Birstall Police station?
BIRSTALL'S NEW Police Constable PC 1993
Gordon Doudie is hoping to open a Police Station in the village.
Pic: PC Gordon Doudie
Gordon replaces PC Chris Falle who left in April after 18 months.
Introducing himself to councillors at the meeting of Birstall
Parish Council on April 14, PC Doudie explained how he had set
up a police station in an empty shop on his last beat, in Castle
Donington.
He said: "Your nearest station at the moment is Quorn or
Syston and on a good day it would take 15 minutes to get there.
I would like to convert the old Council Office at 10 Sibson Road
into a Police Station, it's in the centre of the village, just
a few minutes walk from those areas where antisocial behaviour
is a problem."
One of the rooms at 10 Sibson Road is already in use by the police,
for paperwork and taking breaks. PC Doudie would like to give
the room there its own front desk for the public to drop in,
upgrade the building's security, and erect a Police Station sign
outside. "The sign may deter criminals entering the village
when they see the Police Station" he said.
The Police Station PC Doudie opened in a shop in Castle Donington
was manned for several hours a day by community volunteers and
had a phone for public use that connected directly to the Police
control room.
PC Doudie said he had identified seven young people who were
the 'main troublemakers' in the village. He has visited their
homes, spoken to their parents, and explained the consequences
of continuing their antisocial behaviour. He said: "Working
with the parents is key, the parents I've met have been supportive
and have asked to be kept informed of any problems."
He added: "I'm a big believer in young people as they are
our future. We took kids on an outward bound course at Castle
Donington which was a big success and I'm hoping to do that here.
I'd also like to organise a football tournament for young people
aged 10 to 16, not for established teams, but for the kids on
the street. It could be a big community day out."
PC Doudie, who told councillors he had been caught shoplifting
aged 14 has been in the Police for 10 years, the last five at
Castle Donington. Prior to that he had served 10 years in the
Army.
He said: "When I took on Castle Donington there were 60
incidents of crime a month and I got that down to single figures.
I'd like to do the same here."
PC Doudie impressed councillors with his ideas and his determination
to make an impact in Birstall. They agreed to support him and
to consider what financial contribution they could make to the
Police Station at their next meeting.
Birstall's last Police Station was on Greengate Lane, between
Poplar Avenue and Walnut Avenue. Our best information is that
it was opened in the 1930s and closed in the 1970s - please contact
the Birstall Post if you have more details or any photos of the
old Police Station.
Community building
A NEW £4 million building on the
Longslade campus is planned.
The Palmer Tomkinson Centre will be used by students throughout
the day, and open for use by the community in the evenings, weekends
and during school holidays.
Now the College is appealing for expressions of support from
the community in a bid to secure funding for the project.
The Centre was originally planned in 2001, as part of the Section
106 planning agreements associated with Hallam Fields. Developers
Jelson and the Palmer Tomkinson Trust agreed to provide "a
multi purpose flexible building for recreational, educational
and community uses" at Longslade, and to upgrade the all
weather pitch area adjacent to Wanlip Lane.
Charles Palmer Tomkinson, a local landowner who owned the fields
sold to Jelsons for the Hallam Fields Development, and the Palmer
Tomkinson Trust has remained committed to providing a high quality
facility in terms of design and content and are funding the project
beyond the amounts in the original agreement. The Trust has also
been responsible for extending the scale of the project by looking
for additional funding partners.
The new two storey building will be located close to the entrance
of Longslade College on Wanlip Lane, on the existing all weather
pitch.
Ground floor facilities include:
o a main hall suitable for health and fitness, performing arts,
film screenings, lectures, public meetings
o a second hall which can be used as a drama studio
o a foyer and bar/lounge area
o changing rooms
o an outdoor performance area in an amphitheatre format
First floor facilities include:
o Technology and multi media suites
o a gallery
o viewing balconies
The external areas include a refurbished all-weather pitch and
multi-use games areas with replacement floodlighting. There will
be 164 carparking spaces and sheltered cycle parking.
Pics: the location of the new building. The
ice house is in the
foreground of the bottom pic
The building will be managed by Longslade College and during
the day will be used for teaching. Longslade has experienced
a 25 per cent growth in student numbers in recent years and is
nearing full capacity. The new building will enable specialist
sport, performing arts and Information Technology provision within
Longslade.
At evenings and weekends the building will be used by the wider
community for adult education, private classes and individual
'one-off' bookings that utilise the facility's sports areas,
changing rooms, exhibition areas, main hall and stage.
College Principal Dr Mike Griffiths said: "Currently the
college lacks areas providing middle to large indoor spaces for
a wide range of uses and users - existing accommodation could
be double or triple booked during the day, evenings and most
weekends.
"From our perspective the proposed Palmer Tomkinson Centre,
as a free standing facility that can be used either on its own
or in conjunction with other college facilities, would be a wonderful
and highly appropriate addition to the school's facilities and
to the Birstall population at large."
The Centre has a number of funding partners: the biggest provider
is the Learning and Skills Council and Longslade will be submitting
a bid to them at the end of May. As part of the bid, the College
would like to include expressions of interest and support from
the community, and have set up an email address to receive these:
ptcomments@longslade.leics.sch.uk.
Dr Griffiths said: "Tell us what facilities you would like
to use, what activities you would like to do here and if you
support the provision of a Centre like this."
If funding is secured, work on the building could start in the
summer of 2009 and open one year later, coinciding with the 50th
anniversary of Longslade.
The full plans and supporting documents can be viewed at the
Charnwood Borough Council website www.charnwood.gov.uk. The planning
application number is P/08/0981/2
Birstall teams are champions
OVER THE Easter school holidays, Birstall
United Juniors FC took three under 11 teams and the under 9 Foxes
team to the Soccer Club International 7-a-side tournament at
Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.
Pic (top): The under 9s: Myles
Saxton, Billy Clarke, Lewis
Osborne, Mason Gilbert, Caleb Finlow, Giorgio Riozzi, Joe
Simms, Rhys Townsend, Jacob Throop, Jack Bewley
Pic: The under 11s: Lewis Bonsell, Caleb Steele, Thomas
Bates, Adam Grundy (coach), Ethan Oakes, Liam Stafford,
Debbie Steele (Manager), Leyton Stimpson, Josh Moore,
Taylor Grundy
Despite the threat of rain, wind, hail and snow the football
shone through and Birstall United came out champions in both
age categories. The other two under 11 teams finished 3rd and
4th.
Under 9s coach Jason Simms said: "Birstall under 9s finished
up playing 8 games, winning 7 and drawing 1. They scored 14 goals,
let in just 1 and got 22 points out of a possible 24 finishing
up tournament winners. An excellent weekend was had by all."
It was the last appearance for BUJFC for Myles Saxton who has
been signed by Nottingham Forest. Jason added: "Birstall
United Juniors would like to wish Myles Saxton from the under
9 Foxes all the best for the future."
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on March 14.
The Council agreed to adopt a revised set of standing orders
and Financial Regulations.
Birstall's new PC Gordon Doudie presented the crime figures for
the month and introduced himself to councillors.
A Wanlip Lane resident reported that problems of antisocial behaviour
on Wanlip Lane near the shops were returning after a recent police
crackdown. There were problems of noise and intimidation, she
said, and described the area as "a disgusting place, with
awful litter". Residents feared confronting young people
for fear of retaliation, she said.
PC Doudie reported that all the village off licences had passed
the most recent tests of sale of alcohol to underage children.
A School Lane resident complained that it had taken three weeks
for an abandoned car on School Lane to be removed.
Doug Topley was co-opted to fill a vacancy on the council.
Cllr Pat Cleere reported that the Connect2 were putting together
the funding for the improvements to Watermead Country Park, and
were asking for donations, including the Parish Council's. The
Council agreed to consider the matter at the end of the financial
year.
The Council agreed to include parking problems on Wanlip Lane
on the next agenda.
The Council has agreed to terminate the Dog Warden's contract
as the problem of dog mess on the playing field was getting worse.
The Council's Play sub-committee is considering the provision
of a BMX track on the Meadow Lane playing field.
It was reported that the County Council has cleared the drains
on Sibson Road after the Parish Council had submitted several
complaints regarding flooding, particularly in relation to the
area directly in front of the newsagents.
The date of the next meeting is May 12, which will be preceded
by the Annual Parish Council Meeting at 7pm. The public are invited
to attend.
NHW news & crime report
A PROBLEM with the reporting of crime in
Birstall has been brought to the attention of Birstall and Wanlip
NHW.
It appears that people in Birstall are becoming more and more
reluctant to report crimes that they see as insignificant. People
should not hesitate and should report every crime even if they
feel it may be a minor incident.
Recently the NHW telephone has been used for reporting crime.
This was not the intention for the phone. Crimes should be reported
to the police, NOT to the watch telephone. The NHW phone is there
solely for informing the NHW so that they can pass the information
on in the newsletter or on the website www.villagewatch.co.uk
The website is a great way to find out about crimes in the local
area. It is updated every day with new information, mainly received
via the watch phone.
Who to call to report a crime:
Crime in progress - 999
To report a crime - 222 2222
Too inform Birstall & Wanlip NHW - 0116 267 6397
From Roy Rollings, Committee member, Birstall & Wanlip NHW
Crime Report : March 10 - April 14
Assault & harassment 3, robbery 1, theft of motor vehicle
1, theft from motor vehicle 3, burglary other 10, burglary dwelling
11, theft from stores 6, theft 4, damage 9, theft of cycle 4
Children get dancing
FACES ARTS, the Birstall based dance group
for 5-13 year olds, held their first show at Highcliffe Primary
school on April 17.
45 students took part in the show in front of an audience of
over 150 people. The children danced to different music styles,
including High School Musical, J-LO, Michael Jackson and Rhianna.
Jody Chesterton, principal of Faces Arts, said: "The children
have made me very proud. This has really given the children so
much confidence and we are really lucky to have such talented
children in Birstall. They have all worked very hard and are
such a dedicated team. Thanks to everyone involved."
Birstall's Hollie Dolby (8) said: "It was brilliant, I was
very excited and bit nervous beforehand, but I loved doing it.
I especially liked dressing up and putting the makeup on. We
really looked the part." Hannah (13) and Rosie (5) Timlock
said: "It was so much fun, it made us try harder with all
those people watching …we loved it!"
A special dedication award was presented to four students who
started off with Jody in 2004, and awards were also given for
the most promising student in each age group.
Faces Arts teach children a variety of street dance and performance
skills to build confidence and enjoyment and will be holding
a summer school of Dance, Drama and Art at Birstall Methodist
Church between August 4 and 8. The children will be working towards
a play at the end of the week.
Classes are held every Thursday at Highcliffe School. For further
details contact Jody on 07971423201.
Society moving
BIRSTALL LOCAL History Society is moving
from Birstall library after meeting there for 22 years.
The April meeting was the last at the library and
to mark the occasion, Sandra Moore, Birstall Library Manager,
was presented with a framed and dedicated painting by Roger Cowham
of Birstall's renowned Cedar of Lebanon.
Spokesman Mike Smith said: "From our first meeting in November
1984 the society has met at the library where the staff have
always made us welcome with their unstinting co-operation. Bur
now, to our great regret, we find that the newly remodelled library
cannot accommodate in comfort and safety the increased numbers
attending our meetings."
From May onwards the society will meet at Birstall Village Hall
at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month.
Besides a change of venue there has also been a change in the
society's officers. From June the new secretary will be Adrienne
Topley and Diane King the new treasurer. Retiring secretary Mike
Smith and retiring treasurer Marion Liquorish will continue on
the committee, with Mike Smith taking over duties of programme
secretary.
The society's next meeting on Thursday May 8 is a members evening
when Mike Smith will talk on the unknown and surprising history
of Birstall's Cedar of Lebanon tree.
Programme for 2008:
June 7, Trip to the Black Country Museum - as few seats still
available
June 12, Adventures of a Blue Badge Guide - Alan Joyce
No meetings in July and August
Sep 11, Leicester Through the Artist's Eye - Fred Hartley
Oct 9, History of the Knights Templar - Nick Marshall
Nov 13, Elizabeth Herrick: The Fight Against Slavery - Shirley
Aucott
Dec 11, Christmas Customs - Diane Courtney
Visitors are welcome to all meetings and also the Black Country
Museum Trip
Pic: Chairman John Kilby presents the painting to Sandra Moore
Summer season ahead
THE SMELL of grilled bacon proved an irresistible
lure for members of Birstall Watermead Tennis Club recently.
Pic: players Graham Smith, Mike Lale
& Daryl Hill
A Bacon Butty tournament, involving a 'turbo-style' speedy doubles
format, was a great success, and having burned off some calories
on court, hungry players queued up to enjoy bacon rolls and talk
about the summer season ahead.
Carrying on the social fun theme, the club also held a Tennis
and Curry night last month, including a Wimbledon ticket draw.
An informal tournament was followed by an enjoyable meal at Aroma
Spice.
Still in the food mood, the club's annual Strawberry Tea event
will be held on Sunday June 22 - on the eve of the Wimbledon
Championships.
A week later, on Sunday June 29, the club will be staging its
annual Open Day, from 10am to 1pm. All budding new members, juniors,
seniors and families are invited to turn up to see what the club
has to offer, both socially and competitively.
This summer the club has entered four men's teams - for the first
time - two ladies' teams, one men's veterans team, two mixed
teams and also, for the first time, under 16 and under 18 boys'
teams.
If you want to be part of the set-up at Birstall Watermead Tennis
Club, which is based at the Co-op Sports and Social Club on Birstall
Road, contact chairman James Berry on 2209384, treasurer Roger
Bartlett on 2675273 or secretary Wendy Morley on 2674844.
Golf club aim high
BIRSTALL GOLF Club has successfully negotiated
the first three rounds of this year's Mail on Sunday National
Golf Club Classic, an event in which the club reached the national
finals staged in Spain in 2004.
Pic: Scott Wormleighton
And for the second time in the three rounds played thus far,
the club handed out a 5-0 thumping, with the other victory being
by 4-1. The third round victory over Kibworth was one of the
5-0 results, with the Birstall team of Michael Reed, Stuart Marriott,
Paul Frith, Scott Wormleighton and Adam Dalby beating spirited
opposition in blustery conditions. That result matched the one
over Charnwood in the opening round, with the 4-1 victory being
against Wellingborough in the second round, when all four Birstall
victors won with some ease. Scott Wormleighton has been in especially
good form, winning his game in the first round easily and following
up with a 7 & 6 victory in the second.
But club skipper Eric Hill is not getting carried away yet. "We
are still only playing teams from the Midlands and there are
something like nine rounds to be completed before you get to
the finals in Spain" he said. The team has performed superbly
this far and I know the lads are pleased, but also anxious to
keep their feet on the ground. This is a great start but we have
reached this stage in both 2005 and 2006 and lost, so we are
not getting too carried away just yet!"
The Mail on Sunday competition regularly attracts a huge entry,
with this year's finals being staged at the Golf El Rompido in
Spain in late November. Birstall will find out their opponents
for the next round, to be played in May, soon.
College's green award
A CONSERVATION area, energy efficiency
measures and increased recycling are moving up the agenda at
Longslade as the college aims for an Eco School Award.
The Eco School group at Longslade started last September when
a group of 12 students wanted to make a difference to the college's
environmental impact.
An energy audit has been completed to establish how much energy
Longslade currently uses and energy reduction measures like turning
off computers and shutting doors and windows have been introduced.
Recycling has been increased and an eco-garden started in a field
behind the science block and next to the site for the planned
park and ride car park on the A6. The aim of the garden is to
provide a rich habitat for animals that may use their habitat
when the park and ride is built. 30 trees have been planted,
bird boxes erected and a pond is planned. Students have done
the work in break times or after school.
The project has been welcomed by the governors and staff, and
the college has already been awarded a bronze award and is about
to get a silver. The Green Flag is the top award in this government
backed scheme.
Head of Design Jennifer Pethick is the teacher that is helping
to facilitate the work of the Eco School group. She said: "I
am backing the students all the way, it's great they want to
get involved as they are the future and they are keen to see
Longslade leading the way in Leicestershire, in conservation
and the environment."
The group raises its own funds and has so far organised a coffee
morning and a raffle. It is currently applying for a grant but
would welcome donations in the form of gardening tools and plants.
Contact Jennifer Pethick on 2677107.
Cadet's gliding skills
LONGSLADE STUDENT and Air Cadet Luke Dale
has recently been awarded his Grade 2 Glider Pilot Wings having
successfully completed over 25 solo flights.
Pic: Cpl Luke Dale proudly shows
off his Wings
Based at 643 Voluntary Glider School at RAF Syerston in Nottinghamshire,
Luke now aims to gain his Grade 1 Pilot wings, that will enable
him to take other cadets aloft for instruction.
Luke 17 is a Corporal with 2070 (Glenfield) Squadron and he spends
most weekends at RAF Syerston where he is a Flight Staff Cadet,
a trusted position only afforded to the best students who complete
the Air Cadet Gliding Scholarship Course. Flying the Viking T
MK 1 winch launched glider, the school is one of 28 across the
UK providing Glider Experience Flights and Training for Air Cadets
of all ages, many eventually going solo before they can even
pass their car driving test.
Gliding is just one of the many activities and training available
to Cadets. For more details about Air Cadet activities and a
Squadron near you go to www.aircadets.org
Award
A CATERING student from Birstall has won
an award.
Caroline Stevens (22) received a City & Guilds Medal of Excellence
award at a presentation ceremony held at Alfreton Hall in Derby.
A student at Loughborough College, Caroline was one of 80 students
in the country to win the award, beating more than 620,000 other
entrants for her performance on her hospitality and catering
course.
Ms Stevens was also awarded the Steve Thompson memorial trophy
for her outstanding results and achievement.
Barbershop chorus
THE HEART of England Barbershop Chorus,
based at Birstall Social Club, is taking part in the Coalville
Music Festival on May 10, hoping to repeat last year's class
win.
At the end of May they will be singing at the annual convention
held in Cheltenham, where some 3000 barbershop quartets and choruses
from all over the UK battle it out for gold medals.
Spokesman P J Hunt said: "If you love singing why not come
along to our practice evening every Monday, 7.30pm, at the Birstall
Social Club where you are assured of a warm welcome, good company
and a lot of fun".
New look for cafe
BIRSTALL'S POPULAR Café Mocha on
the Meadway is about to undergo a transformation.
Owners Chris and Maria Massey took on the business five years
ago and have made a success of it. Now they are investing £25,000
in an extensive refurbishment that will see a new kitchen, a
new outdoor area, a redesigned interior with a deli counter and
a new name: The Retreat.
Chris said: "We have built up a good reputation but believe
this is the right move for the business, it's a more modern,
fresh approach we hope our customers will like."
The Retreat will still offer meals, coffee and cakes but will
have a deli counter selling a selection of products, including
a variety of cheeses.
Inside, the layout will feature a coffee lounge area with tub
chairs and bar stools in front of the bar/deli counter. There
will be outdoor seating for 10 at five tables in the newly opened
garden.
The restaurant closed on April 26 for the refurbishment, which
is expected to last two to three weeks.
Your Say...
The ladies of the Birstall BAGS (breast cancer awareness group)
would like to say a very big thank you to J Michael's the butchers
for supporting our fundraising by putting our very own new logo
onto their bags. Our aim is to help raise awareness of not only
breast cancer, but all types of cancer related illnesses and
in promoting self examination, help many people to increase their
survival rate. So please support your local butcher and at the
same time you will also be supporting a very worthy cause. We
have been raising money now for six years and have reached an
amazing total so far of over £13,000 and with your help
I am sure we can raise more.
For any information on any of our fundraising activities, please
call Rachael 07989822173 or emma 07837028451.
Emma, Rachael, Liz, Helen, Jo, Lesley
In 1970-1972 I lived in the Greengate area and my daughter
Annette went to school with and became friends with a girl named
Karen Crookes who also lived on the estate, I believe on Harrowgate
Drive. She has often wondered what became of her and we wondered
if anyone reading this would have any knowledge of her.
Geoff Bamkin
goeffbamkin@yahoo.com
P O Box 338, Troutdale 97060, Oregon USA
Regarding a letter written in the April issue 'Your Say' section
on drinking and gangs, which refer to an incident which occurred
in an off licence in Birstall.
I am the off-licence owner of the minimarket which is on 113,
Wanlip Lane. I assume the writer has written this letter indicating
my shop. The descriptions which had been made are similar to
my shop eg broken windows.
Once again I would like to stress that I assume the writer has
mentioned my shop and would like to highlight certain points
to the writer:
o she/he had written that when she/he was in the shop, the sales
were made to underage kids which has been written as 13-16 yr
olds look-alike. She/he cannot come to a conclusion by looking
at a person's physical appearance, some look young but might
be old enough to purchase, some look old but they can be younger,
and at my shop we maintain a strictly No ID, No Sale policy.
If a customer shows us an ID proof once they are regulars to
the shop, we know them and we don't request for the ID for their
each and every purchase so when the writer was in the shop the
customer would have been a regular one who had shown the ID on
their previous visits. We don 't sell to the gangs who stray
outside the premises, even they know that.
o there were several test purchases conducted by the police and
the council at our premises and they were pleased with our effort.
o I would like to mention that each and every time the gangs
gather in front of the shop I do call the police immediately.
I have records to prove doing so.
o if the writer is sure about his/her statement, if they can
provide me with the exact time I can go back to February 15 and
check my CCTV images.
o I have got CCTV cameras installed inside and outside the premises.
In some cases even police use it to get information from the
outside one.
o I do maintain a refusal book at my premises which I use to
enter the refusals we have made.
o I have co-operated with the police and I have been a witness
in some cases and have been a victim of arson attacks. It's unfair
to point the finger without making sure what's really happening
around.
I am a responsible citizen of this country and I know the responsibilities
of a shopkeeper. I do my best to make sure the area is without
any trouble, by co-operating with the police and council authority.
I have attended all the meetings arranged by the local business
watch and police to eradicate this problem from the area.
I too have kids and I know the social responsibility as a parent.
It's unacceptable to think that by selling a few pounds worth
of products to those kids I am making a fortune.
It's not only the duty of the shopkeepers, it's the duty of the
parents of those kids to take responsibilities. It's always easy
to point the finger at the shopkeepers, I think it's time for
the parents of those kids who loiter on the streets from morning
till late night to take most of their responsibilities
Mr K Jeyaradna, Mini-market, 113 Wanlip Lane
I would like to thank all my brother-in-law, Malcolm Keatley's
friends, for all their kind thoughts, messages and cards received
before and after his passing.
Joan Moore
On Friday February 29 we held a 60s night at Birstall British
Legion. Auld Spyce Band played all the old familiar tunes and
gave their services free of charge. We had a raffle and tombola
and the night was a rousing success raising £925 for Motor
Neurone Disease.
There were so many prizes donated that we had enough for another
event, so on Sunday March 30 we held a tea party in our garden.
It was a lovely sunny day in the middle of a very wintry week
and people turned up in droves and another £840 was raised.
We would like to thank family, friends, neighbours and the good
people of Birstall yet again for their wonderful support.
Angela and Wayne Parkin
Methodist Church
Happy Birthday to Eric Moore
Each Wednesday, a group of single more mature ladies and gentlemen
meet at the Methodist Centre for a weekly lunch. It is an opportunity
to meet others over a home cooked meal. Eric Moore has been attending
the Luncheon club for a few years, and on May 7 the group will
be singing 'Happy Birthday' to Eric who reaches his centenary.
He is a fantastic man with a real sense of humour. He is looking
forward to seeing his son who will be over from America for his
actual birthday which is May 11.
Will Birstall be Struck by Lightening?
The chances of a lightening strike for our relatively low-lying
location is probably a bit remote, but when your insurance company
questions the effectiveness of the lightening conductor, it cannot
be ignored. When the equipment was checked it was found to be
only 10% effective. It seems that whilst the lightening would
be conducted to earth, the present system would blow out the
electrics! It does mean, by the time all is finished a bill for
£1500 has to be paid.
Pentecost
Whether churchgoers or not, everyone understand something of
the meaning of Christmas and Easter. Pentecost might be slightly
more obscure. It is the celebration of the disciples receiving
the Holy Spirit. All the Methodist churches in the area will
have been following the Medieval concept of four elements - earth,
water, fire and air and how we see the Spirit of God in these
various aspects. The last of the four - air - will be taken up
when all the local Methodist churches meet at Birstall on May
11 for Pentecost day itself under the theme of 'Wind of Change'.
The morning service will be at 10.30 as usual, but the day is
then taken up with various workshops. Everyone is welcome.
Loughborough Ladies Choir
This choir with a fine reputation will be giving a concert on
Thursday May 22 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 from Pat 2675128
or June 2675615. Proceeds will go to the Thursday Group Project
- Parkinson's Disease.
|
Promotion for Greendogs
BIRSTALL RUGBY Football Club is celebrating
finishing top of Leicester League Division 5 and their promotion
to division 4 next season.
Pic: Birstall RFC 1st team after
beating Coalville 3rds to
win the league
Vipers 3rds took Birstall to the line but some of the hammerings
that Birstall had handed out over the season meant their points
difference secured top spot.
Press Secretary Tom Bedder said: "The promotion of the 1st
team is a fitting end to a fantastic season for Birstall RFC.
The whole club has invested massive amounts of time and energy
this season and the improvement of the 1st team is clear to see.
This is undoubtedly due in part to the club hiring a professional
coach for their training sessions. Also it's been over 10 years
since Birstall RFC fielded a 2nd team, and in their first season
they've gone from strength to strength.
He added: "Despite quite a few losses they have developed
a lot of 'Greendog spirit', never let their heads drop and they
love playing rugby together. There have also been some great
nights out and a fantastic tour to Amsterdam with two games against
the Dutch and plenty of Heineken. If next season's half as productive
as this one Birstall RFC has a bright outlook."
Birstall RFC's President's Day beer festival is on May 3&4
at Longslade School which the club hopes will raise lots of cash
for charity. The end of season dinner is on June 21 at the Tigers
ground. See www.birstallrfc.co.uk for details.
News from parish churches
APRIL WAS the month when the Annual General
Meeting of the church was held.
There were no huge surprises this year: council members are usually
elected for three years after which they must stand down for
at least a year and others are elected to take their places.
The two churchwardens appointed for Birstall are Doreen Wilson
and Paul Tarry (with Martyn Hall and Janet Waters as deputies)
and June Wood and John Ward (deputy, Geoff Heath) for Wanlip.
The re-ordering of the old church at St James, following the
installation of the new screen to separate the old and new parts
of the building, continues to be a high priority for the coming
year. As always, money will be needed to provide an efficient
heating system for the newly created space and decisions made
about carpeting and furnishing the area for wider use by the
community.
Like most churches, St James, Birstall and Our Lady and St Nicholas,
Wanlip support a number of charities not all connected with the
church. Most of these donations come from the yearly giving of
church members and the former vicar of this parish, the Rev Malcolm
Lambert and his wife the Rev Ruth will be supported in this way
as they start a new life in a former British colony, Belize (South
America), one to head a college for the training of local clergy
and one to take charge of the principal church.
Special events are also organised by church members to raise
money for specific causes. One of these occasions took place
in April when a concert by the Cossington Voices at St James
raised almost £500 for the orphanages in Bethany near Jerusalem
which we support and the organisers of the event would like to
thank the performers and everyone who came - we know the money
we send is desperately needed for the everyday needs of the children.
The news of the sudden death of the Rev Ernest Sheard on April
4 shocked his family, friends and the many people who had been
thankful for his ministry. Ernest was ordained and served as
a non-stipendiary (ie unpaid) priest for more than 30 years,
mostly in Birstall, and the life of the church has much to thank
him for. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Paula
and his sons, Mark, Nicholas and Jonathan and their families.
Corbett's cricket corner
NOW MAY is here and the season is about
to start, the refurbishments to Birstall Village Cricket Club's
pavilion are all about done.
Pic: New Chairman Andy Merry with
Andy Corbett
The club seems to be entering a new era, with lots of changes
both on and off the field. The new chairman Andy Merry and new
secretary Andy Corbett are both Birstall through and through
and even though both are entering their twilight years they are
keen to bring back the family atmosphere to the club and have
approached Sheryl Findley to become the new Social Secretary
and Events Co-ordinator.
Pc: a team building session at Gunn's Gym
Sheryl has just arranged a very successful skittles evening for
players and their families at the Soar Bridge Inn, Barrow upon
Soar - the two winners on the night were Tam Mann-Kler and Gemma
Clapham. This was a good win especially for Gemma as it was her
first time at skittles.
Pic: (l-r) Tem Mann-Kler, Gemma Clapham (7)
& Sheryl Findley
The under 13s were invited by my good friend Carl Gunns to attend
a team building training session at his gym. This was a great
experience for some of the lads who had not been to the gym before.
Carl showed the lads pad work, balance, hand and eye co-ordination,
along with many fitness exercises.
Pic: Sharon Watson and Head Coach Rob Drake
Training at Soar Valley Leisure centre has now finished. Chris
Hopkins Under 10s Manager is hoping to start training outdoors
along with my under 13s team, dates will be finalised soon, as
they must be arranged around our work commitments. I would like
to congratulate Mandy and Tony Clapham on the birth of their
baby boy, Lucas Robert Clapham weighing 7 lbs 3½oz. Well
done to Mandy…
A final thank you to all of you who have given up your free time
to help in many and various ways to get our clubhouse to the
standard that it is. Sharon Watson has given up lots of her free
time painting, cleaning and helping out, along with head coach
Rob Drake, with the refurbishment of the pavilion.
Anybody interested in hiring the clubhouse out for children's
parties and meetings etc should get in touch with me on 07759
305169.
Along with Carl Gunns I have been invited by the County Council
to a dinner at the Council's Glenfield HQ to recognise the role
of sport in Leicestershire.
The club has donated 100 cricket bats to local schools to promote
the game. Bats have gone to Highcliffe, Riverside, Stonehill
and Thrussington schools.
The charity fundraising night at Birstall Social Club on May
23 has been cancelled. A new date is to be confirmed.
From Andy Corbett
Time for bowls
BIRSTALL RESIDENTS taking a stroll through
School Lane playing fields in the village are sure to know the
correct time following the installation of a new clock on the
clubhouse roof of Birstall Bowling Club.
Pic: Bowling club members with
their new clock in the background
The clock, tower and a weather vane, were built and installed
earlier this year, and were unveiled in a ceremony which took
place on the opening day of the outdoor bowls season. The clock
and tower are dedicated to the memory of Nellie and Eric Burrows,
following a generous bequest that was made by Nellie, who sadly
passed away last year. She, along with her late husband Eric,
spent many a happy time at the club prior to his death in the
summer of 2002. Two benches are also to be purchased in memory
of Nellie and Eric.
Eric, who played for the county on numerous occasions, joined
the club in 1990 having had successful spells at the British
United club, where he won the County Secretaries Singles competition
in 1979 and Secretary from 1993-1997, he also helped to compile
a history of the club which can be seen on the website www.birstallbowling.co.uk
Club spokesman Andy Wye said: "Until now, there were only
two working clocks on buildings in the village so the addition
of another, in such a popular location, is sure to prove useful
for Birstall residents, bowlers at the club and other sports
teams that use the park. The club are extremely grateful for
this very generous bequest, and hope that both Nellie and Eric
would have approved of the improvements that have been made."
Further information about the club can be seen on the website
or by calling Andy on 2677100.
Planning
455 Loughborough Road - erection of an extension to kitchen
and new utility room
21 Church Hill - felling of one Cupressus Conifer
Greengate Medical Centre, 1 Greengate Lane - installation of
new shop front with an automatic sliding door
64 Hill Rise - bricking up of 2 windows to kitchen and door to
kitchen, partly bricking up of bathroom window and insertion
of extractor fans
57 Orchard Road - erection of an extension to rear of dwelling
3 The Meadway - erection of single storey extension to front
to create new shopfront, two storey side and single rear extensions
to create new shop/office, office above and enlarge existing
shop
63 Fielding Road - erection of a double storey block to provide
1 bed apartments spanning a single floor with 3 car parking spaces
109 Harrowgate Drive - proposed extensions and alterations to
dwelling house. Inclusive of dining room extension/kitchen extension
to rear and utility/WC side extension
5 Tempest Road - erection of detached dwelling on land adjacent
Birstall United Football Club - erection of a stand (68 capacity)
on the side of the existing Birstall football pitch.
Trunk Road Service Area, Hallam Fields Road - erection of 1 internally
illuminated shop sign and l internally illuminated roundel
Land adjacent to 10 Sibson Road - expansion of the existing car
park to create an additional 75 parking spaces
36 Park Road - erection of extension to rear of dwelling
101 Sibson Road - install new shop front and new automatic door
WI news
The speaker at the April meeting of Birstall
& Wanlip WI was Joyce Rockley whose talk was entitled 'Both
Sides of the Shop Counter'.
Joyce started with memories as a child, of the difficulty in
deciding what to buy in a sweetshop with her Saturday penny!
This brought reminiscences from members of similar dilemmas.
The talk then switched to the other side of the counter as Joyce
had held several salesgirl positions throughout her career in
furs, chemists and stationers and others. Now back to being a
customer Joyce compared the differences in shops and shopping
today. Very nostalgic and thought provoking.
The president expressed delight and satisfaction that Birstall
& Wanlip had won a Denman Bursary at the Annual Council Meeting.
Two of the newer members had expressed an interest in attending
a course there and it is hoped that this can be arranged. Names
were taken for a skittles team to play versus Astill Lodge in
a group match on May 8. Arrangements have been made for an evening
meal on June 2 to celebrate the 90th birthday of the institute.
The next meeting is on May 13 to discuss this year's Resolutions.
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Brass band
THE IBSTOCK Brick Brass Band performed
at St James Church on April 6.
The conductor was one of the country's most successful brass
musicians, Ken Ferguson, who plays with the Grimethorpe Colliery
Band.
Ken had taken on the conductor's role after the resignation of
the band's conductor and had only practised with the band for
a couple of sessions before the night's performance. Daphne Stephenson
from St Theresa's Social Group said: "The result was fabulous
and a good evening was had by all. Grateful thanks go to St James
Church for allowing the performance".
A note for your diaries: the band will be returning on Sunday
November 23 at 7.30pm
Cadets complete hike
AIR CADETS from Birstall took part in the
annual Charnwood Hike organised by the 2nd Leicester Boys' Brigade.
Over 60 teams representing youth organisations across the county
participated in the event, a 15 mile hike across open countryside.
Teams navigated from point to point against the clock and completed
tasks and overcame obstacles at various check points along the
route.
The Birstall 1947 Squadron came third. Flt Lt Steve Mayoh-Smith,
2070 Commanding Officer said: "This has been an annual event
for me for many years, I have completed the hike as cadet and
also more recently as veteran in the adult race. It's great to
see the cadets do so well and enjoying this event as I have,
even when cold, wet and tired!"
Vandalism
A LOCAL football club is suffering constant
damage caused by vandals.
The Woodgate and Newfoundpool football club on Meadows Lane has
had fences ripped up, goalposts broken, floodlights town down,
graffiti, and broken glass on the pitch.
Fears for the safety of players, some as young as six, is putting
the future of the club at risk.
The cost of repairing the damage is stretching the club's finances
- replacing the fencing alone will cost £18,000
Age Concern info
The Information & Advice team at Age Concern Leicestershire
& Rutland are determined to reduce the number of older people
in the county who are not claiming the benefits they are entitled
to.
In 2007 the team assisted in over 680 claims which raised over
£1.5 million for older people in Leicestershire & Rutland.
This year's campaign is called 'More Money in Your Pocket'. Every
couple of months the focus of this campaign will change:
o April/May: Council Tax and Housing Benefit
o June/July: Carers' Benefits
o August/September: Pension Credit
o October/November: Help with Heating Costs
o December/January: Help with Health Costs
o February/March: Attendance Allowance & Disability Living
Allowance
The team offers a free and confidential service and can be contacted
every weekday afternoon on 0116 299 2233. Landsdowne House, 113
Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA
Also please note that all the Age Concern factsheets, including
those that give full information re benefits which are available
for those eligible, are in two folders at Birstall library.
Poverty Predicted for Many Future Pensioners
It is estimated that more than 60% of adults are not paying into
a private pension. This is the highest proportion since records
began 12 years ago and is further evidence of how many people
are failing to recognise the need to save for retirement. The
figure of 60% equates to 22 million of the working age population.
Experts have warned that more and more people are condemning
themselves to poverty in their retirement. The latest data which
has been published by the Office for National Statistics shows
how rapid the decline in private pensions has been. In 1996/97
54% of men and 43% of women between the age of 16 and 64 were
paying into a private pension scheme. By 2005/06 the total had
dropped to 43% and to 37% respectively. The reduction has accelerated
dramatically as more and more companies close their final salary
pension schemes to new applicants. Less than a third of schemes
are still open to new workers compared to 83% six years ago.
The Government's idea for solving the crisis will not start for
another four years and even then it has no guarantee of success.
From 2012 all employers must pay into a pension for their staff,
known as a Personal Account, but workers will be allowed to opt
out of contributing if they wish.
Also Britain is facing the 'ticking time bomb' of an ageing population,
with middle-aged men and women now having a 50% chance of living
until they are 90. Researchers state that someone aged 55 today
has a 25% chance of living to the age of 95. Many pensioners
are already suffering poverty and a report in January revealed
that pensioners will force an inflation rate three times higher
than everyone else this year. This is largely because they spend
a higher proportion of income on food and energy bills which
are rising rapidly.
Some analysts have warned that care home bills will double to
more than £1,000 a week over the next two decades.
The 60 goals of the over 60s
The ultimate wish list for the over 60s has been published by
the Generation Xperience campaign. Based on feedback from more
than 1,000 people over the age of 50, the list is inspirational
as it is practical and provides a new insight into the ambitious
upbeat outlook of older people. The list shows that people's
attitudes to later life are inspired rather than retired which
contradicts the sedate stereotype that still persists.
Generation Xperience, a partnership between the Departments of
Work & Pensions and of Health, aims to acknowledge the contribution
of older people in the UK and change attitudes to later life.
Everyone aged 60 plus should have high ambitions. 'Use by dates'
don't apply to people.
1. Make a will 2.Watch more football 3.Sell up and live abroad
4. Buy a sports car 5. Go rally driving 6.Take up painting
7.Go horse riding 8.Go to the opera 9.Raise money for charity
10.Go on a wine-tasting course 11.Go the London Olympics 12.See
the Northern Lights 13Be a game/quiz show contestant 14Take
flying lessons 15.Eat more cakes 16.Own a boat 17.Set up a
website 18.Learn to dance 19.Learn to play a musical instrument
20.Learn how to ski 21.See a West End show 22.Go hang gliding
23.Learn to meditate 24.Take up yoga 25.Take cookery classes
26.See my grandkids get married 27.Grow a beard 28.Tour the
UK 29.Arrange a family photoshoot 30.Tell someone you love
them 31.Run a marathon 32.Start up a band 33.See the world
34.Win the National Lottery 35.Scrapbook your childhood 36.Learn
a new language 37.Start a new business 38.Swim with dolphins
39.Take up a martial art 40.Go fly fishing 41.Design a garden
42.Do a bungee jump 43.Go back to school 44.Go hot air ballooning
45.Socialise more 46.Become a volunteer 47.Go on a cruise
48.Buy a holiday home 49.Break a world record 50.Teach grandchildren
to read 51.Learn to play bowls 52.Play golf on a world famous
course 53.Have more sex 54.Learn computer skills 55.Go on
a safari 56.Read more books 57.Do a parachute jump 58.Free
the family from debts 59.Write a book 60.Spend more time with
the family
Palliative Care: Care for Life Limiting Illnesses
The Policy Research Institute on Ageing and Ethnicity (PRIAE)
has published a booklet which provides information and advice
to older people and carers about palliative care. The booklet
includes information on palliative care in a range of settings,
how to access advice on benefits, and a discussion of the emotional
experience of illness.
Palliative Care: Care for Life Limiting Illnesses. Information
and Help for Older People. Tel: 0113 285 5990 (PRIAE)
Dementia Catalogue: Online Data Base
The Alzheimer's Society has set up a Dementia Knowledge Centre
- a resource centre that brings together all the society's information
and knowledge resources in one place. Now being tested by staff
and volunteers, it will be open to anyone, by appointment, from
November 2008.
A new database and search engine, the Dementia Catalogue, is
already operational. It contains over 10,000 records of books,
reports, journal articles, videos/DVDs and training resources.
Dementia Catalogue. Online catalogue and search engine. Tel:
0845 130 2545 (Alzheimer's Society enquiry line)
New UK Capital Limits and Personal Expenses
Rates
The capital limits for 2008/09 from April 7, 2008 are:
England & Northern Ireland: Lower £13,500, Upper £22,250
Wales: Lower £19,000, Upper £22,000
Scotland: Lower £13,000, Upper £21,500
The personal expenses allowance will be £21.15 per week
for England, Northern Ireland and Scotland and £21.38 for
Wales. The savings disregard will be the same in each country:
£5.45 for single people and £8.15 for couples.
The rate for nursing care in England will be announced when the
nurses' pay review has been settled; meanwhile it remains at
£101 per week (£139 for those currently on that rate).
In Scotland, local authority payment for free personal care has
risen to £147 and for nursing care to £67 per week.
In Wales any increase on the £114.90 rate is at the discretion
of Local Health Boards.
Budget 2008: Impact for Work and Learning
The 2008 Budget included the following announcements related
to work and learning:
o Additional funding of £60 million will be available for
adult skills (mainly Level 3)
o From late 2008, the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
will replace current incapacity benefits for new claimants. It
will be accompanied by a new Work Capability Assessment, focusing
on what people can do in work, rather than what they cannot do.
o The flexible New Deal will be introduced for Jobseeker's Allowance
claimants from October 2009.
Disability Discrimination Act: ODI Survey
Report
Based on the results of four surveys conducted over 10 years
(most recently in 2006), an Office for Disability Issues report
examines trends in awareness of the Disability Discrimination
Act and tracks how difficulties in accessing goods and services
have changed. Findings include that disabled people over 75 appear
least likely to be aware of the Act, yet more likely to need
its protection.
Compared to their younger counterparts, they are more like to
have problems accessing transport, and goods and services generally.
The Disability Discrimination Act report: Analysis of Data from
the ONS Omnibus Survey 1996-2006. Tel: 020 7712 2463 (Office
for Disability Issues)
www.officefordisability.gov.uk/publications/
Jex Woods
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