Chorus winners
THE HEART of England Barbershop chorus
won the male voice choir category at the Coalville Festival of
Music for the second year in succession.
Pic: The Heart of England Barber
Shop Chorus
Spokesman Jan Hunt said: "This gave us the chance to perform
our two songs 'Georgia' and 'Rockabye' in a competitive situation
in preparation for the bigger competition at the Barbershop convention
at the end of May."
The invitation to join the chorus is always open, and they would
welcome any men or boys to come along to their Monday practices
at 7.30pm at the Birstall Social Club.
Jan said: "You don't have to sing like Sinatra, although
that would be a bonus. Our chorus director Jim Pollock will help
cultivate your voice and there is plenty of help from other members
and the main organisation The British Association of Barbershop.
We will be running a 'Learn to Sing' course in September but
more of that later."
For further information ring Jan on 2675339.
Pool future uncertain
BIRSTALL SWIMMING pool could close if it
continues to lose money.
Pic: Birstall Pool
Longslade College run the pool and have cut sessions in a bid
to reduce the losses while it explores new sources of funding.
Last year the pool lost over £25,000.
The cuts in sessions have angered pool users who have started
a petition to have them restored.
Pool user Christine Howe said: "I read about the proposals
for a £4 million sports complex at Longslade College. While
this does seen to be an excellent idea, why then are swimming
sessions for the public being cut at Longslade pool?
"The College is asking for support from the Community for
the proposal and promising public access at certain times. Will
these facilities ultimately suffer the same fate as the swimming
pool with limited or no public access?"
She added: "The pool, which when I attend it is quite full,
is already built and is patronised by members of the community,
surely some of the £4 million could be used to help financially.
Better still, in these days when we hear constant reports of
obesity, why isn't some of our council tax channelled back to
the pool, a saving in the long run when members of the community
are fitter.
"Not everyone has their own transport or can get to the
other swimming pools such as Wreake Valley or Mountsorrel."
Another pool user, Bettie Harrison, is disappointed that the
7-8.30am and over 50s sessions have been cut. She said: "We
were shocked to learn of the closures. The people of Birstall
worked hard to fundraise to get the pool built originally and
now when many mature people who fundraised in the first place
are able to use the pool, it is being closed to the over 50s.
Age discrimination?"
She added: "We use the pool for the early birds session
and although numbers vary, it is a well used session. We are
being encouraged by the government to keep healthy, this closure
will mean one less facility for Birstall. Nearby pools means
using a car to get there but we are being discouraged from using
cars. The new building at Longslade does not include a pool,
and at a time when Council Taxes are increasing we are losing
amenities."
A petition has been signed by more than 200 people concerned
about the future of the pool.
Longslade College Principal Dr Mike Griffiths said: "I regret
the fact that we have had to cut back on opening times of the
swimming pool. Unfortunately, the future looks bleak and further
reductions in hours or complete closure are a distinct possibility
unless other ways of raising funds or income are found quickly."
Up until 2006 Longslade was able to subsidise losses on the pool
from income from other adult classes. Now that income goes directly
to the Adult Department at County Hall.
Dr Griffiths said: "Last year the pool lost over £25,000
and this has to come out of the money used to spend on students'
education. The Governors cannot allow this to happen in the long
term. The reductions made to the opening times will simply reduce
the loss made on the pool by about £6,000. The remaining
loss of £19,000 cannot be sustained for another year.
"The College is looking at alternative community grants
and support, at present unsuccessfully. If anyone is aware of
potential sources of support, we are more than happy to investigate
the possibilities."
He added: "The potential new building at Longslade will
be funded for the education of sixth formers if the bid is successful.
The facilities will be a bonus for the community, but the grant
obtained could not be used to subsidise the pool. Nor would it
release other money for the pool."
The annual cost of heating the pool, running the pumps and maintenance
is over £30,000. In order to staff it, maintain health
and safety and keep it clean, it costs £38 per hour to
run.
Dr Griffiths said: "If swimmers wish to group into clubs
at agreed times which suit them and the College timetable we
would charge them £38 per hour regardless of the number
of swimmers."
He added: "It may be that the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre, if
built, might provide some more income to subsidise the pool but
it will be two years at the earliest before it might be built
and open.
"I regret we have got into this situation but the College
has to run the pool as an economic concern, although we don't
need to make a profit."
The new pool time table came into effect from June 1. Sessions
cut are: Tuesday 7-8.30am, Wed 1-1.45pm, Thurs 12.30-1.30pm,
7-8pm, Fri 12-1.30pm, Sat 8-8.30am,
Kev Wood remembered
ST JAMES Church Birstall, was full for
the funeral service of Kevin Wood who has died aged 63.
Pic: Kevin Wood
Well known in the village, Kev was a keen sportsman and a supporter
of local sports clubs as a player, manager and committee member.
He was also an Under Steward at Birstall Social Club for many
years, and a member of Birstall Parish Council.
Kev had a 50 year association with cricket in Birstall, as a
player for Birstall Royal British Legion CC and for Birstall
Village CC. A good all rounder, he never scored a century but
once was run out for 99 on a sweltering day, sending a procession
of junior players to the local shop for a continuous supply of
ice lollies in an attempt to cool down.
His ability as an outstanding goalkeeper for Birstall United
FC, of which he was a founding member, was known across the county
and on tours to France and Belgium with the club he was given
the nickname 'La Grande Fromage'- the Big Cheese.
Although a fierce competitor, off the field was just as big a
part of sport to Kevin as on it and socialising after the match
was compulsory.
Kev will be remembered for cycling around Birstall in his bedroom
slippers. He never felt moved to lock up his bike, trusting in
the good nature of others - as a result the turnover of bikes
was considerable, Kev getting through over 40 of them over the
years.
Kevin died in Leicester General Hospital following complications
after having surgery to his knee.
Kev leaves a widow, Louise and his daughters, Emma and Natalie.
Louise said: "I would like to thank everyone for all the
support, kindness and the flowers and cards. Thank you all very
much."
Parish Council notes
THE ANNUAL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on May 12.
Cllr Stuart Jones was elected Chairman of the Parish Council
for the ensuing year, and Cllr Tony Fowler vice chairman.
PC Graham Doudie reported that some consideration was being given
to locating a police station within the Fire Service Headquarters
which is to be constructed on the Hallam Fields site.
A member of the public commented that insufficient police action
was being taken to address problems caused by groups of young
people on the School Lane playing fields on Friday nights.
The Forge on Birstall Road near the junction of Church Hill is
owned by the Parish Council. Used for storage, it costs £2,000
a year to maintain, and the Council is taking advice on possible
change of use or selling the building.
It was reported that the Borough Council has conducted a consultation
executive with residents about parking problems on Wanlip Lane,
near the chicane on the brow of the hill 100 metres south of
Windmill Avenue. The Parish Council have produced their own suggestions,
including erecting bollards, and are urging Charnwood to take
action.
It was reported that the County Council are hoping to bring forward
the start date for the construction of Birstall's park and ride
from 2014 to 2009, and increase the capacity to 1,000 spaces.
The county are in negotiation with developers Jelson and the
landowner.
In response to a proposal from BT, the Council stated it wished
that the existing provision of payphones in the village be retained.
Following a consultation exercise with young people, the council
agreed to provide lighting for the Meadow Lane skate park and
seating within a shelter.
Bollards
BOLLARDS WILL be erected on a section of
Wanlip Lane to stop vehicles parking on grass verges.
Charnwood Borough Council will install the bollards after receiving
complaints about the problems caused by vehicles displacing mud
on the footpaths and leaving ruts in the grass.
The problems are occurring between 136-174 and 149-195 Wanlip
Lane.
Charnwood surveyed the opinions of 75 households and the majority
of the 48 responses were in favour of the bollards.
Beer and bands
BIRSTALL RUGBY Club held its 2008 President's
Day celebrations on May 3 and 4.
Pic: Birstall RFC 2nds/veterans
XV v Toddy's Charity XV
This year the club held a two day beer festival on Longslade
College's campus. On Saturday the 3rd the beer festival was held
in Longslade's main hall with over 30 different ales and ciders
available with live music provided by bands Stacks Connection,
Skam#, Ictus, Nemisto, Temple Twins, With a Story and Groove
Religion all providing their time for free. Spokesman Tom Bedder
said: "A big thank you from Birstall RFC to all the bands
for putting on fantastic shows and trying to help Birstall RFC
raise some money for good causes."
Pic: Michelle Cope pulls a pint
On Sunday the 4th all the action was on Longslade's playing fields.
At 12.30 Birstall RFC 2nd team played against long serving Birstall
player 'Toddy' Scattergood's charity side as a warm up game for
the main event, Birstall RFC 1st team V's Andy Reed MP's Presidential
side. Tom Bedder said: "Birstall RFC would like to thank
ex-Tiger Freddie Tuilagi for playing for Andy Reed's side and
a personal thank you from Birstall player Paul Evans to Freddie's
knee for giving him a cut on his head that required nine stitches
and a great story to tell for years to come. Freddie played the
game in great spirits and said he really enjoyed the day, I hate
to think how many injuries we would have had if he had been playing
like he used to for Tigers!"
Pic: Harry Machin is a two year old with cerebral
alsy and BRFC is trying to raise funds for the special
equipment he needs. (l-r) Mathew Ireland, Ruby
Ireland, Harry Machin and Lisa Machin.
Pic: Harry Machin with Tigers
player Freddie Tuilagi
After Andy Reed's team had won the match and 1st team captain
Rupert Bedder had worn the loser's 'trophy' toilet seat round
his neck in the presentation ceremony, the bands started playing
from the back of an artic lorry overlooking the beer tent and
food stalls. Tom said: "A great sound system complimented
the amazing bands as the afternoon saw the best free open air
concert that Birstall has ever seen. Hopefully word of mouth
will spread the word in the village about what a fantastic afternoon
it was and we'll see twice as many Birstall residents there next
year for President's Day 2009."
Anti social behaviour
TWENTY THREE letters to parents of young
people involved in anti-social behaviour have been sent by Police
to homes in Birstall recently.
The letters set out the steps the Police and the Local Authority
are taking to tackle anti-social behaviour. These are:
Step 1 - Advice: people are warned their conduct amounts to anti-social
behaviour and are asked to behave in a less troublesome way in
future.
Step 2 - Warning: a letter to the person responsible and if appropriate
their parent or guardian, and/or a personal interview.
Step 3 - Acceptable Behaviour Contract: If steps 1 and 2 are
unsuccessful, an ABC is a written agreement that the individual
concerned signs and agrees to moderate their behaviour. Refusal
to sign or breach of the terms may result in a more serious intervention.
Step 4 - Legal Interventions, ASBO/ASBI : Evidence prepared to
a court application for an Anti -Social Behaviour Order or an
Anti-Social Injunction, to enforce the community's expectation
of minimum standards of behaviour.
Police say that over 80 per cent of cases of anti-social behaviour
are resolved at Steps 1 or 2.
Support for parents is offered by Parentline 01702 559900. Parents
can also contact their social services department and ask for
the Children and Family Access Team.
Girls meet llamas
GIRLS FROM 1st Birstall Girls' Brigade
enjoyed a weekend camp at Beaumanor over the May bank holiday
weekend.
Pic: Birstall Girls Brigade
The highlight of the weekend was llama trekking. Leader Susan
Wheeler said: "The llamas were wonderful, the girls had
a lot of fun learning about llamas and walking with them. During
the weekend, the group also visited Sea Life Centre in Birmingham
and Cadbury World, a delicious experience!
The weekend was rounded off with team sports and presentations
of awards.
The Girls' Brigade meet on a Tuesday evening at Birstall Methodist
Church. For further information please ring Susan Wheeler on
Leicester 2209318
Coffee shop's gardening day
A NEW Starbucks coffee shop opens on June
17 in Birstall.
Pic: Starbucks partners at work
in Abbeyfield's
garden: (l-r) Michelle Molloy, Jo Leigh and
Sarah Drage
The store is part of the new service station area within Hallam
Fields, at the A6/A46 junction.
To help establish good community relations store manager Gerrit
Koekemoer wants to get involved with community projects. "We
do plan to play a very active role in the local community and
will most certainly like to get involved in local events and
sponsorships" he said.
In May, Starbucks staff spent a day gardening at the Abbeyfield
home for elderly people on Church Hill.
Policing in Birstall
A FORMER Birstall policeman has contacted
us after our report in the last issue about Birstall Police Station.
Donald Sims (85) was a Police Constable in Birstall from 1947
until 1950. "There were four Police Houses in Birstall at
that time, on Greengate Lane, Paget Avenue, Orchard Road and
Windmill Avenue" he said.
A Police House was the home of the local constable and not a
Police Station, although as David explains, the public would
contact their police officer by knocking on the front door.
"Not many people had phones in those days and I could get
a knock at the door at all hours. At 3am one morning a doctor
knocked me up, quite upset he was, and told me a man had shot
himself in his outside toilet."
Donald remembers that there was no blue lamp outside the Police
House at 36 Greengate Lane, but there was a noticeboard outside.
He remembers the names of three of his colleagues in Birstall,
PC Bert Beesley, PC Eddie Flattery and Sgt Tom Middleton.
Donald says there was a Police House on Front Street that closed
shortly after World War II.
Canoeist
BIRSTALL CANOEIST Jessica Oughton has secured
sponsorship from British company For Goodness Shakes.
They make sports recovery drinks and nineteen year old Jessica
will be joining their 2008 elite team.
This year she will be competing in the World Championships and
the World Cup where she will be joined by Birstall's Rob Vincent
(18), a member of the junior team.
Club celebrates success
A PRESENTATION evening at the Walker's
Stadium, attended by nearly 500 people, bought an end to a very
successful season for Birstall United Juniors Football Club.
The club had four league champions, four league runners-up and
won five tournaments as well as two fair play awards. The league
champions were: the Under 10 Hounds, managed by Andy Cotton;
the Under 11s, managed by Kev Jordan; the Under 12s, managed
by Mick Joinson, and the Under 13s, managed by Jim Lennon. The
awards were presented by ex-BUJFC and Leicester City player,
Scott Oakes.
As well as doing well in the leagues, the club also ran a very
successful international tournament, the 30th in the clubs' history.
A total of 52 teams, including two from Etoile in France, took
part and the glorious weather helped make for a very enjoyable
and successful weekend. BUJFC would like to thank the Parish
Council, the sponsors and all the parent helpers who volunteered
to help run the event. Club Spokesman Phil Hughes said: "Without
your help and support we would not be able to run the tournament.
Thank you!"
While the older teams take a break over the summer, the clubs
very successful Soccer School will continue to run, so if you
know any 4-6 year old boys or girls who want to learn football
in a fun and relaxing environment, bring them along to Meadow
Lane at 10:30 on Saturday mornings.
Are you interested in getting more involved with Birstall United
Juniors Football Club? If so, the club are looking for two enthusiastic
people to come and join their committee to fill two posts which
have recently become available. They require a Club Welfare Officer
and Club Development Officer to help them take the club forward.
Phil said: "If you would like to be a part of a very successful
and forward thinking club, please contact the club's Secretary,
Jim Lennon." See website for contact details: www.bujfc.co.uk
A full list of club honours for the 2007/08 season:
Under 8 Cubs, Division 8 - Runners Up
Under 8 Foxes, Pride Park Tournament - Winners
Under 8 Foxes, Loughborough Tournament - Winners
Under 9 Foxes, Division 6 - Runners Up
Under 9 Foxes, Mablethorpe SCI Tournament - Winners
Under 9 Foxes, Woodgate Tournament - Winners
Under 9 Foxes, Pride Park Tournament - Runners up
Under 9 Foxes, Melton Tournament - Runners up
Under 10s Hounds, Division 16 - Champions
Under 11s, Division 3 North - Champions
Under 11s, Mablethorpe SCI Tournament - Winners
Under 11 Vixens, Prestatyn SCI tournament - Winners of Fair Play
Award
Under 12s, Division 3 - Champions
Under 12s, Great Yarmouth Tournament - Winners of Fair Play award
Under 13s Vixens, Prestatyn SCI tournament - Runners Up
Under 13s, E Division - Champions
Under 16s, Division 4 - Runners Up
Under 17s, Premier Division - Runners Up
Park & ride
BIRSTALL'S PARK and ride site could be
completed early as part of the County Council's bid to tackle
congestion.
Developer's Jelson are required to provide a 535 space park and
ride site opposite Hallam Fields upon occupation of the 401st
dwelling, which is not expected until 2014.
A County Council spokesman said: "Tackling congestion is
one of the six key objectives in the County Council's Local Transport
Plan, and the Leicester park and ride project including the site
at Birstall, is one of several measures that would meet this
objective within the Plan period.
"To help bring the scheme forward, the County Council has
allocated additional funding this year. Together with funding
support from the developer and subject to detailed planning approval,
the site could then become operational as early as spring 2010.
The County also want to increase the number of car parking spaces
to 1,000. The spokesman said: "Outline planning permission
allows for up to 1,000 spaces. This is equivalent to the capacity
of the Enderby park and ride site, and when operating together
at the same capacity, these sites would be able to provide a
more efficient service."
To mitigate the impact of extra traffic generated by the housing
development, the developer has agreed to provide highway improvements
along the A6 Loughborough Road including at the junction with
Greengate Lane. A south bound bus lane will be provided on the
Loughborough Road approaching the junction and improvements will
be made to the junction layout and the control of the traffic
signals.
Birstall centenarian
BIRSTALL METHODIST Church Luncheon Club
said a special 'Happy Birthday' to its oldest member - Eric Moore
- who reached 100 years in May.
Pic: Eric Moore (centre, front
row) with his son,
daughter in law and friends from Birstall Methodist
Luncheon Club.
Eric who lives in Windmill Avenue, Birstall was joined at the
special celebratory lunch by his only son, Eric junior who flew
over with his wife Sylvia from Washington State, USA, where they
now live.
Eric spent most of his working life at the Gorse Hill City Farm
or working with Ansells Brewery.
A keen gardener and popular member of the club, he was presented
with a cake decorated with a gardening scene and an orchid plant.
The luncheon club is am important part of his life. They are
all such good people. I look forward to meeting them every week.
I don't go too far apart from walking through the village"
he said.
Horse rider Thomas
A BOY who only started horse riding in
October has won an event in Grantham.
Pics: Prize winning rider Thomas
Standley
Thomas Standley (8), of Lawn Avenue, was competing in an event
organised by the Riders with Disabilities Association. Competitors
had to negotiate an obstacle course, open and close gates and
ride under a bridge.
Thomas, who has autism, epilepsy and ADHD, attends the Ashmount
School and rides every Saturday at the Meadows School of Riding
in Woodhouse Eaves.
Dad Richard said: "He's very enthusiastic, he absolutely
adores his riding now."
Thomas has now qualified for the national competition in Gloucester
in July and if successful there could be selected for the GB
Special Olympics team.
|
Tennis club news
YOUNG PLAYERS are currently taking centre
stage at Birstall Watermead Tennis club.
Pic: (l-r) Adam Garrett, Daniel
Marlow, Christian
Berry and Ben Gale
Four talented youngsters, Christian Berry, Ben Gale, Adam Garrett
and Daniel Marlow are representing the club in the Leicestershire
Junior Club League, under 18s. In their first match they came
away from Ashby Castle Tennis Club with a memorable victory.
Playing a mixture of singles and doubles matches on Ashby's artificial
surface, the Birstall lads really gave it their all. The match
was poised at three rubbers apiece, and then Christian and Ben
played a thrilling championship tie-break doubles - the first
to reach 10pts - and came out winners by 10pts to 8pts, to clinch
the event 4-3.
An under 16s boys team is also participating in the Junior League
- it is the first time the club has entered juniors in the league
competitions. The wealth of junior talent is a tribute to the
work put in by club coach Laura Morley and the club is now reaping
the benefits. Meanwhile men's and ladies' league matches are
in full swing, with four men's teams and two ladies' teams doing
their utmost to gain promotion. Later in the summer two mixed
teams will be battling it out in matches around the county.
Work will soon be under way to put up floodlights for the club's
third court, which will ease the pressure on the other two courts,
particularly during the winter months.
o Budding tennis players, junior and adult, are being invited
to come along to the club's annual Open Day, on Sunday, June
29 from 10am until 1pm, at the Co-op Sports and Social Club on
Birstall Road.
A club spokesman said: "Come along with your racket and
see what the club has to offer, both socially and competitively.
There will be an opportunity to talk to members, have a go against
the ball machine, and take advantage of discounted membership
fees on the day. As well as playing tennis, there are some fun
social events arranged throughout the year. So don't miss this
event, at one of the village's liveliest sports clubs, and get
into the Wimbledon spirit!"
Sale for Loros
OUR PICTURE shows the late Norman Sim's daughter Linda Walwyn
(left) with Fred Parrott and Nancy Taylor from LOROS at an exhibition
and sale of Norman's paintings in the Village Hall. The sale
rasied more than £2000 for LOROS.
Your Say...
I would just like to let the piece of scum that stole my 10
year old daughter's bike know how sad he/she made her. Her bike
was her little bit of independence, allowing her to visit and
play with friends. I know she can walk, but it's not quite the
same when you're 10, is it? I hope you feel very proud of yourself.
It takes such courage to steal from a 10 year old, doesn't it.
Yes, she left it in our front garden. Yes, she should have put
it away. No, I hadn't post-coded it (you bet I'll do the next
one). All wrong, I know, but it doesn't alter the fact that some
nasty piece of work decided to enter our property and take her
bike.
On the very off chance that the perpetrator reads this, I hope
you fall off and do some damage, preferably very painful.
Nicholas G Black
Has anybody else noticed a group of boys running around the
village. Normally it's a sight that is worrying when 20 boys
are running at you in a gang, but I would like to say how impressed
I was with their conduct. I did notice a man on a bike following
them so I presume they were training, but just thought it was
nice to see young lads doing something worthwhile and being respectful
to others.
Guy Derry
Birstall Quilters thank all those who supported their coffee
Morning on April 26. Their generous support has enabled us to
donate £600 to the County Air Ambulance.
The Quilt was won by Mrs Vincent. Other raffle prizes were won
by Mrs Knowles, Mrs Elwell, Mrs Hornsby, Mrs Brown, Mrs Lunbers,
Mr Holmes, Mrs Mann, Mrs Allen, Mrs Lakin and Mrs Burton.
C M Hewson
Secretary, Quilters
I was interested in your article in the May issue of the Birstall
Post about PC Doudie's hopes of opening a Police Station in the
village, which I am sure we all wish him well with.
You ended the article with a request for details of Birstall's
last Police Station believed to have been situated on Greengate
Lane between the 1930s and 1970s. At the time of moving into
our home, 51 Front Street, almost four years ago, I recall being
shown a publication in which was a reference to our house serving
as the Village Police Station around the year 1913. In the flurry
of activity surrounding our moving in I regret that I did not
take note of that particular publication, but since then I have
heard further anecdotal evidence of this. However, I can find
nothing in the deeds of the property which would verify this
and a search of the local history section at the library has
also drawn a blank. I would be most interested to hear from any
of your readers who may be able to throw more light on this.
Donna Mills
I would like to thank all my neighbours in Farm Close for
the flowers, cards, chocs and fruit they have sent in my illness,
also thanks to Patricia and Graham and my wonderful children
and their families
Brenda North
On the weekend of May 10/11 Birstall United Juniors FC put
on their 30th international tournament and what a fantastic two
days it was.
This was a memorable occasion for our two families as our sons
started to play for the Juniors 26 years ago, staying in France
with a family whose daughter Sylvie wanted to visit England.
Over the past years we continued to visit Sylvie and her family
and attended her wedding. This year she came with her husband
David and their three children and met many people at the tournament.
Friendships that last a long while are often started by juniors
playing football.
Alan & Doreen Stirk, Alan & Jean Hockley
Corbett's cricket corner
The cricket season is finally here and both
senior teams have made good starts.
Pic: Jamie Drake, George Corbett,
Jonathan Gaydon, Paul Snuggs
The first team has a new look about it with new captain Paul
Snuggs looking to find the right blend of youth and experience.
Many of our youngsters are now playing adult cricket and the
latest to make his first team debut alongside fellow juniors
Jamie Drake and Jonathan Gaydon is George Corbett. All have been
past winners of the Rose Parrott trophy for the most outstanding
Junior of the Season. The club welcomes Australian Julian Saye
to the club alongside his brother Josh who have both become popular
lads with the members, both of them have a typical Australian
laid back approach to life which is great for the social side
of our club.
Pic: Chris Hopkins, Finlay Nuckles, Lian Hopkins,
Alex Yadav, Charlie Whait, Alex Glasgon, Oliver Ellis, Zak Barnsby,
Charlie Young
Pic: Josh Saye, Andy Corbett, Julian Saye
The unsung hero of the junior section under 10s Manager Chris
Hopkins is building up a good squad of players to play kwik cricket
and is training on the park every Thursday between 6-7pm. The
team has really impressed me in their first three games and we
are already looking at getting them into hardball cricket next
season.
Pic: Birstall Royal British Legion
Kev Wood, Brian Fisher, Alan Beynon, Karen Beynon, Tim Smith,
Ash Tanna, Ash Ravadeira,. Steve Moule, Colin Bowen, Paul Jukes,
Andy Corbett, Chris Pollard, Ross Deabill
In May the club was saddened at the sudden and unexpected death
of committee member and former player Kev Wood, known to everyone
as 'Big Kev', Kev was a great example of how to play cricket,
he played hard but fair but always with a smile and was quick
to get a joke in. I first started playing cricket with the Birstall
Royal British Legion alongside Kev and when the Legion team folded
in the 90s we joined up again at Birstall Village Cricket Club.
The Legion won the Brian Clarke Cup in 1984 and Kev played a
vital part with his spin bowling and big hitting with the bat.
Many players have great memories of Kev and that was one of my
favourites, it was a team full of great players and with Big
Kev around we knew how to celebrate. Kev was one of the great
characters of village cricket not just in Birstall but all over
Leicestershire.
From Andy Corbett
|
New screen open
THE OFFICIAL opening of the new screen
and doors within St James Church took place in April.
Pic: Josephine Burgess, Curate
Mary Williams and
Rev James Shakespeare cut the ribbon.
The screen separates the old church from the new to create a
space for community use.
Ernest Sheard remembered
AS REPORTED in the May edition of the Post,
the sudden death of the Rev Ernest Sheard, aged 79, came as a
shock to many local people.
Pic: Ernest Sheard
His funeral at St James, Birstall on April 23 was taken by the
Rev Canon Martin Phillips, former vicar of Birstall with an address
by the Right Rev Christopher Morgan, Bishop of Colchester, former
curate of Birstall and good friend of Ernest. The may who attended
this celebration of Ernest's life and the many letters and cards
his wife Paula received, bear witness to the high regard in which
he was held.
Ernest had first thought of entering the Anglican Church in his
twenties but had received little encouragement then, but the
Vicar of Birstall in the 1970s was Martin Phillips who recognised
Ernest's genuine vocation and encouraged him to apply for ordination.
As a result, after training part-time, through Lincoln Theological
College, he was ordained as a priest at Leicester Cathedral in
1975 and from then on, he served as an unpaid, part-time minister
in the parish and beyond.
Amongst those who have cause to remember Ernest with affection
are the many who were married or baptised by him and the relatives
of those whose funerals he conducted. He also did valuable work
at the college chaplaincy in Loughborough and was often called
upon to take services in churches round the county. He had a
special interest in Christian meditation and served as co-ordinator
for groups across the country. He had many associations with
the cathedral and latterly he became a Cathedral 'welcomer' one
day a week, greeting visitors and guiding them around the building.
Ernest had a great sense of humour, a great love of music and
books, of visiting stately homes and gardens, travel in Europe,
and above all of his children and grandchildren. Many will remember
him for his distinctive white beard - although it was ginger
in his youth - which made him look very venerable, until you
saw the twinkle in his eye! He will be very much missed by his
family and friends, for his loving care, his wisdom and his Christian
humility.
Cemetery day
THE FRIENDS of Belgrave Cemetery held their
annual Make-a-difference Day on May 2.
Pic: Belgrave Cemetery's Make-a-difference
Day.
Supported by the Community Service Volunteer organisation and
sponsored by Morrison's supermarket, members of the group placed
floral tributes on the grave of Rosetta Getliffe, died May 5,
1881, age 11 months.
More than 50 visitors arrived, some to pay their respects at
their family graves, others to join he group or request information
on locating their relative's final resting place.
On Sunday June 1 at 2pm there will be a guided walk at Belgrave
Cemetery: 'The Story Behind the Stone'. Donations of £2.50
include an information leaflet.
Methodist church news
Garden Trail, June 14 and 15
The Garden Trail this year is around the Front Street and Church
Hill area. There are some most delightful gardens to be seen.
Passports in advance are £3 from many shops in the village.
If bought on the day the cost is £3.50 and they are available
at any of the open gardens. Proceeds are to be shared between
church funds and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. As
well as gardens, the Parish Church will be open and there will
be an opportunity to see the new screen. The gardens will be
open both days from 2pm until 5.30pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday.
Tools for Africa
Still on a gardening theme, tools can be used by folk in Africa.
What we may throw out as being old fashioned or we no longer
have a use for, can be made good use of by poorer folk abroad.
Mike on 2673870 can collect or advise on what can be reused.
Tools and equipment of all sorts can be made use of, not just
gardening equipment; hand tools, power tools, woodwork tools,
knitting or sewing machines can all be used, even equipment that
may need repairs or refurbishment. A full list of items is on
the Coffee Shop notice board.
Garden Plants
If you have any spare plants they can be sold on the garden stall
at the garden trail, just bring them along on the garden trail
day - earlier rather than later.
New Youth Fellowship
The Churches Together in Birstall are in the process of forming
a group for youngsters who have just started secondary school
(eg Stonehill) up to the age of 14. The group will meet at St
James. All youngsters of the age range will be welcome. Activities
are planned, centered on Christian teaching. Contact Peter 2929670
for more information.
World Church Sunday
On Sunday June 1 Rev David & Mrs Fiona Bidnell are to lead
our 10.30am service. They worked for the church in Haiti from
1995 to 1999.
Following the service there will be a Bring and Share lunch and
afterwards there will be an opportunity to hear more of the work
our visitors for the day did in Haiti. There will be a collection
for World Church Fund.
Pub prosecuted
A PUB that used out-of-date food products
has been successfully prosecuted by Charnwood Borough Council.
Representatives from the Mulberry Pub company, which runs the
Mulberry Tree, in White Horse Lane, Birstall admitted four breaches
of food safety legislation and were fined a total of £2,000
when they appeared before Loughborough magistrates.
Officers from Charnwood's Food Safety Team visited the pub on
November 7 last year following a complaint. They discovered cream
a week past its sell by date still in use, serious breaches of
food hygiene legislation and poor structural conditions in the
kitchen.
The Mulberry Pub Company pleaded guilty to failing to put in
place, implement and maintain a permanent food safety management
system and that the floor surface in the kitchen and food preparation
area had not been maintained in a sound condition.
They also admitted two further charges that the floor surface
in the dry store room and pot wash room had not been maintained
in a good repair or condition and using out of date food at the
premises
Magistrates fined the company £500 for each offence and
also ordered them to pay £1,200 in costs and a £15
victim surcharge.
Nadine Buckland, Charnwood's Specialist Environmental Health
Officer, said: "Selling food past its use by date and also
selling food that is unfit is a serious contravention of food
hygiene legislation.
"The dirty conditions found in the kitchen, food preparation
area and the extremely filthy conditions in the pot wash room
were totally unacceptable.
Cllr David Slater, Charnwood Borough Council's Cabinet member
for Housing and Health, welcomed the verdict. He said: "Cases
like this illustrate a total disregard for customer safety and
a flagrant breach of the law. The health and safety of the public
is of paramount importance and we will always take the strictest
action to ensure high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are
met."
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Title contenders
Birstall Golf Club's men's team announced
themselves as serious contenders for the County Men's League
title with a second successive victory - this time against the
Leicestershire, who won all eight of their matches when they
won the title last year.
Pic: David Bywater
Birstall's victory in their first home match followed up their
victory at Lingdale on the opening day of the season, with the
team coming from behind to win both matches.
Leicestershire took an early lead when Tony Lord beat Graham
Marshall by 4 x 3 before Chris Webb got Birstall on the scoreboard
with a valuable half point against Phil Thomason.
Captain David Bywater was again in sparkling form, winning his
match against Mark Burkenshaw by 5 x 4, although Leicestershire's
Tom Flavell put Leicestershire back ahead with victory by the
same margin over Birstall's Brian Smith.
But that 2.5 - 1.5 lead was Leicestershire's high point, because
Birstall's consistent middle order showed they will be tough
to beat with a series of gritty victories.
First, Adam Dolby won the last hole to score by two holes over
Richard Binnie, before attention switched to the 17th hole, which
Michael Reed won to close out a 3 x 1 victory over Riaz Ahmed,
before Stuart Marriott and Paul Frith also closed out 2 x 1 victories
over Christian Dean and Mike Lovelace respectively.
This latest victory followed up their 5-3 away win at newly promoted
Lingdale on the first day of the season.
Flower workshops
THE BIRSTALL Flower Club met for a workshop
where the theme for the evening was 'Now that April's here'.
Pic: (l-r) Val Skeffington, Sylvia
Simes, Karen Newton, Marjorie Smith, Pat Cooke and Carol Cottam
Most people used spring flowers and foliage from their own garden
and the results were quite stunning. To round up the evening
a short talk was given by Sylvia Simes on the use of native flowers
rather then buying expensive imports. The club meets once a month
for demonstrations, often by well known national demonstrators
and during the summer months trips to gardens are arranged. Anyone
wishing to join the club should telephone the club secretary,
Sylvia Simes on 0116 2674206
Bowls club
OUR PICTURE shows Anne Boden, Birstall Ladies Captain, Brendon
Thompson, Men's Saturday Captain and Velma Allen, Ladies President
following a presentation by the ladies club of some bowls gatherers
that help to round up the bowls at the conclusion of an end,
saving many a bruised foot by the end of the season.
NHW news
PERSONAL INFORMATION such as name, date of birth, mother's
maiden name, bank or utility account references and credit card
numbers are all valuable to the criminal.
Once obtained, the criminal will use this information to fraudulently
gain copies of important documents such as your birth certificate,
passport or driving licence. These identifying documents will
then be used to request credit cards, loans, mobile phone contracts
and other purchases in your name. Probably, the first time you
will get to know this has happened is when the bills start appearing,
extra transactions start appearing on your statements, you are
turned down for loans, you are told you are already claiming
benefit or you start receiving letters from debt collection agencies.
To protect yourself from identity thefts ensure your personal
information is kept securely:
o Store documents safely. Dispose of them by shredding or burning
them.
o Memorise passwords and pins so they aren't written down.
o Avoid giving personal details over the phone, when your conversation
can be overheard or by using unsecured websites (look for a little
padlock icon).
o Obtain a personal credit report from a credit agency every
2 to 3 months and ensure you already know about any changes listed.
o Protect the identity of deceased family members.
If you think you are a victim of identity fraud or would like
more information then
The Home Office has a comprehensive website: www.IdentifyTheft.Org.UK.
Ghislaine Woods, NHW committee member.
Crime Report : April 12 - May 12
Assault and harassment 9, theft from motor vehicle 3, burglary
7, burglary other 6, theft from stores 2, theft 4, damage 14,
theft of cycle 1
Planning
Plots 236 & 237 Hallam Fields, Birstall - erection of
triple garage block
Etap hotel extra Trunk Road Service Area A46/A6, Trunk Road,
Birstall - erection of signs for hotel
271 Birstall Road - removal of one hawthorn tree
57 Worcester Avenue - erection of single storey extension to
rear and creation of pitched roof at ground floor to side and
rear of dwelling
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Memorial concert
A MEMORIAL concert for musicians Sheila
and Corin Long at Longslade College has been hailed as a great
success.
The orchestra, made up of ex pupils of Stonehill and Longslade
along with young members of the Leicestershire Schools Symphony
Orchestra and professionals from London's top orchestras played
much loved school orchestra pieces followed by solos from the
world's most renowned bass players.
A band specially created for the night played Pink Floyd, and
Peter Crebbin and Tony Cuttill (ex Stonehillians) got the crowd
involved at they played jazz with their 'Mayfair' band. Ensembles
made of members of the LSSO showed how the young musicians of
Leicestershire are amongst the best in the world!
Moving talks were given about all aspects of Corin and Sheila's
life and many friends were reunited who had not seen each other
for over 20 years.
£1700 was raised for The Corin Long Memorial Fund which
will help young musicians to enter the music profession. The
figure is likely to rise with further donations over the coming
year. Anyone wishing to donate should send a cheque to Vanessa
Balkwill at 49 Winslow Drive, Wigston, Leicester LE18 3QG. A
DVD of the concert is available from Vanessa priced £15.
She said: "We are also getting ready for next year! The
concert will be an annual event. Any ex Stonehill Music Society
musicians who would like to be involved should get in touch with
me at vbalkwill@aol.com."
New Vice Chairman
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT nominee Mr Roger Wilson
has been elected the Vice Chairman of the county council.
Simon Galton Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group stated: "This
is a fantastic day for Roger, he has committed 15 years to the
people of Birstall and Leicestershire and this is recognition
of that fact. I feel honoured and privileged to be nominating
him.
"The group wishes to congratulate MrAnthony Kershaw on becoming
the Chairman, and look forward to him and Roger working together
to represent the County in the best way. I would also like to
take this opportunity to thank former chairman Mr Mike Jones
for his outstanding contribution to the people of Leicestershire
and his commitment to charitable work."
Karate club
STUDENTS from Rothley Karate Club came
away with an impressive haul of medals and trophies at a recent
Karate tournament held in Leicester.
Pic: Ben & Luke Woodhull
Instructor Sensei Tony Conroy said: "It was just rewards
for their determination and time spent practising before the
day. Special mention to five year old twins Ben and Luke Woodhull,
who managed to beat off stiff opposition from other clubs, to
gain 1st and 2nd place in the junior Kata event."
The twins, along with other club members, have trained for over
a year, meeting regularly once a week at the Rothley C of E primary
school, where they practise in three areas of Karate: Kihon (Basics);
Kata (Form) and Kumite (fighting movements).
Tony said: "Training at the local school is proving convenient
for the local students and so popular that we have enquiries
from other primary school pupils in the area."
Junior students train from 3.30pm every Tuesday, and older children
and adults at the old school rooms, Rothley every Wednesday evening
at 7pm.
Instructor Sensei Tony Conroy, 7th Dan said: "I am very
proud of the enthusiasm and team spirit of all my students, they
have a near 100% attendance every Tuesday and Wednesday".
Watch this space for this year's competition results: Rothley
are training hard to sweep the board.
Contact No: Ginny Beresford 0116 2374557 or visit our web site
conroykarate.com
Age Concern info
'More Money in Your Pocket' - if you claim the benefits
you are entitled to.
The Information and Advice Team at Age Concern Leicestershire
and 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 and Rutland.
This year's campaign is called 'More Money in Your Pocket'. Every
couple of months the focus of the campaign will change. In June
and July the focus will be on Carers' Benefits.
In Age Concern England's Factsheet No.18 - A Brief Guide to Money
Benefits - Section 4.7 describes the Carer's Allowance:
Carer's Allowance is paid to people who are caring for someone
who receives the top or middle rate care part of Disability Living
Allowance (DLA). The weekly rate is £50.55p. You must be
caring for the person for at least 35 hours a week and not earning
more than £95 a week (after the deduction of certain expenses).
If you are getting another benefit or pension you may not be
able to get Carer's Allowance as well but you could have your
benefits increased. Sometimes the person you care for may lose
money if you claim Carer's Allowance. Seek advice before you
make a claim.
The Information and Advice Team at Lansdowne House in Leicester
offers a free and confidential service and can be contacted every
weekday afternoon on 0116 299 2233.
Also please note that all the Age Concern Factsheets are in two
folders at Birstall library.
Disability Benefits in the EEA and Switzerland
Following a European Court ruling in October 2007, the Department
for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided more information about
the payment of disability benefits for people who leave the UK
to live in another European Economic Area (EEA) state), or Switzerland.
Some people, including those in receipt of the state pension,
will be able to continue to receive Attendance Allowance, Disability
Living Allowance (mobility component only) and Carer's Allowance.
The DWP is continuing discussions about the position for people
already living in an EEA country.
Disability Benefits and the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Online information: www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport
Equity Release : Council of Mortgage Lenders Report
This review finds that the equity release market has developed
more slowly than underlying demand, and that equity release is
only a partial solution to the pressures faced by older households.
It suggests that many homeowners are comfortable using the equity
in their homes but that they tend not to use equity release to
do so, perhaps because of concerns about cost and control. The
report suggest ways of developing the market, including a more
integrated, coherent and sustained stance from the industry and
a stronger role for government.
Please Release Me! A Review of the Equity Release Market in the
UK, its Potential and Consumer Expectations, Council of Mortgage
Lenders, March 2008 www.cml.org.uk/cml/publications/research
Hospital Information Booklet for Older People : SCIE
The Social Care Institute for Excellence has published an information
booklet which aims to help older people to understand and manage
feelings and concerns they may have about a stay in hospital.
It makes suggestions on how older people can be more involved
in their own treatment and care and in planning for returning
home. The booklet has been developed with the help of an advisory
group of older people who have experience of a hospital stay.
Helping You Through a Hospital Stay. Advice from Older People
Tel: 020 7089 6840 (Social Care Institute for Excellence)
www.scie.org.uk/publications/misc/hospitaldischarge/index.asp
NHS Optical Voucher Value Increases : Department of Health
The Department of Health has increased the value of the vouchers
for glasses by an average of 2.7%. Single vision vouchers now
range from £35.50 to £178.40 and bi-focals from £61.40
to £196.10 - depending on the complexity of the lenses.
Sprituality : Age Concern Publication
The book is a compilation of reflections, articles and talks
edited by Gerry Burke on behalf of Age Concern. It explores spirituality
and how it relates to the work of a secular organisation. It
includes practical material for celebrating the seasons and for
informal sessions on death and dying.
Spirituality : Routs and Routes
www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/spirituality.asp
Vascular Screening : Department of Health
The Department of Health has announced a new national programme
to identify vulnerability to vascular diseases. Everyone aged
between 40 and 74 will be offered checks.
This will involve recording basic information such as height
and weight, and will include a simple blood test for cholesterol
and (in some cases) glucose levels. It will be followed up with
an individually tailored assessment setting out the person's
level of vascular risk and what steps they could take to reduce
it.
Investigating Elder Abuse on NHS Wards and in Care Homes :
DH and Comic Relief Project
The Department of Health has announced £2 million funding
for a study of the risk of abuse and infringement of the dignity
of older people in NHS wards and care homes. This project, jointly
funded with Comic Relief, follows a previous study on elder abuse
in the community. The study aims to include the views of older
people who are not normally heard, including those with dementia.
It will be completed by April 2011 and should provide robust
evidence showing how widespread abuse is.
Mental Capacity Act Update
The latest Mental Capacity Act Update has been issued. It reports
that:
o the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) receives on average
1,200 calls per day, and high volumes of applications for both
Enduring and Lasting Powers of Attorney;
o fixed costs for solicitors are now available on the OPG website;
and
o receivers appointed before October 2007 can still obtain approval
to take actions not covered in their original order by using
a CoP9 form without incurring a fee. Judges will consider giving
the deputy wider decision-making powers to avoid the need for
repeated applications to the Court. However, on July 1, 2008
this procedure will cease and all applicants will incur a fee
of £400.
www.publicguardian.gov.uk
Delivering a Sure Start to Later Life : Project Report
Counsel and Care has published a report that explores new models
of neighbourhood services for older people.
It discusses ways in which local neighbourhoods can be developed
to benefit all generations. Counsel and Care calls for a parallel
agenda, a 'sure start' approach for adults, that looks at how
we achieve positive outcomes for all older and disabled people
and their carers.
Delivering a sure Start to Later Life : Exploring New Models
of Neighbourhood Services for Older People
Tel: 020 7241 8522 (Counsel and Care publications)
www.counselandcare.org.uk/influence/publications/
Older People's Views on Retirement : DWP Research
Research by Ipsos-MORI for the Department for Work and Pensions
found that less than half of Britons said 'happy' described their
feelings on their first day of retirement. Less than a third
felt relaxed, less than a quarter felt free and one in ten felt
anxious, sad or lost. People approaching retirement said there
were many things they would miss about their jobs when they stopped,
including work friends, being challenged, office banter and a
reason to get out of the house.
Petition on Grandparents
A number of organisations, including the Grandparents' Association,
have replied to a government response to a petition placed on
the 10 Downing Street website, demanding rights for grandparents.
The petition requests:
o automatic rights for grandparents to apply for contact or residence
orders;
o grandparents to be automatically granted parental responsibility
in the event of the death of parents; and
o automatic rights to involvement in adoption proceedings
The government considers changes to legislation unnecessary,
other than proposals already in the Children and Young Person's
Bill.
Grandparents' Rights: A Response to the Government
www.thecustodyminefield.com/21.html
Government Response to Grandparents Petition
www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page14572.asp
Jex Woods
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