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Birstall Post March 2007 (284) cont.

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Couple retire

AFTER 22 years selling fruit and vegetables to the people of Birstall, Graham and Josey Packwood (pictured belwow) have retired from their greengrocer's shop in Kingsgate Avenue.

Graham (62) says people's buying habits have changed over the years: "They've gone from shopping daily for fresh food from the local shop to what they call convenience shopping at supermarkets."
Josey (64) said: "The younger families are only just getting back into cooking. They react to whatever is in the media and, if they say calabrese is good for you, it flies out of the shop."
Josey, who used to live in Birstall, worked at Leicester's wholesale fruit and veg market until nine years ago.
Graham also ran a greengrocers in Sibson Road for nearly 10 years. "It was a thriving road, the pavements were packed, but isn't as busy as it used to be."
The couple, who live in Scraptoft, plan to catch up with work on their bungalow and garden and take a few more caravanning holidays. They belong to the Roundhill Flower Club , Graham is a member of Rotary and Josey part of the Inner Wheel.
The Kingsgate Avenue shop will be shut for refurbishment and reopen soon, still as a greengrocers.

Valued service at Day Centre

THE AGE Concern Day Centre in Birstall provides essential services and friendly support for up to 50 elderly people every week.

On Mondays and Wednesdays up to 12 mentally frail people from across the Soar valley villages are looked after. On Tuesdays and Thursdays up to 15 physically frail people visit the centre and on Fridays, around 40 people are served a cooked lunch by volunteers.

Pic: Day Centre Managers Mandy Loach (left) and Jo Towlson

A bath nurse visits three days a week as the centre has a specially equipped bath for the frail and elderly.
The centre is run by paid staff and volunteers with support from Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland, Birstall and Wanlip Age Concern, Birstall Parish Council and Social Services.

Pic: Cook Roswitha Clewes with helper Val Clements

The centre opened in 1993 thanks to the efforts of the former vicar of Birstall, Rev Charles Bradshaw. He organised the sale of what was then the Church Hall to Birstall Parish Council who created the Village Hall. Work was then carried out to extend the kitchen and build a new extension for the Day Centre.

The manager on Thursdays is Jo Towlson, and she describes a typical day below.
My name is Jo and I am the manager at St James Day Centre on Thursdays and I am employed by Age Concern Leics and Rutland. Until I was appointed to the job last September I wasn't aware that a day centre for elderly people existed in Birstall. I have been pleasantly surprised by what goes on there and I feel that there are many people in Birstall who don't know about St James Day Centre so I wish to give a brief description about the Thursday group by means of this letter.
Although I had no experience of working in a day centre previously, I have received a lot of first-class training from Age Concern. I have two paid members of staff: a driver/carer who drives the minibus taking people to and from the day centre and a bath nurse/carer. I wish to thank Rod and Helen for helping me to settle in. Also I have a fabulous team of a few volunteers without whom it would be difficult to run the centre efficiently.
On Thursdays the centre caters for up to 15 physically frail elderly people and referrals for possible attendance on Thursdays can be made by anyone. At the moment ages range from 65-92 years. We try to make the time spent at the day centre as interesting as possible with a variety of activities to suit all tastes. We have quizzes, play games or watch DVDs. Sometimes we have speakers or entertainers in (most of these have to be paid). Helen the bath-nurse helps those requesting supervised baths. There is a special height-adjustable bath to make it easier for both the person having the bath and the nurse. It is the only Age Concern Day Centre in the county offering a bath service at the moment. At 12noon we all sit down to marvellous cooked lunches cooked by the wonderful cook, Roswitha. There is a very low charge for having a supervised bath and for a meal but the transport is provided free.
During the summer months we often go out for the day eg lunch at a pub, a trip on a boat or steam train etc.
At the time of writing I have two spaces for anyone wishing to attend on a Thursday so if you are a person who thinks you may wish to attend or a person caring full-time for a relative or friend and you would appreciate having a break one day a week, please phone me on a Thursday 2677023 (9.30am-4.30pm) for further details. We can arrange for you to come for a day to see if you like what we have to offer.
Also an escort to assist the driver is required on Thursdays (hours 9.30-11am and 3-4.30pm) - collecting people from home, helping them into their seats and connecting safety-belts etc and then taking them home in the afternoon. If interested please contact me.

Birstall Beat Officer PC Chris Falle's column

THE PAST few months have been busy ones. Leicestershire Constabulary have reorganised their structure from four areas to three.
Locally this means that the response officers are all based at Syston Police Station rather than between Quorn and Syston. This should enable a more efficient response to any emergencies that arise in and around the Birstall area. Inspector Chris Alcott has also moved on and in his place is Inspector Cathy Yallop, who was previously the commander at Quorn Police Station, bringing with her a wealth of experience.
Also underway is the six monthly review of the local policing priorities for Birstall. Antisocial behaviour is still a key priority in the village. To tackle this officers have been patrolling in plain clothes and interacting with those causing the antisocial behaviour whenever possible. These patrols will continue over the forthcoming months as the summer approaches.
The damage around the village is hard to get away from, I and PCSO 6611 Mark Butler have put a lot of work and time into investigating this, which has so far led to three main suspects being identified for various incidents. However these cases remain open for the time being and the investigation is still being progressed. I am also hopeful that an environmental day will soon be arranged in conjunction with the borough council for litter, graffiti and discarded waste around the village to be cleared away. This will enable the village to be back at its best, how it should look!
Lastly the third priority has changed. I know through talking to many of you, that parking around Birstall is still a hot topic. Over the past six months officers have advised, moved on and in half the reported cases fined drivers for parking illegally. In the very near future a street warden will be on patrol in Birstall. As parking becomes decriminalised it will be the street warden's responsibility to enforce parking regulations, however the police will still retain powers to enforce these where necessary and officers will still do so if the need arises, it will not just be ignored. This priority will be replaced by that of speeding motorists in the village, especially on the Birstall Road and Wanlip Lane area. This decision has been reached after consultation with a number of residents throughout the village.
If you wish to contact me or PCSO Butler regarding any issues you may have or anything you feel is a priority and should be looked at by the police or any of the public services in Birstall, then please contact us and let us know. Your views are valued and it is these that help us to get a clear understanding of what matters to you, the people of Birstall.
PC Chris Falle, collar number 0815
To leave a voicemail dial 222 2222

Crime Report, Dec 14 - Jan 15
There has been a significant increase in the figures below. Police have arrested six people in connection with burglaries in the village, most of whom had travelled into the county to commit crime.
The Police continue to run operations in Birstall using uniformed and plain clothes officers to target antisocial behaviour, especially in the evenings. More than 40 young people were stopped and questioned on the first operation and police dispersed a large crowd near Gwendolin Avenue.
Burglary dwelling 11, burglar other 3, theft of motor vehicle 1, theft from motor vehicle 2, damage to motor vehicle 3, damage 11, theft cycle 1, theft/theft stores 8, robbery 2.

Gunns’ gym new site

CARL GUNNS' boxing gym on Birstall Road is expanding - a second site will open in April.
The gym has obtained an empty shop on Front Street, formerly a hairdressing salon, which will be kitted out with weights and other exercise equipment.
The new gym is a joint venture with local pilates teacher Sally Montague who will be offering classes during the daytime. In the evenings from Monday to Friday the gym will be used by young people for training under the supervision of Carl or one of his volunteers. It will not be open after 9pm.
Carl said: "As one of the largest gyms in the country we need more room. There are currently 1127 registered users of the gym, including 220 girls and I think that's pretty good going after we started four years ago with seven members.
o The headmaster of an independent school on London Road, Leicester has invited Carl to bring some boys and girls to do a boxing exhibition in front of students and to take Carl's advice about introducing boxing into the school.

Bright hour birthday party

A FRIENDSHIP group of young mothers that started in Birstall in 1927 celebrated its 80th anniversary with a party last month.

Pic: Richard Tinley present a bouquet to Shirley Harrison

Birstall Bright Hour still meet weekly at the Methodist Church where President Shirley Harrison and her helpers organise entertainment for the group's remaining six members. "We really do have a good time" said Shirley.

Cubs plant trees

BIRSTALL CUB Scouts, as part of the scouting movement's 100 year anniversary celebrations, took part in a tree planting event in the rural village of Medbourne.

Pic: (l-r) Andrew Chamberlain, Matthew Dickinson, David Johnstone, Alex Yadav, Finlay Nockles, Reece Grewcock, Bradley Rumball, Christopher Simpson, Ben Joinson, William Bryan and Sammy Johnstone

In conjunction with the Woodland Trust, Birstall Cubs, along with their families and many other Cub packs, came together on a glorious sunny afternoon to plant around 1500 saplings. This event took place as part of a wider partnership of all scouting groups throughout the UK, whose aim is to plant 100 woodlands this centenary year.
Leviathan Wood near Market Harborough saw Birstall cubs donning their wellies and shouldering their shovels to make it all possible. With muddy hands and dirty faces, non only did they help to create a living legacy for their own families to enjoy in the future, but they have also made their own investment in the future of the planet.
This activity will help the cubs to gain their Global Conservation badge, which the group are currently working towards completing.

Car park times

THE OPENING times of the School Lane playing field car park are changing.
Birstall Parish Council is introducing the new opening hours from March 5 which provide more specific closing times when not required for Village Hall functions.
The 'winter' opening hours will now be between 7.30am to 7.30pm each day from October 1 to March 31 and from April 1 to September 30 the gates will be open between 7.30am and 10pm daily

Methodist news

Methodist Notes
The men's pantomime again played to six full houses, as Aladdin, played by Chris Kilby, outwitted the wicked Avabanana, played by his father Richard Kilby. Les Gale in his usual flamboyant style played the part of Widow Twanky, with two well matched assistants Wishee & Washee (father & son Richard & Peter Tinley). Brian Cuttill played the Emperor, Jack Bishop the Princess, with 'her'assistant Typhoo played by an up and coming new face to this year's cast Scott Wilford. Alan Chapman usually appeared out of the haze, thanks to Myles - stage manager, as the Genie of the Lamp and Jack Beer was the Slave of the Ring. Despite the detour to wartime occupied France to meet Renee (Hello Hello) and his compatriots, the story ended with all living 'happily ever after'.
To put the show on, with cast, musicians, helpers and a whole host of others, there must be over 60 people involved in some way or another with this production. It was well worth the effort!
Carpenters Arms
The Methodist Church here in Birstall has given ongoing support to the Carpenters Arms - we raised £450 with our Christmas Appeal,. They are grateful for our continued support.
We have an ongoing year round appeal for food to help this organisation in Loughborough which helps needy families and young people setting up home, especially those who have been homeless. Regular support is vital to this scheme and our church is one of six churches that donate regularly to the 'community food larder'.
If you have any tinned or dried food, drop it into the coffee shop - or if you are driving to Loughborough you can drop it in at Queens Road.
The Carpenters Arms continues to move forward and at present is in the process of setting up a small gym in the cellar of the building. Future plans hope to convert an outbuilding into a games room. The garden is very impressive - designed and created by residents, it has a wide variety of shrubs and flowers, providing an interest as well as a place to relax.
St Patrick's Day
The Thursday Group are arranging a 'Sing-a-long' on Saturday March 17 in aid of their projects (Leicester Children's Holiday Centre at Mablethorpe and The Church Boiler Fund). It will be an evening of music, singing and a supper. There will be nine musicians and tickets can be obtained from Pat 2673128 or Eileen 2929670 - price £5 each.
Watch Out - He's Passed!
Our Minister Rev Edward Sakwe was unable to drive on British roads when he arrived here from Cameroon. We are pleased to report he has now passed his driving test.

Your Say...

I will be the first to admit that I was in the 'Anti' camp when the new recycling schemes were introduced. I will also admit that the system seems to be working quite well in my neighbourhood.
I do not accept, however, that our elected representatives should be in the business of fining people for relatively minor transgressions. What happens for example, if someone else puts a bag of rubbish beside my bin? What happens if for whatever reason, I have an excess of rubbish one week? There is a creeping tendency in our society to assume guilt until innocence is proven rather than the other way round as it should be.
We should not forget that prior to these schemes being in place, ALL our waste was collected weekly. Now, only half of it is collected weekly. What has happened to the money saved in this exercise? Bearing this in mind, we should not accept these draconian measures. They smack of councils jumping on the green bandwagon and finding another revenue stream.
Nicholas G Black

When Hallam Fields was planned several years ago with 600 dwellings, measures were implied that would enable the traffic to flow easily through Birstall. The official number now is 900 plus. The developers are planning more building in the same area (north of Birstall/south of Rothley); more building, less counter pollution measures,. All we have left from the original plan is one new bus lane, which extends from the Park & Ride to half way to Colindale, but we have a problem.
We must make full use of this new constructed bus lane. Half way down this new bus lane, the bus lane disappears and reappears just below the pedestrian crossing near Bentley Road, a distance of approximately 100 metres. The new bus lane must be extended to include this area. Why can't the planners/developers/councillors get on the Arriva bus and see the alterations made to the A6. If they get on a Kinch bus they will realise that a bus service is impossible in Hallam Fields.
Les Briers

I was interested to read in last month's Birstall Post of the efforts to regenerate custom at The Old Plough and that the manager would welcome information about its past history.
Birstall Post readers may also be interested to know that my step-grandfather was the tenant in the early part of the last century (at that time Sharps of Sileby were the brewers), and beer was deliver by horse and dray. After his death my parents, Mahlon (Lon) and Edith Woodfield took over the licence of the Plough Inn as it was known then, in 1937 and were there until their retirement in 1955.
During the war years beer was rationed and a queue would form on Friday nights after we'd had a delivery and by Sunday we were sold out so cider, soft drinks and cigarettes (also rationed) were all we had to sell until the next delivery - not a very profitable situation! The cellar was used as an air raid shelter by customers and friends during the raids over Leicester.
After the Plough Inn was rebuilt (originally it was a thatched building) the temporary building next to the stable was left and was used as a mortuary for any local accident victims and the inquests were held in the pub.
One of my memories is of a colourful character, Harry Hunt, whose farmhouse stood where the Health Centre in Whiles Lane is now. On one occasion Harry, a big fellow, lifted up the local bobby by the elbows when he was off duty and enjoying a pint. Harry was quite 'merry' at the time but the policeman took it in good part. Another customer used top stand on a table and sing snatches from G&S Shows when he'd had one or six. There were many Sing Songs with or without a pianist and only very rarely was a customer asked to leave for causing a disturbance.
During the summer months many folks used to walk from Belgrave and Thurmaston with their families, across the fields and would sit outside the Plough in the yard, enjoying a drink.
Cynthia Coltman

The 663 Instrumental's annual charity concert will be performed at the Village Hall, on Sunday April 22 at 3pm. The ensemble, now in its 38th year, has over the years raised funds for many different charities. This year we are supporting Rainbows Children's Hospice and St James Day Care Centre for the Elderly. At the conclusion of the concert tea and cakes are served which gives folks an opportunity for a chat. We hope to see many old friends and some new ones too.
Please book the date.
Cynthia Coltman

I should like to express my thanks to everyone who helped in the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal this year. The many collectors, local businesses and schools have enabled us to reach a total of £8564.84 so far and with promised donations to come we should be close to last year's record of over £14,000 which saw us achieve the second highest increase in the county,.
Particular thanks to Somerfield in allowing Mr Savidge to collect a wonderful £619.95 on their premises and to J Clarke and J Green who raised £455.32 and £496.63 with street collections.
Our top 'House to House' collector was again T Colver with £140.76.
Many thanks to everyone
J Holden
Poppy Appeal Organiser

Last night I attended a most remarkable question and answer session at the Birstall Parish Council. The subject was the new proposals for the road layout and restrictions on the reconstructed Loughborough Road opposite the Hallam Fields site.
It would appear that the presenter did not know his subject and had been sent as a smoke screen for the persons actually responsible for the design, on the principal 'do not shoot the messenger'. His main argument was that the plan optimised the repression of the potential conflict between motorist and pedestrian. Unfortunately he had not been briefed in the use of that phrase either.
Having some contact with the authorities at Longslade Community College, I already knew that no provision had been communicated to them about the possibility of access to the site for schoolchildren via the proposed park & ride area. So I asked why all the children from the estate attending Longslade should be forced to use Bentley Road. He did not know.
I have noted that what appears to be a new bus layby is being constructed part-way between the two entrances to the estate. If this is fact, does it replace the existing stop nearer to Bentley Road? Where have the bridges gone that were supposed to reduce conflict between schoolchildren and traffic?
Before we have many more of those sad wayside shrines to road victims, perhaps those responsible for the latest design should come to Birstall and justify their text book theories.
Dr D A C McNeil

Dear friends
Madge and her family would like to thank all of you for sending the lovely letters and cards that she and Mike received during his illness, and afterwards.
This has helped them so much through a most difficult time, which has proved to them just how important caring friends really are, and how much everyone loved Mike.
Please God bless you all.
Love from Madge Nutting

WI news

Mrs Dorothy Gregory president of Birstall & Wanlip WI being in hospital, the February meeting was chaired by Mrs Mary Marvin.
During the evening cards were passed round and signed by all members to be sent to Dorothy and also Mrs Beryl Sherriff who is unwell. Names were taken for members wishing to attend the Annual Council Meeting on March 14 and also for a group event at Anstey the same evening.
County News items were noted and early arrangements discussed for a coffee morning to be held on March 24 in aid of WI funds. One visitor was warmly welcomed and it is hoped she enjoyed the evening.
Mrs Pamela Lenthall brought her crystal healing equipment and it was fascinating to hear about the properties of various stones and to hold stones and crystal pendants and observe their movements.
Next month the speaker will be Mrs Wendy Martin with a talk entitled 'Milk, Muck and Magnificent Mangos'!
This will be on Monday March 5 at 7.15pm

Super slimmers

TWO MARRIED couples from a Birstall slimming class are through to the national finals of Mr and Mrs Slimming World 2007.

Pic: (l-r) John Tompkins, Janet Tompkins, Louise Aley, Vicki Mullins and Philip Mullins

John Tompkins (58) and wife Janet (56) from Birstall Road have been attending the Slimming World class at the Village Hall for two years. Both have lost weight but John was 22 stone and is now 13 stone10. He said: "This has made such a difference to my life, I can now play with my grandchildren and have started ballroom dancing".
He added: "I've tried so many times to lose weight and it's great here, we're all in the same boat and there's so much support".
The other couple are Philip Mullins (43) and his wife Vicki (34) from Mountsorrel who have lost 9 stone 6 pounds between them. Vicki said: "Coming to Slimming World is the best thing I've ever done and I'd recommend it to anyone."
Slimming World meet at the Village Hall every Tuesday evening. Contact Louise on 01664 561893.

Corbett’s cricket corner

WITH THE cricket season only six weeks away the Juniors practice sessions are beginning to get really busy and another volunteer has come forward to help.

Pic: (back row) Andy Corbett, Dave Maynard, Jonathan Gaydon, (front row) Joe Slater, George Corbett

Pic: Jamie Drake

With England losing the Ashes to Australia 5-0, the juniors have got help from Aussie Dave Maynard. Dave has only been over in Leicester for 10 weeks and has already signed up to volunteer on a Saturday. He is an experienced cricketer who used to play for Redfern Wolves in Sydney, and has been an instant success with all the lads. There is a lot of banter every week, hopefully now England has won the tri-angular series beating Australia, we can get some credibility for English cricket.
Training sessions are held at Mountsorrel's Soar Valley Leisure Centre on Saturdays, 5-6pm, 11 years old and upwards. Fridays is the turn of the younger ones, this is held at Longslade Sports Hall, 5-6pm, £1 per session.

Pic: George Corbett, Barry Garner, Ben Drake

Birstall's young county cricketers have just had their presentation night at the County Hall. All the county youngsters received a certificate presented to them by Barry Garner, Chairman of the County Council. George Corbett was named as the Player of the Year for the Under 10s and received a voucher for £25 which was kindly donated by Talent Cricket Sports Shop in Loughborough.
Another success for the junior section is that of Jamie Drake, who recently won the Rose Parrott award, which is presented to the best junior in the club. Jamie has been with the club since he was eight and has played through all the age groups and has now been picked to train with the Leicestershire Young Cricketers Under 16s. Jamie has worked very hard on his cricket and fitness and played for both the 1st and 2nd teams last season keeping wicket.
Birstall Village Cricket Club has registered for the ECB Initiative Cricket Force, this is where all members of the club join together on March 31 and April 1 to tidy up the pavilion and get it ready for another season. Last year Tom New from LCCC came down to help us. Any volunteers who come down to help will get a Cricket Force T Shirt.
The junior section are having a pre-season get together at the Trees on Stonehill Avenue, on Saturday March 31 starting at 7.30pm.

Newsletters will be going out to members nearer the time, there will be a buffet, disco, karaoke and an international cabaret star, the Elvis impersonator Dave Page. Dave said: "I have done a lot of gigs around the county but it is also special to come back to Birstall. I was booked for the presentation last year and although the gig was for 30 mins we went on for over three hours".

Bowling club

BIRSTALL BOWLING Club recently played host to around 20members of the Birstall Badminton Club, with a skittles night being held at the club.
The game was followed by a fish & chip supper.
The outdoor bowls season starts again next month and Birstall ladies are celebrating their Golden Jubilee this year. Both the men's and ladies' clubs are looking for new members. For more information about the club, men can call Grahame on 2677994 or Andy on 2677100, while ladies can contact Jan on 2122578 or Diane on 2675457. You can also visit the Birstall Bowling Club website, the address is www.birstallbowling.co.uk

St James Church

MARCH HAS arrived and with it, the season of traditional spring festivals.
The most popular of these is of course Mothering Sunday on March 18, when at the services at 9.30am and 11am at St James, posies are presented to Mums of all generations.
The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 21, and during the time before Easter there are several notable events in the church. On the first Sunday of March (4th) there will be a very special visitor, when we welcome the Bishop of Leicester, the Very Rev Tim Stevens, to St James. On that day, the only services will be at 9.30 and 11am (no 8am or Wanlip communion).
Then anyone who attends the 9.30am service at St James throughout the rest of March may be surprised to find in the pulpit, not a special visitor, but an ordinary member of the congregation, talking about his or her 'road to faith'.
Also during Lent, on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Lounge, there is a course of study (led by the Methodist and Anglican Ministers) discussing 'Can we build a better world?' The subject has been chosen because this year is the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in this country, but as we know, slavery does still exist in many different forms throughout the world,. The invitation to come and take part is open to all.
Finally, the annual general meeting of the church takes place on Wednesday March 21 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall, when churchwardens and church councillors are elected for Wanlip and Birstall churches, and the Rector presents a review of the past year and speaks about future plans. Anyone from either church is invited to attend but only those who are on the electoral roll may vote, so make sure your name is included!

Age Concern info

Minibus Escort and Volunteers Needed at St James Day Centre
An escort to assist the driver/carer on the minibus taking elderly people to and from St James Day Centre on Thursdays is urgently needed as are other volunteers, particularly on Mondays and Wednesdays.
There are a lot of fit, active and vibrant retired people in the village. Many of you enjoy having a well-cooked appetising meal on Fridays for just £3.50. You may want to attend the Day Centre yourselves or have supervised baths some time in the future. There must be at least a few of you who are community-minded and who would enjoy doing some worthwhile voluntary work. Why not give it a go? For further details contact Jo Towlson or Mandy Loach, Mon to Thurs, 9.30am-4.30pm Tel: 2677023

Report on the Value of Equity Release Products
The Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP) has published a detailed analysis of the comparative value of different types of equity release schemes, prepared by Watson Wyatt Ltd. The report concludes that schemes appear to be priced on a fair basis, but that downsizing to a cheaper home is generally the most cost effective option, followed by a standard 'lifetime mortgage', while the most expensive is likely to be a 'home reversion'.
Report on the value of equity release products to UK consumers
Tel: 020 7066 9346 (FSCP)
www.fs-cp.org.uk/press/ct_pr81.html (press release/summary)
www.fs-cp.org.uk/ct_research_consumer.html (full report)

Bowel Cancer: National Audit Report 2006
A summary report has been produced of the national bowel cancer audit project, Assessing Quality, published in June 2006. Data was collected from 18,539 patients' records in a third of all UK hospitals. The report aims to give people an understanding of bowel cancer and some information on length of hospital stay and types of treatment most commonly offered. It will help hospitals assess how good their services are for bowel cancer patients and bring about any necessary improvements.
National bowel cancer audit report 2006. Public and executive summary. Ref: 09100602. Tel: 0845 300 6016 (Information Centre for Health and Social Care)
www.icservices.nhs.uk/ncasp/pages/audit_topics/bowel/acp_report06.asp

Bowel Cancer Screening
A seven page fact sheet from Cancer Research UK and the NHS Cancer Screening Programme explains how bowel cancer develops and the tests involved in screening. Available in English and 17 other languages.
Bowel Cancer Screening: the facts
Tel: 0870 155 5455 (Department of Health)
www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics

Hospital Car Parking Charges
The Department of Health has updated its guidance on operating commercial car parking schemes. It seeks to incorporate recommendations of the Health Select committee for regular patients and their visitors to have a season ticket allowing them a reduced price or free parking; a weekly cap on charges; free parking for those attending hospital on a daily basis; and providing more information to patients about charges, exemptions and reduced rates.
Income generation. Car parking charges: best practice for implementation.
Tel: 0870 155 5455 (Department of Health)
www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics

NHS Breast Screening Programme Annual Review 2006
This report includes the statistics for the first year to show the effectiveness of screening 65-70 year old women
NHS Breast Screening Programme Annual Review 2006
Tel: 0870 155 5455 (Department of Health)
www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/breastscreen/publications/2006review.html

National Patient Choice Survey
The Department of Health has published the results of the second national patient choice survey to assess the implementation of choice at primary care trust level. The proportion of people who were aware that there was a choice of hospital for a first outpatient appointment rose with age; the proportions of people who recalled being offered a choice were similar across all age groups. Location and transport were the most common considerations cited in making a choice of hospital.
Report of the national patient choice survey, May/June 2006, England. Tel: 0870 155 5455 (Department of Health)
www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications

Bournewood Safeguards: Draft Code of Practice
The Department of Health has published a draft illustrative code of practice to inform interested parties how the safeguards to be introduced into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 through the Mental Health Bill should operate in practice. The code aims to protect people who lack capacity to consent from being given care or treatment in circumstances that amount to a deprivation of liberty. It has key points for care homes, hospitals and local authorities, and explains the meaning of, and how to identify, deprivation of liberty, and who comes under the provisions.
Bournewood safeguards: draft illustrative code of practice. Tel: 0870 155 5455 (Department of Health)
www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsandStatistics/Publications

Personal Expenses Allowance: Age Concern Campaign
Age Concern has launched a campaign to increase the personal expenses allowance (PEA) in care homes from £19.60 to £40 a week. The recommendations are that once increased to £40, the annual increase should be in line with earnings; funding from the Department of Health to local authorities should reflect the increase; residents should get the free NHS services they are entitled to; and information, support and access to varied leisure and social activities should be given.
Haircuts, books and a winter coat: the real cost of dignity in care. Tel: 020 8765 7502 (Anne Marie Lugay, Age Concern England) www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/expenses_campaign.asp
Mandatory Retirement Judicial Review Referred to Europe
The judicial review of the age regulations brought by Age Concern (the National Council of Ageing) on behalf of Heyday, its membership organisation, has been referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The claim argued that the regulations should not permit forced retirement. Unexpectedly, government lawyers did not contest the National Council's proposal that the ECJ should be asked for its opinion on the correct interpretation of the EU Directive which underlies the regulations. The ECJ process will take around 18 months.
I'll retire when I'm ready. www.heyday.org.uk/whenimready

Digital Television Equipment - Test Results
Ricability, an independent national research charity, has tested a range of digital televisions, indoor aerials, set-top boxes and recorders in the light of the digital TV switchover being implemented between 2008 and 2012. It's website, which is being funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, will assist people in finding equipment that is easy to use and reasonable in cost.
Digital TV Consumer Test Reports. Tel: 020 7427 2460 (Ricability) www.ricability-digitalTV.org.uk/pages/test-reports/idtvs.htm
Government Proposals to Preserve National Post Office Network
The government recently announced an investment package for post offices aimed at preserving the national network, and is consulting on this. Proposals include:
o investment of up to £1.7bn over five years;
o support to enable the Post Office to expand financial services;
o new access criteria to preserve a national network and ensure that rural communities continue to have access to post office services; and
o the setting up by Post Office Ltd of 500 outlets for small, remote communities, including mobile post offices and services in village halls, community centres and pubs.
Responses are invited by March 8, 2007.

Welfare Needs of the Ex-service Community
The Royal British Legion has published a report summarising the needs of the ex-service community up to 2020. It covers the scale and demographic profile of the community, 60% of whom are over 65. The greatest needs among older ex-service personnel are house and garden maintenance, mobility, low incomes, loneliness and depression Awareness of support organisations is low and there is a large gap between the needs of ex-service people and current services provided.
Profile and needs of the ex-service community 2005-2020. Summary and conclusions of the welfare needs research programme.
Tel: 0845 772 5725 (Royal British Legion)
www.britishlegion.org.uk/index.cfm?asset_id=508937
Jex Woods