Shop gets makeover
A YEAR ago it was a simple greengrocers
shop but 12 months after he took it on, Craig Ward has transformed
his Kingsgate Avenue shop.
Pic: Craig serves an ice cream
At Buttercup and Daisy Gates you can buy a bag of nails as well
as a bunch of grapes. "I've got hardware, DIY stuff, tools,
pound lines as well as fresh fruit and veg, fresh flowers and
pet food" says Craig, who serves everything in brown paper
bags.
That's not all: you can buy half a dozen free range eggs for
£1, frozen food, bedding plants and houseplants or enjoy
a freshly squeezed orange juice, a smoothie or milk shake or
an ice cream from Craig's new Mr Whippy style machine.
"I really feel part of the community now" says Craig.
Customers tell me they've never seen the shop looking so good
and it's just what they need on the estate."
Craig will serve a free ice cream to anyone who cuts out and
presents his advert in this issue of the Birstall Post - no purchase
necessary.
Dog attack
A 17 year old man was attacked by a dog
as he walked along Sibson Road with his pregnant girlfriend.
Kevin Warren needed 22 stitches in his face following the attack
by a Rhodesian ridgeback, which missed his eye by millimetres.
Doctors have told Mr Warren he will probably be scarred for life.
The incident happened on Tuesday March 11.
Mr Warren was talking to the dog's owner who gave him permission
to stroke it. When he did, it attacked him. Mr Warren was bitten
in the face and blacked out. Staff at nearby Barclays Bank helped
him as they waited for an ambulance.
Police have visited the owner of the dog and advised her to keep
it muzzled when out in public. Inquiries are continuing and no
decision has been made as to whether to put the dog down.
Somerfield robbed
THIEVES STRUCK at Birstall's Somerfield
store for the second time in five weeks, stealing more than £21,000
in cash.
Two men entered the store at 10.15am on Monday February 25, entered
an office and stole the cash from what Police described as "an
insecure safe".
The men were dressed as workmen, are white, aged between 25 and
28, 6 foot tall and of slim build. They were wearing navy blue
sweatshirts and fleeces, and baseball caps.
A robbery five weeks earlier at the store had seen three masked
threaten a shop assistant with a knife and steal cash from a
till. Police have arrested four people in connection with that
incident, which Police say is not linked to this one.
Somerfield say they are taking steps to improve security at the
store.
BAGS bash at the Social
BIRSTALL BAGS held their third annual fundraising
event at the Birstall Social Club in February with local band,
The Buskateers playing to a sell out crowd.
The evening was a huge success with a total of £2350 raised
on the evening. Rachael Boyall from Birstall BAGS (Breast Cancer
Awareness Group) said: "The evening was fantastic with everyone
up on their feet dancing. We can't thank everyone enough for
continuing to support our fundraising events year after year.
People's generosity never ceases to amaze us. In particular we
would like to thank: the Birstall Social Club for letting us
have the concert room free of charge. The Earl of Stamford for
donating £520, Moppo for printing the tickets. Yvonne Preston
for the posters and logo design, Sarah, Ellie, Megan, Gracie,
Holly and Jacob who helped decorate the room, Hicko and Tony
Shawley for sponsoring the disco, Joy Boyall for organising the
sound system, Chris Tinbergen for the signed Leicester City shirt,
Lee Duddle for framing the Leicester City shirt, Jackie Overton
for helping on the door, The Mulberry Tree, Aroma Spice, Barbie
Mahoney, Unique Hairdressers, Karen Kilby, Tracey and Edwin James,
Brenda Todd and the Social Club who all donated prizes for our
raffle.
"Without the help and generosity of these people we couldn't
continue to raise the amount of money that we do for local Breast
Cancer Charities. We are so fortunate to have the support of
such a close knit community but also we have people that have
heard about our events through family and friends coming to support
us as well, which is great!"
On Sunday June 1 Birstall BAGS will be holding their annual sponsored
walk around Watermead Park. The BAGS would like to invite everyone
to come and join in the fun, the event is open to all ages and
is a great family day out. This year the walk, or run if you
are feeling energetic, starts on the river bank on Whiles Lane
and finishes at the newly refurbished Birstall United Football
Club, who have kindly offered their facilities to us. There will
be a BBQ and refreshments, licensed bar, cake stall, raffle and
bouncy castle. Registration for the walk is £5, sponsorship
is optional. For more information or a sponsor form email Rachaelboyall@btinternet.com
or phone tel: Rachael 0798 9822173 or Emma 0783 7028451.
Also look out for the Birstall BAGS Big Body Shop Bash later
on in the year!
Rachael said: Birstall BAGS was set up by Clare Wells in 2000
after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Clare felt very strongly
that self-examination and early diagnosis was vitally important
with the number of people suffering with cancer increasing to
one in three. Clare's aim was to raise money and also awareness
amongst all ages of our community. By organising these fundraising
events everyone can get together and have a good time and raise
money and hopefully this will help to remind them of the message
that we are trying to promote that early diagnosis saves lives!"
NHW news & crime report
Where are Police?
How many times have you heard the above said? Or even said it
yourself, well now it is your chance to see and meet the police
at the Neighbourhood Watch Shop open every 3rd Saturday morning
of every month held at the Council Offices opposite the Garden
Centre on Sibson Road. Also at the shop will be Watch members
to talk to and discuss various products (some free and some for
sale at a reasonable price) to do with crime prevention
Two incidents have been reported concerning a man wanting to
check 'Gas Supply'. He was refused permission to enter the house
so went away after being abusive to householder. Second incident
was man at door, wanting to check 'Electrics'. No admission allowed
so went away. Remember to be aware of bogus callers.
Now the nights are lighter and the weather turning warmer householders
will be spending more time outside. Remember if working out on
the back secure the front - and if working on the front secure
the back. A sneak thief only needs less than 5 mins. to get in
and out of your property with your stolen goods.
If your motor car is parked outside your house at night then
check it over in the morning as there have been reports of petrol
and number plate thefts.
C A Barradell - NHW Co-ordinator
Author visits Longslade
A LEICESTER author of a book for young
people gave a presentation to Longslade students to celebrate
World Book Day in March.
Pic: author Kate Wild at Longslade
Kate Wild's 'Fight Game' is about a gypsy boy born with a special
gene.
Kate gave a presentation to about 800 students over four days.
"I've had a very good reaction from the students here"
said Kate, who also met with students in small groups to answer
questions and talk about the themes in the book.
United winners
BIRSTALL UNITED Under 11s have been crowned
champions of the Leicester & District League Division 3.
Pic: Birstall United U11s team:
Lee Osborne (coach), Kev Jordan (Manager), Lewis Bonsell, Daniel
Hough, Leyton Stimpson, Toby Hay, Tommy Robertson, Liam Cocksedge,
Jordan Breward, Ashley Jordan, Ethan Oakes, James Pearce, Fraser
Currall, Callum Hamilton, Sam Finlow, Liam Stafford
United have been unbeaten all season and have scored over 100
goals, putting themselves in an unassailable position with four
games still to play.
Manager, Kev Jordan said: "The boys have worked extremely
hard this season and have played some superb football. This is
their first season playing 11-a-side but they have really applied
themselves and have become one of the best sides in the county."
Coach Lee Osborne said: "The boys have really come together
as a team this season and their work rate on the pitch is phenomenal,
I am so pleased for them.
The trophy will be presented at the Leicester & Rutland County
FA headquarters on May 11.
Club's fundraising
OUR PICTURE shows Birstall Bowling Club
President Grahame White presenting a cheque for £700 to
a representative of the Leicestershire & Rutland Branch of
the Motor Neurone Disease Association following a fundraising
event at the club.
One of the Birstall Bowling Club members, Wayne Parkin, is a
sufferer of the disease and the money raised will go towards
helping to provide essential services that people with MND rely
on, and to fund research projects to bring hope for a future
without the disease.
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on March 10.
It was reported that antisocial behaviour on Lambourne Road has
improved with increased police patrols.
It was agreed to report surface water collecting on School Lane
to the County Council and to request that the Borough Council's
Street Wardens visit on Sundays to enforce parking restrictions
on School Lane.
It was reported that following a meeting with County Council
youth workers and PC Chris Falle, a project to invite the opinions
of young people was being progressed. This would enable the Parish
Council to target its resources at things young people are asking
for.
HATS' April production
BAZAAR & RUMMAGE is HATS next production,
a play by Leicester's own Sue Townsend It is a comedy about a
group of agoraphobics who are making their first venture into
the outside world by helping to run a bazaar and rummage sale
in a local community hall.
Pic: top (l-r) Anne Wells, Kirsty
Spavins and Elaine Hunt. Centre, Margaret Briggs (Director).
Bottom (l-r) Jez Stokes, Jo Murray and Mavis Sculthorpe
It has all been arranged by a do-gooder who was once an agoraphobic.
She is assisted by a trainee social worker who has not been a
sufferer herself but who seems to understand what is needed to
help the ladies recover from their illness.
HATS Rod Atkins said: "Although the play is a comedy, the
subject is dealt with realistically and sensitively. But, please
note, there is some occasional strong language which adds to
the realism of the drama. We hope that our regular patrons will
find this play as entertaining as the comedies we have performed
in the past and that the gritty theme of the play will encourage
new people along."
HATS will be staging their annual panto at the end of November.
"We will welcome anyone who would like to be part of our
small but determined band of thespians and are always looking
for new people who want to tread the boards, or who want to get
involved with the many backstage tasks without which the shows
would not go on." If you are interested in joining please
contact the secretary on 0116 2128757.
Bazaar and Rummage will be on stage at Greengate Hall, Highcliffe
School, Greengate Lane Birstall on April 24, 25 and 26 at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £5 (£4 concessions) and can be obtained
by phoning the HATS box office on 0116 2128757 or 07757 854719
or by email to hatsbirstall@hotmail.co.uk
Club suffers break in
A BREAK-IN at their clubhouse will cost
a junior football club £4000 to repair damage and replace
stolen items.
Thieves struck at the clubhouse of Birstall United Juniors on
Meadow Lane sometime between February 24 and February 28 and
stole a generator, television, tea urn, all kitchen supplies,
light fittings, some floodlights and football equipment. The
children had collected Tesco sports equipment vouchers which
were going to be redeemed for a large first aid kit, but even
these were taken.
The club runs 21 teams ranging from under 8s to under 17s and
has one of the largest soccer schools in the county for 4-6 year
olds who are too young to join a team. It provides Birstall with
a sporting facility for nearly 350 boys & girls.
Kevin Glover, the club's chairman said: "The thieves came
well prepared with specialist cutting equipment which made easy
work of very heavy duty padlocks and a security cage in which
the generator was housed. There is currently no permanent electricity
supply at the clubhouse, so the loss of the generator is a huge
blow to the club and has severely affected our money raising
activities. The clubhouse had only just been re-opened after
an extensive re-fit costing over £2500 and the repair of
the new kitchen, internal doors and the replacement of the cooking
equipment will run into several hundred pounds. We were also
relying on the profits generated from the sales of tea, coffee,
hot-dogs etc to pay for the end of season presentation evening
at the Walkers Stadium which is costing the club £1500
but we will now have to find other ways of raising the money.
The club is currently in negotiations with Charnwood Borough
Council to get a permanent electricity supply put in at the clubhouse
and when that is in place we will be able to have things like
security alarms and CCTV to prevent this kind of thing recurring
in the future."
In May BUJFC will be holding their 27th international tournament
which will feature teams from France, as well as a number of
teams from around the county. Kevin Glover added: "This
tournament is our opportunity to give a good impression of Birstall
to all the visits, however this year with the loss of so much
equipment, the constant battle with graffiti and general vandalism,
it's going to be much harder to achieve this.
"It's terrible that people would target a voluntary organisation
that just helps children play football. We are doing a great
service for this community by taking about 350 kids off the street
for three or four hours every week, teaching them team values,
respect, keeping them fit and above all enabling them to enjoy
sport.
"This has come as a huge blow for the club in what is one
of its most successful seasons ever. Three of our teams have
already won their respective division with games to spare (under
11s, under 10 Hounds and under 13s) and another six teams are
currently in runners-up spots with time still to climb to the
top spot."
Anyone with information about the break-in should contact Sgt
Peter Chotak on 0116 2222222
Creative play
CREATIVE PLAY that promotes learning and
concentration in pre-school children is now on offer at Mountsorrel
and Birstall.
Run by the Creation Station, workshops involve parents and their
children in structured, fun activities. Sarah Cressall, Managing
Director of the Creation Station, said: "Due to their own
early learning experiences, many adults don't think themselves
as creative, and can therefore struggle knowing what to do with
their children in order to develop this important area. These
sessions push away ideas of 'painting a horse' and encourage
each child to explore the range of tools and materials and to
discover what happens…! The sessions generate fantastic
ideas and amazing creations emerge."
Sessions last around 45 minutes and are held at:
o Mountsorrel Scout Hall, The Green : Thursdays 9.45am, 10.50am
o Birstall Scout Hall, Birstall Road : Fridays 9.55am
For more details: 0845 050 8743, www.thecreationstation.co.uk
WI news
THE BENEFITS of Aloe Vera was the subject
of a talk by Mrs Pamela Lenthall at the March meeting of Birstall
and Wanlip WI.
Most of us were familiar with the use of this plant juice to
relieve the pain of burns but it was surprising to hear how many
other ailments could be alleviated by it. Mixed with other taste
enhancers the juice is sold as a daily drink to ease various
intestinal troubles as well as being made into creams and lotions
to improve and moisturise hair and skin and reduce rashes and
irritations. The healing properties of the plant have been known
for many years. A vote of thanks was proposed by one of the newer
members Mrs Bethan Cooper.
Also discussed at the meeting were forthcoming county and group
events. Tickets were given out for the Annual Council Meeting
and arrangements proposed for the Institute's 90th birthday in
June. Members were also asked to support a coffee morning in
aid of funds on April 19 by providing articles to sell and by
inviting friends.
The meeting next month will be on Monday April 7 when the speaker
will be Mrs Joyce Rockley. Her talk is entitled 'Both Sides of
the Shop Counter'.
Bishop's walk
A GOOD crowd turned out to welcome the
arrival of a distinguished 'pilgrim' to Birstall on the Saturday
before Easter.
After his long walk, visiting the Anglican churches of Leicestershire
during the six weeks of Lent, the Bishop of Leicester finished
his journey through the county at Birstall just before the weather
broke and the heavens opened! In the evening a reception was
held at which representatives of many village organisations were
able to meet and talk with the Bishop, who expressed his pleasure
at this opportunity to learn more about the local community.
Pic: Bishop Tim Stevens
April brings, of course, the start of a new school term, one
which for many young people brings the prospect of examinations
and extra stress. After the official opening of the new 'community
space' in St James on April 26, a new initiative which is planned
for May 3 is to invite students to make use of it for a time
of quiet to get away from their worries. (More details of this
can be found on the notices page)
Also this month, on Sunday April 27 at 7.30pm at St James the
Great Church Birstall, there will be a special service for Healing
and Wholeness, open to anyone, at which the preacher will be
the Rev John Woolmer, formerly attached to Holy Trinity Church,
Leicester who is a well-known author and authority on the ministries
of healing and deliverance. All will be welcome and the Rector,
the Rev James Shakespeare would be pleased to answer any enquiries
on 0116 2674517 or email jshakespeare@btinternet.com or contact
Bert Tegg (Reader) on 0116 2673817, email: herbert@htegg3.wanadoo.co.uk
Music is in the air in April, with another of the Ibstock Brass
Band's regular visits to Birstall at St James Church on Sunday
April 6 at 7.30pm. Then on Tuesday April 15 at 7.30pm at St James,
the Cossington Voices with solo instrumentalists will present
'Spring Songs', a varied and popular programme to appeal to all
tastes. Tickets are £7. The proceeds from this event will
be going to a charity which is supported by our church: two homes
for orphaned and abandoned children at Bethany in Israel, run
by a Christian mother and daughter, entirely on charitable donations.
Several people from Birstall have visited the homes, where children
in need from any background are accepted, and seen the incredibly
difficult circumstances of life in this Palestinian area near
Jerusalem.
Rev James Shakespeare said: "We were delighted that the
Bishop chose to end his pilgrimage in Birstall, spending time
with local people. He was touched by the welcome he received
at St James the Great, and invited community guests much valued
their time with him. Everyone was given a wooden pilgrim cross,
as a reminder of the occasion."
The Bishop explained why he had embarked on his pilgrimage, it
provided an opportunity to change pace, reflect on the big questions,
and engage with local communities, big and small. He then discussed
a range of topical issues, from education and youth policy, to
Christian faith and inter-faith relations. The Bishop was also
able to see first hand changes at St James' Church, and applauded
the process of developing the building for wider community use.
Your Say...
Churches Together in Birstall and Wanlip held a successful
service on the Women's World Day of Prayer on Friday March 7
in St James the Great Church Birstall.
There were about 60 people attended and Rev Mary Williams, Curate
of Birstall & Wanlip Parish gave the address. This year the
countrywomen of Guyana had arranged the service.
This followed a preparation day held on February 9 when a Guyanan
type meal had been provided, followed by a talk on Guyana with
slides presented by Mrs Beryl McHugh.
Our thanks to everyone who helped with the preparation day and
the service, the speakers, readers and singers and to St James
PCC for the use of the church.
E M Belton, Secretary PCC WWDP Committee
That was an interesting letter from the hgv driver (March
Birstall Post), Tesco came in by the back door. Surely somebody
must have known about their plans; was the question of delivery
every raised? During the last week in February 2008 two large
vehicles were parked on the bus stop, completely ignoring the
bus only sign. There were not any cars in the way of these two
large vehicles. At least one of these could have reversed into
Tesco's side entrance, but the wooden doors were firmly locked.
One of the vehicles was half way on the pavement; will the pavement
stand the pressure? The other parked on the road making Sibson
Road narrower. With the planning people making the slip road
(N-S) one way and drivers going faster when the see a gap, a
dangerous situation occurs.
Does Tesco have preferential treatment?
Les Briers
I want everyone to be aware of the drinking and gang problems
in Birstall after seeing what I saw on Friday February 15 and
what I heard from family.
On a Saturday night my family were ready to go out and have a
quiet night out, one of my family made their way to the shops
for some stuff for the night, the family member was aware of
the gang across the road, a gang of 40+ teenagers. As she went
across no one confronted her, but when she came back into our
home, she told us what she just saw. As she was about to buy
something two teenagers were in front of her in the queue and
they were purchasing alcohol, and they were nowhere near 18 years
of age, the were something from 13-16 yrs old and the shopkeeper
did not even ask for ID.
This is the reason for all this behaviour, just because the shopkeeper
does not want to have to confront the teenagers, and have them
show ID no, they want to avoid it and let them hang outside the
shops like they normally do and get drunk and cause problems.
This was disgusting to hear, these teenagers are always there,
not just Friday and Saturday, no it's all the time, every night.
Like I say, this is the problem. The shopkeeper not doing the
right thing and refusing them alcohol, but just giving them the
booze, then after his shop gets attacked, like a smashed window
etc, he then complains about it. Yet it's him that has brought
it onto himself, giving them the booze. What does he think, give
them the booze and then everything will be fine. Well how about
NO!
Then after this about five weeks later on Friday February 15,
just as I was getting something from my room, I heard something
going on outside as I looked across the road. Surprise, surprise,
guess what - the cops are there and the gang of about 40+. The
teenagers were clearly drinking and drunk, the cops did the best
they could as all cops do.
This is the proper problem with the gangs and drinking, something
needs to be done and NOW!
Name & address supplied
I am hoping that your readers could help me. I am researching
my family tree and I am looking for any information on my 3x
great grandmother. Her name was Anne Maria Fawcett and she was
born in Birstall in about 1851. I don't have any information
on her family but what I do know is that she married a Joseph
Huff who was a member of the Royal Artillery. We think that they
were married in India in about 1867 or thereabout. When they
returned home they eventually ended up living in Essex and that's
all we know. So I am hoping that you and your readers can help
me with any information on Anne.
Mrs Lesley Pigerham, 8(b) Church Lane, Worlington, Bury
St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 8SG (lesleypigerham@aol.com)
Dynamite girls
ROUTINES PACKED with dance, stunts and
pyramids performed by cheerleaders from Birstall impressed the
judges at a competition held in Nottingham.
Pic: (above) the youth team in
3rd place and, below, the Juniors in 2nd place.
Girls aged 7-15 from the Amy Owen School of Cheer performed at
the event, their first competition since the Dynamite Cheerleaders
were formed 16 months ago.
Held at the Nottingham Ice Arena in March, more than 2000 girls
were participating from across the country. Amy's Youth Team
aged 7-12 came third out of six teams and the Junior team aged
7-12 came third out of six teams and the Junior team were second
out of nine teams.
Amy said: "This was far better than I ever could imagine,
they were all so proud of themselves as they never expected to
be placed so well."
Birstall's Hollie Van Geffen (15) said: "After months of
training and hard work the competition day finally arrived. Early
Sunday morning we bustled onto the coach full of nerves and excitement.
As the coach pulled up at Nottingham ice arena the army of dynamites
paraded into the arena. We were met with a sea of cheerleaders
in their brightly coloured uniforms from all over the country.
Throughout the morning we were impressed by the stunts and acrobatic
routines of the other squads. Then suddenly it was our turn to
perform. All our hard work paid off as everything worked brilliantly
and we enjoyed every second of our performance. We waited anxiously
for the morning's results. We knew we had done well but nothing
could have prepared us for the thrill of gaining second place
and being presented with an enormous trophy!"
Amy added: "I would like to say a big thank you to all the
parents who came along and supported us. I think everyone would
agree it was a fantastic weekend all round."
Anyone wanting to join the Dynamite Cheerleaders please contact
Amy Owen on 07921768449. The group trains at Stonehill School.
Methodist church news
Cameroonian Events
A meal, a service, and fundraising are all separate events taking
place following the visit to The Cameroon late last year by a
number of local folk.
On Sunday April 13 a three course Italian Meal is to be served.
Proceeds from the meal will go to the Cameroon Orphanage. Tickets
from David or Joy 2677576. As detailed in last month's Post David
& Joy are also raising funds personally for the same project.
On the following Sunday Dorothy Hutchinson from Syston will,
during the 10.30 morning service, tell of her experiences as
Dorothy was part of the group that went to the Cameroon.
Preachers of all sorts
Dorothy Hutchinson is a 'local preacher' within the Methodist
Church. Her role is to preach at Methodist Churches locally,
but not every Sunday, perhaps five or six times each quarter.
Her task is the same as the ordained ministers who lead worship.
At Birstall there are five local preachers. Each has taken quite
a lengthy and demanding period of study, nearly all from home,
whilst continuing with the paid, secular, employment.
Spring Song
The ladies Thursday group are having an evening of singing and
eating from 7.30pm on Saturday April 5. Tickets are £5
and include supper. Proceeds go towards the Thursday group's
current project, which is Parkinson's Disease Society. Tickets
from Pat (2675128) or Eileen (2929670).
Thanks to the Chancellor
Although the standard rate of tax is reduced in this new tax
year from 22% down to 20%, it is pleasing to report that the
Church, along with all the charities etc can still reclaim the
tax at the 'old' higher rate. However it is important that those
who have agreed to allow the church to reclaim tax through 'Gift
Aid' are still paying tax. If in doubt do contact Tony on 2676207
or any church steward. If you give either regularly or irregularly
to the Church, do consider Gift Aid as for every £1 you
give, the church can reclaim 28 pence! St James & St Theresa's
have similar schemes.
Church Meeting
Once a year there is a church meeting to which all members and
friends are invited. Although only church members can vote, it
is an opportunity to hear more about the work of the Church,
the state of the finances and to raise any questions about the
'business' of the church. The meeting is at 4pm on Sunday April
6 (not 20th as previously advertised).
Pantomime Financial Result
Once again the profit from the Pantomime has been divided up
between the church and various charities. Full details elsewhere
in this edition of the Post.
Runners in Crufts' new event
FORMER LONGSLADE college student Racheal
Bailey came sixth at Crufts with her Inuit dog Jerry-Lee in a
brand new competition called Cani-x.
Pic: (l-r) Nina Pulford with Deefer,
Racheal Bailey with Jerry-Lee and Joanne Wilkes with Cheyenne
Racheal, who runs her own animal care business, was joined by
her friends Nina Pulford from Thurcaston and Joanne Wilkes in
the Cani-x race, which involves running with your dog over 2.5-5km.
Racheal said: "I am delighted I came sixth and it was quite
a shock as there were over 100 entrants. My dog Jerry-Lee and
I absolutely loved competing and can't wait for our next race."
Along with her friend Nina, who came first in the Crufts event,
Racheal is setting up a Cani-x group at Brooksby Equestrian Centre.
The first meeting is on Friday April 4 at 6pm where Racheal will
be doing demonstrations and sharing tips about getting fit with
your dog.
She said: "Come along to our open evening, with or without
your dogs, and meet everyone from Akna K9 and find out just what
you can be doing with your faithful friends."
For more details contact Racheal on 0792 11 36975 or visit her
website www.aknak9.com
Breakfast fundraiser
FOR THE fourth year Birstall's Jan and
David Gaskell once again hosted a 'Big Breakfast' event in aid
of Cancer Research UK.
Pic: Cooks David Gaskell and Doug
Sutherland - have
they moved since last year's event?
It should really have been called a 'Big Brunch' as cooked breakfasts
were served from 11.30am until 2pm with afternoon tea served
from 2pm to 4pm.
Altogether 41 breakfasts/brunches and 17 afternoon teas were
served.
Jan said: "We hope everyone enjoyed tucking into some tasty
breakfast time treats as well as home baked cakes during the
afternoon. David and Doug did a wonderful job with the frying
pan and grill, thanks to them and to those who baked the delicious
cakes and to members and friends who spent time washing up, selling
raffle tickets and generally caring for all the guests."
The event raised £632.25 for Cancer Research.
Heritage warden
I must apologise for the lateness of this report this year,
but my domestic arrangements have caused certain difficualties
which have resulted in a backlog. To start with, in September
2006 my back boiler broke down; it could not be fixed and had
to be replaced. This meant modernising the central heating system,
which resulted in chaos. I had just sorted that out when my ancient
metal-framed windows threatened terrible vengeance on me if I
did not replace them. More chaos. Then in January nearly everything
in my bathroom stopped working - except the bath.
As a result I have a monthly pictorial survey of the churchyard
wild-life from 2006 represented by a heap of photographs and
scrappy bits of paper. My survey of the wood around Birstall
cemetery on Greengate Lane from last year is even less well organised,
and I have just started work on a small section of Watermead
Park.
Of the other surveys, I am sorry to report that the pond-life
survey was not a success despite the editor of the Birstall Post
having an official form printed in one copy, and only one person
volunteered any information about foxes. Never mind - every little
helps, to coin a phrase from a certain notorious Express.
My aim this year is to look at the popular impact of the change
in status of the railway station - plans are ongoing - and what
Birstall did in the 1939-1945 war. I now have photographs of
three existing air-raid shelters, two of the Anderson variety,
I believe, and one brick and concrete one, and I have heard a
rumour of a third Anderson in Holt Road. This I have yet to confirm.
In addition I know of the site of other shelters, including the
Old Plough, of Mr Sims' contribution to the Home Guard and the
attempted bombing of Birstall railway station. So, if anyone
out there has views on any of these topics and feels they can
contribute, please call me on 2676946.
From Dr D A C McNeil, Heritage Warden
Busy quilters
THE LADIES of Birstall Quilters are never
idle.
Apart from quilts for themselves, family and friends, they regularly
make baby quilts for the three hospitals in Leicester, but their
baby quilts have gone further afield when they recently produced
60 baby quilts which were equally divided between Kings Lynn
and Brighton Hospital baby units.
Quilts of all sizes have been sent out to orphanages and children's
hospitals in Belarus and 70 shoe boxes were filled and sent out
there before Christmas.
Each year they hold a charity coffee morning in the coffee shop
of the Methodist Church. Last year £500 went to LOROS and
this year on Saturday April 26 at the coffee shop, 10am to 12noon,
the proceeds from their coffee morning will be going to the 'County
Air Ambulance'.
So look for the notices, put it in your diary and come along
and support them in their efforts and maybe win a handmade quilt
in the raffle.
From Birstall Quilters
Tennis balls in Africa
RECYCLING OLD match tennis balls recently
took a new direction at Birstall Watermead Tennis Club.
Pic: Christian Berry in Nigeria
First men's team player, 16-year-old Christian Berry, carried
40 old tennis balls with him to Nigeria as part of a project
to help deprived youngsters.
Christian, in year 12 at Burleigh College in Loughborough, was
one of four students from the college chosen in a Sports Leaders
Course to fly out with members of staff to Nigeria during half-term
week, as part of the Youth Sport Trust's Dreams and Teams initiative.
Dreams and Teams is about developing young leaders and global
citizens through sport and international awareness.
"We did work on awareness for Aids and HIV with the youngsters
there, and ran lunchtime sessions, teaching them new ball games.
Football is the main sport out there," said Christian, who
lives in Birstall.
The students went into primary schools and got an extremely warm
welcome. "In fact, one teacher came up to me and said: 'Will
you marry my daughter?', laughed Christian.
The trip undoubtedly made a real impact on Christian. "It
was extremely rewarding. Just to coach and see the kids take
part was amazing. To see them with a smile on their fact put
a smile on your face as well."
Back home, Christian will once again be part of the first men's
team squad preparing for the coming 2008 summer league. This
year the club will be fielding a fourth men's team for the first
time as there is now a substantial pool of players from which
to choose. There are two women's teams.
Corbett's cricket corner
THE SEASON is now only a few weeks away
and now with the clubhouse almost finished it is something to
be proud of.
Pic: Inspector Cathy Yallop and
PC Chris Falle visited a cricket coaching session at the Soar
Valley Centre
The project was a team effort not just from the players but also
members of the public. A special note of thanks must go to Lynn
Nurse who has made 14 sets of table linen and donated some place
mats. Bernard Drake has been down at the clubhouse every day
for nearly two weeks painting and had a surprise visit from a
new Birstall citizen Rudolpho who originates from Cuba, Rudolpho
was only passing but offered to help Bernard decorate.
Pic: Andy Corbett, Ben Drake, George Corbett,
Priyesh Patel, Yash Thakrar, Neel Thakrar at Leicestershire County
Council
Back to cricket, the juniors had a visit from Inspector Cathy
Yallop, Commander of Charnwood Local Policing Unit and Beat Officer
Chris Falle - she was really pleased to see so many youngsters
getting involved in sport and commented on there being a good
sense of team spirit and it was great to see the lads enjoying
themselves. Due to the success of the indoor nets we are extending
the training and have been looking for new facilities and have
been invited by Anshuman Bhagwati of the City Cricket Academy
in Leicester to train at his academy, they are the best facility
in Leicester with six lanes of nets each with different surfaces,
and there is also a bowling machine, which can bowl a ball with
speeds up to 90 miles an hour.
Pic: Anshuman Bhagwati of the City Cricket
Academy with a bowling machine
Pic: Bernard Drake and new Birstall citizen
Rudolpho from Cuba
The Leicestershire Young Cricketers from Birstall were invited
to County Hall, Glenfield to receive certificates for representing
their county from Chairman of the County Council Mike Jones.
Planning
Land adjacent to 10 Sibson Road - expansion of the existing
car park to create an additional 5 disabled parking spaces and
70 non disabled spaces
36 Park Road - erection of extension to rear of property
101 Sibson Road - install new shop front and new automatic door
102 Birstall Road - demolition of existing and erection of new
detached dwelling
8 Hallam Avenue - erection of a single storey extension to rear
of dwelling
33 Walnut Avenue - erection of a 2-storey side extension
86 Gwendolin Avenue - 2-storey extension to side of dwelling
43 Blenheim Road - erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling
276 Birstall Road - erection of 2 dwellings
17 Blenheim Road - erection of a single storey extension to rear
of dwelling
A46/A6 Junction, Hallam Fields Road - display of 2 illuminated
totem signs and 1 illuminated triangular sign
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