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Birstall Post June 2003 (239)

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Second policeman

PC Garry Rayns

BIRSTALL HAS a second beat officer now that PC Garry Rayns has joined PC Kevin Palmer on the village beat.
PC Rayns (39) has been in the force for seven years and before starting in Birstall was on duty at East Midlands Airport.
He will be working alternative shifts with PC Palmer.
PC Rayns said :”Birstall is a super beat area - I have met a lot of friendly people including many who have come and introduced themselves to me”.
Since joining the Birstall beat PC Rayns has talked to shopkeepers about parking problems at the Triangle, arranged for three cars without a tax disc to be removed and issued one fixed penalty ticket.

Gym a knockout

FIVE MONTHS after opening Carl Gunns’ boxing gym is bursting at the seams.
The gym, in the old Reading Room on Birstall Road, now has 66 members and organiser Carl Gunns says boys are queuing outside to join. “It’s so much busier than I was expecting, which is great” he said.
“I have got one hell of a set of lads here and I am very proud of them. They’ve really taken to it and are so well behaved - no cheek, no bad language or acting the goat. But they know I wouldn’t stand for it” he added.
The gym has extended its opening hours and will be using the Scout hall next on Thursdays to accommodate the growing numbers.
Carl said: “We’re seeing tremendous progress in the boys. Of course, one or two have dropped out but there have been some immense improvements.”
The gym has received grant aid from several organisations and individuals and has been enthusiastically welcomed by the police. A donation of a rowing machine and a treadmill was recently made by Terry Foster of Fosters General Repairs.
Gunns’ gym is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 7-8.30pm and on Sunday from 10.30am-12noon.

Hallam Fields development will set new quality standards

BIRSTALL’S HALLAM Fields development will break new ground in the quality of its design say the planners and architects.
Developers Jelsons have submitted a planning application for phase 1 of the development and work is expected to start later this year. The first phase will see the construction of a residential area with 167 dwellings, immediately north of Harrowgate Drive and next to the A6. There will be a mix of 2,3,4 and 5 bedroom properties, with 50-60 different house types.

Area marked phase 1a will be the first to be developed

Planning officer at Charnwood Borough Council Steve Lewis-Roberts said: “These house designs cannot be seen anywhere else in the country - they have been designed specially for Hallam Fields.”
Number 57 Harrowgate Drive will be demolished to create a new pedestrian and cycle link as part of Phase 1. During construction, this route will not be used by the developers for access.

Hallam Fields street scene

When finished, Hallam Fields will have a maximum vehicle speed of 20mph on the main access road and 10mph on internal residential roads. Traffic calming will be achieved by speed tables, curving and winding roads and different surfaces. Private parking will be within courtyards to the rear of residential blocks while visitor parking is roadside or within public squares.

The layout of phase 1a

The design of the buildings will feature a variety of storey, eaves and ridge heights, ranging from single to three storey. The design will be influenced by examples found within the locality of Mountsorrel, Quorn, Swithland, Woodhouse, Woodhouse Eaves and the older parts of Birstall.

Unique buildings of a larger scale and with a more decorated style will feature throughout the development. These ‘Landmark’ buildings are designed to give Hallam Fields a distinctive character and aid navigation by forming a definite landmark.

A variety of house designs and heights are planned

In Phase 1 of the development, 21 of the 167 dwelling units will be low cost, 10 rented (Housing Association) and 136 open market.
The Phase 1 area will have a ‘Green Space’, a linear route containing footways and cycle ways. it will serve as a recreational area with grass sculptures and seating, and will link to other residential areas within the development.
Phase 1 will also include the creation of a Balancing Pond Recreational Area. Balancing ponds aid surface water drainage and reduce the amount of run off into existing drainage systems. They will also be an ecological resource.
When finished, the Hallam Fields development will have employment land, a fire station, a park and ride area and around 900 homes, although this figure is widely expected to rise beyond 1000.

Gala promises great weekend

THE BIRSTALL Gala 2003 is almost upon us.
July 5 & 6 are the dates for our big celebrations. Everyone is welcome so come and enjoy two days of music and fun. The Saturday music venue will start at 2pm and end at approx 9.30pm. There will be local bands and singers, the fun of the fair, ice cream stalls and plenty to enjoy. Anyone who is interested in taking part can still join in.
On Sunday at 10am there will be a short open air service, followed by the opening ceremony. There will be numerous stalls to enjoy, provided by local societies, including The Arts Society, bric a brac, homemade produce, homemade cards, plants, tombolas, books and toys and many more. There is still time to come and join in and have a stall.
Throughout the day the entertainments will include The Fosse Swing Band, The Blues Rock Band, The Birstall Brass Ensemble, Line Dancing, Morris Dancing and our own Elvis. A Fancy Dress competition will take place in the afternoon for the children. The fun fair will be in full swing, also the vans serving ice cream, hot dogs and chips. A licensed bar with tea and coffee will be open in the cricket pavilion.
This year’s Gala will include some specially commissioned dramatised storytelling slots provided by Birstall library. The free storytelling sessions, for children aged 5-11 yrs old, will link into the library’s launch of its annual summer reading scheme whose theme this year is ‘Reading Maze’. The sessions will start at 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm.
The library will have a stall selling withdrawn books so check it out for those summer reading bargains. Also on display will be examples of their new services such as the videos and graphic novels.
The day’s events will close at 5pm following the Royal British Legion, Display of Standard Bearers.
The evening programme will commence at 7.30pm with The Hathern Brass Band playing our favourite music, with vocalist Joyce Rimington as the soloist, leading us into the rousing Proms to end the evening.
Mark the dates in your diary and come join the Birstall Gala 2003 - remember, it’s all free!
From Birstall Gala Committee

Parish Council notes

THE ANNUAL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on May 12.
Cllr Peter West was elected unopposed as Chairman for the ensuing year. Cllr Stuart Jones was elected Vice Chairman.
Cllr Chris Clarke objected to the confirmation of Standing Orders. He said that Standing Orders 80 and 81 are improper and unlawful. Cllr Peter West read out a letter from Tony Roe of the Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Parish Councils which he said confirmed the propriety of the Council’s Standing Orders. Cllr West said that it was now up to Cllr Clarke to decide whether or not he should resign, in view of his offer to resign if Mr Roe confirmed that the council’s action in approving Standing Orders 80 and 81 were proper and in order. Cllr Clarke said that Mr Roe’s letter did not satisfy the conditions he had made in his letter offering his resignation.
The Council resolved to confirm Standing Orders.
PC Garry Rayns reported that an arrest had been made at the scene of a burglary. Cllr Doug Topley reported on the difficulty he had obtaining a police response when he reported witnessing a handgun being fired six times.
Mr Steve Lewis-Roberts from Charnwood Borough Council’s Planning Department circulated plans and drawings of phase one of the Hallam Fields development, which he said is likely to start at the end of this year. Cllr Neville Mayes commented that although Birstall had opposed this development, he was impressed by the care and attention that Charnwood and the developers were taking progressing the plans, and that they were listening to the Parish Council’s concerns.
The Council agreed to support proposals from Charnwood to erect railings on the steps on Sibson Road outside Glenwood Fine Art. Councillors felt that the proposed design was not strong enough, would not prevent skateboarders and it would be better if the existing Sibson Road railings could be erected there.
It was reported that the County Council had responded to a request for a zebra crossing on Sibson road. They agreed with the Parish Council that Sibson Road was a suitable location but said budgets would not allow it this financial year.
Planning consent has been granted for the installation of three floodlights for the Village Hall.

New boats for juniors

Christian Berry, Dylan Burgess, Alex & Greg Sheen, Ellie & Megan Bradley and Nick Hewitt.

FOUR NEW boats will help Wanlip Sailing Club’s junior members develop their skills.
The boats, costing £4700, have been obtained with grant assistance from John Merricks Trust, the County Council, the Sports Council and Syston Town Council.
Two types of boat have been purchased, the Taz and the larger Topper. “The Taz is easy to handle and very good for young children” said eleven year old club member Chistian Berry. The boats are designed for children to learn how to sail.
Club spokeswoman Sue Wood said: “We want to encourage young people to get them into developing their skills and for racing in the future”.

Top paddlers on wildwater

TWO OF Britain’s top young canoeists live in Birstall.
Brother and sister Jamie and Jessica Oughton of Curzon Avenue are preparing for European and World Championships. Jamie (15) and Jessica (14) are ranked number two and number one respectively in Great Britain in the under 18 age groups for wildwater kayaking.
At the end of May they competed in the European championships in the Czech Republic and later this month will be travelling to Austria where they will represent Britain in the World Championships.
The pair, who receive grants from Sport Aid, train five days a week with a combination of paddling, swimming and running. They frequently travel to Scotland and Wales to compete in wildwater events.

Your councillors

FOLLOWING THE local government election process in May, the members of Birstall Parish council are as follows:
Mrs Maureen Ackroyd, Greengate Ward; Mrs Sheila Alcock, Stonehill Ward; Mr Jagjit Aujla, Greengate Ward; Mr Iain Bentley, Greengate Ward; Mr Jeffrey Cassidy, Goscote Ward; Mr David Cherry, Riverside Ward; Mr Christopher Clarke, Stonehill Ward; Mr Patrick Cleere, Greengate Ward; Mr Anthony Fowler, Greengate Ward, Mrs Sue Gerrard, Riverside Ward; Mrs Kathleen Grundy, Goscote Ward; Mr Gerald Hardington, Riverside Ward, Mr Stuart Jones (Vice Chairman), Netherhall Ward; Mr Dennis Marshall, Goscote Ward; Mr J Neville Mays, Netherhall Ward; Mrs Surinder Sher, Greengate Ward; Mr Douglas Topley, Goscote Ward; Mr Peter West (Chairman), Netherhall Ward; Mr Roger Wilson, Stonehill Ward; Mr Kevin Wood, Stonehill Ward

New computer

LONGSLADE COLLEGE is celebrating as for the first time they have collected sufficient Tesco vouchers to buy a computer.
The college would like to thank everyone who brought in their vouchers.

Battling Birstall take on MPs

The teams contest a lineout

SUNDAY MAY 4, 2003 saw Birstall Rugby Club’s annual President’s Day event held on Stonehill School playing fields in Birstall.
After the success of the event last year, Club President, Andy Reed MP, had promised to make this year bigger and better than ever before, and along with other members of the club, he did just that.
The fun started at 10.45am with youngsters participating in a ‘Mini’ Tag rugby contest. Birstall’s Ivan Smith organised the event assisted by other volunteers and members of the club. At the end of the competition, Mini rugby balls and other gifts, were awarded to competitors whose enthusiasm had made the event a pleasure for all to see. Afterwards, each player enjoyed a cool drink and a hot dog courtesy of the club for their efforts.
By now, a sizeable crowd had assembled, and whilst the younger visitors enjoyed pop, sweets, hamburgers, face painting, and an energetic spell on the bouncy castle, members of Birstall RFC and players from Andy Reed’s star studded president’s side made their way to the changing rooms in preparation for the ‘Big Game’.
At 12.30pm spectators lined the field as the game kicked off, Birstall’s team in their traditional green/black/white hooped shirts, consisted of mainly first XV players with the addition of a couple of guest players and team members from the past. The president’s team in light blue Parliamentary Lions colours, contained a number of MPs from the Parliamentary Lions team, Birstall Old Boys, guest players from Loughborough RFC, and a number of other special guests from as far away as Wales.
Birstall opened the scoring, with a try from Rupert Bedder, who later went on to complete a hat trick for his club. The match remained evenly shared with both sides performing a spirited display of rugby. However, just after half time, the Presidents XV found a way through Birstall’s defence to score, shortly after, they were successful again with the same pattern of play. Undeterred, the Birstall boys fought back with Bedder completing his hat trick and two other near misses from Kevin Willis and Phill Lewin. Unfortunately for Birstall, time ran out, and the presidents XV ended up winners by the narrowest of margins, 24-22.
After the game, special guest from Leicester Tigers, Peter Wheeler, who had kindly acted as touch judge throughout the match, presented the club with a signed ball and Tigers match tickets. Mr Wheeler relayed apologies from Dean Richards, who had been due to participate in the match but was unexpectedly detained. After receiving a president’s shirt from Andy Reed, Mr Wheeler also went on to compliment the club for their efforts, and to express his enjoyment at being brought back to grass roots. He said: “I have enjoyed being part of rugby at local club level once again and I hope to return again. I wish the club future success and hope that the youngsters of the village will join up to help achieve what the club has set out to create in the forthcoming season, the next generation of Birstall Rugby Club players.”
Later in the day both players and guests enjoyed drinks and a superb buffet in the Longslade Community College Bar. Club Chairman Simon Cox and club captain Glyn Brown drew the raffle and awarded prizes on behalf of the club. Andy Reed MP thanked everyone for their contribution to the day’s events and promised the same if not more in the season to come.
The committee of BRFC would like to forward special thanks to Nick and Bruce White of Express Motors in Leicester for sponsoring the event, also to Michael’s Butchers for donating sausages for the kids’ hot dogs, and to those who tirelessly manned the hot dog stall, refreshments stall, face painting, ice cream van and, last but not least, the bouncy castle. Thanks also to the Betterware girls and newspaper boys and girls who helped deliver flyers for the event.
Membership of Birstall’s Rugby club has increased by 50% over the past season. However with some players nearing retirement we still need more new players for the club to survive, also youngsters of all ages are required to build Birstall’s new youth teams. Anyone interested in becoming a member or player for the club should contact Simon Cox on 0116 2675645 for more information. See you all next year.
From Phill Lewin, Publicity officer BRFC

Village Watch news

JUNE IS the time of the year when we try to recruit more members to join the Village Watch. Readers might be surprised to learn that we only have eight roads in the village to get a scheme going and we will have a scheme up and running in every road in Birstall.
This doesn’t mean that every house is covered and we still have a long way to go to achieve this. For obvious security reasons we cannot name these roads but we will be knocking on doors during the week beginning June 9 to achieve this target. Please contact the watch telephone number 2676397 if you are not a member but would like more details. We need you to help keep crime out of Birstall.
Cars are still one of the police crime statistics that needs our attention. To this end a new initiative will be to focus on car crime on Saturday June 21 with advice from the Police how to keep your car safe and remind car owners that they can help themselves by following some basic rules. These are spelt out on the new yellow car cards that the watch have had printed and will be distributing.
The light nights are again bringing the problems of children committing nuisance on the street. Climbing on front walls into gardens and vandalism around cars are some of the reports that the watch is getting. Some of these children are younger than 10 yrs old and do parents know what their children are doing when they are ‘playing’ out of the house?
Please keep the watch informed if you have sightings of this type of behaviour so that the police can deal with them accordingly.
Our next advice shop is on Saturday June 21 when you can purchase security alarms for sheds, caravans, garages or personal alarms. And of course get advice about security around the home.
From Peter Allen.
Crime Report 18.04.03 - 18.05.03
Burglary Dwelling 4 (Park Rd, Queensgate Dr, School Lane, Firfield Ave), Burglary other 4, Robbery 1, Theft Person 1, Theft Cycle 1, Theft from Motor Vehicle 5, Theft of Motor Vehicle 4, Theft 4, Damage to Motor Vehicle 5, Damage 7
Good News
Four persons have been arrested for burglary of a garage in Blenheim Road and theft of property from Paget Avenue.
Two persons arrested for theft of motor vehicles in Birstall Road.
Person arrested for damage to motor vehicle on Hawthorn Avenue.
Arrests have been made for the two recent handbag robberies on Front Street.

Gardens open in historic Birstall

Brian and Pam Platt in their garden, one of those to be opened

PLANS ARE well advanced for this year’s Birstall Garden Trail on June 21 & 22.
Twelve gardens on Front Street, Birstall Road, Church Hill & Netherhall Lane will be open from 2-5.30pm on both days. One of the Garden Trail’s organisers, John Kilby, said: “This delightful and historic part of Birstall has some lovely houses, many much older than others in the village.
Make sure you are able to be in Birstall on those dates. It is arguably the most successful social event of the year”.
There will be cake, plant and ice cream stalls, a raffle with generous prizes and a Children’s Treasure Hunt. Refreshments will be available at Abbeyfield Houses. Admission is by passport and these can be obtained from the end of May for £2 from selected shops in Birstall, or for £2.50 after 12noon on June 21.
John Kilby added: “Please help the Birstall Methodist Church, the organisers of the event and Abbeyfield Society”. Once again Birstall Garden Centre are sponsoring the trail.

Complaint rejected

A COMPLAINT brought against former Parish Council Chairman Nigel Coleman has been rejected by the Standards Board for England.
The complaint was made by Parish Councillor Chris Clarke. Cllr Clarke’s complaint was that Cllr Coleman was in breach of the Government’s Model Code of Conduct.
Cllr Clarke had complained that by adopting Standing Orders 80 and 81 in April 2002, the council was illegally setting up executive arrangements that would deny equality of participation to all members, and that this executive could bypass the proper functioning of the council.
In its consideration of the complaint, the Standards Board said: “The Board did not consider that the information provided disclosed a breach of the code. It was unclear what the exact role of the executive body was, and whether it would bring the council into disrepute. The Board was also not able to determine on the paper whose version of the debate on the executive body was accurate, and so whether a breach had occurred. The Board will therefore not be taking any further action in relation to this allegation.”

Organ fund boosted

Jane Scott and her grandchildren by the Easter garden

A SUCCESSFUL fundraising morning was held on Saturday April 26 at St James Church in Birstall to raise money for the Organ Restoration Fund.
Over £500 was raised on the morning and with recent donations, a current total of £1350 is an ecnouraging start to meeting the costs of an overhaul for the organ and a new transmission system.
The sound of organ, piano and trumpet at various times during the morning was a grand accompaniment to the stream of people buying garden plants and enjoying coffee and cakes. The music was provided by local musicians including St James organist - Andy White; Shirley Scott (organ and piano); Cynthia Coltman (piano); Chris White (piano); and Gareth Woods (trumpet). The music ranged from Bach to Enya and jazz improvisations.
Further events are planned in the future. The Galloping Gourmet event organised by the three Birstall churches, on Saturday June 14 is supporting the fund,. On Sunday June 22 to coincide with the Garden Trail organised by the Methodist Church around the area of Church Hill, St James will be holding an Open Afternoon from 2.30-4pm. There will be the opportunity to look around the church and listen to organ music played by Andy White, when any voluntary contributions to the organ fund will be welcome!
From Andy White

Stonehill are cup winners

STONEHILL SCHOOL’S under 12 football team have won the North Leicestershire League Cup.
They beat De Lisle 2-0 in the final, with both goals scored by Luke Day.

Cash spent on Stonehill

£200,000 OF improvements are being made to Stonehill School.
The Technology Block is getting a new entrance and gallery providing easier access to all rooms. Each room will be refurbished before September.
The planting of the environment area is due to start soon and will provide an exciting area for science study.
The PE changing rooms have been re-roofed and the Local Education Authority plan extensive replacement of wooden windows, along with tarmacing and some replacement of sanitary ware.

Your Say

Readers' letters

The developers have applied for the erection of 167 dwellings with associated new junction and access to the A6, access roads and foot/cyclepaths, associated infrastructure, landscaping, amenity areas and play areas and two balancing ponds with the demolition of 57 Harrowgate Drive (Phase 1).
This is application P/03/1094/2
Location. Land North of Harrowgate Drive and west of the A6, Birstall.
Objection No.1
The new Leicester City Council has opposed the Park and Ride at Aylestone and Leicestershire Cunty Council will not support the Park and Ride on the A6 near Birstall if this opposition at Aylestone goes ahead.
Since Charnwood made Park and Ride central to the plan that was passed, how can the developers pick and choose which part of the plan they like.
Objection No.2
On the ‘Grant of Outline Planning Permission’ there are many references to transport choice. This is not mentioned on the application for erection of 167 dwellings. As far as I know the bus people have not been consulted BEFORE any erection of dwellings.
It would be nice to know who is in charge of the development and the Park and Ride.
Les Briers

I am a newcomer to the Internet and through Friends Reunited have been in touch with old school friends, one of whom gave me your web site address to that I could catch up with the happenings of Birstall. I was therefore interested to read of the Hallam Fields site which is currently the topic of much discussion for various reasons.
The reason why this particular item has been of interest is that my family name is Hallam. Through the 1901 census I have discovered that my grandfather (Leonard) was born in Birstall in 1890 and lived in Front Street in what became the site of the Stamford pub, with his family of three brothers and two sisters. Granddad lived in Birstall until he passed away with his wife Agnes who also lived in Birstall until she too passed away.
It was passed down through the family that the Hallams were one of the oldest families to inhabit Birstall but this has never been officially authenticated. I am now, through the miracle of the Internet, trying to trace back to discover if family legend has any substance.
My grandparents, together with my father (Thomas) along with his sister Mary (known as Meg) lived for many years in Wanlip Lane. Dad served in the Black Watch during the war, and, following his demob after having been wounded, returned to live in Birstall and my family and I lived there for some 25 years or so in Bramley Road.
I would be interested, therefore, in any information you or your readers may have on the origins of the name Hallam Fields. I do know that one side of our family owned land in both Wanlip and the Greengate Lane area, but I am unsure of their relationship to our side. I believe there was some kind of family feud that existed between my grandfather and some of his relatives, but sadly my father passed away some time ago and I am unable to remember the details to clarify the exact nature of the feud.
If anyone can help with my research I would be really pleased to hear from them. Also from anyone who remembers any of our family. I can be reached on my email address fiona210877@aol.com.
Fiona Hallam

Standing Orders and Chairmanship.
The basic principles.
To protect the council from interference.
That everything being discussed is lawful.
The council is invited to deal with clear issues.
As far as possible information is complete.
Hearing every point of view.
Opinions expressed are relevant to matters.
And business transactions are at a reasonable speed.
That proceedings are friendly and free from personalities.
To ensure councillors and officers co-operate.
The duty of the Chairman is to ensure this purpose is achieved.
To this end he must.
Nature Limitations.
If the council has passed any standing order procedural authority is derived from the council as a whole.
Not the Chairman.
The Chairman can not overule the Council the authority of the Chairman is limited it confers no right other than a casting vote.
Revival of decided issues.
Attempts to ‘hark back’ to previous agenda items should be firmly ruled out as irrelevant to matters now in hand.
Even if a member raises it and was not present when the item was considered.
To be the Chairman you can not allow the matter to be considered.
Repetition.
When a member is unwilling and has tendency to refer to obstructions and takes the form of raising points of order.
That point of order not necessarily a point of order because the person who makes that labels it as such.
In putting the matter to a vote and that person is still unwilling.
The chair, should ask the member to leave.
Disorderly conduct.
No member shall at all wilfully obstruct business persistently disregard the ruling of the council or behave offensively to the chair.
The Chairman may express to the council and thereafter any member may move the member named and be no longer heard.
Breaking the law.
Having to read standing orders in the Birstall Post May 003.
The issue such as denied opportunities to do so at council meetings.
All members have the right to draw attention to matters relevant to council responsibilities and general policy decisions.
But one member presses the view that is his policy and only his is the right view and will not move from that.
And now we see that before we vote in a new Chairman, Vice Chairman and committees we are advised that we are breaking the law.
But if we act on behalf of one member the situation will be above reproach.
Just wait a minute are we not a democratic council?
Do we vote by a show of hands?
Is this the way he has been denied the opportunity at council meetings?
I think not this is not responsible you have your say and a vote is then taken.
Not be repetition disorderly conduct breaking the law.
Mr Stuart Jones
Ed: This letter has been corrected for spelling mistakes but no other changes have been made.

How exciting it was during late April that a different type of junk mail was hurriedly pushed through our letter boxes asking us to vote for .... in the local Borough Council elections.
Local the elections may be but the candidates are certainly not. In the Birstall/Wanlip Ward candidates came from faraway places like Woodhouse Eaves, Barrow on Soar and Ratcliffe on the Wreake.
Whose idea is it that these good people shall represent a ‘foreign’ electorate or vice versa!
Why do candidates wish to play party politics in what one would term in soccer parlance ‘not even non-league’
It was also noted that two candidates live in the parish of Wanlip who contested the two Birstall Wards.
Neither has bothered to attend a parish meeting and take part in village affairs so I look forward to the position changing as obviously the voters who read the literature were suitably impressed.
Only two candidates (Lib Dems) actually came in person to Wanlip and took time to discuss various local issues.
As a village constantly under threat from development we need all the help and advice we can get.
Richard Kinton

Goodbye, for now at least.
I thought that this would be a good time to say a few thankyous and goodbyes. I have served Birstall as a parish councillor since May 1997 and Chairman for the last four years. Being Chairman is a prestigious role which very few people have the opportunity to hold and I have cherished this privilege, all the meetings I have chaired and at the many engagements and forums I have represented Birstall.
When I joined the council, I was not entirely sure just what it did but soon learned the mechanics of public life were quite differed to the cut and thrust of private enterprise I was used to, and often much slower and more convoluted with local plans, strategic partnerships, and consultation being sought, if not listened to, throughout.
In May 1999 I took over the Chairmanship from Richard Wallis who to my mind was an excellent Chairman of meetings and had served Birstall for many years. I tried to make a few changes to the layout of meetings, every councillor now has a glass of water at meetings and a tabletop to rest papers but more importantly I have made it my business to speak to any members of the public before the meeting about any issues they might wish to raise, these good people are who we are here to represent and getting up to speak at a public meeting can be intimidating.
I have tried to be more than just a chairman of meetings, I have sought to be very visible in the community in the hope of creating an understanding of the importance of the role of the parish council in supporting and representing the local community. I have also tried to champion some of the problem areas in our village. Drug abuse is one of those, from a limited amount of resources the parish has been able to help with the formation of a parental support group for drug users, the Susan Jones group has met in Birstall parish council premises for over two years now and continues to grow, dealing with very hard situations but providing a common bond, drawn by the same problems. This has been one of the most worthwhile things I have been involved with.
I am not a great football fan, I am always amused that the Captain has to throw himself on his sword when his team does not win a match or cup, and adversely the demi god like status he acquires when they do, does the same apply to parish councillors? I look at Birstall now and compare it to 1999, we have no empty shops on Sibson Road and a superb environment to walk, shop, sit and have a coffee. We have a lovely car park, provided through the selfless generosity of one member of the community. We enjoy local life, we celebrate Christmas with a superb spread of lights and trees and the summer through a wonderful Gala weekend, now in its fourth year and growing stronger, reminding us that we still live in a village, and that we should celebrate all its facets. I am not seeking a statue merely to provoke the thought that it is not just Leicester City who can provide points and turn a corner. I would also welcome anyone to come to a meeting to see just what goes on and just who does the work, for there are many names often never quoted who do a lot of teeing up and sorting out for some other goal hanger to stroll in and score, hardly getting their boots dirty.
Of course the path has had some rocks in the way, and some battles remain stalemate but I content myself with the belief that I have pleased more people than I have offended, and I make no apology for offending that small minority as it was done in the interests of the village as a whole. I would also like to thank both Mr Hugh Knight and Mrs Doreen Wilson for their support in my time as Chairman, Mr Andy Garland and his team for the superb job they do maintaining the playing fields and estate and to my fellow councillors who I shall be sad to leave. I would also like to say a big thankyou to my father Neil, who has deferred his retirement from our business to allow me the time to attend the many meetings and engagements I have attended in the last four years.
I am delighted that my Vice Chairman Mr Peter West has been chosen to follow me as Chairman, Peter is a strong character who does not suffer fools gladly and Birstall should be pleased to have such a selfless Chairman, I wish Peter and the new council every success in the future.
Nigel Coleman

Re - the late Les Sherriff, Beryl and all her family wish to thank everyone who sent cards, messages of sympathy and phone calls for the loss of her dearest husband, Les, who will be greatly missed.
A great big thank you for the donations sent in lieu of flowers for the Weston General Hospital ITU. They will be greatly appreciated.
My special thanks to Rev Christopher Gray for the sincere and kind way he conducted the service at the Gilroes Crematorium.
Thank you all once again for all your kindness to me.
Beryl Sherriff

We have heard much lately concerning fly tipping, how wonderfully environmental friendly our local councils are, and of course, big rises in council taxes.
Whilst not condoning the actions of people who dump rubbish in public places, you begin to get some insight into their mentality when trying to get items of rubbish collected which do not fit rigidly into the council’s categories of refuse which they deem to be collectable.
Will they collect an old door? No. Will they collect non-compostible garden refuse? No. Will they collect timber? No. Will they collect garden refuse in their own brown bags that has been ‘double bagged’? No.
As all these items will end up at a council tip, and I presume, will be disposed of by the council, why won’t they collect them?
I have the answer. As the council WILL collect old furniture, save all your non-conforming items of rubbish, stuff them inside an old bed or sofa and have the sofa collected! Job done!
Now...about my old fridge...
Nicholas G Black

I would like to thank my friends, neighbours and members of the Methodist Church for the get well cards and flowers sent to me whilst undergoing major surgery at Glenfield Hospital.
Thank you all. God bless
Renee Messenger, 19 Lawn Avenue

I would like to express my appreciation to all the people that supported me in the recent Borough Election. I am honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the people of Birstall and Wanlip on Charnwood Borough Council and will do my utmost to look after all our interests.
During the election campaign, I spoke to many people whose views coincided with my own, but there were some who were of the opinion that they only heard from their representatives at election time. I undertake to provide regular feedback on the actions of the council and will always follow up any queries/complaints raised by my constituents.
Cllr Iain Bentley

Scout leader retires

David Mason, District Chairman; Alan Padmore, Asst. District Commissioner;
Vic Dolby, new Group Scout Leader, Tony Cox, retiring Group Scout Leader,
Anne Coltman.

Group Scout Leader Tony Cox has retired from Birstall Scout Group after 21 years in various leadership roles.
A presentation was made to him by District officials at a ceremony in Scout HQ to mark the occasion. A gift was also presented to Anne Coltman, a former Group Scout Leader. She has stepped down from working with Cubs locally to take up a new County-wide role within the Scout Movement.