Garden trail’s charity cash
BIRSTALL METHODIST Church Garden Trail
Committee presented a cheque for £1,500 to Macmillan Cancer
Support at the Manse on Park Road, the proceeds from this summer's
garden trail.
Pic: (l-r) Marjorie Kirk, Sylvia
Taylor, John Kilby,
Stan Mee (representing Macmillan Cancer Research),
Rev Edward Sakwe, David Bark (Chair of the Garden
Trail Committee), Pat White and Janet Dodgeon.
Spokesman David Bark said: "Thanks were given to the garden
owners who had opened their gardens and all the helpers who helped
make the event a great success despite the bad weather on the
Saturday. A total of over £3,200 was raised of which £1,500
was given to Macmillan Cancer Support. The balance of the proceeds
will be used for the benefit of the church."
Burglar jailed
A BURGLAR who stole from properties in
Birstall and Wanlip has been jailed for 27 months.
Carl Christopher Bailey (26), of no fixed address, is a drug
addict. He stole two jackets, bankcards, a mobile phone and other
items from a property in Gwendolin Avenue.
The next day he broke into a garage on Church Road, Wanlip, and
stole a purse from a camper van. A neighbour saw him, alerted
the Police, and Bailey was arrested in a back garden.
NHW news & Crime Report
A BURGLAR who stole from properties in
Birstall and Wanlip has been jailed for 27 months.
Carl Christopher Bailey (26), of no fixed address, is a drug
addict. He stole two jackets, bankcards, a mobile phone and other
items from a property in Gwendolin Avenue.
The next day he broke into a garage on Church Road, Wanlip, and
stole a purse from a camper van. A neighbour saw him, alerted
the Police, and Bailey was arrested in a back garden.
Crime Report, May 15 - Apr 20, 2007
Burglary dwelling 4 , burglary other 6, damage 12, theft of motor
vehicle 2, theft from motor vehicle 7, damage to motor vehicle
9, robbery 3, theft 4
Festival of sport
CHILDREN FROM Birstall's primary schools
and young sports leaders from Stonehill and Longslade took part
in a multi sports festival in July.
The event, held at Loughborough University, involved basketball,
kurling and speed, agility and quickness exercises.
It was organised by Phil Lord, school sports co-ordinator for
Stonehill and the Martin High Schools. He said: "We wanted
to finish the summer term with a bang so invited all our primary
schools to take part. Twelve schools took up the invitation and
had a great time competing for the partnership trophy which Thrussington
Primary School won at the end of an exciting day's competition."
Killer cast slay audience
A TALENTED and dedicated cast of students
entertained sell out crowds with their end of term performance
of the Queen musical 'We Will Rock You'.
Pic: (left) Rebecca Cartwright
as Meat, (left)
Nic Yorke as Scaramouche (centre) & Ally Jones
as Britney
Pic: Chris Booker as Galileo
The musical, with a script by Ben Elton, tells the story of how
rock and roll rebels save the future of the planet from the evil,
music hating Killer Queen.
Pic: (left) Kayleigh Moore as Killer Queen
& Beth Marvin as Khashoggi
Head of Drama Carl Jeffrey said: "The cast learnt the whole
show in a whirlwind three weeks and still managed to put on a
high-powered rock performance that had the crowds on their feet
singing along to 'We Are the Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody'.
Nic Yorke as Scaramouche and Chris Booker as Galileo led the
cast with style and confidence. Technical teams produced a high-tec
extravaganza to compliment energetic dance numbers. Finally,
the crowd rose to salute the band…almost as good as the
real thing!
Carl added: "This is the most talented cast I've ever worked
with. They have been thoroughly professional. They are a credit
to Longslade."
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BAGS fun run in park
A CHARITY fun around Watermead Country
Park has raised over £1000 for cancer charities.
The 3 mile walk/run was organised by Birstall Bags (Breast Cancer
Awareness Group). Emma Shaw said : "We had a brilliant day,
regardless of the rain. A big thank you to everyone who made
cakes for us to sell on the day and to those people and local
businesses that donated prizes for the raffle.
"We would also like to thank Sue Farrell for doing the warm
up for us, it was much needed, and Lesley Merry and Jenn Boyall
for running the very successful cake stall, and all the other
volunteers. A final thank you to Dale Osborne, Senior Ranger
at Watermead Country Park for his support and encouragement."
Pic: Sue Farrell leads the warm up
Pic:ee Wells and Lesley Merry at the cake
stall
140 people entered the race - the fastest runner was Ben Lang
ton 21mins 34secs, fastest bicycle James Cross 13mins 16secs
and fastest walker Jacob Benfield 48mins 16secs.
Birstall Bags have now raised a total of £12,000 for cancer
charities.
Tennis in the rain
BIRSTALL TENNIS players are a hardy lot
- never let it be said that bad weather puts them off their stroke!
On the eve of Wimbledon, Birstall Watermead Tennis Club held
its annual Strawberry Tournament, a fun doubles event for players
of all abilities, followed by a Strawberry Lunch.
As a sign of things to come at the All England Championships,
it rained throughout, but it was never heavy enough to deter
the 30 players who thoroughly enjoyed the informal atmosphere.
Some of the money raised from the event will be sent to Rainbows
Children's Hospice in Loughborough.
This month, another popular social event, a fish and chip supper,
will be held in the clubhouse, following a light-hearted doubles
tournament.
Meanwhile, in the Leicestershire Summer Leagues, Birstall Watermead's
First Men's Team has been producing some outstanding performances,
and at the time of going to press, had won every match, to secure
promotion for the second year running.
The club is now in the middle of mixed league tennis matches
and then in September players brace themselves for the annual
club championships, played over two weeks.
On October 12, a Race Night will be held in the main function
room at the Co-op Sports and Social Club for members, family
and friends. A buffet will be provided and the presentation of
championship trophies will take place during the evening.
Normal club sessions are still being held on Wednesday evenings
and Sunday mornings, so the message to members, both old and
new, is come along and support your club and above all, have
fun.
New clerk
BIRSTALL PARISH Council's new clerk is
Brenda Thomas.
Brenda (45) has more then 20 years' experience of council work
at district level: 19 years with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough
Council and 12 months with North West Leicestershire.
She was a general manager at both authorities and her duties
have included being responsible for elections, property services
and customer services.
She said: "I think Birstall's a lovely village with excellent
shopping facilities and I'm looking forward to meeting people
- everyone is welcome to come into the office and meet me."
Brenda says the principal challenge of the job is to ensure that
business is conducted according to standing orders and that the
Parish Council operates effectively and efficiently.
The Council intends to pursue Quality Status which involves staff
training and the auditing of Council procedures.
Weather report
THE FIRST in a monthly series of weather
news from local weather expert Phil Morrish, a teacher at Riverside
School.
Birstall was swamped by more than 20mm of rain in just one hour
during Sunday July 8 from 6.30pm, half the month's normal rainfall.
The gala evening concert was washed out. Roads and gardens were
flooded in the most intense downpour the village had seen in
20 years.
In June, Birstall had 152.4mm (six inches) of rain and in July,
the average July total of 60mm was reached in the first five
days.
Let's hope the end of the summer is better than the start!
Club proud of talent
BIRSTALL GOLF Club's Michael Reed won the
Wykes Bowl for winning the Leicestershire County Matchplay Championship,
beating club-mate Scott Wormleighton in the final and continuing
the dramatic success of the club's young golfers.
Pic: Michael Reed & Scott Wormleighton
Reed, aged just 17, is one of the youngest ever winners of the
title, and is having a stellar season, having also been picked
to represent England Schoolboys against Scotland later this year.
He won the final at Market Harborough Golf Club emphatically,
being six holes up with four to play, with an excellent outward
nine, winning the 2nd, 4th and 5th to take a good lead and cementing
the advantage with wins at the 8th and 9th.
The players exchanged holes in the second half, with Reed winning
the 10th and 12th between victories for Wormleighton on the 11th
and 13th. But the match was all over when Reed won the 14th after
Wormleighton drove into trouble.
Reed got a walk-over in the first round, he then beat J Holmes
from Lutterworth 4 and 3 in the quarter final, before prevailing
by two holes over J Palmer from Kirby Muxloe in the semi final.
Wormleighton had three successive 3 and 2 victories, over P Dixon
(Willesley Park) in the first round, over C Brigges of Longcliffe
in the quarter finals and then Kilworth Springs' S Mayfield
in the semi final.
Birstall club skipper Dean Grimbley congratulated both players
for their success, which further underline the club's playing
strength: "We have got a terrific crop of young players,
which bodes very well for the future. The whole club is very
proud of their achievements."
End of year show
OUR PICTURES show some of the work by students
at Longslade College's Art, Design and Technology department's
end of year exhibition.
Pic: Jennifer Pethick, Head of
Design &
Technology at Longslade
There are 14 teachers in the department and 500 students studying
for GCSE, A level and BTEC qualifications. Principal Dr Mike
Griffiths said: "I'm very proud of the students' work, it's
a very high standard and the department is making very strong
progress."
The department has attracted sponsorship of £1500 a year
from software development company GI Direct who have gone on
to employ several students.
Longslade is the only school in the county to offer BTEC Construction
on campus. The course, now in its second year, teaches brick
laying, plastering and joinery. In September, Longslade will
be offering A level in Music Technology for the first time.
Minnie’s Wanlip memories
RECENT FIRST time visitors to Birstall
were Bob and Shirley Draper from Bendigo, Victoria in Australia
who wanted to see some of the places remembered by Bob's 92 year
old mother who, as Minnie Clarke, lived in Wanlip in the 1920s.
Pic: Bob and Shirley Draper with
92 year old Minnie
Through the good offices of the Leicester Mercury they were introduced
to Mike Smith, secretary of Birstall Local History Society and,
armed with a sheaf of Minnie's beautiful written notes and some
old photographs, they spent the morning attempting to make a
photographic record of the places mentioned.
It was soon apparent that apart from Birstall's blacksmith's
forge and National School, which Minnie attended after Wanlip
School closed in 1922, little remained from their mother's time.
In Wanlip she had written of the house where she had lived, the
school, the rectory and the hall, all of which, to our visitors'
disappointment, had long been demolished and replaced.
Probably the biggest surprise to Bob and Shirley was the transformation
of what was remembered as the quiet Fillingate country lane into
the busy four lane A46 trunk road. Minnie also recalled that,
as a seven year old regardless of the weather she walked daily
from Wanlip to Birstall and back to attend school.
Positive green message
THE PUBLIC needs to hear more about the
positive efforts companies are making to help the environment,
and rather fewer negative stories, says TV environmentalist Professor
David Bellamy OBE.
Pic: (l-r) Jan Telensky, a Slovakian
green
entrepreneur, Jonathan Wheeler and Dr David Bellamy.
He was commenting while presenting Jonathan Wheeler, managing
director of Birstall-based Wheeler Woodhouse Public Relations
Ltd with a Green Heroes plaque on behalf of the company's client
The Glenside Group. The award was made by Green Organisation,
a body that aims to reward environmental best practice.
Making the award, Dr Bellamy said: "How can we explain to
the public how we can solve environmental problems if they never
hear any good news about the progress being made?"
The Glenside Group, based at Stirling, Scotland, helps farmers
achieve efficient food production by using a detailed soil test
and the agronomic expertise of its nationwide network of advisers
to ensure their soils are working to optimum efficiency.
The company received the Green Heroes plaque for the completely
recyclable packaging it now offers with most of its liquid plant
stimulants.
Jonathan explained: "The boxes are made from 100% recyclable
cardboard, which itself contains 50% recycled paper, while the
inners are made from 100% recyclable food grade plastic. The
boxes can be folded flat and disposed of with other household
cardboard, while the inners - once rinsed out - can be disposed
of with other domestic rubbish. Glenside introduced the system
well in advance of the tightening of waste disposal rules for
businesses, and it has been accepted enthusiastically by customers."
He added: "I agree with Dr Bellamy's thoughts regarding
'good news' on the environment. Companies like Glenside are doing
as much as they can to ensure their and their customers' businesses
have minimal environment impact - and I am sure many others do
likewise - yet we hear very little about such 'best practice'
and rather too many predictions of disaster.
"Maybe if more people did hear the good news, and copies
the examples of the 'market leaders' in this respect, we might
achieve greater benefits and possibly stave off the worst predictions
or how climate change will affect us".
Centenary cub camp
SEVENTEEN CUB Scouts from Birstall joined
up with 400 Cub Scouts from across Leicestershire for the Centenary
Challenge camp of 2007.
Pic: Group Scout Leader Vic Dolby
(left) with leaders
and Cubs from Birstall 53rd.
The camp took place at the Oaks-in-Charnwood campsite near Shepshed,
on a very wet weekend at the end of June.
The camp is designed for older Cub Scouts to try a variety of
activities ranging from climbing and abseiling, to a black hole
caving experience, as well as archery, shooting and off site
activities that included sailing, kayaking and rock climbing.
Cubs spokesman Gerald Sessions said: "Cubs helped set up
camp on the Thursday evening in torrential rain and by the time
they returned on Friday there were streams of water running through
the tents. But undeterred, once the groundsheets were down and
the cubs had settled in there was no looking back.
The camp started with a ceremonial lighting of a beacon and a
reading from Baden Powell as part of scouting's centenary celebrations.
Gerald added: "The Cubs enjoyed midnight feasts on the first
night but were still up bright and early on Saturday morning.
After a hearty breakfast and in anticipation of the day's events
they were soon off to their various activities.
After a hectic and sometimes very wet day of activities, the
centre of the campsite was turned into a boulevard fronted by
colourfully decorated camp gateways depicting key events for
each decade of the last hundred years. Cubs roamed up and down
the street playing games old and new, ranging from giant twister
and 'human' slot machines to juggling and giant darts."
The evening was rounded off with large mugs of hot chocolate
and homemade cakes. "Sunday morning started much earlier
than expected with the five o'clock wake up from some of the
less fatigued Cubs, much to the dismay of the exhausted leaders,
who retired rather late the night before! The one bonus was that
Sunday morning also bought with it the elusive sunshine to round
off a fantastic weekend" said Gerald.
Juniors’ busy summer
THE SEASON may be over, but Birstall United
Juniors are keeping busy.
Pic: Under 8 minor's foxes with
their trophies at
Asfordby Amateurs tournament
"The months of June and July are always a busy time for
our football club" said Karen Klein. "We have had a
lot of work to do preparing the pitches for the forthcoming season
to ensure that we have as good a surface as possible. It has
been very difficult as the weather has not been particularly
kind to us, but with the help of a number of parents, we raked
tonnes of top soil over the pitches and relaid turf where required."
Saturday July 7 also saw parents and volunteers turn out to gut
the existing clubhouse and for once, the weather held out without
any rain. The club has recently formed a sub group that will
focus its efforts on the development of the club. Ian Hay, chairman
of the sub group said: "We have been considering various
options that we believe, will make our club the envy of the county.
However, we realise that most of these projects will take several
months and perhaps even years to filter through completely. Therefore,
through consultation with the BUJFC committee, it was agreed
to replace the existing kitchen units and toilets in the clubhouse
as they were in poor condition. We are also planning to decorate
and replace the flooring throughout."
The sub group meets once a month to discuss project planning,
progress to date, problems/issues, funding opportunities etc
and report the minutes back to the main committee. If you are
interested in the development of the club, please call Ian on
07920563619 to discuss how you can help. Ian says: "To be
effective for the future we need people from all backgrounds
to join in."
On Saturday June 16 the club's Under 8 minor's foxes competed
in a tournament at Asfordby Amateurs. This is the first season
of competition for these young children and everyone gave 100%
and more throughout the whole day. The day saw some great football
on a day where the warm sunny intervals were mixed in with intermittent
electric storms which delayed one or two of the games. However,
the team was not fazed and they gained maximum points through
the preliminary rounds by winning all five games. They went on
to win the semi final 3-0 and met Wigston United in the final.
Manager Daniel Jones said: "all the teams we played were
either champions or runners up in their respective league divisions
so, it shows the quality of football we had to provide on the
day." The final game was tight and went through to extra
time and the 'golden goal' rule. Fortunately, the foxes pulled
it out of the bag and scored the winning goal to finish with
a 2-1 score line. Daniel said: "I am immensely proud of
our achievements and this win finishes a very good season nicely,
having already been beaten in the semi finals of our previous
two tournaments at Oadby and St Andrews. The winning team on
the day were: "Alex D'Ovidio, Jacob Keogh, Tyler Draper-Small,
Cameron Jones, Jack Buxton, Lewis Chamberlain, Reif Armstrong,
Isaac Harper and Tom Cotter.
The Soccer School which is open to boys and girls aged 4-6 will
continue to train throughout the summer. Karen Klein said: "The
aim of the Soccer School is to teach kids the basics of football
with a big emphasis on fun. They will learn about co-ordination,
balance, teamwork, how to control a football, the basic rules
of the game and the layout of the pitch. The first session is
free so come along to Lakeside Meadows, Meadow Lane, on Saturday
mornings, between 10.30 and 12.
For more information about the club, visit our website at www.birstall-united-juniors-fc.co.uk
WI news
THE JULY meeting of Birstall & Wanlip
WI was at Highcliffe School on a stormy evening, but there was
only one apology for absence.
There was a written report read out, of the AGM in London in
June, sent by the delegate from Thurmaston WI who had attended.
The speaker for the evening was Mr Denis Downes who is a retired
theatre critic and he gave an insight into his work, and examples
of the reactions of various artistes, over the time, to his criticisms
or praise.
He had been familiar with old Leicester theatres such as the
Opera House and Theatre Royal as well as the Haymarket, Little
Theatre and Phoenix. This talk prompted happy memories from the
members.
On August 20 there will be a coffee morning at 24 Moorgate Ave,
Birstall from 10am to 12 in aid of WI funds to pay speakers'
costs and expenses.
The next meeting will be on September 3 at 7.15pm at Highcliffe
Community Room
Bowls club
BIRSTALL BOWLING Club are holding a charity
night on Friday August 3 at the club on School Lane playing fields
in aid of the Radio Leicester Ruby Rainbows Appeal.
Several celebrities and radio personalities are due to attend.
The evening starts at 6.30pm with a bowls match and will be followed
by a raffle and auction with some superb prizes and lots. Entrance
on the night is by ticket only at £3, which includes entry
into a special draw with one lucky ticket holder winning a tour
around the Walkers Stadium for four people. All money raised
goes to the Rainbows Children's Hospice.
If you are reading this after the event, you can still make a
donation through the Radio Leicester website, go to www.bbc.co.uk.leicester
and follow the links.
Birstall Ladies Diane Hurst has qualified for her second county
final of the season. In a nail biting singles quarter final against
Jenny Groves of Earl Shilton she won 21-20 having been 16-4 behind
at one stage. This gained revenge for a semi final defeat by
Jenny in the county two wood singles. Diane then saw off Kibworth's
Marjorie Hobbs in the semi final 21-10 and will represent Birstall
and Leicestershire at the National Finals, which take place later
this month at Leamington Spa, having already qualified in the
fours with Sue Wilson, Pa Walker and Jan Everitt. Diane and Jan
narrowly missed out on qualifying in the pairs, agonisingly losing
25-23 against Oakham in the county semi final. Meanwhile in
the men's county singles Andy Wye beat Steve Boot of Blaby 21-12
in the last 16 before losing 21-5 to Jonathan Green, also of
Blaby, in the quarter final.
Birstall picked up the premier Leicester City & District
Parks trophy, the Bramley Bowl, for the fifteenth time in thirty
years by defeating Rushey Mead 110-42, winning on all four rinks.
Birstall scores: Colin Wood, John Healey, Terry Stretton and
John Hodgetts won 23-11, Dennis Measom, Richard Smith, Grahame
White and Andy Wye won 39-6, Rob Smith, Roy Nutting, Jan Hunt
and Dave Clarke won 21-15, Dick Sharpe, Tom Cowles, John Lee
and John Hurst won 27-10.
For more information about the club you can visit the Birstall
Bowling club website www.birstallbowling.co.uk
From Andy Wye
Charity half marathon
A BIRSTALL optician will run the Robin
Hood half marathon in September to raise money for the Meningitis
Research Foundation.
Pic: Jayne Shenton
Jayne Shenton (41), a dispensing optician at Henry Smith &
Hamylton on Sibson Road, wants to support research as her thirteen
year old son contacted meningitis two years ago. He recovered
after 18 months.
Jayne first ran the half marathon two years ago and raised £350,.
She said: "I'm looking forward to this one as I know I've
done it before, so I know I can do it. I was quite tearful last
time as it had been motivated by a traumatic event."
Jayne is out running six miles four times a week with her red
setter, preparing for the event which is held in Nottingham on
September 16. She is hoping to complete the course in two hours
30 minutes.
To sponsor Jayne call in at Henry Smith & Hamylton on Sibson
Road or visit wwws.justgiving.com/jayneshenton
Teddies join sports day
CHILDREN FROM Birstall's Rainbow Nursery
on Wanlip Lane held a sportsday and a teddy bears' picnic on
the Meadow Lane playing field.
Nursery Manager Paula Wright said: "The children were dressing
up, running obstacle races with their bears and they all met
the Tiger from Leicester Tigers. All the children had fun, enjoyed
keeping healthy and we raised £57 for the Tommy charity,
which helps people through complications in pregnancy and childbirth."
Talking signs
TALKING ROAD signs that give crime prevention
advice to passers by are to be installed in Birstall.
The signs have a motion sensor and are triggered when people
walk past. They will be used first in Birstall's car parks to
remind vehicle owners to remove all valuables from display and
to make sure their vehicles are left safe and secure.
The signs are mobile and can be programmed to give out a number
of pre-recorded messages or unique messages recorded by the owners.
The signs have been obtained for Birstall & Wanlip Village
Watch by Birstall's PC Chris Falle. They have been used successfully
across the country: in Salford they have contributed to a 27
per cent reduction in car theft and in London they alert pedestrians
to street robbers.
Ed Marshall, Chairman of the Village Watch, said: "We are
committed to reducing crime and the fear of crime. The reduction
of vehicle crime is one of our top priorities. Birstall is one
of the first areas in Leicestershire to use talking signs and
I believe they will help us to reduce vehicle crime."
Birstall Village Watch have obtained two of the signs and may
obtain more if they prove to be effective.
Kids’ beach party
CHILDREN AT the Rainbow Co-operative Pre-School
playgroup enjoyed a Hawaiian beach party in July.
Pic: children take a canoe ride
All the guests were greeted with garlands made by the children,
who wore grass skirts.
Lots of activities were on offer including a treasure island,
archaeological dig, rock pool fishing, and a 'canoe ride' past
the crocodile. Rations of fruit punch and lots of party food
were on offer for the hungry travellers, and playgroup staff
said goodbye to the children who will be leaving for primary
school.
Places will be available in September for children aged from
2 years, with government funded places for all 3+ children. Enquiries,
please phone Julie on 0779360612
Connect2 lottery bid
A NEW leaflet details the improvements
which would be made to footpaths and cycle routes in and around
Watermead Country Park, should a lottery bid be successful.
The leaflet includes a map of the park showing these improvements,
frequently asked questions, and details of how the public can
get involved.
Watermead Country Park's Connect2 scheme is one of 79 similar
schemes nationally that are working together to bid for the £50
million prize in the National Lottery's 'Living Landmarks: the
People's Millions' competition, where the public will vote to
decide who gets the money. The Connect 2 scheme is one of six
projects left in the competition, which will be televised on
ITV1 in December.
If successful in its bid, features of the £1.4 million
scheme will include a footpath and cycle path between Cossington
and Syston, convenient links to the park from Birstall and Thurmaston
which will link to the city's well established cycling network
and a number of bridge improvements.
Ernie White, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "We
need people to show their support for the bid by registering
online. Local schools and businesses can also get involved -
and we'd be delighted to hear from them on the number below.
If we win the money in December, it will be a tremendous boost
to all who use the park, and live in the communities that surround
it."
To obtain a free copy of the leaflet, please email htwm@leics.gov.uk
or call 0116 305 7126. The leaflets can also be obtained from
Birstall library.
To find out more about Watermead's bid or to register your support
for the scheme, visit www.leics.gov.uk/connect2
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Slimmers shed pounds
SLIMMERS AT a Birstall class are celebrating
after losing more than 50 stone in three months.
Louise Aley runs a Slimming World group at Birstall Village Hall
on Mondays and Tuesdays. She said: "I have a lady whose
diabetes has improved dramatically in the nine weeks she has
been a member, and another whose confidence has soared."
For class details contact Louise on 01664 561893
OSCA nominated
ANDY CORBETT from Birstall Village Cricket
Club has been nominated for an OSCA - Outstanding Service to
Cricket Awards.
The Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket Board send a list of nominations
to Lords who have a panel of judges made up of representatives
from NatWest, ECB, Sport England, the voluntary sector, the media
and the 2006 category winner.
The OSCAs are aimed at recognising those volunteers who give
so much of their time to the game of cricket, without those individuals
the game would not survive. Andy has been nominated in the category
'Another Way' - this is for a volunteer who has overcome adversity
in the development of the game by thinking outside the boundary.
The awards ceremony will be held at Lords in October and feature
a tour of the ground and museum, a five-course meal and guest
speakers from the cricket world.
Caravan party
A BIRSTALL couple who love caravans were
guests at a Buckingham Palace garden party, held to commemorate
the 100th anniversary of the Caravan Club.
Jean and John Bamkin of Whiles Lane have been members since 1952
and assisted in the formation of the Leicestershire branch in
1969.
The couple, who have lived in Birstall for more than 50 years,
enjoyed extensive holidays with their four children throughout
Europe, braving Alpine passes on local roads. Much of the excitement
was about whether their car would be capable of reaching their
destination and holidays were planned near Ford dealerships so
repairs could be undertaken.
Performers praised
YOUNG PEOPLE from a Church youth group
staged a play and have received a County Council Youth Work Certificate
for their efforts.
Pic: Youth worker Mark Hickenbotham
with performers Ruth Skevington, Emily Gaskin, Luke Hopkinson,
Sam Harby, Jordan Scragg, Millie Scott, Rebecca Cross, Chloe
Hopkinson, Alice Jackson, Jessica Harby, Bethan Scott, Laura
Beard, Joe Cross, Laura Saunders, Lewis Berry, Josh Sanders,
Evan Scott, Georgia Harris
Around 20 members aged 8-13 from the St Theresa's Youth Club
devised and performed a production featuring songs, dance and
drama that was staged in front of friends and family in the Village
Hall.
Youth worker Mark Hickenbotham said: "It was a new activity
for the children and they did really well and enjoyed it. They
had a lot of fun."
Social group’s Irish adventure
A PARTY from Birstall's St Theresa's Social
Group enjoyed a holiday to Ireland.
Daphne Stephenson reports: "We arrived at our overnight
hotel in Dublin at midday giving us a chance to wander the streets
of Dublin before our evening meal and that wonderful glass or
two of Guinness.
Departing our hotel the following morning we made our way to
our main hotel just outside Killarney, stopping at the Waterford
Crystal shop and café, then on to Blarney where one or
two of our group kissed the Blarney stone and have photographs
to prove it (I'm not sure if it has made any difference to them,
maybe it's early days).
Whilst in Killarney we made journeys around the Ring of Kerry
and the Dingle Peninsula, views so spectacular you had to see
them to believe the beauty, with the mists and the mountains
as a backdrop.
We also had a ride on the jaunting carts, stopped for a group
photograph in front of Ross Castle before a fantastic cruise
on Killarney's largest lake Lough Lein.
Our final day gave us a half day back in Dublin, with a chance
to go on a tour bus and see all the main parts of Dublin which
we would not have had time to do on foot. We visited Trinity
College to see the book of Kells, before boarding the Fast Cat
for our journey back to England.
The general consensus of opinion was although we had a couple
of days of heavy rain it was a fantastic holiday."
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Corbett’s cricket corner
The wet weather has continued for another
month, but some cricket has been played.
Pic: Birstall U11 @ Crown Hills playing 1st
season
hardball cricket: Max Lewin, Dylan Amin, Joe Slater,
Sam Muggleton, Priesh Mistry, Ben Drake, George
Corbett, Yash Thakrar, Andy Corbett
Pic: Riverside Girls
I was in charge of Syston St Peter and St Paul Primary School
kwik cricket team at a cricket festival in Queniborough and it
was great to see my old school Riverside Junior school entering
two teams, one of them being an all girl team, who did really
well and are interested in joining Birstall Village Juniors and
having a girls team entering the Leicester Youth League. Riverside
were managed by Phil Morrish the Radio Leicester weather man.
Phil did say that the weather does not look like improving in
August.
The County Under 11s lads are doing well at the moment and against
Cambridge we had five Birstall lads in the team, this is a fantastic
achievement and is really putting Birstall on the map. Leicestershire
Senior Coach Tim Boon has invited me to meet with him to discuss
the future of youth cricket in Leicestershire.
Pic: Kit Bag Donation: Dave Goodacre, Pat
&
Hugh Ball, Andy Corbett
I have been a member at Leicestershire CC for nearly 30 years
and Pat and Hugh Ball who are volunteers at the Friends of Grace
Road Shop for the last 15 years have very kindly donated a cricket
starter set to our club and also another set to the Radio Leicester
Ruby Rainbows Appeal.
The Under 17s team have only played a handful of matches but
had a great win against top of the table Soar Valley Strollers.
The Under 11s team are top of their league with two games to
go and if they win one of those games they will go through to
the semi-final stage.
Rob Frizzell of GCS Quality Crusher Spares recently presented
caps to the Under 17s and Under 11s teams.
Pic: County Players: Yash Thakrar,
George Corbett, Ben Drake
Many of the juniors are now breaking into the senior teams on
a regular basis. Sam Carnan, Tam Mann-Kler, Jonathan Gaydon,
Jamie Drake, Tom Corbett, Pav Tailor and Kahil Mann-Kler have
all come through the junior teams so the future of the club looks
healthy and when the indoor nets start again I expect even more
juniors to want to join the club.
On a final note this month all at Birstall Village CC wish Michael
Fisher a speedy recovery, Michael's kneecap came out of position
when batting against Old Dalby and he had to be taken to the
QMC in Nottingham - Get Well Soon.
Book tells church history
THE METHODIST Church in Birstall is 160
years old and it's history is the subject of the latest book
by local historian John Kilby.
'Methodism in Birstall' contains 180 pages including 32 pages
of pictures and an index of 400 names and places. Full of memories
and anecdotes about Birstall, proceeds from the sale of the book
will go to further the work of the Methodist church in the village.
The book costs £6 and is available from Birstall library,
J Michael's Butchers on Sibson Road and John Kilby on 2673239.
It is also available mail order priced £7.50 from 0116
2925824.
Church news
News from St James
In spite of the awful weather in July, which caused the cancellation
of 'Last Night of the Proms' trip to Beaumanor Hall by a party
from St James, we live in hopes that August will be more like
summer! The church's annual garden fete at the end of the month
always takes place whatever the weather. Even having to move
all the stalls into the church within an hour or two of the start
at 2pm has not spoiled the occasion in the past and everyone
has rallied round and made the best of the bad weather. The date
is Bank Holiday Monday August 27. Do come along and support
the good causes (see ad on Noticeboard page)
You may already have read about our Rector's sponsored walk to
Lincoln Cathedral starting on August 28 in this edition of the
Post. News also comes of our former Vicar, Malcolm Lambert and
his wife Ruth, who have decided to move to Belize (South America)
next year, as 'mission partners'. Anyone who would like to hear
more about this decision and support them in their new roles
in invited to St James Church on Monday August 20 at 7.30pm,
when they will be talking about their plans.
Methodist Church news
Sudden Change of Ministers in Birstall
It was announced in late July that Rev Edward Sakwe and Rev John
Hucknall are to swap places when Edward returns from his break
in Cameroon.
Both ministers are in fact part of the Leicester North 'Circuit'
of churches (comprising Birstall, Rothley, Thurmaston, Syston,
Queniborough, Claremont Street, Harrison Road and Edgehill Road)
along with Rev Ian Mason and Rev Steve Hoggar.
Rev John Hucknall will take over pastoral care of Birstall and
Rothley and Rev Edward Sakwe the care of the two Belgrave churches
at Claremont Street and Harrison Road. Rev John Hucknall remains
superintendent minister, and will retire (the Methodist Term
is to 'sit down') in August 2008.
A Library with No Books & Cream Teas to Buy Books!
The Presbyterian Church in the Cameroon (where Edward Sakwe originates)
are building a new library for the trainee ministers. However
although they have funds for the building, there are no funds
to buy books. As a gift to our friends in The Cameroon our local
'Circuit' of churches are raising funds to supply books to fill
the library shelves. One of Birstall's efforts towards this fundraising
is on August 4 - so do come and enjoy a cream tea at 107 Allington
Drive when Claude and Shirley Harrison will open their garden,.
You can find 107 on the corner of Allington Drive and Worcester
Avenue. They will start serving at around 2.30pm. so enjoy your
cream tea and so help buy books for trainee ministers in the
Cameroon.
Wednesday Garden Party on Hermitage Road
Starting at 2pm on Wednesday August 15. There will be a variety
of stalls and games, teas and light refreshments. The funds raised
will be for the 'Carpenters Arms' homeless hostel in Loughborough.
Boys' Brigade Coffee Morning
The Saturday morning coffee on August 11 is in aid of our own
Boys' Brigade company here in Birstall.
From Bulgaria to Birstall - via Syston
On August 19, Mr Peter Taylor will lead both morning and evening
services. Peter with his wife Samantha went to Bulgaria to work
on behalf of the Methodist Church. They originate in Syston,
but will be in Birstall to tell us something of the work they
have done in this East European Country
From Tony Moore
Your Say...
Will the planners of Charnwood leave the slip road facing
the Alliance-Leicester/NatWest alone. The present situation is
the best compromise. Making this slip road a one way road and
keeping the green man slim will not solve any traffic problems.
It would help if the No U Turns on Hallam Fields/A6 were in
the correct place, we have one No U Turn which is useless and
a place on the A6 where a No U Turn would be useful. Some drivers
make a dangerous manoeuvre.
The traffic problems must be solved. Otherwise an excellent bus
service will be ruined. Pensioners will crowd onto buses on market
day (Thursday) or wait in the cold when winter arrives and then
we have three buses within two minutes.
There are two non-elected bodies. Can these people be sorted
out or will a non-elected body give directions to an elected
body. The developer's plans are in a mess.
L A Briers
When's Daddy Coming Home?
I am researching a BBC documentary on the experience of children
who had fathers who fought in the First World War. Many never
saw them again after they marched off to war. Half a million
fathers died, the greatest loss suffered by any generation in
British history. I am interested in memories of fathers coming
home from war, gassed, injured or disabled and the effect this
had on family life. I'm also looking for childhood memories of
happy reunions with dads who survived the war unscathed. If you
are in your nineties or hundreds and have a moving personal story
to tell about your father in the First World War please contact
me: Lizi Cosslett, Testimony Films, 12 Great George Street, Bristol
BS1 5RH. Tel: 0117 925 8589, email: lizi.cosslett@testimonyfilms.com
I have written to the Planning Department at Charnwood Council
stating my total opposition to the licence application submitted
on behalf of the new Tesco store presently being built on Sibson
Road, Birstall. The reasons for my objections are basically twofold.
Firstly, the parking in this area is already a nightmare. If
such a licence is granted then things will be much worse, particularly
given the proposed new road improvements.
Secondly, given the amount of drunkenness and antisocial behaviour
to which the residents of Sibson Road are subjected, I would
have thought the planners would discount this application immediately.
We want fewer off licences rather than more.
Had I known the true identity of the proposed developers I would
have objected to the initial building plans for all the above
reasons, as well as the fact that I am concerned about the diminishing
numbers of retailers in Birstall. I would question whether our
present delicatessen, butchers, greengrocers and bakeries would
remain viable in the shadow of this giant. We would then be left
with more charity shops, estate agents and the like. Now there's
something to look forward to!
But the thing which really concerns me now, is the subterfuge
surrounding this development. Whey was the initial building application
made in a name other than Tesco and why did Tesco deny all knowledge
of it to the Birstall Post when they were asked directly about
it? Did Tesco anticipate public objections or were they trying
to trick the local authority? Or, if the local authority was
aware of the real identity of the developers, did they condone
this deception in order to facilitate some quid pro quo deal
with them.
I don't know, but I hope that the Birstall Post will continue
to enquire into this matter and find out the true time scales
for these events and the reasons behind them and I hope more
of the residents of Birstall will make their feelings known about
such matters.
David Gaskell
Having been approached by the Chairman of Birstall Parish
Council to put on a boxing show at this year's gala, I agreed
to hire a boxing ring, cost £250, for which I was sponsored
by Andy Corbett to the tune of £200, very good of you Andy.
So all was set so I thought, then the little niggles came, you
need a temporary licence cost £21 (which I paid) then the
cost of insurance a further £100, it's mounting up and
other little rules and regulations. The rug had to be dismantled
by 4.30pm approx. The whole affair has been conducted in a disappointing
manner. Okay for the council to want my services and my kids
to do their training etc, but I don't see any help whatsoever
for my gym, many obstacles being in the way all the time. Last
year it was the American car show they didn't like.
This council has given me £370 in five years, this represents
less than £80 per year for the youth of Birstall using
my gym. Yet they can spend £375,000 on changing rooms that
are not really required are they? It will be damaged and graffitied
up in the future. Why don't the council support my gym. We have
put Birstall on the map, yet this council haven't ever sent us
a letter of congratulation for our achievements,. We have won
10 awards, been on TV, radio etc yet my own council have a very
negative attitude towards us. All I can say 'You don't deserve
the gym'. Some of the public have been very supportive and helpful
and I am grateful for their support. Other councils have been
behind me in my goal to help youngsters but not my own council,
a strange way to carry on, other villages are crying out for
a gym like ours, but all I ever get from Birstall Parish Council
is hassle and negative attitudes. They even charged me £16
for a box of chocolates, that were supposedly eaten at one of
my functions.
Carl Gunns
Help with Funding
I wondered if anyone out there could help us. We are the proud
parents of our 13 year old daughter who was picked at the age
of 7 by the Arts in Education to attend dance classes. These
were partly funded by the education department. One of the teachers
would see up to 1,500 children and would pick approx 50 children
to attend dance classes in Knighton. These children would not
always have had dancing classes as our child had not, in fact
up to this point she had never even wanted to try. The children
would at the end of the year put on a performance at De Montfort
Hall.
This year our daughter was given the leading role and what an
achievement to be able to dance in front of hundreds of people.
This summer she will be attending the Royal Ballet School in
London for a week. The dance teacher has now suggested that our
daughter should attend full time dance school as she has the
ability to become professional ballet dancer. Our problem is
that the school fees are approx £27,000 a year and although
we both work this puts it out of reach. We are appealing for
any information that would lead to helping find the funding for
our daughter's fees. You may contact us at maedharry@aol.com
or you could telephone us on 07788676253.
Thank you.
Diane, Myles and Aimee
I was for many years associated with the now-defunct Loughborough
Urban Forum as their 'planning' officer. In this capacity I received
every month a list of planning applications for Charnwood through
which I sorted and advised according to whether the Forum should
object or ignore. A letter was then sent or not, as necessary.
This had to be done before the application was considered by
the council - any objections received after would be totally
ignored. Sometimes we were successful (with others) in our objections.
It is a total waste of time and effort objecting NOW to any new
Tesco store (if it is one) being built on Sibson Road. The application
has gone through - all that can be done is boycott the result.
On another count, I am pleased I have at last caught Mr Briers'
attention, though how he is helping me by advocating a bus lane
outside my front gate I fail to see. Be that as it may, this
case of public consultation is outside my normal experience as
a 'planning' officer in that the plans are already set out by
the department of transport - the public consultation was to
ensure that no exceptional circumstance existed to the implementation
of said directives. It is possibility of a hidden agenda which
disturbs me, one to which I hope Mr Briers will give some thought.
Hallam Fields is a large estate, to which a record number of
people objected. Yet when the estate was approved the existing
residents of Birstall received scant attention from the road
planners. An overlarge park-and-ride scheme is to be constructed
for persons who come from the Loughborough area into Leicester,
yet there seems to be every encouragement for Hallam residents
to use their cars to go to Leicester - in particular I do not
notice that the roadways are wide enough to take buses AND parked
cars. Is their a hidden agenda here?
Dr D A C McNeil
Referring to Simon Faulks' letter concerning the possibility
of a Tesco Metro coming to Birstall, may I put forward the views
of a supporter.
I assume Simon is a car owner, but as many of us are not, the
other Tescos in a 5 mile radius are only accessible by two buses
there and two back; also, because of the journey, heavy loads
cannot be carried.
Yes, we already have a supermarket, but not a very good one.
Competition would probably improve it. If people use the smaller
shops now, I cannot see that another supermarket would alter
this to any extent.
No, I don't suppose Tescos do need the business, but many people
would be pleased to have a choice of where to shop - as for encouraging
corporate greed, Tesco is the most popular supermarket in the
country - they give people what they want.
So, yes Simon, I am 'using my voice' - to represent the many
non-car owners in Birstall, especially those at the Greengate
Lane end of the village, who would find this extra amenity to
the village extremely useful.
Name & address supplied
My family and I would like to say a big 'Thank You' to all
friends and neighbours for all their cards and flowers sent to
me during my recent illness. I'm pleased to say I'm well on the
way to recovery now.
Thank you all very much.
Joyce Preston
In response to last month's letter from Nicholas G Black regarding
the number of police officers running an operation to catch speeding
motorists on Birstall Road, some facts to illuminate his misconceptions.
In carrying out these speed checks, the police are directly responding
to the concerns and requests of Birstall residents.
Speeding on Birstall Road has been made a priority for neighbourhood
policing following extensive consultation with Birstall residents.
If anyone feels they haven't been consulted on police priorities
for our village, then all they have to do is speak to an officer
or a member of the Neighbourhood Watch committee. Police officers
usually hold an open surgery to coincide with the Watch Advice
Shop on the third Saturday of every month opposite the garden
centre on Sibson Road.
Police officers have now conducted two speed check operations
on Birstall Road. A total of three tickets were issued (3 points
and a £60 fine) to drivers who exceeded 40mph on the 30mph
road. A further five drivers were stopped and given warnings.
Also, thanks to the excellent local knowledge of our community
support officer, a vehicle was also taken off the road as it
was being driven illegally.
Not "awash with miscreants" but it only takes one speeding
driver to hit a child at 5mph over the speed limit for that child
to have an 80% chance of dying from their injuries; rather than
an 80% of living if the driver stays within the 30mph limit.
Each operation was run by three police constables and three community
support officers. When a driver is stopped, two officers have
to deal with them. So if only two officers are running the operation,
then the operation has to effectively cease each time a driver
is stopped.
Speeding is just one of the police's three priorities in Birstall
- antisocial behaviour is another. The police have been asking
for help in identifying graffiti vandals for some time without
much success. Tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in our
community is not the sole responsibility of the police, we all
have a part to play.
I'm not usually the first person to jump to the police's defence,
however I think they are an easy target (and have become an easy
target in Birstall). It's easy to criticise and blame the police
when solutions to problems can usually be found elsewhere. We
are very lucky in Birstall to have two excellent and dedicated
police officers within a larger team covering the whole area,
with very supportive police management. I for one am very grateful
for their hard work in helping us to keep Birstall a nice place
to live.
Shreekant Raivadera
Vice-Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch
No doubt many Birstall residents will be horrified at the
reports of an incident on Friday lunchtime , July 13.
Apparently a crowd of teenagers stood looking on while one girl
repeatedly kicked another in the head and stomach. Not only did
they try to hinder those who went to the victim's aid but also,
it is said, they were recording the assault on their mobile phones.
Someone reading this may be among the culprits. Did you take
part in any of this? However did your heart become so hard, so
cruel and unfeeling? Is this the sort of society you want to
grow up in? Unless you, somehow, begin to learn some love and
compassion for one another, I greatly fear for your future.
Perhaps you have never really known what love is yourself. I
know you live in a harsh world but let me assure you, there is
One who will show you such love as you will never find in the
world. He will forgive you this sin and all your sin. He will
give you a hew heart and a new life, if only you would earnestly
seek Him and ask Him. His name is Jesus.
Seek a new way. What you have done is not the way to live.
Alan Stenfalt
Birstall Independent Baptist Church
Thank you to everyone who supported our stall at the Gala.
We raised £107. The groundsmen were excellent - thanks
to them too. Finally, thanks to Somerfield for gift tokens towards
the tombola.
We require a volunteer driver to take and return a local member
from Newton Drive to Longslade College on the second Wednesday
of each month from 7-9pm, please. Contact Christine Thomas 2200988.
Thank you.
Christine Thomas, CLASH - (Community Leicester Arthritis
Self Help)
It was in the March issue of the Birstall Post that I discovered
that Cropston and Thurcaston Parish Council were screening quality
films at the Thurcaston Memorial Hall every month from January
to May inclusive.
I am disabled and a wheelchair user and so had to check up on
accessibility regarding entrance, disabled loo, room for my wheelchair
and a seat available next to me for my carer. Everything ran
smoothly and both April and May showings were a sell out.
What a treat it was to see Helen Mirren in 'The Queen' and the
following month to see Renee Zellweger in Miss Potter.
After thinking that at last we had found something that we could
both enjoy - I am nearing 80 and my carer is only 42 - we were
told at the end of the night's entertainment that they had not
yet heard from the Parish Council about any funding for September
to December. The Council have however agreed to subsidise them
for the January to May 2008 season.
There were several people from Birstall attending and several
more outside trying to buy tickets at the door without success.
I understand that a full house means that the scheme breaks even.
As the tickets for pensioners was only £2.50 I suggested
we paid more and many others agreed. So it might be that the
council will think kindly about us.
In the meantime is it possible that someone knows of a similar
project locally. If so please let us know via the Birstall Post.
Mrs B Wrighton
Ed's note: the next screenings at Thurcaston are on Sep 28, Oct
26 and Nov 30. Tel: 2367626 to book
I would like to reassure your readers that Birstall, along
with the other nine beat areas within the newly formed Charnwood
Local Policing Unit has a Neighbourhood Policing beat team consisting
of PC Chris Falle and Police Community Support Officer Mark Butler.
Both are keen to work with the Parish Council and Neighbourhood
Watch to address issues of local concern, to be visible and accessible.
Part of my role is to keep their abstractions to a minimum which
I am pleased to say has been the case. The level of policing
has not reduced compared to what it was a year ago. Chris and
Mark are supported by a team of response officers who cover the
entire Local Policing Unit but have a geographic responsibility
for Birstall and assist the beat team to police the priority
areas. Local concerns have been highlighted after consultation
with key individuals and community groups including antisocial
behaviour and speeding vehicles. Positive results were mentioned
in the update given by PC Falle and reported in the Parish Council
notes.
In addition, a number of hotspot areas in Birstall are receiving
extra attention not just by the Police but by our partners in
the Borough Council and Youth Services to address some of the
underlying issues. The beat team are working to identify and
gather evidence against those individuals who are causing misery
to others through their antisocial behaviour. Quality CCTV evidence
can be a valuable tool in the fight against crime and antisocial
behaviour as well as proving reassurance to communities and I
understand some areas of Birstall will be covered by CCTV in
the near future.
I am aware the NHW group have responded to the letter from Nicholas
Black and endorse the comments made by the NHW and thank them
for their support.
Inspector Cath Yallopp, Charnwood LPU, Leics Constabulary
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