wish to play football why not come along
to our training and see if you like it, all abilities are welcome."
The Vixens train every Saturday morning at Meadow Lane starting
at 9am. For more information contact Cathy on 2672533.
Pic: the Under 10 Vixens and the Under 12 Vixens [white shirt
centre]
Scouts’ African trip
LEICESTERSHIRE SCOUTS led by Birstall's
Richard Tinley visited Africa in August to construct springs
in a Ugandan village.
A group of 20 young people set off from Birstall Methodist Church
on August 1, finally arriving in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.
Richard said: "Driving through the centre of Kampala that
first morning is an experience most of us will never forget and
one that is very hard to describe, cars, lorries, busses and
buda-budas - push bikes and motor bike taxis - were everywhere.
Traffic only stopped at traffic lights and they were few and
far between and no-one gives way to traffic on the roundabouts.
But we made it and ended up at Baden Powell House - the Ugandan
National Scout Headquarters.
"Later in the day we set off via Jinga to Buwenda - a scout
camp overlooking the River Nile where we witnessed the most amazing
sun rises - at least those of us who were up that early - and
sun sets and we won't mention the toilets. We spent a couple
of days acclimatising, during which we visited the Source of
the Nile, then we travelled to Busia, arriving at the church
where we were going to stay, at around 6pm. Our first big surprise
was the announcement that, as it was the first Friday of the
month, there would be an all night service. We put our tents
up and then met the Ugandan scouts who would be helping us on
the project. Ugandans, like most Africans, love to sing and dance,
so while a small group went to the market to get dinner, we were
treated to a karate display and lots of singing and dancing.
Dinner that night and for most of the next 10 days, was stewed
meat, usually beef - it's cheaper than chicken , cabbage and
rice.
"After a fairly restless night, the next morning we went
to visit the springs where we would be working.
After contacting the Ugandan Water Authority we started work.
Finally, after many ups and downs, 10 days later, the work was
completed.
We said goodbye to our new friends the following morning and
headed back to Jinga, from where we headed off to the Queen Elizabeth
National Park where we saw hippos, buffalo, lions, elephants,
Ugandan Kob - a type of antelope, cranes and other assorted birds.
Mongooses and warthogs wandered around our rooms, they all opened
to the outside, at the hostel where we stayed."
The springs created will provide fresh drinking water, water
for washing clothes and for irrigating crops. The scouts are
now planning another trip to build more springs.
Your Say...
In response to your article regarding enforcing the bye-law
of keeping your dog on a lead within the playing fields of Birstall
(School Lane).
As a resident of Birstall for 25 years, as a mother who has used
the park up to three times a day with and without our family
pet at no time have I ever seen, or if I'm honest did I know
this bye-law existed , I wondered how many other residents are
also ignorant of this fact so I took time out of my busy schedule
to pay a visit to the last parish council meeting, and the outcome
of that visit left me infuriated that at 40 years old and running
a successful company employing 60 people I could leave a hall
feeling like a scolded 10 year old.
I actually agree that the dog fouling situation does need to
be improved but not by victimising those of us who are responsible
family dog owners. We use these facilities more regularly than
most, building up a rapport with the council staff, picking up
after ourselves and reporting other people. We, as the responsible
dog owners, know that the dog fouler won't be concerned by this
implementation because it will make no odds to them whether their
dog is on a lead or off a lead, on the park or outside your front
door/gate or drive, they do not care. These people stand at the
gate early morning and late evening whilst their dogs to their
business then call them back. If you take a good look on the
park, the worst areas are the entrance/exit points. Why not put
CCTV cameras and triggered lights at these points to find out
who the culprits are.
Then, to my dismay, I read that after the public left the meeting
a councillor decided to propose banning dogs from these areas
completely - how underhand is that! What gives these people the
right to make such a momentous decision that will affect a large
proportion of Birstall's population without first discussing
it with the residents most affected. Ah yes, I know the fact
that they are councillors at least for the next six months -
isn't it re-election in May. I wonder if the councillor who proposed
it actually owns a dog.
Then we reach the point that if this law is to be enforced, how
can it be implemented fairly and at all times when the only person
who can issue a fine is the dog warden who works how many hours
a week? One, or is it more?
As an afterthought, whilst all this has been going on, the playing
fields have again faced a barrage of vandalism. The tarmac under
the swings on I think three or four consecutive nights dug up,
swings now removed and not replaced, benches and pavements spray
painted, glass bottles smashed all over the fields and around
the play area. Our children have more chance of standing in glass
than dog muck. Bins loaded with fireworks, flower beds dug up,
the grass verge which should be renamed scooter and skateboard
hill, wooden bollards kicked down, need I go on.
Parish Council, please get your priorities right but not by punishing
those of who are responsible and do care for our community.
Name & address supplied
Developments on or near the A6/A46 junction: I was unable
to go to the meeting in Rothley but I was informed that the officers
who came from Charnwood did not give any useful details. Why
have a meeting without any information? Why was the meeting held
in Rothley? Any development north of the A46 and also near to
the junction will affect Birstall more than any other district.
The only reason I can surmise is that the area chosen is not
Birstall, but either Wanlip or Rothley. At least we could be
informed of the area that is chosen. What will be the address
of these new developments? If the area is Rothley, can Rothley
object to boundary changes? The Triangulation Society wants people
to look after Trig pillars, not to move them. Unless we go back
to original plans before 2001 then there will be more traffic
coming through Birstall, more pollution in Birstall and more
dangerous driving.
Some years ago the Highway People designed that Loughborough
Road traffic should have the green light twice compared with
one for Sibson Road and Greengate Lane. Well, not only are more
motorists driving both ways along the Alliance/Dentist road but
they are driving faster We must go back to the time when Loughborough
Road, Greengate Lane, and Sibson Road were equal. Also we teach
our children to watch for the green man. At peak times it is
impossible to make a complete crossing at Sibson Road. It is
not pleasant to stand in the centre refuge when motorists zoom
by. Motorists have been crawling along and they see a space:
down goes the foot and the speed is well above 40mph. Can the
Highway people give the green man more time allowance?
Les Briers
I have been running junior cricket matches on the park all
summer and to save embarrassment I always check the outfield
and the pitch for dog mess before any of the players arrive,
over this time the problem, although there, has not been too
bad. Now my son is playing football on the park for Birstall
Utd, the problem of dog mess seems to have got a lot worse, whether
this is due to the dark nights, I do not know. Managers are having
to go all over the pitches and having to clean up other people's
dog mess, the referees are sometimes having to stop the games
due to a pile of mess…
I know that this like everything is due to the minority and not
the majority but come on please have some thought for others,
the parks in Birstall are open to everyone to enjoy including
dogs and their owners, I take my children to the parks if they
drop something I will pick it up and take it home… Can you
dog owners please do the same…You know who you are…
Andy Corbett
Thanks to the information contained in the Birstall Post I
attended the public meeting at Rothley convened so that the public
could, to quote your item 'Ask questions and air their views
about the proposals for a major industrial site north of Birstall'.
Given the abortion of an industrial development that has appeared
to the north of the Wyevale Garden Centre, I was interested to
find out what other plans were being contemplated and to make
known to the Charnwood Borough hierarchy my objections to any
further such developments, particularly if they were to be of
similar style and design to the recent buildings. No new information
on the projects was forthcoming during the course of the meting.
The reasons for this were firstly, although the Planning Officer
gave a very professional presentation, it became apparent very
early on that he could not answer any pertinent questions because
the information required was either outside his terms of reference
or was within the remit of the East Midlands Development Agency.
As the evening progressed, I was reminded of the advertisement
for the Nationwide Building Society where the hapless employee
keeps saying 'We don't do that. We don't do that.'
Secondly , the person or persons from Charnwood Council who could
presumably have thrown more light on the proposals were noticeable
by their absence.
Thirdly, there was no representative of the East Midlands Development
Agency present and yet that agency would appear to be the master
planner in all this.
There were a lot of people present, like myself, who had never
heard of the East Midlands Development Agency. It was explained
that this type of agency was replicated nationwide and was set
up at the behest of the Deputy Primer Minister's Office. They
consist of people chosen by that office and answerable only to
that office. They decree how much land should be made available
for housing and industrial development in a particular area and
inform the relevant local authority, in our case Charnwood Borough
Council, of their conclusions.
So what it appears to mean in simple terms is that the East Midlands
Development Agency say 'Jump' and Charnwood Borough Council says
'How high'. Our democratically elected representatives have little,
if any, control over issues which greatly affect the electorate.
Surely, this cannot be right!
Ignoring my political persuasions, (and I have through my life
voted from time to time for all the three major parties) having
heard that John Prescott was in charge, it explained one or two
of the issues which stick in my craw. Who in their right mind
would countenance the ribbon development from Leicester to Loughborough
along the beautiful Soar Valley and who in their right mind would
countenance the building of such aesthetically inept buildings
in that area. Only someone like John Prescott who has the same
high moral values as a raffle ticket and who does not know the
meaning of the word aesthetics: but there again, neither does
he appear to know the meaning of quite a few other words.
If we are to change things, then firstly we have got to get shut
of the Labour Party both locally and nationally and force them
to return to their democratic routes and to start listening to
the public. Their successors in both national and local government
must show that they will adhere to the same democratic concept
by promising to get shut of the EMDA. Secondly, we the general
public have got to become more politically (with a small 'p')
aware and remember, when John Prescott put his ideas on regional
assemblies to the electorate in the north east, it was thrown
out. However, what we would appear to have in these regional
development associations, is back door regionalisation.
The reason we find ourselves in this sorry mess is apathy. We
don't vote, we don't attend public meetings and we don't call
our chosen representatives to account. (There were barely 100
people at the Rothley meeting). Too often we say that no one
will listen to us, we can't change anything. Well, if we don't
stand up and be counted then that is true. The organisers of
the Rothley meeting have agreed to demand that senior representatives
from Charnwood, EMDA and indeed our local MPs attend and explain
their actions and proposed actions at the next meeting, It would
add more clout to the arguments if the whole cross section of
people living in our are, young and old alike, were present to
say a loud 'no' to the present shenanigans. It is not unreasonable
to expect a member of each household to attend is it? After all,
these decisions affect us all. S watch the Birstall Post for
the time and date of the next meeting.
There is little doubt that we cannot change what has already
been agreed but we must think to the future. Our children and
our children's children have a right to expect that of us. Where
will the next development be forced on us? Consider the knock-on
effects of the suggested Congestion Charges to users of the A6
and the A46. This is yet another regional scheme. Do we want
it? Make your voice heard.
David Gaskell.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Wells of
Syston, who kindly donated a brand new punch bag to the gym.
Mr Wells is a former resident of Birstall and wanted to put the
bag to some use as his children had grown tired of it.
Many thanks
Yours in sport
Carl Gunns
I feel I must reply to the letter entitled Bus Route in the
November issue of the Birstall Post.
It states that six 127s and one X6 would easily compensate for
the loss of service No.99.
As these buses run along the main A6 they could not possibly
be of any help to the people that the service 99 serves. I feel
the writer does not understand that the service 99 is designed
to reach the places other buses don't, for example the roads
on the Lawn estate, Lambourne & Orchard Road before continuing
to several roads off Birstall Road.
The shops referred to can, with the exception of Tesco, all be
found in Leicester City centre and this is where most passengers
wish to go.
It was a long hard struggle to keep service 99 running, it may
not be much but to many people in this village it is a lifeline.
So, let's enjoy what we have and please don't rock the boat by
asking for more.
Raymond J Hunt
For the evil low life of our area.
For the fourth time at £35 a throw the bird feeders on
the front of Riversdale Court have been stolen. A bicycle was
also taken. Now I concede and will not purchase more equipment
for you to purloin. In saying this I would like them to know
that apart from depriving the wild birds of a necessary food
station they have also taken away the pleasure of four elderly
and infirm ladies who watched them. Well done!
Should you be infected by bird flu by handling the feeders please
do not expect sympathy from me.
From a disgusted World War 2 veteran. Why did we bother?
Ken Morton
When we retire and find we no longer have a continuous stream
of information or tasks we have to process we turn to other things
like golf, gardening and gossip. However, to many of us, especially
retired business men, even this leaves a gap in our enjoyment
or interest spectrum. Interaction or sensible (even technical)verbal
intercourse is missing and the 'little grey cells' begin to decline.
The answer is to maintain some contact with the wider world and
this can be achieved by participating in the monthly luncheon
organised by the Loughborough Probus (Professional Businessmen's
club).
Some 40 such gentlemen meet at the Carillon Banqueting rooms,
Ashby Square, Loughborough, nominally on the second Thursday
of each month. For a £5 joining fee and a charge of £10
per meal you can chat away to academics, engineers, doctors,
librarians and the like and thus exercise your thinking process.
Every quarter there is a 'Ladies' luncheon when your counterparts
or guest can join in and most Thursdays there is a guest speaker
to entertain us for half an hour.
The Secretary is Dr Ian Keil, 177 Forest Road, Loughborough LE11
3HS. Tel: 01509 212025 so why not contact him and come and join
us.
Norman Pratt
Daphne and family would like to say a very big thank you to
all those who sent cards, flowers and warm wishes following the
death of our mother (Win).
Only those who have been through this will know what a great
comfort these things are.
A special thank you to those who ferried me to and from the hospital
during the last weeks, I don't know what I would have done without
you.
Daphne Stephenson
A special big thank you to all who knitted, donated and helped
to fill and pack 108 shoe boxes. They are off to the Ukraine
in November.
Can we do the same next year?
Many many thanks
Daphne Stephenson
In the last edition you published my story about an event
to help raise money for Bridie, a beautiful 11 year old lady
who is severely disabled with a very rare brain disorder. All
she wants for birthdays and Christmas is a bike as she has spent
10 years watching her brother and sisters from her wheelchair,
grow up riding theirs.
Last Saturday (Nov 11) Bridie's friends and family held a 'Table
Top Sale' with raffle, at Barkby Village Hall, Barkby to raise
money towards having a bike made for her disabilities. We were
overwhelmed by people's generosity and kindness. We would especially
like to thank a lady from Birstall who sold items on Ebay and
gave us the proceeds and a very kind man who gave us a cheque
for £100!
The total raised was £1,137.55! With this amount we are
hoping to be able to order her an 'arrow walker' as well which
is a machine which can help her move around other than in her
chair.
Thank you all so much for helping this little lady's dream come
true!
Sue Tuckwood
I find it quite ironic that Andy Corbett of Birstall Village
Cricket Club is calling now (Mercury Mailbox on Oct 31) for a
building to be erected on the former bowling green site where
all the many junior members of the cricket and football clubs
and perhaps young people who at present are unable to get places
at the gym run by Carl Gunns) could train indoors.
I agree with him, it is a great idea but when my letter was published
in The Birstall Post a few years ago suggesting a sports hall
be built on that site nobody responded to support that idea,
no comments were forthcoming from any of the sports clubs in
Birstall which was very surprising and disappointing. Just one
person, a parish councillor, did write to say that such a facility
would be beyond the scope of Birstall Parish Council to provide.
Apathy, disinterest were all around unfortunately.
However we find now that a new sports pavilion, containing four
changing rooms, showers and a social area and costing over £200,000
is being built on the School Lane playing field. So it appears
that a sports facility, probably costing almost a quarter of
a million pounds by the time it is built, is not beyond the scope
of Birstall Parish Council to provide.
Possibly the non-response to my letter, the complete non-interest
by the sports clubs in my idea for a sports hall on the site
was an important factor in the Parish Council deciding that creating
a car park would be a better use for the site - in my view a
stupid car park if created there because it is not needed at
that end of Sibson Road.
However I suppose the site is not yet lost for the sports needs
of young people (and perhaps for some older people also), that
it is not too late to preserve such an important site for needed
community use. I suggest that those running Birstall Cricket
Club and the football clubs liaise with Carl Gunns and co-operate
and organise a petition amongst the general public (which hopefully
would gather a large number of names) which would urge Birstall
Parish Council to abandon the proposal to create a car park and
use the site instead for a sports facility.
Jex Woods
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Corbett’s cricket corner
The Junior Presentation Night was held
in November at the Social Club, the room was packed with members
and their families.
They enjoyed a disco and an Elvis Presley impersonator, former
Birstall council worker, Dave Page. Elvis was booked for a 30
minutes spot but due to the demand he played on for over three
hours.
All the under 10 representatives received a medal and there were
also individual awards for: Zak Barnsby, Sam Hulme, Max Lewin,
George Corbett, Yash Thakrar, Neel Thakrur, Ban Drake, George
Ager, Kahil Mann-Kler, Adam Hopkins, Jonathan Gaydon, Mohammed
Mawji, Pradeep Sood, Tamir Mann-Kler, Sam Carnan, Tom Pattenden,
Jamie Drake, Pav Tailor.
There were also special awards presented by club sponsor Rob
Frizzell to Club Volunteer of the year Chris Hopkins, manager
of the Under 10s and a Thank You Award went to Hamish Carnan
who retired this season after many years running the juniors.
A local lady Rose Parrott kindly donated a trophy to the best
overall junior player which this year went to Jamie Drake (below)
Pic: Rose Parrott & Jamie Drake
Rose said: "When my parents died some years ago, there were
some extra funds for charitable causes which I decided to use
to help others, to make a difference to their lives. My interest
in cricket, contacts with people who played, and my long standing
work with children and youth, led to buying a trophy to reward
the best improved Junior Players of the Year. Cricket is like
life, it has everything, talent, skill, ambition, team work,
relationships, belonging, as well as being fun to do and to watch.
You can be inspired by others, but you have to do the best you
can in your way, and continually meet individual and group challenges
and move on to new ones.
"At the rewards ceremony, many youngsters received recognition
for skill, talent, loyalty and service to the sport, the team
and the Club. Although my trophy was one of many and there was
stiff competition to win it, all the awards were important to
those who received them."
She added: "The whole evening had a lovely atmosphere, with
so many families, supporters and youngsters having fun, being
together. A surprise visit from Elvis Presley and his entertaining
singing and dancing, rounded off an evening to remember. It is
important we support our youngsters and remember most of the
time, there is always something, they say or do that we can be
proud of."
Pic: Andy Corbett with Paul Oldcorn
The cricket nets have now started at Mountsorrel Leisure Centre
on Saturdays from 5 until 6pm, due to the numbers of youngsters
attending the nets, first team player Paul Oldcorn has now joined
the Coaching Staff and will be running one of the age groups
next season.
As we are heading for the long winter and another year has nearly
gone I always look back and think 'what a fantastic year the
juniors have had'.
Darren Maddy coming to coach the lads, Tom New from Leicestershire
CC came down and helped some of the members with cricket force,
Tony Wadsworth doing a live show from the park bowling and batting
with some of the juniors, Leicestershire CC playing against Birstall
Village on the park the first time since 1974, four juniors now
playing for their respective county sides, the first XI winning
the league with three games to spare. With all these memories
I am now making plans for next year and some surprises are planned.
Some things however never change, the pavilion has again been
daubed with graffiti but we will not be beaten and the culprits
will be caught like they were previously.
I would like to finish this year by thanking every supporter
of the club and wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year.
From Andy Corbett
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Top shop
BIRSTALL DIY has won an award for its customer
service.
The shop, on Birstall Road, is one of 25 out of 200 in the Mica
Local chain to win a Gold award after being visited by a mystery
shopper.
Nick Wardle of Birstall DIY said: "We work hard and are
thrilled that this fantastic award acknowledges that."
Birstall on top
BIRSTALL GOLF Club captain Brian Payne
won three prizes in one day at the annual tournament organised
by the charity 'Children with Leukaemia' for golf clubs that
have raised funds for it over the previous year.
Pic: Brian Payne (left) with Sandy
Lyle
Some 60 present and immediate past captains contested the event,
but none could better his 34 stableford points around Wentworth's
prestigious West Course, which hosts the European PGA Championship
every year.
That was good enough to earn him the individual title, and when
combined with the points gained by the club's immediate past
captain Rod White, it won Birstall the club event.
And to complete the hat-trick of titles, Birstall won the team
of four event when their points were combined with those won
by Russ Perry and Gerry Cavanagh, from the Lakeside Golf Club
in Staffordshire, with whom they were paired.
They received their prizes from former US Masters and British
Open champion Sandy Lyle. Brian, who plays off a handicap of
seven, was impressed with both the course and its surroundings.
He said "Technically it is the best golf course I have every
played. It is also intimidating because you stand on some of
the tees and wonder where the hole actually goes.
"But it was absolute pleasure to play, and I was thrilled
to get three birdies, including both the 1st and the 18th. We
also spent quite some time admiring the beautiful houses around
the course as well."
News from St James Church
AS CHRISTMAS approaches and the Christmas cards start to arrive,
there are some greetings which appear with predictable regularity.
The Happy/Merry Christmases, Season's Greetings etc we probably
ignore as we look inside the card to see whether this is from
someone we've forgotten to send one to! The occasional Peace
on Earth, Goodwill to All, Blessed Christmas may catch your eye
only because it's a less usual greeting these days.
Bur for many of us, this is a time of year when children are
the focus of most attention, and those adults lucky enough to
receive a card hand-made by a young child feel they really have
received something special.
As this is being written, the annual Children in Need appeal
is in full swing, producing much-needed funds for deprived children.
We also know that many children here in Britain receive (and
expect) a great deal at Christmas and it is good for them to
be reminded how there are millions of youngsters all over the
world who have never received a gift of any sort in their young
lives.
Several local people have tried to bring a little cheer into
the lives of children in underdeveloped and war-torn countries
in recent years by sending them shoeboxes, filled with small
gifts, of the sort that our children might receive in their Christmas
stockings. These are a source of sheer delight to those who have
nothing to look forward to. It will be too late by the time this
is published, to start filling more boxes to send to children's
homes, but any gifts of money can help to send these goods on
their way.
It is also true that cash sent to local charity workers in their
own country can often buy some of the necessities of life much
more cheaply than goods bought here and sent abroad. Adam Wilby
at 6 Walker Road, Birstall who is sending gifts to children in
Nepal this year through 'Child Smile' would be very happy to
receive contributions for this, as would Alastair McHugh at 36
Park Road, Birstall on behalf of the Lazarus and Jeel Al-Amal
(Children of Hope) Children's Homes in occupied Palestine.
Whether we think about it or not, the only reason that we send
out all those Christmas cards is to celebrate the birth, in the
most deprived circumstances, 2006 years ago, of a boy in Bethlehem
in Palestine, which was at that time occupied by Roman soldiers.
Jesus Christ was a very special child. You will be very welcome
to celebrate his birth with us at any of the services at St James,
Birstall or at Our Lady and St Nicholas at Wanlip. The details
along with other church services will be found on the back page
of this Birstall Post.
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Age Concern Info
Definition of Disability Within Anti-Discrimination Legislation
Following a consultation in November 2005 (to which Age Concern
responded) the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has recommended
that the definition of disability under the Disability Discrimination
Act 1995 be altered. Under the DRC proposal, the law would give
protection from discrimination to anyone who has (or has had
or is perceived to have) an impairment, without requiring the
impairment to be substantial and long term as under current legislation
The DRC argues that this change would bring a number of benefits,
including greater clarity and certainty. It would also shift
the focus away from the medical condition of the individual towards
the fairness or otherwise of the employer/service provider. However,
the DRC is also recommending that a limited number of trivial
conditions be excluded from the definition of 'impairment'.
Definition of Disability within Anti-Discrimination Legislation.
Only available on the internet at www.drc_gb.org/about_us/commission_for_equality_and_hu/definition_of_disability_withi.aspx
Endowment Mortgages : FSA Factsheets
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has been working to raise
awareness around mortgage endowments for some time. Many consumers
have now taken action to address projected shortfalls and where
there had been mis-selling, have complained and sought redress.
The FSA produces a factsheet, Endowment Mortgage Complaints,
which sets out how people can complain. It also explains about
the time limits for making complaints and how compensation is
worked out. FSA research suggests that some 100,000 consumers
feel they cannot afford to take action to address their mortgage
shortfall.
A new factsheet has been produced to help people review their
position, encourage them to take action if needed and explains
what to do at a later stage if they cannot take action now. The
FSA is particularly concerned that older consumers - including
those already retired - receive the help that they need.
FSA Factsheet - Endowment Mortgage Complaints. 12pp.
FSA Factsheet - Will Your Investment or Savings Plan Pay Off
Your Mortgage? 6pp Both available free from the FSA tel: 0845
606 1234. Also available on the Internet at www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/_publications/index.html
Attitudes to Paying for Care : National Opinion Poll
Help the Aged has published a report on a national opinion poll,
asking a sample of 942 people between the ages of 45 and 65 whether
they had planned ahead for care in later life and how the costs
of their care needs might be met in the future. The poll found
that:
o 62% had not made any plans;
o 53% agreed that the Government should always pay for all care
costs;
o 65% said they would be happy to pay more tax, if it meant more
care was available for older people;
o 55% believed that their Basic State Pension would cover care
costs;
o 50% thought the Government would pay for their care costs;
o 21% said they expected to rely on relatives; and
o 46% of respondents who own their own home are resigned to the
fact they might have to sell their home.
Recommendations made by Help the Aged are:
o the current means test should be ended;
o the Government should increase the upper capital limits;
o the personal expenses allowance should be doubled to £40
per week;
o there should be consistency in fully-funded NHS health care;
o the Government should provide information about what the State
will not provide; and
o independent impartial advice on paying for care should be available
'Attitudes to Paying for Care and Care Homes in Older Age'. 6pp.
Available free from Help the Aged Press Office, 207-221 Pentonville
Road, London N1 9UZ Tel: 020 7278 1114. Fax.020 7278 1116. Email:
info@helptheaged.org.uk
Breaks From Caring : MENCAP Report
A new report from MENCAP is a follow-up of a 2003 publication
also called 'Breaking Point', which looked at the experiences
of families caring for adults or children with severe or profound
learning disabilities. It includes a MENCAP charter for short
breaks, based on the principle that no family should ever reach
breaking point due to caring responsibilities.
MENCAP argues that carers should be entitled to a needs assessment
and a written support plan and a minimum level of respite care.
This entitlement should be backed by an increased carers' grant
with Government closely monitoring how the money is spent. Local
authorities should review whether respite care services are adequate
and there should be a review of respite services by inspection
and regulation agencies.
'Breaking Point: Families Still Need a Break. A Report on the
Continuing Problem of Caring Without A Break for Children and
Adults with Severe and Profound Learning Disabilities'. 25pp.
Available free from MENCAP, 123 Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0RT.
Tel: 020 7696 6900. Fax: 020 7696 6930. Email: publications@mencap.org.uk.
Resource for People Bereaved by Sudden Death
A Department of Health guide is aimed at people who are affected
by suicide and other sudden, traumatic death. It also provides
information for professionals on how to support bereaved people.
The following issues are covered:
o practical matters - such as an inquest;
o experiencing bereavement; and
o the needs of particular groups of bereaved people, including
older people.
'Help is at Hand : A Resource for People Bereaved by Suicide
and Other Sudden Traumatic Death' 48pp. Available free from Department
of Health Publications, P O Box 777, London SE1 6XH Tel: 0870
1555455. Fax: 01623 724524
Campaigns Being Undertaken By Age Concern : Hungry To Be Heard
Age Concern Leics & Rutland have sent letters to all local
MPs outlining the campaign and asking for their support. Several
replies have already been received offering support. Following
a letter in local newspapers some people have agreed to tell
Age Concern about their personal/family members' experiences
whilst in hospital regarding mealtimes etc. Some of their statements
may be used to further the campaign.
Rural Post Offices (Stamped Out)
Age Concern England has carried out a survey which has disclosed
the following facts:
o the proportion of people aged over 65 living in rural areas
is growing;
o there are 8.037 post offices in rural area with populations
of less than 10,000
o 144 rural branches closed in 2004-05;
o one third of rural householders find it difficult to get to
a post office once their local branch closes down; and
o closures can leave disadvantaged groups without easy access
to cash, basic groceries and other services.
The Government subsidy of £150 million per year helps those
8,037 rural post offices. This money is due to run out in March
2008. The Government will be consulting about the continuation
of the subsidy. Age Concern Leics & Rutland have sent letters
to all local MPs outlining concerns and the necessity to save
rural post offices. Several replies show support for the campaign.
Letters will be written again to the MPs to urge them to support
the 'Early Day Motion' to try to ensure the £150 million
a year subsidy is renewed.
Personal Expense Allowance (in Care Homes)
Age Concern England has decided to launch a campaign calling
on the Government to provide funding to increase the personal
expenses allowance (PEA) for local authority supported residents
to £40 per week (Current figure is £19.60)
Age Concern Leics & Rutland have written to Leics County
Council & Rutland County Council asking for details of their
policies on using discretion and letting a resident have more
than £19.60 if needed. A reply from Leics County Council
stated that the information asked for was not readily available
and would take some time to compile. Age Concern has been asked
to contact another person at the council who may be able to help.
A reply is being sought from Rutland County Council.
Pension Reform
Following the White Paper on Pension Reform, Age Concern Leics
& Rutland wrote to all local MPs to point out that although
some of the proposed reforms are welcomed for future older people
there is nothing in the plans for current pensioners. Replies
have been received but no real comments on current pensioners.
Concerns were forwarded also to the office at the Department
of Work and Pensions. A reply has been received from James Purnell,
Minister of State for Pensions Reform. Again he really only reconfirmed
the future reforms but offered nothing that is going to help
pensioners now!
Jex Woods
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