Award winners
OVER FORTY girls aged from 4-16 received
the badges they had earned over the year at the awards night
of the 1st Birstall Girls' Brigade.
Pic: Best Squad - clockwise from
front left: Lana Boyle,
Lucinda Beardsley, Emma Robinson, Louise Simpson,
Philippa Towlson and Elina Garton.
One of the older girls received her Intermediate Young Leaders
Award. The girls had enjoyed an interesting and exciting year,
including a weekend camp at Beaumanor Hall with companies from
the Leicestershire District. Subjects covered for badge work
were fitness, cake decorating, dance, first aid, pen pal and
many others. If your daughter is aged five or over, and would
like to come and join in the fun, please contact Susan Wheeler
on 2209318. The company meets on a Tuesday night at Birstall
Methodist Church.
Pic: Award Winners left to right - Lucinda
Beardlsey,
Hannah Morrish, Rachel Wheeler, Charlotte Layshlay,
Keira Collins and Louise Simpson
The Girls' Brigade offers exciting events and activities for
girls and is looking for new members.
The lst Birstall Girls Brigade is a Christian based organisation
run by volunteers. They meet every Tuesday night at Birstall
Methodist Church from 6.30pm for the explorers (school reception
year to year 3) and from 7pm for all other age groups. They offer
a wide range of activities including yearly camp for the older
age groups and trips out for the younger group.
A spokesman said: "Unlike similar organisations we do not
have a waiting list and if you have a daughter we would love
her to join us. Be there or miss the fun!"
Please contact Captain Mrs Wheeler for further details on Leic.
2209318.
Tesco admits plans
TESCO HAS confirmed that it does intend
to open a store in Birstall.
In reply to a question from the Birstall Post a Tesco spokeswoman
said: "Tesco is progressing its proposed Express store for
Birstall and continues to work closely with the appropriate local
authorities who represent the community. In our experience, Tesco
Express stores give customers another reason to stay in their
local communities and many other traders benefit from the increased
footfall that Tesco brings.
"Preparing a proposed store can take time and we cannot
comment on precise details at this stage. We look forward to
updating residents in due course and hope to contribute to the
vibrancy of the high street in the future."
The store will be at 139 Sibson Road, next to Birstall Dental
Practice
Chairman of Birstall Parish Council Stuart Jones said: "The
store is in the wrong position, it will cause parking problems
and traffic congestion. The Parish Council has objected to the
plans at every stage of the planning process and when we found
out about the alcohol licence we stepped in and objected to that.
There are more than enough outlets for alcohol in the village
already."
He added: "I do feel that a Tesco will have a negative impact
on the shops on Sibson Road."
New head aims to inspire
ALAN MONKS is the new headteacher at Stonehill
High School.
Pic: Stonehill's new headteacher,
Alan Monks
Appointed in May, Alan (46) started work at the beginning
of the autumn term.
"What has struck me about Stonehill is what a fantastic
group of students we have here, and staff who do care and want
to make a difference" said Alan.
Alan's teaching career began in 1984 in south Yorkshire, after
a degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry followed by his teacher
training. He comes to Stonehill from a post as a deputy head
of a Nottingham City Comprehensive School for 11-16 year old.
He said: "I want Stonehill to be somewhere that people want
to get out of bed in the morning and be excited by coming to
- that's how I feel about it.
"My real enthusiasm is the power of teachers planning together
and being creative, coming up with learning experiences that
children can enjoy and be inspired by. It's putting the interest
and enthusiasm back into teaching."
The immediate challenge for the school, says Alan, is preparing
for the introduction of the new national curriculum in 2008.
"This is a huge opportunity, the first time in years that
we will be back in control of what we teach and how we teach.
It is a good time to be a headteacher" he said.
Stonehill, which has recently achieved Healthy School Status,
has 720 children aged 11-14 on the school roll. The majority
of students come from Birstall, Rothley, Thurcaston and Cropston,
with around 30 per cent from Leicester city.
Talking CCTV
BIRSTALL IS the first parish in the Borough
to take part in a new CCTV project.
Birstall Parish Council is paying for cameras to be installed
on the School Lane playing field and Village Hall compound that
will be monitored by Charnwood Borough Council's Communications
Centre, which is staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The cameras cost £16,000 and incorporate a loudspeaker
so that those monitoring can communicate with the individuals
they are looking at.
The move comes after a number of incidents of criminal damage
and theft. The Borough Council has agreed to provide the monitoring
of the cameras free of charge for the first year. The cameras
were erected in September.
Parish Council Chairman, Stuart Jones said: "Vandalism,
graffiti and theft are a problem we want to stamp out. The bill
for repairing damage and replacing equipment is mounting and
the police tell me this CCTV will produce the evidence from them
to prosecute."
Peter Hinton, Head of Community Safety at Charnwood, said: "The
Birstall CCTV system is a new venture designed to provide improved
site security for key locations that have been subject to criminal
activity in the past. In addition, it can support both the police
and Local Authority teams in combating antisocial behaviour in
public spaces. Monitored locally during normal office hours,
the system is being linked to the main Charnwood CCTV Operations
room to provide 'out of hours' monitoring in a partnership arrangement
between Birstall Parish Council and Charnwood Borough Council."
Charnwood Borough Council has recently invested in the provision
of 24 hour seven days a week staffing of its Communications Centre
and is developing a new upgraded CCTV Operations room with the
capability to provide live monitoring for systems across the
Borough.
He added: "The CCTV Operations room also provides an important
communications centre for a range of services that link Council,
businesses and the emergency services resources for many tasks
beyond the immediate areas covered by cameras."
Cllr David Snartt, Charnwood's Cabinet Member for Community Safety,
added: "We have had communication with the parish council
and we are looking to look after the cameras outside of working
hours so they get 24 hour, seven days a week monitoring through
our Communications Centre.
"This is continuing with other town and parish councils
through a feasibility study to deliver CCTV monitoring where
evidence shows it is needed. This will be a partnership with
the parish councils and the police."
The set-up at Birstall allows for the extension of CCTV within
the village.
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on September 10
A resident reported on congestion on School Lane caused by vehicles
parking illegally at weekends. Comment was made that the new
car park planned for the old bowling green would alleviate the
problem.
It was reported that the County Council will temporarily move
the bus stop outside 139 Sibson Road 5 metres in a southerly
direction, towards Boots. When the development at 139 Sibson
Road is completed the County Council will consider the permanent
relocation of the bus stop.
The Council agreed to accept an estimate from the County Council
to design the extension to the Sibson Road car park on the site
of the old bowling green for £2000. This will be reduced
to £1000 if the Parish Council choose the County to construct
the car park. The County says it will take them four weeks to
prepare the plans and the earliest they can start the work on
the plans is the end of October.
The Council agreed to donate £1000 to the St James Church
project for a screen to create a community space within the Church.
It was reported that vandals had ripped off and smashed toilets
in the gents on the School Lane playing field. An emergency plumber
had been called to prevent flooding. Stainless steel units will
be used as replacements.
Cllr Sheila Alcock reported on complaints she was receiving from
residents concerned about vehicles parking on the grass outside
properties on Wanlip Lane.
The Council agreed the date for its Christmas light switch on:
Friday December 7.
Pilgrims’ Lincoln walk
A GROUP of 35 people from all three Birstall
churches completed a 64 mile walk to Lincoln Cathedral, to raise
funds for church improvements.
Pic: setting out: Rev James Shakespeare
leads the
walk from St James Church
The group of 'pilgrims', aged from 7 to 70, arrived at Lincoln
after six days walking through the English countryside, crossing
only one main road.
Walker Angela Tarry said: "We walked through Watermead Country
Park, then along The Jubilee Way through Melton and along The
Viking Way. We were supported by various drivers who met us for
lunch and were a source of great encouragement throughout the
walk.
"At the end of each day we then piled into the minibus to
be taken home before being shipped out to the same point the
next day; this enabled new walkers to join us. On Friday we were
joined by Father Keith who was unfortunate enough to have selected
the day with the worst ploughed fields, but was always a source
of great humour and a pleasure to walk with.
"On the final day our curate Mary Williams joined us and
after six days walking we finally arrived in Lincoln, only to
be confronted by a steep hill climb to the cathedral. The scenery
was beautiful; crossing fields, over stiles, along the Vale of
Belvoir where we ate blackberries from the woods and only crossing
one main road for the entire journey to Lincoln. The walk was
also made more pleasant by the perfect weather as it did not
rain once."
There will be two film shows of photos from the walk on Wednesday
October 10 at 7.30pm and Friday October 12 at 2.30pm at St James.
Entry will be £1 to include a drink and cake.
The walk raised £6,500 towards a scheme to construct a
glass screen and porch at St James Church, creating a space for
community use. £21,359 has been raised so far, the total
cost of the project being £34,000. Construction is expected
to start later this year.
Beryl McHugh said: "A huge thank you is due to all the stalwart
walkers and particularly to James Shakespeare, the rector, for
his initiative in organising the walk."
Further donations towards the project can be made, payable to
'Birstall & Wanlip PCC (Lincoln Walk)' and sent to St James
Parish Office, c/o The Rectory, 251 Birstall Road, Birstall LE4
4DJ.
Another new initiative in October is the launch of the Watermead
Mission Partnership at a service in St James on Sunday October
14 at 3pm. This will be the official start of the scheme which
will bring Birstall and Wanlip closer together with parishes
in the north of Leicester city, to share ideas and resources.
Everyone is invited along to hear the Archdeacon of Leicester
speak.
NHW news
ALTHOUGH THE number of bicycle thefts are
down compared to last year's figures, there has been an upsurge
lately, noticeably in July and August which is of some concern.
It must be said that some owners contribute to this problem by:
a) not using padlocks to secure the cycle outside shops etc
b) not ensuring that cycles are postcoded on purchase.
The answer is simple: every third Saturday in the month the NHW
will postcode your cycle free of charge at the Advice Shop held
between 10am and 12noon in the Old Village Offices - opposite
Birstall Garden Centre.
Postcoding enables the police to identify and return the cycle
to its rightful owner - when it is found.
Recently there has also been concern about the amount of lead
being stolen from churches and other old buildings.
This is of course due to the huge increase in the value of lead.
It would be really helpful if members of the community could
notify the police should they see anyone acting suspiciously
on rooftops which have lead in their construction. It would also
be useful to note down the registration of any truck or van parked
near to the building in question.
From Ed Marshall, Chairman Birstall & Wanlip Village
Watch
BURGLARIES IN Birstall are down by 35 per cent.
Between January and July 2006 there were 48 burglaries of houses,
flats, sheds or garages. In the same period in 2007, there were
31.
The number of burglaries detected and resolved has also risen
by 35 per cent.
Theft, vehicle crimes and criminal damage have increased.
o A person on a bicycle was approached by two men on Blenheim
Road and threatened with violence to hand over the bike.
Police believe the incident, which happed at 6.45pm on Wednesday
August 1, is similar to an earlier offence involving a mobile
phone and are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with information.
Contact the police on 222 2222 or call Crimestoppers on 0800
555 111.
Crime Report: July 17 - Aug 21, 2007
Burglary dwelling 3, burglary other 2, theft of motor vehicle
1, theft from motor vehicle 3, damage to motor vehicle 3, theft
cycle 5, theft 6, robbery 1, damage 9
Plough’s busy summer
THE OLD Plough men's darts team are looking
forward to the new season.
Pic: The Old Plough Men's Darts
Team
Playing in the Syston and District league, the Old Plough won
the Division One championships last season, fending off the challenges
of both the Grosvenor Club Syston and the Thurmaston Progressive
Working Men's Club.
Team Manager and seasoned campaigner Mick McGreal has the lads
in training for a successful opening fixture against Syston Working
Men's Club.
Pic: Pairs winners Jason Lole, Nick Langton
and Helen Langton
In addition to the Division One championship, the Old Plough
clinched titles in the men's pairs (Nick Langton and Jason Lole)
and the mixed pairs (Helen and Nick Langton)
The Old Plough has made a number of changes internally on the
darts front. The addition of a further two darts boards has increased
the facilities to four altogether. Sponsorship in the 'Charnwood
Borough fours Thursdays' allows the pub to accommodate small
tournaments.
On the Ladies side a Super League Ladies' darts team has been
formed, playing on Saturday afternoons. They currently lead the
Division One table. A 5-0 win against former champions Ketton
got them off to a great start.
Pic: the Old Plough Ladies' Darts Team
Monday night sees the new girls on the block: a selection of
the female customers in the Plough have formed a brand new team.
Landlady Helen Langton said: "The girls are brilliant, some
haven't played before but they are improving with each game.
They certainly do entertain everyone and win or lose enjoy a
good night out."
Pic: The Pool Team
Pic: Paul Reid
Congratulations to all the lads who played in the Thursday night
Pool League, they were runners up in Division Two in the Thurmaston
& District Pool League. The Old Plough now has a team in
Division One A young squad was edged out by champions the Grosvenor
Snooker Club, Syston.
With the new season underway, The Old Plough has gained a second
team. Antony Bridson is team captain, runs the squad and already
has a winning start under his belt, a 5-4 win away at the Mayflower.
Additions to the first team squad include Andy Topley, Daniel
Robinson, Andy Pole and Nick Blackshorn. The First Team comfortably
won their first fixture at home 6-3 against the old enemy, the
Generous Britain pub.
SHRUBS, HANGING baskets and a water feature
help to create a welcoming environment at The Old Plough's completely
refurbished rear garden.
The Front Street pub's garden makeover also includes decking,
a canopy, a barbeque and a purpose built smoking area with heaters
and a TV point for those unmissable sporting fixtures.
The new garden is just one of the improvements introduced by
the management team of Dave Reid, Nick and Helen Langton, now
celebrating their second year of working together.
Dave said: "We are looking forward to the introduction of
our new lunchtime menu and the new Steak and Curry nights. Two
steaks for £9.99 - that's unbelievable! Between us we think
we're on a winner."
"He should know" added Nick "he once was a master
butcher."
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Art exhibition
THE ANNUAL art exhibition by members of
Birstall & District Art Society takes place in November.
Now in its 13th year, the exhibition will be held in Birstall
Village Hall on Saturday November 3 from 9am - 6pm, Sunday from
9am - 6pm and Monday from 9am - 3pm.
Admission is free and there is free parking in the School Lane
car park. Refreshments will be available.
Secretary Mary Houghton said: "A wide range of paintings
may be seen, framed and unframed and in every possible medium.
Prices range from a few pounds to several hundred so there should
be something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there."
For more details about the Society or the exhibition contact
Mary Houghton on 2677833.
WI needs members
BIRSTALL & Wanlip Women's Institute
is down to 13 members and is appealing for women to join them.
Founded in 1918 by Mrs Fielding Johnson and Miss Went, next year
the group celebrates its 90th birthday. At one time there was
a waiting list of women wishing to become members and another
branch was opened at Riverside.
Now the group fears it may have to close down at their AGM in
2008.
WI meetings are held at Highcliffe Community Room on the first
Monday of the month at 7.15pm. Anyone interested can contact
Mrs Morling (secretary) on 2675009 or turn up at a meeting.
African links with Longslade
A HEADTEACHER from a Gambian nursery school
paid a visit to Longslade to talk to students and look at the
facilities at the college.
Pic: Kim Philpot, Sian Morris and
Alex Mee
presenting Bakary with a collage of photos of their visit.
Mr Bakary Kujabi's school was visited by a group of students
from Longslade in July, where they donated toys, books, pens,
paper, pencils and sports equipment to the school, which receives
no government funding.
Pics: children at the Take Care Nursery in
Farato
Sotokoi, Davu, Gambia
Longslade teacher Francesca Knowles said: "Bakary thanked
an assembly of sixth form students, telling them of his gratitude
for our support for his school. Students then watched a video
of our experience. He had a tour of the school and was amazed
at the resources and opportunities our students have."
Student Alex Mee said: "The kind of things we learn on a
trip like the one the school arranged are amazing. It is not
skills or facts like we usuallly learn at school, but something
bigger and more profound. Gambia was a life changing experience,
it changed my attitudes, views and opinions in an incredibly
beneficial way."
Find out more about the school at www.takecarenursery.co.uk
Diamond couple
A BIRSTALL couple who met at The Belgrave
Hotel in 1946 celebrated sixty years of married life in August.
Pic: John and Jean Bamkin today
and
(below), on their wedding day
Diamond duo John and Jean Bamkin of Whiles Lane celebrated their
anniversary with a get together at the Masonic Hall in Syston,
attended by 40 guests.
On the day they met, Jean (80) was a bridesmaid at her brother's
wedding. "She seemed lively and we got chatting" said
John (84). The pair fill in love and were married the following
year at St Michael's Church, Thurmaston.
The couple have lived in Birstall for more than 50 years and
have four children. Their advice for a successful marriage: never
be adamant, give and take and find the middle road.
Methodist Church news
Civic Service & Harvest Festival
Sunday October 7 sees the Birstall Civic Service taking place
at the Methodist Church. It will be combined with the Harvest
Festival.
Everyone, adults and children are invited to bring a gift of
non-perishable foodstuffs. This will all go to the Carpenters
Arms in Loughborough. Such foods as rice, pasta, tinned food
and dried food in packets will be most welcome.
In the evening there will be a joint Churches Harvest Supper
at the Methodist Church.
'All Aboard'
In a joint venture with St James the Methodist Church ran a holiday
club in August when 50 youngsters followed the story of a young
boy on a journey., Each day during August 20-24 the Methodist
Church Hall became a Railway Station where the children gathered
to begin the day's 'journey'. The day started with songs, games
and stories and workshops followed including decorating bags,
candle making, shining shoes, collages and drama. It seems to
have been enjoyed by all who took part during the week.
Can You Fill a Shoe Box?
If you can fill a shoe box for some of the world's poorest children
then do contact Beryl on . The shoeboxes are despatched in good
time so that children receive them in time for Christmas. Beryl
will supply you with an 'official label' for your shoebox together
with a list of goods that can (or cannot) be included. Last year
we sent 160 shoeboxes.
Junior golf
JUNIOR PLAYERS at Birstall Golf Club enjoyed
taking part in a competition devised by Sue Bailey, the club's
girls' organiser.
The juniors were given 50 shots with the winner being the player
to get furthest around the course. 10 girls and six boys aged
from 7-16 years entered.
Pic: Aimee Boyle
Aimee Boyle won the over 11s group getting to the 9th hole and
second was Mir Patel. Daniel Frith won the under 11s reaching
the 8th hole, second was Madeleine Reed.
Four girls from Birstall have been chosen to be part of a girls
golf development team won by Leicestershire and Rutland Ladies
County Golf Association. Aimee Boyle (16), Chloe Boyle (13),
Ella Wortley (10) and Olivia Bailey (10) will receive coaching
every month for a year with the squad.
Any girls interested in taking up the sport can contact sue Bailey
on 0116 2673295.
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