• home
• back to Back Issues list

Birstall Post January 2003 (238)

---

Birstall Stamford Football Club with the spoils of their successful 2001/02 season.

Cup winners

BIRSTALL STAMFORD Football Club finished the 2001/02 season with a haul of silverware.
They won the Sunday Premier Cup for the third successive year and became the first Leicestershire side since 1973 to win the Sunday Midland Cup.
The side were also winners of the Charnwood League Cup and the Charnwood Premier Cup, and finished third in the league.
First team manager Peter Barnsby said: “It has been an outstanding performance, the team were fully committed and we won every cup match we played.”

Price of park and ride

THE COST of providing a 1000 space park and ride site at Birstall will be £4.66 million according to a County Council report.
The Birstall site is one of three park and ride sites being planned jointly by the County Council and Leicester City Council, to cut congestion and reduce accidents and pollution.
The County Council report reveals that the estimated cost of the proposals for Birstall are:
• Park and Ride construction £2.9 million
• Site access, including junction improvements £580,000
• Bus corridor priorities (bus lanes) £725,000
• Real time information CCTV etc £455,000
• Promotion, monitoring and traffic regulation orders for all three sites £550,000
The total estimated cost for all three park and ride sites at Birstall, Glenfield and Aylestone is £25.5 million. The developers of Hallam Fields have agreed to contribute £1.4 million.
The County Council estimate that the impact of the park and ride sites will be to reduce peak hour traffic on main roads by 10 percent, and that 900 fewer cars will enter the city in the morning peak hour.
In December the Council conducted a consultation exercise in Birstall about the scheme : an exhibition was staged in the Village Hall and some residents received a leaflet and a questionnaire.
A spokesman for Leicestershire County Council said: “Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council are seeking public views on the scheme before deciding whether to submit a bid to government for funding. All the consultation results, which are expected to be available in early 2003, will be analysed together.
“The proposals for Birstall were already well known, through the Charnwood Local Plan process, but even so about 40 people attended the exhibition at the Village Hall. Most of those who attended will have filled out a questionnaire and those returned by January 6, 2003 will be analysed with all the others to give an overall picture of views on each of the three sites as well as on the scheme as a whole.”
Subject to the results of the consultation, a bid for funding will be submitted to the Department for Transport in Spring 2003. If successful, the sites could become operational between 2005 and 2007.

Parish Council notes

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on December 2.
Cllr Chris Clarke commented that it would be possible to negotiate changes to the levels of affordable housing on Hallam Fields if evidence of need could be produced.
PC Kevin Palmer read out the crime statistics for the month and answered questions from councillors.
It was agreed to set up a working party to consider plans for the re-development of the cemetery building, and other improvements to the cemetery.
Councillors discussed a request for permission to incorporate a small photograph, imprinted on a ceramic surface, within a memorial stone in the cemetery. The council voted to grant permission in this instance only. Three councillors voted against. The issue was referred to the cemetery working party.
The Council agreed to increase allotment rents by the same amount as last year.
The Council agreed that organised football on its playing fields should be prohibited during the Remembrance Sunday service.
The Council agreed to donate £250 towards a project that will consider the provision of CCTV cameras in Birstall.
It was repeated that Stonehill and Longslade Schools have vacancies for school governors. Anyone interested in the position should contact the schools directly.
Cllr Doug Topley reported that Kingsgate Avenue shops would like signs directing motorists to them.

Volunteer escort

THE VOLUNTEER who has been the escort on the minibus taking mentally frail elderly people to and from St James Day Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays is stepping down from being this important ‘helping hand’ and so we are looking for a replacement or perhaps more than one replacement.
It involves assisting the minibus driver to ensure that elderly people get safely from their homes onto the minibus, get properly strapped in with safety belts and taken to the day centre and then the process is reversed when they are taken home in the afternoons.
The times volunteers are needed are: Mondays and Wednesdays: 9am-11am and 3-4.30pm
A volunteer is especially needed on both mornings but if you feel you are able to help at any of these times, please contact Mandy Loach at St James Day Centre, tel: 2677023 on Monday or Wednesday, 9.30am-4.30pm.
From Jex Woods, Birstall & Wanlip Age Concern

WI news

BIRSTALL & Wanlip WI - there was only one apology when Birstall and Wanlip had their AGM in December.
The meeting began with a minute’s silence in memory of Mrs Greenwood a loyal member for many years.
The committee were all re-elected with Mrs Gregory continuing as President.
The Competition Cup was won by Mrs Barker with Mrs Morling winning the spoon for second place.
Supper followed with tempting sweet and savoury dishes brought by each member.
Members then tested their brains on a quiz with Mrs Merrick coming first, scoring the most points.
The evening closed with carol singing around the piano.
The next meeting will be on Monday January 2003 when the speaker will be Mr John Hayman.

Popular teacher retires

Geoff Payne

PUPILS AND teachers at Stonehill School gave a rousing cheer for popular teacher Geoff Payne at a special assembly to mark his retirement after 33 years at the school.
Many people in Birstall will remember having been taught by Geoff, who spent his first ten years at Stonehill as a PE teacher.
In 1979 he retrained at Nottingham University and returned as an English teacher, becoming Head of the Department in 1984 but still keeping involved with the PE department.
Geoff said: “Stonehill is a great school, and is a great place to teach. I like Birstall, and I like Birstall kids - a lot of pupils have become my friends and I’ve really put down roots in the community.”
Geoff has always devoted a lot of time to extra curricular activities including running the PTA, sitting on the senior management team, sailing, football, rugby, cricket and outdoor pursuits.
He said: “What I remember best is the Orkney field trips we ran at Easter where the kids would go hill walking, camping, climbing and canoeing.”
He added: “One of the best things about teaching is introducing children to new things - it’s a real pleasure to see them develop their skills. Kids rarely say thank you, but it’s a reward to see them grown up into good people and thinking - we had some input into that.”
Former Stonehill PE teacher Jo Maric said: “Geoff is one of the most considerate, kind, friendly, understanding and helpful teachers that Stonehill has ever had. He appointed me as a young assistant PE teacher and I was treated from day one as an equal. I can honestly say that the process of teaching in a real sense began then, alongside Geoff. I’m sure many of his colleagues will feel exactly the same way.”
At Geoff’s farewell assembly he was cheered by the children and presented with gifts including a yacht radio and a week’s holiday in Orkney.

Police analysis of assaults

CONCERNED ABOUT a perceived increase in the reports of assaults in Birstall, Birstall Parish Council invited Syston Police to comment.
Sgt Ivan Odell’s reply is reproduced below:
In an effort to allay any fears, I have analysed the reports of assault in Birstall between 1/4/02 and 31/10/02.
There were 47 reported assault incidents in total, 24 of these were domestic related, non-serious.
In 19 of these domestic assaults there was no formal complaint and no further action was taken. The remaining five domestic assaults resulted in either a caution or charge.
There were four incidents of threatening or disorderly behaviour, three of these were committed in the presence of police officers, the offenders being arrested and charged. The fourth was witnessed by members of the public and remains undetected.
There were nine minor assault incidents between children of school age. In seven of these there was no formal complaint and no further action taken. One resulted in a charge and in the last, one person was arrested and the offence still under investigation.
There was one assault on a police officer during arrest for a separate offence and resulted in the offender being charged.
There was one offence of possession of an offensive weapon. This was discovered during a police stop check and resulted in the offender being arrested and charged.
There was one offence of making threats to kill for which the complaint was withdrawn.
The remaining seven assault incidents compromise of:-
Assault by person caught breaking into a car (undetected)
Assault in street between people known to each other (no formal complaint)
Minor assault on youth caught playing football in the street
Assault on person in the street whilst drunk (no formal complaint)
Fracas at local cricket match, following a disputed umpiring decision
Minor assault in a local shop (detected)
Minor assault in local park (complaint withdrawn)
Many of the reported assaults resulted in there being no formal complaint and were only recorded under the new home office crime recording standards. These standards have been introduced in an attempt to standardise crime recording nationally and apply an ethically based decision making process as to whether to record a crime or not.
Several of the above crimes are classified as assaults but would not necessarily be thought of as such by members of the public eg Public Order offences and possession of an offensive weapon.
I hope this analysis goes some way to allaying any fears about the perceived increase in assaults in Birstall.

Photos on display

THE CHARNWOOD Imaging Group is to mount a display of photographs in Birstall Library, and welcomes all those with an interest in photography to come along to see the display which runs from January 6 to 20.
The Charnwood Imaging Group was formed by a group of current and former City & Guilds students who were determined to continue to improve their photography and to maintain social contacts developed over a number of years.
The Group met for the first time in September 2002 and is already proving a great success with photographers from other backgrounds and with equal keenness to learn from each other and to meet new photographic challenges. The Group offers an open-minded approach to photography, with traditional prints and slides devotees working happily alongside exponents of digital photography, resulting in a healthy mix of style and ability.
In addition to a program of constructively-assessed assignments, the Group offers opportunities for photographic outings, competition challenges, social events and a varied program of lectures. The subjects for the coming months include: portrait photography, wildlife photography, black and white photography, stereo colour slides, and a talk intriguingly called “If only you were standing 3ft to the left”!
The Group meets at the Brush Social Club on alternate Mondays and welcomes anyone with an interest in photography.
More details are available from the Group President, Brian Ratcliffe brianratcliffe@ntlworld.com or from the Group’s website http://uk.geocites.com/the_charnwood_imaging_group.

Quality cricket coaching

coaches Vince Wells and John Smith are joined at Longslade by Andy Corbett, Bernard Drake and Rob Drake with young cricketers Tom Corbett, George Corbett, James Pell, Tom Pell, Tom Darlinson, Bradley Stones, Adam Hopkins, Jamie Drake, Ben Drake and Joe Carnan.

THE CRICKET Coaching Academy brings quality coaching to boys throughout the county aged 7-19.
The Academy visits Longslade every two weeks, on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5-7pm, with group sessions costing £3 per hour.
Coaches include Vince Wells of Durham CCC, John Smith, former Leicestershire 1st XI player and Carl Crowe, another Leicestershire player. All are qualified coaches.
For more details contact Andy Corbett on 2693936 or John Smith on 2570947.

Hopes and dreams of Stonehill pupils

Teachers Helen Sturgess and Mari Mark reading their pupils’ dreams, hopes and wishes

AN ARTS project that involved the entire school at Stonehill climaxed with an arts evening featuring music, drama and dance.
The children were invited to write their dreams, hopes and wishes and prayers for the future which were there then incorporated into a collage, displayed in the school’s entrance.
These are a sample of the hundreds on display:
I wish I will be the best football player in the world
To get a half pipe at the top of Greengate
My dream is to get a good education, start up my own business, then I really want to start a family
I hope there’s no more animal abuse
I wish that my granddad would recover from his brain tumour
I wish there was no school

Travel to Antarctica at WEA class

THE BIRSTALL and Rothley Branch holds adult education classes in the Rothley Centre and at Longslade Community College, Birstall.
There are two courses starting at the Rothley Centre in the New Year. On Tuesday morning Brian Taylor is the tutor for ‘Antarctica, a Tale of Heroism, Blunder and Plunder’ starting on Jan 14. Why not undertake a 10,000 mile journey to Antarctica. The world’s most inhospitable continent but the setting for some of the most unmitigated triumphs and disasters in the whole history of exploration, of resource exploitation on a grand scale and the focus of international politics and subterfuge in the past and the foreseeable future.
The following evening (Jan 15) a course starts with Janis Baker entitled ‘Great Masters in Art’ a look at the dazzling colour of Titian and the dynamic energy of El Grego to the power and passion of Goya. Explore how colour, line and form came together to create masterpieces of great brilliance and influence. No expert knowledge is required. All you need is a lively interest in art.
To find out more about these courses telephone the branch secretary on 0116 2675212 or treasurer on 0116 2675086, get a leaflet from your local library, or visit our website www.birstallandrothleywea.org.uk

Village Watch news and Crime Report

BURGLARY OF a home has a very traumatic effect on the occupants, and also the damage that is caused in gaining entry into the house is usually costly.
In Birstall we have been fortunate to keep this crime below the average but just recently the trend has started to move up again. Some very simple measures around the home and in the garden can prevent this crime from happening to you.
In the garden at the rear of the house make sure that your fencing is in good repair, have the minimum height of fence that you are allowed to put up, ie 5 or 6 feet of close boarded fence around the garden. Plant close to the fence shrubs such as Pyracantha, Holly or Blackberry (not the thornless type), these are nature’s barbed wire. Windows should always be secure with a lock on them. Doors should have a good 5-lever mortise lock and also a bolt that can be operated from the inside to give extra protection when you are away from the house. A security light that has a passive infra red control, which allows the light to operate from the inside to give extra protection when you are away from the house. A security light that has a passive infra red control, which allows the light to operate if anyone comes within range of it, will also light up the garden and scare off would be burglars at night.
Sheds and garages should be kept securely locked at all times, put all tools away so they cannot be used to force doors or windows not only of your property but also your near neighbours. It is worth noting that 67% of all burglaries occur from the rear of the house, 7% from the side and 28% from the front.
The front of the house should ideally not have high fencing or lots of high hedges or bushes. Keep the front as open as possible so that the doors and windows can be seen from the roadway. Another security light should be provided here to operate if people approach the front of the house. The front door should have a good 5-lever mortise lock or a double locking rim latch, the door should be fitted with a security chain and if it is a solid door than a door viewer should also be fitted.
If you wish to fit an alarm system, the first enquiry should be with your insurance company or broker who will be able to give you advice. Shed alarms and personal alarms are available from the Watch Saturday advice shop. The next one is on January 18 at the old Council Offices, Sibson Road, 10am until 12 o’clock.
Peter Allen, Chairman Neighbourhood Watch
Crime Report 17.11.02 to 17.12.02
Burglary Dwelling 3 (Lambourne Rd, Bramley Rd, Gwendolin Ave), burglary other 8, cycle theft 1, theft from motor vehicle 1, theft of motor vehicle 2, theft 5, damage 10, damage to motor vehicle 1.
A local man has been arrested and charged with burglary of a commercial premises in Birstall. Three Leicester youths have been arrested and charged with the theft of a car from Birstall.

Future of Birstall rugby

THE 2002 half of this season has drawn to an end for Birstall Rugby Club, now a bright future lies ahead for the club as it heads into 2003.
At the end of the 2001/02 season, things looked very bleak for the long standing local team, players had forgotten what it was like to win a match, in fact, fielding a full 1st XV on match days was an achievement in itself. Over many weeks, members of the committee and associates of the club, got together and worked hard on a plan to save the club from collapse. This would be a sad loss after over thirty years of competitive rugby in the village, and would deprive the community
of Birstall and surrounding areas of another leisure activity.
A plan was produced and tasks assigned. The revival of Birstall RFC is now well and truly under way. Many outlets throughout the village, have lent assistance with advertising. Members of the community have helped recruit new players from all age groups. But most important of all, both Stonehill and Longslade Schools have helped the club to reintroduce the sport of rugby to pupils who have been deprived of the opportunity to compete in the sport for the last few years.

Birstall Rugby Club's youth team

Birstall is now close to fielding two competitive senior sides, a wealth of players, past, present and new, now take to the pitch wearing the Green Black & White shirts of Birstall RFC. One new face can even boast international status. Rupert Bedder enjoyed a brief spell as captain of the Seychelles 1st XV. Club President and long term player, Andy Read MP, began playing whilst a pupil at Stonehill & Longslade in the Birstall junior under 16 side. Andy has a wealth of experience on the international scene, he has played many fixtures for the Parliamentary Lions team in New Zealand. Japan, Ireland, South Africa and France to name just a few. The presence of players like the afore mentioned and the determination of each and every member in this spirited side, has helped rejuvenate the club.
It has long been recognised, that the only way forward for any club, is the supply of players from youth and colts teams. Until now, Birstall hasn’t had that benefit. As part of the ongoing development of the club, a fully qualified coach has been employed to train both youth and senior sides, the foundations of a youth team are already in place, pupils from both local schools, have played games for the newly formed Birstall RFC Juniors Team. A three year plan has been submitted to the LRU which should result in 1st and 2nd team senior sides, a vets team and by 2003/04, a fully competitive youth/colts team, full approval has been expressed by the committee of the LRU and backing has been put forward by youth training officer Nick Scott. The two recent games played by the youth team, came as a result of hard work by members of BRFC and help from staff of Stonehill. The results were very encouraging.
Birstall now needs to maintain the junior side but requires help to achieve this, anyone from in or around the village who thinks they could contribute to the club would be more than welcomed, we need help in supervision for youth team training and matches, help with travel to away fixtures and volunteers to help with the washing and maintenance of the youth team kit.
Players are an essential part of the operation, anyone, both senior or junior who is interested in playing rugby for the club, or would like to join purely on a social basis, should contact club chairman, Simon Cox, on 0116 2675645 or mobile 07973862106. Better still, why not attend training at Newfoundpool floodlit pitch on Tuesday nights. Junior training starts at 6pm, adult 7.30pm, all events are conducted by a qualified coach and supervised by a medical attendant from St Johns Ambulance. You may wish to see the team perform, matches are played on Saturday afternoons on Stonehill Playing Fields, a full fixture list is on display in the Trees public house, current sponsors of Birstall RFC.
Leicester is without doubt a major component in the rugby world. Let’s help create the players of tomorrow and put Birstall back on the map as a top class rugby village.